The Black Market by Jed Alexander

The Black Market by Jed Alexander
Publisher:  Union Square Kids
Format Read:  Paperback ARC
Number of pages:   272 pages
Published:  September 9th, 2025
Source: Bookmark Communications

Opening Lines: "My great-aunt Gabby always comes to visit once a year."

Martin's great-aunt Gabby is a seasoned world traveler who never arrives without bringing him a unique gift.  This year, she surprises him with a pair of rare foovaloos shoes, an item thought to be extinct.  Martin's great-aunt explains that she acquired them at the mysterious Black Market, immediately sparking Martin's curiosity.  She tells Martin that the market never appears in the same place twice and surfaces only on Halloween.  It's said to sell countless illegal treasures, but unlike ordinary markets, "you don't seek it out, it finds you."  Entry even requires a secret password. Martin's great-aunt makes him promise to keep the market a secret, but naturally he shares it with his best friend, Jess.

Later at the library, Martin and Jess meet up to work on their Civil War project, but Jess is far more interested in his new shoes.  She convinces Martin that they should search for the Black Market together, hoping to uncover an unusual treasure.  Sneaking out at night, the two manage to find the hidden entrance.  Jess, however, is denied entry, while Martin slips inside in his Headless Horseman costume, which allows him to pass as an adult.  Once inside the market, Martin discovers a Bag of Dirty Tricks and trades his shoes for half a bag and a book of instructions.

Back at home, Martin and Jess eagerly explore the dirty tricks housed in the bag.  Some can make everything taste like pickles, others cause your hair to fall out or leave you perpetually puzzled.  Deciding to start small, Martin tests a bar of trick soap on his dad, intending to turn his hands red for a week.  But when his dad showers with it, his entire body turns red.  Martin's next target is his neighbor, Mr. Murphy whom Martin suspects of stealing his dog.  Mr. Murphy falls victim to the Creeping Arborialis trick, sprouting sapling branches from his fingertips and ears. 

As the pranks escalate, Martin and Jess begin to realize the tricks are changing them, twisting their personalities and making them cruel.  Alarmed, they bury the bag and book under the cover of night.  But the following day, chaos erupts across town.   Random people suffer suspicious, bizarre aliments and fall prey to dirty tricks.  Horrified, Martin and Jess set out to track down the thief who unearthed The Bag of Dirty Tricks and stop them from unleashing any more.

I've never been a huge fan of pulling pranks on people.  Well not since that one time that a family friend put salt into my soda as an April Fool's Day prank.  That's why I really appreciate how Martin and Jess question whether their tricks are turning them into bad people.  At heart, they're good kids who recognize that their pranks can seriously harm someone if taken too far.  I especially enjoyed the concept of the Black Market, with its shadowy stalls and suspicious wares.  It adds a wonderfully mysterious atmosphere.  The true highlight of the book is Jess and Martin's friendship.  Included are these lovely illustrations that heighten kid appeal.  Altogether, this would be a delightful story to read aloud.  

I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE      

**A huge thank you to Bookmark Communications for the review copy in exchange for an honest review**      

Love Wars: Clash of the Parents, A True Divorce Story by Matthew A. Tower , illustrated by Tsuneo Sanda

Love Wars:  Clash of the Parents, A True Divorce Story by Matthew A. Tower, illustrated by Tsuneo Sanda
Publisher:  Raja Media LLC
Format Read:  Hardcover
Number of pages:   370 pages
Published:  October 17th, 2025
Source: Books Forward 

Opening Lines:  "As I listened to my father read my favorite bedtime story, I curled up against his chest and felt the comforting rise and fall of his breathing."

The story begins with Matt around the age of three watching Star Wars six times across two days as his younger brother, Thomas was born.  The film left a huge imprint on his life.  Meanwhile, tension grows at home with an escalation of arguments between his parents.  Angry voices, send him to his room and his mother becomes increasingly absent.  At the age of six, Matthew's parents begin the process to divorce, and he and Thomas live primarily with their mom while splitting time with their father. 

Hoping to repair their relationship, his parents move the family from the city to the country, but the change only deepens their divide.  What follows is a painful tug-o-war, with Matt and Thomas caught in the middle.  Their mother disparages their father calling him horrible names like "cretin" and "bastard," often urging Matt to join in.  The boys are shuttled back and forth, each parent vying to appear as the better caregiver.  The conflict reaches a breaking point when Matt summons the courage to shout for them to stop fighting.  Stuck in the middle of their custody battle, Matt copes with the chaos by turning to the teachings of Luke Skywalker, using Star Wars as a guide to navigate his parent's battles.  

Love Wars chronicles the author's childhood memories of his parent's bitter divorce. It reveals Matt's sadness, confusion and longing to see his father.  Early on, it becomes clear that his mother struggles with mental illness, and her relentless criticism of his father deeply scars him.  She places Matt and Thomas at serious risk, leaving them in a motel with a babysitter on Christmas Eve, wages a "Violin War" over lessons, and even sues Matt for refusing to take Hebrew classes.  Matt is overwhelmed by anger and frustration, and he even lashes out at his younger brother, treating him cruelly.  

This heartbreaking memoir underscores how divorce should never place children in the middle of parental conflict.  Children should not be pressured to spy or forced to carry insults between parents.  I deeply appreciate that the author chose to share his story, despite how painful in must have been to relive.  By doing so, he offers a voice to children who are caught in similar situations, reminding them that they are not alone.  I hope that young readers whose parents are in the middle of a divorce will find comfort and strength from reading this book.  Love Wars is accompanied by stunning black-and-white illustrations by Tsuneo Sanda.  I can't fully express how powerful and detailed they are, but they are not to be missed (There's a sample in the video below).  The Star Wars references and Luke Skywalker's presence throughout the narrative add depth and resonance.  It is a powerfully moving story that I would highly recommend.

**A huge thank you to Books Forward for the hardcover review copy in exchange for an honest review**

I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE   

The Picasso Curse by Dan Gutman

The Picasso Curse by Dan Gutman
Publisher:  Holiday House
Format Read:  E-book
Number of pages:   192 pages
Published:  September 2nd, 2025
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss +  

Opening Lines:  "It was a Saturday back in October when I found the doodle."

While shopping with his parents at a flea market, Edwin Hodge spots a signed poster of Kobe Bryant, priced for a mere ten dollars.  Hoping to beat out his classmate, Vinnie, who's also eyeing the poster, Edwin quickly buys it.  Back home, he discovers a hidden doddle tucked behind the frame.  The next day at school, during show-and-tell, Edwin's art teacher notices the drawing's distinctive style resembles the work of Pablo Picasso.  She urges Edwin and his parents to have it professionally appraised.  The story then shifts to 1911, recounting the infamous theft of the Mona Lisa.  Picasso was detained and questioned in connection with the crime, and according to legend, he even sketched a doddle during that time.

The story then returns to Edwin as news of his discovery goes viral.  Soon he's bombarded with interview requests, strangers show up at his door asking for money, and the original seller from the flea market reappears offering $10,000 to buy back the poster.  Hoping to get the artwork appraised, Edwin and his parents travel to Chicago, where they find an art auction house interested in selling the piece.  But, as things spin out of control, Edwin devises a bold plan to stage a public shredding of the artwork and sell access to the livestream, even offering pieces of the shredded remains for purchase.  As the final moment arrives and Edwin prepares to feed the artwork into the shredder, the story ends on a cliffhanger.  This leaves the reader with one burning question, what would you do?  

The Picasso Curse was such a fun read! At first, it feels like Edwin won the lottery, but the discovery of a valuable piece of art brings unexpected pressures and complications.  It truly feels like he's been cursed.   I really appreciated how Edwin remained cautious and questions people's motives, even though his family could use the money.  I especially enjoyed the back matter at the beginning of the book, which dives into the historical theft of the Mona Lisa.  I was also stunned to learn about the recent heist at the Louvre Museum where thieves stole $102 million in jewels from the early-to-mid-19th century.  Gutman enriches the story with real-life examples of people who've stumbled upon hidden treasures and there are historical photographs, reproductions of the Mona Lisa and other fascinating illustrations.  Overall, this was a wonderful blend of fact and fiction.  

I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE      

  

**A huge thank you to the publisher for my review copy in exchange for an honest review.**

Eating to Save the Planet: How Veganism Helps Fight Climate Change by Anne Broyles , illustrated by Hannah Li

Eating to Save the Planet by Anne Broyles, illustrated by Hannah Li
Publisher:  Holiday House
Format Read:  E-book
Number of pages:   128 pages
Published:  August 26th, 2025
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Eating to Save the Planet opens with a thought-provoking question: "When you walk down the aisles of a grocery store, do you think about all the steps it took for each item to get on the shelf?"  This compelling, jam-packed book explores the benefits of adapting a plant-based diet and the broader implications of our food choices. 

The book begins by examining how the foods we eat reflect our cultural backgrounds.  The book highlights the diversity of meal preparation and explains that people choose their diets based on what kind of an eater they are, whether they are carnivores, omnivores, vegetarian or pescatarians.  Each type of eater is described with clear examples and descriptions of the foods they would typically enjoy.

The discussion also delves into the history of food shortages, emphasizing that what we eat is a global issue.  It addresses legislative changes being made to promote healthier food options and explores the growing use of regenerative agricultural as a sustainable solution.  The book emphasizes the advantages of a plant-based diet and introduces meat alternatives that are currently being used in other countries, like insects as a potential meat substitute.  Real life suggestions are made for children to try out, including Meatless Mondays and gradually incorporating new vegetables into their meals.  

Overall, Eating to Save the Planet is an informative, and thought-provoking book about what we put onto our plate and how it impacts our environment.  The full-color illustrations will enhance the appeal for younger readers, and I especially enjoyed the impactful graph showing the amount of water that is needed to produce a pound of various types of food.  At the back of the book, readers will find a helpful list of sources, websites, and resources for transitioning to a plant-based diet, along with various stories of well-known individuals who have made the switch.  This would make a lovely resource for a school or public library.    

I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE     

   **A huge thank you Holiday House for access to the e-book in exchange for an honest review**

Hollow by Taylor Grothe

 Hollow by Taylor Grothe
Publisher:  Peachtree Teen
Format Read:  Hardcover
Number of pages:   352 pages
Published:  September 30th, 2025
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Opening Lines:  "Cassie Davis was no hero."

It's been four years since Cassie, and her mother left Deep Glen for upstate New York.  Now they're moving back, drawn by the familiarity and sense of normalcy they once knew, before the breakdown, the diagnosis and divorce.  Cassie is anxious, worried that her old friends have moved on.  Can they forgive her for leaving, never calling or explaining what happened? 

Surprisingly, Cassie's old friends extend an olive branch, inviting her to join their backpacking trip to Hollow Ridge.  It feels like the opportunity she has been waiting for, a chance to clear the air and mend old wounds.  At first, things appear to be going well.  The group begins to reconnect; they have an evening of laughter and drinking.  But just as they begin to feel like friends again, a heated argument erupts. The next morning, Cassie wakes to an empty campsite.  Her friends gone.

Cassie begins a desperate search for her missing friends, calling out into the woods and retracing their steps.  After falling on the trail and injuring herself, she's rescued by a boy named Kaleb, who takes her to the Roost, a secluded community of artists deep in the forest.  

At first, the Roost feels like a sanctuary.  Kaleb tends to her ankle injury, and the residents seem welcoming.  Cassie begins to relax and feel more and more like her old self.  Yet something feels off.  The dolls the community makes aren't helping put her at ease and Cassie can't seem to shake the feeling that Kaleb and the Roost aren't what they seem.  

Hollow has one of those book covers that grabs your attention instantly.  The dark, mysterious design with the crow and eye peeking through.  It sets the tone perfectly.  Yep, creepy Halloween vibes for sure.    

Cassie sees herself as a wearer of masks, concealing her true identity and emotions from those around her.  After a breakdown at school in New York, she was diagnosed as autistic, a revelation that reshapes how she sees herself.   The hiking trip to Hollow Ridge is meant to be a fresh start, a way to move forward.  But as their journey unfolds, Cassie realizes that she wasn't the only one struggling.  Each of her friends had their own issues and hidden pains.  Her absence impacted them all.  

Grothe takes their time developing both the plot and the complex relationships between Cassie and her friends.  The slow-building tension works well in developing Cassie's character, and that of the mysterious Roost.  You really get a strong sense of Cassie's anxiety, how it shapes her decisions and colors her perceptions. 

 The story unfolds in fragmented flashbacks of Cassie's memories with Jacqueline (Jac), Blake and Melody.  These glimpses help piece together their emotional history but personally, I would've liked to see more of those moments.    A few additional scenes from their past could have made the climax feel less rushed.  

One of the standouts from the book is its thoughtful representations.  Grothe includes characters and experiences that reflect autism, bisexuality/pansexuality, non-binary identity and trichotillomania.  Read this if you enjoy books with creepy dolls, a mysterious community, and an eerie forest or for fans of Don't Let the Forest In.        

The Haunted Scavenger Hunt by Steve Patschke, illustrated by Roland Garrigue

The Haunted Scavenger Hunt by Steve Patschke, illustrated by Roland Garrigue
Publisher:  Templar Books imprint of Candlewick Press
Format Read:  Hardcover
Number of pages:   40 pages
Published:  July 8th, 2025
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Opening Lines: "One dark and scary Halloween night, four friends named Sammy, Jenny, Sara and Pete found a strange box."

Don't all great Halloween stories begin on a dark and scary night?  On this particular night, four friends stumble upon a strange box.  Written across the top are the chilling words, "Don't look at it! Don't touch it! Don't open it!"  Naturally, the four friends do exactly the opposite.

Inside, they discover a series of cryptic clues that launch them on a Halloween scavenger hunt, with each hint leading them deeper into the night.  The final clue leads them to a spooky house.  But, as they venture further, something mysterious begins to unfold.  One by one, the friends disappear, until only one remains.  What is awaiting at the very last door?  

The Haunted Scavenger Hunt is a delightful Halloween story for sharing with children.  It leads readers on a winding, clue filled journey full of mystery, movement and just the right amount of spookiness.   Parents will enjoy asking leading questions like what might be inside the box?  Should or shouldn't they open it?  While kids can join in on the fun by mimicking the characters actions, like taking four steps and then turning left or right while following the trail of clues.  They might even be inspired to make their own scavenger hunt.  The eerie old house adds a touch of suspense and young readers might wonder why each friend disappears along the way.  But with a guiding adult to explain the twists and turns, and a surprise party waiting at the end, this will surely make for a fun Halloween read-aloud.

**A huge thank you to Candlewick Press for the review copy which will be donated to a Little Free Library**

Stitch: Reimagining Frankenstein by Pádraig Kenny

Stitch: Reimagining 

Frankenstein by Pádraig Kenny
Publisher:  Walker Books US
Format Read:  Hardcover
Number of pages:   208 pages
Published:  July 22nd, 2025
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Opening Lines:  "Stitch wakes up, just as he always has done for the past five hundred and eighty-four days he has been waking up."

Stitch and his friend Henry Oaf are creations of Professor Hardacre, brought to life through his mysterious experiments.   Since then, they've spent their days contentedly within the castle.  Stitch follows a quiet routine of caring for brown mouse, marking each day of waking up on the wall with a piece of chalk, visiting Henry, and performing light chores.  

Henry Oaf, the professor's first creation, now lives confined to a cage for misbehaving.  He has a habit of getting overly excited and breaking things, which the professor dislikes.  Neither Stitch nor Henry has disturbed the professor since he requested not to be interrupted some 328 days ago, when he went for a rest.  

Then one day, a surprise knock breaks the silence of their quiet home.  A young professor arrives, accompanied by his assistant, Alice.  He claims to be Professor Hardacre's nephew.  After learning about the professors prolonged rest, they conclude that he has passed away.   Determined to carry on his uncle's legacy, the young professor takes over his research and launches his first, greatest scientific experiment, fixing Henry.  But Henry has no intention of becoming anything different other than himself and so he runs away.  With no choice, Stitch sets out from his comfortable life on a journey into the unknown to find his beloved friend. 

Stitch is a reimaging of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein for younger children.  It's a surprisingly quick read filled with wonderful messages of having empathy for others, showing kindness and not being judgmental, while also questioning what qualities make up a person. 

Stitch is a delightful, kindhearted character.  His life initially was dictated by his routine but toward the end of the story he finds purpose in his friends and exploring the world around him.  He's inquisitive and an explorer at heart.  He's a coinsurer of words, taking Henry's amusing made-up words or combinations of two words and adding them to his vocabulary.  Henry is darling, he exhibits characteristics of ADHD and is easily excitable but is just a big huggable bear.  It's through their interactions that the author illustrates what it means to be a kind friend and that differences do not define the person.  I loved how Stitch always leads with kindness even when others try to label him as a monster.  It really is a wonderful story about not judging people based on what they look like or where they come from.    

Cover Reveal for Lianna and the Hombit by Valinora Troy

It's Marvelous Middle Grade Monday and today I have the pleasure of revealing the cover of Lianna and the Hombit by Valinora Troy, Coming 1/23/2026 from The Silver Key

Title: Lianna and the Hombit
Author: Valinora Troy
Cover Artist:  Laura Tolton
Expected Publication Date: January 23rd, 2026
Genre: MG Fantasy
Author Links:  Website / X

ADD it to Goodreads

A grieving girl in need of a friend. A magical creature with a secret task. Can they end the ancient curse threatening their new home?

13-year-old Lianna has lost everything: her home, her friends, and most devastatingly, her beloved Papa. Sent to live with her uncle, Lianna is certain he will be cruel and unkind, for why else would Papa have run away when he was young? Robbed on arrival of her precious keepsakes, Lianna receives a worse-than-expected welcome from her uncle. His servants are hostile and even her grandparents seem to glare at her from their portraits over the fire.

When a magical creature resembling a small glass bird bursts into her life in a mix of sparks and fire, Lianna is eager to assist the hombit with its secret mission if it helps her return home. Which leads to Lianna undertaking a risky dive near perilous sea stacks known as ‘living rocks’.

When her dive goes wrong, she awakens a creature that seeks to rob her of her humanity.

To survive, Lianna must uncover the dark secrets of her father’s past. Now she faces a stark decision: does she save herself or the town that rejects both her and her father?

A heart-warming story of the healing power of friendship when all seems lost.

                            And now the cover...

Valinora Troy is a children’s fantasy writer from Ireland. She has a MA in Creative Writing Specialising in Writing for Children and Young Adults, and has served as a panellist for the CYBILS awards (elementary & middle grade speculative fiction category). Her short stories for adults have been in a number of publications. She is the author of ‘The Lucky Diamond’ trilogy, three middle grade children’s fantasy adventures. She has recently been shortlisted for the Staróg prize, and has served as a Reading Ambassador for Louth County Libraries.

 

I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE      

Growing Up Beth by Beth York, illustrations by Treana Latese Newsome

 

Growing Up Beth by Beth Ann York, illustrations by Treana Latese Newsome 
Publisher:  Charlesbridge Moves
Format Read:  Hardcover
Number of pages:   96 pages
Publishing:  October 21st, 2025
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Opening Lines:  "Mama is the hammer in our house."

Nine-year-old Beth lives with her mom, five brothers, one big dog and their stepdad, Bob.  They've just moved into their first house, and it's been an adjustment for them all.  Growing Up Beth consists of ten short chapter length stories/episodes highlighting Beth's frustration of being the only girl in a sea of boys.  There are lighthearted moments around the dinner table, the real struggles of having to wear hand me downs, a special field trip and a story that culminates with a new family member.  

The story reminded me a bit of Clemintine by Sara Pennypacker since both girls have spunky personalities.  I enjoyed the youthful quality of Beth and how well she fits the perspective of a nine-year-old.  She's fresh, lively and relatable, with a mom who "doesn't play."  Beth and her siblings try not to upset their mom, but their antics at the dinner table nearly push her over the edge. I love how these lighthearted moments mixed with glimpses of familial bonds keep the reader engaged.   

I enjoyed how the story showed Beth and her siblings doing chores like raking leaves, something that I didn't enjoy much as a kid either because weekends were supposed to be playtime.  I also can definitely relate to Beth's frustration with the differing age rules between her and her brothers, and how restricted she feels by them.  While they have the freedom to come and go, she's stuck staying close to home.  On top of that, she's treated differently just because she's a girl, which is so frustrating.  Overall, this was such a relatable and humorous story.  Beth York drew inspiration from her own childhood and family misadventures.  The story beautifully explores themes of honesty and owning up to our mistakes instead of trying to lie and cover them up.    

I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE      

  

**A huge thank you to the publisher for my review copy in exchange for an honest review.**

Risk, Resilience, and Redemption: A Miraculous Holocaust Survival Story by Frank W Baker

Risk, Resilience, and Redemption: A Miraculous Holocaust Survival Story by Frank W Baker
Publisher:  Tree of Life Books
Format Read:  Paperback
Number of pages:   45 pages
Publishing:  October 21st, 2025

Source: Author in exchange for an honest review

Opening Lines: "In January, the Goldberg family visits the cemetery where their parents are buried."

Frank Baker reached out to me about reviewing his new historical nonfiction book. It tells the incredible story of two people who survived six years of the Holocaust before eventually finding each other and beginning a new life in America.

Risk, Resilience and Redemption begins in the present day with Bluma and Felix's children visiting the cemetery to pay their respects.  The scene depicts their strong traditions such as touching a Mezuzah, laying stones on a headstone, and vowing to never forget the hardships that their parents endured and the atrocities of the Holocaust.  The black and white illustrations capture the family's history with twentieth century photographs, illustrations and newspaper clippings.  The book delves into Bluma Tishgarten's and Felix Goldberg's childhoods, exploring their upbringing, hobbies and dreams for the future.  It also chronicles the changes in Poland and the early warnings of Hitler's movement in Germany targeting Jews.

Baker tells the story of Bluma and Felix's capture, imprisonment and resilience despite the brutal conditions they endured.  The story then chronicles their eventual liberation by the Allied forces, their meeting, marriage, and subsequent move to South Carolina to build a new life.  It's a beautifully told account that not only sheds light on the horrors of the Holocaust but also brings a personal perspective to the perseverance and strength of two individuals who overcame unimaginable odds.  Bluma and Felix's story appears to be well researched with a list of resources at the back of the book.  Baker also utilized videotaped interviews, completed research in General Eisenhower's library and various news collections to include the historical facts in the story.  With its short chapters and lots of illustrations this will certainly capture the attention of a reluctant reader or someone looking to learn more about this time period.  My favorite part of this story was the author's closing message. I recommend reading it yourself, as I don't want to diminish its impact by sharing it here.   **A huge thank you to the author for the paperback copy for my review.  I will happily be donating my copy to a little free library**  

I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE      

The Tinkerers by Caroline Carlson

The Tinkerers by Caroline Carlson

Publisher:  Candlewick Press
Format Read:  Paperback ARC
Number of pages:   480 pages
Publishing:  October 7th, 2025
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Opening Lines:  "Imagine you're on your back, looking up at the stars."

Peter had just won the Empire Day essay contest for "What My Hometown Means to Me" when he unexpectedly crosses paths with two Astromancers, Audrey and Francis.  They were hopelessly lost, so Peter leads them to his family's inn and helps them carry all of their suitcases inside.  Intrigued by their strange inventions, Peter couldn't resist peeking through their belongings.  Among them, he discovers an old clock.  When he touches its hands, time skips backward.   

Peter is generally conscience and follows the rules.  He fears making a mistake and being labeled as an Outbounder.  He tries hard to be a good role model for his younger siblings.  But the temptation to fix his mistakes proves to be irresistible.  Each time he nudges the clock, the harder it becomes to stop.   

The first two chapters unfold through exhibit entries and excerpts from surveillance footage transcripts gathered from across Stargazers Valley.  The valley is known for its clambering and skiens that release their starstuff, a precious substance vital to the Astromancers inventions and is strictly regulated by decree from the Empress Belvedere.   To prevent illegal harvesting a task force patrols the valley monitoring for any Free Citizens and Outbounders. 

The Tinkerers blends elements of a crime novel, mystery, mythology and personal diary.  The story jumps between the threads of uncovering the identities and hidden motives of the Free Citizens staying at Peter's family's inn and the official recollections from Director Laura Boyd of the events leading up to and the four months following Empire Day.  The inn, Peter's home and school are the core locations of the story amid the beauty and simplicity of the Stargazers Valley.  It is a mountainous region bathed in aurora borealis lights. 

Through a collage of surveillance transcripts, Peter's essays and the escalating consequences of him rewinding time, the story builds in suspense and mystery.  The Tinkerers explores themes of identity, moral choices, and discerning between truth and perception.  It asks, what kind of person do you want to be?  Which version of the truth will you tell? and if you could go back in time to fix a mistake, should you? 

**A huge thank you to Candlewick Press for the ARC-paperback in exchange for an honest review**

 I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE      

It's Marvelous Middle Grade Monday with a review of The Labyrinth of Souls by Leslie Vedder, illustrated by Abigail Larson

The Labyrinth of Souls by Leslie Vedder, illustrated by Abigail Larson

Publisher:  GP Putnam Books
Format Read:  Paperback
Number of pages:   336 pages
Published:  February 11th, 2025
Source: Author in exchange for an honest review

Opening Lines: "They were whispering about her again."

Ix Tatterfall  has always felt like an outcast in her small town of Brittlewick.  She's the only one who can see Nightmares, dark creatures like Inklings, Mistcats, and Dire Frogs.  Her classmates sadly are unable to see them and dismiss her as being strange, even accusing her of being a witch.  Concerned over the growing rumors, her Aunt Tara urges Ix to keep a low profile and avoid drawing attention to herself.  Which is difficult when her abilities set her apart from everyone else.   

In the Kingdom of Spinar, the elite Candle Corps, known as the Flames, protect the realm from the dangers of the Labyrinth.  Armed with magical weapons known as Shadow Renders, they banish Nightmares before they can breach the Waking World.  Ix is one of the rare few who can enter the forbidden Labyrinth of Souls and possesses the unique ability to attract Nightmares.  

During one of her secret excursions into the Labyrinth, Ix encounters Raggedy Jack, a scarecrow Nightmare who devours wraiths and lost souls.  While trying to escape Jack, she becomes cornered by Captain Kel and Morrigan Bea, who are investigating the disturbance in the Labyrinth.  Though Ix's powers seem to defy the rules of Spinar, Captain Kel recognizes her potential and invites her to train at Candle Corps Academy.  Ix joins the novice class beside Morrigan Bea, a hot-tempered girl with a shadowy lineage, Ollie Pembrooke, a quiet bookish boy with a deep knowledge of Nightmares, and Hanky, a loyal Inkling who has followed her to the school.  As the trio start their training, Raggedy Jack begins his hunt within the Waking World.

The Labyrinth of Souls is a perfect eerie escape for the Halloween season.  With it's gruesome, nightmarish scarecrow, soul devouring Sorrows of Chaos, Terror, Misery and Greed, it wonderfully conjures a chilling atmosphere ideal for a crisp autumn night spent reading by flickering candlelight.  The forbidden maze of dark magic also adds an extra layer of mystery that pulls you deeper into its haunted world.   

I really love the blend of magical school and the gothic vibes of Ix's black and purple shirt, combat boots and violet overalls.  They give her a moody, rebellious, edgy feel that fits perfectly with the story's eerie tone.    It's reminiscent of both Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland, complete with a grinning cat of Chaos that Ix refers to as "Smiles." Topping it all off is the Devious Doorway, and a chilling mystery surrounding Ix's father, who's soul was lost within the maze while his body remains suspended in a crystalized state.  Not to mention the malevolent voice trapped in the school's tower, begging Ix for help to escape. 

It's haunting, whimsical and deliciously unsettling, perfect for anyone craving a spooky and magical adventure.  The book also features a handful of black and white illustrations by Abigail Larson, that complement the story.    I'm super excited to see that the next book in the series, The Nowhere Beast is set to release in February 2026.  I'll definitely be counting down the days.  ** A huge thank you Leslie Vedder for the paperback copy in exchange for an honest review ** 

I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE      

The Golden Necklace: A Darjeeling Tea Mystery by Mitali Perkins , illustrations by Maithili Joshi

The Golden Necklace by Mitali Perkins, illustrated by Maithili Joshi
Publisher:  Charlesbridge
Format Read:  Hardcover
Number of pages:   128 pages
Publishing:  October 7th, 2025
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Opening Lines:  "Sona lit a candle, sat at her small studying table, and opened her English textbook."

Sona lives in the mountains near Darjeeling, a city in northeastern India, with her older brother Samiran and their mother.  She is working hard to prepare for an English language proficiency test to earn a scholarship at the prestigious Darjeeling International School.  However, she finds learning English quite challenging, as the grammar rules can be confusing, and the tricky spellings make pronunciation tough to master.

Her family has also been going through tough financial times, with money being tight and everyone needing to pitch in.  Sona's main jobs are to collect the water and study for her exam.  Samiran took out a loan for a food stand but was unsuccessful in getting any customers and still owes a huge sum of money for the loan.  His past history of being accused of stealing, has made it near to impossible for him to find work.  Despite being proven innocent, no one is willing to take a chance on him.  

Sona's only friend is Tara, the niece of Banerji, the tea plantation manager who locks Tara into her room, forcing her to work as an unpaid secretary for his business.  Sona can only visit Tara by climbing up a tree near her balcony and sneaking into her room.  If Banerji were to catch them, Sona's mother would likely lose her job at the tea plantation.  One day while Sona is visiting, Tara confides that her uncle has arranged a marriage for her and plans to sell her inheritance, precious gold jewelry left to her by her parents.  He wants to use the cash to fund opening a hotel.  However, when Tara's gold jewelry suddenly goes missing, Banerji goes on a rampage to find the thief.  Sona begins her own search for the culprit and hopes that her beloved brother, Samiran won't become a suspect.

The Golden Necklace can be read as a standalone novel but also seems to kick off a new series by Mitali Perkins.  I really enjoyed the themes of faith, trust and responsibility.  Also, the importance of seeking the truth.  Sona works very hard with her studies in hopes of someday becoming a teacher.  Tara also has dreams, which don't include an arranged marriage.  It's nice to see that despite coming from two different caste systems, they're able to be friends and help each other out.  The story has a huge set of suspects, but Sona quickly solves the mystery, and the resolution is nicely done.  Other books by this author include Monsoon Summer, Rickshaw Girl and Bamboo People.  

**A huge thank you to Charlesbridge for the hardcover ARC for my review**

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