The Curse of the Silvan Oaks by Georgia Channon

The Curse of the Silvan Oaks by Georgia Channon
Publisher:  Pushkin Children's Books
Format Read:  E-ARC
Number of pages:   272 pages
Publishing:  September 1st, 2026
Source: Edelweiss +

Opening Lines: "Hornet tail, the highest of the Catacomb Mountains rose up above its lesser peaks like a monstrous, pointed gravestone."

The Curse of the Silvan Oaks opens with a golden cat battling a wolf, transforming into a mountain lion to overpower its adversary.  When the fight ends, the cat slips into Onda Castle in the kingdom of Silvanland and leaves a leather-bound book beside a sleeping boy.   As it departs, the cat whispers a cryptic message, "you will feel courage" and "you will go alone, down the tunnel to the hazel grove."

Elsewhere, Oli Gill wakes from a strange dream in a small cottage near Foxley Hall, where her mother has just begun a new job.  While unpacking, she finds her father's belongings and discovers a wooden box.   Inside are a letter and a necklace, a black stone hanging from a leather cord.

Later that day, Oli and her mother visit Dr. Rivers at Foxley Hall.  He introduces her to his vast library, complete with a balustrade and an upper gallery.  In the Moon and Oak section, she learns about an ancient war between Queen Titania and King Oberon.  Still, curious, she continues exploring and discovers a hidden staircase behind a bookcase.  The wooden stairs lead downward into a portal that carries her into Silvanland. 

At the same time, Prince Cory awakens and finds the mysterious book.  Within its pages contain illustrations of a toy castle in his playroom and the plans for an underground tunnel beginning behind the fireplace.   Intrigued, he follows the clues, only to be captured by King Oberon's men.  Oli witnesses the soldiers taking him and tries to intervene.  However both are captured and now must join together to escape the King's forces and confront Queen Hellebore, who has unleashed a dark curse that is spreading a deadly disease across Silvanland.   

The Curse of the Silvan Oaks draws inspiration from Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, via its portrayal of the rival courts of Titania and Oberon and the sense of magic that is woven in through the forest and animals that help Oli and Prince Cory.   There are also strong influences from The Lord of the Rings in the marching soldiers and the ancient trees reminiscent of Ents, as well as the portal-based world crossing found in The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe.  

Between the two protagonists, Prince Cory often stood out more to me.  His desire to be fearless gives him a natural momentum, and he repeatedly leaps into action without hesitation.  He saves Oli from drowning, helps them navigate the maze when they're lost, finds a boat at a crucial moment, and even stops a jackal from injuring them.  What makes him compelling is that he doesn't recognize his own bravery.  He reveals his courage through instinct rather than intention. 

Oli does have an important role in the plot.  Her necklace with the black stone designates her as a shield.  Her role consists of returning the black stone to the woodland crown to save the forests from the disease spreading within it.  She is the one who discovers the portal and is drawn in by the lore of the Moon and Oak.  She also played a crucial part in freeing Prince Cory, showing some quick thinking and determination.  There's a sense that her bravery is still emerging and could be expanded on in the next book in the series.  Overall, this was a fun portal fantasy, and I look forward to seeing where the story goes next.   

Mexikid Dreams: A Graphic Memoir by Pedro Martín

Mexikid Dreams:  A Graphic Memoir by Pedro Martin

Publisher:  Dial Books
Publishing:  September 1st, 2026
Format Read:  E-ARC 
Number of pages:   320 pages
Source: NetGalley ARC request following Penguin Fall Preview

Opening Lines from Prologue:  "Remember the Big Bang, when a new universe began?" 

Pedro Martin’s family ran a Mexican restaurant in California until an earthquake destroyed both their store and their home. The family moved 300 miles north to the town of Watsonville, where they became sharecroppers on a strawberry farm. By the time Pedro was seven, he was already out in the hot sun picking berries alongside his eight siblings. Everyone had to work in the fields, even his Apa.

Still, there were lighter moments, like their playful “strawberry war” fights and line dancing to their favorite songs. But while most kids from school spent their summers at the beach just five miles away or at home watching Sunday cartoons, Pedro and his siblings longed for the chance to be like other kids and enjoy a summer off.

When Pedro's older brother Sal lands a job at the lumber yard, a step toward his dream of becoming an architect, each of Pedro's siblings begins to imagine a future where they can pursue their own ambitions. But first, they all have to prove to their father that they have a real plan, one that includes getting an education or gaining hands-on experience that will lead to a stable profession, just as Sal's job does.

Now Pedro just needs to figure out his own path. Maybe then he can finally carve out the freedom from farm life that he's been longing for. Still, he worries what will his father think about wanting to be a trombone player or becoming a cartoonist and will this count as a real job to him? Mexikid Dreams is a graphic-memoir companion to Mexikid, a Newbery Honor winner. I haven't read Mexikid yet, but it's definitely moving to the top of my TBR. In his latest work, Pedro Martin provides an insight into his family's life in Watsonville. The joyful moments, the difficult ones, and the realities of living as migrant workers under the constant threat of immigration patrols.

What stood out to me most were the family dynamics and the emphasis on traditions, including the scene were the family is making tamales together. I also appreciated the strong focus on gaining an education. How strongly Pedro's father strived to make his kids' lives better, to provide them with opportunities that he never had, while making sure that they knew where they come from.

Once Pedro's father was able to hire extra help and he felt confident they could make ends meet, he gave the kids a choice about whether to continue working in the fields. The kids still had to make cutbacks of their own, to give up some of the small luxuries they were used to, but they were cared for, and their futures mattered.

I loved the updates on what each sibling is doing now in their professional lives, as well as the many pop-culture nods to comics, music and TV shows. Reading Mexikid Dreams also gave me a deeper appreciation for the challenges my own mom faced harvesting and curing tobacco as a young child. Especially all the long hours, the physical strain, and the resilience required to keep going.

**A huge thank you to Dial Books 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   

The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel: Deluxe Edition by Gareth Hinds

The Odyssey:  A Graphic Novel: Deluxe Edition by Gareth Hinds
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Published:  May 12th, 2026
Format Read:  Hardcover
Number of pages:   256 pages
Source: Publisher

From Goodreads:  Fresh from his triumphs in the Trojan War, Odysseus, king of Ithaca, wants nothing more than to return home to his family. Instead, he offends the sea god, Poseidon, who dooms him to years of shipwreck and wandering. Battling man-eating monsters, violent storms, and the supernatural seductions of sirens and sorceresses, Odysseus will need all his strength and cunning—and a little help from Mount Olympus—to make his way home and seize his kingdom from the schemers who seek to wed his queen and usurp his throne. Gareth Hinds masterfully reinterprets a story of heroism, adventure, and high action that has been told and retold for more than 2,500 years—though never quite like this.

I will be the first to admit that I don't have much experience with Greek mythology, though I've always enjoyed it.  My previous sources have been limited to reading Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief series and numerous times of rewatching The Clash of the Titans.  This graphic novel made Odysseus's struggles and his determination to return home fascinating to follow.  A recurring theme I noticed was hospitality, the way hosts welcomed guests, celebrated with them, and how they tried to avoid offending the immortals.  

The watercolor illustrations of chariots, mountain ranges, and clothing brought this ancient world to life. I loved the variety of layouts, from full pages with five panels to spreads divided into three sections, each capturing rich details that held my attention. Even though I never read The Odyssey in school, I feel I learned a great deal from this graphic novel, at the very least, it served as an excellent introduction.  I’d recommend it for upper-middle grade readers, as it includes scenes of a cyclops eating people, some blood and gore, like an eye being stabbed, deaths in battle, and a bit of nudity.

**A huge thank you to Candlewick Press for the hardcover review copy in exchange for an honest review.** 

Little Monsters by Máire Roche

Little Monsters by Máire Roche
Publisher: Aladdin/Simon & Schuster
Publishing:  August 18th, 2026
Format Read:  Hardcover
Number of pages:   275 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Opening Lines from prologue: "Beware the seam cities, beware the full moon, and beware, above all else, the girl who can hide what she truly is."

Meg March lives in Salem, Massachusetts with her three younger sisters and their foster mother, Marmee.  As the oldest, Meg has taken on the role of caretaker and current securer of a Halloween costume for all of her siblings.  To earn the money, she's been taking care of their next-door neighbor, Mr. Laurence's chickens.

Then a new boy, John Brooke moves in with Mr. Laurence and Laurie.  He's introduced as a visiting cousin, but his arrival coincides with strange events around town.  Farmers have reported stolen chickens, several coops have scratch marks, and people claim to have seen a monster lurking in the nearby forest.  At the same time, Meg has been waking up in the woods with no memory of how she got there or what she did the night before.  Could she be the creature everyone is whispering about?  After all, Meg and her sisters each possess unusual abilities.  Meg grows sharp teeth and claws when she's nervous or is stressed, Jo develops fur during a full moon, Beth grows wings, and Amy can transform into a mermaid.  If anyone found out, what would they think of the Marsh family?  And would Marmee agree to continue fostering them?

Meg feels a deep sense of responsibility for her sisters.  She's constantly trying to keep them and Marmee happy.  She worries that any misstep will anger Marmee and force them to move foster homes yet again.  That pressure manifests physically, with her claws and teeth appearing whenever her anxiety spikes.  While I understood Meg's anxiety, the repeated mentions of her teeth and claws began to feel redundant.  I wanted more moments of showing how these transformations impacted her, more close calls, more tension around almost being discovered, rather than repeated descriptions of her trying to hide her teeth behind her lips.  

I also wished for more interactions between Meg and all of her sisters, not just Joe.  Little Women is a classic coming-of -age story rooted in sisterhood, personal growth and family bonds.  In contrast, Little Monsters centers primarily on Meg and Joe, offering fewer opportunities to explore the dynamics among all four sisters.  Perhaps if Meg had asked for help more often and had more faith in her siblings, those relationships could have been developed further.  Still, having Brooks learn her secret does introduce some light rom-com moments.  

Overall, I enjoyed the ambience of Little Monsters, the crisp autumn setting, the approach of Halloween, the dark moon and drifting clouds, and the twisting forest branches.  The atmosphere sets the tone for a spooky monster mystery with plenty of possibilities of who or what the culprit might be.  And at its heart is Meg's determination to prove her innocence.   

Golden Boy by A.J. Symon

Golden Boy by A. J. Symon
Publisher:  Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Format Read:  E- ARC
Number of pages:  288 pages
Publishing:  August 25th, 2026
Source:  NetGalley via publisher

Opening Lines from prologue: "Breathe.  Please, just breathe..."

From debut author A. J. Symon comes Golden Boy, pitched as "Weird Science meets Marley & Me.  A heartfelt, funny crossover perfect for tweens ready to step into YA."

Emma, a science-obsessed high school sophomore, would rather spend time with her best friend, Hudson, her golden retriever.  Hudson was a gift from her mother when she became ill, and she has loved him fiercely ever since.  Numbers, data and scientific facts seem to speak to Emma way more than people.  At home she's the middle child, bookmarked by her brothers Chip and Buckhead, and their father is the high school football coach.  

Since her mother's death, Emma has been the only girl in the house, and the one responsible for all the chores, from cooking to laundry. When she receives an early acceptance to UC Davis, she hopes it will finally be her chance to escape.  But her father insists she's too young, they can't afford it, and family come first.  

Then everything changes.  During a game of keep away gone wrong, Hudson is injured and collapses.  Desperate not to lose him, Emma uses the activator from her fruit fly project to heal Hudson.  Instead, it alters his DNA, transforming him into a real, living teenage boy, with all the instincts of a golden retriever.  

Hudson quickly catches Emma's father's attention and is recruited for the football team.  Emma is tasked with guiding him through their classes at school, teaching him how to be human, the ins and outs of football, and preventing him from causing chaos.  It's a lot harder than she ever imagined.  

This was such a delightful read.  From Emma's STEM experiments on fruit-flies to the nods to Dr. Shinya Yamanaka's stem-cell research, with all the science elements woven in naturally.  I also loved her crush on quarterback Nick, especially the way she's unsure of why she likes Nick, only that it shouldn't be because of his good looks.  Or how she tries to analyze her feelings rationally and logically because of her difficulties with subtext, like expressions, inflections and social cues. Super cute.  

Emma's family dynamics added a seriousness to the story.  They're not great at communicating, so I appreciated the glimpses into her brother's perspectives.  What football means to them, how their father's tough coaching style affects them, and what they wish they could say out loud.    
And Hudson, Bud Golden in human form, is such a standout character.  He senses everyone's discomfort, moves with this hilarious super-speed, and becomes wildly territorial over a football.  His presence shifts the entire family, nudging them closer together and helping them see what truly matters.  He even helps Emma understand football in a new way and opens her father's eyes to her strengths.  Overall, a story not to be missed for tweens or upper middle grade readers.  

**A huge thank you to Simon & Schuster for the ebook via NetGalley 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   

The Game of Oaths: by S.C. Bandreddi

The Game of Oaths by S.C. Bandreddi
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Published:  June 2nd, 2026
Format Read:  Hardcover
Number of pages:   432 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Opening Lines: "The arena is packed tonight."

From Goodreads:  It’s 1896. Beneath a hotel in the heart of Paris is the famed le Cirque des Ombres, led by ringmaster and Enchanteur Jean-Pierre. But behind the dazzling spectacles, the circus performers are bound by magical contracts, also making them potential players in the annual Game of Oaths, an underground bloodthirsty tournament watched by the wealthy elite. Twelve will compete. Eleven will die.

Seventeen-year-old trapeze artist Falan Sunkara is out for revenge. After her sister ended up as one of the unlucky eleven last year, Falan wants nothing more than to make Jean-Pierre pay for her death. When she’s chosen to compete in this year’s tournament, Falan is not above playing dirty and forging unlikely alliances. But to be the last one standing, she has to determine whom to trust and whose motives to question. Vengeance on top of survival is a dangerous gamble—and in games like this, the house always wins.

My Thoughts: 

Within The Game of Oaths, the author builds an elaborate world centered on a circus and a high-stakes competition in which the circus performers become competitors in a brutal, deadly fight.  I definitely felt strong Hunger Games vibes with patrons who sponsor contestants, essential equipment provided to help them to survive, prizes for winning, and the betting on who will come out on top.  There were even hints of Six of Crows in the roof top jumping and the overarching theme of chance.  

Jean Pierre, the ringmaster, is both the creator and orchestrator of the game.  He never plays fair, changing rules on a whim and deciding whether a competitor survives or suffers a "mishap" during the game.  His ruthlessness in unmistakable, and I found myself eagerly waiting for his downfall.   

Falan is blunt, cool, scrawny and initially comes across as sulky.  It took me a bit to warm up to her, but her size and attitude never seemed to limit her, she's far tougher than she appears.  As the game progresses, she's swept up in a bloodlust for revenge, often putting herself in greater danger more times than I would have liked.   Each character has their own goals and strategy to playing the game and their actions and underhanded tactics kept me riveted till the end.     

The story is divided into five parts, each opening with a quote from Guillaume Gallien's Origins of the Arcane, offering a brief background on the history and abilities of enchanteurs.  In every round, participants are pitted against one another while also completing the ringmaster's tasks.  When a player falls, there are moments to pause and reflect, gain new information, make plans for the next game, try to recover from their injuries and losses.  The pacing strikes a nice balance, intense violence during the game followed by a slower, thoughtful rebuild before the next brutal challenge.  It avoids becoming relentlessly heart wrenching, instead creating a nice rhythm and pace toward the final outcome.   

I'm always a sucker for books set in France, and adding a circus, a deadly competition, magic and epic fight scenes had me hooked immediately.  The reader is quickly swept up in the glamour of the ring, with the acrobats and knife throwers, the spectacle, and the thrill and danger of the competition.  Overall, this was an exciting story and despite its similarities to the Hunger Game, it offers enough unique elements that also sets it apart.  If either of the previous books mentioned interest you, I'd eagerly recommend you check this one out.  

**A huge thank you to Candlewick Press for the hardcover in exchange for an honest review.**  

Adventure in the City of Stories by Emma Otheguy, illustrations by Poly Bernatene

Adventure in the City of Stories by Emma Otheguy, illustrations by Poly Bernatene
Publisher:  Atheneum Books for Young Readers/Simon and Schuster
Published:  July 21st, 2026
Format Read:  E-book
Number of pages:   224 pages
Source: Publisher via NetGalley

Opening Lines:  "Camila was crying."

Camila is saddened when her attempt to bring a Spanish book to school to welcome the new girl, Marisol, is viewed negatively by Principal Santos.  Jorge attempts to make her feel better by showing her the puppets and an old book that he found in Tia Xia's cupboard and suggests they share them with Marisol.  

When they try to bring the items to Marisol's house, Cooper intercepts them and insists that Camila is carrying another "illegal book."  He grabs for it, and after a brief struggle, Jorge manages to pull it away.  Realizing Cooper may try to blame Tia Xia for the book's disappearance, Jorge and Camila run and hide inside Tia Xia's tinajón.  

Meanwhile, Siggy and Tia Xia see a news report announcing that historical artifacts, Pura Belpré's puppets and a first edition of her Perez and Martina book have been stolen from the New York Public Library.  Tia Xia is alarmed because those very items appeared in her supply closet at the Latin History Museum.  To protect her from being accused of any wrongdoing, Jorge, Camila and Siggy must travel back to New York City into the 1930's and return the missing items to the library where they belong.

Adventure in the City of Stories is a companion novel to Cousins in the Time of Magic, and both books center on time-travel missions.  In this installment the trio experiences life during the Great Depression.  They encounter Eva Wilson, a wealthy woman who promotes assimilation, and Antonia, a young girl whose father works in Mr. Wilson's factory and whose job is threatened after Antonia writes about the factory's harsh working conditions.

The story is beautifully illustrated by Poly Bernatene, whose artwork vividly conveys the era, the action, and the characters.  The book has strong kid appeal and is filled with fascinating historical details, the decrease in book printing during the Depression due to paper shortages, the banning of books, information about Latino storytellers, and Puerto Rico, and the essential role of librarians and reading in preserving culture.  There is a helpful section at the end that highlights all the historical figures mentioned in the story along with a glossary of terms.  Overall, I loved how the book encouraged readers to learn and make connections with historical events.  

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.