Mr. Mopps' bestselling middle grade book of 2022. A mismatched coven of "spare" witches finds a way to work together to help their community and release them from the hold of sinister forces. A great read for fans of magical school books."
- Clare
This is a story about a group of orphans who save their town from destruction. But it's also about the spectrum of kindness from the inhuman unkindness of a tyrannical dragon, to the inhuman kindness of a misunderstood ogress. Kelly Barnhill's books never disappoint readers who love fairy stories, and this is my favorite middle grade book of 2022."
- Clare
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Arrow is a boy raised in a wild forest by a magical tree. Suddenly many more humans find their way to the forest but who are Arrow's real friends? And can they help him protect the forest from his real foes? I love the rich descriptions of nature and the complex friendships.
- Clare
Currently Unavailable
Fast paced adventure and horror abounds in this post alien invasion thriller for the older middle grade reader. Really compelling stories and plenty of edge of the seat moment.
- Clare
This gentle mystery reminded me very much of classics like "From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs Basil E Frankweiler". When a mysterious Mister arrives on the farm two siblings try to find out why he's hiding out so far from anywhere. Beautiful writing.
- Clare
Probably the best animal book ever. The true story of a gorilla kept in captivity at The Mall of America and his eventual release to a zoo and the company of other gorillas. Ivan is a sensitive soul and his poetic musings are perfect to read aloud.
- Clare
A Mopps bestseller! And a timeless classic.
- Mopps
Chris Colfer really delivers on this new middle grade fantasynseries. At the beginning of the book women are not allowed to read and magic is illegal. At the end of the book, all this has changed. I think it's even better than the Land of Stories.
- Clare
Science Fiction meets Korean Mythology in this really cool story about a thirteen year old fox spirit who sets out for space to clear her older brother's name. It reminds me of the Star Wars movie Solo for the action and surprises.
- Clare
THIS IS MY FAVORITE BOOK OF 2021 (so far)!!!
The Bureau of Supernatural Affairs has seen a lot of strange things, but it isn't ready for the kind of power that Amari has and uses to set right an injustice in their ranks. Really inventive and exciting.
- Clare
This book is so strange and beautiful. Yes it really does have an ex-circus elephant in it. Yes it does have non-neurotypical kids making friends. Yes it does have immigration woes and grief and an unscrupulous circus ringmaster. Yes it even has a happy ending for the elephant. This is a book to fill up your heart.
- Clare
Sometimes I read a book and I know that the author has spent a lot of time around kids. He gets how middle school friendship works and how boys talk to one another. He understands how to make a story funny and real. This book would be especially good for the music nerd kids who are missing their band friends.
- Clare
Currently Unavailable
Set in San Diego during the Second World War. This is the story of Millie as she negotiates the death of her grandmother, being stuck looking after her sickly sister and avoiding the annoying neighbor boy. She says things like "Good gravy!" and takes no nonsense from anyone. A great book for history lovers.
- Clare