Dream by Barbara O'Connor

How I Came Across It... *I knew Barbara O'Connor had written a companion story to Wish. When I saw I could download an audio version of the story via Libro.fm, I quickly did so and enjoyed the middle-grade story as the last one for summer 2025. What It's About - Five Things You Need to Know... *Idalee is a young girl who has big DREAMS.

*She isn't thrilled when her mother hits the road to pursue her musical ambition, but takes this time to follow her own goals.

*Idalee learns there is a contest on the local radio station and she wants to submit one of her songs and win the grand prize.

*She is sure she can win, but only if she has a brand new guitar, but for that she will need money.

*Idalee and her friends go on a search for a "reward" that was left somewhere in the big house that Idalee lives in, along with a variety of interesting house guests.

What I Thought of It - Five Observations/Reflections... *As with all of Barbara's novels, this new one did NOT disappoint.

*I so enjoyed revisiting the characters and setting.

*As I listened to the audio, I was drawn into Idalee's world and wanted the best for her and her success.

*The story had heart, mystery, and lots of tender moments; like a big southern HUG.

*Themes of friendship, dreams, and following those dreams were spread throughout each and every page.

Who Should Read It... *This story would make for a beautiful class read aloud in grades three, four, and five. Individual readers in grades four and above would also find the story to be enjoyable, interesting, and satisfying. Wish and Dream will make for a strong duo in all elementary classrooms. Happy Reading!

Rating... 5 out of 5 stars

As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh

How I Came Across It... *Before my summer cruise, I was looking for a novel to bring with me. I can't remember where I came across this title, but found the reviews to be full of high praise and great ratings. I bought myself a physical copy and have been reading the story off and on during the summer of 2025. What It's About - Five Things You Need to Know... *This story takes place during the Syrian Revolution.

*Salama went to school to become a pharmacist before the unrest in her country.  

*As she continues her volunteer work at the hospital, she finds herself taking on more and more responsibility to help all of the victims of the civil war.  

*When she is given the opportunity to escape Syria for Germany, she is torn between staying and helping her country, and getting herself and sister-in-law to safety.

*The the war escalates, she knows it is time to make some life-changing decisions.  

What I Thought of It - Five Observations/Reflections... *The story was well written, the characters were well developed, and the action was non stop.

*I didn't remember a lot about his revolution, so I found it interesting and fascinating to read about the conflict in Syria.

*Salama was a strong, independent, and courageous young girl who drove the story forward.

*There were several emotional scenes throughout the story and I felt like I was right there there in the middle of everything.  

*I always enjoy fiction stories that are engaging, but also to teach me a new thing of two.  This novel definitely did that.  

Who Should Read It... *I believe this novel is marketed as young-adult, but I think both the adult reader and the young-adult reader would be perfect for the story. Historical fiction lovers would also be ideal for the novel. Happy Reading!

Rating... 4 out of 5 stars

Tyger by SF Said

How I Came Across It... *This middle-grade novel came to me via Penguin Random House/Penguin Workshop. I did a bit of online research about the title, and after reading many positive reviews, I decided to read this book right away. What It's About - Five Things You Need to Know... *Adam, who is living in a world near London, has a job to deliver goods across town and to another "world".

*On one of his deliveries, he comes across some danger, and is surprised to be rescued by a magical Tyger.

*The Tyger needs helps and Adam decides he wants to be the one to help him.

*With the help of his friend, Zadie, they set out to help the Tyger find the guardians who can open a world that has been closed off by the rich sector.

*The two characters work together to help make their world better for the people who are not treated as they should be.

What I Thought of It - Five Observations/Reflections... *This was quite a different type of story, but I was drawn into it and surprised how much I enjoyed it.

*The characters of Adam and Zadie drove the story and I so enjoyed reading about them and their quest to save the Tyger.

*There were some moments when I was a bit confused about what was happening, but I didn't let that distract me from the overall story.

*The writing was beautiful and the author did a wonderful job of describing the world in which Adam and the Tyger existed.

*Lot of important themes were presented throughout the story and would provide for great discussions. Who Should Read It... *I think this story would make for a strong class read aloud in grades four, five, and/or six. I think if individual readers were to take on this story, they should be in fifth grade or above. Happy Reading!

Rating... 3 out of 5 stars

Experiment by Rebecca Stead

How I Came Across It... *When I saw that Rebecca Stead had a new middle-grade novel coming out on September 16, 2025, I was quite excited. I was even more excited when I received an email from the Libro.FM app and Experiment was one of the free audio books I could download. Which I did and enjoyed the story during my summer walks.

What It's About - Five Things You Need to Know... *From the outside, Nathan appears to be a typical sixth grade boy.

*He has kept a huge secret from the outside world, even from his best friend Victor.

*When his world at home is about change is great ways, Nathan decides it is time to share the family secret.

*Since an early age, Nathan knew his family was from another planet, and now they are being called back to the "mother ship" and Nathan isn't sure why.

*He tells his best friend Victor about the secret, and the two of them sent off on a quest to figure out what is the truth and what are the lies.

What I Thought of It - Five Observations/Reflections... *The audio was excellent and I was drawn into the story right away.

*I'm not normally a fan of science fiction, but this story didn't seem like the typical science fiction plot line.

*As I was listening, I kept thinking how young readers would think the "events" were actually happening in real life.

*The pacing of the plot was spot on and kept me interested during the entire listening experience.

*I know young readers will think the story is heading in one direction, and be quite surprised in the direction the story took.

Who Should Read It... *As with other Rebecca Stead novels, this upcoming book would be perfect for readers in grades five and six along with all middle-school students. If you know of young readers who gravitate toward science fiction, this would be the perfect selection for them. Happy Reading!

Rating... 4 out of 5 stars