Browsing: ages 8 & up

Nancy J. Cavanaugh’s middle-grade novel Elsie Mae Has Something to Say is a strong mystery full of Southern charm that features a spunky heroine.

Dreadful Tale of Prosper Redding is Alexandra Bracken’s first foray into middle-grade, but it feels like she’s been writing for middle readers for years.

With Embers of Destruction, J. Scott Savage could have easily coasted. Instead he continues to build his characters and world in a fresh and exciting way.

Nanea Mitchell’s story focuses on the Pearl Harbor attack and the impact it had on those living in Hawaii. She’s American Girl’s newest BeForever character.

Any book that makes you think beyond it is good, and Jennifer Maschari’s latest middle-grade novel, Things That Surprise You, is excellent.

Alan Gratz’s Ban This Book is an excellent read that will probably end up on the banned book list because it questions the reasoning behind banning them.

I’ve never been a fan of soccer. So when I received Ten: A Soccer Story, by Shamini Flint, I opened it with some trepidation. I was pleasantly surprised.

David Neilsen’s middle-grade novel Beyond the Doors is Roald Dahl-esque with a Lemony Snicket snarkiness mixed in for good measure.

Lauren DeStefano’s The Girl with the Ghost Machine is a ghost story that makes you think and makes you grateful for even the smallest of moments.

Stealing Our Way Home, by Cecilia Galante, is a strong middle-grade novel that deals with the loss of a parent and finding a way back to a new normal.