Channeling Marilyn: A Novel by Mima Tipper

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Twin Stars and the Soccer Superstar by Kristine Rudolph

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cece's Sour and Sweet Journey to Medical School by Candicee Childs, illustrations by Setiawan

Cece's Sour and Sweet Journey to Medical School by Candicee Childs, illustrated by Setiawan
Publisher:  BookBaby
Format Read:  Hardcover
Number of pages:   48 pages
Originally Published:  July 22nd, 2025 (re-releasing May 7th, 2026)

Source: Books Forward

Opening Lines: " When life gives you those sour lemons, make a nice, sweet glass of lemonade."

When Cece was a little girl, she was endlessly curious.  She loved learning new things, solving puzzles, and getting lost in books.  As she grew older, she began thinking about her future and searching for a career that could combine her love 0f science with her passion for learning.  

She continued on to college, and after her grandfather passed away, she felt a growing desire to help others.  After talking with an advisor, she decided to pursue the path toward medical school.  Cece interned with a doctor, submitted multiple applications to a medical school and completed all the necessary prerequisites.  Despite all her effort, she was rejected.  Although she felt defeated at first, Cece was determined to give it another try.  With a renewed focus and the support of her mentors, she was successful in getting admitted to medical school. 

Cece's Sour and Sweet Journey to Medical School is inspired by Dr. Candicee Childs's own journey to becoming a physician.  The story helps children understand that setbacks, no matter how discouraging, can become meaningful opportunities to grow. Through Cece's determination, young readers see the importance of perseverance, staying motivated, and believing in their dreams.

This uplifting and powerful story encourages children to imagine themselves in careers in medicine, offering representation that is especially empowering for young children of color. The illustrations are expressive, and full of vibrant color, capturing Cece's triumphs and challenges. I love how the artwork not only brings the story to life but also how it shows her determination and joy when she is accepted into medical school. With its re-release coinciding with National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day, the book will surely share a positive message about resilience, hope and the strength found in trying again. Included at the back of the book is a fun crossword puzzle of terms found in the book.

About Candicee Childs: 

Dr. Childs is passionate about sharing her story and, more importantly, wants to encourage any and everyone to find their passion and pursue their dreams-no matter how big or small.  She has hope to encourage, empower and uplift any person who wants to truly work in their purpose.  As a passionate author, she understands the importance of uplifting others through her words, actions, and creative works.  In the future, she hopes to inspire and educate others by writing several books and becoming a podcaster.  As a Christian, she also explores many ideas that embrace the role that spirituality plays in a person's life. 

Her hometown is the beautiful city of Savannah, GA.  She has three degrees:  A Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry with a minor in Spanish  from Valdosta State University, a Master of Healthcare Administration degree from Georgia Southern University, and a Doctor of Medicine degree from Augusta University - Medical College of Georgia. She has two certifications in nutrition and personal training from the National Academy of Sports Medicine

Learn more about Candicee Childs here.

 Follow Candicee Childs on social media:

Twitter/X: @candicee_childs_md | Instagram: @candicee_childs_md

      Candicee Childs sharing her journey to Medical School       

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

The Underwearwolf by Gideon Sterer and illustrated by Charles Santoso

Underwearwolf by Gideon Sterer and illustrated by Charles Santoso
Publisher:  Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publishing:  May 12th, 2026
Format Read:  E- Review Copy
Number of pages:   32 pages
Source: Publisher 

Opening Lines:  "They were a gift from my uncle Larry."

A young boy receives a new pair of underwear for his birthday to add to his growing collection.  These, however, are no ordinary undergarments, they're made of wool and come with a warning not to wear them under the light of a full moon.  Peeking out the window, he decides the moon isn't "quite" full and slips them on anyway.  Instantly, he transforms into an "underwearwolf," sprouting claws, yellow eyes and hair all over his body.  His nighttime adventure begins as he chases a cat, swings from a lamppost, and roams wildly through the town. 

The Underwearwolf is a delightfully silly story that feels like a playful mash-up of Where the Wild Things Are and Creepy Pair of Underwear.  Any story starring underwear is practically guaranteed to reel kid's in, and this one delivers giggles as a wool-clad underwear wearing werewolf leaps, howls, and stirs up the right amount of trouble.    Charles Santoso's illustrations perfectly capture the boy's wild excitement at his unexpected transformation.   I also really love the repeated line, " I should have taken them off, but then I would have been butt naked," which is guaranteed to get a laugh.  I can practically hear the chorus of giggles every time it appears.  It's pure mischievous, moonlit fun that begs to be read out loud for Summerween.  

** A huge thank you to Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers for the E-copy in exchange for an honest review**

Diamond Fever!: A True Crime Story in the Wild West by Steve Sheinkin , illustrated by Jon Chad

Diamond Fever!  A True Crime Story in the Wild West by Steve Sheinkin, illustrated by Jon Chad 

Publisher:  Roaring Brook Press
Format Read:  E-ARC
Number of pages:   256 pages
Publishing:  May 12th, 2026
Source: Publisher via NetGalley

Opening Lines:  "Even train robbers have to wait for their train."

I first discovered Diamond Fever! A True Crime Story in the Wild West during School Library Journal's (SLJ) Middle Grade Magic presentation in early March.  The author and illustrator introduced the book and talked about their collaboration, and I was immediately drawn in by the premise and the hybrid format that blends graphic-novel/comic panels with prose.  

The book recounts the Great Diamond Hoax of 1872.  During the Gold Rush Era, two miners and cousins, Philip Arnold and John Slack arrive late one night at the San Francisco office of businessman George Roberts.  They ask him to lock away a mysterious bag in his safe.  Roberts, curious about their secrecy, peeks inside and finds what he believes are diamonds.   His discovery pulls more and more respected figures into the scheme, sparking a diamond fever and a desperate search across the West for the supposed diamond mine that the cousin's found.

The details of the hoax are fascinating.  Jewelers attempt to authenticate the stones, partners overseas get involved, and lawyers, congressmen and even mining engineers spend years trying to secure the legal rights to the mine the cousins claim to have found.  I love learning about lesser-known historical events, and this elaborate deception, complete with "salting the land" to convince experts that rubies and diamonds were present was especially compelling.  The story also weaves in rich historical context, including the Fortieth Parallel Survey (1867-1872), the Susan B. Anthony Trial, and even mention of the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad.  

Readers will appreciate the comic-style illustrations, humor, engaging storytelling, and true crime mystery.  The author and illustrator clearly put great care into historical accuracy, character design, and detailed panels that highlight key moments in the story.  During the SLJ presentation, Jon Chad mentioned that he designed the mini character portraits at the front of the book with distinct facial shapes to make each person instantly memorable and recognizable.  The result is a wonderfully cohesive and beautiful collaboration.   

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

In The Blood by April Henry

In The Blood by April Henry
Publisher:  Christy Ottaviano Books
Format Read:  E- ARC
Number of pages:  304 pages
Publishing:  May 12th, 2026
Source:  NetGalley via Egypt Street PR

Opening Lines: "Happy Birthday! El sang out, bounding into Tessa's room."

For Tessa's eighteenth birthday, she receives an Ancestry DNA test kit, her chance to finally search for her biological parents.  As a baby, she was left at a fire station and later adopted.  Her best friend El has been by her side since third grade, even defending her when their substitute teacher assigned a family-tree drawing.   The two have spent years speculating about Tessa's parents, and now that she's eighteen, she can finally take the test.

Initially, Tessa hesitates.  Should she really look for her biological parents?  What if they don't want to be found?  Is she opening Pandora's box? Does knowing who they are really change anything?  Could this hurt her adoptive parents?  Despite her doubts, the need to fill in the missing pieces to the puzzle wins out, and she secretly submits the test

Meanwhile, Keisha, a twenty-five-year-old police officer, discovers Alida deceased during a welfare check.   A calling card or driver's license belonging to one of the Portland Phantom's last known victims from two and a half years ago left behind.  Why has he resurfaced now?  Keisha vows to join the investigation, believing her similarities to Alida could help the team.  

The narrative then shifts to Quentin, ruminating in a bar about "passing judgement" and satisfying his old familiar itch.  As a bouncer, he snaps pictures of patron's ID's, learning where they live so he can follow them and study their habits.  He's currently watching "Short Skirt" girl, but it's too soon for him to make his next move.

The story weaves together these three perspectives.  Tessa, piecing together her family tree as her DNA results arrive.  Keisha, canvasing the neighborhood and following up on every possible lead in Alida's murder.  And Quentin, revealing his predatory mindset as he stalks his next victims and reflects on what led him on this path.  

In The Blood unfolds through short chapters, journal entries and excerpts from the Lifetime documentary Chasing Shadows:  The Hunt for the Portland Phantom.  It offers an intriguing look at the complexities of using DNA testing to find one's birth parents.  How tracing relatives often means sifting through cousins once or twice removed.  There's a nice scientific tie-in with Tessa and her new lab partner Victor extracting the DNA from a strawberry.  It grounds the story in some real-world biology and shows the power and limitations of using DNA in forensic science.  

It's a fascinating read.   Tessa's emotional struggle over what ancestry means, whether she's making the right choice, and what she's stepping into.  Her insecurity and conflicting feelings feel authentic, especially as she learns that her biological mother was raised in a religious cult and severed ties after Tessa's birth.  With more questions arising about how her mom became pregnant under such strict control.  

Quentin's perspective adds tension and suspense.  You're drawn in by the desire to see him caught, especially as the stakes rise near the end.  The book fits comfortably in the middle-grade/YA crime-thriller space.  It avoids graphic detail, doesn't linger on the victim's deaths, and keeps Quentin's inner thought processes from being too unsettling or gratuitous.  The fast pace will hook young thriller fans. 

  **A huge thank you to NetGalley and Egypt Street PR for the review copy in exchange for an honest review**