Death in the Tallgrass by Andrea L. Rogers

Death in the Tallgrass by Andrea L. Rogers
Publisher:  Levine Querido
Format Read:  E-book 
Number of pages:   192 pages
Publishing:  September 15th, 2026
Source: via Edelweiss+  

Opening Lines:  "The road from the highway that led to the unincorporated town of Snake, Oklahoma was as serpentine as, well, a snake."

Cynthia, her older sister Diane, her younger sister Wren and their parents have moved onto their grandfather Haggard's ranch in the hills of Oklahoma. Diane has thrown herself into the anti-war and the growing American Indian civil rights movement, Wren continues to be a thorn in Cynthia's side with all of her tattling, and all of them do their best to stay out of their grandfather's way as he sulks, glares, assigns chores, and snaps in anger without warning.  Truthfully, he scares them all.     

The plan was to stay with Cynthia's grandparents for only a few weeks, just long enough for her father to sort out the ranch's affairs before it goes bankrupt.  The move also gives her parents time to find a new home in Tulsa before her dad starts his new job.  

While exploring the fields around the farm, Cynthia discovers a tarnished silver charm bracelet with a rearing horse.  For a moment she thinks she hears her name carried on the wind.  Later, Wren takes the bracelet and accidently drops it behind the dresser, revealing a loose piece of the trim.  Hidden inside is a small box and a diary belonging to Violet Wood, who lived in the house during the 1920's. 

Violet's diary delivers a chilling message, if her prized possessions are ever found and she is ever discovered dead, "presume she was murdered."  As Cynthia begins to unravel the truth behind Violet's death, she realizes the mystery may expose a secret capable of tearing her family apart.

I have to admit, the first thing that drew me to Death in the Tallgrass was its cover, the sweeping open field paired with the haunting feel of the title immediately caught my attention.  The story is a murder mystery rooted in a dark family secret, told with a tone reminiscent of Holes by Louis Sachar.

Interspersed between each chapter are historical notes, reflection questions, various Cherokee words, and traditional stories.  An approach that adds depth and context to the unfolding mystery.  Violet's past emerges gradually through brief, haunting glimpses of her life, while Cynthia and her sisters spend their days doing chores on the ranch and trying to understand and reconnect with their Cherokee heritage.  The reader should be prepared for moments of sadness, especially when the secret is finally revealed, but I remained fully invested in the story all the way to the last page. 

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

Art Attack: The Sherlock Society #3 by James Ponti

Art Attack: The Sherlock Society#3 by James Ponti
Publisher:  Aladdin
Publishing:  September 8th, 2026
Format Read:  E-ARC via NetGalley
Number of pages:   320 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Opening Lines:  "Late November in Miami can be colder than most people would think, but my hoodie was still soaked in sweat."

Art Attack is the third book in James Ponti's bestselling middle grade series The Sherlock Society.  This time Alex, Zoe, Lina and Yadi are going undercover in Miami to track down an anonymous graffiti artist known only as Funky Munky.  A property development company wants to hire the artist to paint a mural on the side of one of their buildings, but there's one problem, no one knows who Funky Munky is. 

Because the artist has gone to great lengths to hide their identity, the gang decides their first step is to negotiate a firewall deal with the developer.  This protects Funky Munky's anonymity while allowing the team to present an offer directly to them.  If the artist isn't interested, they can decline without revealing their identity.  With only four weeks to locate the mysterious artist and Miami Art Week happening at the same time, the team has their work cut out for them.  Will the clues hidden in the city's street art lead them to the right person, or will they need a more elaborate plan?

Art Attack is a super clever mystery with an engaging plot.  I loved seeing Alex and Zoe's grandpa join the investigation, and thought the book provided a fascinating look into the world of graffiti art, everything from "tags, throwies to pieces," along with the artists motivations behind their temporary works on structures and buildings.  Banksy immediately came to mind, since their art also blends creativity with political or social commentary.

I appreciated the way the friends support each other, and how Alex and Yadi experienced real consequences when they took a drone into an empty building without telling their parents first.  The details about the Miami art scene were interesting and the mystery of Funky Munky's identity kept me guessing right up to the end. 

 

Our Favorite Day of the Week by Ashley Franklin and Rahele Jomepour Bell

 Our Favorite Day of the Week by Ashley Franklin, illustrations by Rahele Jomepour Bell
Publisher:  Salaam Reads/Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publishing:  September 29th, 2026
Format Read:  E-ARC
Number of pages:   40 pages
Source: Publisher

Opening Lines: "Musa was ready to begin his week with something amazing."

Musa is thrilled to have learned how to tie his shoes and can't wait to share the news with his next-door neighbor, Zohra.  But when he sees her, she doesn't seem in the mood to celebrate with him.   Zohra is worried that her upcoming trip on Tuesday means she'll miss her favorite pastime, seeing Mr. Joey and Mr. Brown collect her trash.  Recycling is her passion and watching them work makes Tuesday the best day of her week.  

Hearing this Musa shares what he enjoys about Wednesday's, and soon their friends from school join in as they walk to school, each describing what they love most about their favorite day of the week.   I loved the children's excitement and reasons for why they picked the day that they chose whether it was swimming with a parent, playing futbol, visiting a Chinese cultural center or celebrating the Jewish day of rest or Shabbat.  Every day held something meaningful and together created a joyful mixture of traditions and activities.      

The vibrant colors and expressive faces in the illustrations were the highlight for me.  The book features a wonderfully diverse group of children, and I especially loved that one of the days was spent with a grandparent creating art projects together.  It's a lovely sequel to Our Favorite Day of the Year, carrying forward the same sense of joy, connection and celebrating everyday moments.  

Included at the back of the book is a section explaining which countries consider Sunday the first day of the week, along with the origins of each weekday's name, including the Roman or Norse gods they were named after.  I can easily see this being used in a classroom during story time to spark conversations about each student's favorite day of the week, or even to create a chart or list so the class can compare their choices. 

Sisters Alone by Shifa Saltagi Safadi

Sisters Alone by Shifa Saltagi Safadi
Publisher:  GP Putnam's Sons Book for Young Readers
Publishing:  September 8th, 2026
Format Read:  E-book via NetGalley
Number of pages:   336 pages
Source: Egypt Street PR

Opening Lines:  "i cut carefully, scissors snipping, slicing."

Sixth-grader Leena is working on a scrapbook filled with happy memories of her mom, who died six months earlier in a tragic accident.  Creating the album is the only way that she feels she can keep her mom's memory alive.  Since the loss, both Leena and her older sister, Rama, have changed in ways they don't fully understand.  Rama has become angrier and struggles with intrusive thoughts.  She feels like Leena can't do anything right and that she's constantly cleaning up her messes.   She gets easily irritated and has alienated her best friend Madiha too.  Leena, meanwhile, is the only one who secretly blames herself for their mom's death.

The sisters have been preparing for a school ski trip, but Leena is worried she won't pass one of her classes and won't be allowed to go.  Rama is desperate to fix things with Madiha, who seems to be drifting toward the new girl at school, and she hopes the ski trip will be able to repair things.  With her dad traveling to Japan for work, Rama is put in charge of Leena.  

On the morning of the ski trip, everything falls apart.   Leena is turned away from the bus because she forgot to turn in her permission slip.  Suddenly, both girls are stuck at home for the entire week.  They decide not to tell their dad, afraid that he will cut his trip short and risk losing his job.  At first, they try to manage with what little food that is left in the house, but things quickly become dire when a snowstorm knocks out the power, and a falling tree causes structural damage to the house.  Forced to take shelter in a shed, the girls face escalating hardships, and a painful misunderstanding puts them both at risk.

Sisters Alone is from the author of Kareen Between and the Amina Banana series, and is a verse novel that explores sadness, deep frustration, grief after losing a family member, shifting friendships, and evolving sibling relationships.  It portrays how trauma impacts people in different ways.  It's a beautifully emotional story rooted in the bond between these two sisters.

I loved the variety of writing styles for the verse, from cascading words to the conversational back-and-forth between Leena and Rema.  Switching between their perspectives allowed me to understand each girl's grief and anxieties.  The vivid winter setting came alive through detailed descriptions like, "salt crunches beneath the tires.  Ice covered evergreens line our way."  I also really appreciated how their culture shone through in the moments of them completing their five daily prayers.  This is a great read if you enjoy books in verse, survival stories or heartwarming sibling stories.  The author's note at the end shares her personal experiences with anxiety and intrusive thoughts, along with helpful links for further exploration.

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

We Are the Keystones: Animals That Hold Habitats Together by Katy S. Duffield, illustrated by Hannah Salyer

We Are the Keystones:  Animals that Hold Habitats Together by Katy S. Duffield, illustrated by Hannah Salyer
Publisher:  Beach Lane Books/Simon & Schuster
Format Read:  Hardcover
Number of pages:   36 pages
Publishing:  September 1st, 2026
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Opening Lines: "All throughout the nature-hoods, in marshes, grasslands, water, woods, they help themselves-help others too-just by doing what they do."

We are the Keystones introduces the reader to the concept of keystone species, or the "plants, animals or other organisms that have an outsized impact on the environments around them."  Real world examples include wolves hunting elk, to alligators creating a gator hole for cooling, each featured species plays a vital role in its ecosystem.  The back matter explains that scientist Robert Paine was the first to explore how removing a keystone species can dramatically alter an environment and he coined the term.

The illustrations open with two people in a misty marsh observing a bird through binoculars, then expands into scenes of animals in their natural habitats.   I especially enjoyed the range of environments represented, marshlands, marine ecosystems, forests, and grasslands.  Eleven creatures are highlighted, and the book even includes a list of additional keystone species for curious readers to explore.  My favorites were the sea otters and hummingbirds.    

The story is told in rhyming verse paired with illustrations that show each creature at work, like a beaver gnawing down a tree to build a dam while frogs, herons, and dragonflies thrive in the pond it created.  Beneath each illustration is a brief explanation of how that species supports its habitat.  In the beaver's case, its pond provides an essential breeding ground for other animals.  

This would make a lovely read‑aloud for exploring how animals contribute to their environments and why maintaining ecosystem balance is so important. It gently reinforces the idea that every species plays a part, and that some are especially crucial for the survival of many others.

It's Almost Time for Thanksgiving by Maisha Oso, illustrated by Tom Knight

It's Almost Time for Thanksgiving by Maisha Oso, illustrated by Tom Knight
Publisher: Margaret K McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster
Publishing:  September 1st, 2026
Format Read:  Hardcover
Number of pages:  32 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Opening Lines: "Once October's days are over, move without delay.  You must make sure you're ready for this thankful holiday."

A little boy and is pet lamb are busy preparing for Thanksgiving.  They put away the Halloween decorations, plan the menu, visit a turkey farm, and even squeeze in a football game before cooking a meal and settling in to watch the parade.  After sharing a lovely meal with family and friends, the reader is prompted to guess the holiday.  Following the humorous wrong answer of St. Patrick's Day, the book reviews everything the young boy did to prepare and finally reveals the correct holiday. 

It's Almost Time for Thanksgiving is described as How to Catch a Turkey meets The Night Before series and it continues Maisha Oso's It's Almost Time collection, which also includes books celebrating Christmas, Halloween, and Easter.  The illustrations are very colorful and detailed, filled with warm oranges, reds, and browns with touches of green and blue that perfectly capture the season.  There's even an adorable lamb to spot on each page as it holds a wreath, hugs a cabbage, and finds a clover, hinting at a very different holiday it's looking forward to.  A cozy read that captures the anticipation of Thanksgiving through its delightful rhymes and festive charm.           

Wish You Well by Jamie Sumner

Wish You Well by Jamie Sumner
Publisher:  Antheneum Books for Young Readers
Format Read:  E-ARC
Number of pages:   288 pages
Publishing:  September 1st, 2026
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Opening Lines: "Wyatt once told me a heart can survive indefinitely outside the body as long as it gets oxygen."

Violet has been slowly losing her eyesight ever since she was diagnosed with Best disease, a rare genetic disorder that affects the macula of her eye.  She doesn't want to be treated any differently than the other kids at school, and more than anything, she wants to keep playing soccer.  Soccer and swimming are the two places where she feels free, where perfect vision doesn't matter.  But at the moment, she's grounded because of an incident behind the pool house, which she insists was completely accidental.    

Violet and her mom used to be close, they painted each other's nails and genuinely enjoyed spending time together.  But as Violet's eyesight worsened, her mom has been overwhelmed by medical bills and working late.  She even insists Violet attends a children's picnic at the hospital to meet other kids going through medical challenges.  There, Violet witnesses Wyatt Cass choke on a hot dog before he's saved by Nurse Priya and her daughter, Noor Singh.  Wyatt is recovering from a heart transplant, and Noor is undergoing chemotherapy which creates an instant bond between them. Soon, Wyatt urges the three of them to apply to the Wish Upon a Star annual wish-granting campaign.  His hope is that they each of them will get a wish and bring the other two along.  Three epic wishes, three big adventures...but they barely know each other.  And is it right to pretend to be close friends just to get their wishes granted?

From the author of Roll with It and Schooled comes her newest book, Wish You Well.  One of the first things that struck me was how beautifully descriptive the writing is.  The author paints a modern, relatable picture of kids navigating serious medical conditions while still watching Tik Tok videos and swooning over Wyatt's "boy band eyes."  It's adorable.  Even though each character is dealing with something heavy, the story never sinks into sadness.  It stays hopeful, upbeat and full of heart.

I especially loved Violet's inner monologue and how the kids respected each other's boundaries.  They don't pry, but eventual share the emotions of their chronic illnesses along with all the complexities that come with them.  Their wishes are another highlight; each one fits their personality perfectly.   Wyatt dreams of kicking a field goal (mostly to please his dad) though what he really wants is to go to Google Plex.   Noor hopes to meet a celebrity chef.  Violet wants to blow up a building, although the chances of her mom letting her are very low. It takes time for their wishes to unfold, but watching them connect, problem-solve, and support one another is incredibly satisfying.   There are even some sweet, lighter moments between Wyatt and Violet that made me smile.  In her acknowledgements, the author talks about wanting to write characters who feel authentic and empathetic, and I felt she wonderfully conveyed this.     

Spooky Scouts by Kimberly Shrack

Spooky Scouts by Kimberly Shrack
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster
Publishing:  August 25th, 2026
Format Read:  Hardcover
Number of pages:  40 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Opening Lines:  "Luna loves being a Spooky Scout."

It’s the eve of the Spooky Scouts’ annual camping trip when wolf‑girl Luna discovers there will be a full moon. Her excitement quickly turns to dread—she’s been hiding a secret from the other campers; full moons transform her into a beastly creature she’s sure the troop won’t want around.

As the moonrise draws closer, Luna scrambles for excuses to stay behind or clever ways to escape its glow. But the moon screen she brings washes off, and the hat she designs doesn’t work as planned. When her secret finally comes out, Luna is embarrassed—until she remembers the Spooky Scouts’ pledge about being brave. She’s even more surprised to learn that her friends have been keeping secrets of their own.

Spooky Scouts is an adorable picture book that reminds readers to be themselves. It highlights the power of honesty, trust, and embracing the little bit of weirdness in all of us. The illustrations rich in purples, browns, and deep greens, capture the cozy, slightly eerie feel of Halloween. It’s a delightful spooky read‑aloud for young children, best enjoyed with a campfire vibe and maybe even some s’mores to celebrate.

The Library of Memories (A Graphic Novel) by Barbara Perez Marquez, illustrations by Lissy Marlin

The Library of Memories (A Graphic Novel) by Barbara Perez Marquez, illustrations by Lissy Marlin
Publisher:  Little Brown Ink
Publishing:  August 25th, 2026
Format Read:  E-book via NetGalley
Number of pages:   328 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Opening Lines:  "Hello?"

A young girl named Copenhagen arrives at the halls of a vast library with nothing but a watch and a desperate need to recover her lost memories.  She has no recollection of who she is or why she returns to the library day after day, unable to recall anything that happened the day before.  As she wanders the stacks of memories, she helps the library's mechanical caretakers, Gyrotrons, fix the memories and keep the library from collapsing, all while searching for clues to her own forgotten past.  But the longer that she remains, the more perilous it becomes for her, and she risks losing the very last pieces of herself. 

I've always been fascinated by neurology and the brain's ability to reconnect or form new neural connections following an injury, so a story centered on reclaiming lost memories immediately appealed to the speech-language pathologist in me.  Copenhagen is such a sweet girl who wants to be helpful, but is overflowing with curiosity and energy, which often makes her a little reckless despite her best intentions.  Lawrence, a mechanical bird, does his best to keep her safe and out of trouble, though it's a constant challenge because she can't remember any of his previous warnings.  I loved the way that Copenhagen kept a journal, using visual cues as anchors to help trigger her memory each time the day reset.    

Complicating her journey even further is the Bookeeper, whose mission is to erase all forgotten memories, so she never has to face what was lost.  This twist surprised me the most.  What began as a story about a girl trying to reclaim her memories gradually opened into something deeper.  I loved the way the book explained core memories and how Copenhagen could still perform daily tasks because her episodic memories remained intact.  It reminded me a bit of Pixar's Inside Out in how it illustrated the role our autobiographical memories play in shaping our personality, beliefs and behaviors. 

When Copenhagen eventually reaches the boiler room and sees how the pipes interconnect like neural pathways, the story shifts again.  This time toward exploring grief.  It becomes clear that we can't simply extinguish painful memories in an attempt to escape sorrow.  Those memories, even the difficult ones, are part of who we are.  Although the story dips into some sad and reflective moments, it ultimately ends on a hopeful note.   Included in the acknowledgments is a reference to the author and illustrators desire to "explore grief and its complexities, in the same way that we both carry endless iterations of how we navigate it and carry memories ourselves."   Reference is also made to the inclusion of cultural elements from the Dominican Republic as homage to their country and how it was important in forming their identity.  Overall, this is a wonderful story that explores the power of holding onto our memories even if they are painful. 

**E-book provided from Little Brown via NetGalley following listening to the SLJ's Middle Grade Magic authors panel discussions 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 Curse of the Silvan Oaks by Georgia Channon

The Curse of the Silvan Oaks by Georgia Channon
Publisher:  Pushkin Children's Books
Format Read:  E-ARC
Number of pages:   272 pages
Publishing:  September 1st, 2026
Source: Edelweiss +

Opening Lines: "Hornet tail, the highest of the Catacomb Mountains rose up above its lesser peaks like a monstrous, pointed gravestone."

The Curse of the Silvan Oaks opens with a golden cat battling a wolf, transforming into a mountain lion to overpower its adversary.  When the fight ends, the cat slips into Onda Castle in the kingdom of Silvanland and leaves a leather-bound book beside a sleeping boy.   As it departs, the cat whispers a cryptic message, "you will feel courage" and "you will go alone, down the tunnel to the hazel grove."

Elsewhere, Oli Gill wakes from a strange dream in a small cottage near Foxley Hall, where her mother has just begun a new job.  While unpacking, she finds her father's belongings and discovers a wooden box.   Inside are a letter and a necklace, a black stone hanging from a leather cord.

Later that day, Oli and her mother visit Dr. Rivers at Foxley Hall.  He introduces her to his vast library, complete with a balustrade and an upper gallery.  In the Moon and Oak section, she learns about an ancient war between Queen Titania and King Oberon.  Still, curious, she continues exploring and discovers a hidden staircase behind a bookcase.  The wooden stairs lead downward into a portal that carries her into Silvanland. 

At the same time, Prince Cory awakens and finds the mysterious book.  Within its pages contain illustrations of a toy castle in his playroom and the plans for an underground tunnel beginning behind the fireplace.   Intrigued, he follows the clues, only to be captured by King Oberon's men.  Oli witnesses the soldiers taking him and tries to intervene.  However both are captured and now must join together to escape the King's forces and confront Queen Hellebore, who has unleashed a dark curse that is spreading a deadly disease across Silvanland.   

The Curse of the Silvan Oaks draws inspiration from Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, via its portrayal of the rival courts of Titania and Oberon and the sense of magic that is woven in through the forest and animals that help Oli and Prince Cory.   There are also strong influences from The Lord of the Rings in the marching soldiers and the ancient trees reminiscent of Ents, as well as the portal-based world crossing found in The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe.  

Between the two protagonists, Prince Cory often stood out more to me.  His desire to be fearless gives him a natural momentum, and he repeatedly leaps into action without hesitation.  He saves Oli from drowning, helps them navigate the maze when they're lost, finds a boat at a crucial moment, and even stops a jackal from injuring them.  What makes him compelling is that he doesn't recognize his own bravery.  He reveals his courage through instinct rather than intention. 

Oli does have an important role in the plot.  Her necklace with the black stone designates her as a shield.  Her role consists of returning the black stone to the woodland crown to save the forests from the disease spreading within it.  She is the one who discovers the portal and is drawn in by the lore of the Moon and Oak.  She also played a crucial part in freeing Prince Cory, showing some quick thinking and determination.  There's a sense that her bravery is still emerging and could be expanded on in the next book in the series.  Overall, this was a fun portal fantasy, and I look forward to seeing where the story goes next.   

Mexikid Dreams: A Graphic Memoir by Pedro Martín

Mexikid Dreams:  A Graphic Memoir by Pedro Martin

Publisher:  Dial Books
Publishing:  September 1st, 2026
Format Read:  E-ARC 
Number of pages:   320 pages
Source: NetGalley ARC request following Penguin Fall Preview

Opening Lines from Prologue:  "Remember the Big Bang, when a new universe began?" 

Pedro Martin’s family ran a Mexican restaurant in California until an earthquake destroyed both their store and their home. The family moved 300 miles north to the town of Watsonville, where they became sharecroppers on a strawberry farm. By the time Pedro was seven, he was already out in the hot sun picking berries alongside his eight siblings. Everyone had to work in the fields, even his Apa.

Still, there were lighter moments, like their playful “strawberry war” fights and line dancing to their favorite songs. But while most kids from school spent their summers at the beach just five miles away or at home watching Sunday cartoons, Pedro and his siblings longed for the chance to be like other kids and enjoy a summer off.

When Pedro's older brother Sal lands a job at the lumber yard, a step toward his dream of becoming an architect, each of Pedro's siblings begins to imagine a future where they can pursue their own ambitions. But first, they all have to prove to their father that they have a real plan, one that includes getting an education or gaining hands-on experience that will lead to a stable profession, just as Sal's job does.

Now Pedro just needs to figure out his own path. Maybe then he can finally carve out the freedom from farm life that he's been longing for. Still, he worries what will his father think about wanting to be a trombone player or becoming a cartoonist and will this count as a real job to him? Mexikid Dreams is a graphic-memoir companion to Mexikid, a Newbery Honor winner. I haven't read Mexikid yet, but it's definitely moving to the top of my TBR. In his latest work, Pedro Martin provides an insight into his family's life in Watsonville. The joyful moments, the difficult ones, and the realities of living as migrant workers under the constant threat of immigration patrols.

What stood out to me most were the family dynamics and the emphasis on traditions, including the scene were the family is making tamales together. I also appreciated the strong focus on gaining an education. How strongly Pedro's father strived to make his kids' lives better, to provide them with opportunities that he never had, while making sure that they knew where they come from.

Once Pedro's father was able to hire extra help and he felt confident they could make ends meet, he gave the kids a choice about whether to continue working in the fields. The kids still had to make cutbacks of their own, to give up some of the small luxuries they were used to, but they were cared for, and their futures mattered.

I loved the updates on what each sibling is doing now in their professional lives, as well as the many pop-culture nods to comics, music and TV shows. Reading Mexikid Dreams also gave me a deeper appreciation for the challenges my own mom faced harvesting and curing tobacco as a young child. Especially all the long hours, the physical strain, and the resilience required to keep going.

**A huge thank you to Dial Books for the E-ARC 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 Odyssey: A Graphic Novel: Deluxe Edition by Gareth Hinds

The Odyssey:  A Graphic Novel: Deluxe Edition by Gareth Hinds
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Published:  May 12th, 2026
Format Read:  Hardcover
Number of pages:   256 pages
Source: Publisher

From Goodreads:  Fresh from his triumphs in the Trojan War, Odysseus, king of Ithaca, wants nothing more than to return home to his family. Instead, he offends the sea god, Poseidon, who dooms him to years of shipwreck and wandering. Battling man-eating monsters, violent storms, and the supernatural seductions of sirens and sorceresses, Odysseus will need all his strength and cunning—and a little help from Mount Olympus—to make his way home and seize his kingdom from the schemers who seek to wed his queen and usurp his throne. Gareth Hinds masterfully reinterprets a story of heroism, adventure, and high action that has been told and retold for more than 2,500 years—though never quite like this.

I will be the first to admit that I don't have much experience with Greek mythology, though I've always enjoyed it.  My previous sources have been limited to reading Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief series and numerous times of rewatching The Clash of the Titans.  This graphic novel made Odysseus's struggles and his determination to return home fascinating to follow.  A recurring theme I noticed was hospitality, the way hosts welcomed guests, celebrated with them, and how they tried to avoid offending the immortals.  

The watercolor illustrations of chariots, mountain ranges, and clothing brought this ancient world to life. I loved the variety of layouts, from full pages with five panels to spreads divided into three sections, each capturing rich details that held my attention. Even though I never read The Odyssey in school, I feel I learned a great deal from this graphic novel, at the very least, it served as an excellent introduction.  I’d recommend it for upper-middle grade readers, as it includes scenes of a cyclops eating people, some blood and gore, like an eye being stabbed, deaths in battle, and a bit of nudity.

**A huge thank you to Candlewick Press for the hardcover review copy in exchange for an honest review.** 

Little Monsters by Máire Roche

Little Monsters by Máire Roche
Publisher: Aladdin/Simon & Schuster
Publishing:  August 18th, 2026
Format Read:  Hardcover
Number of pages:   275 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Opening Lines from prologue: "Beware the seam cities, beware the full moon, and beware, above all else, the girl who can hide what she truly is."

Meg March lives in Salem, Massachusetts with her three younger sisters and their foster mother, Marmee.  As the oldest, Meg has taken on the role of caretaker and current securer of a Halloween costume for all of her siblings.  To earn the money, she's been taking care of their next-door neighbor, Mr. Laurence's chickens.

Then a new boy, John Brooke moves in with Mr. Laurence and Laurie.  He's introduced as a visiting cousin, but his arrival coincides with strange events around town.  Farmers have reported stolen chickens, several coops have scratch marks, and people claim to have seen a monster lurking in the nearby forest.  At the same time, Meg has been waking up in the woods with no memory of how she got there or what she did the night before.  Could she be the creature everyone is whispering about?  After all, Meg and her sisters each possess unusual abilities.  Meg grows sharp teeth and claws when she's nervous or is stressed, Jo develops fur during a full moon, Beth grows wings, and Amy can transform into a mermaid.  If anyone found out, what would they think of the Marsh family?  And would Marmee agree to continue fostering them?

Meg feels a deep sense of responsibility for her sisters.  She's constantly trying to keep them and Marmee happy.  She worries that any misstep will anger Marmee and force them to move foster homes yet again.  That pressure manifests physically, with her claws and teeth appearing whenever her anxiety spikes.  While I understood Meg's anxiety, the repeated mentions of her teeth and claws began to feel redundant.  I wanted more moments of showing how these transformations impacted her, more close calls, more tension around almost being discovered, rather than repeated descriptions of her trying to hide her teeth behind her lips.  

I also wished for more interactions between Meg and all of her sisters, not just Joe.  Little Women is a classic coming-of -age story rooted in sisterhood, personal growth and family bonds.  In contrast, Little Monsters centers primarily on Meg and Joe, offering fewer opportunities to explore the dynamics among all four sisters.  Perhaps if Meg had asked for help more often and had more faith in her siblings, those relationships could have been developed further.  Still, having Brooks learn her secret does introduce some light rom-com moments.  

Overall, I enjoyed the ambience of Little Monsters, the crisp autumn setting, the approach of Halloween, the dark moon and drifting clouds, and the twisting forest branches.  The atmosphere sets the tone for a spooky monster mystery with plenty of possibilities of who or what the culprit might be.  And at its heart is Meg's determination to prove her innocence.   

Golden Boy by A.J. Symon

Golden Boy by A. J. Symon
Publisher:  Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Format Read:  E- ARC
Number of pages:  288 pages
Publishing:  August 25th, 2026
Source:  NetGalley via publisher

Opening Lines from prologue: "Breathe.  Please, just breathe..."

From debut author A. J. Symon comes Golden Boy, pitched as "Weird Science meets Marley & Me.  A heartfelt, funny crossover perfect for tweens ready to step into YA."

Emma, a science-obsessed high school sophomore, would rather spend time with her best friend, Hudson, her golden retriever.  Hudson was a gift from her mother when she became ill, and she has loved him fiercely ever since.  Numbers, data and scientific facts seem to speak to Emma way more than people.  At home she's the middle child, bookmarked by her brothers Chip and Buckhead, and their father is the high school football coach.  

Since her mother's death, Emma has been the only girl in the house, and the one responsible for all the chores, from cooking to laundry. When she receives an early acceptance to UC Davis, she hopes it will finally be her chance to escape.  But her father insists she's too young, they can't afford it, and family come first.  

Then everything changes.  During a game of keep away gone wrong, Hudson is injured and collapses.  Desperate not to lose him, Emma uses the activator from her fruit fly project to heal Hudson.  Instead, it alters his DNA, transforming him into a real, living teenage boy, with all the instincts of a golden retriever.  

Hudson quickly catches Emma's father's attention and is recruited for the football team.  Emma is tasked with guiding him through their classes at school, teaching him how to be human, the ins and outs of football, and preventing him from causing chaos.  It's a lot harder than she ever imagined.  

This was such a delightful read.  From Emma's STEM experiments on fruit-flies to the nods to Dr. Shinya Yamanaka's stem-cell research, with all the science elements woven in naturally.  I also loved her crush on quarterback Nick, especially the way she's unsure of why she likes Nick, only that it shouldn't be because of his good looks.  Or how she tries to analyze her feelings rationally and logically because of her difficulties with subtext, like expressions, inflections and social cues. Super cute.  

Emma's family dynamics added a seriousness to the story.  They're not great at communicating, so I appreciated the glimpses into her brother's perspectives.  What football means to them, how their father's tough coaching style affects them, and what they wish they could say out loud.    
And Hudson, Bud Golden in human form, is such a standout character.  He senses everyone's discomfort, moves with this hilarious super-speed, and becomes wildly territorial over a football.  His presence shifts the entire family, nudging them closer together and helping them see what truly matters.  He even helps Emma understand football in a new way and opens her father's eyes to her strengths.  Overall, a story not to be missed for tweens or upper middle grade readers.  

**A huge thank you to Simon & Schuster for the ebook via NetGalley 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 Game of Oaths: by S.C. Bandreddi

The Game of Oaths by S.C. Bandreddi
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Published:  June 2nd, 2026
Format Read:  Hardcover
Number of pages:   432 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Opening Lines: "The arena is packed tonight."

From Goodreads:  It’s 1896. Beneath a hotel in the heart of Paris is the famed le Cirque des Ombres, led by ringmaster and Enchanteur Jean-Pierre. But behind the dazzling spectacles, the circus performers are bound by magical contracts, also making them potential players in the annual Game of Oaths, an underground bloodthirsty tournament watched by the wealthy elite. Twelve will compete. Eleven will die.

Seventeen-year-old trapeze artist Falan Sunkara is out for revenge. After her sister ended up as one of the unlucky eleven last year, Falan wants nothing more than to make Jean-Pierre pay for her death. When she’s chosen to compete in this year’s tournament, Falan is not above playing dirty and forging unlikely alliances. But to be the last one standing, she has to determine whom to trust and whose motives to question. Vengeance on top of survival is a dangerous gamble—and in games like this, the house always wins.

My Thoughts: 

Within The Game of Oaths, the author builds an elaborate world centered on a circus and a high-stakes competition in which the circus performers become competitors in a brutal, deadly fight.  I definitely felt strong Hunger Games vibes with patrons who sponsor contestants, essential equipment provided to help them to survive, prizes for winning, and the betting on who will come out on top.  There were even hints of Six of Crows in the roof top jumping and the overarching theme of chance.  

Jean Pierre, the ringmaster, is both the creator and orchestrator of the game.  He never plays fair, changing rules on a whim and deciding whether a competitor survives or suffers a "mishap" during the game.  His ruthlessness in unmistakable, and I found myself eagerly waiting for his downfall.   

Falan is blunt, cool, scrawny and initially comes across as sulky.  It took me a bit to warm up to her, but her size and attitude never seemed to limit her, she's far tougher than she appears.  As the game progresses, she's swept up in a bloodlust for revenge, often putting herself in greater danger more times than I would have liked.   Each character has their own goals and strategy to playing the game and their actions and underhanded tactics kept me riveted till the end.     

The story is divided into five parts, each opening with a quote from Guillaume Gallien's Origins of the Arcane, offering a brief background on the history and abilities of enchanteurs.  In every round, participants are pitted against one another while also completing the ringmaster's tasks.  When a player falls, there are moments to pause and reflect, gain new information, make plans for the next game, try to recover from their injuries and losses.  The pacing strikes a nice balance, intense violence during the game followed by a slower, thoughtful rebuild before the next brutal challenge.  It avoids becoming relentlessly heart wrenching, instead creating a nice rhythm and pace toward the final outcome.   

I'm always a sucker for books set in France, and adding a circus, a deadly competition, magic and epic fight scenes had me hooked immediately.  The reader is quickly swept up in the glamour of the ring, with the acrobats and knife throwers, the spectacle, and the thrill and danger of the competition.  Overall, this was an exciting story and despite its similarities to the Hunger Game, it offers enough unique elements that also sets it apart.  If either of the previous books mentioned interest you, I'd eagerly recommend you check this one out.  

**A huge thank you to Candlewick Press for the hardcover in exchange for an honest review.**