this week's roundup of middle grade fantasy and sci fi from around the blogs (10/1/23)

Happy October!  Today is the first day of the Cybils Awards nominating period--nominating books is a great way to show love for them.  Eligible books are those published between Oct 16 2022 and Oct 15 2023;  I've starred the books in today's round up that are eligible.....as always, let me know if I missed your post!

The Reviews

*Alex Wise vs the End of the World by Terry J. Benton-Walker, at  Take Me Away…

Baby Unicorns (The Magical Unicorn Society #3), by Anne Marie Ryan, at Twirling Book Princess 

*Book of Screams, by Jeff Szpirglas,  and Steven B. Hughes,  (illus.). at Ms. Yingling Reads

Dragon Force – Infinity’s Secret, by Katie and Kevin Tsang, at Valinora Troy

Dreamweavers: Night of the Scary Fairies , by  Annabelle Sami, at  Book Craic

Eedoo: Book 1 (Eedoo Trilogy 1) by W.W. Rowe, at Mark My Words

In the Shadow of the Wolf Queen (Geomancer Book 1), by Kiran Millwood Hargrave, at Book Craic

Island of Whispers, by Frances Hardinge, illustrated Emily Gravett, at Magic Fiction Since Potter

*Kingdom Over the Sea, by Zohra Nabi, at A Library Mama

*The Lost Library, by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass, at Redeemed Reader

*Nightmare King, by Daka Hermon, at Ms. Yingling Reads

*Perfect Villains (Bad Princesses #1) by Jennifer Torres, at She's Got Books on Her Mind 

Podkin and the Singing Spear (The World of Podkin One-Ear #7), by Kieran Larwood, at  Book Craic

*Princess Betony and the Unicorn, by Pamela Freeman, illustrated by Tamsin Ainslie, at Log Cabin Library

*Rewind, by Lisa Graff, at Charlotte's Library

River of Crows (The Arcanium #1) by N.P. Thompson, at Mark My Words

*Scream for the Camera (Graveyard Girls #2), by Lisi Harrison and Daniel Kraus, at Bookworm for Kids 

*Serwa Boateng's Guide to Witchcraft and Mayhem, by Roseanne A. Brown, narrated by Soneela Nankani, at Sharon the Librarian (audiobook review)

The Silver Road, Sinéad O’Hart, at  Sifa Elizabeth Reads  

*Vivian Van Tassel and the Secret of Midnight Lake, by Michael Witwer, at The Miramichi Reader and  Bookworm for Kids

What Came From the Stars, by Gary D. Schmidt, at Redeemed Reader

Two at Ms. Yingling Reads--*Zombie Season, by Justin Weinberger, and *Arazan's Wolves (Ranger's Apprentice: The Royal Ranger, #6), by John Flanagan

Three more at Ms. Yingling Reads--*The Shape of Time, by Ryan Calejo,  *The Longest Night in Egypt (The Shadow Prince #2), by David Anthony Durham,  and *The Memory Thieves (The Marvellers #2), by Dhonielle Clayton

Two featuring indigenous tweens at SLJ--*Tiger Lily and the Secret Treasure of Neverland, by Cherie Dimaline, and *The Storyteller, by Brandon Hobson

Authors and Interviews

Peter Brown (The Wild Robot Trilogy) at The Yarn podcast

Other Good Stuff

Coming Soon(ish): The Wild Robot Animated Film, via  100 Scope Notes 

18 Zombie Books for Kids & Teens, at Literacious

This week's round-up of middle grade fantasy and sci fi from around the blogs (9/17/23)

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

Nominations for the Cybils Awards open October 1st!  Any kids/YA book published in the US or Canada between Oct 16 2022 and Oct 15 2023 is eligible.  There are lots of categories, including Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction; I've stared the reviews of eligible books in this week's round-up.  Anyone can nominate 1 book in each category--it's a great way to show book love.

The Reviews

*Beneath the Swirling Sky, by Carolyn Leiloglou, at Redeemed Reader

*Between Monsters and Marvels, by Alyssa Wishingrad, at Ms. Yingling Reads and The Story Sanctuary

*The Demon Sword Asperides, by Sarah Jean Horwitz, at Charlotte's Library

*The Dreamatics, by Michelle Cuevas, at Mark My Words

*The Fall of the House of Tatterly, by Shanna Miles, at Log Cabin Library

Hedgewitch, by Skye McKenna, at Laura's Bookish Life

Hush-A-Bye, by Jody Lee Mott, at  Kiss the Book 

Impossible Creatures, by Katherine Rundell, at Bellis Does Books  

Infinity's Secret, by Katie and Kevin Tsang, at Sifa Elizabeth Reads 

*The Lion of Lark-Hayes Manor, by Aubrey Hartman, at PBC's Book Reviews 

*The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass, at Kiss the Book and Completely Full Bookshelf

The Marvellers, by Dhonielle Clayton, at Puss Reboots 

The Night Raven (The Moonwind Mysteries), by Johan Rundberg, at Mark My Words

*Nugly, by N.C. Ross, at Ms. Yingling Reads

*Project F, by Jeanne DuPrau, at Mark My Words

Scareground, by Angela Kecojevic, at Scope for Imagination and Bookbugworld

The Secret of the Blood-Red Key, by David Farr, at Book Craic

Shiver Point: It Came From the Woods, by Gabriel Dylan, at Book Craic

*Skandar and the Phantom Rider, by A. F. Steadman, at Pages Unbound

Skrimsli, by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Jackie Morris (Illustrator), at Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books 

*Totally Psychic, by Brigid Martin, at She's Got Books on Her Mind 

*Whispering Pines: Extinction, by Heidi Lang and Kati Bartkowski, at Bookworm for Kids

The Whistlers in the Dark, by Victoria Williamson, at  The Inquisitive Newt, and Valinora Troy

Two at Ms. Yingling Reads:  *Nimbus by Jan Elderdge, and *Extinction (Whispering Pines #4) by Heidi Lang and Kati Bartkowski

Two more at Ms. Yingling Reads: *Camp Sylvania, by Julie Murphy, and *Serwa Boateng's Guide to Witchcraft and Mayhem, by Roseanne Brown

Authors and Interviews

Landra Jennings (Wand), at From the Mixed Up Files

E.M. Greville (*Raine in the Underlands: The Lorekeepers) at Just Kids' Lit

Claribel A. Ortega (*The Golden Frog Games), at PBS Books | Author Talk:

this week's round-up of middle grade fantasy and sci fi from around the blogs (9/10/23)

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

The Reveiws

The Bravest Warrior in Nefaria, by Adi Alsaid, at Bookworm for Kids, Mark My Words and The Story Sanctuary

Bubba and Squirt's City of Bones, by Sherry Ellis, at Bookworm for Kids: 

Changeling (The Oddmire #1), by William Ritter, at  Eustea Reads 

The Cursed Moon, by Angela Cervantes, at Geo Librarian and Ms. Yingling Reads

Deephaven, by Ethan M. Aldridge, at The Story Sanctuary

Extra Normal, by Kate Alice Marshall, at Mark My Words

 Finch House, by Ciera Burch, at Charlotte's Library

It Found Us, by Linday Currie, at megsbookrack  and at Ms. Yingling Reads (with three other mini reviews)

Medusa, by Katherine Marsh, at Mark My Words

 Tapper Watson and the Quest for the Nemo Machine, by Claire Fayers, at  Book Craic 

two at Sifa Elizabeth Reads -- The Raven Riddle and The Weather Well, by Vashti Hardy

Authors and Interviews

 Roshani Chokshi (The Spirit Glass) at The Nerd Daily

 Claire Fayers (Tapper Watson and the Quest for the Nemo Machine) at Book Craic and Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books (mrripleysenchantedbooks.com)

 Lindsay Currie (It Found Us) at From The Mixed Up Files

Alysa Wishingrad (Bewteen Monsters and Marvels) at From The Mixed Up Files

 Ciera Burch (Finch House) at MG Book Village

Michael Witwer  (Vivian Van Tassel and the Secret of Midnight Lake) at The Nerd Daily

Other Good Stuff

10 Reasons I Love Middle Grade Spooky Books - From The Mixed Up Files

This week's round-up of mg sci fi and fantasy (9/3/23)

 Here's what I found this week, from before my computer crashed and I lost a lot of edits, including all the links I got from my customary google search. sigh.

I've put stars next to all the books that are eligible for this year's Cybils Awards, and if you want to read them all, and why would you not, come be an elementary/middle grade speculative fiction panelist this year!  Here's where you go to apply.

The Reviews

*Bad Grains (The Order of the Strawberry Circle #1), by Susanne Schmidt, at Mark My Words

Bridget Vanderpuff and the Ghost Train, by Martin Stewart, at Scope for Imagination

*Elf Dog and Owl Head, by M.T. Anderson, at Puss Reboots

*The Girl Who Fell to Earth, by Patricia Forde, at Mark My Words

*A Horse Named Sky, by Rosanne Perry, at Always in the Middle… 

Kid Christmas and the Claus Brothers Toy Store, by David Litchfield, at Scope for Imagination

*Lei and the Fire Goddess, by Malia Maunakea, at PBC's Book Reviews

*The Lost Library, by Rebecca Stead & Wendy Mass, at Cracking the Cover

Nightshade Revenge, by Anthony Horowitz, at Vicky's Never Ending TBR 

*Starboard, by Nicola Skinner, at Redeemed Reader

The Stupendous Sonny, by Ellie Clements, at Book Craic

Two at The Book Search--*Nimbus, by Jan Eldredge, and *The Dark Lord's Daughter, by Patricia C. Wrede

Six at Ms. Yingling Reads--

    *The Secret of the Dragon Gems, by Rajani LaRocca and Chris Baron

    *Tessa Miyata is No Hero, by Julia Abe

    *Extra Normal, by Kate Alice Marshall

    *West of the Sea, by Stephanie Willing

    *Totally Psychic, by Brigid Martin

    *Vivian Van Tassel and the Secret of Midnight Lake, by Michael Witwer

Authors and Interviews

Ciera Burch (*Finch House) at  From The Mixed Up Files

Rosanne Perry (*A Horse Named Sky) at From The Mixed Up Files

Kekla Magoon (The Secret Library) at Fuse #8

Wendy Mass & Rebecca Stead (*The Lost Library) at Fuse #8

Other Good Stuff

Artist: Known — Illustrator for 'A Wrinkle in Time' gets long-overdue credit | Endless Thread (wbur.org)

This week's round up of middle grade fantasy and sci fi from around the blogs (8/27/23)

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

first--it's Cybils Time!  please consider reading Elementary/middle grade sci fi and fantasy with me this year (or applying for another category....).  It really is lots of fun, and I would love to welcome new folks!

The Reviews

Abeni’s Song, by P. Djèlí Clark, at Locus Online  

 Beadbonny Ash, by Winifred Finlay, at Charlotte's Library

Clarity Jones and the Magical Detective Agency, by Chris Smith, at Book Craic

Disconnected, by Riley Cross, at Carol Baldwin's Blog

Gossamer Summer, by H.M. Bouwman, at Mark My Words

Grayling’s Song, by Karen Cushman., at Pages Unbound 

Izzy Hoffman is Not a Witch, by Alyssa Alessi, at Mark My Words

Kevin the Vampire: A Most Mysterious Monster, by Matt Brown, at Valinora Troy

Mermedusa, by Thomas Taylor, at Vicky's Never Ending TBR 

 Molly and the Mutants (Far Flung Falls #2), by Eric Jon Slangerup, at Ms. Yingling Reads:

Read, Scream, Repeat, curated by Jennifer Killick, at Scope for Imagination

Rewind, by Lisa Graff, at Ms. Yingling Reads

Scariest. Book. Ever. (Goosebumps House of Shivers 1), by R.L. Stine, at Mark My Words: 

Terra Ultima: The Discovery of a Hidden Continent, by Raoul Deleo, at Library Girl and Book Boy

Too Many Interesting Things Are Happening To Ethan Fairmont, by Nick Brooks, at Bookworm for Kids

Totally Psychic, by Brigid Martin, at Cracking the Cover 

A War of Wizards by Margaret Storey, at Staircase Wit  

The Wrath of the Woolington Wyrm, by Karen Foxlee, at Book Craic

Yesterday Crumb and the Storm in a Teacup, by Andy Sagar, at  Laura's Bookish Life  

The Unsuper Adventures of Norma, by Mark Svartz, at  Log Cabin Library

Authors and Interviews

Patricia C. Wrede (The Dark Lord's Daughter) at Publishers Weekly 

Julie Abe (Tessa Miyata is No Hero) at Readers Digest

Emma Greville (Raine in the Underlands), at Kids' Book Review

Two at A Library Mama --  Ghosts, Toast, and Other Hazards, by Susan Tan, and Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind, by Misa Siguira |

Other Good Stuff

"Middle Grade Inspired by Folk & Fairy Tales" at Literacious

This week's round-up of middle grade fantasy and sci fi from around the blogs (8/13/2023)

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

The Reviews

Deadly Deep, by Jennifer Killick, at Scope for Imagination

 Estranged, by Ethan Aldridge, at Pages Unbound

Field of Screams, by Wendy Parris, at Ms. Yingling Reads 

The Fox’s Tower (Wolfstongue 2), by Sam Thompson, at  Mark My Words

Gallowgate , by K.R. Alexander, at Ms. Yingling Reads 

The Ghost Job, by Greg van Eekhout, at Mark My Words

Great Texas Dragon Race, by Kacy Ritter, at Cracking the Cover

The Girl in White, by Lindsay Currie, at Geo Librarian 

Hamra and the Jungle of Memories, by Hanna Alkaf, at PBC's Book Reviews 

 Hansel & Gretel, by Neil Gaiman, at Mark My Words:

The Ice Children, by M.G. Leonard, at Scope for Imagination

The Lost Library, by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass, ar Log Cabin Library

The McNifficents, by Amy Mckechnie, at Redeemed Reader

Meesh the Bad Demon, by Michelle Lam, at Vicky's Never Ending TBR 

Mia and the Traitor of Nubis, by Janelle McCurdy, illustrated by Ana Latese, at Book Craic

Mr Tiger, Betsy, and the Golden Sea Horse, by Sally Gardner, at Sifa Elizabeth Reads

Quest Kids and the Dark Prophecy of Doug, by Mark Leiknes, at Bookworm for Kids 

The Raven Throne, by Stephanie Burgis, at Cracking the Cover and The Story Sanctuary

Shiver Point: It Came from the Woods, by Gabriel Dylan, at Library Girl and Book Boy

Wider than the Sea, by Serena Molloy, at Valinora Troy

The Wrath of the Blob, by Dashe Roberts, at Book Craic

Two at The Breadcrumb Forest: Crookhaven: The Forgotten Maze, by J.J. Arcanjo, and Ember Shadows and the Lost Deserts of Time, by Rebecca King

Four at Ms. Yingling Reads:  Grumbones, by Jenn Bennett, The Raven Throne (The Raven Heir #2), by Stephanie Burgis, The Nameless Witch (Devouring Wolf #2), by Natalie C. Parker, and The Fury of the Dragon Goddess (Adventures of Sik Aziz #2), by Sarwat Chadda

Authors and Interviews

Elf Dog LaRue: A Guest Post by M.T. Anderson, at Fuse #8

Refe Tuma (Frances and the Werewolves of the Black Forest) at MG Book Village

Other Good Stuff

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

If you love reading mg sci fi/fantasy (which you probably are if you are reading this), you would love being a Cybils Awards panelist in the Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction category, and I, in my role of category chair, would love to welcome new folks! The Call for Judges begins on 8/21/2023 and runs through 9/8/2023.  Please let me know if you have any questions..

this week's round-up of middle grade fantasy and science fiction (8/6/2023)

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

The Reviews

Batu and the Search for the Golden Cup, by Zira Nauryzbai and Lilya Kalaus, at Always in the Middle…  Cracking the Cover, and Geo Librarian.

Dead Good Detectives Ghost Rescue, by Jenny McLachlan, illustrated by Chloe Dominique, at Book Craic

Elf Dog and Owl Head, by M.T. Anderson, at Semicolon 

 Elsetime, by Eve McDonnell, at Valinora Troy

The Eyes and the Impossible, by Dave Eggers, at Redeemed Reader

The Golden Frog Games, by Claribel A. Ortega, at Puss Reboots 

The Great Texas Dragon Race, by |Kacy Ritter, at Always in the Middle… , The Story Sanctuary, and Ms. Yingling Reads

Hansel and Gretel, by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Lorenzo Mattotti, at Sharon the Librarian: 

The Improbable Tales of Baskerville Hall Book 1, by Ali Standish, at Mark My Words

Kelcie Murphy and the Hunt for the Heart of Danu, by Erika Lewis, at Cracking the Cover

The Last Elder King, by D.B. Collins, at YA Books Central

The Light Thieves Search for the Black Mirror, by Helena Duggan, illustrated by Katie Kear, at Book Craic and Vicky's Never Ending TBR 

The Sinister Secrets of Singe, by Sean Ferrell, at Mark My Words

Skellig 25th Anniversary Edition by David Almond, illustrated by Tom de Freston, at Magic Fiction Since Potter

The Spaces In Between (Exit 13 #2), by James Preller, illustrated by Kevin Keele, at Ms. Yingling Reads 

(Super Secret) Octagon Valley Society, by Melissa de la Cruz, at Mark My Words

Mr Tiger, Betsy, and the Sea Dragon, by Sally Gardner, at Sifa Elizabeth Reads 

A Vanishing of Griffins, by S.A. Patrick, at Log Cabin Library

Willodeen, by Katherine Applegate, at Book Craic

Authors and Interviews

Julie Abe (Tessa Miyata Is No Hero) at The Nerd Daily

Kacy Ritter (The Great Texas Dragon Race) at Mindy McGinnis

Katrina Leno (The Umbrella Maker's Son), at Smack Dab in the Middle

Wendy Parris (Field of Screams) at From The Mixed Up Files

Frantz Charles (New Watchers: The Dead Sea Scroll) at Literary Titan

This week's round-up of middle grade sci fi and fantasy from around the blogs (7/30/2023)

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

The Reviews

Alex Neptune: Monster Avenger, by David Owen, at Book Craic

The Area 51 Files, by Julie Buxbaum and Lavanya Naidu, at Kiss the BOOK

Batu and the Search for the Golden Cup, by Zira Nauryzbai, Lilya Kalaus, translated by Shelley Fairweather-Vega, at Log Cabin Library 

Bob vs the Selfie Zombies, by Andy Jones, at Twirling Book Princess

Brick Dust and Bones, by M.R. Fournet, at Ms. Yingling Reads

 Carnival of the Spider, by Kieran Larwood, illustrated by Sam Usher, at Book Craic

The Cat Half-Eleven, by Kevin Blakeslee, at Pages and Paws

The Chaos Monster (Secrets of the Sky), by Sayantani DasGupta, at Ms. Yingling Reads

The Destiny of Minou Moonshine, by Gita Ralleigh, at Scope for Imagination and Charlotte's Library

Devin Drake and the Family Secret, by R.M. Clark, at Bookworm for Kids

Finding Bear, by Hannah Gold, at Magic Fiction Since Potter 

A Game of Fox and Squirrels, by Jenn Reese, at Pages Unbound 

The Great Texas Dragon Race, by Kacy Ritter, at Pages Unbound 

Hansel and Gretel, by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Lorenzo Mattotti, at Twirling Book Princess

Into the Shadow Mist (Legends of Lotus Island #2), by Christina Soontornvat, at Ms. Yingling Reads

Interdimensional Explorers, by Lorraine Gregory, at Sifa Elizabeth Reads 

International House of Dereliction, by Jacqueline Davies, at Cracking the Cover

Kelcie Murphy and the Hunt for the Heart of Danu, by Erika Lewis, at Always in the Middle…  and Charlotte's Library

The Memory Thieves, by Dhonielle Clayton, at Mark My Words

Odwar vs. the Shadow Queen, by Shiko Nguru, at Mark My Words

The Puppets of Spelhorst, by Kate DiCamillo, at Mark My Words

The Storm and the Minotaur, by Lucy Strange, at Valinora Troy

Thomas Creeper and the Purple Corpse, by J.R. Potter, at  Bookworm for Kids 

Winnie Zeng Vanquishes a King (Winnie Zen #2), by Katie Zhao, at  Kiss the Book

Three at  A Library Mama--The Carrefour Curse by Dianne K. Salerni, The Rhythm of Time by Questlove and S.A. Cosby, and A Spoonful of Time by Flora Ahn

Authors and Interviews

 Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass (The Lost Library), at Publishers Weekly 

Erika Lewis (Kelcie Murphy and the Hunt for the Heart of Danu) at MG Book Village

Deke Moulton (Don't Want to be Your Monster) at From The Mixed Up Files

Eibhlís Carcione  (Welcome to Dead Town Raven McKay) at Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books 

Kate DiCamillo on The Yarn Podcast (Pt. 2) at 100 Scopenotes

Other Good Stuff

Tara Gilboy (Unwritten) shares "The best middle grade books for kids who love fairy tales" at Shepherd

this week's round-up of middle grade fantasy and sci fi from around the blogs (7/23/2023)

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

The Reviews

Abeni’s Song, by P. Djèlí Clark, at  Pages Unbound 

Arkspire, by Jamie Littler, at  Magic Fiction Since Potter

Book Review: The Blameless (The Blameless #1), by E.S. Christison, at GoodeyReads

Bob, by Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead, illustrated by Nicholas Gannon, at Magic Fiction Since Potter

The Chaos Monster (Secrets of the Sky #1), by Sayantani DasGupta, at Cracking the Cover

ChupaCarter and the Haunted Pinata, by George Lopez and Ryan Calejo, at Mark My Words

The Curious Mysteris of Eli Marks, by John Gaspard, at  Always in the Middle…

The Great Texas Dragon Race,by Kacy Ritter, Log Cabin Library

Etta Invincible, by Reese Eschmann, at  Kiss the Book 

Into the Shadow Mist, by Christina Soontornvat, at Cracking the Cover 

The Legend of Greyhallow, by Summer Rachel Short, at Ms. Yingling Reads: 

Misfit Mansion, by Kay Davault, at Ms. Yingling Reads

Mr Tiger, Betsy, and the Blue Moon, by Sally Gardner, at  Sifa Elizabeth Reads

No One Leaves the Castle, by Christopher Healy, at Mark My Words

Pilar Ramirez and the Escape from Zafa, Julian Randall, at A Kernel of Nonsense

Rieden Reece and the Broken Moon (Rieden Reece #1), by Matt Guzman, at Mark My Words

Scarewaves, by Trevor Henderson, at Mark My Words

The Snow Girl, by Sophie Anderson, at Scope for Imagination

 A Spoonful of Time, by Flora Ahn, at Charlotte's Library

The Stupendous Sonny, by Ellie Clements, at Scope for Imagination

The Very Unfortunate Wish of Melony Yoshimura, by Waka Brown, at Ms. Yingling Reads: 

The Wonder Brothers,’ by Frank Cottrell-Boyce, illustrated by Steven Lenton, at Library Girl and Book Boy

Villains Academy, by Ryan Hammond, at Twirling Book Princess

Authors and Interviews

The Importance of Unimportant Books, a guest post by Darcy Marks (The Afterlife of the Party) at Teen Librarian Toolbox

Other Good Stuff

Here's the long list for the  new Oxford/Pushkin Children's Fantasy Prize!

this week's round-up of middle grade sci fi and fantasy from around the blogs (7/16/2023)

 Morning all.  Please enjoy this collection of mg sci fi/fantasy reviews etc. and let me know if I missed your post!

The Reviews

Arkspire, by Jamie Littler, at Scope for Imagination

Back to the Bright Before, by Katherine Nolte, at Faith Elizabeth Hough

The Eyes & the Impossible, by Dave Eggers, at Mark My Words: 

Gallowgate, by K.R. Alexander, at Geo Librarian.

The Housetrap by Emma Read, at Scope for Imagination and Book Craic

Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy, by Angie Thomas, at Puss Reboots

One True Wish, by Lauren Kate, at Pages Unbound 

The Phantom Firefighter, by J.W. Jarvis, at Mark My Words

The Sea of Terror, by Stuart Gibbs, at Geo Librarian.

Sometime in Summer, by Katrina Leno, at  Charlotte's Library

The Song that Sings Us, by Nicola Davies, at Book Craic

Stinetinglers 2: 10 MORE New Stories From the Master of Scary Tales, by R.L. Stine, at  Mark My Words

Suzie and the Moon Bugs, by Katie and Kevin Tsang, at Sifa Elizabeth Reads

Tapper Watson and the Quest for the Nemo Machine, by Claire Fayers, at  Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books 

 The Time Tider, by Sinéad O’Hart, at Magic Fiction Since Potter: 

The Umbrella Maker's Son by Katrina Leno, at  Mark My Words: 

A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking, by T. Kingfisher, at Pages Unbound 

Three at Black and White Words and Pictures --The Demon Sword Asperides, by Sarah Jean Horwitz, Sal & Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez, and  The Lock-Eater, by Zack Loran Clark

Authors and Interviews

Jenna Yoon (Lia Park and the Heavenly Heirlooms) at MG Book Village

Kaela Rivera (Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls and Cece Rios and the King of Fears) at From The Mixed Up Files

 Refe Tuma (Frances and the Monster) at Literary Rambles (with giveaway)

Other Good Stuff

at Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books  UK Children's Book Picks July 2023 

this week's round-up of middle grade sci fi and fantasy from around the blogs (7/9/2023)

Morning all!  Here's what I found this week; nothing from me because I was off on vacation, but happily lots of other folks shared great books and authors!

The Reviews

Alebrijes, by Donna Barba Higuera, at Mark My Words

Arkspire, by Jamie Littler, at Vicky's Never Ending TBR 

Bob, by Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead, at Susan Uhlig

City of Stolen Magic, by Nazneen Ahmed Pathak, at Bellis Does Books and Valinora Troy

The Great Texas Dragon Race, by Kacy Ritter, at Mark My Words

Grimwood, by Nadia Shireen, at Bookworm for Kids 

Haru, Zombie Dog Hero, by Ellen Oh, at Ms. Yingling Reads

The Horrible Bag of Terrible Things #1 (The Horrible Series), by Rob Renzetti, at Mark My Words:  

The House of the Lost on the Cape, by Sachiko Kashiwaba, at Bookworm for Kids

The Lovely Dark, by Matthew Fox, at Magic Fiction Since Potter

The Magic Hour, by David Wolstencroft, at Tom’s Book Corner 

Menacing Manor, by Kiersten White, at  Puss Reboots

Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston, by Esme Symes-Smith, at Miss Print 

Suzie Saves the Universe, by Katie and Kevin Tsang, at Sifa Elizabeth Reads

White House Clubhouse, by Sean O'Brien, at Mark My Words: 

You Can't Hide, by Dan Poblocki, at Puss Reboots

Authors and Interviews

Dianne Salerni (The Carrefore Curse) at From The Mixed Up Files

Kacy Ritter (The Great Texas Dragon Race) at Literary Rambles

‘You can’t write to make people love you’: Kate DiCamillo on the 20th Anniversary of Despereaux (Pt. 1) at  The Yarn Podcast 

Sarah Jean Horwitz  (The Demon Sword Asperides), at From The Mixed Up Files

This week's round up of middle grade sci fi and fantasy from around the blogs (7/2/23)

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

The Reviews

Between Monsters and Marvels, by Alysa Wishingrad, at Log Cabin Library

Conjure Island, by Eden Royce, at A Library Mama, Ms. Yingling Reads, and Charlotte's Library

Emba and the Beckoning Bones, by Jenny Moore, at Much To Do About Writing

The Extraordinary Adventures of Alice Tonks, by Emily Kenny, at Semicolon 

Fear Ground, by Jennifer Killick, at Vicky's Never Ending TBR

Flock Horror, by Jennifer Killick, at Sifa Elizabeth Reads 

Greenwild: The World Behind the Door, by Pari Thomson, at The Story Sanctuary

The Lake House, by Sarah Beth Durst, at Kiss the Book 

Lore Isle, by Jiin Kim, at The Miramichi Reader

The One and Onlys and the Case of the Robot Crow, by Doug Cornett, at Kiss the Book 

The Pawnshop of Stolen Dreams, by Victoria Williamson, at Green Reads Books 

The Polter-ghost Problem, by Betsy Uhrig, at Kiss the Book 

Quest Kids and the Dragon Pants of Gold, by Mark Leiknes, at Kiss the Book

Someone for Sasquatch, by Jeanne Moran, at Bookworm for Kids

Toby and the Silver Blood Witches, by Sally Doherty, at Book Craic and Good Night To Read

The Umbrella Maker’s Son, by Katrina Leno, at Jenjenreviews 

Utterly Dark and the Tides of Time, by Philip Reeve, at Magic Fiction Since Potter

Vivian Lantz's Second Chances, by Kathryn Ormsbee, at Ms. Yingling Reads

Wildsmith: Into the Dark Forest, by Liz Flanagan, at Read for Good

Wizkit: An Adventure Overdue, by Tanya J. Scott, at Mark My Words

Authors and Interviews

Katrina Leno (The Umbrella Maker's Son) at Writer's Digest

This week's round-up of middle grade fantasy and sci fi from around the blogs (6/25/2023)

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

The Reviews

The Carrefour Curse, by Dianne K. Salerni, at Fuse #8

The Chaos Monster (Secrets of the Sky #1), by Sayantani DasGupta, at Mark My Words

Cloudlanders, by Christopher Mackie, at Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books 

Elvia And The Gift Of Passion (Tales By Moons-Light #3), by Ruby Ballard, at Gina Rae Mitchell

Fablehouse, by E.L. Norry, at Book Craic

Ghostlight, by Kenneth Oppel, at Kiss the Book

Grimwood, by Nadia Shireen, at Charlotte's Library: 

Henry Halifax and the Tutori’s Cloak, by Atlas Swift,  at Mark My Words

Lei and the Fire Goddess, by Malia Maunakea, at Ms. Yingling Reads

The Magic Hour, by David Wolstencroft, at Book Craic

Nayra and the Djinn, by Iasmin Omar Ata, at Mark My Words

Monster Camp, by Sarah Henning, at Mark My Words

Onyeka and the Rise of the Rebels, by Tọlá Okogwu, at Sifa Elizabeth Reads 

The Pawnshop of Stolen Dreams, by Victoria Williamson, at The Strawberry Post and Rosh's Reviews

The Rhythm of Time, by Questlove and S.A. Crosby, at Charlotte's Library

Saving Neverland, by Abi Elphinstone, at Vicky's Never Ending TBR 

The Scroll of Chaos, by Elsie Chapman, at Pages Unbound

The Secrets of the Stormforest (The Strangeworlds Travel Agency #3), by LD Lapinski, at Vicky's Never Ending TBR 

Toby and the Silver Blood Witches, by Sally Doherty, at Scope for Imagination

Warren the 13th and the Whispering Woods, by Tania del Rio, illustrated by Will Staehle, at Twirling Book Princess

Authors and Interviews

Jude Atwood (Maybe There are Witches), at From The Mixed Up Files

Other Good Stuff

Children's Book Picks UK - June 2023  at  Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

This week's round-up of middle grade fantasy and sci fi from around the blogs (6/18/23)

Not the largest round-up (and nothing for me because home renovations and work once more derailed my reading and reviewing), but full of good books!  Let me know if I missed your post.

The Reviews

Chupacarter, by George Lopez and Ryan Calejo, at  The Bookwyrm's Den  and Boys' Mom Reads

Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch, by Julie Abe, at Blogging with Dragons

The Hunt for the Hollower, by Callie C. Miller, at Always in the Middle…  and Mark My Words

The Gray, by Chris Baron, at The Story Sanctuary

Nightmare Island, by Shakirah Bourne, at  Ms. Yingling Reads: 

The Pawnshop of Stolen Dreams, by Victoria Williamson, at Sifa Elizabeth Reads  and Bookbugworld

The Ruby Code, by Jessica Khoury, at Ms. Yingling Reads

The Silver Road, by Sinead O'Hart, at Valinora Troy

Three Tasks for a Dragon, by Eoin Colfer, at Bookworm for Kids

Two at The Book Search--The Book of the Stolen Dreams, by David Farr, and  Abeni's Song,  by P. Djeli Clark

at A Library Mama--3 Magical Journeys: The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams, The Ghosts of Rancho Espanto, and Hamra and the Jungle of Memories

Authors and Interviews

Amy Makechnie (The McNifficents) at  MG Book Village

Zohra Nabi (The Kingdom Over the Sea) at From The Mixed Up Files

This week's round-up of middle grade sci fi and fantasy from around the blogs (6/11/23)

Morning all!  Here's what I have to offer this week.  Please let me know if I missed your post!

The Reviews

Batu and the Search for the Golden Cup, by Zira Nauryzbai & Lilya Kalaus, at Mark My Words

Bea Wolf,  by Zach Weinersmith, at  Pages Unbound 

The Carrefour Curse, by Dianne K. Salerni, at Log Cabin Library

Elf Dog and Owl Head, by M.T. Anderson, at Bookends

Ellie Engle Saves Herself! by Leah Johnson, at Always in the Middle… 

The Enchanted Bridge (Dragons in a Bag #4), by Zetta Elliott, at Charlotte's Library

Exit 13: The Whispering Pines, by James Preller, at Twirling Book Princess

The Frightmare (Leo’s Map Of Monsters #3), by Kris Humphrey, at Twirling Book Princess

Haru, Zombie Dog Hero, by Ellen Oh, at Mark My Words

Into The Faerie Hill, by H.S. Norup, at Valinora Troy

Jodie, by Hilary McKay, at Magic Fiction Since Potter

Juniper Harvey and the Vanishing Kingdom, by Nina Varela, at Hooray for Books 

Kingdom Over the Sea, by Zohra Nabi, at Cracking the Cover and The Story Sanctuary

Lia Park and the Heavenly Heirlooms, by Jenna Yoon, at Crafty Moms Share: 

The One and Only Ruby, by Katherine Appplegate, at Kiss the Book

The Pawnshop of Stolen Dreams, by Victoria Williamson, at Book Craic, Kerri McBookNerd, and Gina Rae Mitchell 

 Possess Me, by K.R. Alexander, at Ms. Yingling Reads

The Sister Switch, by Sarah Mlynowski and Debbie Rigaud, at Puss Reboots

Speculation by Nisi Shawl | alibrarymama

Spellbinders: The Not-So-Chosen One, by Andrew Auseon, at Ms. Yingling Reads

Vivi Conway and the Sword of Legend, by Lizzie Huxley-Jones, at Scope for Imagination

Winnie Zeng Unleashes a Legend, and its sequel, Winnie Zeng Vanquishes a King, by Katie Zhao, at this belle reads too

Authers and Interviews

Lindsay Littleson (Guardians of the Wild Unicorns) gathers the best children’s books about mythical creatures at Shepherd 

Other Good Stuff

Many of the books in this round-up are eligible for this year's Cybils Awards!  Nominations open in October...and in the meantime, maybe you'd like to be one of the panelists who get to read and discuss all the nominated elementary/middle grade speculative fiction books to pick the shortlist of seven in the first round, or pick the one winner in the second round?  This year the Cybils is having an early call for panelists, so that the summer can provide a head start for the reading and discussing part.  The deadline for applying is June 14--read more here!

this week's middle grade sci fi/fantasy round-up (6/4/23)

Settling back in to life with two kids home from college, which is always a shock to the system....Here's what I found this week of interest to us fans for mg sci fi/fantasy!

And speaking of MG sci fi fans--maybe you have thought about being a panelist for the Cybils Awards (perhaps in MG Speculative Fiction even?) but have been daunted by the thought of over 100 nominated books and three months to read them in....Us Cybils organizers have come up with an answer!  We are having an early call for panelists, so that the summer months can be spent reading.  No books will be nominated until fall, but this will be a book club like chance to share recommendations, read ones we are interested in, and talk about what we are reading!  There is no commitment to becoming an official panelist come fall, so if you'd like to spend the summer talking MG spec fic with me, or reading in one of the many other categories, apply here before June 14!  

If you only want to read for the second round, you can join the chatting for the summer, and move to Round 2 in fall.  Folks from outside the US are welcome to apply, though only books published in the US between Oct 16, 2022-Oct 15 2023 are eligible.  If you have any questions, leave them in the comments or email me at charlotteslibrary@gmail.com

The Reviews

Aliyah Serin and the Box of Zenas, by Lucy Anne Holland, at Mark My Words

The Cobra's Song, by Supriyata Kelkar, at Ms. Yingling Reads

Middle-Grade Review: The Counterclockwise Heart by Brian Farrey – YA Books Central

The Grace of Wild Things, by Heather Fawcett, at Dead Houseplants

Greenwild: The World Behind the Door, by Pari Thomson, at Library Girl and Book Boy and Scope for Imagination

Grimwood, by Naida Shireen, at Always in the Middle… 

Lia Park and the Heavenly Heirlooms, by Jenna Yoon, at Bookworm for Kids and  Cracking the Cover

The Magic Hour, by David Wolstencroft, at Sifa Elizabeth Reads 

Matteo, by Michael Leali, at  Paw Prints in the Sink

Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecyn by Angie Thomas, at Pages Unbound, Rapunzel Reads, and Mark My Words

The Probability of Everything, by Sarah Everett, Fuse #8 (nb: I'm not actually certain this is spec fic having not read it yet....)

Ravencave, by Marcus Sedgwick, at Charlotte's Library

The Sister Switch, by Sarah Mlynoswki and Debbie Rigaud, at YABookNerd

Time Traveling Through Yellowstone National Park – The Adventures of Bubba Jones, by Jeff Alt, at Always in the Middle… 

The Witch of Woodland by Laurel Snyder, at A Library Mama

Authors and Interviews

H. S. Norup (Into Faerie Hill), at Valinora Troy

Pari Thomson (Greenwild: The World Behind the Door) at Scope for Imagination

Jenna Yoon (Lia Park and the Heavenly Heirlooms) at Writer's Digest 

Other Good Stuff

8 Middle Grade Magical Realism Novels to Read Right Now (bookriot.com)

This week's round up of middle grade sci fi and fantasy (5/21/23)

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

The Reviews

Aboard the Time Line, by Bastian Gregory, at  Bookworm for Kids 

Bloom, by Kenneth Oppel, ar Proseandkahn

The Book of Stolen Dreams, by David Farr, at Pages Unbound

Charlie Hernandez & The Golden Dooms, by Ryan Calejo, at Kiss the Book

The Firebird Song, by Arnée Flores, at NW Book Lovers

Future Hero #1, by Remi Blackwood, at Mark My Words: 

Kelcie Murphy and the Hunt for the Heart of Danu (The Academy for the Unbreakable Arts #2), by Erika Lewis, at Mark My Words

The Lake House, by Sarah Beth Durst, at YABookNerd

Mace and Hammer (Del Toro Tales #3), by Darby Karchut, at Log Cabin Library: 

Midwinter Burning, by Tanya Landman, at Scope for Imagination

Mission to Shadow Sea (Future Hero #2), by Remi Blackwood, at Mark My Words and YA Books Central

Revenge of Queen Rose, by Valinora Troy, at Hayley Reese Chow

Small Bites Back, by Hannah Moffatt,  illustrated by Rory Walker, at Book Craic

The Thief of Farrowfell, by Ravena Guron, at Sifa Elizabeth Reads 

The Witch of Woodland, by Laurel Snyder, at Unleashing Readers

Authors and Interviews

Laurel Snyder (The Witch of Woodland) at The Yarn (100scopenotes.com)

Matt McMann (Escape From Grimstone Manor) at From The Mixed Up Files

Other Good Stuff

Children's Book Picks UK - May 2023 at Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

this week's round up of middle grade sci fi and fantasy (5/14/2023)

 I write this from a motel room in Ithaca NY where I am doing my motherly duty of fetching a child from college....I do appreciate at least the first few hours of the drive home, though, as it is the best conversational opportunity a parent gets at this point.  And happily I will be visiting the giant Ithaca library used bookstore later today.

As ever, please let me know if I missed your post! (which I might have, because I'm using my very old laptop which isn't conducive for pleasant browsing)

The  Reviews

 Epic Ellisons: Cosmos Camp, by Lamar Giles, at Ms. Yingling Reads:

 Escape From Grimstone Manor (Monsterious #1), by Matt McMann, at Mark My Words and YABookNerd

 The Extraordinary Curiosities of Ixworth and Maddox, by J.D. Maddox, at Kiss the Book and  Twirling Book Princess

The Girl Who Speaks Bear, by Sophie Anderson, at Kiss the Book 

The Golden Frog Games (Witchlings #2), by Claribel A. Ortega, at Charlotte's Library

Haarville, by Justin Davies, at Mark My Words

Hollowthorn (A Ravenfall Novel #2), by Kayln Josephson, at Mark My Words

Hummingbird, by Natalie Lloyd, at  Smack  Dab in the Middle

The Kingdom Over the Sea, by Zohra Nabi, at Book Craic

Kingston and the Echoes of Magic, by Rucker Moses and Theo Gangi, at Charlotte's Library

The One and Only Ruby, by Katherine Applegate, at Ms. Yingling Reads: 

The Prisoner of Shiverstone, by Linette Moore, at  Pages Unbound

Ravencave by Marcus Sedgwick, at Scope for Imagination

The Storm Child, by Gabriela Houston, at Sifa Elizabeth Reads

Stories of the Islands, by Clar Angkasa, at Fuse #8

The Wildstorm Curse, by Eve Wersocki Morris, at Valinora Troy

World's Worst Time Machine, by Dustin Brady, at Always in the Middle…  and Mark My Words

Authors and Interviews

 Hannah Moffatt (Small Bites Back) at Scope for Imagination

Matt McMann ( Escape From Grimstone Manor) YABookNerd

this week's round up of middle grade sci fi and fantasy (5/7/23)

 Nothing from me again this week, sigh, becuase of work, house, and garden, but next week I have great hopes for solid reading and reviewing! Here's what I found from others; as always, let me know if I missed your post!

The Reviews

 Clara Poole and the Long Way Round, by Taylor Tyng, at Mark My Words

Emba Oak and the Beckoning Bones, by Jenny Moore, at Book Craic

The Guardian Test, by Christina Soontornvat, at  Redeemed Reader

A Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, by Christopher Healy, at Proseandkahn

Juniper Harvey and the Vanishing Kingdom, by Nina Varela, at A Library Mama

The Lake House, by Sarah Beth Durst, at Ms. Yingling Reads

Might As Well Be Dead, by Mark Goldblatt, at Log Cabin Library

Nic Blake and the Remarkables, by Angie Thomas, at PBC's Book Reviews

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness (The Wingfeather Saga #1), by Andrew Peterson, at Mark My Words

Skandar and the Phantom Rider (Skandar #2), by A.F. Steadman, at Mark My Words

The Snowcat Prince, by Dina Norlund, at Pages Unbound 

The Thames and Tide Club: The Secret City, by Katya Balen, ill. by Rachael Dean, at Scope for Imagination

Authors and Interviews

Angie Thomas |(Nic Blake and the Remarkables) at American Libraries Magazine

Matt McMann (Escape From Grimstone Manor), at Literary Rambles

Mark Goldblatt (Might as Well be Dead), at Smack Dab in the Middle

Polly Holyoke (Skyriders), at MG Book Village

Brian Young (Heros of the Water Monster), at Cynsations

Other Good Stuff

10 of the Best Magic Systems in Fantasy Books (includes some middle grade), at Book Riot

this week's round-up of middle grade fantasy and sci fi from around the blogs (4/30/23)

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

The Reviews

Between Monsters and Marvels, by Alysa Wishingrad, at Mark My Words

The Guardian Test (Legends of Lotus Island, book 1), by Christina Soontornvat, illustrated by Kevin Hong, at A Kids Book A Day

Ghosts, Toasts, and Other Hazards, by Susan Tan, at Ms. Yingling Reads

Grimwood, by Nadia Shireen, at Log Cabin Library

Ivy Newt and the Storm Witch, by Derek Keilty & Magda Brol, at Scope for Imagination

Jodie, by Hilary McKay, at Book Craic

The Kingdom Over the Sea, by Zohra Nabi, at Islamic School Librarian

The Lake House, by Sarah Beth Durst, at  Charlotte's Library (technically published as YA, but great upper mg appeal!)

The McNeills at Rathcapple, by Meta Mayne Reid, at Charlotte's Library

Nightmare Island, by Shakirah Bourne, at Kiss the Book

Once There Was, by Kiyash Monsef, at  Always in the Middle…

The Paper Museum, by Kate S. Simpson, at Kiss the Book

Serpent of the Sands, by Vashti Hardy, at  Sifa Elizabeth Reads

Seven Wherewithal Way – Across the Ice and into the Jungle, by Samatha-Ellen Bound, at  The Book Muse 

Spellstone, by Ross Montgomery, at Scope for Imagination

The Thief of Farrowfell, by Raven Guron, at Valinora Troy

The Wingfeather Saga, by Andrew Peterson, at Faith Elizabeth Hough

Authors and Interviews

Angie Thomas (Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy) at CBC

 Eden Royce (Root Magic, Conjure Island) at Words, Images, & Worlds podcast

Anthony Pckham (Children of the Black Glass) at Geo Librarian (with a review as well)

 Neal Shusterman and Eric Elfman (The N.O.A.H. Files: I am the Walrus) at Smack Dab in the Middle

Other Good Stuff

35 Incredible Middle Grade Magical Realism Books, at  Imagination Soup