Books for Tweens and Teens

by MK French

Spring break is coming up and you will want to keep the kids entertained without having them in front of screens all the time. There are several great books coming out for middle grades and high school students.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

Power to the Parasites by Chelsea L. Wood ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

Power to the Parasites! lets you in on a Parasites are all around you, all the time, quietly running the world. You might think of them as slimy, disgusting freeloaders – tapeworms and roundworms and ticks and lice, too small to be important and too selfish to be valued. But by the end of this book, you’ll realize that sometimes parasites are the good guys.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

2 Great Middle Grades Books to Read

by MK French

We are just under two weeks until Halloween and I have my final recommendations for Halloween reading. If you are looking for young adult and adult reading recommendations check out my fantasy, horror, and paranormal romance suggestions. Today I have two books for younger readers. Whether you are looking for something to keep the kids reading in the lead-up to Halloween or a bedtime book to wind down with after all the candy from trick or treating, these are fun options.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

J is for Juvenile Fiction #AtoZChallenge

by Donna Huber

For the A to Z Challenge, I'm discussing different book genres/categories. Each day, I will give a few details about the genre/category and an example or two. I would love to know your thoughts on the genre/category and if you have any reading suggestions. Be sure to check out all of my A to Z posts.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site.

The Time of Green Magic by Hilary McKay ~ a Review

by MK French

Abi and her stepbrothers Max and Louis see strange things when they’re left alone in the house. Abi tumbles into books, Louis can summon a creature through his window, and Max sees shapes in the shadows. None of this is noticed by their busy parents, and Louis’ visitor is growing harder to keep a secret. He needs help from Max and Abi to learn about the visitor and send it away.

Jake, Lucid Dreamer by David J. Naiman

by MK French

Jake is twelve years old and in seventh grade, battling all the social minefields that it entails. He is also still dealing with his mother's death four years before, and now has some control of his dreams. That allows him to avoid a mean kangaroo in his dreams just as he avoids the bullies in school.

Review: From the Grave by Cynthia Reeg

October 2016; Jolly Fish Press; 978-1631630941;
ebook & print (216 pages). children; horror
a free book was provided for this review

by MK French

If I had finished this book a little sooner, it would have been a perfect Halloween read for middle-grade readers. The first book in a series, From the Grave follows the misfit Frankenstein Gordon and his friends. They're misfits because they're not as frightening as adult monsters feel they should be: Frank has blue skin instead of green and loves being clean, his friend Oliver is a mummy that won't stay wrapped, Georgina is a dragon that breathes water instead of fire. They're in the remedial class at school, but if they don't improve fast enough, they will be exiled to a distant island because they're not monster enough. Frank is often bullied by Malcolm, the principal's pet, but there are secrets that Frank uncovers in his quest to prove that he and his fellow misfits are truly monster enough.


There are lots of fun touches that readers would appreciate, as ordinary terms are given a monster twist. It also brings up how children can deal with being bullied by older children or if they aren't heard by adults in their lives. Frank is also grieving the loss of his grandmother, who he had been very close to. There are conflicts between him and his friends as they try to come up with plans to prove their abilities, which is a very human characteristic that children can relate to. Chapters alternate between Frank and Malcolm, giving alternate viewpoints as the story progresses. We also see into the bully's psyche and are able to see that the bluster can cover up insecurity and doubt. This is a great start to a series that will undoubtedly help children deal with issues, and give them a convenient way to discuss them with the adults in their lives.

Buy From the Grave at Amazon

Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and golden retriever.

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Review: A Bandit's Tale by Deborah Hopkinson

by Donna Huber

April 2016; Knopf Books; 978-0385754996;
ebook & print (304 pages); middle grades, historical
a free book was provided for this review

PROLOGUE
Late Winter 1887
-Containing the history of a contract, with a word or two about a donkey-
All my troubles began with a donkey. If it hadn't been for one obstinate, bad-tempered beast, my parents wouldn't have rented me out to a stranger for twenty dollars a year.

A Bandit's Tale by Deborah Hopkinson is a delightful middle grades historical novel.  It is told in first person from a character that, at first glance, should be an unreliable narrator. However, for all the lies Rocco tells the people he encounters, he is most truthful in the telling of his life.

As you know, I don't have a literary background and I liked that at the end of the book the author provided quite a few notes, including a literary term that I had not learned before. A Bandit's Tale is a picaresque novel.

A picaresque novel is one where the main character is not an aristocrat. Such stories were first published in Spain around 1600. Typically they are told in first person with an episodic plot. A popular picaresque novel is Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens.

The main character in A Bandit's Tale, Rocco, is a poor Italian-borne immigrant. From the opening lines you learn he is sold to a stranger who "rents" young boys (and sometimes girls) to take to the U.S.. The children then are forced to be street musicians, begging on the street corner to bring a dollar back to the Padrone in order to have a filthy place to sleep and a measly bite to eat. Rocco's life is a difficult one, but an adventurous one.

I love the chapter titles and that is just the first step into the fun. The language is easy, making the story a quick read. But the way that Rocco relates his first year in New York City immerses the reader in immigrant life in the late 1880s and keeps you turning the page. Sometimes I'm bored by middle grades books. While I can appreciate the stories for their value to the intended audience, I'm usually only mildly entertained. I have to say this was not the case with A Bandit's Tale. I couldn't wait to delve back into Rocco's life each evening.

If you are a parent, A Bandit's Tale would make an excellent story to share with your child. Your child won't be the only one begging for one more chapter.

Donna Huber is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour.

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Review: Millicent Marie Just My Opinion by Karen Pokras Toz

by Donna Huber

October 2016; Grand Daisy Press;
978-0996284356; paperback, & ebook 182 pg;
free ebook provided by the author

Millicent Marie is back! Karen Pokras Toz has brought back her middle school, digital diary keeping, advice giving title character in Millicent Marie: Just My Opinion.

Just My Opinion picks up shortly after the end of Millicent Marie Is Not My Name, but can be read as a stand alone. There are a few references to the past BIG event of the first book, but it really has no bearing on the plot of this new book.

Millie has been asked to serve as an advice columnist for her elementary school's paper. She's excited about the upcoming school play and her first sleepover birthday party. For the most part the kids seemed to have learned their lesson after what happened in the first book, except for maybe Doogle, Millie's kid brother. But then snooping is just par of the course for younger siblings. Everything is looking great for the end of her 6th grade year. That is until the odd firing of everyone's favorite principle. Enters new principle Dr. Feather Foster and everyone's worst nightmare. She would give Delores Umbridge a run for her money (I happened to be reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheniox at the same time).

Millie and her friends uncover a sinister plan and concoct a plan of their own to get rid of Dr. Feather Foster. What could go wrong when a bunch of 6th graders, a 4th grader, and a genius kindergarten team up?

Karen Pokras Toz has once again crafted an excellent story that teaches valuable life lessons in a fun and relatable manner.

Buy Millicent Marie: Just My Opinion at Amazon

Donna Huber is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour. 

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Review: Dive! by Deborah Hopkinson

by Susan Roberts

Dive! World War II Stories of Sailors & Submarines in the Pacific by Deborah Hopkinson shares the incredible story of U.S. submarines in WWII.

* "With a fascinating blend of submarine mechanics and tales of courage, readers will dive in deep." -- Booklist, starred review

* "Fascinating World War II history for history buffs and browsers alike." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Dive! World War II Stories of Sailors & Submarines in the Pacific tells the incredible story of America's little known "war within a war" -- US submarine warfare during World War II.

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the US entered World War II in December 1941 with only 44 Naval submarines -- many of them dating from the 1920s. With the Pacific battleship fleet decimated after Pearl Harbor, it was up to the feisty and heroic sailors aboard the US submarines to stop the Japanese invasion across the Pacific.

Using first-person accounts, archival materials, official Naval documents, and photographs, award-winning author Deborah Hopkinson brings the voices and exploits of these brave men to life.

To celebrate the release of Dive! Deborah Hopkinson is going on blog tour September 26-October 7, 2016. Visit her online at DeborahHopkinson.com, and follow her on Twitter at @Deborahopkinson.

My review of DIVE by Deborah Hopkinson:

This book is way outside my normal reading genre but I wanted to read it because I had an uncle who was in the Navy during WWII and spent most of his time in a submarine in the Pacific. This fantastic book gives short vignettes of sailors who were part of the Pacific fleet during the war. I knew a little about what the sailors went through but this book was very informative and I am in awe of the men who helped defend our country from submarines. One of my favorite stories was about Lucy Wilson who was a nurse in Corregidor as the Japanese army was advancing. She was evacuated with 26 others and spent three weeks on a submarine taking them to Australia. Her time on the submarine gave an interesting look at the accommodations by a woman.

This would be a great book for people interested in WWII but even more than that, it put faces and names to some of the men (and women) who fought during the war in often dangerous conditions.

Buy DIVE at Amazon

Susan Roberts, reviewer. Susan lives in North Car when she isn't traveling.  She and her husband enjoy traveling, gardening and helping to take care of their grandson.  Susan reads almost anything (and the piles of books in her house prove that) but her favorite genres are Southern fiction, women's fiction and thrillers. Susan is a top 1% Goodreads Reviewer. You can connect with Susan on Facebook.

Book Info:
available formats: ebook and print (384 pages)
published: September 2016 by Scholastic Press
ISBN13: 9780545425582
target audience: middle grades
genres: nonfiction, World War II



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Review: Chasing at the Surface by Sharon Mentyka

by Elisabeth Scherer

Mom always says there are no coincidences. I know the Suquamish Nation held their blessing ceremony to help the orcas find their way home, but maybe being here has helped me find my way, too.  - excerpt from page 152

Welcome to one of the first stops in the #Chasingblogtour for Sharon Mentyka's new book Chasing at the Surface.

Today I want to share what makes this book a must-own. It is a middle grades book aimed at 8-12-year-old readers but appeals to a wide variety of people. Chasing at the Surface is available this week on Tuesday, October 4th.

Sharon Mentyka weaves a tale of a twelve-year-old girl who is searching for a new normal. Marisa's world turns upside down when her mother up and leaves in the middle of the night. Then, to make more chaos, her small Pacific Northwest inlet town becomes home for a pod of 19 orca whales. Marisa and her mother loved and studied whales together. They even adopted and named a whale calf upon discovering it in the area one summer.

But as the days come and go the whales aren't leaving the inlet. As much as Marisa doesn't want to involve herself she can't avoid the what is becoming a serious situation. It pushes Marisa towards making a stand to help save the whales. She learns to listen to her inner voice. At the same time, she's learning some lessons about life and friends, and what makes a family.

Her science teacher takes on a class project to help the crew attempting to help the whales escape. The public's frenzy of such majestic creatures escalates. The whale's food supply is diminishing. There is a growing urgency for the whales to make it.

"Be good."  Mom's last words, written just above her name in the letter she left. Just two little words, but everything that's been happening with the whales - and now with Harris - has me thinking about what being "good" means. Does it mean doing what's good for you, or for others" And what about the rest of the creatures on the planet?  - excerpt from page 93

This idea for Chasing at the Surface came from a real event that Mentyka then used to build her story around. It is chock full of facts about whales, pods, whale behavior and how to exist with whales in nature. It is the perfect fiction book that could be used in schools to read and discuss the effects humans have on nature. It also hits on growing up and standing up for what you know in your heart is right. It tells readers that you are never too young to have a voice for animal conservation.

Whales, she said, never exclude anyone from their pod. It doesn't matter if they're weak or injured or just different. In the world of the orca, everyone is a part of the group. Harris would probably say they "get it."  -excerpt from Page 81

Animal lovers will enjoy the details about these mammals. They will also love the passion shown to save the whales. Parents will love this book as a way to develop a child's appreciation for marine life.

Adults will love this book for the characters Mentyka has created. The mystery of why the whales came into the inlet and why Marisa's mom left to California keeps the story going. The build up of urgency to help the whales escape builds and you can feel how the situation is close to desperate. You will cheer Marisa on as she decides how she can best help the whales and ultimately come to grips with her home life. There are so many nuggets of good in this book.  I will leave you with one more:

"Forgiveness is a choice too, Marisa. But forgiveness takes courage. Because it's not just the person who hurt you that you're forgiving, you also need to forgive yourself. The change needs to be inside you. And the only way that can happen is if you grow in courage. And that can take a very long time."  - excerpt from page 193

I am happy to say that this is definitely a book I would read to my children or save for them to read when they are older. I consider this book to have a strong female main character that moms of girls would love to have in their to be read pile.

Chasing at the Surface comes out October 4th so go preorder it now. It will make a good gift for any 8-12 year old or whale fanatics in your life.

Thanks again to Sharon Mentyka for allowing me to read and review her book.  For other stops on the Chasing Blog Tour please check SharonMentyka.com.

Buy Chasing at the Surface at Amazon

Elisabeth grew up in a very small town in Minnesota but now lives in the lovely Pacific Northwest where she spends most of her time raising her two young children. She and her husband have a large collection of books that takes a good space of their small condo. When she's not reading she has a variety of hobbies that include crocheting, drawing, baking, cooking, and movie watching. You can also find her blogging at http://kitchenstoriesetc.blogspot.com

Book info:
available formats: print (228 pages)
published: October 2016 by Westwinds Press
ISBN13: 9781943328604
target audience: 8-12 year old
genres:  juvenile fiction, environmental awareness 
a free book was provided by the publisher for this review



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The Last Dragonslayer by Jasper Fforde

In the good old days, magic was indispensable—it could both save a kingdom and clear a clogged drain. But now magic is fading: drain cleaner is cheaper than a spell, and magic carpets are used for pizza delivery.

Fifteen-year-old foundling Jennifer Strange runs Kazam, an employment agency for magicians—but it’s hard to stay in business when magic is drying up. And then the visions start, predicting the death of the world’s last dragon at the hands of an unnamed Dragonslayer. If the visions are true, everything will change for Kazam—and for Jennifer. Because something is coming. Something known as . . . Big Magic

humorous and entertaining ~ Duke
This is such a fun book ~ fatbroadrunning
A fun read for 8 to 12-year-olds! ~ Kalan

Start reading:

Buy The Last Dragonslayer at Amazon

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Secrets Abound in This Boring Town ~ Town Secrets by Scott Gelowitz

by Claire Rees

Imagine growing up in a boring town, nothing to do and nowhere go. Then the news reports start that whole towns have been turned into ghost towns overnight. Reports of a strange mist and then suddenly house doors are ripped apart and windows smashed, the residents of the towns have not been found.

This is the life of Adam, and his three friends, Mark, Jimmy and Kevin.

One morning whilst Mark is waiting for his friends in his garage he discovers some photographs and a pin that once belonged to his deceased father. Desperate to know more about his father, the boys go to town hall to look at old records and start to uncover the best kept secret in their town.

Now the ramblings of the local looney don't seem so looney after all.

They discover secret doors and tunnels under their town.Adam loves the adventure and feels it is bringing him closer to his father. That is until the mist arrives at their town also.

Now it is up to Adam and the boys to try to save the town on their own as they can no longer trust their adults.

Town Secrets kept me glued to the pages the whole way through. I loved the secret doorways and tunnels, the keys and the secret society.

Scott Gelowitz is very imaginative and I really enjoyed the trials Adam went out through at the end. The writing was descriptive and I could almost feel the excitement or disappointment that the characters felt. The ending was good and I already have book two on my To Be Read list.

I recommend Town Secrets to all who love secret tunnels and caves and magic linked to elements, mysterious symbols and secret leagues.

Buy Town Secrets at Amazon

(the ebook is FREE at Amazon and Barnes & Noble)

Claire Rees, reviewer. Claire lives in a small village in the South Wales Valleys, UK with her husband, two kids and five snakes. She will hopefully be starting an English literature course this September. She has always loved reading books. Her favorite genres are horror, mystery and fantasy, although if the story line is good she'll read anything. Connect with Claire on Facebook.

Book info:
available formats: ebook and print (334 pages)
published: September 2014
ISBN13: 978-1502381316

target audience: middle grades/young adult

genre: science fiction



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Review: Felix Jones Adventures Books 1 & 2

review by Claire Rees

Felix Jones and the Book of Words by Julian Roderick

Dive into an epic adventure with Felix and his best friend Tom as they meet one of history's famous person, Hitler.

For Felix and Tom it's just a normal day in school, but when an explosion rocks their school they notice their teacher acting strangely and decide to follow him where they see him with a book.
This decision changes the boys’ lives forever because now the Book of words has chosen Felix as his Keeper.

As Felix tries to understand what is happening they are attacked by hideous creatures that are half monk and half Skeleton.

Their teacher tells Felix to keep the Book safe and then makes the boys run away.
They dodge the monks only to be thrown through time back into the 1940s.

The time is dangerous and the monks follow them. Felix uses the book which guides him to a guardian. They now need to find ‘The keeper’ of the book from this era to find out how they travel back home using the book.

Lives are lost along the way and all to protect the keeper and the magic book.

The boys meet some amazing, kind brave, people and also some horrible, evil people who will stop at nothing to get their hands on the book.

I loved this story, Felix and Tom are very likeable characters and I really enjoyed accompanying them on their time travel adventure.

Despite the losses of lives they remained brave and managed to protect the book and meet some new guardians closer to home.

I liked the way the author uses real past events and people as part of the storyline too.
I'm looking forward to book two to see what adventures they get up to next and what the book had in store for Felix and Tom. But also to see how Felix’s character develops as he uncovers more of the books secrets and learns how to use it.

I recommend Felix Jones and the Book of Words to Tweens, Young adults and adults alike who enjoy magical adventures across time with dangers around each corner.

Buy Felix Jones and the Book of Words at Amazon

Felix Jones and the Honour of the Keeper by Julian Roderick

I was so happy to receive book two in this series that I started to read it the first day.

Once again we find Felix and his best friend, Tom, getting up to all sorts or trouble. Even taking Felix's sister's hamster, Fluffy, in their time travels.

This was to see if they could take another person along with them in their travels as they meet poppy who is very eager to become a guardian to the keeper.

Felix and Tom are trying to figure out where the magic of the book comes from in orders to stop it, to stop all of the pointless deaths of the guardians.

This time around they meet many amazing people from the past. But the book focuses on Merlin and King Arthur.

Felix, Tom and Poppy get to fight by King Arthur's side against the Bretheren.

I enjoyed the boys’ relationship develop with Poppy and I'm glad they now have a girl in the team.

The lighthearted humor had me chuckling out loud and even faced with the worst of situations the boys’ bravery and smarts shine through. I recommend Felix Jones and the Honour of the Keeper to Tweens who love w good adventure with a little danger thrown in and for young adults, and adults who are young at heart.

I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series. I can't wait for Tom, Felix and Poppy's  next great adventure.

Buy Felix Jones and the Honour of the Keeper at Amazon

Claire Rees, reviewer. Claire lives in a small village in the South Wales Valleys, UK with her husband, two kids and five snakes. She has always loved reading books. Her favorite genres are horror, mystery and fantasy, although if the story line is good she'll read anything. Connect with Claire on Facebook.

Get even more book news in your inbox by signing up for our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/mHTVL. Free books were provided for this review. Girl Who Reads is an Amazon advertising affiliate; a small commission is earned when purchases are made at Amazon using any Amazon links on this site. Thank you for supporting Girl Who Reads.

New Middle Grades Historical Adventure Novel

New book in the mail.

A photo posted by Donna (@girl_who_reads) on Apr 5, 2016 at 1:31pm PDT

A BANDIT’S TALE The Muddled Adventures of a Pickpocket by Deborah Hopkinson “A strong chose for those who enjoy adventures about scrappy and resourceful kids.” —School Library Journal, Starred Review “A dynamic historical novel ideal for both classroom studies and pleasure reading.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

Award-winning master of historical fiction for children Deborah Hopkinson takes readers back to nineteenth-century New York City in her new middle-grade novel: A BANDIT’S TALE: THE MUDDLED MISADVENTURES OF A PICKPOCKET (Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers | on sale April 5, 2016 | Ages 8–12 | $16.99).

Eleven-year-old Rocco finds himself alone in New York City after he’s sold to a padrone by his poverty-stricken parents and forced to leave his small Italian village. While working as a street musician, he meets the boys of the infamous Bandits’ Roost, who teach him the art of pickpocketing, which he finds more lucrative than banging a triangle on the street corner. But when he meets Meddlin’ Mary, an Irish immigrant who has a strong heart and a fierce commitment to helping the city’s horses, he begins to reexamine his life—and take his future   into his own hands. Extensive back matter is included. 

Published  in April 2016 for the 150^th Anniversary of the ASPCA,  A BANDIT’S TALE is a Junior Library Guild selection exploring  19^th century New York City immigrant life and social reform movements.

Start Reading:

Buy A Bandit's Tale at Amazon

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Books for Boys

by Alison DeLuca

courtesy commons.wikimedia

"There are no good books for boys."

This was a statement I heard several times at a party this weekend. Apparently I'm not the only one saddened by a child who doesn't read a lot at home.

courtesy wikia.com

The usual series titles came up. I won't mention the writers or the books, but the problem was, according to these moms, that the books aren't written very well. I'm talking about extremely popular series shelved in every Barnes and Noble. Series that have 20 + titles are, according to my friends, to be formulaic and boring.

Only Harry Potter and The Wimpy Kid books passed the test.

With those 'famous' series brushed aside, I really had to reach to think of good books for kids, boys in particular. I used to love the Oz books, although they're female-centric. However, there were a few later books (such as the ones written by Baum's niece, Ruth) featuring very realistic boys. My favorite was Kabumpo in Oz. If you like retro stories with funny characters and exciting fantasy, I highly recommend old Kabumpo - who's an elephant, if you're interested.

Another set of books I read and reread was The Melendy Quartet. Again, this is a dated series. However, the characters are so real and funny they jump right off the page. I loved Randy and her brothers, Rush and Oliver. Even Mona, the glamorous actress sister, was flawed and completely lovable. The fourth book, Spiderweb for Two, is a long series of clues in a mystery solved by Randy and Oliver over the course of a school year.

My sister and I adored the C. S. Lewis books, but both boys had already read them. An alternative is the Victorian author E. Nesbit. Her books, especially The Story of the Amulet and The Railway Children, include exciting adventures and naughty, lovable kids who encounter magic and mayhem in universes Nesbit brought to life.

If you prefer more realistic stories, The Railway Children is about a family who has to face life after something terrible happens to the father. I won't say what it is, but it's something a lot of present-day kids have to confront each day. TRC does so in a lovely, sad-but-funny, angsty slow burn that leaves me teary each time, in a good way.

My final recommendation is The Sword in The Stone by T. H. White. Although the series gets very adult in the later books, TSITS is all about young Arthur and his adventures with different animals and people, all under the aegis of the wizard Merlin. There are kings and dogs and dragons, and it's a wild ride.

Now, please, if you have some suggestions put them in the comments! I'll pass them along to my friends and their sons.


Girl Who Reads is an Amazon advertising affiliate; a small commission is earned when purchases are made at Amazon using any Amazon links on this site. Thank you for supporting Girl Who Reads.