Middle Grade Monday: The Year I Stopped Drawing: an Illustrated Novel in Verse by Grant Snider

Image: Abrams

The Year I Stopped Drawing: an Illustrated Novel in Verse by Grant Snider. 312 p. Amulet Books/ Abrams, November 10, 2026. 9781419788383. Review of arc courtesy of publisher.

Adam Zane has always been known as the best artist in his class, but he's entering seventh grade and everything is about to change for him - his brother left for college and hasn't communicated with Adam, his parents are fighting, but pretending that they're not, his best friend had a growth spurt, and worst of all, a new girl is a better artist than he. He's at sea. His grades begin to suffer, he refuses to attempt to create any art. When his anger at being constantly bullied by Jason erupts, and he ends up with an in-school suspension, his counselor sets him a challenge

Trust me when I say that grade seven is cataclysmic. So much change is happening to these kids from the onset of puberty (or lack of onset) to the shifting friendships, to the increased difficulty of classes. The appeal of this illustrated novel in verse lies in its utter relatability and readability. Post-It Notes separate chapters by months of the school year and there are pencil drawings accompanying each poem. The presentation is clean and engaging. Middle school readers will find much to connect with. Touching at times, humorous at others, this book is a solid addition to any collection. I can't wait to read the finished book! Highly recommend!

Happy reading!

Middle Grade Monday: Sunny Figures It Out by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm

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Sunny Figures It Out by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm. Sunny #6. 224 p. Graphix/ Scholastic Inc. July, 2025. 9781338792478. Review of finished purchased copy.

Middle Grade Monday features Sunny Figures It Out by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm. This sixth installment in the Sunny series does not disappoint. Sunny is enjoying her friendship with Tony, but is pressured to take it to the next level by her boy-crazy friend, and it just doesn't feel right. Meanwhile, her mom is about to re-enter the work force. 

I love this series and the fact that all the 70's stuff, like rotary phones is explained. The peer pressure to conform has not changed at all though, making this gn memoir relatable to contemporary readers. Keep them coming!

Middle Grade Monday and Audiobook Review: All Ears by Stuart Gibbs

Image: Simon & Schuster

All Ears by Stuart Gibbs. FunJungle #9. Unabridged e-audio, ~8 hours. Read by Gibson Frazier. Simon & Schuster Audio, May, 2025. 9781668134696. Review of audiobook borrowed from pubic library.

Middle Grade Monday features All Ears by Stuart Gibbs. This ninth installment does not disappoint. Teddy Fitzroy and his father have been called to investigate an elephant that went missing from a nearby ranch. While there, Teddy receives a call from his best friend, Xavier, who was arrested for trespassing and vandalism on a construction site. His loyalty is divided. His best friend is understandably upset and wants him to come immediately, but he needs to look for clues while they are still fresh. This causes some friction between the two.

As usual, Gibbs weaves a environmental themes (habitat loss, big-game hunting) in with plenty of suspense as well as humor. These plot-driven mysteries remain fresh and fun. 

I had forgotten my promise not to read these with my ears. The narrator is serviceable, but this first-person narrative is told by a teenager, and the voice in my ears is clearly adult.

Middle Grade Monday and Arc Review: Spelling It Out by Margaret Finnegan

Image: Simon & Schuster

Spelling It Out by Margaret Finnegan. 208 p. Atheneum Books for Young Readers/ Simon & Schuster, May 13, 2025. 9781665969673. Review of arc courtesy of Blue Slip Media.

This story takes place in 1985, but is narrated by an adult Ben Bellini, who reminisces about his summer of freedom spent in San Francisco with his grandmother. After twelve-year-old Ben wins his sixth grade spelling bee, then his school's bee without much preparation or worry, he finds himself disappointed to lose the regional bee. He worries that liking spelling might get him labeled a nerd, but he really likes the adrenaline rush of competing. 

He lives in Southern California with his older sister and younger brother and rather overprotective parents. When his grandmother, a retired maverick architect, calls with the offer of having Ben stay for the summer so that a friend of hers can coach him, his parents are appalled and Ben is intrigued. This friend of Gran's actually won the National Spelling Bee some time ago! 

After his parents secure promises that Ben will be well supervised, Ben is placed on a plane to San Francisco. Only, his Gran isn't at the gate, and doesn't arrive for quite a while. This is just the first of many little slips to come.

And Gran's friend, Roger? He is nasty and abusive and doesn't seem interested in coaching Ben at all. When he finds refuge at the public library, he meets a kindred spirit. Asha spends her days there studying for the spelling bee!

I'm not sure why this coming-of-age novel had to be narrated by adult Ben, but readers who enjoy character-driven, gentle novels will find him very relatable. He's insecure, but smart and perceptive. He wants to do the right thing, but it takes him a while to realize what that is. He needs to learn to stand up to Roger. He needs to learn how to be a good friend. Most of all, he needs to realize that something is truly wrong with his grandmother. 

Contemporary readers' minds may be blown by Ben's freedom in a big city as much as by life before cell phones and gps. They will also appreciate the humor and heart. 

Spelling It Out will be released on May 13. Happy reading!

Picture Book Review: So-Hee and Lowy by Anna Kang

Image: Amazon

So-Hee and Lowy by Anna Kang. Illustrated by Christopher Weyant. unpgd. Two Lions, April 22, 2025.  9781542036658. Review of fng courtesy of MB Communications.

So-Hee lives in an apartment with her mother and just longs for connection. She's chosen last for things at school and she has not friends. She's severely allergic to fur and the usual pets are off the menu. No friends, not pets, what's a lonely tween to do? Luckily, her local pet store has the answer! Her mom agrees to bring home a yellow python and So-Hee names it Lowy and the two soon become inseparable, until they aren't.

This sweet story works on so many levels. It's about loneliness and friendship and community. The warm illustrations add to the story by depicting lots of little details, both humorous and heartwarming about So-Hee's life. 

I'm a huge fan of Ms. Kang and Mr. Weyent's books. So-Hee and Lowy is a keeper. Loved it. It's a great addition to home and pre-school and elementary libraries. 

Middle Grade Monday: Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All by Chanel Miller

Image: Penguin Random House 

Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All by Chanel Miller. 160 p. Philomel Books/ Penguin Young Readers, April, 2024. Review of copy borrowed from public library.

Middle Grade Monday features Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All by Chanel Miller. Ten-year-old Magnolia does not have high expectations for her summer. Her only friend moved away and she wouldn't call the classmates that patronize her parents laundry, friends, especially, Austin. She doesn't mind though. She has created a "Lost Sock" display in the laundromat and is hoping to reunite the missing sock with their owners. Enter Iris. She and her mother just moved from California and Iris is not impressed with New York. The two team up to find the owners of the missing socks. 

This gentle read hits all the notes: relatable characters, humor, illustrations, and two kids on the loose in NYC. Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All was named a Newbery Honor, an ALSC Notable Book, a Kirkus and NYT Best Book. Happy reading!

Middle Grade Monday: Time to Roll by Jamie Sumner

Image: Simon & Schuster

Time to Roll by Jamie Sumner. Roll with It #2. 224 p. Atheneum Books for Young Readers/ Simon & Schuster, April, 2023.

Middle Grade Monday features Time to Roll by Jamie Sumner. I finally got to this sequel to Roll with It, which I loved!

It's the summer and Ellie's mom married her gym teacher. Yay! They are off on a month-long honeymoon in an RV and since Ellie's grandparents now live in a home, Ellie's dad steps up to spend the month in the trailer with his wife and sons. Boo! Ellie feels so weird around him because he treats her weirdly, plus, he's always on his phone!

Coralee decides to enter the Miss Boots and Bows pageant and Ellie and Bert go along for the ride. The pageant organizer takes one look at Ellie and wants her to sign up as well. Oddly, so does Coralee. Ellie doesn't think this is a good idea, but borrows the entrance fee from her grandmother. As expected, the pageant organizer treats Ellie as a commodity and tensions arise between the girls. 

As in the first book, Ellie's voice is unique and entertaining. This book continues exploring themes of disability awareness and rolls friendship issues, father-daughter issues and elder care issues seamlessly. Now, on to Rolling On, which released in October. Happy reading!

Teen Tuesday: Jupiter Rising by Gary D. Schmidt

Image: HarperCollins Publishers

Jupiter Rising by Gary D. Schmidt. 208 p. Clarion Books/ HarperCollins. 9780358659648.

Teen Tuesday features Jupiter Rising by Gary D. Schmidt. This is a sequel/ companion to Orbiting Jupiter, which was published in 2015. Do you need to read Orbiting Jupiter first? Hm, not really, but I suggest that you do. It has recently become a TMS favorite, and my review here, since it is also shared on the school's learning platform, will be purposely vague. 

As in Orbiting Jupiter, Jack Hurd narrates. Two years have passed, and Jack is now in eighth grade. The Hurds have been fostering baby Jupiter and are all set to finalize her adoption when the maternal grandparents step in. Jack is furious about this. How can he keep his promise if Jupiter is taken away? He's also furious over Coach Swietek's decision to pair Jack with Jay Perkins in order to improve his cross-country running. 

This spare novel packs a punch, so make sure you have tissues at hand. 

Waiting on Wednesday: Instafamous by Erika J. Kendrick

Image: LBYR

Instafamous by Erika J. Kendrick. 336 p. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, October 1, 2024. 9780316566025.

I attended a wonderful online conversation about community in middle grade fiction courtesy of Little, Brown Books for Young Readers on Monday. I am so happy, because all three books are now on my book order. Ms. Kendrick is a new-to-me author and her book releases on October 1.

Waiting on Wednesday features Instafamous by Erika J. Kendrick. This book sounds like so much fun! Here's the publisher synopsis: This funny and fabulous novel about a middle school diva’s hunt for the spotlight speaks to the importance of friendship and family—even in the midst of fame. 

Lyric Whitney Houston Darby has always wanted to be famous, just like her superstar mom. So when the hottest music-competition TV show announces auditions in town, it’s her chance to compete—and maybe even score a record deal.

There are just a couple of problems: First, the show requires industry experience. This means Lyric has to audition for her school’s production of The Wiz…as if middle school musicals aren’t totally beneath her. Second, she needs to mega-boost her platform on Instagram. Fast. This show is an influencers-only event!

Luckily she has her besties at her side! Or… does she? As Lyric starts to get everything she ever wanted, her BFFs are coping with their own challenges. Will Lyric be there to lift them up, or is she about to learn the real cost of being instafamous?

This bubbly story is as wise as it is witty, reminding readers of the importance of mental health, and that what you want isn’t always what you need.

Middle Grade Monday: Invisible Isabel by Sally J. Pla

Image: HarperCollins Publishers

Invisible Isabel by Sally J. Pla. Illustrated by Tania de Regil. 208 p. Quill Tree Books/ HarperCollins Publishers, July, 2024. 9780063268852. Review of finished copy courtesy of Blue Slip Media.

Happy Monday! I have a little over two weeks left of summer break, and am pet/ housesitting for my oldest son while he and his family are away. I had to board Helga with the rescue since they didn't think it would be a good idea to bring her and Boo to a strange house with two strange dogs, one of whom can be territorial. Turns out, Helga will probably get adopted today. She had a successful meet and greet with the adopter and two of her dogs yesterday. Today, she will go to the country to meet the other two dogs and, if all goes well, will stay. I'm happy for her, but sad too. She's a smart, sweet dog who has come a long way. I'm happy to be part of her recovery, but she will be happier in the country with her new dog-trainer mom. Here's one of my last pix of her with Boo before the rescue came to pick her up.

Middle Grade Monday features Invisible Isabel by Sally J. Pla. Anxious Isabel feels like she doesn't fit in with her large, loud family. She knows she doesn't fit in at school, where new girl, Monica seems to have alienated her 'sort of' friends against her. Not only that, but her teacher doesn't seem to like her and is constantly reminding the class about the very important state testing that they have to do well on. She describes her feelings as "worry moths" and talks about practicing smiling and being a good friend, only to be crushed to learn that she was the only girl not invited to Monica's birthday part. Her mother thinks her stomach aches are all in her head, but one day, the pain feels different. Isabel feels invisible, but also, a part of her wants to be invisible.

This gentle, illustrated verse novel is told mostly from Isabel's point of view and beautifully conveys the struggles of a tween struggling with anxiety. Isabel is instantly relatable. Readers will laugh at her subtle humor and root for her as she finds her voice. Some poems reflect Monica's point-of-view, where readers learn a bit of her backstory. The illustrations add to the story. 

Once again, Sally J. Pla delivers an insightful glimpse into the inner life of a neurodivergent child. Invisible Isabel is a welcome addition to any library.

Middle Grade Monday: Picture Day by Sarah Sax

Image: Penguin Random House

Picture Day by Sarah Sax. Brinkley Yearbooks #1. 288 p. Knopf Books for Young Readers, June, 2023.  9780593306888. Review of finished purchased copy.

Another late posting, sorry. Middle Grade Monday features Picture Day by Sarah Sax. Seventh grader, Viv is dreading picture day and having to wear a mom-approved outfit and hair style. She's also an aspiring influencer, and so, she chops off her hair, dyes it blue and makes a statement with her outfit. This gains her fans who also hope to be their true selves, but Viv gets a little carried away with Internet fame and her crazy ideas. This almost costs her her friendships with her long-term bffs.

The pleasing palatte, uncomplicated panels and diverse range of characters are sure to appeal to fans of Telegemeier, Miller, and Chmakova. Picture Day is a series starter and I'm looking forward to reading more from Sarah Sax.

Middle Grade Monday: Buzzing written by Samuel Sattin and illustrated by Rye Hickman.

Image: Hachette Book Group

Buzzing written by Samuel Sattin and illustrated by Rye Hickman. 224 p. Little Brown, Ink/ Hachette Book Group, July, 2023. 9780316628419. (Review of finished purchased copy.) 

Middle Grade Monday features Buzzing written by Samuel Sattin and illustrated by Rye Hickman. Middle school student, Isaac has been recently diagnosed with OCD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and is seeing a therapist to try and control his impulses, such as ear tugging and negative self-talk. His thoughts constantly buzz, distracting him from school work. He takes refuge in his art and when a classmate notices how well he draws, they invite him to join their RPG, but his helicopter mother worries that fantasy games will worsen his OCD. Meanwhile, his sister feels ignored and resentful of all the attention Isaac gets.

The art reflects Isaac's outlook. The personified bees are bright yellow. School and home life are in blues and greys, but his happy times, such as when he's with his diverse group of friends are colorful. This is a relatable depiction of a mental illness that might be difficult for young people to understand. I know my students will love it. It's a terrific addition to your graphic novel collection.

Middle Grade Monday: Home Away from Home by Cynthia Lord

Image: Scholastic Inc.

Home Away from Home by Cynthia Lord. 224 p. Scholastic Inc. April, 2023. (Review of a purchased copy.)

Happy Monday! I am enjoying this break in the heat and HUMIDITY! It was a brisk 60 degrees here in northern NJ at 5:30 AM this morning as compared to 80 at the same time on Saturday! Crazy.

Middle Grade Monday features by Cynthia Lord. Eleven-year-old Mia is looking forward to spending her summer in Maine with her grandmother. She needs a break from her parents, who each have new partners and she can't wait to get out in nature and bird. She finds changes at grandma's house though. First, there's a stray cat named Miss Agatha, then, there's a boy, named Cayman. He's a little too chummy with Mia's grandmother and she's jealous. When the two set out to view the eagle's nest, they spy a large white bird of prey attacking the nest that they can't identify. Mia takes a picture of it and posts it to an online birding community, and soon their quiet village is inundated with birders eager to see the rare gyrfalcon. Some of the birders are less than ethical and actually endanger the bird and Mia realizes that her actions have put the bird in jeopardy. She also alienates Cayman and needs to set things right.

This thoughtful coming-of-age story features well-developed characters who struggle realistically with changes that life sometimes brings. The descriptions of the flora and fauna of the Maine coast are also vivid. Fans of the author will not be disappointed. Some readers might be inspired to grab some binoculars and head out to do some birding!

Middle Grade Monday and Audiobook Review: Just Like That by Gary D. Schmidt

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Just Like That by Gary D. Schmidt. Unabridged e-audiobook, ~11 hrs., 43 min. Read by Leah Horowitz. Recorded Books, 2021. 

Happy Monday! We had quite the wet and wild weekend here in northern NJ! I hope you're all dry and cozy. Middle Grade Monday features Just Like That by Gary D. Schmidt. Meryl Lee Kowalski reluctantly heads to Maine from Long Island with her parents for "a new start." She will be attending St. Elene's Preparatory School for Girls in Harpswell, Maine. Dr. Nora Macknockater promises Meryl Lee's parents that she will help Meryl Lee become "accomplished." All Meryl Lee wants to do is keep the "blank" at bay. Ever since the death of her best friend Holling Hoodhood, Meryl Lee is awash in grief, in the blank.

The year is 1968 and it's a turbulent time for the country. The Vietnam War is very unpopular. Young women are questioning sex roles. Teachers at St. Elene's demand academic rigor, but some balk at questions that challenge the status quo. Meryl Lee's rich roommate hates her, her English teacher has it in for her, and she's roped into joining field hockey, where she finally meets two girls with friendship possibiliy. She doesn't understand the rule that she can't befriend the girls who serve the school and upsets decorum one evening when she dares to pour her own water.

In a parallel plot, thirteen-year-old Matt Coffin is on the run from a notorious gang boss. Dr. Macknockater finds him holed up in an abandoned shed and shelters him in her home. This strand of the story adds a menacing touch.

Fans of The Wednesday Wars and Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy will be delighted by the Easter Eggs, but the story stands on its own quite nicely. As with any book by Mr. Schmidt, laughter can be quickly followed by tears and vice versa.

Middle Grade Monday: The Fire, the Water and Maudie McGinn by Sally J. Pla

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The Fire, the Water and Maudie McGinn by Sally J. Pla.  336 p. Quill Tree Books/ HarperCollins Publisher, July 11, 2023. 9780063268814. (Review of arc courtesy of Blue Slip Media.)

Happy Monday! I hope you had a wonderful weekend.  It's the penultimate Monday of the school year for me and I am ready for the break. Middle Grade Monday features The Fire, the Water and Maudie McGuin by Sally J. Pla. Thirteen-year-old Maudie always looks forward to summers because she spends them with her dad in his cabin in California. She's autistic and he accepts her the way she is and doesn't belittle her the way her mom and now, her new step-father do. Almost immediately, her dad senses something is not right and asks Maudie if she's okay. Maudie is not okay, but has been sworn to secrecy by her mother. Then comes the wildfire. Maudie and her dad have to evacuate the cabin. They head down the coast to her dad's hometown. Her dad's best friend runs a trailer park and puts them up in a trailer while her dad tries to find work. Maudie spends her days at the beach getting up the courage to ask local surf legend, Etta for lessons. She wants to win the beginners surf contest at the end-of-summer bash. There's prize money and it might be enough to help her dad and maybe stay with him instead of returning to Texas.

This first-person novel unfolds quietly as Maudie copes with her traumas. Short chapters with poems interspersed throughout reflect Maudie's thoughtful insights. They also ratchet up tension as she gradually reveals the secret she carries. Readers will root for Maudie as she gains confidence, learns to surf and makes friends. Other characters are equally endearing and wonderfully supportive of Maudie. 

The Fire, the Water and Maudie McGinn releases on July 11. I adored this book. Put it on your radar. It would be a great SEL title and perfect for any school, classroom or public library. 

Middle Grade Monday: Nat for Nothing by Maria Scrivan

Image: Scholastic Inc.

Nat for Nothing by Maria Scrivan. 240 p. Nat Enough series #4. Graphix/ Scholastic, February, 2023. 9781338715422.

Happy Monday! Middle Grade Monday features Nat for Nothing by Maria Scrivan. In book 4 of the Nat Enough series, the principal at Nat's school is all about rules and Nat seems to break them alot. It didn't help that she was late for the first day of school and in her rush forgot to change out of her bunny slippers, but then she was caught running in the halls by him. He also issued a rule that all students should be involved in an extra-curricular activity. Nat's friends have no trouble finding their "thing." Flo joins puppetry and Zoe makes the volleyball team...with Lily, her former BFF. Not only does Nat not have a thing, her friends do and she's seeing them less and less, and Zoe and Lily seem to be getting particularly tight. What is Nat to do?

There are quite a few fans of this series at my school and book 4 does not disappoint.

Middle Grade Monday: Enemies by Svetlana Chmakova

Image: Yen Press

Enemies by Svetlana Chmakova. 224 p. Berrybrook Middle School #5. JY/ Yen Press, September, 2022. 9781975312725 (Review of finished purchased copy.)

Happy Monday! The snow sure was pretty this morning with the waning full moon shining on it. Just enough to say that winter is here and not enough to have to shovel. Middle Grade Monday featuers Enemies by Svetlana Chmakova. This is book # 5 of the Berrybrook Middle School series that began with Awkward. The series is quite popular at my school.

Felicity is a talented artist and loves being in Art Club. She has a bff and a group of friends that she games with. She does have a habit of not finishing what she started and this sometimes lands her in hot water with her parents. Her "perfect" little sister, Letty, lords it over her constantly and the two often fight about it. Felicity convinces Tess to join the Entrepreneur Club because there's a big prize at the end. This leads to some conflict because Felicity keeps shooting down Tess' ideas and doesn't come up with her own. Plus, Tess' attention is focused on the boys in the club, which includes her gaming friend and a former friend, now enemy.

Ms. Chmakova has an eye for middle school drama and a great ear for dialogue. Her characters are diverse (the club advisor is non-binary and the book store owner is in a wheelchair as two examples), and complex. The art tends toward muted and anime-style. This book will have wide appeal. It's a must-read for fans of the series, but non-fans can drop in anywhere in the series and get hooked themselves. Happy reading!

Teen Tuesday and Audiobook Review: Radio Silence by Alice Oseman

Image: HarperCollins Publishers

Radio Silence by Alice Oseman. Unabridged e-audiobook, ~11 hours. Read by Aysha Kala. Harper Teen/ HarperCollins Publishers, March, 2017. 9780062474612. (Review of e-audiobook borrowed from public library.

Happy Tuesday! I am a huge fan of the Heartstopper graphic novel series by Alice Oseman, as are many seventh and eighth graders, probably propelled by the popular Netflix series. Did you know that Ms. Oseman also writes novels? In fact, Charlie was a minor character in her debut novel, Solitaire, which was published in 2014, when she was only twenty years old! But Teen Tuesday isn't featuring Solitaire. I couldn't find it on audio, though I do intend to read it some day. 

Teen Tuesday features Radio Silence. This book was published in 2016 and is her second novel following the publication of two novellas. Radio Silence is narrated by Frances Janvier, who introduces her self with this: “I was study machine Frances Janvier. I was going to Cambridge . . . Uni, job, money, happiness. That’s what you do. That’s the formula." She's top girl at her school and despises the top boy. She also has a loose group of "friends" she really doesn't relate to or feel close to. What she does love with all her heart is a podcast called "Universe City." It's dark and brooding and Frances frequently publishes her fan art to Tumblr under the pseudonym, Toulouse. She's shocked and delighted to received a message through the app from the creator, who loves her art and wants permission to use it even though he can't pay her.

Turns out that the creator is none other than her across the street neighbor, Aled and twin to her former best friend, Carys. Aled is brilliant and headed to university and Carys struggeld in school and ran away two years earlier. Frances feels it is her fault. Frances and Aled strike up a fast friendship and work on the podcast together through the summer. After a social media influencer gives the podcast a shoutout, Universe City goes viral and the fandom are rabid to discover the identities of Aled and Frances.

This nuanced, layered novel explores themes of friendship, identity, familial relationships, societal expectations and being true to yourself. Frances' wry narration reveals her to be bright, honest, self-deprecating, driven and doubtful. I was immediately smitten. She also has a brilliant mother. I went into this vaguely thinking it would be a romance along the lines of Heartstopper. It's not, but it's utterly engaging. Mature teen readers questioning the status quo and looking for a challenging read  will enjoy Radio Silence.

Middle Grade Monday: New Kids and Underdogs by Margaret Finnegan

Image: Simon & Schuster

New Kids and Underdogs by Margaret Finnegan. 288 p. Atheneum Books for Young Readers/ Simon & Schuster, October, 2022. 9781534496408. (Review of finished copy courtesy of Blue Slip Media.)

Middle Grade Monday features New Kids and Underdogs by Margaret Finnegan. Robyn Kellen is preparing to be the "new kid" yet again. Her mom's a biology professor and they have moved around for her job a lot. This move to San Luis Obispo promises to be permanent though. Still, Robyn creates ten rules for being the new kid and decides to follow them. Things at her new school start out okay. She's befriended by two girls, Lulu and Marshan, who warn her away from Alejandra, who wears purple every day. She also seems to catch the attention of a blond haired boy who reminds Robyn of a snake and makes snide comments. 

When she and her mom pass by an agility training class while on a walk in a nearby park, Robyn is intrigued enough to ask about lessons for her two special needs rescues, Sundae and Fudge. The trainer abruptly nixes the idea and Robyn is disappointed. But the trainer's grandson, Nestor, is in her class at school, and he's willing to train her dogs, for a price. Both Robyn and Nestor need help with math and Alejandra, who skipped a grade volunteers to tutor them if she can join the training and Robyn brings the snacks. Can Robyn keep this a secret from Lulu and Marshan? 

There's a lot to like about this book. The dog training angle adds a fresh twist to the moving house theme. The dogs, especially Robyn's rescues, Sundae and Fudge are engaging characters with distinct personalities. I love the fact that they were not only rescues, but also had special needs. The dog training/ care was seamlessly woven into the narrative. I also appreciate that Robyn's parents were friendly and equally committed to raising their daughter.

The dialogue and school situations ring true. Readers will ache for Robyn as she navigates her rules, some of which contradict each other. Tween readers who enjoy gentle stories with realistic relatable issues will embrace New Kids and Underdogs. 

Middle Grade Monday: Remarkably Ruby by Terri Libenson

Image: HarperCollins Publishers

Remarkably Ruby by Terri Libenson. Emma and Friends Series. 368 p. Balzer + Bray/ HarperCollins, May, 2022. 9780063139183. (Review of finished copy borrowed from public library.)

Happy Monday! I had a lazy, unproductive weekend. I did take Boo for two three-mile walks each day and went to yoga though. I guess you could say I rested up in preparation for my first full week of school. Middle Grade Monday features Remarkably Ruby by Terri Libenson. This is book number six in the graphic novel hybrid series, Emmie and Friends. I have the first three books in my library and they're quite popular. I lost track of the series though and discovered that this is book six! They don't need to be read in order and I have some ordering to do!

Ruby is shy, clumsy and anxious. She just wants to stay under the radar and not have her goofs broadcast on social media. Her probably former best friend, Mia is everything Ruby is not. She's also running for class president and embarrassed by Ruby. However, Mia struggles with anxiety as well and as her campaign heats up ends up alienating her circle of friends as well.

As with the other books in the series, the balance of text and art is pleasing. Characters and situations are relatable and there's plenty of humor. These books are a great addition to any type of library.