THE DERBY DAREDEVILS: Kenzie Kickstarts a Team
By Kit Rosewater (Illustrations by Sophie Escabasse) On Sale Date: March 2020 Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. This new chapter book/early middle-grade series set in Austin, Texas, features the sport of Roller Derby and a diverse cast of characters. The reader follows Kenzie on her mission to put together a roller-derby team as mighty as the one her Mom plays on. With the help of her best friend, Shelly, Kenzie unites a group of eccentric individuals and teaches them the basics of the sport just in time for try-outs. She also admits to herself that she may have feelings for one of the girls she enlists. This straightforward story carries important themes including friendship, self-acceptance, and balancing individuality with teamwork and team spirit. The short chapters and simple language are well-pitched for the intended audience and the character's voices read as authentic and age-appropriate. Lace your skates and enjoy! @kidlitexchange #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit @abramskids
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NOT IF I CAN HELP IT
By Carolyn Mackler This is a sweet middle-grade story featuring Willa, a dog-loving girl with Sensory Processing Disorder. Willa lives with her father and brother in a New York City apartment during the week and visits her mother and step-father on the weekends. She has regular sessions with a therapist and a reliable best friend, Ruby, who keeps her grounded at school. But Willa's world is flipped upside down when she discovers her father has fallen in love with Ruby's mom and intends to marry her. Readers will quickly connect with likable Willa and empathize with her need for stability and her dislike of change. The detailed aspects of her disorder are well integrated into the story without them overtaking the plot or Willa's character development. Strong themes of friendship, family, self-acceptance, and honesty abound as Willa grapples with disclosing her diagnosis to Ruby and contemplates how she will function with a new sister and step-mom in her daily life. Grab some gummy bears (Willa's favorite candy!) and enjoy. #bookreview #kidlit #bookstagram THE STORY WEB
By Megan Frazer Blakemore Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. A contemporary story with touches of magic, THE STORY WEB largely follows the story of a young girl, Alice, who struggles to cope when her father goes away for treatment of depression/PTSD. His departure coincides with strange activities in the local community—forest animals come to town and an ice storm begins with no end in sight. It is said, these events are due to the break down of the story-web; a web woven by spiders from the telling of truthful tales. A web so crucial that without it, society will break down and the world will freeze. This story is told from multiple points of view including the likable Alice, her two friends, and various forest animals. The action rises slowly and is charged with emotional intensity. It includes themes of family, friendship, the importance of truth/honesty, mental illness, and the impact of rumors/gossip/fear-mongering. A great read for a quiet weekend or to fuel a deep classroom or family discussion. @kidlitexchange #partner #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit @bloomsburypublishing @megbmore HALFWAY NORMAL
By Barbara Dee HALFWAY NORMAL is a wonderful contemporary story about Norah, a seventh-grader returning to school following a prolonged absence for leukemia treatment. As well as the standard middle-school parent, friendship and relationship dilemmas, Dee brilliantly weaves in the added pressures of being labeled a cancer-survivor and having an impaired immune system and the impact that has on Norah's reintegration into the school community and her interactions with others. Norah is a likable character on a journey towards self-acceptance and a new normal. Her story is filled with hope and inspiration making this a must-read for all. WEIRD LITTLE ROBOTS
By Carolyn Crimi (Illustrated by Corinna Luyken) Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. From acclaimed picture book writer, Carolyn Crimi, comes the sweet and quirky middle-grade novel, WEIRD LITTLE ROBOTS. A story about a lonely, robot-making eleven-year-old named Penny Rose who wishes for a friend but gets a whole lot more than she ever dreamed. The gentle and wise narrator's voice will draw readers in from the first page and the rising action and unexpected events that occur as the plot unfolds will keep readers intrigued until the final word. The character's (both human and robot) are vividly captured by Crimi's words and Luyken's art and their choices, actions, and reactions are well explored. Their love of science, creating, and repurposing discarded objects adds an additional layer of intrigue and wonder to the story. This delightful, early middle-grade story is a worthy addition to home bookshelves and classroom libraries. Buckle up your tool belt and enjoy! Release Date: 10/1/2019 @kidlitexchange #partner #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit @carolyncrimi1228 #carolyncrimi @corinnaluyken @candlewickpress #weirdlittlerobots WONDER WORLD KIDS BOOK TWO: THE CASE OF THE LOST LLAMAS
By Dori Marx (Illustrated by Priscila Orozco Gallo) Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. This super cute chapter book series introduces kids to new destinations around the globe. In this installment, the reader is transported to Machu Picchu in Peru to help the Cook Family solve the mystery of the disappearance of llamas from the area. With simple language and frequent illustrations, this book is ideal for reader's age six to ten-years-old, especially animal lovers. The eight-year-old Cook twins, Fynn and Celia, are memorable and unique characters, and their ten-year-old sister, Lily, is equally delightful. Back matter and a glossary are provided for readers who wish to delve into more detail about story elements such as challenging words, animals unique to the area, and local foods. Get your suitcase ready, the travel bug is about to hit! @kidlitexchange #partner #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit #bookreview Polly Diamond and the Super Stunning Spectacular School Fair
by Alice Kuipers (Illustrated by Diana Toledano) Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. This fun chapter book series continues to delight readers with this installment (book 2). In this story, Polly and her magic book (a book which makes anything written in it a reality) get into trouble and out again at the school book fair. Polly’s spunky personality jumps of the page and the magic book premise is fun for readers. With simple language, page turning action, and great illustrations, this is a perfect read for the chapter book crowd. Pair with popcorn and cotton candy for the ultimate experience! (read the book to find out why) @kidlitexchange #partner #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit #bookreview MEENA MEETS HER MATCH by Karla Manternach
MEENA MEETS HER MATCH is a cute early middle-grade novel about friendship and life in the third grade. The protagonist (Meena) jumps off the page and her love of recycling trash into art and craft projects is refreshing and fun. While this book is largely an exploration of a falling out between friends, Meena also experiences a medical issue—seizures. She is diagnosed with epilepsy during the course of the story and experiences seizures and attends tests such as MRI scanning. An author's note provides more information on this condition and also relates Meena's medical issues to that of the author's daughter. A great transition book for readers stepping up from chapter books with an interesting and unique subplot of epilepsy. Follow reading with your favorite recycled craft activity for the complete 'Meena' experience. Enjoy! #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit #bookreview @mskarlam A Drop of Hope by Keith Calabrese
Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. If you've been searching for a middle-grade read full of inspiration and the power of small kindnesses, this is it. Set in a struggling small town, the story follows multiple sixth graders and their interactions with an old well said to grant wishes. Each character is as unique and memorable as the next and the way their stories and experiences interweave is brilliantly crafted. This is a page-turning read told from multiple points of view. Suitable for grades three and up. Get ready for intrigue, tension, adventure, and your heart to fill with hope and happiness. @kidlitexchange #partner #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit #bookreview @scholasticinc #keithcalabrese FOCUSED By Alyson Gerber
Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. From the author of Braced, which sheds light on scoliosis, comes Focused - a middle-grade novel about ADHD. The main character, chess-obsessed Clea, has been struggling with school and her relationships with others. When she is diagnosed with ADHD, her life slowly begins to change as strategies are implemented to help her find ways to concentrate and manage her school work and daily tasks. Clea is a well-crafted character whose seventh-grade challenges (homework, friendship issues, bullies, and first crushes) are relatable and believable. The first-person narrative gives the reader unique insight into her thought processes as she struggles with her ADHD, and juggles academic and social pressures. Readers will become cheerleaders - wanting Clea to try, try, and try again to strive for her goals and dreams. This is an ideal read for ADHD sufferers and anyone interested in learning more about it. A helpful author's note follows to supplement the informative details included in the story. @kidlitexchange #partner #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit #bookreview @scholasticinc @alysongerber |
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