The Comeback: A Figure Skating Novel by E.L. Shen

How I Heard About It:
*I received this middle-grade novel via the publisher Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR).  It was a quick read and perfect for summer 2021.


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
*This story is about Maxine who lives and breathes for figure skating.

*Her parents worry it may be too much pressure, but Maxine has it under control.

*Because of her Chinese heritage, she becomes the target of a bully at school.

*Not only does she have to deal with issues at school, but finds herself dealing with a new rival on the ice.

*Maxine glides into being proactive, strong, and resilient against all that comes her way.


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
*This was a quick enjoyable read.

*There were no earth-shattering moments or huge climaxes, but a solid plot leading the reader on a journey of ice skating, friendship, and family.

*I do think young girls who are skaters themselves will absolutely LOVE this story.

*Maxine is a great character to share with readers because of her positive character and outlook on life.

*It was fun to read about all the "real-life" skaters Maxine admired and looked up to.


Who Should Read It:
*This is definitely a story for young girls, and especially girls who are interested and/or involved in the figure skating world.  They will love Maxine, her story, and quest to be the best both on the ice and in life.  Happy Reading!  

Rating:  4 STARS out of 5 Stars

Lemon Drop Falls by Heather Clark

How I Heard About It:
*I received an electronic ARC of this upcoming middle-grade novel via the "Street Team" that was formed to spread the word about the story via social media.  Once I started, I could NOT stop.


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
*Morgan is devastated by the sudden death of her mother.

*This loss leaves her in the role of holding the family together which includes two younger siblings and her father.

*As she tries to navigate life without the mother who kept them all organized, on track, and with a plan; Morgan finds herself dealing with more stress and anxiety than she has ever had.

*When her father suggests a family camping/hiking trip, Morgan thinks it is a terrible idea.

*The family ventures to the wild with their father trying to make the most of a difficult time, two young siblings making the best of it, and Morgan facing both personal current and past issues.


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
*Wow, I love when I come across a story that blows me away.

*I absolutely enjoyed every aspect of Heather Clark's novel, from the wonderful characters, to the meaningful life lessons, and the suspense on the camping/hiking trip.

*As a reader, I enjoyed the format of the book going back and forth between before Morgan's mother died to after she passed.

*There were many emotional and difficult scenes sprinkled throughout the story.  I'm a sucker for a great emotional scene.  

*I look forward to sharing the novel with my fourth graders during the upcoming school year.  

Who Should Read It:

*When the book arrives on shelves in January of 2022, all elementary classrooms need to have this novel in their collection.  I think it could make for an incredible class read aloud and/or book club selection.  The plot is appropriate for readers in grades three through six, along with seventh and eighth graders.  Happy Reading!  


Rating:  5 STARS out of 5 Stars

The Gilded Girl by Alyssa Colman

How I Heard About It:
*This middle-grade title came to me via the publisher, Farrar, Straus and Giroux.  I didn't know too much about the book so I was excited to read.  I actually ended up listening to the story via Audible.  The narration was great!  This was the debut for Alyssa.  


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
*This is a story full of magic, suspense, and intrigue.

*Twelve-year-old Emma comes from a wealthy background and is headed toward Miss Posterity’s Academy for Practical Magic.

*After arriving at the academy, Emma learns some horrific news regarding her father.  This news changes everything for her.

*Emma meets Izzy, who is a servant at the school.  Both girls join together to make sure their magic isn't "snuffed" out.  

*Even though these two young girls are completely different from each other, they realize they should put their differences aside, join their powers, and use their magic for good.  

What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:

*As I mentioned, the narration was quite enjoyable to listen to.

*I enjoyed reading about both Emma and Izzy and their unfolding friendship.

*There were lots of great magical and suspenseful moments throughout the story.

*The headmistress of the school was the perfect "evil" character that every story needs.

*Generally, I'm not a huge fan of fantasy and/or magical story lines, but I found myself engrossed during the entire listening experience.  

Who Should Read It:

*I think readers in grades three, four and five would enjoy the adventures of Emma and Izzy.  Readers who enjoy magic, definitely need to read the book.  I do think the story may appeal to female readers over males.  Just my opinion.  Of course, middle-school readers would also find enjoyment with the novel.  Happy Reading!  


Rating:  4 STARS out of 5 Stars

Born Behind Bars by Padma Venkatraman

How I Heard About It:
*After reading The Bridge Home, I knew Padma Venkatraman was meant to write for the middle-grade reader.  That is one of my favorite stories.  Over the summer, I began to see praise and positive reviews about her upcoming new story.  I was so excited for the release.  I was even more excited when an ARC of the novel landed on my doorstep.  I got to reading and didn't stop until I finished.


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
*Kabir has not lived a typical life with his mother.  In fact their life together has been quite different since the day he was "born behind bars".

*His mother was sent to prison for a crime she didn't commit.

*When a new warden is assigned to the prison, he decides Kabir is too old to be there and must leave.

*Kabir finds himself on the streets by himself searching for a family that may or may not be out there.

*While on his own, he meets Rani, a young girl who is also living alone, and the two of them form a special friendship.


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:

*Wonderful, Wonderful, Wonderful!!!

*I absolutely loved the story of Kabir, his life in prison, and how he adapted to life of freedom on the streets.

*Padma tackles some important and timely topics and does a wonderful job of conveying those messages/ideas to the reader.

*As the reader, I found the set-up and format to be quite appealing and engaging.  The plot flowed from chapter to chapter and I appreciated the short chapters.

*Kabir and Rani are two of the most incredible young characters and I can't wait to have my students meet them during the upcoming school year.  

Who Should Read It:

*Readers in grades four and five would be ideal for the new story.  I'm planning on using the book as a class read aloud.  I know it will lead to some incredible discussions.  All middle-school classrooms and libraries NEED a copy of the book to share with their students.  Happy Reading!  


Rating:  5 STARS out of 5 Stars

All You Knead is Love by Tanya Guerrero

How I Heard About It:
*This title has popped up on my social media feed several times during the summer of 2020.  I was thrilled when I received a copy of the book via the publisher.  This was a great middle-grade read during my summer 2021 vacation reading.


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
*Alba knows there are issues at home in New York City, but she is quite surprised when her mother tells her she will be spending time in Spain with her grandmother.  

*She has struggled with her identity and feels both of her parents don't quite understand her.  

*That is why she is surprised when her grandmother in Spain welcomes her with open arms and an open heart.

*While in Barcelona, Alba meets a new father figure, a few new friends, and becomes quite close with a grandmother she never knew.

*Learning about the country of Spain, a new way of life, and the art of baking bread all lead Alba to a new and more accepting way of life.


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
*I thought this was a strong and satisfying read.

*The character of Alba was truly enjoyable and I enjoyed reading about her.

*There were some pretty heavy themes and topics in the story.  The cover of the book didn't always match with the "heaviness" of the story.

*The relationships Alba formed while in Spain were incredible and I was so happy for Alba.  

*The author did a tremendous job of dealing with hard issues in a kid-friendly way.


Who Should Read It:
*The story would be wonderful for readers in grades four and five while also being shared with middle-school readers; who actually might be more appropriate for the story.  As I mentioned, there are some heavy life issues presented, and I would want the reader to be able to handle those.  Happy Reading!


Rating:  4 STARS out of 5 Stars

Violets are Blue by Barbara Dee

How I Heard About It:
*I'm a huge fan of Barbara Dee and all that she writes.  I was excited when her upcoming novel appeared in my mail via #bookexpedition.  I wasn't really sure what the story line was, but looked forward to reading what Barbara came up with this time around.


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
*Wren isn't thrilled when her parents divorce and her father begins a new life/family.  She always isn't thrilled when her mother moves them to a new town.

*Starting a new school can be difficult, but Wren has high hopes for a new beginning.

*After meeting a new friend, Wren finds herself showcasing her talent with the art of makeup.  

*While finding her place within the cast of Wicked, the school play, Wren begins to realize something is going on with her mother and it isn't a good thing.

*Trying to find one's place within school can be a challenge, but when you have to navigate within your own family; life can present even more road blocks.


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:

*This was a fast-paced and engaging middle-grade story.  

*Being a huge fan of Wicked, I enjoyed all the references to the cast, story line, and of course music.

*The issues Wren's mother faced were presented in a gentle, yet realistic way.  

*There were many references to make up and the art of using make-up, which wasn't a huge interest to me, but didn't distract from the overall story.  

*Addiction touches so many people in our country, and this story does a terrific job of addressing it and showing how it can affect young people in a family.


Who Should Read It:

*I know we shouldn't classify books as a boy or girl story, but in my opinion this particular novel would be most appealing to the middle-grade and/or middle-school female reader.  Not only is there a heavy focus on make-up and make-up artists, but there are several female related story lines that occur throughout the pages of the book.  Happy Reading!  


Rating:  4 STARS out of 5 Stars

Willodeen by Katherine Applegate

How I Heard About It:
*When I realized I could obtain an ARC via NetGalley, I requested a copy and was happy when I was granted a "yes".  This was the first book I read while on summer vacation in Lake Tahoe.  I couldn't wait to see what Katherine came up with this time around.


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
*Willodeen isn't like most eleven-year-olds.  And she is alright with that.

*She is an animal lover; a creature lover is more like it.  

*Most people in her village detest the creatures called "screechers", but not Willodeen.  She has a great love and fascination for them.  

*Life is changing for the residents of Perchance, and they are not happy about it.  Willodeen sets out to find out why life is changing and what she can do about it.  

*With the help of a new friend, Willodeen does everything she is capable of to bring a sense of peace, beauty, and balance back to the village in which she lives.


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
*As we all know, Katherine Applegate knows how to spin a story and spin it like no one else.

*I was captivated by Willodeen, the village of Perchance, and all the creatures that reside there.  

*There was such a beauty that came from Applegate's words and the world she created within the pages of the story.  

*The theme of nature and the human connection was strong and handled with such grace, dignity, and truth.  

*After reading the story, I came away with a feeling of hope and joy for the world in which we live.


Who Should Read It:
*As with all Katherine Applegate novels, this one will be ideal for fourth through eighth grade readers.  I know young readers will be completely immersed in Willodeen's world.  Whether the book is used as a class read aloud and/or put in the hands of readers, this new story MUST be shared with all readers.  Happy Reading!


Rating:  5 STARS out of 5 Stars

Anybody Here Seen Frenchie? By Leslie Connor

How I Heard About It:
*I was able to get an electronic advanced reading copy of Leslie Connor's upcoming middle-grade novel.  This ARC came from NetGalley.  I was excited to the story as I had begun to see positive comments and reviews on social media.  Leslie Connor is one of my favorite middle-grade authors and I have read and used all of her previous books with my students.


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
*Aurora and Frenchie are best friends, but couldn't be more different from each other.  While Aurora is loud, opinionated, and open; Frenchie is non-verbal and lives mostly in his own world.  

*They met in third grade and have been in the same class ever since.  That is until they start sixth grade and learn they will be in different classes.

*Aurora has a special knack when it comes to communicating with Frenchie.  She gives a lot, but also receives so much from her best friend.

*With the class separation, Aurora finds herself with a new dynamic and the possibility of new friendships.  

*One morning, Frenchie doesn't arrive in his classroom which sends Aurora, the school staff, and the entire community in search of this very special boy.


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
*As soon as I began the story, I knew it was going to be one special reading experience.  

*I immediately feel in love with the character Aurora who brought smiles, laughs, and a few emotional moments.

*Frenchie was quite a special young man and I was fascinated by his world, communication, and friendship with Aurora.

*There were so many incredible connections between the townspeople, animals, and nature.  Leslie is the master of weaving all these elements together.  

*The characters, plot, and setting were all perfect and I can't wait to share the story with my fourth graders during the upcoming school year.


Who Should Read It:
*As with all of Leslie's novels, this new one will be perfect for fourth, fifth, and sixth grade classrooms.  I believe it will make for a perfect class read aloud.  Readers in seventh and eighth grade will also adore the story of Aurora and Frenchie.  Adult readers who read middle-grade stories, MUST read the book.  I know they will enjoy as much as I did.  Happy Reading!


Rating:  5 STARS out of 5 Stars

Dear Student by Elly Swartz

How I Heard About It:
*I received an email from a representative at Penguin Random House/Delacorte Press.  She was offering me an advanced reader copy (electronic) of Elly's upcoming novel.  I was thrilled because I had read her previous three novels and LOVED them all.  I read this story while on summer vacation in Lake Tahoe.


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
*Autumn isn't having an easy time of it with her father joining the Peace Corps and her best friend moving across the country.

*She finds comfort in animals, her younger sister, and writing.  

*Each year, the school picks a student to be the anonymous "Dear Student" advice columnist.

*Taking her absent father's advice to pick "one thing", Autumn decides to apply for the position.

*Thinking this will be the ticket to happiness, she finds herself in more than one difficult situation that involve two new friends who couldn't be more different from each other.


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
*I feel so lucky to have been able to read an ARC of Dear Student.  I have loved all Elly's stories and was not looking forward to the wait to get on my hands on her fourth book in early 2022.   

*Autumn was an authentic, sensitive, and engaging character to read about.  I cared about her, her family, and the situations she found herself in.

*Her two new friends added greatly to the plot having both a positive and negative impact on Autumn's life.

*Anytime a story is set in a school, I'm all in.  Elly did a phenomenal job of describing Autumn's school, staff, and the interactions of the students.

*As with all of Elly's stories, she presented many important life lessons and dealt with them in an honest and authentic way.  I know many great discussions will come from the story.


Who Should Read It:
*Upon the release in February 2022, I think Autumn's story could be shared in any and all third, fourth, and fifth grade classrooms.  In addition to these settings, middle-school readers would also be ideal for the novel.  Happy Reading!


Rating:  5 STARS out of 5 Stars