Evan Griffith's writing is transportive. In his debut, Manatee Summer, (review here) readers were immersed in the varied nature of Florida, complete with all kinds of wildlife. In his newest book, Griffith takes readers to a small town in Vermont. This cozy village is full of interesting characters, beautiful places, and for one new temporary [...]
Confession: I love my TBR. Like, love love my to be read pile. It isn't a literal pile-- more like a list of all the titles I'm most excited to read. These books are spread between my Kindle and a stack on my desk (so perhaps I do have a literal to be read pile!). [...]
Lynne Kelly's The Secret Language of Birds is an ideal summer read, with friendship, mystery, summer camp, friendships new and old, and maybe even a ghost. Nina often feels like she doesn't fit. Not at school, where she struggles to make friends. Not at home, where she feels largely forgettable in her large family. Not [...]
As a giant scaredy-cat, I've never been one to seek out scary anything. Horror movies, suspenseful books, spooky tales-- these are things I generally avoid, because an overactive imagination, vivid dreams, and spooky content does not make for a restful night's sleep. But sometimes the plot or synopsis sounds too good, and I can't help [...]
Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson's Eagle Drums is an atmospheric middle grade novel that invites readers into the Iñupiaq Messenger Feast origin story. A young hunter sets off to gather obsidian from the mountains, promising his parents he won't meet the same destiny as his brothers, whatever fate that kept them from returning. But on his journey, [...]
In the fictional town of Rye, located outside Washington D.C., the middle and high school sports teams are on a winning streak. But the racist mascot depicts Indigenous peoples, and that's wrong. Right? Callie, a Cherokee and Black eighth-grader, knows it's wrong. Franklin doesn't get what the big deal is. Priya does. Tessa is outraged, [...]
In Emily Bowen Cohen's Two Tribes, twelve year old Mia lives in California with her Jewish mom and step-dad while her Muscogee dad and family live in Oklahoma. After her Bat Mitzvah, Mia is feeling like the only part of her that's acknowledged is the Jewish part of her. But Mia is also Muscogee, and [...]
Wesley is excited to have her poem about Indigenous Peoples’ Day published in the school newspaper, and is also super nervous to ask her crush and gamer friend Ryan to the dance. As always, Christine Day delivers a wonderful story that begs to be read and re-read. This one is definitely going to be a [...]
Welp, we're halfway through the year already. How's your reading challenge going? Whether you're looking to up the pace or keep chugging ahead, here are some of my favorite reads from 2023 so far! All purchase links are through Bookshop.org.Disclosure: I am an affiliate of Bookshop.org. I will earn a commission (at no extra cost [...]
Gary D. Schmidt's latest release is a laugh out loud funny and emotionally resonant middle grade novel that follows Hercules, a middle schooler who is nothing like his namesake. The Labors of Hercules Beal is memorable for its humor as much as its deep emotional moments. Schmidt balances the two in an incredible way, inviting [...]
Paw Prints in the Sink 