Mia the Magnificent by Srivarshini Thenappan, illustrations by Sunanda G

Mia the Magnificent by Srivarshini Thenappan illustrations by Sunanda G 

Publisher: Independently published Published:  January 13th, 2025
Format Read:  E-book
Number of pages:   33 pages
Source: Author in exchange for an honest review
Opening Line from Prologue: "Mia was turning fifteen." 

On Mia's fifteenth birthday, she is given a golden necklace and discovers that she is descended from a long line of rulers from the Kingdom of the Magic Globe.  When she rubs the necklace, she is transported to the magical realm of Magic Globe.  There, she enters a magical school, begins her training to be a ruler, and works through a series of challenging tasks that require solving clues and riddles.  

Mia is joined on her quests by her distant cousin, Rachael. After each completed task, Mia gains new powers and abilities, such as the power to control ice and snow. Throughout her training, she demonstrates dedication, courage, and perseverance, qualities she will need when she finally confronts the Queen of Dark Realms and Katherine the Terrible.   

At only fourteen, Srivarshini Thenappan has already built an impressive creative path, especially considering she first wrote Mia the Magnificent at just nine years old.  Her early start brings an extra magical spark to the adventure and lets the reader also enjoy the vibrant imagination of the young author behind it.  

Mia the Magnificent has eleven short chapters, each about two pages long, introducing a new setting and a quest.  For instance, you might journey to the Snow Cliff Mountains or the Lair of Crystal to find treasures like a gem or a pair of wings.  The full-page color illustrations by Sunanda G are beautifully done and have a graphic novel quality that I enjoyed.    

This is a very endearing story that really showcases the authors creativity.  I loved all of the magical elements, the challenges Mia faced, her wish to be a kind ruler and how she saved her cousin from danger more than once.  The build up to Mia and Rachael's eventual encounter with the Queen of Dark Realms felt a little rushed, and I wanted to know more about Katherine the Terrible, the pranks that inspired her nickname and of course the Queen's backstory. Overall, I felt the story has great bones but could use some more fleshing out of the characters and smoother transitions between chapters, as some felt abrupt.  Truthful I really wished for more details about Mia's training, more moments of her using her powers, and more time spent with her magical companions.  Still, I'm very impressed with the story and feel younger readers will enjoy the magical adventure. 

** A huge thank you to Srivarshini Thenappan for the e-book in exchange for an honest review.**          

The Invisible Thread by Sue Lamoree

The Invisible Thread by Sue Lamoree 

Publisher: Covenant Books
Published:  July 30th, 2025
Format Read:  E-book
Number of pages:   185 pages
Source: Author in exchange for an honest review

Opening Lines:  "Marvin sat in the back of the classroom with his nose buried in his textbook."

Marvin was recently paralyzed in an accident and now uses a wheelchair for mobility.  Before the accident, he loved spending time with his friends, playing soccer and hanging out with his dad.  His former friend, Frankie has become a bully, making his life at school unbearable, and his parent's recent separation has left Marvin feeling as though his father no longer wants to spend time with him.   Marvin's only social outlets are Bailey, his service dog, and Murphy, the therapeutic horse he rides at the Reins of Life Riding Stables. 

During one of his riding lessons, Marvin catches a glimpse of a mysterious flicker of light coming from one of the stalls in the barn.  Curious, he investigates and is surprised to find a young girl named Anna.  She explains that she is on a special mission.  One, she must complete in order to return home, though she isn't entirely sure what she must do in order to complete the mission.  All she remembers is that she has fallen from heaven and is eager to return to her family.   Anna also has the remarkable ability to connect with the spirits of animals, and through her connection, Marvin learns that forest animals are being displaced by the construction of new apartment buildings.  Together, Marvin and Anna hope to stop the development, save the wildlife and make Anna's wish to return home possible.

Marvin's character captured me immediately.  I felt his loneliness, his desire to feel "normal," his need to distance himself from the other kids at school, and his anger at feeling abandoned by his dad.  All natural responses given the trauma he has endured. The author wonderful conveys what it is like for Marvin to navigate using his wheelchair for mobility and the challenges he faces when spaces are not accessible to him.  This story is a powerful way to promote empathy and understanding for readers who may not be familiar with the experiences of wheelchair users.   

I especially loved how Anna encourages Marvin to show people what he is capable of, to have faith, and to trust again.  Watching his relationships with Frankie and his dad mend was truly beautiful, and seeing the family finally release their shared guilt was deeply moving.   The focus on preserving the environment is another theme that resonated with me.  Reading The Invisible Thread made me think about what it means to feel part of something bigger.  For me, that feeling comes when I'm at Yellowstone National Park, surrounded by endless trees, I feel connected to nature and something greater than myself.  Anna's feelings of belonging are more spiritual, rooted to her connection to the Heavenly father and his many children, and I think readers seeking divine connections will find the story very meaningful. 

Children who appreciate stories with spiritual themes, care about the environment, or enjoyed Katherine Paterson's Bridge to Terabithia will find much to love in the messages woven throughout this heartfelt book.    

About the author:

Sue Lamoree has loved writing since childhood, beginning with poetry and short stories before studying creative writing in college. Although her career ultimately took her into finance, storytelling remained a lifelong passion.

A Pacific Northwest native, Sue eventually returned home after several years in Southern California. Not long afterward, she was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis, a spinal cord condition that left her an incomplete quadriplegic. Living with a disability reshaped her perspective, teaching her resilience, humor, and the importance of accepting support from others.

Those experiences inspired Sue to return to writing. Through stories that blend hope, faith, friendship, and compassion, she hopes to encourage readers to face life's challenges with courage while discovering strength in both themselves and the people around them.

Website: https://www.suelamoree.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100039470686275#

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keep__rolling__on/

Amazon: https://bit.ly/4at5Ns8

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239523975-the-invisible-thread

**A huge thank you to Sue Lamoree for the ebook 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   

 

Milton Makes a Move by Jonathan Graziano, illustrated by Dan Tavis

Milton Makes a Move  Jonathan Graziano, illustrated by Dan Tavis
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books/ Simon & Schuster 
Publishing:  August 4th, 2026
Format Read:  Hardcover
Number of pages:   32 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Opening Lines:  "Milton was a pug who lived in a house with a big yard and a lot of other dogs."

Milton gets a new home and feels a little worried about taking on this new adventure.  He was used to his big yard and all the activity that came with it.  His new owner, Jonathan, previously cared for a pug, he adored, and is eager to help Milton feel less nervous.  As the two get to know each other, they end up learning how to be brave together.  

This picture book is absolutely charming, highlighting how a good friend and a trusty raincoat can make facing something new feel a lot less scary.  Dan Tavis's illustrations are full of delightful details, like dogs playing tug-of-war with a tire, dogs of differing sizes chasing each other around the yard, tiny spiders tucked into corners, birds perched around the yard, and even a cat casually strolling along a fence to find.  Wonderfully endearing.  

Milton Makes a Move was inspired by the creator of the Bones or No Bones TikTok series, where each day Noodle's owner would gently lift him up from his bed.  If Noodle stood, it signaled a productive day, but if he flopped back down, it meant a cozy day of rest and staying at home.   After Noodle passed, Jonathan fostered Milton, eventually adopting him and providing him with his forever home.  I love how this story illustrates that older dogs need love, patience and understanding too. 

This book is a great pick for animal lovers or for kids experiencing a transition in their lives.  With its uplifting messages about courage, companionship and encouragement to see change as an adventure, I'm sure it'll be a hit.  Other books in the series include Noodle and the No Bones Day and Noodle Conquers Comfy Mountain.   

Lianna and the Hombit by Valinora Troy

 

Lianna and the Hombit by Valinora Troy
Publisher:  The Silver Key
Published:  January 29th, 2026 
Format Read:  E-book
Number of pages:  238 pages
Source:  Author in exchange for an honest review
Opening Lines: "It was late afternoon when the mail coach clattered through the town gate, rattled over cobbles and rumbled to a halt."

I've gotten to know Valinora through our shared work as judges for the Cybils awards in the category of fantasy books and as contributors to Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays.  When she reached out recently about a possible review of her latest book, Lianna and the Hombit, I was eager to dive in. 

Lianna has recently been sent across the sea to Nivram to live with an uncle she never knew existed. Upon her arrival, her purse is stolen, along with all her most precious belongings.  The watch Papa gave her, the letter he wrote, and her favorite book.  The only thing she still carries from her life in Lowdar, besides her memories, is the ruby ring she discovered just before her home and her father’s possessions were sold at auction to pay off his debts.

Lianna is deeply unhappy about the move and is convinced the people of  Nivram dislike her.  Especially her uncle, Judge Samru, whom she's certain will be cruel and cold to her.  Despondent under everyone's accusatory glances, she waits in the Judge's library, where she discovers a small glass bird perched on a charred log.  The bird introduces itself as a Hombit and explains that it's on a secret mission, one it has unfortunately forgotten.   Hoping for help in returning to Lowdar, Lianna agrees to assist the Hombit with uncovering its lost purpose.

As her first step toward returning home, Lianna searches for any way to earn the money she needs for passage back across the sea.  Desperate, she agrees to undertake a dangerous dive for jewels, only to awaken the living rocks beneath the water and a creature begins to slowly claim her body and is turning her to stone.

Lianna makes a wonderful protagonist.  She's still grieving the loss of her papa and struggling with the sudden changes forced upon her.  Leaving her beloved home where she had friends, could roam outdoors with the animals or swim in a nearby pond was incredibly difficult.  I emphasized with her pain and feelings of loss.  Navrim stood in stark contrast to all the previous warmth and happiness she had and only offered her a dreary an unwelcome feeling.  I too wanted her to leave this dreary place and to be happy again.    

I admired Lianna's grit and courage, even though she takes more risks than I ever would've at thirteen.  I loved watching her and the other characters gradually warm to one another and how uncovering her family's history and the truth behind the curse drew her closer to them.  I also loved the Hombit, it brought her the friendship she desperately needed, and the bond they form through their shared missions was genuinely touching.  The story is further enriched by the small, lovely illustrations by Iseult Murphy.  Overall, I really enjoyed the adventure, the mystery of why Lianna's father left Navrim for Lowdar, why people distrusted him, and how she ultimately found a way to overcome the curse slowly turning her to stone.     

**A huge thank you to Valinora Troy for the ebook 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   

I am Rare: Discovering What Makes Us Shine by Melissa White Boyer, illustrated by Marcin Piwowarski

I am Rare: Discovering What Makes Us Shine by Melissa White Boyer
Publisher:  Yuni Press
Publishing:  August 4th, 2026 
Format Read:  Hardcover
Number of pages:  42 pages
Source:  Books Forward
Opening Lines:  "Did you know there's something inside you?  Tiny, yet powerful, too."

I am Rare is told through the lens of a very young boy with an ultra-rare genetic condition.  The author draws directly from her own child's experience and her desire to create a story in which children with rare conditions can finally see themselves reflected.    Written in lyrical, gentle prose, the book begins by introducing genes as "a blueprint that grows to a great work of art."  From there, it explains how genes shape our specific traits, like how our hair may grow curly or straight or whether we grow up to be tall or short. The story introduces the idea of genetic mutations in a way that is accessible and reassuring for young readers.  It emphasizes that some people's genes work differently, and that differences should be celebrated.  That rarity is something special. 

There is a playful comparison made between rare genes and the mutations that give superheroes their powers.  The positive messaging of the story is very clear, that each child has a unique beauty and inner glow, and that uniqueness is its own kind of superpower.  Overall, a wonderful story to build empathy.  Marcin Piwowarki's watercolor illustrations are gorgeous and add a warmth to the messaging.  I also appreciated the thoughtful additions at the back of the book, including a note for parents and teachers, a glossary of vocabulary words, and the discussion questions for extending the conversation.  Highly recommend this for a preschool classroom or library.  My review copy will be donated to my public library.  

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

Hela & Max: Under the Sea: Sammy Search for Pearls and Hela & Max's Galactic Challenge by Sean Alexander

Hela & Max: Under the Sea by Sean Alexander
Publisher:  Brightstar Learning
Published:  June 6th, 2026 
Format Read:  E-book
Number of pages:  35 pages
Source: Publisher

From Amazon:  When Hela, Max, and their cheerful dog Buddy dive beneath the sea in their glowing submarine, they discover a colorful coral reef filled with fish, sea grass, sea turtles, octopuses, clownfish, and hidden surprises. But their fun adventure quickly becomes a rescue mission when they meet Sammy the Seahorse, who is worried because his friend Pearl is missing.

My Thoughts:  The vibrant colors of this book are my favorite, with its deep blue, purples and yellow.  I love how the story emphasizes both what Hela and Max see "The submarine floated through sparkling blue water, pass rainbow fish, waving sea grass, and coral towers..."  and what they hear, like Buddy's tail going "thump-thump-thump."  The children's eyes shine with excitement and concern when they meet Sammy, a seahorse searching for a missing friend.  Along the way, they encounter many sea creatures who guide them to a cave, where with a bit of bravery, they finally find Pearl.  I really enjoyed the focus on teamwork and courage.  The illustrations are wonderfully engaging and encourage a sense of curiosity throughout the story. 

Hela &Max Galactic Challenge by Sean Alexander
Publisher:  Brightstar Learning
Published:  June 6th, 2026 
Format Read:  E-book
Number of pages: 40 pages
Source: Publisher

From Amazon:  When Hela, Max, and their fluffy white dog Buddy discover a glowing rocket ship in their backyard, they are invited on a real galactic mission: save the lost rover before sunrise! With courage, teamwork, and quick thinking, the three young space explorers blast off beyond the stars and begin an exciting journey across the galaxy.

My thoughts:  Hela and Max are getting ready for bed, gazing up at the bright moon and stars.  This time, a rocket lands outside their window, and they are presented with a galactic challenge to save a lost rover.  The two children eagerly blast off on a space adventure together.  The illustrations are bright and the two children appear excited.  I loved the illustration of Buddy all curled up and sleeping on the bed next to Hela and Max.  The twinkling stars, the glowing moon, and all the tiny details scattered around the kids’ room make the artwork feel so alive. Just like in the first book, the children’s enthusiasm for adventure and their desire to help others shines through on every page.     

Impressions of series:  

According to the book's interior, one of the main goals of the Hela & Max series is that "these stories are designed to be read aloud together.  Children are encouraged to join in, move, think and imagine as the adventure unfolds!"  Each book includes suggestions on how to read the book.  For example, there is a set of pre-reading questions.   Under the Sea also included suggestions for varying the readers voice to match different characters, and possible sound effects like "pop..pop" and "crunch...crunch" a child can make while the story is being read aloud.  While both included various prompts for pre-teaching vocabulary words found in the story.  There's a strong emphasis on inviting children into the adventure and making them an active participant.  

At the back of each book, readers will find discussion questions and connection questions, such as, from Under the Sea, "If you had a tiny submarine, where would you explore underwater?"  There are matching and sequencing games, coloring activities and a search and find.  I especially appreciated the STEM connections and the inclusion of simple DIY projects, like building a mini sub or creating a balloon rocket. 

The stories are very engaging and serve as an excellent introduction to early concepts about the ocean and space.  As an added bonus, parents receive guidance on effective read-aloud strategies, including pointing out key images, what questions to ask, making predictions, and highlighting vocabulary within the text.   I would have loved having a resource like this during my speech-language pathology training.  

The only change I personally would have made is that the talking star and starfish didn't feel entirely necessary, though I understand how they help with the riddle's and gave the children opportunities to be helpful.  Overall, these two books would make a lovely addition to any preschool classroom or a child's home library.  

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.