10 Billion Spheres: A Rather Inconvenient Guide to the Multiverse Jordan Bridger

10 Billion Spheres:  A Rather Inconvenient Guide to the Multiverse by Jordan Bridger
Publisher:  Independently Published
Published:  July 21st, 2026
Format Read:  E-book
Number of pages:   129 pages
Source: Author in exchange for an honest review.
Opening lines from prologue:  "WARNING:  This is one of those annoyingly self-aware books where the narrator feels the need to jump in and share his two cents.  Sorry it's the way of the universe."

The prologue introduces the World Finder, whose job is to navigate Kismet, a sphere of chaos.  Serving as the story's narrator, he observes the universe through a telescope known as the Sphere-Seer, and somewhat amusingly, he has a weakness for ice cream.  It is the World Finder who witnesses a "disturbing event that involves a murder.  A mystery.  Two annoying teenagers and a band of very awkward heroes." Intrigued by what he sees, he becomes determined to help the children on their quest. 

From there we meet two alien orphans, Isra and Arwen, who are on the run after their parents, researchers of the Breite Esfera Levem, mysteriously vanished.  In their sorrow, the siblings create a storm that begins following them.  After witnessing a holographic image containing ancient script and the three cryptic words, they see a ship fall from the sky.

The siblings soon find themselves swept into a topsy-turvy adventure that includes a Forever Ship where time moves differently, they receive a cryptic message from the voice of their deceased grandfather, travel to the InterMedia, across Space and enter a mirror universe where they encounter a solar amphibian king and a Phorusrhacid bird-like creature that can teleport.   Their quest to uncover the truth about their parents takes them from "HERE to THERE, which is HERE now" and through a series of absurd and comical destinations to unlock a keyhole in the sky that sucks them through a vortex.  Just to name a few of their various destinations.    

 10 Billion Spheres: A Rather Inconvenient Guide to the Multiverse feels a bit like what I image reading The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams would be like, with its humor and wildly imaginative settings.  It also shares some of the clever wordplay found in The Phantom Tollbooth, including the personification of History. 

The constant shift in locations however left me with mixed feeling about the story's direction, and I was disappointed by the abrupt ending.  While the story aims to highlight the friendships that develop among this unlikely band of heroes, I didn't feel there was quite enough time to establish those relationships.  As a result, I never connected with the main characters as deeply as I would have liked.  Since this is only the first installment in a planned twelve-book series, some of the story's threads are clearly being set up for future volumes.  That said, I enjoyed the World Finder's narration and am interested to see how the various characters and storylines will eventually converge.  Included at the back of the book is A Rather Inconvenient Field Guide to the Multiverse, with a list of terms and definitions and the directions for to How to Play Grave Robbers From Outer Space.  

I Need Space by Molly Harris , illustrated by Jon Corby

I Need Space by Molly Harris, illustrations by Jon Corby
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books & Simon and Schuster
Publishing:  October 27th, 2026
Format Read:  E-book, Hardcover
Number of pages:   32 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Rocco loves playing with his friends in their big outer space playground, they can slide, swing and even use the merry go round.  But playtime for Rocco has become chaotic with some not following the rules.  Continuously dealing with the hoggers, line-cutters, toy stealer's and roughhouser's, Rocco finally had enough and he blasts off to the edge of the solar system before he loses his cool.  After a few moments of floating in silence and a chance to reflect, he is finally ready to return to his friend and figure out ways for everyone to have fun together on the playground.

I Need Space is an adorable social-emotional learning book that introduces the idea of boundaries, showing how situations can sometimes be stressful or overwhelming, and that coping may require taking a break or using different relaxation strategies.  I can see this as being super helpful in a pre-kindergarten or kindergarten classroom as it is super engaging with its vibrant colorful illustrations by Jon Corby and is very informative in providing practical strategies that younger children will understand and can implement.  I absolutely adore the illustrations where Rocco and his friend are modeling making up their own games and respecting the rules of the playground.  I also love how these two pages show how Rocco was once happy and becomes irritated and overwhelmed by rule breakers.  How in the end he internally realizes that he needs to make a change.  This is such a valuable teaching tool and will certainly open up discussions about sharing and the value of stepping away to take a break.   

  

MOLLY HARRIS is the author of picture books The Big Squeeze, Whirby, and I Need Space.  She is a technical writer by trade who enjoys world traveling and working on too many projects at once. Originally from Massachusetts, she now lives in Ireland with her husband and two sons. Visit her at MollyHarrisBooks.com.

JON CORBY is an illustrator and children’s book designer. He earned his BFA in illustration from Syracuse University and is currently based in Pennsylvania. I Need Space is his debut picture book. Learn more about his work at JonCorbyArt.com. 

Have You Seen Axel? by Adam Jay Epstein, illustrations by Ruth Chan

Have You Seen Axel?  by Adam Jay Epstein, illustrations by Ruth Chan
Publisher:  Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publishing:  October 20th, 2026
Format Read:  Hardcover
Number of pages:   32 pages
Source:  Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Opening Line:  "Before we start our look and find, we need to pick someone to find."

Have You Seen Axel? begins with a narrator choosing Gordon as the character readers must find.  Suddenly, Axel the axolotl decides that it is her turn to hide instead.  The problem is that Axel is a little too good at hiding and becomes impossible to find.  With a bit of coaching from the narrator, she learns how to make herself easier to spot.  Before long, however, Axel grows tired of being the star of the story and declares that she's done playing.  The narrator isn't ready to give up quite so easily and soon discovers that they have a lesson to learn about manners and respecting boundaries.    

A companion to Have You Seen Gordon?,  this humorous seek-and-find book features a main character who is almost too talented at hide-and-seek.  Each double-page spread is packed with animals and activity in settings such as a grocery store, a park, a swimming pool and even a planetarium.  There is plenty to explore on every page. Readers can count the number of ducks on a pond, play a game of I spy, search for humorous details hidden in the illustrations, like someone slipping on cans in the grocery store.  Or simply enjoy describing the zany and chaotic scenes on the page.

Beneath the humor, the story offers a thoughtful message about personal boundaries and the importance of speaking up when something doesn't feel right.  The engaging seek-and-find elements makes for an entertaining and interactive read-aloud.           

Mo Farah, the Boy Who Ran to Be Free by Seema Yasmin

Mo Farah, the Boy Who Ran to Be Free by Dr. Seema Yasmin, illustrated by Noha Habaieb

Publisher:  Salaam Reads and Simon&Schuster
Published:  September 29th, 2026
Format Read:  Paperback
Number of pages:   85 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Opening Lines:  "This book tells the story of Olympic Champion Mo Farah."

Hussein Abdi Kahin was born in Somaliland.  When he was four years old, war broke out in his country.  To protect him and his brother, their mother sent the boys to live with family in Djibouti.  At the age of nine, a mysterious woman appeared and offered to take the brothers to Europe.  At first, the brothers were excited by the prospect of playing sports there, but when only Hussein was taken and given a new name, Mo Farah began to worry.

Unbeknownst to Mo, he had been trafficked.  He was forced into a life of servitude by the woman who took him.  He was not allowed to leave her apartment and was expected to perform all the housework while caring for her children.  For four years, he endured this life until the woman finally allowed him to attend school on the condition that he never reveal his true identity.  Born with dyslexia, Mo struggled academically, but his passion for running kept him going.  Eventually, he confided in his coach, and when he became an adult, the truth about his trafficking ordeal was revealed.  

Mo Farah, the Boy Who Ran to Be Free is the second book in the Muslim Mavericks chapter book series.  Written with a lyrical quality, it vividly captures Mo's childhood, his struggles in school, and his remarkable journey to becoming an Olympic gold medalist.  It is an inspiring and uplifting story about a young boy who overcame tremendous obstacles, achieved his dream of winning Olympic gold medals, and was eventually reunited with his birth mother and twin brother.

Mo showed incredible bravery in coming forward with his story and remarkable resilience in pursing his dream of competing in the Olympics.  The author's note explains how Mo Farah received his name and why he did not feel safe in revealing his true identity for many years.  It also describes how he was forced to live under a false story for most of his life.  The author notes that the book is based on public interviews, documentaries and news reports.  She also explains that while the events are rooted in documented facts, some scenes reflect what Mo "may have been thinking or feeling at the time" and are therefore interpretations rather than firsthand accounts.  The black and white illustrations by Noha Habaieb complement the text and children who enjoy sports-themed books are likely to find this an engaging and inspiring read.

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

My Wonderful Disgrace by Angourie Rice and Kate Rice

My Wonderful Disgrace by Angourie Rice and Kate Rice
Publisher:  Candlewick Press
Published:  May 12th, 2026
Format Read:  Hardcover  
Number of pages:   224 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Opening Lines:  "So. The ball is five days away, which is either a long time or no time at all, depending on how ready you are."

From Goodreads:  "Amy Middleton isn’t in love with Leo Prince. Not yet. The Senior Year Ball is days away, and he still hasn’t agreed to be her date. But Amy can imagine it all in advance: a night of supreme perfection. She’ll bask in the spotlight in her silver stilettos and designer dress—rose quartz fabric, mermaid skirt, illusion bodice with beaded lace—and when the music starts, Leo will lead her onto the dance floor and into their shining adult lives. 

When he finally says yes, success seems assured, and the night belongs to Amy, arriving on Leo’s tuxedoed arm as planned. But with the buzz of an unexpected text, nothing that happens next will be as it seems—least of all Amy’s carefully choreographed love story."

My Wonderful Disgrace is the second novel from mother-daughter writing duo Angourie and Kate Rice.  The story unfolds through an anonymous letter, text messages between Amy and her friends, student group chats, school newsletters and announcements, police interviews, and Amy's journal entries.  As the story progresses, the events of that disastrous night are slowly revealed.  At first, I wasn't sure I would enjoy a story told via the journal, texts and other snippets of information, but the authors completely drew me in.  The format feels authentic and surprisingly immersive, allowing the mystery to unfold piece by piece.       

Throughout the story, I really felt for Amy.  She finally works up the courage to approach her crush, Leo, and invite him to her party.  When he agrees to take her to the school ball, everything seemed to fall into place.  Unfortunately, from that moment on, just about everything that can go wrong does.  All of Amy's preparations from choosing the perfect dress, styling her hair just right to practicing walking in her new heels seems to be for nothing. 

While I'm never a fan of bullying, and it is painful to witness some of the things Amy experiences, the story tackles its difficult topics with honesty.  There is a lot happening within these pages.  The high school drama, the devastating consequences of the inappropriate photo sharing, themes of privacy, misunderstandings between friends, a student protest that then involves the tragic death of a goat, and an all-around chaotic night that spirals out of control.  Despite all the drama, the novel offers a thoughtful look at the unrealistic expectations often placed on attending this special events. 

Venus Washington Paperback Collected Set: Venus Washington and the Lasagna Drama; Venus Washington and the Birthday Blowout; Venus Washington, Eye Spy

 Venus Washington Paperback Collected Set: Venus Washington and the Lasagna Drama; Venus Washington and the Birthday Blowout; Venus Washington, Eye Spy by Maisha Oso, illustrated by Courtney Lovett 
Publisher:  Atheneum Books for Young Readers 
Published:  September 22nd, 2026
Format Read:  Paperback
Number of pages:   304 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Venus wants to learn the secret behind her grandma's delicious lasagna recipe so she can help her mama, who has been busy caring for Venus's new baby brother, Zion.  But when the lasagna is ready, grandpa lets it slip that "your grandma put her foot in this lasagna."  Venus takes the expression literally and becomes convinced that the special ingredient must be one of her grandma's toes. 

Horrified by the thought of eating lasagna made with crusty feet, Venus asks her best friend Summer, her worst enemy Winter (who also happens to be Summer's twin), and even her pet hamster to help track down grandma's missing toe.  

  

 Venus's baby brother, Zion, is about to celebrate his first birthday.  Mama and Daddy tell Venus she can help with the decorations, but she interprets that to mean she's in charge of planning the entire party.  Soon she has a long list of ideas, including inviting all of her classmates and their pets, just no parents.  She also decides that every guest should bring a Barbie as a gift and pay an admission fee.  After all, she wants to help daddy save money, so he won't have to "lose an arm and a leg" paying for the party. 

  Venus Washington isn't sure where she got her name.  She was born on Earth and has never even been to Washington.  Then mama tells her that they are going on a special "girl's trip" together. Mama wants the destination to remain a surprise, but daddy accidently let's slip that it has something to do with Venus's name.  Naturally, Venus takes this as proof that she must be part alien.  After all, Daddy is always saying that mama has eyes in the back of her head.  Doesn't that make them both aliens?  Now Venus is determined to uncover the truth, especially when her friends challenge her to prove that mama has an extra set of eyes.    

This three-part paperback collection is super cute.  It's been described as Amelia Bedelia meets Junie B Jones and Dory Fantasmagory.  In each story, Venus takes common expressions literally, leading to a series of hilarious misunderstandings.  Whether she's trying to figure out what it means to be as "hungry as a horse" to the concept of a "spelling bee,"  Venus's conclusions are both well intentioned and funny.

  

Venus turns to her best friend Summer and Summer's twin sister, Winter, for help interpreting the confusing things that adults say.  Their efforts only add to the humor.   Filled with laugh-out-loud moments, this collection is sure to appeal to young readers who enjoy wordplay and silly misunderstandings.  The charming black-and-white illustrations are sprinkled throughout and complement the text beautifully.  

Paper Bag Mask by Brock Heasley

Paper Bag Mask by Brock Heasley
Publisher:  Th3rd World Studios
Publishing:  November 17th, 2026
Format Read:  Paperback  
Number of pages:   326 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Opening Lines:  "At the end of his sixth hour waiting in line, Redmond hung his head in utter frustration, starred at the cold, unfeeling checkout counter, and insisted one more time:  He'd paid for the game system months ago and he was not--under any circumstances--leaving without it."

Redmond has been waiting for three years for Castle Destiny 4's release, and he even stayed up all night playing it.  Therefore, it was no surprise that he could barely keep his eyes open during AP History.  He only half heard Mr. Street when he mentioned the final that would count for 50% of their grade, or the jokes he made about Elodia to the class.   The moment the bell rings, Redmond is ready to hightail it home for another round of game play. 

Unfortunately, his history book slips from his hands and skids under a desk.  There's no way he can leave it behind because of their quiz tomorrow.  As he gets on all fours and scavenges the floor, he spies Mr. Street and Jasmine having a conversation.  When he sees them exchange small baggies, Redmond becomes convinced he has witnessed an illegal drug deal.  Filled with anger and suspicion, Redmond spots Mr. Streets prize possession, the Whomper, sitting on the lectern and impulsively he steals it.

Redmond soon learns that the hottest and most popular girl in school witnessed his theft and even has the photographic evidence.  She proposes that Redmond and his friend's team up with hers to hold the Whomper for ransom.  Before long, the students are plotting an even bigger heist while trying to expose Mr. Street to the entire school.  

This story has definite Ocean's Eleven meets The Breakfast Club vibes.  A group of students from different social circles come together to outsmart their history teacher.  There are the familiar cliques of jocks, popular kids and academic achievers, along with a shared determination to uncover what they believe is the truth about Mr. Street.  One of my favorite parts is the ransom video the students create, complete with the outlandish threats of what they will do to the Whomper if Mr. Street doesn't meet their demands.  The accompanying illustrations depicting the scenes from the video were a highlight of the book for me.  I couldn't help laughing with each new thing they came up with.  Their escalating schemes, however, make it increasingly likely that they'll get caught. 

Redmond is an interesting protagonist.  He genuinely believes that he is doing the right thing by exposing Mr. Street, yet he is also confused about what compelled him to steal the Whomper in the first place.  He jumps to conclusions and gets swept up in the attention that comes with his growing notoriety.  Like The Breakfast Club, the story raises questions about friendship and belonging.  Will this band of misfits still hang out after their prank is over?   It really captures the pressures of high school and the desire to find your crowd. 

Redmond's closest friends are Deep Singh and Alice.  I especially enjoyed Alice's character.  She is very loyal and always tries to look out for her friend's best interest, even when they disagree.  Elodia is equally loyal.  Although she's popular, she doesn't let it define her.   Her friendship with Jasmine is especially important to her and she is willing to support her however she can.  The story occasionally shifts to Alice's and Elodia's perspectives, revealing additional layers to their motivations.  Finally, I really enjoyed the footnotes from our unreliable narrator, which added levity to the story.  Paper Bag Mask is a reimagining of a prank that Brock Heasley and his friends pulled when they were in high school.  It's a delightful story that highlights the importance of forgiveness, taking responsibility for our actions and making amends when we've done something wrong.