Socially Conscious Picture Books: Honeybee & We Are Water Protectors

Hey everyone, it's Sarah! Typically, we don't review picture books outside of Mock Caldecott, because YA is truly our passion. While I was going through books that are receiving Caldecott buzz, I couldn't stop thinking about these books and wanted to discuss them. In library school, we were required to come up with activities related …

TBR Thursdays: Very Rich by Polly Horvath

Hi everyone, it's Sarah! I uncovered this novel at one of my system's library branches, it has been waiting for me to read it for years. Sometimes I struggle to get to books that my library doesn't own the audiobook for. Title: Very Rich Author: Polly Horvath Summary: Rupert is one of the many children …

Middle Grade Book Review: Right as Rain by Lindsey Stoddard

Hey everyone, it's Sarah! I received this as an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Title: Right as Rain Author: Lindsey Stoddard Book Summary: After Rain's brother dies, her parents seem to be fighting more. Rain is especially worried about them finding out her secret, she is the reason why her …

Middle Grade Book Review: Dactyl Hill Squad by Daniel José Older

Hiya everyone, it's Sarah! I received this as an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Title: Dactyl Hill Squad (Dactyl Hill Squad 1) (1) Author: Daniel José Older Book Summary: It is 1863 in America, the horrific institution of slavery still exists and the Civil War is in full swing. While …

Middle Grade Book Review: The Year We Fell From Space by A. S. King

Hiya everyone, it's Sarah! I received this as an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I never turn down a King novel and I am always interested in seeing what she has going on in the middle grade world. Title: The Year We Fell From Space Author: Book Summary: Liberty's dad …

TBR Thursday: Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee

Hello everyone, it's Sarah! This is a new author publishing out of Rick Riordan's brand and it is completely on brand. I love how this brand is creating great, diverse, readalikes for the Percy Jackson books. Title: Dragon Pearl Author: Yoon Ha Lee Book Summary: Min lives in a dusty planet that needs help to …

Middle Grade Book Review: The Last Last-Day-Of- Summer by Lamar Giles

Hey everyone, it's Sarah! I had this book on my list since last summer, it was getting early Newbery buzz. I typically enjoy Lamar Giles and this was his first middle grade novel. Title: The Last Last-Day-of-Summer (A Legendary Alston Boys Adventure) Author: Lamar Giles Book Summary: Cousins, Otto and Sheed, live in a very …

Middle Grade Book Review: Rick by Alex Gino

Hey everyone, it's Sarah! I was so excited to find this ARC because I couldn't wait to see what Melissa (or the main character from George) was up to. While this book is set in the same George universe, it can be read on its own. Title: Rick Author: Alex Gino Book Summary: Rick is …

Children’s Book Review: Briar and Rose and Jack by Katherine Coville

Howdy everyone, it's Sarah! I received this as an eARC through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Title: Briar and Rose and Jack Author: Katherine Coville Book Summary: In this mash up of Sleeping Beauty and Jack and the Giant Beanstalk, the ladies are given the chance to help save the day. Briar and …

Middle Grade Book Review: The Incredibly Dead Pets of Rex Dexter by Aaron Reynolds

Hiya everyone, it's Sarah! I am working on a yearly list that my library compiles for the best books of the year. I have been assigned the middle grade age group, eek! I need to beef up my reading in this area and someone suggested this Reynolds book. If you have any other suggestions for …