SideQuested: Book 1 by K.B. Spangler , illustrations by Alexandra Presser

 SideQuested by K.B.Spangler and illustrations by Alexandra Presser 
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Format Read:  Paperback ARC
Number of pages:  304
Publishing:   March 17th, 2026
Source:  Publisher

Charlie Woodgrain is the adopted daughter of a carpenter and is a librarian in training.  Charlie is uprooted from her quiet life when her birth father, non-other than the King's blade, Goldskin suddenly returns taking her to the royal court.  There Charlie learns of Prince Leopolds quest to rescue his fiancé Princess Robin from the clutches of an evil witch queen who is supposedly holding her captive in a cursed tower.  But when the prince refuses to go, Charlie steps in to avoid a war breaking out.

Charlie's tale opens with her being mocked by Peony the vulture as she attempts to sneak over the wall of the witch's stronghold.   And Princess Robin?  She's nothing like Charlie imagined. She's all lace and frills, while Charlie prefers cotton and comfort.  Princess Robin isn't even being held against her will, her mom it so happens is the evil witch queen.  To make matters worse, Prince Leopold has followed her and gets himself captured.  

Charlie only wanted to keep the peace between the two nations but in the end might have angered the Wicked Witch, Queen Boopsie.  Rather than punish them, the queen tasks Charlie, Robin and Leopold with a quest to discover the true source of magic.  Specifically, the source of weaver's magic.  If they fail, Charlie must instead help Princess Robin find her rightful place, and the Queen has vowed to burn down Charlie's home, so failure is not an option.  

SideQuested is a super fun fantasy, adventure, romcom graphic novel based on a webcomic, perfect for readers around fourteen to seventeen.  There's a dragon, different types of magic and a light love triangle.  Robin is cute, capable and despite not having magic of her own she knows how to use it.  Charlie is smart, practical and curious.  Leopold is well-meaning but clueless.  He runs around flirting with Charlie and trying to duel her, which she refuses to engage in.  I especially loved the emphasis on books, researching a journal or diary entries, and even the reading of a children's book about the types of magic in order to figure out its source.  The importance of understanding one's history is emphasized.  This volume definitely feels like a starter quest as just as the adventure gains some momentum, it ends with the trio planning to search for Charlotte, Charlie's mother.  Supposedly, Charlotte once attempted the same quest with Queen Boopsie and Charlie's father.  Perhaps she holds the answers that they seek.  

The Curse Breaker (Isle of Ever #2) by Jen Calonita

The Curse Breaker (Isle of Ever #2) by Jen Calonita
Publisher:  Sourcebooks for Young Readers
Format Read:  Paperback-ARC
Number of pages:   320 pages
Publishing:  March 10th, 2026
Source: Publisher

Opening Lines:  "I looked out at the dark churning sea and couldn't believe my eyes."

In the first book of the Isle of Ever series, twelve-year-old Everly "Benny" Benedict discovers she is heir to a vast fortune.  To claim it, she must follow a trail of clues left behind by her grandmother, Evelyn, clues that lead her on a quest to find an island that vanished long ago.   

The Curse Breaker opens with a recap of the events that led to Aggy, Gil, Thomas and Laurel's disappearance.  For two centuries, they've been trapped on the mysterious island, waiting for the next Blood Orange Moon to reappear.  In the present day, Benny believes her quest is complete when she finally reaches the Isle of Ever.  But until all of her grandmother's friends can safely break the curse that has held them for centuries, her quest is far from over.

With the help of Evelyn's secret diary, a new set of clues, and her loyal friends, Benny continues her quest to find the missing pieces of pirate treasure needed to break the curse.  Their search becomes even more dangerous when a mysterious woman appears, someone determined to find the island and claim the treasure for herself.  

The Curse Breaker delivers an exciting blend of mystery and adventure, filled with hidden secrets, ancient treasure, a lost island, and a 200-year-old curse.  The twists and turns are engaging, and it's fun to follow the children as they unravel the riddles and clues. 

Benny cares deeply about her friends and is determined to complete her grandmother's quest to earn her inheritance.  The story alternates between 1825 and 2025, revealing the family's history through Evelyn's letter's, diary entries, journals, and articles. The introduction of a mysterious woman raises the stakes and adds urgency to the quest.  Readers hoping for a full resolution will have to wait as the adventure continues in the final book of the series.  

Overall, it's another wonderful series from the author of Fairy Tale Reform School, Secrets of My Hollywood Life and the Royal Academy books.  A great pick for readers who enjoy puzzle filled adventures in the spirit of The Westing Game.       

Caput Mundi: The Head of the World: Book 1: Enarii by B.R. Kang

Caput Mundi:  The Head of the World: Book 1: Enarii by B.R.Kang

Publisher:  AP Creative LLC
Format Read:  Hardcover
Number of pages:   270 pages
Publishing:  March 1st, 2026
Source: Books Forward

Opening Lines:  "Dark.  So incredibly, frighteningly dark, yet the sun was warm on Niil's small, eleven-year-old hands."

Caput Mundi opens with Niil being seized by debt collectors, Marcus and Mira, who hope to force his absent father to repay what he owes.  Having spent his life running and hiding from his father’s creditors, Niil is weary of the constant pursuit. Marcus and Mira bring him to Umbra, a city once devoted to mining Enarii—a rare liquid metal coveted throughout Caput Mundi. Enarii can be absorbed into the skin and reshaped into everyday objects such as combs, mallets, or scissors.  Niil soon discovers he possesses a rare gift, the ability to draw Enarii to himself.  Marcus however warns him to keep this talent hidden from outsiders but begins quietly training him to harness Enarii’s shape-shifting powers.

When a letter arrives suggesting Niil’s father may be in Caput Mundi, Marcus and Mira depart to search for him, leaving Niil behind in Umbra. Months pass without word, and just as Niil prepares to set out on his own, Ada arrives with devastating news—Marcus and Mira have perished in a fire. Determined to uncover the truth, Niil and Ada journey to Caput Mundi together, seeking both Niil’s parents and a mysterious woman whom Ada believes holds the key to her own parents’ deaths.

Caput Mundi is a middle grade action-adventure mystery set in an alternate Ancient Rome.  According to the author's website it was inspired by a quote from W.C. Fields, "You are not what you're called, but what you answer to" and her desire to recapture the feelings of reading Harry Potter and designing her own world.  

Umbra and Caput Mundi stand in stark contrast.  Umbra, once a thriving mining town, was impacted by several environmental accidents that leeched toxins into its soil. Caput Mundi, by comparison, is a wealthy capital ruled by the Electus, or officers of the Capital and overseen by a constitutional monarchy under the Imperator.  It is a city of opulence, where the full alchemic potential of Enarii is not only harnessed but fiercely coveted. 

Out of this divide, a faction of dissenters known as Doubleyes  emerged, intent on stealing Enarii and toppling Caput Mundi's rulers.  Caught between these opposing forces, Niil and Ada face mounting questions, especially when Niil discovers that his mother may be the outlaw leading the Doubleyes and that Marcus and Mira could have been the traitors assisting her.

One of the stories greatest strengths lies in Niil and Ada's relentless pursuit of the truth, no matter where it leads.  Their perseverance makes them a compelling duo, and I especially enjoyed watching their relationship evolve.   Ada's initial suspicion of Niil gradually giving away to trust as they worked together to achieve their goals.  The story wraps up satisfyingly while leaving space for the next installment in the series.  Although the pacing felt a little slow at times for me, the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Niil's and Ada's parents kept me engaged right through the final page.

**A huge thank you to Books Forward for the ARC hardcover 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 

Lola Gillette and the Summer of Second Chances by Kimberly Behre Kenna

Lola Gillette and the Summer of Second Chances by Kimberly Behre Kenna
Publisher:  Willow River Press
Format Read:  Paperback
Number of pages:   142 pages
Publishing:  March 3rd, 2026
Source: Books Forward

Opening Lines:  "My name is Lola.  I am a thief."

Lola Gillette and the Summer of Second Chances is the third book in the Brave Girl series, following Jett Jamison and the Secret Storm and Artemis Sparke and the Sound Seekers Brigade.  (With links to my previous reviews).

After being caught swiping a pair of bobble head dolls, thirteen-year-old Lola is sent to live with her Uncle Milo in his dilapidated mansion along the Connecticut River.  Milo has always been eccentric, his home contains forty-seven unique doors, each with its own intricate, hand carved puzzle lock.  But since the death of his wife, Hedy, he has become reclusive, withdrawn from the world entirely.  

Lola arrives hoping to continue her collection of "perfect pairs," a tradition that began when her grandad gave her and her twin sister, who later died in an accident, their first matching sets.  She has only three pairs left to complete her baker's dozen, and she's convinced that finishing the collection will bring her the good luck she desperately needs. Especially if she wants to avoid being sent to the Bad Girls Boarding School.

Lola is a sweet, determined character who feels deep guilt and responsibility for her sister's death.  Her desire to complete her collection becomes a way to prove she can still be "good."  Uncle Milo, meanwhile, is lost in his grief and sadness, having shared both a life and business with Hedy.   His mysterious home gives Lola room to explore, and her curiosity eventually leads her to his study, where a holographic projection delivers a message from her late aunt.  Lola is inspired to recreate the Zen garden Hedy had dreamed of building, a project meant to honor nature and restore balance.  

The book weaves in lovely details such as the art of Oshibana,  pressing flowers and leaves to create a picture from nature.  And even references the real Castle Gillette in the resources list.  I found myself wishing the book had included a bit more about it but was encouraged to research it online. 

Overall, Kimberly Behre Kenna continues to bring a warm, distinctive voice to her characters.  Small touches like a reverie rock, and a conductor statue, made Lola a rememberable character to me.  The story offers gentle reminders about inner strength and that there is "music to be made," making it a wonderful choice for readers who enjoy a touch of magical realism and uplifting themes about honoring our memories, healing from grief, mending relationships and protecting nature.     

Goldfinches by Mary Oliver, illustrated by Melissa Sweet

 Goldfinches by Mary Oliver, illustrations by Melissa Sweet
Publisher:  Penguin Random House
Format Read:  Hardcover
Number of pages:   40 pages
Publishing:  March 3rd, 2026
Source: Publisher

Goldfinches was written by Mary Oliver, the National Book Award and Pulitzer Prize winning poet. Her work was deeply rooted in her lifelong habit of wandering through nature and jotting down her discoveries in a journal.  According to the illustrator, she used to leave pencils in trees so she could take notes whenever she wanted.  How cool is that?  

In this poem, Oliver explores the delicate connection between goldfinches, and the soft thistle fluff and seeds they gather to build their nests.  Melissa Sweet's mixed media artwork brings each scene to life with a gorgeous palette of colors.  The reddish fire expressed by bright pinks, the buttery golds of the goldfinches' crown and the morning sky, and the soft pale blue of eggs nestled in a thistle-lined nest.

I loved lingering over the pages, catching glimpses of the author's field notes, spotting black and white sketches and identifications of the birds and plants by their family, scientific and common names.  There's even a tiny map and a photograph of a real nest with eggs tucked inside.  

The result is a vibrant celebration of these birds and the way thistles provide not only the perfect material for nest construction but are a vital food source for their young.  Included at the back of the book is a graph of goldfinches' migration across the seasons and the growth pattern of thistles.  There is also a note from the illustrator discussing Mary Oliver's lifelong passion for nature, how it inspired her poetry and a few of her famous expressions.  This is a beautiful book that captures the awe and beauty of nature with the art pairing so well with the verse of Mary Oliver's poem.  A truly soothing message to explore the bright, lively beauty found in nature.     

Book Tour for The Secret Winners Club by Donna Galanti

 

The Secret Winners Club by Donna Galanti
Publisher:  Wild Tree Press
Format Read:  E-book
Number of pages:   299 pages
Publishing:  March 3rd, 2026
Source:  Author in exchange for an honest review  

Opening Lines:  "Sunny pulled the knot tighter on her newly designed headscarf and pushed open the door to Room 203, carrying a shoebox from home."

In The Secret Winners Club, three friends each living with an autoimmune skin condition (i.e. Alopecia, Vitiligo, and Psoriasis) form a secret club dedicated to helping one another to achieve their biggest dreams.   Sunny hopes to win the Junkbot Competition to prove to her absent mother that art can be built from scrapyard treasures.  Trev wants to land the lead in his school's production of Grease, if only he can master the tricky choreography.  And Vee is determined to win first place at the upcoming swim meet and break her school's record.  To reach their goals, each friend agrees to support each other on their path, and to seek out a mentor who can guide them along the way.

The story alternates between the perspectives of all three kids as they juggle home life, school pressures, and time spent with their mentor.  It shines a light on their friendships, their encounters with classmates, and the painful challenges they face from bullies who tease them about their skin conditions. I love how there is a balance between their real-life struggles and support of each other. 

There are beautiful themes of stepping out of your comfort zone and taking risks.  The book captures the pressure kids feel to be winners, while showing the importance of striving for your own goals and winning for yourself rather than to outdo someone else.   There's also the lovely message surrounding teasing of how, "...their words are irrelevant.  They can't hurt you.  So don't you hurt you by accepting what they say as truth." 

The story includes some delightful STEM-focused moments showcasing the creativity and imagination needed to build art from junkyard finds, everyday objects and motorized parts.  I adore Donna's books and how she writes these relatable and impactful stories.  These are kids that feel like they could be your best friends.  She highlights the importance of having empathy for others and that we never know what others are going through, so it is important to lead with kindness.  Second chances are another important theme, with the idea being that we can fix our mistakes and reconciliation can happen with our parents.  All meaningful messages for kids. 

                        Available for pre-order now! 

Bookshop/ Amazon/ Barnes & Noble/ Books-A-Million/ Apple

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

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

Speed Reader by Matthew Cody , illustrations by Zack Giallongo

Speed Reader by Matthew Cody, illustrations by Zack Giallongo
Publisher:  Andrews McMeel Publishing
Format Read:  E-ARC
Number of pages:   160 pages
Publishing:  March 3rd, 2026
Source: Edelweiss+

Opening Lines:  "Now, back in the old days there weren't any cell phones.  No internet, either.  So, folks had to go looking for trouble...But here in Cape City, they didn't have to look very hard."

It's Career Day, and Zander has invited his great- uncle, Mervin to talk about his adventures with the Superheroes of Cape City, a group that disbanded a while ago.  Zander only wishes that Merv wouldn't embarrass him by repeating all his old catchphrases about being "Whizzy the Whiz", the mechanic and all-around fixer upper for the superheroes.

After the presentation, Zander's teacher pulls him aside and explains that he may have to attend summer school because he is about to fail, unless he signs up for the school's reading challenge instead.  Zander isn't really interested in participating, especially after he hears that Tanya May the undefeated champion for the past two years will be participating.  That afternoon, Tanya suddenly appears at Zander's front door holding a small package that she found on his porch.  Inside, Zander discovers what looks like a book, but when he opens it, he finds a crystal shard. 

Later that day, Zander ends up outside during a storm and is struck by lightning.  The bolt hits the crystal shard, creating a glowing blue light that causes a surge of energy in him.  Zander can now move with incredible speed, and even his reading speed has increased dramatically.  Following the acquisition of his new powers, Zander becomes the target of men in black suits who appear to want the shard for their boss, the notorious Big Brain.  Can Zander and his new friend, Tanya thwart their evil plans? 

Speed Reader is the first book in a new series from Matthew Cody, author of the popular Cat Ninja series.  The opening pages have a fun, vintage-comic vibe with muted colors, worn textures and even little blotches around the edges of the page.  The rest of the illustrations shift to bright, energetic artwork, and I especially loved the full-page lightning storm spread.  Zander is an easy character to root for. He's sort of the underdog in the story but really wants to be a superhero like the rest of his family was.  He has a history of being last to turn in his homework, last place in track, and always late for the school bus.  When a mysterious book appears that grants him super-speed, it feels a bit like Spiderman meets The Flash.  Suddenly he's racing around town and tearing through books faster than he ever imagined.  Quite fun.   The villain is entertaining, not menacing, and I liked that Zander gets support from his great- uncle.  Overall, this is a great pick for kids who enjoy comics, superhero stories or anyone looking for a light, amusing read.   

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