Socks & Secret Quests by Triona Murphy, illustrations by James Firnhaber

Socks & Secret Quests by Triona Murphy, illustrations by James Firnhaber
Publisher:  Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Publishing:  September 29th, 2026
Format Read:  Paperback  
Number of pages:   272 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Opening Lines:  "On days when Peri was being truly honest with herself, she had to admit that being apprenticed to the fabled and mystical shopkeepers wasn't quite as she'd imagined."

Peri and master shopkeeper Hema live in a wandering shop that travels around the kingdom of Genta, outfitting adventurers so that they can succeed on their quests.  Peri is the first person in more than thirty years to be chosen as an apprentice shopkeeper after the Stone of Power indicates that her magic lies in that path.  What she truly wants, though, is to follow in her sibling's footsteps and develop magic for something extraordinary.  Unfortunately, she's still waiting for her abilities to appear.  So far, the only skill she's manifested is the uncanny ability to knit at a remarkable speed.  

Everything changes when a dark wizard appears in the shop, abducts Hema, and plans to use her magic to equip his army and the dark creatures under his control.  Terrified for Hema's safety, Peri rushes after a trio of adventures who were recently in the shop gathering supplies.  She hopes they'll agree to take on a new quest, one that will rescue Hema and stop the wizard before he can put his plans into action. 

Peri is deeply uncertain about what she can contribute to the adventurer's quest.  Does she have shop magic or is her rapid knitting ability a form of wizard's magic?  Her confidence wavers and she worries about what all of this means for her future.  Being outside of the comfort of the wandering shop also presents huge challenges for her. 

The trio of adventurers have their own struggles.  They don't work together harmoniously, and trust is in short supply.  The archer doesn't want to kill anything, the wizard can't fully control their magic, and the leader tries to manage the entire crew and quest without listening to anyone's advice or directions.  

Socks & Secret Quests is packed with action and carries a delightful blend of Howl's Moving Castle and Dungeons & Dragons style fantasy.   James Firnhaber's illustrations are superb and add to the story.  I especially loved that Peri's magic stems from her knitting and the authors inclusion of the pattern instructions for knitting Niam's hat was a very nice touch.  And really, who doesn't love a magic shop that roams around the kingdom, equipping adventures with exactly the enchanted items to suit their skills?  While this could be read as a standalone, I'm hoping there will be more books in the series.   

True Crime Files: Heist at the Museum! by Sam Subity

True Crime Files:  Heist at the Museum! by Sam Subity, illustrated by YaoYao Ma Van As
Publisher:  Sourcebooks Explorer
Publishing:  October 6th, 2026
Format Read:  E-book via NetGalley
Number of pages:   128 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Opening Lines: "Charlie O'Neill crept through the dark fourth flo0r of the silent museum."

Ever since Charlie’s mom passed away, he and his younger sister Julie have been spending their afternoons at their father’s work. He’s a gemologist at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, and to the kids, the museum feels like a giant playground. They wander the halls, explore the exhibits, and have even turned hide‑and‑seek into a regular tradition.

One day, while hiding from his sister, Charlie overhears a cryptic conversation between two men. He’s convinced they’re planning to steal something from the museum that very night. He reports what he heard to Mr. Hoffman, a security guard, who passes the information along to the head of security. But no one seems to take Charlie seriously, not even Charlie's father. Determined to impress his father, and to protect the museum, Charlie decides to investigate on his own. He’s especially worried about the Star of India, the largest sapphire in the collection.

Meanwhile, Jack Murphy, better known as Murf the Surf, is finalizing the heist plan with his crew. Charlie sneaks back into the museum that night and actually witnesses the thieves entering. He manages to slip a matchbook out of one thief’s pocket and even spots their elaborate escape route through a window. In the adrenaline of the moment, Charlie tries to follow them but can’t rappel down to the ground. Murf ends up saving him. When the police later arrive, Charlie shares everything he saw. His information helps lead to the thieves’ capture, and most of the stolen jewels are eventually recovered.

Heist at the Museum is a creative retelling of an actual jewel theft that took place in 1964.  I loved that the story is told through Charlie, it made the adventure and mystery exciting.  The Appendix is a great addition.  It shares what happened to the thieves and the stolen jewels, highlights other museums that have faced similar heists, and includes a snapshot of major events from 1964, like the World's Fair and NASA milestones.  This would pair wonderfully with Dan Gutman's The Picasso Curse, both books play into art museum thefts, and I can see this being something young readers would enjoy reading.  

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

Ezekiel's Volcano by Ana Angelica Teodoro , edited by Emma Dryden and illustrations by Yogita Chawdhary

Ezekiel's Volcano by Ana Teodoro, Edited by Emma Dryden and Illustrations by Yogita Chawdhary
Publisher: Barnes and Daughter Press
Published:  July 15th, 2026
Format Read:  E-book
Number of pages:   34 pages
Source: Books Forward and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Opening Line:  "Mrs. Barnes had always dreamed of being a teacher."

It's the first day of first grade, and Mrs. Barnes is meeting her new students.  Everyone is excited, especially Ezekiel.  He's energic and sometimes his feelings bubble up so quickly they feel like a volcano ready to erupt.  To help the class manage those big emotions, Mrs. Barnes teaches them a Rainbow Breathing strategy.  With a pause, a slow breath in and out, and a gentle arm movement tracing the arc of a rainbow, the children learn a simple way to calm their bodies and steady their feelings.        

Ezekiel's Volcano was written by educator and assistant principal Ana Angelica Teodoro.  I love how the story pairs a physical movement with deep breathing to help reduce stress.  The reciting of the seven colors reminded me having my kiddo sing "happy birthday" while brushing their teeth to make sure that they got the full two minutes in.  The book supports social- emotional- learning, self-regulation, empathy, conflict resolution, and emotional resilience.  It not only teaches children about feelings, but it also gives them a practical coping strategy they can use when they're overwhelmed.  The strong visuals also help children recognize what anger looks like while reassuring them that it's okay to have big emotions.  The acknowledgement section at the beginning of the book provided some wonderful sentiment with the author thanking her parents, husband, former teachers and students.  This would make for a wonderful read aloud in a classroom.           

The Christmas Wish by Lee Heart

The Christmas Wish by Lee Heart
Publisher:  Simon Spotlight
Publishing:  September 22nd, 2026
Format Read:  Paperback  
Number of pages:   160 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

It's the day after Thanksgiving, and the Rudolph family is already in full Christmas-celebration mode.  Joy is especially excited because this year, for her sixteenth birthday, which happens to fall on Christmas Day, her parents have finally agreed to let her throw her own birthday party.  She gets to choose the color scheme, decorations, food and even gets to buy a brand-new dress.  She's been thinking about nothing else but planning every detail, and how to get her crush, Kris to come.  But, on the day of the party, a freak snowstorm forces her to cancel everything.  Now she has no idea how she'll spend her special day with the boy she likes.

The Christmas Wish is an adorable rom-com that delivers all the cozy holiday vibes of ice skating, hot cocoa, decorating the tree and baking cookies.  Joy just wants to have the "perfect" party, something that feels like her birthday rather than another Christmas celebration.  She also hopes to impress Kris.  Even though things don't go entirely according to her plan, she learns a lot about herself and discovers that fun doesn't depend on perfection.   She also realizes she shouldn't have been so absorbed by her perfect party or the boy that she likes that she forgets the important people in her life, like her grandma and her best friends.  I loved the story focused on Joy's supportive family and the absence of bullying and major friend drama, aside from Joy needing to make amends with Violet after getting distracted.  A very cute and festive story for tweens. 

Hardy Boys Clue Book Fall Mysteries 3-in-1: The Bad Luck Skate; The Pirate Ghost; The Great Pumpkin Smash by Franklin W. Dixon, illustrated by Santy Gutiérrez

Hardy Boys Clue Book Fall Mysteries 3-in-1: The Bad Luck Skate; The Pirate Ghost; The Great Pumpkin Smash by Franklin W. Dixon, illustrated by Santy Gutiérrez 
Publisher:  Aladdin
Published:  September 8th, 2026
Format Read:  Paperback 
Number of pages:   288 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

I was an avid Nancy Drew reader when I was younger and even dipped into a few Hardy Boys books.  I loved the thrill of the mysteries, following clues, a few red-herrings, piecing things together, and trying to deduce the culprit.  It's probably also why I adored Scooby Doo. 

This latest collection brings three chapter-book mysteries in one volume.  In the Bad Luck Skate, 9-year-old Frank and his younger brother Joe are at a championship hockey game cheering on their friend Pete when the team's lucky skate is vandalized with paint.  The team always touches the skate before each game for good luck, and now they're convinced that the damage is a sign that they're doomed to lose the game.

The second story, The Pirate Ghost, follows Frank and Joe's friend, Jason who enters a talk like a pirate contest.  He wins a treasure map as his prize but before the brothers can go searching for the treasure, Jason abruptly cancels the dig. Jason is spooked by the legend of ghost Captain Scurvydog, and even more concerned when his bird Crackers starts singing a pirate song, and he receives a mysterious note in a bottle and pirate coins.

In the final story, The Great Pumpkin Smash, Frank and Joe attend the annual Boo at the Zoo celebration, only to discover that every pumpkin in the decorating contest, except one, has been smashed.  The brothers jump into action to figure out what happened.  

Each story centers on a single puzzling incident and follows the boys as they work to uncover the truth.   Joe keeps a clue book where he answers the five W's, who, what, where, when and why and the brothers build suspect lists, gather evidence, and avoid making assumptions.   At the end of each mystery there is a section with a series of questions for the reader to answer about the suspects, motives or which clue would help solve the case before the final solution is revealed. I love that kids are encouraged to think critically and actively participate in solving the case.  

The stories are engaging and will definitely appeal to younger readers.  The black and white illustrations are charming and help set a cozy fall mood.  With short chapters and around eighty pages per story, this collection makes a fun read-together experience, and a great introduction to the Hardy Boys series.

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

      

     

Special Edition: Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen and Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes & All New Poster on reverse side of jacket!!

 Special Edition: Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes

Publisher:  Candlewick Press 
First Edition Published:  July 25th, 2006
Format Read:  Hardcover
Number of pages:   48 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Opening Lines: "One day, a lion came to the library."

Miss Merriweather, the head librarian, is very particular about rules. No running, and only quiet voices. But when a lion walks into the library, no one is quite sure what to do. There aren't any rules for lions in the library.  At first, it seems the lion is well suited for visiting story time.  But following a misunderstanding, he stops visiting all together.  Yet when something terrible happens, the lion quickly comes to the rescue in the only way he knows how. 

This twentieth-anniversary edition of Library Lion is a must for any library.  I love that the publisher is celebrating beloved books and creators with these special editions.  The messaging is lovely too.  Sometimes rules can be bent when there's a truly good reason to.  Kevin Hawkes acrylic and pencil illustrations are gorgeous, and the special edition includes a poster featuring brand-new art on the reverse of the jacket.  A perfect story-time treasure for library lovers and anyone who adores classic books.  

The Story Orchestra: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland: Press the note to hear Joby Talbot's music (12th Edition) Illustrated by Jessica Courtney-Tickle

The Story Orchestra:  Alice's Adventures in Wonderland illustrated by Jessica Courtney-Tickle
Publisher:  Francis Lincoln Children's Books 
Format Read:  E-book
Number of pages:   24 pages
Publishing:  October 6th, 2026
Source:  Edelweiss +

The Story Orchestra series of picture books blends classical music with charming illustrations and retellings of famous ballets and classic stories.  Ten pages feature a musical note button that, when pressed, plays a short clip of music by well-known composers and musicians.  Other titles in the series include The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, and Swan Lake.  In Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, the featured composer is Joby Talbot.  At the back of the book, readers can learn more about the composer, explore a musical glossary explaining terms such as "Bell Tree" and "Cacophony," and find a complete list of the musical selections included in the story.    

Unfortunately, my E-ARC didn't include functioning sound buttons.  However, I was encouraged to look up the pieces listed in the glossary to get the flavor of Joby Talbot's music.  Online, I discovered that Joby Talbot was commissioned by the Royal Ballet and Opera House to compose the score for Alice in Wonderland.   I also found a suite titled "The Mad Hater's Tea Party," though I can't confirm whether this is the same music featured in the picture book until the final edition is released.  

The beginning stays true to the original, with Alice sitting by the riverbank with her sister when she notices the White Rabbit rushing by wearing a waistcoat and jacket.  Curious, she follows him.  From there, Alice's journey takes a slightly different path than the classic tale, but the adorable illustrations make these changes feel playful rather than distracting.  The musical accompaniment will no doubt enhance children's enjoyment even further.   

    

The Dot Deluxe Edition by Peter H. Reynolds

The Dot Deluxe Edition by Peter H. Reynolds
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publishing:  September 1st, 2026
Format Read:  E-book
Number of pages:   32 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

From Goodreads:  "Art class is over, but Vashti is sitting glued to her chair in front of a blank piece of paper. “Just make a mark and see where it takes you,” her teacher says. But Vashti can’t draw—she’s no artist. To prove her point, she jabs at the paper to make an unremarkable and angry dot. “There!” she says. But little does she know that one little dot can mark the beginning of a journey of surprise and self-discovery."

It's hard to believe it's been more than twenty years since The Dot was first published by Peter H. Reynolds.  The story has had a tremendous impact on countless children, mine included.  It's message of creativity and leaving your mark has reached far beyond the book's pages, inspiring an award-winning animated film, a stage musical, and even a global celebration with International Dot Day on September 15th.  Educators also have access to an entire collection of Dot Day Resources, complete with a teacher's guide, activities and posters to help celebrate the day.   The Deluxe edition features a die-cut protective slipcase and is even in the shape of a dot, how fun!   A delightful book to share with a young child.  

The Whole Wide World of Mabel Mulligan: A Graphic Novel by Victoria Jamieson

The Whole Wide World of Mabel Mulligan:  A Graphic Novel by Victoria Jamieson 
Publisher:  Dial Books
Publishing:  October 6th, 2026
Format Read:  E-ARC 
Number of pages:   256 pages
Source: NetGalley ARC request following Penguin Fall Preview

It's the last day of school, and Mabel is thrilled to be spending it at home.  Her stuffed animal friends are her only companions, and she can't imagine a better way to spend her summer than hanging out with them.  Unfortunately, her three-and-a-half-year-old sister Pearl will be home too.  On the bright side, the family always chooses a summer project, and Mabel is hoping this will finally be the year they build the tree house she's been dreaming of.  She's even designed an incredible plan, complete with a zipline and swimming pool. 

But then her parents announce a different project, moving Mabel's bedroom up to the attic.  Pearl is decidedly not excited about having a "big girls" room all to herself.  Later that night, Mabel overhears her parents talking about her.  They're trying to figure out how to help her spend more time with other kids, and she catches confusing bits of the conversation, with something about "strange" and "real friends."  Hurt by their words, Mabel is left feeling like she needs to make a change, but how can she give up her best friends?

The Whole Wide World of Mabel Mulligan is an adorable story about growing up and navigating the changes that come with it, including learning how to let things go.  It's also a lovely reflection on the importance of open communication between parents and their children, and the value of sharing feelings honestly.  

Mabel's family is wonderfully supportive, well, maybe not Pearl, but she is only three and a half.  They love Mabel and want the best for her.   Her dad's concern about her not having any friends to play with are understandable, just as her attachment to her stuffed animals makes perfect sense as a source of comfort.  Figuring out when the right time is to let go of those beloved companions can be tricky.

Although neighborhood kids have invited her to play basketball, Mabel doesn't see herself as the sporty type.  I could easily identify with that feeling.  I was encouraged to play softball and join the swim team, but I would've much rather been reading a book or watching T.V.  Mabel does, however, have her PopPop, who takes her to Mass and encourages her to explore building things in his shop. 

I really loved the art style of this book, especially the pencil-and pen illustrations paired with watercolors.  At the back of the book, there are illustrations kids drew of their "stuffies," along with a sweet encouragement from the author to write stories about their own stuffed animal friends.  Overall, a very sweet story and I'm hoping there will be more books in the series.  

**A huge thank you to Dial Books for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.**

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