The Chime Seekers by Ross Montgomery

The Chime Seekers by Ross Montgomery
Publisher:  Candlewick 
Publishing:  July 7th, 2026 (originally published 11/4/21 by Walker Books)
Format Read:  E-ARC  
Number of pages:   368 pages
Source: Edelweiss+

Opening Lines:  "Yanni hated the house the moment he saw it."

Almost twelve-year-old Yanni and his family have moved to a rundown house after their old one became too small, once the "screamer", his younger sister Ari was born.  Now they're living in the countryside, he's starting a new school halfway through the term, and his parents are completely overwhelmed with Ari and the endless work needed to make the new place livable.  Yanni just wants things to go back to the way they were before his sister arrived. 

On All Hallows Eve, Yanni's dad promises a movie night together, but those plans fall apart at the last minute.  Instead, Yanni's second cousin, Amy is asked to babysit him and Ari.  Despite being close in age, the situation is awkward for both of them.  They try to break the tension with a game of Orc's Quest, Amy is enthusiastic, but Yanni brushes her off to check on his sister.

In Ari's room, Yanni vents to his sleeping sister, admitting that he never wanted to move and that he wishes she had never been born.  Suddenly a mysterious visitor named Mr. Edwards appears, showering Yanni with praise and subtly manipulating him.  He convinces Yanni to let him take Ari away, leaving behind a challenging in Ari's place.  Mr. Edwards then vanishes through a portal in the fireplace.  Horrified with what he has done, Yanni enlists Amy's help to follow him into the fae realm to rescue Ari from Lord Renwin, the fairy who ordered her abduction.

The Chime Seekers is a lovely fantasy adventure from the author of I am Rebel.  Yanni is tasked with finding three hidden objects within Hallow Falls before midnight, or he must surrender all contact with Ari to Lord Renwin forever.  Making things even harder, Yanni is handcuffed to the changeling, who replaced his sister, and the two of them must complete each challenge without any outside help.  As Yanni pushes forward, he slowly realizes that his deal with a fae has a cost, and Lord Renwin is an expert at twisting the rules to ensure that Yanni breaks a few in his favor. 

Overall, Chime Seekers was a fast, engaging read.  I was invested in seeing how Yanni planned to outsmart Lord Renwin.  Yanni is clever, quick-thinking, and willing to admit when he's wrong.   Amy gives him the support he needs, and together they tackle each increasingly dangerous task. The story reminded me of The Spindlers by Lauren Oliver and the movie Labyrinth, both feature a sibling venturing into a fantastical world to rescue someone from a cunning, otherworldly figure.  Despite Ari being a relentless screamer, Yanni genuinely cares for her and immediately regrets the harsh things that he said.  He develops a new affection and understanding for his little sister and learns how to communicate his feelings.  Each task he faces grows more perilous than the last, building to a dramatic climax.  Without giving anything away, I especially loved Yanni's cleverness at the end.  

Monsters of Fife: Terror Birds by Jane Yolen, illustrations by Celia Lowenthal

Monsters of Fife:  Terror Birds by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Celia Lowenthal
Publisher:  Charlesbridge Moves
Format Read:  PDF Galley
Number of pages:   160 pages
Publishing:  July 14th, 2026
Source:  Publisher

Opening Lines: "The Romans, who occupied Scotland for so many years, said it was a place of barbarians and monsters."

Monsters of Fife is a historical fantasy set in 1891 Scotland. The first book, Monsters of Fife: Sea Dragons introduced the main characters and the Anster Royal (R&A) and Ancient Society, led by Mr. Harris, the general and headmaster.   He trains Jamie, Catriona "Cat" and Big Calum in the art of monster hunting.

The second book opens five months after the young hunters last encounter with a creature.   The R&A has been quiet, though their training continues.  One evening after practice, Cat discovers a dog collar on the beach near a sea cave.  Curious, she returns the next day with Nan.  Their search leads them to the Black Dog, a Hellhound rumored to be a harbinger of death.  They name him Soot, and he soon warns them of an impending danger.  Soon the team is going out on a reconnaissance mission to locate the source.  It soon becomes apparent that a group of Terror Birds or Pterosaurs has begun roosting on the island, putting everyone at risk. The R&A hopes to uncover the location of these gigantic bird's nest and stop them before they attack the villagers.

Terror Birds blends historical dinosaur facts with real-life problem-solving skills. I especially enjoyed the nod to Mary Anning, a pioneer in paleontology.   There is an emphasis on the scientific process of gathering evidence and analyzing facts to draw informed conclusions.  There is some mild gore as sailors hunt the creatures, butchering one so that the team can perform their examination, but nothing overly graphic.  The team uses what they learn to devise a plan to stop the birds from fertilizing their eggs.  Lowenthal's black-and-white, graphic-novel style illustrations enhance the story.  The book is short, but its brisk pace keeps readers engaged.  Read this if you've enjoyed the first book in the series or if you like stories that blend science and fantasy.

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

Of Mountains and Seas by Emily Renk Hawthorne

Of Mountains and Seas by Emily Renk Hawthorne
Publisher:  Hawk Ridge Press
Published:  January 7th, 2025
Format Read:  Hardcover
Number of pages:   354 pages
Source: Books Forward

Opening Lines from Prologue: "The first glimmers of consciousness seeped in and with a start, Randall Sun realized he couldn't see."

Davis Sun is a Static, a person born without magic.  This makes him an outcast in his family of Shifters, who can transform into various animal forms.  Desperate for his father's approval, Davis is willing do anything to gain power and the shapeshifting abilities he lacks.  

Meanwhile, Iris suffers from a mysterious illness that requires a strict medication schedule, closely monitored by her mother.  And in the small town of Yuras, California, Ling has been raising her granddaughter Nivi, a Static child, ever since Nivi lost her parents in a freakish accident when she was very young.  

Each of these characters lives and stories eventually intersect as the narrative unfolds across multiple timelines spanning from 1935 to 2000.  Their stories span generations and are told through multiple points of view, each revealing another piece of a long-buried mystery.  There are themes of struggles to gain power, identity and the desperate need for a father's approval shaping every choice and consequence across decades.  

Reading this feels like you're trying to piece together a mystery across time.  Sometimes questioning how the various events and characters are connected with one another, until you get to the very end and the whole picture becomes clear as the timelines begin to synch with one another.  The story is riveting and layered, rooted deeply in themes of pro-integration and the universal struggle to belong.  Inspired by Chinese mythology and The Classics of Mountains and Seas, it blends together an elaborate plot, large cast of characters and multiple points of views.  It's perfect for readers who crave a mystery filled with shapeshifters, hidden histories and connections that lock into place in a climatic ending. I also received a copy of Book 2, From the Depths, which releases on June 9th and can't wait to dive into it.  

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

The Reel Life of Zara Kegg by Brad Barkley

The Reel Life of Zara Kegg by Brad Barkley 
Publisher:  Fitzroy Books
Publishing:  June 16th, 2026
Format Read:  Paperback ARC
Number of pages:   214 pages
Source: Books Forward

Opening Lines: "In the dark, you can see more than you think."

It's been three years since Zara and her dad moved to Carolina Beach, and both are still struggling with the loss of her mother.  Her father has been distancing himself, neglecting responsibilities at work, while the move has left Zara without real friends.  Her one refuge is her job as a projectionist at the Palace Theatre, where she can watch people, indulge in 1950's sci-fi and horror movies, feed her coffee and popcorn habit, and keep in shape with her routine of pushups between reels.  

Then one night, Zachary, whom she calls "Mr. Inconsistent", knocks on the booth door to report that the film is "wobbly."  The two seem to have an instant connection.  Zara even feels a strange sense of fate in the fact that both of their names start with a Z.  But the more time that she spends with him, the more she realizes how little she actually knows.  Whenever she asks questions about his past, his school, or where he's from, he's vague about the details, dodges the questions or changes the subject.

Gradually, Zachary begins to open up to Zara.  He introduces her to his grandfather Marvin and shows her the single-wide trailer they share on the edge of the fairgrounds.  He talks to her about his idol, inventor Jimmy McManus, and his dream of becoming like him.  Yet, beneath his enthusiasm, Zara senses a boy carrying sadness, secrets, and a quiet struggle.  

When Zara is tasked with organizing a Valentine's Day Godzilla marathon, complete with a life-size inflatable Godzilla on the theater roof, she throws herself into the project.  But just as she feels like she has come up with a plan to pull it off, Zachary and his grandfather abruptly hitch up their trailer and move south.  Once again, Zara is left behind, trying to move forward while feeling abandoned and lied to.  

The Reel Life of Zara Kegg is a tender coming-of-age story with the nostalgic, slightly melancholy tone of a John Green novel, a blend of sadness, curiosity and introspection.  Zara is a very compelling protagonist, sharp witted, unafraid to call out her dad when he drifts from his syndicated sports column into writing about Skee-Ball and dance shows.  All while still wrestling with the truth of her mother's illness and the people she feels misled her.   Zachary brings humor and light into her lonely existence at the movie theatre, pushing her to examine her feelings and to question what her purpose is and whether she needs to become someone else in order to feel like she belongs.  The Godzilla marathon adds levity, while the old films evoke a warm nostalgia of popcorn, flickering screens, and the comfort of sharing the moment with someone who matters.  A wonderful story about the people who step into your life and make a huge impact.  

The Embarrassing Confessions of Gracie Sparks by Fiona Harris

The Embarrassing Confessions of Gracie Sparks by Fiona Harris

Publisher:  Affirm Kids
Publishing:  May 31st, 2026
Format Read:  E-ARC
Number of pages:   338 pages
Source: Author in exchange for an honest review

Opening Lines:  "January 18th 1:30 pm Things I need to do this year"

Twelve-year-old Gracie receives a diary from her Nana for her birthday and begins using it to chronicle her to‑do lists and dreams for the year ahead as she prepares to start at her new school, Middleton Grammar.  At her old school she played electric guitar and was considered to be popular, but now she's starting over, and the idea of making new friends has her spiraling into "what if I eat lunch alone forever" mode.  The only people she knows are her older sister, Imogen (who is too self-absorbed) and Margot, who she went to school with and who is so boring.  

Gracie is slightly obsessed with the idea of being popular and not being left out. Which is a common middle school feeling.  It's especially hard for her because her older sister is already considered effortlessly popular and she refuses to help her.  Hoping to bond with the Shiny Shorties (Harri, Kit and Sloane), Gracie tells them their horoscope and exaggerates her musical experience by claiming she plays gigs all over town, which eventually gets her in trouble with her new friends.  Her childhood friend Viola tries to encourage her to be herself and stop worrying about people who are mean to her, but it takes Gracie time to realize this herself.  

I really enjoyed the diary format of The Embarrassing Confessions of Gracie Sparks.  It works well to show Gracie's fears, insecurities and struggles as she navigates her new school. I think many girls can relate to the friend drama and the feeling of wanting to be seen and treated as more grown up.  I also loved the fun information about the Sumerians and the Zodiac Signs, and I especially enjoyed reading about Gracie's school project where she interviews the different cliques at school.  Through her project, she learns that she doesn't fit neatly into any of those groups, and that it's okay to be yourself and stand out.  I also appreciated the author's note, which offers a lovely reminder about the awkwardness of feeling out of place when we're young and how we often don't realize that those experiences are shaping us into who we're going to become as an adult.  Read this if you're looking for a funny and heartfelt story, similar to Louise Rennison's Angus, Thongs and the Art of Snogging.   

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

Channeling Marilyn: A Novel by Mima Tipper

 Channeling Marilyn by Mima Tipper
Publisher:  She Writes Press
Publishing:  June 2nd, 2026
Format Read:  Paperback ARC
Number of pages:   320 pages
Source: Books Forward

Opening Lines:  "A flash of color dazzles me, catches me, like spotting a scarlet bird across a vast wintry landscape."

High school senior Lexa Donovan signs up for the school play on a whim, only to discover she's been cast as Cherie, the glamourous, sexy showgirl made famous by Marilyn Monroe in Bus Stop. It's a role she feels wildly unqualified for.  At first, Lexa considers dropping out.  Wouldn't it be better to quit rather than embarrass herself on the stage?  But then, out of nowhere, she begins hearing the voice of Marilyn Monroe in her head.  Soon Marilyn even appears, offering to be her personal acting coach.  How can Lexa possibly walk away from that?   As rehearsals begin, Lexa juggles her growing crush on Brian, along with the sharp glare of his jealous girlfriend, and an unexpected spark with Jeremy Leith.  All the while, she battles with stage fright and works to transform herself into a leading lady worthy of the spotlight.

From the author of Kat's Greek Summer comes a super cute YA coming-of-age fantasy with a delightful paranormal twist.  This was such a fun read full of humor, the nervous excitement of trying something new, and wonderfully relatable characters. 

The story opens with someone waking from a dream, suddenly seeing brilliant colors where there had only been black and white.  Slowly, Lexa comes into focus, a tall solid girl who feels stuck in what she sees as a dull, predictable life.  I appreciated that although she's introduced as plus -size, that isn't the focus of the story.  Instead, it centers on her fears, her self-doubt, and her complicated feelings for the two boys she's drawn to.  Her insecurities feel very real and very common.   

Mima Tipper shows Lexa's sensitive side and how she doesn't truly understand her own potential until she pushes herself.  The story reinforces the idea that we shouldn't compare ourselves to others.  We just need to try and do our best.    

And Marilyn, the ghost acting coach is absolutely adorable.  Her sweet southern-style endearments of "honey", "sweetie" and "sugar a girl has to have a few secrets" add so much charm. One of my favorite touches is when Marilyn is perched in the casting chair, munching popcorn as if she's directing Lexa's blockbuster from the afterlife.  It's such an ingenious and charming visual that really captures Marilyn's playful confidence.  She really encourages Lexa to take risks and to step out of her comfort zone, and those moments are some of the most delightful in the book.  Read this if you're looking for a light romance, enjoy stories set in the theater world, are a Marilyn Monroe fan, or want a fun paranormal read.  That this is releasing near Marilyn's 100th Birthday on June 1st feels like perfect timing!

** A huge thank you to Books Forward for the paperback ARC in exchange for an honest review**

The Twin Stars and the Soccer Superstar by Kristine Rudolph

The Twin Stars and the Soccer Superstar by Kristine Rudolph
Publisher:  SparkPress
Format Read:  E-ARC
Number of pages:   256 pages
Publishing:  June 9th, 2026
Source: Publisher via NetGalley

Opening Lines:  "The distance between two prickly pears was perfect."

Twelve-year-old Cassaty has always looked up to Katey Korey and dreams of becoming an extraordinary midfielder for the Barons Creek High School soccer team just like her.  This spring brings two major events in Cassaty's life, the state soccer tournament and the anniversary of her twin brother's death.  The day usually weighs heavily on her mother, and it sends Cassaty into moments of spiraling guilt, convinced that she somehow took the nutrients that her brother needed to survive while they were still in the womb.

But this year unravels in a way no one expects when the Battling Billies' star midfielder disappears on the eve of the championship game.  The news hits Cassaty the hardest.  Suddenly, the girl she idolized for years is gone, and Cassaty feels an overwhelming responsibility to find her.    If she can bring Katey home, maybe she can finally prove her worth to her parents and the people in her town.  Maybe, just maybe she can even ease the guilt that she's carried ever since her brother's death.

The Twin Stars and Soccer Superstar is a heartfelt, engaging story that explores the impact of grief and loss on a family and the different ways each person copes.   It hooks the reader in from the very first pages with the urgent mystery of what happened to fellow soccer player Katey.  Cassaty is well liked at school and quickly gathers a group of friends to help her collect information about Katey's disappearance and build a list of possible suspects.  I was completely riveted as the clues began to unfold.  Cassaty fierce determination is admirable, and I felt for her every time she interpreted a setback in the investigation as a personal failure.  

Cassaty's mom is also carrying secrets that she has never shared with her, truths about her grandfather's death and the origins of Cassaty's and her twin's names.  Secrets that are both sad, but whose revelation may help the family heal.  One of the themes that resonated with me most is the importance of truly hearing someone, not just listening.  The story drives home the point that sometimes in our attempts to comfort, we rush to smooth over someone's pain, to explain it away rather than letting them release all the "ugly" feelings they've been holding up inside. 

The book concludes with a series of thoughtful discussion questions and an author's note explaining that the story is shared in the memory of the girls of Camp Mystic and those who lost their lives in the Texas Hill Country Flood of July 2025.  Pick this up if you are looking for a fun mystery with an unexplained disappearance and a happy resolution.