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**       

Charts for Babies: A Picture Book by Michelle Rial

Charts for Babies by Michelle Rial 
Publisher:  Abrams Appleseed
Published:  April 7th, 2026
Format Read:  E- Review Copy
Number of pages:   40 pages
Source: Media Masters

Opening Lines:  "My arm is Y, X is my tie!" 

Michelle Rial is considered one of the nine funniest cartoonists and illustrators on Instagram, according to Vulture.  She is the author and illustrator of Am I Overthinking This? and Maybe, This Will Help. 

Charts for Babies is Michelle Rial's first picture book.  It's a delightful, rhyming introduction to early learning concepts such as big and small, short and tall.  The book gradually moves into more complex ideas like curvy and curly, as well as mixing primary colors, showing how red and yellow make orange.  The illustrations blend playful hand-drawn artwork with digital coloring that is fun and colorful while introducing children to sizes, shapes, feelings, colors, numbers, and more.  The final pages bring everything together with sixteen different charts and graphs, including a Venn diagram and column charts.

What I especially enjoyed is how engaging the illustrations are.  I can easily see this being a fun read-aloud for a teacher thanks to its STEM friendly concepts, or for parents, especially with the sweet goodnight message at the end.  Overall, a very cute, playful story that also manages to be educational.  

**A huge thank you to Media Masters for the review copy in exchange for an honest review**

The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy by Angela Cervantes

The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy by Angela Cervantes
Publisher:  Henry Holt
Publishing:  May 5th, 2026
Format Read:  Paperback-Galley
Number of pages:   233 pages
Source: Author in exchange for an honest review

Opening Lines: "My name is Diez Espada."

Diez Espada is a sixth grader whose father once played as a college midfielder, before an injury ended his career.   Not long after, Diez and his father also lost his mother to cancer.  Even with everything that they've been through, Diez's dad has remained a devoted fútbol fan, even naming him after the jersey number of his favorite player, Lionel Messi. 

Diez plays on the soccer team his dad helps coach, though he'd much rather be analyzing any gaps in the team's defenses, reading his classic detective novels, or solving a real mystery, like the recent theft of his school's lobster mascot costume. During a fútbol game, he even sets a plan into motion to catch the culprit, but instead of exposing Rio as the thief, his phone (and all his evidence) gets destroyed by her bodyguard.  

Later that day, Rio shows up at Diez's home to apologize and offers him two tickets to a ritzy party at the Las Palmas resort for the unveiling of the World Cup trophy.  Diez and his dad are excited by the chance to meet the famous soccer players, but the celebration takes a turn when the trophy is stolen right in front of the guests.  

With a tropical storm now raging outside, Diez sees his chance to prove himself to his father and Detective Enzo, the renowned investigator hired to protect the trophy.  As the suspect list grows, clues begin to point toward the infamous thief known as La Lechuza, whose calling card is an owl feather.  With less than 24 hours before the final fútbol match begins, Diez and Rio must uncover who stole the legendary trophy before the thief is able to escape.

The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup trophy is a delightful blend of fútbol, hotel intrigue, adventure and clue hunting. The story is filled with many amusing moments, like the bird who keeps squawking "they'll never get away with it," and Rio's twin brothers chasing after a poodle. Diez and Rio make good partners. Rio could probably talk herself out of any situation and Diez picks up on the smallest of details. It was entertaining to follow them as they interview guests at the party.

The Miami setting adds great atmosphere, and the inclusion of the old Prohibition tunnels added mystery and charm to the story. I also love that the book is releasing just as the FIFA World Cup kicks off in June. It's fascinating to learn the real history behind the two times that the trophy was actually stolen, even with heavy security guarding it. Overall, this is a good choice for mystery fan.

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

Angela Cervantes is a bestselling, Pura Belpré Award-winning author who has sold over a million copies of her children’s books centering Latinx protagonists. Her forthcoming 2026 releases include a fútbol sleuth story for middle grade readers, “The Mystery of The Stolen World Cup Trophy,” and the second installment of her Junior Library Guild-acclaimed fantasy adventure series, “Anomalies 53: Dragon Dreams.”

Cervantes is the voice behind American Girl’s “Girl of the Year 2026,” and also wrote the novel accompanying the company’s first contemporary Mexican-American doll.

In addition to her original stories, Cervantes is known for her collaboration with Disney/Pixar to write the junior novelizations for Oscar-winning animated films “Coco” and “Encanto.”

The daughter of a retired elementary school teacher who instilled in her a love for reading, Cervantes began writing her own stories featuring Latinx protagonists when she was only nine years old because she wanted books that reflected her Mexican American and Latino community. Her short stories have since been featured in “Chicken Soup for The Latino Soul” and the young adult anthology “Beyond Borders: Growing Up Mexican in America.” And her popular children’s novels are regularly added to state reading lists across the U.S. Cervantes writes from her home in Kansas City. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, running, gazing up at clouds and taking advantage of Taco Tuesdays.

Find out more at angelacervantes.com, or follow Cervantes on social media:

• Instagram: @angelacervantes_author

• Facebook: @AngelaCervantesAuthor

YouTube: @angelacervantes_books

Chernobyl, Life, and Other Disasters: A Graphic Memoir by author and illustrator Yevgenia Nayberg

Chernobyl, Life, and other Disasters by Yevgenia Nayberg
Publisher:  Neal Porter Books/Holiday House
Format Read:  E-ARC
Number of pages:   146 pages
Published:  April 14th, 2026
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss+

Opening Lines:  "It's 1968 and it's going to be an interesting year."

At eleven years old, Yevgenia (nicknamed Genya) finally gets the chance to apply to the prestigious National Secondary School of Art in Kiev, she has dreamed of attending since she was five years old.  Like her mother, Genya's lifelong ambition has been to become a professional artist.  Yet acceptance will be a major challenge as the school has notoriously limited the number of Jewish students to a 1% of its admissions.

To prepare, Genya receives intense tutoring alongside her friends Kolya and Vera, endlessly practicing the same assigned scene to try and impress the judges.  Meanwhile, her family life has also undergone dramatic changes, her father has left for America, and they are forbidden to speak of or see him again.  Her mother marries Leon and is soon expecting a baby with her new stepfather.    

Then the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster occurs. Genya fails her first attempt at the art school exam, and everyone is worried about the invisible threat of radiation.  Despite Kyiv being many miles from the power plant, her mother decides to evacuate.  The family moves in with Aunt Elena in Volgograd.  There, Genya continues practicing her art, hoping one day to return home, but for now all her dreams are shattered.   

Eventually Genya succeeds in entering art school and realizes her lifelong ambition of being an artist.  Chernobyl, Life and Other Disasters is Yevgenia Nayberg's powerful graphic memoir of her childhood amid the turmoil of the Cold War, Soviet rule and the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster.   What really stuck with me about the story was its unique and evolving art style.  A thoughtful collage that mixes childlike stick-figure drawings, with lovely, colorful watercolor cityscapes of Kyiv, ending with a self-portrait from her art studio.  Each panel vividly reflects what life under Soviet control was like, the muted earth tones of their clothing, the everyday oppression and fear of radiation.   The illustrations beautifully show Genya's evolution as an artist.  I also loved her inclusion of elements of humor, such as the moment Genya has to cut off her beloved long braid, which took her forever to finally grow, because it set off the Geiger counter. Read this if you enjoy graphic memoirs, want a window into the Chernobyl disaster or are interested in a child's perspective on the events. 

**A huge thank you to Holiday House for the E-book access via Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review** 

      

Little Ghost's Summerween by Maggie Edkins Willis

Little Ghosts Summerween by Maggie Edkins Willis 
Publisher:  Beach Lane Books/Simon & Schuster
Format Read:  E-book
Number of pages:   40 pages
Publishing:  April 28th, 2026

Source: PDF from Publisher   

Opening Lines:  "Today, Little Ghost finds a surprise in the mail."

From the New York Times bestselling author of Little Ghost Makes a Friend comes a charming new story inspired by the Summerween trend of bringing the spooky fun of Halloween into the sunny months of Summer with "skeletons in bikinis and the carving of jack-o'-melons" as described by the Wall Street Journal.  

Little Ghost loves parties, but in his 100 years he's only ever experienced the Halloween kind.  So, when he and his good friend Anya are invited to his first outdoor, camp-themed summer birthday party, he starts to worry.  Will there be bats, black cats, and candy corn, his favorite things?  Despite his hesitation, he decides to go, and to his surprise, he's even inspired to plan his own birthday party.  But what kind of party should it be?   Anya encourages him to include the things he loves most, yet none of his spooky favorites seem to fit a summertime vibe.  What's Little Ghost to do? 

This adorable story follows Little Ghost as he tries to figure out how to celebrate his birthday during the warm summer months.  His nervous expressions, like the pencil balanced on his mouth and his raised eyebrows, are irresistibly endearing.  His brainstorming is both funny and heartfelt as he searches for the perfect idea, only to discover that the best celebration is one that makes him happy.   A sweet, uplifting story that will capture readers hearts while celebrating what makes each of us unique.  The series will continue with Little Ghost's Valentines, publishing December 1, 2026. 

Hannah Edwards Secrets of Riverway by Ashley Hards

Hannah Edwards Secrets of Riverway by Ashley Hards
Publisher:  Fabled Film Press
Format Read:  E-ARC
Number of pages:   268 pages
Publishing:  April 22nd, 2026
Source: Edelweiss+

Opening Lines:  "Are you looking for a place where the fun flows as fast as a mountain river?"

Eleven-year-old Hannah lives in Riverway, a once-thriving farming town now half-abandoned and broken down, its population down to just 2000.  Irrigation problems plague the area, and the river that once sustained the community for generations is slowly drying up.   Life here is usually quiet, the kind of place where everyone knows everyone, but four months ago Hannah's father, known around town as the "Canola King," vanished.  

Law enforcement searched at first, but with no new leads the investigation stalled, and the town has largely moved on.  Hannah hasn't.  She's begun her own search, determined to find out what happened to him.  In the meantime, her Uncle Fergus has stepped in to help her and her mother keep the canola farm running, but his overbearing presence rubs Hannah the wrong way, adding tension to an already fragile home. 

The next day during class, Hannah's best friend Sam slips her a note claiming he saw a ghost at the Old Grain Mill that looks just like her missing father.  At first, Hannah doubts Sam actually saw a ghost, but the possibility gnaws at her.  Despite her skepticism, the two of them hold a seance with a Ouija board, hoping for answers.  Later, determined to follow up, Hannah visits the Mill where she has a chilling encounter with a ghostly figure who delivers a warning to be careful around her uncle.

Since her father's disappearance, Hannah has been meeting with Ms. Grant, the school counselor.  Hannah secretly calls her the "dragon lady," convinced that her therapy methods are useless and that she doesn't really understand what Hannah is going through.  During one of their sessions, Hannah notices something strange, a piece of her father's business stationery locked inside Ms. Grant's file cabinet.  Angered by the sight of it, she later ropes Sam and their classmate Tim to help retrieve it.  

As Hannah digs deeper, she uncovers a troubling truth, her Uncle Fergus has been pressuring her mother to hand over half of the family farm.  The more the trio investigates, the more suspicious Fergus becomes.  Clues even begin to point toward the possibility that he knows far more about her father's disappearance then anyone initially believed. 

Hannah is a sweet young girl doing her best to cope with her father's sudden disappearance and the unsettling way the town seems to have quietly stopped searching for him.   She worries alot about being seen as a "bad kid," yet she often says what's on her mind, a habit that lands her into trouble more often than she'd like.  To help her process her feelings, her mother gives her a grief journal to record all of her negative thoughts, instead of directing them at Uncle Fergus.

School is another challenge, Hannah struggles to stay focused in class and relies on several clever strategies to cover for the moments when she's caught daydreaming.   She hides these difficulties from everyone, but it's clear she has ADHD.  She's really good at understanding her own brain, yet she's reluctant to let anyone else in on that part of her life.  

The ghost that Hannah encounters at the Old Grain Mill isn't frightening so much as mysterious.  The spirits follow a set of unusual rules, they can't stay in the light for long without losing their shape.  If they have to reform, they lose a memory.  These limitations add urgency to Hannah's investigation, every moment counts if she and her friends are going to uncover what Uncle Fergus is really up to.  

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the story is that it is told with interview transcripts, journal entries, and even an entire chapter written in verse about "Tim's Crime."   The bonus material at the end included discussion questions and a Q&A with the author added even more depth.  It's there that readers learn the book is actually a reimagining of Hamlet, which casts the mystery in a whole new light.

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

Girl of Lore by Melanie Dale

Girl of Lore by Melanie Dale
Publisher:  Simon & Schuster
Format Read:  E-ARC
Number of pages:   368 pages
Publishing:  April 21st, 2026
Source: Publisher via NetGalley

Opening Lines:  "The driver gripped the steering wheel, shoulders hunched, leaning forward as if she could stretch the sunlight from west to east and buy time."

Tenth grader Mina awakens from a dream, so vivid it feels like it might have been real.  Her hometown of London, Georgia is full of macabre legends and strange, shadowy happenings, though most people dismiss them as nothing more than bait meant to draw tourists for ghost tours with the whispered rumors of vampires.

Mina lives with OCD, marked by intrusive thoughts, compulsions in sets of three, and an urge to list synonyms for nearly every word she hears.  To cope, she keeps a sketchbook where she pours out her stories, drawings and the intrusive "stabby" thoughts she's desperate to release.  The only person who seems to understand and accept her is her best friend, Jackie.   

Her mom wants her to work at the family yoga studio, but Mina has other plans.  She decides to start a History or Cemetery Club to collect and investigate the town's stories.  The group begins with the mysterious sinkhole that recently appeared and the unsettling case of the Carfax family, who vanished without an explanation, only to resurface dead a decade and a half later.    

But things take a darker turn when local historian, Ms. Poole is found drained of blood, and Buddy, who has a crush on Mina also goes missing.  At the same time, Mina finds a mysterious book in her bag, apparently from Isabella Carfax, and she begins hearing a voice whispering over and over, urging her to release them.

Mina is a compelling character.  Her favorite place is the graveyard, where she feels most at ease and can sketch in peace without anyone interrupting her.  She's deeply introspective and gravitates to darker thoughts, which tends to isolate her from people around her.  Jackie is the one who brings Arthur and Quincy into the group, and it's clear how much she respects Mina and her emotions.  Mina's OCD leads her to question the reliability of her own memories, wondering whether they're real or simply stories unfolding in her mind.  Her struggles are portrayed with honesty, giving readers an empathetic understanding of the challenges that she faces.  

Overall, I really enjoyed the story.  It appears to be the first in a new series, and the strong emphasis on vampires gives it plenty of appeal.   It took me about a third of the book to feel fully vested, but once it clicked, I was hooked.  Certain elements in the story reminded me of the movie Underworld, especially the Lore Club's mission to stop an "old one" from rising and I like to think that Mina has the strength of Selene from Underworld.  I also noticed how Girl of Lore shares echoes of Bram Stroker's Dracula, particularly the idea that victims bitten three times are doomed to become vampires themselves.  Read this for its focus on vampires, gothic vibes and a character with complicated feelings and emotions. 

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