Love Wars: Clash of the Parents by Matthew A. Tower

LOVE WARS

CLASH OF THE PARENTS

A True Divorce Story

by Matthew A. Tower

Illustrated by Tsuneo Sanda

Raja Media LLC

Middle Grade Nonfiction

370 pages

ages 9 to 18

Nate and Vanessa started the war, but only their son Matthew can end it! Young Matthew’s world shatters when his parents split up and put him in the middle of their custody battle. Desperate to escape their never-ending conflicts, Matthew imitates his hero, Luke Skywalker, and launches an against-all-odds mission to stop Mom and Dad’s war of vengeance! Will Matthew’s little brother Thomas Rabbit help blow up the Divorce War Death Star, or will he hide and play with his bunnies?

Love Wars: Clash of the Parents is a true story of youthful bravery, and a wacky account of one family’s wretched yet hilarious nuclear meltdown . . . with an unexpected and unforgettable ending. Matthew A. Tower’s inspirational memoir is a page-turner for readers of all ages, whether or not they have been affected by divorce and family strife.

Love Wars is fully illustrated by award-winning artist Tsuneo Sanda, adding an immersive quality to the experience.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Divorce can feel like war, but Matthew is doing his best to not only survive but, maybe, subdue the battle, too.

This read hits the storm of divorce from Matthew's point of view. As the oldest of two sons...and not even through middle school...he's caught up in the battles, often not sure what's going on. To say that his parents' emotions and tensions run high is an understatement. Matthew turns to Star Wars to spin some of it in a way he can handle, but the battles are real.

The book is based on the real life experiences of the author and don't hold back as he rolls through the entire process of his parents' divorce. He keeps the pacing steady most of the way through with only a few slower sections as he steers through the emotional rollercoaster and explosions of emotions. It brings the character across with natural flow and connects with real life moments. There's chaos in misunderstanding and explosions, which nod to humor but never step into that direction really since this is a more serious theme...and Matthew did have to deal with all of it. It creates an emotionally hectic ride the entire way through, which feels like hitting a tsunami, at times.  It's a rough divorce.

Everything flows well, and the writing fits the middle grade audience. Matthew is a character to connect with and root for. The Star Wars nods add imagination and spice, and helped Matthew quite a bit. I'm not sure as many middle graders will recognize all of the references to that universe, anymore, although older readers will feel at home on that end. For readers who are experiencing a divorce or have gone through one (in other words a large percentage) and enjoy reading about others' experiences, they can find support, encouragement, and, if nothing else, feel as if they aren't alone. 

And here he is...

Matthew A. Tower is a legendary gaming guide publisher (selling over 5 million copies, as founder and CEO of Versus Books). Now he's bringing his love of "Star Wars" to his middle grade nonfiction debut: a funny, poignant true story in which his younger self copes with his parents’ chaotic divorce by imagining it as a “Star Wars” style epic that’s uniquely and specifically written to hook middle grade and young readers. It’s a wacky-yet-relatable account of one family’s wretched but hilarious nuclear meltdown…with an unexpected, unforgettable ending.

Love is Hard Work by Dan Paley

 Today's read takes an interesting twist, so I just couldn't pass up on taking a peek at it. It's a biography surrounding the artist Francis Kent. I've never heard about her, but then, I'm not exactly savvy in the artist area. What makes her a little more unique is the fact that she was also a nun. To say I'm curious to learn more about her is an understatement.

Let's open this up and learn more about her!

LOVE IS HARD WORK

The Art and Heart of Corita Kent

by Dan Paley

Illustrated by Victoria Tentler-Krylov

Candlewick Press

Picture Book Nonfiction

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

The story of how a Catholic nun become one of the twentieth century’s most significant artists and activists is brought to life in a colorful picture book biography.

“To be fully alive is to work for the common good.” —Corita Kent

Francis Kent always loved making things. When she joined the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, she took the name Corita—meaning little heart—and devoted her life to what mattered most to her: art and religion. As an art teacher, Sister Corita emphasized practice and process over the final product and taught her students to experiment and break the rules. As a religious person, she turned her faith into concrete action and spoke out about the injustices she saw in the world. In the height of post-war consumerist culture, Corita, a contemporary of Andy Warhol, turned advertising on its head and wrote a new kind of scripture. Complimented by Victoria Tentler-Krylov’s vibrant illustrations that—like Corita’s work—incorporate typography and ads, author Dan Paley paints a portrait of the little-known but immensely influential pop-art nun whose messages are just as relevant today as they were in years past.

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

A mix of art and words drove this artist forward in a life with unique twists.

Francis Kent, also known as Sister Corita, grew in a family with siblings, who gave their lives to the Catholic church, and she also had an unstoppable love for art. On the one hand, she followed the moves of her siblings and dedicated a part of her life to the calling of a nun. On the other hand, her artwork took a bit of an unique direction as she mixed in words and messages, proving to be a force in this area as well. To her, power and meaning was held in both the visual images as well as written words. While there were changes during her life, it was mostly driven by her desire to teach others to discover art for themselves.

This is one of the more grabbing biographies in the realm of artists, which I've read in awhile...for the picture book audience. The seemingly polar attitudes of a nun in the Catholic church and those of an artist, who is devoted to making powerful art, raises eyebrows. The author and illustrator weave these aspects together to produce a book which inspires, while sliding in some food for thought, too. 

Francis Kent's enthusiasm for her work is palpable as the illustrations show her actively working with others and living her love for art the entire way through. The slight sense of chaos in the illustrations keeps things lively as the every day life scenes mix with the vibrant art in a lively swirl. But these pages aren't only a recount of her life stops and stages or a lesson on the type of art style she used. This book goes a little deeper. Her belief in seeing past details is explained and subtly gives hints to readers (and young artists), how they can practice this themselves. 

The text flows well, but I find it a little long and slightly high-leveled for the youngest end of the suggested reading age group. Plus, the meaning behind Kent's art and life will hit slightly older readers better, anyway. I'd suggest this one more for the 6 to 9 (or even 10) age range simply because much of the inspiration and social messages will go over the heads of younger readers. It is one of the better done artist biographies I've seen in awhile, and I do see it being a valuable addition to classroom and homeschooling settings.

The Essential Christmas Classics Collection Boxed Set

Just a few more days until Thanksgiving! This year is proving to be a bit more dramatic on that end than we usually have, but we'll find a way to eat that turkey and stuff our faces with pie and more. 

Right after, Thanksgiving...as in literally the next day...it's time to get our Christmas tree. This, again, is proving to grow into a more dramatic and stressful activity than usual, but we'll get those holiday spirits going no matter what. After all, Sunday is the first of Advent.

Today's read slides right into the pre-holiday-happiness period and takes a look at a couple Christmas classics as well as 12 other short stories. I'm hoping that this one proves to be a set to be placed on the shelves and enjoyed year after year. Let's take a look at it at see if it's worth placing under the Christmas tree or not.

Also, it's Monday, which means it's time for the weekly MMGM list. Middle grade literature fans and knowers get together to give their recommendations for the weeks or other thoughts on the middle grade realm. So, if you're looking for reads for this age group, head on over HERE and see what's what on that front!

THE ESSENTIAL CHRISTMAS CLASSICS COLLECTION

Boxed Set

A Christmas Carol, The Nutcracker, and Twelve Classics of Christmas

Aladdin

Middle Grade Fiction

400 pages

ages 8 and up

Celebrate the holidays with this collection of Christmas classics, including A Christmas Carol, The Nutcracker, and a collection of holiday short stories—together in one hardcover boxed set!

Celebrate the season with this collection of popular holiday stories from Christmases past. This set includes E. T. A. Hoffmann’s The Nutcracker, the story of a girl’s Christmas gift coming to life and battling the sinister mouse king, which later inspired Tchaikovsky’s popular holiday ballet. Next is A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens’s renowned novella about the miserly Ebeneezer Scrooge being confronted with his greed and learning the meaning of Christmas.

Rounding out the set is The Twelve Classics of Christmas, a collection of twelve holiday short stories. From favorites like Clement C. Moore’s “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” and O. Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi” to lesser-known tales from beloved authors like Louisa May Alcott, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and the Brothers Grimm, this anthology is the perfect way to count down to Christmas.

This festive hardcover boxed set includes:
A Christmas Carol
The Nutcracker
The Twelve Classics of Christmas:

" A Kidnapped Santa Claus” by L. Frank Baum

“The Elves and the Shoemaker” by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm
“The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry
“Tilly’s Christmas” by Louisa May Alcott
“Squeaky and the Scare Box” by Georgene Faulkner
“Papa Panov’s Christmas Special” by Ruben Saillens, translated by Leo Tolstoy
“The Christmas Masquerade” by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman
“A Christmas Inspiration” by L. M. Montgomery
“A Luckless Santa Claus” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
“The Legend of the Babouscka” by Anonymous
“The Story of the Goblins Who Stole a Sexton” by Charles Dickens
“A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement C. Moore

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

This is such a lovely set of traditional Christmas tales, altogether in one set. I'm reviewing the paperback version but could see this one as an ideal addition to the shelves in hardback form. 

The box set contains three, more slender novels. These include The Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, The Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffman, and a collection of twelve short stories and poems from renowned, traditional authors. So, it's a great round-up for literature friends. The printing is pretty standard for middle grade novels and, as far as I can tell, sticks to the more original text/translations. At least, nothing popped out to me as 'modernized' or changed. It's a set to snuggle down with for some Christmas reading. It also would work great for homeschooling settings as well.

While this set puts a smile on my face, and I am contemplating getting it in hardback for myself or nieces and nephews, I am just a tiny bit sad that there aren't any illustrations. Instead....and this does make up for that a little...each chapter holds a few stars, swirls, and magical feel with smaller decorations. But the lack of illustrations isn't really hurting my enjoyment of the set, either. 

I am definitely putting this one on my possible gift list for others and find the collection to be a nice touch for the holidays.

The authors...

Charles Dickens was born in 1812 near Portsmouth where his father was a clerk in the navy pay office. The family moved to London in 1823, but their fortunes were severely impaired. Dickens was sent to work in a blacking-warehouse when his father was imprisoned for debt. Both experiences deeply affected the future novelist. In 1833, he began contributing stories to newspapers and magazines, and in 1836 started the serial publication of The Pickwick Papers. Thereafter, Dickens published his major novels over the course of the next twenty years, from Nicholas Nickleby to Little Dorrit. He also edited the journals Household Words and All the Year Round. Dickens died in June 1870.

E.T.A. Hoffmann (1776–1822) was a writer, composer, and painter. Born in Prussia, he served as a law officer until Napoleon’s invasion, after which he settled in Germany and turned his attention to the arts. He is best remembered for his writings of Romanticism and Gothic Horror, and for his novella originally titled Nutcracker and Mouse King, which later inspired Tchaikovsky’s ballet.

Miriam and Naomi by Peggy Dudarchik

Advent begins next weekend...amazing, right? My reading list is going to be heavier on the holiday reads in the next weeks, too. Of course, I've been sprinkling them in already, but there's definitely going to be an uptick coming on the Christmas front. When I ran across today's read, I decided to take a peek because of the cover. It's the more historical direction which is catching my attention. I'm hoping this one embraces the traditional Christmas message while bringing across a bit of authenticity of the time period. 

Let's see if this one does just that, shall we?

MIRIAM AND NAOMI

A Christmas Story

by Peggy Dudarchik

Illustrated by Russel Mason

Grey Eyed Publishing

Picture Book Religious   /   Holiday

34 pages

ages 3 to 8

A young girl from Nazareth named Miriam and her best friend, a goat named Naomi, become traveling companions to the village carpenter, Joseph, and his pregnant wife, Mary, as they travel to Bethlehem. The daughter of the soon-to-be parents’ neighbors, Miriam is a kind and generous girl who takes great care of her beloved goat and is always thinking of others, and she is excited for the adventure of helping Mary.

On the long and difficult journey, Miriam shows many kindnesses to Mary, often sacrificing her own comfort to make sure the expectant woman is cared for. Her benevolence does not go unnoticed when, on the day Mary gives birth, the girl is praised by an angel who arrives to welcome Jesus, the baby who will grow up to share his love and compassion with the world.

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Jesus' birth weaves into a lovely tale about a young girl and her goat, and that while staying snuggled up to historical goodness and keeping the miracle of Christmas in the spotlight.

Joseph needs to travel to Bethlehem thanks to the census. Mary, who is pregnant, doesn't want to stay behind with relatives and decides to accompany him, especially since a young girl, Miriam insists on going with them to help out. Miriam is excited to travel beyond the village and see more of the world. With her goat, she helps take care of Mary during the journey and stands by their sides when they reach Bethlehem and the stall.

While I was a bit hesitant when I first opened this book, it won me over in so many ways. Naomi is a kind girl with an adorable goat and remains very natural the entire way through. She gently assists where she can, and while she's the main character in the tale, she doesn't steal the spotlight from the birth, but rather, adds a way for young readers to connect with it. The author and illustrator have given care to create a more realistic feel. While my initial reaction to the illustrations had me critical (thanks to AI), this quickly faded as they opened up the time period in a way most picture books don't. Mary and Joseph come across as normal people, not only due to their clothes and appearances, but also in their activities, concerns, and natural reactions. Miriam and her goat add an interesting layer to illustrate life at that time. It was simply nice to experience the tale from this direction.

As to the text, it's a little heavier compared to many picture books and is more suited as a lovely read-aloud. And it fulfills this role well. Young readers, who are solid with their skills, can pick it upon their own. The illustrations hold a 'realistic' touch with tons of details for readers to explore. This also opens up to discussions and gives slightly new twists to Mary's journey and the birth (this one leans toward the cave as a stall direction). 

Those readers, who want to visit the Christmas story from the grabbing viewpoint of a young girl and swing in some historical settings, will want to take a peek at this one. As always, I do suggest that parents/adult readers take a look through it themselves first before presenting it to younger listeners/readers.

And here she is...

Children’s author Peggy Dudarchik has always loved to write but it was a spiritual retreat that inspired her to write her debut picture book. Miriam and Naomi: A Christmas Story is a unique telling of the well-known journey of Mary and Joseph as they traveled to Bethlehem where Jesus was born.
On the spiritual retreat Peggy was asked to visualize Mary and Joseph on the ninety-mile journey to Bethlehem. This was the spark that led Peggy to research what that ten-day trip would have looked like for the parents of Jesus based on the geography and archaeology of Israel at that time, how families lived, and the architecture and clothing. These accuracies are integrated into Peggy’s story about a young girl, Miriam, and her beloved goat, Naomi, who assisted the parents-to-be during their trek.
 
Peggy believes a great book is one about good people who are faced with a challenge and overcome obstacles to achieve a goal. She hopes her young readers come away from her story with an appreciation for this difficult historical journey and a love of the characters and reading that stays with them long after the book is closed.
 
When she isn’t writing, Peggy enjoys reading, cooking, and entertaining friends and family. Her love of children’s books was stoked after her now adult son was born, with countless trips to the library and a bedtime reading ritual bringing them both a joy that she later carried into her own writing. Peggy’s picture book experience has been a family affair, with valuable input coming from her husband, son, and daughter-in-law. She lives in Manlius, New York, with her husband and their crazy Cairn Terrier, Izzy.

Elijah's Tears by Synelle Pearl

While our household is getting ready for the Christmas season, I have several friends who are excited about approaching Hanukkah. Today's read leans more into their direction...although I have no doubt that others will enjoy these stories as well. Well, I assume they will. I haven't even peeked inside, yet, but have seen that it's gotten more than a few great reviews.

So, let's open this one up and see what goodness it holds.

ELIJAH'S TEARS

Stories for the Jewish Holidays

by Sydelle Pearl

Illustrated by Rossitza Skortcheva

Pelican Publishing

Middle Grade Religious

80 pages

ages 8 to 12

In a lively, storytelling style, Elijah's Tears offers a dramatic human context to the many Jewish holidays that are celebrated throughout the year. Five stories illuminate the many faces and mysteries of Elijah, the Jewish prophet who is known for appearing in disguise and testing the character of those in need. In "Leaves," a destitute elderly couple is heartbroken when they must sell their sacred Shabbat candlesticks for food. That evening when the husband and wife encounter an even poorer Jewish man wearing torn, shabby clothes, they offer to mend his garments. They even keep him warm in their bed while they sew (since the man owns no other clothes). Of course the mysterious man turns out to be Elijah, and he rewards the couple as he walks away by turning his footprints into leaves of gold. The ethereal figures and Jewish symbols in Rossitza Skortcheva Penney's black-and-white illustrations seem to float upon the pages, bringing even more celestial imagery and magic to the elusive Elijah. Children love folktales that allow good deeds to be rewarded, especially when the rewards come from unexpected characters. (Great read aloud, ages 7 and older) --Gail Hudson

GOODREADS      /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Leaning into folklore to expand beyond the Biblical accounts of Elijah, this book takes readers on a journey of the 'maybes' of this great prophet's life, while incorporating messages surrounding kindness and more along the way.

This is a collection of five fictional stories surrounding Elijah's life, while also add in glimpses of his wife and family. Each one snuggles up to various Jewish traditions and holidays to create scenes, which honor tradition while adding a little mystery and awe. All along, wholesome messages are woven in to create moments of goodness and brotherly conduct. 

In the prologue, the author explains the origins and ideas behind these tales while introducing basic knowledge surrounding Elijah. The five stories are delivered as shorter chapters, which work as read-alouds or can be visited alone by readers, who are solid in their word skills. There is a glossary at the end to assist with certain terms, too. Illustrations are sprinkled between the pages to give some visual goodness. These work well to delve into the different themes and traditions, while offering tale enjoyment along the way.

Parents and guardians will, of course, want to visit these tales first themselves, since there are fictive elements. Elijah's actions are often simply explained as magical and mysterious, which will suit the purposes of some readers more than others. The stories are more geared for listeners/readers, who have some background knowledge on the themes and Elijah. Especially the terms and situations will better fit to those who are aware of the Jewish traditions. For them, it's a nice way to add some food for thought and open up discussions....or simply set the mood for the mentioned celebrations.

And here she is...

Sydelle Pearl is an award-winning author who has published books in various genres including folktales, biography, and historical fiction. Originally from New Jersey, she now lives in the Washington, DC, area.

The Spy in the Library by Bryan Patrick Avery

It's time to let that 'Mission Impossible' song play in your head because today's read heads into a spy adventure. According to the title, there's something fishy going on in a library. I never would suspect that a spy would be in a library...well, maybe for research  or leisurely reading, but what do I know? This book is part of a series, and I'm getting the feeling that it doesn't matter which one you pick-up first, which is great. I'm a little curious to see if it's really for the 9 to 12 age group as advertised, considering it's only 40 pages, but maybe, it is.

Let's open it up and see what this mystery holds!

THE SPY IN THE LIBRARY

Junior Spies

by Bryan Patrick Avery

Illustrated by Ma Pe

Stone Arch Books

40 pages

ages 7 to 8

COMING JANUARY 1st!!!

The Junior Spies are at it again! This time, their mission is to memorize a name written inside a magic book. But Kat and Harry soon discover the name is encrypted with a cipher. Can they crack the code before a R.A.V.E.N. agent steals the book? Young readers will find out in this hi-lo spy adventure! With a high-interest topic and text written below the targeted grade level, every book in the Junior Spies series supports phonics skills and fosters reading success.

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

Evil agents have no chance when the Junior Spies are involved.

Kat and Harry are part of JS, Junior Spies, a group which constantly tries to thwart the evil association of R.A.V.E.N.. Their next mission sends the two spies to a magic academy, where they are to follow clues to reach a major breakthrough on revealing who R.A.V.E.N. is. They go undercover as guests to a magic show but need to figure out a riddle in the academy's library. Unfortunately, one of the teachers isn't going to let them wander around as they wish, since they are there for the show. But Kat and Harry aren't easily stopped.

This is a grabbing spy tale for beginning readers, and it's very well placed for that age group. It begins with a short introduction to the JS, heads into a glossary with the definition of some more difficult terms, shortly explains some spy details, and then, dives into the story. The spy details might need to be read by an assisting, higher-level reader (teacher, parent, librarian, etc), but after that, this tale fits beginning readers nicely. The sentences are kept short, the font is large, the spacing is ample, and the vocabulary works the word skills without growing too heavy. But what I enjoyed most is that the tale is grabbing.

Kat and Harry make a fun duo, and their mission packs tension. The importance of the mission is clear, and the riddles and clues will have readers trying to figure out the answers right along with Kat and Harry. The bright and colorful illustrations add details to set the mood, and especially make magic academy's teacher come across with just the right atmosphere. The entire thing remains exciting and draws in. Plus it accomplishes this while staying completely appropriate for the age group. Add a couple comprehension questions and short writing prompts at the end, and it even works well for classroom or homeschooling settings. 

In other words, this is a book for beginning readers to pick up and enjoy. 

World Cup Close-Up by Kurt Waldendorf

Time for some sport goodness! Today's read hits one of the most popular ones in the world...soccer. Or football, if you're not in the U.S.. This is another short read for the middle grade audience, but I'm betting those pages will be packed.

Get those vuvuzelas ready because it's time to visit the World Cup!

WORLD CUP CLOSE-UP

Men's Soccer on the Biggest Stage

by Kurt Waldendorf

Capstone Press

Middle Grade Nonfiction / Sports

32 pages

ages 8 to 11

COMING JANUARY 1st!!!

Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, and the World Cup is a dramatic tournament that pits the most elite teams against one another. Readers can explore a crash course on soccer’s biggest event. When did it start, and how has it changed over the years? How are teams from 215 nations whittled down to the final 48? Explore stadiums, meet players, and take a seat in front of the world’s greatest stage!

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Knowledge and soccer excitement meet to introduce readers to the origins and other information surrounding the World Cup.

Beginning with the first idea to form the World Cup, these pages take readers through some highlights of this famous competition, lead through the basics of how the competition works, and rounds it off with some player goodness and what the future might hold. It doesn't bog down but keeps the facts light and interesting. The bright and plentiful photos add visual context while bringing across the excitement of the competition vividly. The book is divided into several chapters for skimming ease and holds a short glossary at the end for more difficult terms. 

These pages stay concentrated on the basics of the World Cup, making it ideal for readers who may not even know much about the competition. Those who follow the sport are also sure to find some interesting tidbits they didn't know before. At 32 pages, it's a short read, and even the text stays quick and concise. While some pages hold several paragraphs of information, these are written with ample spacing and a larger font to invite even younger readers in. The other pages hold only four or so short lines. So, this book is to the point. The vocabulary hits the lower end of the middle grade range nicely, but also works for younger readers, who are sure of their words. I'd recommend this one for a slightly younger range of 7 to 9.

It's a fun, quick dive for soccer fans and those who simply want to know a little more about the World Cup.  

Most Likely to Murder by Lish McBride

Although I'm a chicken, sometimes I let myself get lured into reading a thriller...like today's read. Maybe, I was still in Halloween spirits, when I picked this one up, but something about the cover caught my attention. I've seen similar-ish covers before, but this one reminded me of high school sillinesses and yearbooks. And according to the blurb, that's exactly what it's about. 

And murder. Obviously.

I'm not sure if this one heads in an I Know What You Did Last Summer direction or not, but the vibes are there. Let's see if it's packed with tension and suspense...or if it fizzles out.

MOST LIKELY TO MURDER

by Lish McBride

G.P. Putman's Sons Books

YA Thriller

320 pages

COMING MARCH 24th!!!

Yearbook superlatives turn deadly in this darkly funny young adult thriller.

The rumor mill has never been kind to Meadowvale High seniors and best friends Rick and Martina, labeling them outcasts (sure), stoners (no comment), and pranksters (okay, this one’s fair). But for the most part, they have successfully flown under the radar.

That is, until they’re targeted in a prank that replaces yearbook superlatives with grisly forecasts of student and faculty deaths. Sure, Rick and Martina were never going to be voted Most Likely to Succeed . . . but Homecoming’s Cutest Corpses? Thanks for the cute, no thanks on the corpse.

At first, the senior class is annoyed by the prank. But when the body of Mr. Stephens, Most Likely to Sleep with the Fishes, is dredged from the bottom of a lake, suspicions arise that something truly sinister is going on. And as more people turn up dead in the exact ways the yearbook promised, it becomes clear someone’s killing off the student body one page at a time.

Now Rick and Martina must find the yearbook killer before their vicious superlative comes true. So much for surviving high school without drawing attention. Now Rick and Martina just want to survive.

For fans of Holly Jackson, Karen M. McManus, and Danielle Valentine!

GOODREADS     /      PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

With an addicting mix of sass, humor, and edge-of-the-seat danger, the tale holds tension and so much more.

Rick and Martina have been best friends forever, and that's never going to change. Since both like to let their rebellious sides show every so often, they are also the first to be pegged by the school as suspicious when the yearbook comes out with an altered page—a list with several people and how they will find their deaths. Everyone believes it's a prank, but then, the listed people begin to die. The police aren't convincing in their attempts to figure things out, so the teens on the list decide to form their own group to try to get to the bottom of things. But the murderer is slippery, and every step they take forward seems to send them, one by one, to their death.

While there's tension, mystery, deadly moments, and quite a few surprises that make this into a grabbing read, the author has also added spunk, heart, and quite a bit of character arc. Rick and Martina form the backbone of the tale, not as the main sleuths, but rather, their relationship gives a solid backing to the rising suspense. Their friendship (and it is pure friendship) isn't only golden but works as a solid balance against the darker scenes. Not only is their dialogue sarcastic and humorous, but both are vulnerable in their own ways to create needed authenticity. Especially Rick steers aspects of social awkwardness and grows throughout the read. All along, the horror of the murders and even some gore, keep the thriller aspect high.

Unlike many books in this genre, the adults aren't left in the dark, and their concern also adds natural richness. At the same time, the adults' activities are dampened to let the teens face the danger mostly on their own. I wondered at the inability of the parents, police, and school, actually, but it was, at least, realistic enough to grab and hold the reader in the pages the entire way through. The tension builds with every chapter and creates a very exciting ending. It wasn't easy to figure out who the murderer was, and while the reasoning behind it could have used a little more foundation, it's anything but boring.

Fans of thrillers, who want smarter characters who come across with depth, are sure to enjoy diving into this one.

And here she is...

Lish McBride is the author of funny and creepy young adult books such as Hold Me Closer, Necromancer; Necromancing the Stone; Firebug; Pyromantic; and Curses. She has published short stories on Tor.com, and in the anthologies Cornered, What to Read in the Rain, and Kisses & Curses. Her first book, Hold Me Closer, Necromancer, was an ALA Best Book for Young Adults title, a Morris Award finalist, and the winner of the Scandiuzzi Children's Book Award. Lish is a former indie bookseller, has a MFA from University of New Orleans, and prefers pie to cake. While she has no long-term goals for world domination, she would like her own castle.

Candy Corn Christmas! by Jonathan Fenske

With the Christmas season right around the corner, treats and sweets are making their appearance. I just ate the last marshmallow pumpkin head candy a few days ago. Now, I'm acting like the next two weeks will thin my waistline just enough to dive head first into the food season. I don't think it will work, but it's a nice thought. 

Anyway, some people still have Halloween candy standing around. And today's read is for those people out there. What happens when Candy Canes have to deal with leftover candy corns? Well, let's find out!

CANDY CORN CHRISTMAS!

by Jonathan Fenske

Little Simon

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

The most underrated Halloween candies are determined to celebrate Christmas in this wildly sweet holiday mash-up with a dash of humor, a pinch of holiday cheer, and a sugar rush of Christmas magic.

The candy corn exclaimed with glee,
“What is this magic land we see?”
“It’s Christmas,” squeaked a sugarplum.
“Well, watch out, Christmas. Here we come!”

Candy corn is used to being left on the shelf long after Halloween ends, but this year, they’ve had enough of being limited to one holiday. It’s time to join the ranks of Christmas sweet treats for a new festive adventure. But there’s one problem… All the Christmas candies agree candy corn is not a Christmas treat! Can holiday joy really be shared with everyone—even candy that doesn’t seem to belong?

GOODREADS     /      AMAZON     /      PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Sweet, silliness explodes with chaos and holiday cheer as the joyful sharing of Christmas tests its limits.

Candy corns are accustom to being leftover and forgotten on the shelf. When one of them spies something strange going on in the living room, they all head out to explore. They find lights, trees, songs, and so much more. It's a paradise of glee, and the candy corns are ready to enjoy every aspect of it...maybe, a little too ready. They are all over the place, and the Christmas candies are getting a bit frustrated. Finally, Candy Cane steps up to get control of the situation. The candy corns must leave. After all, they've had their holiday...but that might not really be a great Christmas attitude to have.

This is a book to smile with the entire way through. The candy corns are quite the little rascals as they embrace everything Christmas to a hyper-extreme. The scenes are chaotic and packed with humor, and readers might understand Candy Cane's reluctance to let the candy corns stay. After all, they are a handful! But with a Santa surprise and Christmas goodness, this tale warms by the end in a joyful way.

The illustrations are bright and bold, just like Christmas should be. There are details to giggle at and situations to raise eyebrows as little things happen here and there. It creates scenes to revisit and discover something new each time. The text flows in rhyme, switching gears to add punch at the right times. It lets the atmosphere come across nicely and draws readers into the lively moments. 

While there is a touching message about Christmas and sharing the joy of the holiday, this book mostly circles around fun and is sure to delight young readers.

And here he is...

Jonathan Fenske is the author of many children’s books including The Bug in the Bog; Pill Bug Does Not Need Anybody; After Squidnight; Let’s Play, Crabby!; Wake Up, Crabby!; and Plankton Is Pushy (all Junior Library Guild selections), and the Lego picture book I’m Fun, Too!. His early readers Nothing Fits a Dinosaur and A Pig, a Fox, and a Box were Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor winners. Jonathan lives in Greenville, South Carolina, with his wife and three daughters.

Love Potion Commotion by Kristen Aguilar

The second I saw today's read, I had to pick it up and take a peek. The girl on the front looks so determined and doesn't give me the impression that she's completely sure of what she's doing. Add that a love potion in middle grade promises tons of havoc and no serious romance...and I'm excited to see what this one holds. Oh and as an extra bonus, it clocks in at less than 75 pages, and that with illustrations. I'm hoping that it's great for reluctant readers as well.

So, let's get that magic going and see what spells these pages hold!

Also, it's Monday, which means it's time for the weekly MMGM list. Middle grade literature fans and knowers get together to give their recommendations for the weeks or other thoughts on the middle grade realm. So, if you're looking for reads for this age group, head on over HERE and see what's what on that front!

LOVE POTION COMMOTION

The Magical Morrisons #4

by Kristen Aguilar

Illustrated by George Ermos

Stone Arch Books

Middle Grade Fantasy

72 pages

ages 8 to 11

COMING JANUARY 1st!!!

Being a witch doesn't mean you're immune to boy problems, as Nina learns when it comes to her crush on David, a new boy at school. Despite David's friendly behavior, Nina finds herself too nervous to talk to him, let alone ask him to the upcoming school dance. That is, until she comes up with a solution--a love potion. Nina is sure the spell will solve her problems, but things quickly spiral out of control, with some unintended consequences. Can Nina figure out a solution before the commotion gets worse?

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

Humor meets middle school issues with a hint of magic to create a fun read with unexpected situations.

Nina is a witch and takes afterschool classes with her younger brother to learn all sorts of magical things, but of course, that doesn't mean she gets out of normal school. Instead, she has to keep her family's special attributes a secret. When a new boy enters the classroom, Nina finds him more than a little cute, but when she learns he lives next door to her, her nerves switch into high gear. Worse yet, her friends are expecting her to ask him to join them to attend the school's dance. It shouldn't be a big deal, but Nina's scared he won't like her. So, there's only one thing she can do—create a love potion. Not that her parents would ever allow her to do that if they knew, but some things just need to be done.

This is the fourth in a series, and while I haven't read the other ones, it was absolutely no problem to dive into this one first. It appears that these are simply separate stories about Nina and her family, and can be read in any order.

At under 75-pages, this is a quick, easy read, which makes it nice to pick up and enjoy without much thought. The atmosphere is whimsical and light, keeping the plot fun with silly moments. Still, it hits upon familiar problems middle graders will recognize. In this case, first crushes. Nina's awkwardness is understandable as she finds herself unsure how she should talk to the boy. Yet, the drama doesn't grow too thick, either. Her friends support her, but in a way which skims across the situation. So, this is by no means a romance, but rather, centers more on how Nina handles things in a way she shouldn't. Of course, everything backfires to create inviting chaos and a read with friendship and family goodness.

This one fits well with the lower end of the middle grade audience. There's a slightly larger font, larger spacing, and enjoyable illustrations sprinkled in. At the end of the book, there's a glossary of words and their definitions to help struggling readers. There are also a few questions, which can be used to check those comprehension skills and dive a little deeper into some of the messaging. 

It's a fun read with enjoyable characters and is sure to delight magic and middle school spice-of-life fans.

Sign Up for Adventure: The Doodling Duo vs Spaghetti Monster by Lavanya Karthik

Today's read heads in a direction, which interested me as a child: sign language. Although I never got too far past the usual language basics (asking name, locations, etc), my siblings and I became very good at spelling everything out.  Why? (get ready for this because it is SO kid...) So we could talk to each other during church services and other quiet places without anyone complaining. It's not hard to hold a hand down by your knee and sign like crazy. And considering my parents didn't know it... well, you can just imagine how golden that was.

Anyway, this read takes a dive into friendships formed with people who need to use sign language in daily life. I knew a few at school and thought this would open some young readers' eyes and maybe, inspire them to take a peek at this language. If nothing else, I hope it raises awareness.

So, let's open this one up and see what goodness it holds!

SIGN UP FOR ADVENTURE!

The Doodling Duo vs. Spaghetti Monster

by Lavanya Karthik

Modern Marigold Books

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 5 to 8

Finding ways to understand each other when words-and languages-aren't easy.

Adil is the new kid in Neel's class and Neel thinks he's pretty cool! Adil runs like the wind and swims like a fish. He also uses his hands and body to make words. This is because Adil is Deaf and he uses sign language. Neel wants to be Adil's friend but can't figure out how to communicate with him. One day at lunch, Adil spots Neel sketching in his notebook. What if Adil learns to draw like Neel and Neel learns to sign like Adil? Just imagine the amazing adventures the Doodling Duo could go on!

A heartwarming picture book that centers empathy and the surprising superpowers of friendship between a Deaf student and his hearing classmate.

GOODREADS     /      AMAZON      /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Friendship flows naturally and brings tons of fun in these pages.

Neel finds the new kid at school really neat and would like to be friends with him. After all, the boy is amazing at so many things. But Neel has no idea how to approach him, since the boy is Deaf and uses sign language to communicate. When the boy sits down next to Neel one day during lunch, Neel realizes that the notebook he's sketching his comics in might be perfect for the task, and soon, he and the boy are forming a great friendship.

This book is full of good feelings and illustrates how easy friendship can be if just a little bit of effort is given. While there's a little hesitation on Neel's part, since he really isn't sure how to talk to Adil, this stays light (doesn't weigh down). Instead, the two hit it off immediately after the first step, which leaves this to be an inspiring read. But then, positivity radiates the entire way through, anyway.

While readers can smile at the warmth the new friendship brings, the author also works in some aspects to raise awareness for such situations. I appreciate that Adil doesn't behave any different than the other kids, and Neel is drawn to him out of admiration for things like swimming and running. Adli also has a great sense of humor and imagination, and is, actually, the one who takes the first step in the friendship. It also shows that learning sign language isn't instantaneous, but like with every language, takes time and practice. There are also a few basic phrases highlighted in the illustrations, so that readers can do these themselves. 

The story flows well and works nicely for the intended age group. It can easily be used as a read aloud in a group or single setting and also works in connection with a theme surrounding the topic. The illustrations stay light-hearted and offer visual assistance when necessary. The inside flaps of the book hold the alphabet for anyone who wants to start learning a little. It's mentioned in the author's note at the end, that this book was originally written with Indian Sign Language in mind, so the reader can use the flaps to compare the differences this holds with American Sign Language.

It's a enjoyable tale for anyone interested in learning more about this theme.

And here she is...

Lavanya Karthik is an award-winning Indian author and illustrator of children’s books, most notably the ongoing Ninja Nani series of middle grade novels. She has written over fifteen picture books and middle grade novels and has contributed to several story anthologies. She has also illustrated over twenty books. Lavanya lives in Mumbai, India with her husband and daughter. When not writing or illustrating, she enjoys visiting schools and literature festivals across the country, meeting readers of all ages.

The Violin Family Plays New Music by Melissa Perley

Today's read heads in a different direction with the main characters and visits the world of music. I had Christmas in mind when I was flipping through possible read titles, so the winter landscape was the first thing to grab my attention. I found the trees and snow so well done, and just wanted to head out and shake some of that snow off of the branches to enjoy it flopping down around me. (I do love winter!) Then, I saw the violins...maybe, you noticed them first? The hats on the tops had me smiling too. I assume this one will head in the fantasy direction with a little music knowledge goodness...maybe?

Let's dive in and find out!

THE VIOLIN FAMILY PLAYS NEW MUSIC

by Melissa Perley

Illustrated by Tim Knickerbocker

Rootstock Publishing 

Picture Book

38 pages

ages 3 to 8

On a cold, snowy day, Celia Violoncello meets her neighbor, Clarence Clarinet, a woodwind who looks and sounds different from anyone in her string family. They spend a wonderful afternoon making new music together. When Celia tells her family about her new friend, it's clear they don't approve. Clarence is a different shape and color, and he doesn't even have strings-how can he make beautiful music?

But when Celia's family overhears them making joyful new sounds as their strings and reeds harmonize, the Violin family welcomes Clarence to play with them and even share in their favorite meal-pancakes and hot cocoa!

Award-winning author Melissa Perley once again shows young readers the power of music to bring people together in this second Violin Family picture book about a friendship that harmonizes instruments from different families.

SPECIAL BONUS: Sheet music of an original composition written for the cello and clarinet-just like the music Celia and Clarence play together-is included! Composition by (c)Tom Frink and Melissa Perley, 2025.

GOODREADS     /     AMAZON    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

With a touch of gentle, whimsical imagination, problems surrounding odd friendships and holding up against criticism is explored.

It's snowing and Celia Violoncello's siblings are excited to head outside and play in the snow. She's invited to head out, too, but is a little grumpy, since she's always the one making their pancakes and doing things for them. She's just feeling a little down and decides to head out on a walk in the snow by herself. While underway, she meets Clarence Clarinet, who is having fun in the snow and invites her to join in. But she's not so sure. After all, he's different that her violin family, and she's not suppose to mix with instruments, which don't sound the same as her. Giving in, she not only plays outside with him but heads indoors where they make wonderful music together. Now, she just has to figure out how to handle this new friendship when she knows her family won't approve.

This is a magical read in an original way. First, the winter scenes draw in with their beauty, and more than a few readers will wish they could head outdoors and play in the snow. So well done! Then, there's the instruments as main characters. The illustrations bring the instruments across clearly and stays pretty true to their real form while adding just enough of a hint of humanity to bring them to life in a 'human' way. It's unique and also well done. Lastly, the tale addresses the problems surrounding preconceptions and biases. The message is brought across in an understandable way, and thanks to the instruments, keeps a sense of playful imagination the entire way through to keep it from growing preachy. It does, however, offer plenty of food for thought and can be used to lead into discussions surrounding these themes.

While the imagination and plot flow, the author and illustrator also work in light, musical knowledge. The illustrations bring each instrument across clearly in a visual sense, while the text works in a few terms along the way. It's never heavy or obvious, but slides in naturally with the tale. 

This flows well and works especially well for ages five and up. Younger more patient listeners will enjoy it as well, and it works as a read-alone for those, who are sure of their words.

And here they are...

Melissa Perley is an award winning children's book author, professional performing and teaching cellist and a sheep farmer. She lives in Vermont with her luthier husband Paul. Her first children's book, The Violin Family, won the 2021 Indie Readers Discovery Award for children's early to intermediate readers, and was a 5-Star Readers’ Favorite.

Tim Knickerbocker is a freelance illustrator and proprietor of ShadowBox Art House, connecting the visual storytelling of illustration with the practicalities of bringing a book to life. He grew up in Western Massachusetts, where his world was shaped by the captivating art of comic books that ignited his profound love for drawing and set him on the path to become the artist he is today! He currently lives with his family in Florida.