This week's round-up of middle grade sci fi and fantasy from around the blogs (4/23/2023)

My reading this week was grown up books for book clubs and work, so nothing from me.  But happily there's lots from others! Let me know if I missed your post.

The Reviews

Breath of Mischief, by MarcyKate Connolly, at Cracking the Cover

The Chestnut Roaster, by Eve McDonnell, at Valinora Troy

Come See the Fair, by Gavriel Savit Cracking the Cover

Dylan Dover: Into the Vortex by Lynne Howard - Chick Lit Cafe

Eden’s Everdark, by Karen Strong, at  Kiss the Book

 Evil Genius (The Smartest Kid in the Universe #3), by Chris Grabenstein, at Mark My Words

Felice and the Wailing Woman, by Diana Lopez, at Ms. Yingling Reads

Finch House, by Ciera Burch, at Mark My Words

Ghosts of Rancho Espanto, by Adrianna Cuevas, at Ms. Yingling Reads

The Guardian Test, by Christina Soontornvat, at Pages Unbound 

Loki: A Bad God’s Guide to Taking the Blame, by Louie Stowell, at Twirling Book Princess

Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy, by Angie Thomas, at Kiss the Book and Paw Prints in the Sink

Nura and The Immortal Palace, by M. T. Khan, at YA Books Central

The Rage of the Sea Witch, by Roland Chambers, at Scope for Imagination

The Rescue of Ravenwood, by Natasha Farrant, at Book Craic

Serpent of the Sands, by Vashti Hardy, at Scope for Imagination

The Silver Road, by Sinéad O’Hart, at Book Craic

A Storm of Wishes, by Jaqueline West, at Puss Reboots 

Tales of the Forgotten Founders (The Falinnheim Chronicles #3), by C.W. Allen, at  Mark My Words

Unicorn Island: Beyond the Portal, by Donna Galanti, at A Library Mama

The Wherewood, by Gabrielle Prendergast, at Young Adulting

Two at Ms. Yingling Reads-- A Spoonful of Time, by Flora Ahn, and Shinji Takahashi: Into the Heart of the Storm, by Julie Kagawa

Authors and Interviews

Andy Ruffell  (Lily Grim and The City of Undone) Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books 

P. Djèlí Clark (Abeni’s Song) at Fuse #8

Other Good Stuff

Myth and Middle Grade (publishersweekly.com)

This week's round-up of middle grade fantasy and sci fi from around the blogs (4/16/2023)

Good morning!  here's what I found this week; please let me know if I missed your post!

The Reviews

Come See the Fair, by Gavriel Savit, at the NY Times

Dead Alley, by S. A. Larsen, at Always in the Middle… 

Elf Dog and Owl Head, by M. T. Anderson, at Charlotte's Library, BookPage, YA Books Central

The Enchanted Life of Valentina Mejía, by Alexandra Alessandri, at Pages Unbound 

Greenwild: The World Behind The Door, by Pari Thomson, at Scope for Imagination

I Am the Walrus, by Neal Shusterman & Eric Elfman, at The Bookwyrm's Den 

The Labyrinth of Doom, by Stuart Gibbs, at Lucy Knows Things

Miracles for the Maharaja, by Aditi Krishnakumar, at Books Teacup and Reviews 

Miss Mary-Kate Martin's Guide to Monsters: The Trouble with the Two-Headed Hydra, by Karen Foxlee, at Kids' Book Review

Nura and the Immortal Palace, by M.T. Khan, at Little Bookish Teacher (YouTube)

Once There Was, by Kiyash Monsef, at Ms. Yingling Reads

The Piper’s Promise, by Leah Cypess, at Kiss the Book 

Stink, written and illustrated by Jenny McLachlan, at Book Craic

Summer in Orcus, by T. Kingfisher, at Tor.com

Tiger Warrior: Rise of the Lion Beast, by M. Chan illustrated by Alan Brown, at Log Cabin Library

The Unforgettable Logan Foster and the Shadow of Doubt, by Shawn Peters,  PamelaKramer.com

Unicorn Island – Beyond the Portal, at  Always in the Middle…  and The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow 

Wendington Jones and the Missing Tree, by Daniel Dockery, at Book Craic

Winnie Zeng Vanquishes a King (Winnie Zeng #2), by Katie Zhao, ar Courtney Reads Romance 

Authors and Interviews

P. Djèlí Clark (Abeni’s Song), at School Library Journal 

M.T. Anderson (Elf Dog and Owl Head) at Writer's Digest and  Kirkus Reviews

Taya and Nathan Okerlund (Never Lore) at The Story Sanctuary

Yarrow and Carrie Cheney (Superworld: Save Noah) at  Middle Grade Ninja

Other Good Stuff

New in the UK, at Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books - 

This week's round-up of middle grade sci fi and fantasy from around the blogs (4/9/23)

Happy Easter, Ramadan Mubarak, Happy Pesach, and Happy Spring! May your daffodils be free from girls' heads, becuase who wants that.

Here's what I found this week; please let me know if I missed your post.

The Reviews

Artemis Spark & the Sound Seekers Brigade, by Kimberly Behre Kenna, at Valinora Troy

The Deadlands: Hunted, by Skye Melki-Wegner, at  Mark My Words

Elidor, by Alan Garner, at Pages Unbound 

The Frights of Fiji (Alyssa McCarthy’s Magical Missions, #1), by Sunayna Prasad, at Boys' Mom Reads!

Ghosts, Toast, and Other Hazards, by Susan Tan, at Mark My Words

The Great Fox Heist, by Justyn Edwards, at Scope for Imagination

Hamra and the Jungle of Memories by Hanna Alkaf, at The Story Sanctuary and The StoryGraph

I Am the Walrus (N.O.A.H. Files #1), by Neal Shusterman and Eric Elfman, at Mark My Words

Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy, by Angie Thomast, at The New York Times,   Always in the Middle… , BookPage, glorious reads, and Ms. Yingling Reads

Once There Was, by Kiyash Monsef, at  YA Books Central

A Rover’s Story, by Jasmine Warga, at PBC's Book Reviews 

The School Between Winter and Fairyland, by Heather Fawcett, at Dead Houseplants 

Skyriders (Skyriders #1), by Polly Holyoke, at The Plain-Spoken Pen 

The Sister Switch, by Debbie Rigaud and Sarah Mlynowski, at Ms. Yingling Reads  

Speculation, by Nisi Shawl, at Charlotte's Library

Spellstone by Ross Montgomery, at Book Craic

Windy City Ruins (Talisman, Book 3) by Brett Salter, at Baroness' Book Trove 

Wendington Jones and the Missing Tree, by Daniel Dockery, at Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books 

Wildsmith: City of Secrets, by Liz Flanagan, illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton, at Book Craic

Authors and Interviews

Kiyash Monsef (Once There Was), at Fuse #8

Shawn Peters (Logan Foster and the Shadow of Doubt) at MG Book Village

Other Good Stuff

A great LGBTQ+ Middle Grade Fantasy Book List, at alibrarymama

This week's roundup of mg sci fi and fantasy from around the blogs (4/2/23)

Happy April to all!  Here's what I found this week; please let me know if I missed your post.

The Reviews

Amari and the Great Game, by B.B. Alston, at The Book Nut

Beyond the Portal (Unicorn Island book 3),  by Donna Galanti, at Bookworm for Kids and Charlotte's Library

A Breath of Mischief, by MarcyKate Connolly, at  Kiss the Book

The Enchanted Bridge, by Zetta Elliott and Cherise Harris, at  Puss Reboots

Happily Ever After, by James Riley, at Bookworm for Kids

The Raven Heir, by Stephanie Burgis, at Tor 

Magestone (Gemfall Book One), by David Burleyson, at  Mark My Words

The Magician's Elephant, by Kate DeCamillo, at Rosi Hollinbeck

Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind, by Misa Sugiura, at  Little Blog of Library Treasures 

The NoWhere Thief, by Alice M. Ross, at Valinora Troy and Scope for Imagination

Pilar Ramirez and the Escape From Zafa, by Julian Randall, at Readgab (YouTube)

The Road to Balinor, by Mary Stanton, at Dragon Bite Books 

Skyriders, by Polly Holyoke, at JennCaffeinated

The Storm Child, by Gabriela Houston, Little Blog of Library Treasures 

What Stays Buried, by Suzanne Young, at Ms. Yingling Reads

Winnie Zeng Vanquishes a King, by Katie Zhao, at  Mark My Words

Winter’s Keep & the Weather Weaver series by Tamsin Mori, at Scope for Imagination

Woodwitch, by Skye McKenna, at Library Girl and Book Boy and  A Cat, A Book, and A Cup of Tea 

Authors and Interviews

Joshua Levy (Last Summer In Outer Space) at MG Book Village

Heather Fawcett (The Grace of Wild Things) at OwlCrate

Other Good Stuff

A booklist of MG thrills and chills, at From The Mixed Up Files

I'm not sure if this is actually middle grade, but it is certainly of interest-- And Put Away Childish Things by Adrian Tchaikovsky, at Fantasy Book Critic

Pixar’s Elemental Feature Will Include New Up Short Called “Carl’s Date” | Tor.com

This week's round-up of middle grade fantasy and science fiction from around the blogs (3/26/23)

Here's what I found this week, please let me know if I missed your post!

The Reviews

The Dark and Dangerous Gifts of Delores Mackenzie, by Yvonne Banham, at Book Craic

The Extraordinary Curiosities of Ixworth and Maddox, by J.D. Grolic, at Charlotte's Library

Fablehouse, by Emma Norry, at  Scope for Imagination

Hide or Seek (The Superpower Protection Program) by Dan DiDio, at Mark My Words

The Last Saxon King, by Andrew Varga, at Karen Werkema on Instagram

Lucha of the Night Forest, by Tehlor Kay Mejia, ar Confessions of a YA Reader  and Subjectify Media.

Maggie and the Mountain of Light, by Mark Snoad, at The Children's Book Review

Minecraft Legends: Return of the Piglins, by Matt Forbeck, at Ms. Yingling Reads

Nic Blake and the Remarkables, by Angie Thomas, at Book Page

Olivia and the Gentleman From Outer Space, by Moses Yuriyvich Mikheyev, at Mark My Words

The Rabbit's Gift, by Jessica Vitalis, at Log Cabin Library

SuperQuesters: The Case of the Missing Memory, by Thomas Bernard and Lisa Moss,at Scope for Imagination

The Super Secret Monster Experiment, by Tian En, at Popthebutterfly Reads

The Superteacher Project, by Gordon Korman, at Geo Librarian.

Thunderbird, Book 1, by Sonia Nimr, at Islamic School Librarian

The Way of the Cicadas, by Audrey Henley, at Independent Book Review

What Stays Buried, by Suzanne Young, at Utopia State of Mind

Two at Feed Your Fiction Addiction--The Last Mapmaker, by Christina Soontornvat, and Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind by Misa Sugiura

Authors and Interviews 

Alice M. Ross (The Nowhere Thief) at Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books 

Other Good Stuff

I missed this when it was first announced, so here you are-- 2022 Aurealis Awards Shortlist Announcement   (lots of enticing Mg!)

"10 Middle Grade Books Featuring a Magic School" at The Story Sanctuary

This week's round up of middle grade fantasy and sci fi from around the blogs (3/19/23)

Sorry I didn't have my act together last Sunday, but here's what I found this past week! Let me know if I missed anything.

The Reviews

The Battle for Verdana (Talisman 4), by Brett Salter, at Mark My Words

 Carnival Quest (Candy Shop War #3), by Brandon Mull, at Kiss the Book and Ms. Yingling Reads

Dead Alley: A Motley Education Book, by S.A. Larsen, at Log Cabin Library 

Desperate Tides, Desperate Measures (Talisman 5), by Brett Salter, at Mark My Words

The Guardian of Whispers, by B. E. Padgett, at Literary Potpourri 

 Illuminations, by T. Kingfisher, at Locus Online  and  Escape Reality, Read Fiction! 

In the Heart of the Linden Wood, by Ekta R. Garg, at Independent Book Review

Kelcie Murphy and the Academy for the Unbreakable Arts, by Erika Lewis, at Pages Unbound

Legends of Lotus Island: The Guardian Test, by Christina Soontornvat, at  PBC's Book Reviews  and| Children's Books Heal 

May's Moon: Fortis Mission, by S.Y. Palmer, at Bookworm for Kids

Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy, by Angie Thomas, at Log Cabin Library

The Ogress and the Orphans, by Kelly Barnhill, at Smack Dab in the Middle

Princess of the Wild Sea, by Megan Frazer Blakemore, at Redeemed Reader

Ring of Solomon by Aden Polydoros, at Books and Such 

The Shimmer (Kingdom Keepers Inheritance #1), by Ridley Pearson, at Carstairs Considers

Skyriders, by Polly Holyoke, at Cracking the Cover

Ten Percent Magic, by Gina Zapanta-Alder & Michael Alder, at Mark My Words

Thunderbird: Book Two, by Sonia Nimr, at Charlotte's Library

Tourmaline and the Island of Elsewhere, by Ruth Lauren, at Book Craic

Wilder, by Penny Chrimes, at Magic Fiction Since Potter

Two at The Breadcrumb Forest--Spellstone by Ross Montgomery, and Onyeka: Rise of the Rebels by Tolá Okogwu

Authors and Interviews

Anna Brooke (Monster Bogey), at Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books 

Cindy Callaghan (Just Add Magic) at Middle Grade Ninja

Dianne K. Salerni (The Carrefour Curse ) at From The Mixed Up Files

Other Good Stuff

The 2023 Unicorn Report  at 100 Scope Notes

35 Incredible Middle Grade Magical Realism Books at Imagination Soup

This week's round up of middle grade sci fi and fantsy from around the blogs (3/5/23)

Good morning from Rhode Island, where the sun is melting the winter ick of yesterday!  Here's what I found this week; let me know if I missed your post.

The Reviews

Alex Neptune, Pirate Hunter, by David Owen, at Vicky's Never Ending TBR and Book Craic

Amari and the Night Brothers, by B.B. Alston, at The Book Nut

Aviva vs. the Dybbuk, by Mari Lowe, at Kiss the Book 

Black Bird, Blue Road, by Sofiya Pasternack, at Kiss the Book

Claire and the Dragons, by Wander Antunes, at Pages Unbound

Disconnected, by Riley Cross, at Bookworm for Kids

Elf Dog & Owl Head, by M.T. Anderson, at Mark My Words

The Frost Fair, by Natasha Hastings, at YA Books Central

The Gathering by Dan Poblocki, at Puss Reboots

Haven: A Small Cat’s Big Adventure, by Megan Wagner Lloyd, at  Rosi Hollinbeck

The Last Mapmaker, by Christina Soontornvat, at Kiss the Book

The Magician's Elephant Movie tie-in, by Kate DiCamillo and illustrations by Yoko Tanaka, at Log Cabin Library

The Moth Keeper, by K. O'Neill, ar Sharon the Librarian

The Nowhere Thief, by Alice M. Ross, at Book Craic

Nura and The Immortal Palace, by M. T. Khan, at YA Books Central

The Ogress and the Orphans, by Kelly Barnhill, at Pages Unbound

Riders of Fire and Ice (Talisman 2), by Brett Salter, at Mark My Words

The Secrets of the Stormforest, by L D Lapinski, at Rapunzel Reads 

Tourney of Terror (D&D: Dungeon Academy #2), by Madeleine Roux, at Mark My Words: 

Unicorn Island: Beyond the Portal, by Donna Galanti, illustrations by Bethany Stancliffe. at Log Cabin Library

Two at Dead Houseplants: Fenris and Mott, by Greg Van Eekhout, and Freddie vs the Family Curse, by Tracy Badua 

Five mini reviews at A Cat, A Book, and A Cup of Tea: The Nowhere Thief, by Alice M Ross, Yesterday Crumb and the Teapot of Chaos by Andy Sagar, Tourmaline and the Island of Elsewhere, by Ruth Lauren, The Time Tider, by Sinéad O’Hart, and  Wildsmith: Into the Dark Forest, by Liz Flanagan

Authors and Interviews

 Russell Ginns (1-2-3 SCREAM) at Middle Grade Ninja

 Gill Lewis (Moonflight) at Library Girl and Book Boy

Peter Bunzl (Dragonracers) at Scope for Imagination

Other Good Stuff

One of my favorite regular posts to read-Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books - Children's Book Picks UK - March 2023

9 Books Inspired by The Magician's Elephant, at Literacious

The 90-Second Newbery Film Festival Enters Its 12th Year.  (slj.com)

Katie (aka alibrarymama), whose recommendations have never failed to please me, shares her 2022 in Review

This week's round-up of Midde Grade Sci Fi and Fantasy from around the blogs (2/26/23)

Happy (almost) end of February!  Here's what I found this week; let me know if I missed your post.

Reviews

The Adventures of the Flash Gang: Episode 1: Exploding Experiment, by M.M. Downing & S.J. Waugh, at  Mark My Words

The BigWoof Conspiracy, by  Dashe Roberts, at Twirling Book Princess

The Carrefour Curse, by Dianne K. Salerni, at Charlotte's Library

Children of the Quicksands, by Efua Tratore, at Dead Houseplants

Deadlands: Hunted, by Skye Melki-Wegner, at Geolibrarian

Desert Creatures, by Kay Chronister, at  Mouse Reads

The Edge of the Ocean, by L.D. Lapinski, at Charlotte, Somewhere 

Fear Ground, by Jennifer Killick, at Sifa Elizabeth Reads

Field Guide to the Supernatural Universe by Alyson Noel, at  Kiss the Book 

The Girl from Earth's End, by Tara Dairman, at  Log Cabin Library

Into the Faerie Hill, by H S Norup, at Through the Bookshelf

Like a Curse, and Like a Charm, by Elle McNicoll, at Magic Fiction Since Potter: 

No One Leaves the Castle, by Christopher Healy, at Pages Unbound 

The Nowhere Thief, by  Alice M. Ross, at Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books 

One Giant Leap, by Ben Gartner, at  Ms. Yingling Reads

The Rescue of Ravenwood, by Natasha Farrant, at  Book Craic

The Search for Synergy (Talisman 1), by Brett Salter, at Mark My Words: 

The Town with No Mirrors, by Christina Collins,  Ms. Yingling Reads

The Worlds We Leave Behind, by  A.F. Harrold, at Cracking the Cover

Authors and Interviews

"Rick Riordan previews Percy Jackson and Chalice of the Gods" at  EW.com

Lindsay Currie ((It Found Us) at Middle Grade Ninja

Payal Doshi (Rea and the Blood of the Nectar)  Middle-Grade Craft: Insights --  From The Mixed Up Files

Other Good Stuff

Watch the Trailer for The Magician’s Elephant at 100 Scopenotes

This week's round-up of middle grade fantasy and science fiction (2//19/23)

Good morning all!  Here's what I found this week.

The Reviews

Bastille Vs. the Evil Librarians (Alcatraz Vs. the Evil Librarians #6), by Brandon Sanderson and Janci Patterson, at Carstairs Considers

Children of the Quicksands, by Efua Traore, at Mark My Words

The Clackity (Blight Harbor), by Lora Senf, at Mark My Words

Etta Invincible, by Reese Eschmann, at Log Cabin Library

The Grace of Wild Things, by Heather Fawcett, at Cracking the Cover

Into the Windwracked Wilds, by "A. Deborah Baker," at Puss Reboots

Juniper Harvey and the Vanishing Kingdom, by Nina Varela, at Dinipandareads

Like a Curse, and Like a Charm, by Elle McNicoll, at Magic Fiction Since Potter: 

The Magic Hour, by David Wolstencroft, at Scope for Imagination

Midwinter Burning, by Tanya Landman, at Charlotte's Library

The Pearl Hunter, by Miya T. Beck, at Ms. Yingling Reads

Rainbow Grey: Battle for the Skies, by Laura Ellen Anderson at  Bellis Does Books 

Speculation, by Nisi Shawl, at Ms. Yingling Reads: 

The Stickleback Catchers, by Lisette Auton, at Book Craic

Sweep - The Story of a Girl and her Monster, by Jonathan Auxier, at Eustea Reads 

Where the Black Flowers Bloom, by Ronald L. Smith, at  Pages Unbound 

The Whispering Pines (EXIT 13, Book 1), by James Preller, at Ms. Yingling Reads

Willow Moss and the Magic Thief, by Dominique Valente, at Sifa Elizabeth Reads 

Winston Chu vs. the Whimsies, by Stacey Lee, at  A Library Mama

Wretched Waterpark, by Kiersten White, at Pages Unbound

Two at A Library Mama--Children of the Quicksands, by Efua Tratore and Eden’s Everdark, by Karen Strong 

Author and Interviews

Sinéad O’Hart (The Time Tider) at Library Girl and Book Boy

Shawn Peters (Logan Foster and the Shadow of Doubt) at  Literary Rambles

Laurel Snyder (The Witch of Woodland) at Watch. Connect. Read.

Nina Varela (Juniper Harvey and the Vanishing Kingdom) at Writer's Digest 

Other Good Stuff

Congratulations to all the Cybils Awards winners, in particular Mirrorwood, by Deva Fangan in Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative fiction!  If you want to join the fun being an EMG Spec Fic Cybils judge, keep reading the books and keep your eys open for the call for judges later this year!

20 Best Dystopian Books For Tweens, at Imagination Soup 

"The Power of Possibility: How Reading Fantasy and Science Fiction Can Help Your Child Grow" at W. Bradford Swift 

This week's round up of middle grade fantasy and sci fi from around the blogs (2/12/23)

Here's what I found this week; let me know if I missed your post!

The Reviews

Alice the Cat, by Tim Cummings, at Bookworm for Kids

Aranika and the Syamantaka Jewel, by Aparajita Bose at Bookgeeks

The Carrefour Curse, by Diane K. Salerni, at Ms. Yingling Reads (scroll down)

The Dream Hoarder, by David Oates, at Scope for Imagination

Hamra and the Jungle of Memories, by Hanna Alkaf, at Islamic School Librarian

Hummingbird, by Natalie Lloyd, at That's Another Story

The Last Straw, by Margaret Baker, at  Charlotte's Library

Marina and the Kraken (The Mythics #1) by Lauren Magaziner, at  GW Chronicle of the Yawp

Pony, by R.J.Palacio, at Magic Fiction Since Potter

Skyriders by Polly Holyoke, at Mark My Words

 Spark, by Sarah Beth Durst, at Suzanne Warr

The Talent Thief, by Mike Thayer, at Ms. Yingling Reads

The Time Tider, by Sinéad O’Hart, at Sifa Elizabeth Reads  and Scope for Imagination

Winston Chu and the Whimsies, by Stacey Lee, at Ms. Yingling Reads

Authors and Interviews

Brett Salter (The Search For Synergy) at Armed with A Book

Elle McNicoll (Like a Curse) at United By Pop

DaVaun Sanders (Keynan Masters and the Peerless Magic Crew) at Fuse#8

Sinéad O’Hart (The Time Tider) at Book Craic

Mari Lowe (Aviva Vs. the Dybbuk) at Fuse #8

Liz Flanagan (Wildsmith) at Library Girl and Book Boy

Sofiya Pasternack (Black Bird, Blue Road) at From the Mixed-Up Files

This week's round-up of middle grade sci fi and fantasy from around the blogs (2/5/23)

Still have home renovations to do, but they are not pressing and the kids are back at college, so my Sunday round-ups resume!  Please let me know if I missed your post.

The Reviews

The Carrefour Curse, by Dianne K. Salerni, at Valinora Troy

Elsewhere Girls, by Emily Gale and Nova Weetman, at Charlotte's Library

Haarville, by Justin Davies, at Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

The Healing Star, by A. Kidd, at Children's Books Heal 

Kelcie Murphy and the Hunt for the Heart of Danu, by Erika Lewis, at Log Cabin Library: 

Loki: A Bad God's Guide to Being Good, by Louie Stowell, at Kiss the Book

Lonely Castle In The Mirror, by Mizuki Tsujimura, at Mouse Reads

Nothing Interesting Ever Happens to Ethan Fairmont, by Nick Brooks, at  Bookworm for Kids

The Pearl Hunter, by  Miya T. Beck, at Cracking the Cover 

The Song Walker, by Zillah Bethell, at Book Craic

The Storm Swimmer, by Clare Weze, at Scope for Imagination

Valentine Crow and Mr. Death, by Jenni Spangler, at Magic Fiction Since Potter

Warriors: A Starless Clan: Sky (#2), by Erin Hunter, at Ms. Yingling Reads

Willow Moss & the Vanished Kingdom (Starfell #3), by Dominique Valente, at Mark My Words

Windswept, by Margi Preus, at Redeemed Reader

Winnie Zeng Unleashes a Legend, by Katie Zhao, at A Library Mama

Where the Black Flowers Bloom, by Ronald L. Smith, at Ms. Yingling Reads

Two at The Book Search--The Grace of Wild Things, by Heather Fawcett, and Where the Black Flowers Bloom, by Ronald L. Smith

Authors and Interviews

Mark Leiknes (Quest Kids series), at Smack Dab in the Middle

Other Good Stuff

 What's new in the UK, at Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

this week's middle grade sci fi/fantasy round-up (1/15/23)

Morning all!  Rather shattered this morning, because my youngest's plans for a ride home from carousing the city feel through (not exactly his fault), and I had to go out in the small  hours of the morning....so it is perhaps more urgent than usual to ask if I missed your post (also Bloglovin is like a very old hamster who is mangy and not eating and no use at all to me most weeks....and Feedly hasn't quite filled the void for me yet...)

Aviva vs. the Dybbuk, by Mari Lowe, at  Heavy Medal 

The Bookshop at the Back of Beyond, by Amy Sparks, at Valinora Troy

The Clackity by Lara Senf, at Susan Uhlig

Diary of a Martian: The Discovery, by  Stephen B. Haunts, at The Childrens Bookreview

The Marvellers, by Dhonielle Clayton, at Sifa Elizabeth Reads 

The Night Animals, by Sarah Ann Juckes. at Book Craic

The Ogress and the Orphans, by Kelly Barnhill, at  Heavy Medal 

Princess of the Wild Sea, by Megan Frazer Blakemore,  Ms. Yingling Reads: 

The Rabbit's Gift, by Jessica Vitalis, at  Say What?

 A Rover's Story, by Jasmine Warga, at Redeemed Reader

Stellarlune (Keeper of the Lost Cities), by Shannon Messenger, at Children's Books Heal 

The Unforgettable Logan Foster and the Shadow of Doubt, by Shawn Peters, at Always in the Middle… 

Valentine Crow and Mr Death, by Jenni Spangler, at Scope for Imagination

Winnie Zeng Unleashes a Legend, by Katie Zhao, at Kiss the Book

World Made of Glass, by Ami Polonsky, at  Ms. Yingling Reads: 

Two at  Falling Letters -- Kiki Kallira Breaks A Kingdom and Amari and the Night Brothers 

Authors and Interviews

Roseanne A. Brown (Serwa Boateng's Guide to Vampire Hunting) at Middle Grade Ninja

Shawn Peters (The Unforgettable Logan Foster and the Shadow of Doubt) at Teen Lbrarian Toolbox)

Other Good Stuff

Whats new in the UK, at Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books 

I compiled a list of the mg sci fi/fantasy debuts of 2023

Middle grade sci fi and fantasy from around the blogs (1/8/23)

Welcome to the first round-up of 2023, with no thanks to bloglovin, so please let me know if I missed your post!

The Reviews

Eden's Everdark, by Karen Strong, at Say What?

Edie and the Box of Flits, by Kate Wilkinson, at Twirling Book Princess

Every Bird a Prince, by Jenn Reese, at Puss Reboots

Harley Hitch and the Fossil Mystery, by Vashti Hardy, at  Book Craic

Haroun & the Sea of Stories, by Salman Rushdie, at Colorful Book Reviews  

How to Heal a Gryphon, by Meg Cannistra, PBC's Book Reviews  

The Lost Ryū, by Emi Watanabe Cohen, at  Charlotte's Library

Monster Hunting: Monsters Bite Back, by Ian Mark, at Book Craic

Ravenfall, by Kalyn Josephson, at Kiss the Book 

Saving Neverland, by Abi Elphinstone, at Sifa Elizabeth Reads  and Book Craic

Spell Sweeper, by Lee Edward Födi, at Falling Letters 

Vampiric Vacation, by Kiersten White, at Books Teacup and Reviews

Wild Song, by Candy Gourlay, at Magic Fiction Since Potter

Other Good Stuff

In case you missed it, here's this year's Cybils Awards Elementary/Middle Grade Spec fic shortlist

(Of interest primarily to me, but the round-up is light this week....) My favorite middle grade books of 2022, at Charlotte's Library

this week's round-up of middle grade sci fi and fantasy from around the blogs (12/18/22)

Here's this week's round-up; I hope you find something to enjoy and as always please let me know if I missed your post!

The Reviews

Dragon Realm books 1-3 by Katie Tsang and Kevin Tsang, at Charlotte's Library

The Fire Star, by A. L. Tait. at  BooksYALove

From Spare Oom to War Drobe: Travels in Narnia with my Nine-year-old Self, by Katherine Langrish, at Books For Keeps

Futureland: Battle for the Park, by H.D. Hunter, illustrated by Khadijah Khatib, at Books Teacup and Reviews 

Handbook for Dragon Slayers, by Merrie Haskell, at Colorful Book Reviews 

Hummingbird, by Natalie Lloyd, at A Kids Book A Day

The Lords of Night (Shadow Bruja 1) by J.C. Cervantes, at 

The Lost Ryu, by Emi Watanabe Cohen, at  BooksYALove

Moon Flower, by Kacen Callender, at  Kiss the Book 

Oculum Echo, by Philippa Dowding, at Always in the Middle…  

Shad Hadid and the Alchemists of Alexandria. by George Jreije, at Log Cabin Library: 

Sky Born, by Sinead O’Hart, at Valinora Troy

Authors and Interviews

Katharine Orton (Mountainfell), at  Peters

Valinora Troy (The Lucky Diamond) at Hayley Reese Chow

Dan Smith (The Terror of Hilltop House) at Scope for Imagination

this week's round-up of middle grade fantasy and science fiction (12/11/22)

Welcome to this weeks' round-up!  bloglovin didn't cooperate with me this week, so I probably missed things; let me know!

The Reviews

Along the Saltwise Sea, by "A. Deborah Baker", at  Puss Reboots

Artemis Sparke and the Sound Seekers Brigade, by Kimberly Behre Kenna, at Log Cabin Library

Empty Smiles, by Katherine Arden, at Puss Reboots 

The Enchanted Sonata, by Heather Dixon, at Faith Elizabeth Hough

Game Over, by M.C. Ross, at  Ms. Yingling Reads

Haven: A Small Cat's Big Adventure, by Megan Wagner Lloyd, at Redeemed Reader

Map of Flames (The Forgotten Five #1), by Lisa McMann, at Say What?

The Rat Queen, by Pete Hautman, at Say What?

Serwa Boateng's Guide to Vampire Hunting, by Roseanne A. Brown, narrated by Soneela Nankani, at  Sharon the Librarian (audiobook review)

The Sleeping Stones, by Beatrice Wallbank, at Valinora Troy

The Song Walker by Zillah Bethell, at Magic Fiction Since Potter

Strangeville School Is Totally Normal, by Darcy Miller, at Twirling Book Princess

This Appearing House, by  Ally Malinenko, at Lit Addiction

Unseen Magic, by Emily Lloyd -Jones, at Puss Reboots 

Two at Charlotte's Library--Ruby Finley vs. the Interstellar Invasion, by K. Tempest Bradford, and Nothing Interesting Ever Happens to Ethan Fairmont, by Nick Brooke

Authors and Interviews

L.D. Lapinski (The Secrets of the Stormforest) at the Kirkus podcast

George Jreije (Shad Hadid and the Alchemists of Alexandria) at The National News

Getting Storyshaped With M.G. Leonard | Storyshaped on Acast

Other Good Stuff

Kirkus presents its list of Best Middle Grade Fantasy

A list of MG fantasy favorites for an Australian bookseller (Readings) --some familiar ones, but always interesting to see books that aren't out here in the US!

And a best of 2022 from one of my favorite UK bloggers, Magic Fiction Since Potter

This week's round up of middle grade fantasy and sci fi from around the blogs (12/4/22)

 Welcome to this week's round-up!  I myself spent considerable time this week hunting for Target's Christmas birds (shown below, on one of my many tbr piles), which has brought me much joy (the hunt as much as the acquiring), and of course reading, though not so much reviewing...hopefully this coming week I will do more of that!  As always, please let me know if I missed your post!

The Reviews

The Blameless (The Blameless Series 1) by E.S. Christison, at Say What?

Castle Redstone (Minecraft), by Sarwat Chadda, at  Ms. Yingling Reads

The Clackity, by Lora Senf, at alibrarymama

Cress Watercress, by Gregory Maguire, at Children's Books Heal  

Etta Invincible by Reese Eschmann, at alibrarymama

Grimwood, by Nadia Shireen, at Twirling Book Princess

Say What?: The Islands of Iros by L.M. Bracklow (buxfantasy.blogspot.com)

Book Review: Knights of the Borrowed Dark – Valinora Troy

The Last Kids on Earth and the Forbidden Fortress, by Max Brallier, illustrated by Douglas Holgate, at  Always in the Middle… 

A Long Way from Home, by Laura Schaefer, at Charlotte's Library

The Midnight Guardians, by Ross Montgomery, at Scope for Imagination

The Mummy's Curse, by M. A. Bennett, at  Sifa Elizabeth Reads 

The Rat Queen, by Pete Hautman, at Redeemed Reader

A Rover's Story, by Jasmine Warga, at Redeemed Reader

Swift & Hawk: Cyberspies, by Logan Macx, at  Ms. Yingling Reads

Villains Academy, by  Ryan Hammond, at Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books 

Wildsmith: Into the Dark Forest, by Liz Flanagan, at Book Craic

Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor, by Xiran Jay Zhao, at Locus Online 

Three at alibrarymama-- Goblin Market, Bookshop of Dust and Dreams, and Water, Water 

Other Good Stuff

The best children’s books of 2022 | Picture books | The Guardian

The Best Books to Read After Harry Potter (thechildrensbookreview.com)

Midwinter magic: Robert Macfarlane on the enduring power of The Dark Is Rising, at  The Guardian

 

This week's round up of middle grade fantasy and sci fi from around the blogs (11/20/22)

Here's what I found this week; let me know if I missed your post!

The Reviews

The Captain’s Daughters, by Doreen D. Berger, at Hayley Reese Chow

Children of the Stone City, by Beverley Naidoo, at  Say What?

 Crater Lake Evolution, Jennifer Killick, at  Sifa Elizabeth Reads  

Daughter of the Deep, by Rick Riordan, at The Children's Book Review  

The Jellyfish Jailbreak (Alessia in Atlantis 2) by Nathalie Laine, at Say What?

The Notorious Scarlett and Browne, by Jonathan Stroud, at Say What? 

Pahua and the Soul Stealer, by Lori M. Lee,  at The Children's Book Review   

Paola Santiago and the Sanctuary of Shadows, by Tehlor Kay Mejia, at Puss Reboots

Phoenix and the Frost Palace  (Fireborn #2), by Aisling Fowler, at Bellis Does Books

The Rabbit's Gift, by Jessica Vitalis, at Always in the Middle…  

Raggedy-Chan & Nine-Tail Fox, by Camille Picott, at Valinora Troy

A Rover’s Story, by Jasmine Warga, at Semicolon  

The Savage Fortress by Sarwat Chadda, at proseandkahn

Spell Sweeper, by Lee Edward Födi, at alibrarymama

Water, Water, by Cary Fagan, illustrated by Jon McNaught, at Charlotte's Library

Authors and Interviews

Katharine Orton (Mountainfell) Library Girl and Book Boy and Scope for Imagination

Roseanne A. Brown  (Serwa Boateng’s Guide to Vampire Hunting), at United By Pop

Other Good Stuff

OGRESS vs. MAPMAKER: Battle of the Fantasies, at  Heavy Medal

32 Black Mermaid Books for Children & Teenagers, at Colours of Us

this week's round-up of middle grade fantasy and sci fi from around the blogs etc. (11/13/22)

Hi all, here's what I found this week. As ever, please let me know if I missed your post!

The Reviews

The Best-Kept Secret, by Emily Rodda, at Charlotte's Library

Black Bird, Blue Road by Sofiya Pasternack, at Redeemed Reader

The Clackity by Lora Senf, at Book Den

Embassy of the Dead- Destiny Calling, by Will Mabbitt, at Say What?

The Fireflies’ Champion (Guardian Angels United 1) by Amy Mirashi, at Say What?

The Frost Fair, by Natasha Hastings, at Bookbugworld and The Strawberry Post

Knock Three Times, by Cressida Cowell, at  Fantasy Literature

Mortimer: Rat Race to Space, by Joan Marie Galet, at Always in the Middle…  

The Mummy’s Curse by M.A. Bennett, illustrated by David Dean, at V'sViewfromtheBookshelves  

Odder, by Katherine Applegate,at  Geo Librarian

Omega Morales and the Legend of La Lechuza, by Laekan Zea Kemp, at Charlotte's Library

Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston, by Esme Symes-Smith, at The Nerd Daily and Mombian

A Storm of Sisters, by Michelle Harrison, at  Valinora Troy

The Time Tider, by Sinéad O’Hart, at (bookwormhole.co.uk)

Twiggy Thistle and the Lost Guardians, by Chris Riddell, at Magic Fiction Since Potter and  Library Girl and Book Boy

Two at Ms. Yingling Reads-- The Frost Fair, by Natasha Hastings, and  The Worst Villain Ever, by Amy Bearce 

Authors and Interviews

Esme Symes-Smith (Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston), at The Nerd Daily

Caris Avendaño Cruz (Marikit and the Ocean of Stars), at The Happy Writer podcast

Other Good Stuff

The best middle grade books with witches as heroes, compiled by Karah Sutton, author of A Wolf for a Spell at shepherd.com

New Children's Book Picks November 2022 - UK, at  Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books 

The Best Middle Grade Fantasy Series to Discover Right Now (bookriot.com)

This week's round-up of mg fantasy and sci fi from around the blogs (11/6/22)

A light week of links; Bloglovin wasn't working for me and so I doubless missed many posts (please let me know if I missed yours!).  Nothing from me, because even though I have read lots of books I have been frantically trying to get five windows ready to go back into place before winter comes....

The Reviews

Amari and the Great Game, by B.B. Alston, at  Always in the Middle…  and Valinora Troy

Crater Lake, by Jennifer Killick at Sifa Elizabeth Reads 

The Doll in the Garden by Mary Downing Hahn, at Book Den

The Extradimensional Reappearance of Mars Patel (Mars Patel 3), by Sheela Chari, at Say What?

Freddie vs. the Family Curse, by Tracy Badua, at alibrarymama

The Frost Fair | By Natasha Hastings, at Bookbugworld

The Last Mapmaker, by Christina Soontornvat, at proseandkahn (audiobook review)

Leo's Map of Monsters: The Frightmare and The Shrieking Serpent by Kris Humphrey, illustrations by Pete Williamson, at Log Cabin Library

Moongarden, by Michelle A. Barry, at  Cracking the Cover

Ravenfall by Kalyn Josephson | alibrarymama

Rise of the School for Good and Evil, by Soman Chainani, at Say What?

The Switch, by Roland C. Smith, at Ms. Yingling Reads

Authors and Interviews

R.L. Stine (Pt. II) at The Yarn

Dan Poblocki (Tales to Keep You Up at Night) at  Middle Grade Ninja

this week's round up of middle grade fantasy and sci fi (10/30/22)

Good morning!  Here's what I found this week; please let me know if I missed your post.

The Reviews

Amari and the Great Game, by B. B. Alston, at Pages Unbound 

Battle of the Beast, by Jack Meggitt-Phillips, at Sifa Elizabeth Reads

The Chestnut Roaster, by Eve McDonnell, at Book Craic

Daybreak on Raven Island, by Fleur Bradley, at YABookNerd

Emba Oak and the Terrible Tomorrows, by Jenny Moore, at Book Craic

Fourth of July on Monster Mountain, by Clark Roberts, at Briar's Reviews 

Into the Glades, by Laura Sebastian at Cracking the Cover and Butler's Pantry

Izzy at the End of the World by K.A. Reynolds at  Say What?

 The Thing At Black Hole Lake, by Dashe Roberts, at Check ‘Em Out Books  

Quest Kids and the Dragon Pants of Gold by Mark Leiknes, at Bookworm for Kids and Cracking the Cover

The Rabbit's Gift, by Jessica Vitalis, at Charlotte's Library

Saving Neverland, by Abi Elphinstone, at Scope for Imagination

Tyger by SF Said, illustrated Dave McKean, at Magic Fiction Since Potter

Windswept, by Margi Preus, at Teen Librarian Toolbox

Four at Feed Your Fiction Addiction--Skandar and the Unicorn Thief, Valentina Salazar Is Not a Monster Hunter, As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow, and I Cannot Draw a Horse

 

Authors and Interviews

Jessica Vitalis (The Rabbit's Gift), at Smack Dab in the Middle and diyMFA podcast

George Jreije (Shad Hadid and the Alchemists of Alexandria) at Literary Rambles

Laura Sebastian (Into the Glades) at Nerdy Book Club

Amy Herrick (The Tiltersmith) at Mom Read It

Eve McDonnell  (The Chestnut Roaster) at Mr Ripleys Enchanted Books

Other Good Stuff

8 Eerie Books for Middle Grade Readers, at alibrarymama

Halloween Reads (ages 7+) at Library Girl and Book Boy