Middle Grade Monday: The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman

Image: Hachette Book Group

The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman. Unabridged audiobook, ~6 hours. Read by Marisa Calin. Hachette Audio/ Little, Brown Young Readers, February, 2025. 9781668647448.

Clare, the undead fox of Deadwood Forest, is rather relieved to be undead. He's a silver-tailed fox who was run over as a kit and was convinced that his afterlife would be spent in the realm of Pain. Instead, he became an usher, one who welcomes the newly dead to Deadwood Forest and prepares them to enter one of four realms, Peace, Pleasure, Progress or Pain. Excepting for the yearly taunting by children each Halloween about how he's a monster who feasts on bones, his life is orderly and predictable. He enjoys helping souls move on and loves tending to his mushroom garden.

Things become a bit unsettled though, when a badger named Gingersnipes appears. Clare hates badgers, but this one doesn't seem so bad. She has way too many questions for Clare's liking, and he tries to show her the way quickly. Unfortunately, Gingersnipes knocks on Clare's door again, apparently unable to pass on. With great foreboding Clare attempts again, and again, and again. What does this mean?

This was an absolutely immersive audiobook! Ms. Calin's smooth narration and unique voices added dimension to this layered, lovely and magical story. The world building was deeply engaging. There was humor, suspense, sadness, heartbreak and hope. It's a story that can be read on many levels and should have broad appeal. 

As I listened, it occurred to me to check out the print book. Something told me it was illustrated. It was, and they were a lovely addition! 

Waiting on Wednesday: Instafamous by Erika J. Kendrick

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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: The Wild Robot Protects by Peter Brown

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The Wild Robot Protects by Peter Brown. 288 p. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, Sept. 2023. 9780316669412. (Review of finished purchased copy.)

Sorry for this late posting. Too much going on health-wise. It'll all settle out eventually. Middle Grade Monday features The Wild Robot Protects by Peter Brown. Roz is busy protecting her island home and its denizens and awaiting the return of her son, Brightbill, when news reaches the island of a new menace, the poison tide. When Roz not only learns that she is waterproof, but immune to the poison tide, she sets out north on a treacherous journey to the source of the poison.

The first two books in this trilogy are TMS favorites and this installment was much anticipated. So far, I've received mixed reviews from fans, some love it and some are a bit disappointed. I personally loved it. I adore Roz and her unconditional love for all things. Either way, if you've read the first two books, do yourself a favor and finish the trilogy. Happy reading!

Waiting on Wednesday: The Prisoner's Throne by Holly Black

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The Prisoner's Throne by Holly Black. Stolen Heir Duology, Book 2. 384 p. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, March 5, 2024. 9780316592710.

Happy Wednesday! It's the penultimate Wednesday of my summer break and I'm gearing up to return to school. I was very excited to learn about this conclusion to the Stolen Heir duology some weeks ago and now that there is a cover, an absolutely gorgeous cover, I can post. I read The Stolen Heir with my ears in late April and missed my exit home from a trip to Boston because the ending was intense! 

The synopsis for The Prisoner's Throne is very short, but fans need only know that it's coming.

Publisher synopsis: An imprisoned prince. A vengeful queen. And a battle that will determine the future of Elfhame.

Waiting on Wednesday: Dust by Dusti Bowling

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Dust by Dusti Bowling. 352 p. Little Brown Books for Young Readers, August 15, 2023. 9780316414234.

Waiting on Wednesday features Dust by Dusti Bowling. Ms. Bowling's books, especially Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus and The Canyon's Edge are quite popular at TMS. Her books have been firmly rooted in reality, but this one seems to have a touch of magic. Dust releases on August 15. Here's the publisher synopsis: A girl who struggles to breathe befriends a boy who seems shrouded in dust, in this unmissable tour de force from bestselling and award-winning author Dusti Bowling.

After Avalyn nearly died from an asthma attack, her parents moved her to the clear, dry air of Clear Canyon City, Arizona. And for the last ten years, she’s been able to breathe. That is, until Adam showed up.

Quiet and unkempt, Adam is an instant target for the bullies who have plagued Avalyn and her friends. As Avalyn gets to know him, she begins to suspect that the sudden, strange increase in dust storms around town are somehow connected to his emotions. She thinks his problems may be even worse at home, especially when massive black walls of dust start rolling in after the school day. Will she find a way to stand up for her new friend? Her life may just depend on it.

Dusti Bowling delivers a page-turning, powerful, and poignant novel of friendship, courage, and healing, perfect for readers of Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, Lynda Mullaly Hunt, and Erin Entrada Kelly.

You can check out Ms. Bowling's other books while you wait for Dust. Happy reading!

Waiting on Wednesday: Buzzing: a Graphic Novel written by Samuel Satten and illustrated by Rye Hickman.

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Buzzing: a Graphic Novel written by Samuel Satten and illustrated by Rye Hickman. 224 p. Little Brown Ink, July 18, 2023. 

Happy Wednesday! What do you have planned for this sunshiney day? The sun has been out these past two days and though it's really hot, it's so nice to see blue sky again. 

Waiting on Wednesday features Buzzing: a Graphic Novel written by Samuel Satten and illustrated by Rye Hickman. You don't need to wait too long for this one. It releases on July 18th! Here's the publisher synopsis: A moving middle grade graphic novel about friendship, belonging, and learning to love yourself despite the voices in your head.

Isaac Itkin can’t get away from his thoughts.

As a lonely twelve-year-old kid with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), everything from studying to looking in the mirror becomes a battle between him and a swarm of unhelpful thoughts.

The strict therapy his mother insists on doesn’t seem to be working, but when a group of friends invites him to join their after-school role-playing game, the thoughts feel a little less loud, and the world feels a little brighter.

But Isaac’s therapist says that exposure to games can have negative effects on kids with OCD, and when his grades slip, his helicopter mother won’t let him play anymore. Now Isaac needs to find a way to prove to himself, to his mother, and to the world that the way to quiet the noise in his head may have been inside him all along.

What are you waiting on? Happy reading!

#tbt: Crispin: the Cross of Lead by Avi

Image: Little, Brown

Crispin: the Cross of Lead by Avi. 320 p. Little, Brown BYR/ Originally published by Hyperion, 2002.

Happy penultimate Thursday of the school year! The air quality here has been really bad and it make me wonder how people in Canada are doing. #tbt features Crispin: the Cross of Lead by Avi. in 14th century England, a thirteen-year-old boy, known only as Asta's Son, is a peasant who lives in a small village that is part of Lord Furnival's territory. When his mother dies, he is left all alone in the world save for a small, lead cross that she gifted him before she died. There's writing on the cross, but Asta's Son doesn't read, so he turns to the village priest for help. He agrees to meet with Crispin, but is murdered. Furnival's steward, John Aycliff declares Asta's Son a "wolf head," meaning anyone may murder him, so he flees for his life.

This Medieval adventure is fast-paced and suspenseful. It was the winner of the 2003 Newbery Medal and was followed by two sequels.

Teen Tuesday and Audiobook Review: The Stolen Heir by Holly Black

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The Stolen Heir by Holly Black. Unabridged e-audiobook, ~10 hours, 14 minutes. Read by Saskia Maarleveld. Hachette Audio, January, 2023. 9781549135033. (Review of e-audiobook downloaded from public library.)

Happy Tuesday TMS Readers! Teen Tuesday features The Stolen Heir by Holly Black. Ms. Black returns to the kingdom of Elfhame in book one of a planned duology. She really is the undisputed queen of stories of the faerie folk. Make no mistake, this world is not full of benign little Tinker Bells. This world is savage.

The story takes place eight years after the Battle of the Serpent. Queen Nore has imprisoned Madoc in the Ice Needle Citadel and Queen Jude has sent her half-brother, Prince Oak, now eighteen, on a quest to free him. Queen Nore's ransom is a missing relic. Suren, Wren, has been living rough in the human world when she is hunted by the hag Bogdana. Oak rescues her and she joins him on his quest. Once upon a time, the two were betrothed.

This dark and twisty tale enchants from the beginning. I read this with my ears and enjoyed new-to-me narrator, Saskia Maarleveld's well-paced performance. The ending was so riveting that I missed my exit on my drive home from Massachusetts on Sunday and got stuck in traffic on 95 all the way to the George Washington Bridge in the rain! Now, I breathlessly await the next book, The Prisoner's Throne, due out in February, 2023. Mature readers who enjoy dark fantasy will enjoy this. Highly recommended! Happy reading.

PS: isn't that cover amazing?

#tbt: A Mango-Shaped Space by Wendy Mass

Image: Little, Brown

Happy Thursday! The weather around here has been crazy extremes. It got so hot last week that all the flowering trees burst into bloom and almost immediately faded. This week it's cold. Oh, and my refrigerator broke. It's seven years old and its fancy computer had problems the company couldn't fix from the beginning. Okay, I can live without the computer connecting to the network to tell me the weather, but I need the my food to stay cool enough not to spoil. I'm having trouble getting a repairman because the brand is apparently notoriously difficult to repair. Ugh! My last fridge lasted 30 years without a problem.

#tbt features A Mango-Shaped Space by Wendy Mass, who recently posted about it turning twenty! Thirteen-year-old Mia has a secret. She has synethesia and as a synethete, she sees things that no one else sees. She sees the world in colors and shapes. Her beloved cat, for instance, is a mango cloud. This has been an easy secret to keep until she hits algebra and foreign language. Her colors don't translate here. Also, things are not great with her best friend and her brother constantly puts her down.

When it published in 2003, I was working in a different school library. I book talked the title and a student exclaimed, "That's what I have! Can I read this?" She was so thrilled to see herself in a novel and her classmates and friends got to understand her a bit better as well - mirrors and windows.

A Mango-Shaped Space won The Schneider Family Book Award and is a TMS favorite, as most of her books are. 

Fact Friday: Just Jerry: How Drawing Shaped My Life by Jerry Pinkney

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Just Jerry: How Drawing Shaped My Life by Jerry Pinkney. 160 p. LBYR/ Hachette Book Group, January, 2023. 9780316383851. (Review of finished purchased copy.)

Mr. Pinkney finally won the Caldecott Medal for his wordless depiction of Aesop's fable, The Lion and Mouse after winning the Honor medal five times. He had been working on his memoir for ten years before his death in 2021. It is told in three parts and highlights his Black neighborhood in and around East Earlham Street in Philadelphia, his large and close-knit family and his struggles in school as a dyslexic. He always carried materials to draw with and did so whenever he could. This intimate memoir is filled with brown and white sketches of Mr. Pinkney, his family and his neighborhood. Budding artists and fans of his work will love this.

Middle Grade Monday: Winter Blunderland by James Patterson and Brian Sites

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Winter Blunderland by James Patterson and Brian Sitts. Middle School #15. Jimmy Patterson Books/ Little, Brown and Company,  November, 2022. 9780316500203. (Review of finished book borrowed from public library.)

Happy Monday! With possible snow in our forecast, today is a good time to feature Winter Blunderland by James Patterson and Brian Sitts as our Middle Grade Monday entry. I honestly lost track of the Middle Grade series. TMS library has up to book 13, From Zero to Hero. This is book 15.

Rafe has the opportunity to spend Christmas break in Alaska with Penelope and Dr. Deerwin researching polar bears. Getting to spend time with Penelope is a dream come true for Rafe, but he doesn't like sharing her with Panuk and his sister Uki. Panuk is confident and handsome and drives a cool snow-mobile. Can Rafe compete with that? And, oh yeah, there's the dark and the cold and polar bears and scary poachers to deal with. Fans won't be disappointed.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Wild Robot Protects by Peter Brown

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The Wild Robot Protects by Peter Brown. Wild Robot #3. 288 p. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, September 26, 2023. 9780316669412.

Happy Wednesday! I saw a tweet by Peter Brown about this a week or so back and I am so excited by this news. I adore Roz. The Wild Robot Protects is due out September 26th!

Here's the publisher synopsis: The action-packed third installment in Peter Brown's internationally bestselling The Wild Robot series takes Roz on an under-the-ocean journey to save her beloved island!

Life for Roz and the animals on their island is perfect: wild, natural, harmonious. Her son Brightbill has even found a mate! But then, one day an injured seal washes ashore and warns of dangerous, cloudy waters that are flowing toward the island—and soon the animals are forced inland to fight over dwindling resources.

Roz calms and organizes the animals, but the poison tide takes a terrible toll on the island. And when the robot discovers that her new body is waterproof, she marches into the waves and sets out across the ocean, determined to stop the poison tide.

During her undersea journey, Roz encounters amazing geological formations and incredible creatures, and she sees the devastation caused by the toxic waters. Creatures she meets along the way direct her to a mysterious character known as the Ancient Shark, who explains that the poison tide is caused by a huge station that floats on the waves; a station operated by humans and by robots. To stop them, the Ancient Shark is prepared to attack with an army of sea creatures. However, Roz hopes to find a peaceful solution, instead. Can the wild robot save the ocean and her island and everything she loves?

This thrilling third installment of the Wild Robot series takes readers on a new adventure under the ocean and to the frigid northern waters where Roz may have to make the ultimate sacrifice.

#tbt: The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer

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The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer. 448 p. The Land of Stories #1. Little Brown Young Readers/ Little, Brown & Company. July, 2012. 9780316201575. (Own)

Happy Thursday! #tbt celebrates the upcoming tenth anniversary of The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell. This was the Glee alum's debut and it was an immediate NYT Bestseller and quickly became a TMS favorite. 

Twins Connor and Alex are still grieving the death of their father as they are about to turn twelve. Their grandmother gifts them the book of fairy tales he used to read to them. Soon, they find themselves falling into that world. Familiar folk and fairy tale characters are living their ever-afters, some happily, some not. 

The series continues with five additional books, plus a three-book (so far) prequel, A Tale of Magic series. 

Waiting on Wednesday: The Door of No Return by Kwame Alexander

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The Door of No Return by Kwame Alexander. 432 p. Little Brown Young Readers, September 27, 2022. 9780316441865.

Happy penultimate Wednesday of summer break! Waiting on Wednesday features The Door of No Return by Kwame Alexander. Mr. Alexander's verse novels are popular at my school. His debut MG, The Crossover won the Newbery Award and is basically checked out all school year. Here's the publisher synopsis for The Door of No Return, which is due out on September 27.

Publisher synopsis: Dreams are today’s answers for tomorrow’s questions.

11-year-old Kofi Offin dreams of water. Its mysterious, immersive quality. The rich, earthy scent of the current. The clearness, its urgent whisper that beckons with promises and secrets…

Kofi has heard the call on the banks of Upper Kwanta, in the village where he lives. He loves these things above all else: his family, the fireside tales of his father’s father, a girl named Ama, and, of course, swimming. Some say he moves like a minnow, not just an ordinary boy so he’s hoping to finally prove himself in front of Ama and his friends in a swimming contest against his older, stronger cousin.

But before this can take place, a festival comes to the villages of Upper and Lower Kwanta and Kofi’s brother is chosen to represent Upper Kwanta in the wrestling contest. Encircled by cheering spectators and sounding drums, the two wrestlers from different villages kneel, ready to fight.

You are only fine, until you are not.

The match is over before it has barely begun, when the unthinkable–a sudden death–occurs…

The river does not care how grown you are.

As his world turns upside down, Kofi soon ends up in a fight for his life. What happens next will send him on a harrowing journey across land and sea, and away from everything he loves.

Waiting on Wednesday: Two Truths and a Lie by April Henry

Image: Christy Ottaviano Books

Two Truths and a Lie by April Henry. 288 p. Christy Ottaviano Books, May 24, 2022. 9780316323338. 

Waiting on Wednesday features an upcoming book by a TMS favorite, April Henry. Tons of TMS seventh and eighth graders adore her mystery/ thrillers. This one looks like one I will need to read in one sitting! Two Truths and a Lie releases on May 24.

Publisher synopsis: A group of teens are trapped in an old motel with a murderer in this chilling YA mystery by New York Times bestselling author April Henry.

Nell has always wanted to be an actor, but doubts her ability. As a member of her school’s theater program, she prefers working backstage. On the way to a contest, an unexpected blizzard strands her acting troupe in a creepy motel. Soon they meet a group of strangers from another high school—including the mysterious and handsome Knox, who insists they play the game Two Truths and a Lie. When it’s Nell’s turn, she draws a slip of paper inked in unfamiliar handwriting:
I like to watch people die.
I’ve lost count of how many people I’ve killed.

Suddenly a night of harmless fun turns into a matter of life and death. As guests go missing, it becomes clear that a murderer is hiding in their midst ready to strike again. In a room full of liars and performers, the truth is never quite what it seems. Nell is going to have to act like her life depends on it—because it does.

Waiting on Wednesday: Learning to Fall by Sally Englefried

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Learning to Fall by Sally Englefried. 272 p. Little, Brown Young Readers, September, 6, 2022. 9780316367974.

Happy Wednesday! Waiting on Wednesday features Learning to Fall, a debut novel by Sally Engelfried. I love the cover and am always happy to read a debut. Learning to Fall releases September 6. Here's the publisher synopsis: Twelve-year-old Daphne reconciles with her father, who left her stranded three years ago, and learns forgiveness one fall at a time in this heartwarming debut by Sally Engelfried. For fans of The ​First Rule of Punk.

Daphne doesn't want to be stuck in Oakland with her dad. She wants to get on the first plane to Prague, where her mom is shooting a movie. Armed with her grandparents’ phone number and strict instructions from her mom to call them if her dad starts drinking again, Daphne has no problem being cold to him. But there's one thing Daphne can't keep herself from doing: joining her dad and her new friend Arlo at a weekly skate session.

When her dad promises to teach her how to ollie and she lands the trick, Daphne starts to believe in him again. He starts to show up for her, and Daphne learns things are not as black and white with her dad as she used to think. The way Daphne’s dad tells it, skating is all about accepting failure and moving on. But can Daphne really let go of her dad’s past mistakes? Either way life is a lot like skating: it’s all about getting back up after you fall.

#tbt: Bird in a Box by Andrea Davis Pinkney

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Bird in a Box by Andrea Davis Pinkney. Illustrations by Sean Qualls. 288 p. Little, Brown and Company/ Hachette Book Group, February, 2012. 9780316074032. (Own.)

Happy Thursday! One more day and then I'm on February break! I'm already behind on my scaled back GR goal, so hopefully, I will catch up on my reading then. But then, the end of the trimester is looming and I'm behind (as usual) in my grading. Sigh.

#tbt features Bird in a Box by Andrea Davis Pinkney. Illustrated by Sean Qualls. This work of historical fiction is set in 1936, in the thick of the Great Depression and is told from the POV of three children who meet in the Mercy Home for Negro Children. Hibernia is a reverend's daughter who loves to sing, but her mother abandoned the family to pursue a singing career. Otis has lost his parents in a car accident and Willie has run away from an abusive father, but not before being severely injured. The three eventually bond over the journey of boxing great Joe Louis. 

Waiting on Wednesday: A Perfect Mistake by Melanie Conklin

 

Image: Hachette Book Group

A Perfect Mistake by Melanie Conklin. 288 p. Little, Brown Young Readers/ Hachette Book Group, July 12, 2022. 9780316668583. 

Waiting on Wednesday features A Perfect Mistake by Melanie Conklin. Ms. Conklin's two previous books, Counting on Thyme and Every Missing Piece are popular at my school. Here's the publisher synopsis: A moving novel about friendship, responsibility, and fighting against unfair expectations, for fans of Rebecca Stead and Erin Entrada Kelly. 

Max wishes he could back in time to before he was diagnosed with ADHD, before he grew to be the tallest kid in his class, and before he and his best friends went into the woods in the middle of the night. Max doesn’t remember what happened after he left his friends Will and Joey and the older kids who took them there. He’s not sure if he wants to remember. Knowing isn’t going to make Joey talk to him again, or bring Will out of his coma.

When the local authorities run out of leads, Max realizes that without his help, they may never know what really happened to Will. Charged by the idea that he may be the key to uncovering the truth, Max pairs up with classmate and aspiring journalist Sam to investigate what really happened that night. But not everyone in the community wants that night to be remembered.

A Perfect Mistake publishes on July 12. 

#tbt: Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker-Rhodes

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Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker-Rhodes. 220 p. Little, Brown and Company, August, 2010. 9780316043076.

Happy Thursday! We are a one-session day from the holiday break! I don't say half-day, because it's not. It's 3/4 of a day or early dismissal. Haha.

#tbt features Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker-Rhodes. This present tense, first-person narrative begins on Lanesha's twelfth birthday. She lives with Mama Ya-Ya because her mother died giving birth to her and her only living relatives want nothing to do with her. Mama Ya-Ya can see the future and knows there's a big storm heading for New Orleans and that their neighborhood, Ninth Ward, will be hard hit. Lanesha herself has second sight. She attributes this to the caul that covered her face when she was born. She also sees the ghost of her dead mother, so we have a potent combination of magical realism and the very real disaster that was Hurricane Katrina. 

Ninth Ward was published in 2010. It was Ms. Parker-Rhodes children's literature debut and was named an ALA Notable Book, was a School Library Journal Best Book and was on the Amelia Bloomer list. 

#tbt: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian by Sherman Alexie

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Happy Thursday! My students, colleagues and I have a long weekend because the NJ Teachers Convention is convening.

#tbt features The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian by Sherman Alexie and illustrated by Ellen Fornay. This semi-autobiographical novel was the poet, screenwriter and novelist's YA debut. It landed with a splash in 2007 earning many starred reviews, the National Book Award, The Boston Globe/ Horn Book Award and was a New York Times Notable Book.

Budding cartoonist and angry teen, Arnold Spirt narrates and illustrates this frank, hilarious and heartbreaking story. Arnold, who goes by Junior, was born with hydrocephaly, or, water on the brain. This required several surgeries. He lives on an Indian reservation in Spokane, Washington with his extended family, many of whom are alcoholics. Junior is bright, artistic and also loves to play basketball with his best friend, Rowdy. He both recognizes and resents the poverty and hopelessness on the rez and wants out. His decision to leave the reservation school to attend a white high school twenty miles away causes a rift in his friendship with Rowdy. Even though his family members understand and are supportive, the rest of the tribe is not. He straddles two worlds, never quite fitting in in either one.

The book's frank language and frank depiction of poverty, addiction and racism brought many challenges by censors across the country, enough to land the title on ALA's top ten Banned/ Challenged Books more than once, most recently for sexual harassment claims against the author.