The Tale of the Vanishing Circus by Kayla Cottingham

 We're only a few days away from Halloween. So of course, it's time for another fitting read. This is the third book in a series directed toward Tween readers, those between 10 and 14 years of age. I'm getting Goosebump Vibes but with a darker direction. I picked it up simply because circuses make great setting for all sorts of tales, and I haven't seen one in awhile. 

Anyway, let's open this one up and see how scary it is!

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 TALE OF THE VANISHING CIRCUS

Are You Afraid of the Dark? #3

by Kayla Cottingham

Amulet Books

Tween Horror

240 pages

ages 10 to 14

COMING...

NOVEMBER 25th!!!

The third spine-chilling book set in the world of Nickelodeon’s hit TV show Are You Afraid of the Dark? written by NYT-bestelling author Kayla Cottingham! Thirteen-year-old Riley Beasley is focused on her future—especially her goal of leaving the small town of Lake Glory to attend an Ivy League school. It’s a lot of pressure, and her mom’s reminders to live in the moment only make her feel more misunderstood. Even Riley’s best friend, paranormal-obsessed Genna, just doesn’t get it.
 
On the night of the Blood Moon, Genna convinces Riley to sneak out and investigate some strange lights that beckon from the woods. There the two friends discover a mysterious circus and its teenage ringleader, Starr.
 
At first, both girls are drawn to the magic of the big top. But soon, they can’t shake the feeling that something isn’t quite right. Where did all these circus kids come from? Why aren't there any adults around? Like anyone, Starr certainly has her secrets . . . but can she be trusted?
 
As the girls become more entrenched in Starr’s hypnotic world, their friendship faces the ultimate test. Will they be best friends forever? Or will the sinister truth tear them apart?

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

A magical circus lets possibilities open up and dreams soar, but the truth hidden in the shadows adds a creepy twist.

Riley is determined to win enough scholarships to attend her favorite college, but her best friend, Genna, doesn't always seem to understand why Riley has to constantly study. Instead, Genna loves all things paranormal and wishes Riley would give her just a little bit of her time. When strange lights appear in the forest, Riley finally agrees to sneak out of the house and meets Genna by an old tree, so they can investigate it. When they find a circus and a friendly boy, who leads them from one fun booth to another, they can't believe their luck. But slowly things are getting strange.

The circus comes to life in these pages with tons of excitement and fun. The girls, especially Riley, find themselves drawn in by the playful atmosphere. Everything is free...and that alone will have readers dreaming they could join in on the fun. And there is quite a bit to enjoy. While this is a spooky tale, it doesn't start that way, nor does it get creepy quick. Instead, the author carefully leads the reader into the world of fun and only dribbles in a dab of eeriness, little by little. The oddities increase, and the spook-factor tiptoes in gently. Instead of creepiness pure, readers watch as Riley's and Genna's personalities change, and this is probably the bigger part of the plot twist. The circus feeds on this in all the right ways as the danger grows and tension builds.

When I first saw this book, it reminded me of the Goosebumps series, and I'm going to stick with that comparison after finishing it. This isn't an over-the-top-book-of-scares but lets the oddness sink in with twists and turns, keeping the true danger in the shadows until the end nears. Even then, it stays in middle grade bounds. Much of the read spends time on the friendship between Riley and Genna, and their own, personal self-discoveries. I'd recommend it as a solid middle grade read, since older readers will,  most likely, want more depth and darker twists. But those who love a light, creepy read with a few thrills and chills are going to enjoy this one quite a bit.

And here she is...

Kayla Cottingham is a YA author and librarian. Her first book, My Dearest Darkest, was a New York Times and Publisher’s Weekly bestseller. Originally from Salt Lake City, Cottingham lives in Boston where she loves to go hiking in the woods, play RPGs, and snuggle on the couch with her ridiculously large black cat, Squid.

The Clean-Up Monster by Eleni Tassopoulos Wehner

Today's read swings back into the monsterly direction....well, sort of.  When I saw the title, I had to add it to my Halloween line-up, simply because it says 'monster'. I have no doubt, however, that this one doesn't use this word in the same sense as is usually worked into Halloween. Rather, I bet it will be used in a fun direction. I wove the term 'monster' into life myself, when my kids were younger,  to add humor to some situations. For example, brussel sprouts were called 'monster heads'. Believe it or not, my kids loved to eat them, then. Go figure. So, I'm wondering if the author does this same sort of twist.

But let's take a peek and find out, shall we?

THE CLEAN-UP MONSTER

(Roscoe & Ivy)

by Eleni Tassopoulos Wehner

Illustrated by Danamarie Hosler

Barefoot Books

Board Book

20 pages

ages 2 to 4

COMING NOVEMBER 4th!!!

Come along with Roscoe & Ivy as they face a big mess. 

It’s time for Roscoe and Ivy to clean up! But when they look at the task in front of them, there is just NO WAY they can do it. The toys are jumbled and the dough is mixed up. They don’t even know where to start! Roscoe and Ivy must work as a team to tidy the room, even when they discover their clean up methods are different. If they do a good job, they might just catch a glimpse of the Clean-Up Monster… 
 

• Roscoe & Ivy series focuses on the daily life of a neurodivergent family 
• Created by neurodivergent author and illustrator drawing from their own lived experiences 
• Endnotes offer gentle guidance on tackling big tasks 

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Cleaning up can seem overwhelming, but these pages give thoughts on how to make it work.

Roscoe and Ivy have had fun playing all afternoon, but now, it's time to clean-up. The task seems impossible with everything mixed together, and different colors of clays scattered here and there, too. With step one getting the cars into their box completed, the clay is next, but while one just shoves the clay back into the colored containers without thought, the other can't stand not having it match the colors on the lids. Both characters have their sticking points as the clean-up continues. Will the clean-up monster ever get a chance to do it's duty, too?

This is a short, easy read, which tackles a very familiar situation. While this book concentrates on neurodivergent characters and their special focus points, any child will know the problem of trying to tackle such a huge task. Step-by-step, the two get through but not without a few rubbing points along the way. It gives readers hints on how they can approach such tasks themselves and how to handle each other's concerns.

The illustrations are simple and bring across each scene with the focus, where it needs to be. The characters come across with kindness, even when things don't run smoothly, and the illustrations bring this across well. The way to approach things is also visually clear to help out those, who still aren't ready to read on their own. The text, however, is short and concise, which is great for the younger audience level. I did pick up a DRC and found that several words were scattered in hard to read areas and am assuming that this is something that will be worked out by the time the release date hits. Also, the cleaning monster hits rather quick (shorter than I thought considering the title), but does its duty well and adds a hint of fun.

At the very end, there are two pages of short hints to help massive clean-up jobs seem more do-able, and these are easy to use as well as helpful.

And here they are...

Eleni Tassopoulos Wehner discovered that typical caregiving strategies did not work for her neurodivergent family. With some creativity, patience and adjusted expectations, she developed methods that any child or caregiver can use. Eleni lives in St. Louis, MO with her husband, Greg, and their kids, Chrysanthi, James, and Andreas. She loves bunnies, thrift stores, and glitter gel pens.

Danamarie Hosler is an autistic illustrator, fiber artist, and muralist based in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Her work is based around the idea that art should be accessible to all people, in all forms, and she considers her work to be equal parts art, education, and advocacy. In those rare moments when she’s not making art, you can find her perfecting her macarons and croissants, or bird watching.

Journey into the Past by Andrei Goanță

Today's read is part of a series, and it was the cover, which first grabbed my attention. It reminds me more of the invitation to a fantasy packed movie...and that's not a bad thing. Plus the owl looks like it will be quite the character, don't you think? This plot should play with libraries and time travel, which sounds like a possibly amazing mix to me. I do hope it keeps the pages turning and holds more than a little imagination.

So, let's find out if this read is as fun as it looks!

JOURNEY INTO THE PAST

The Library of Lost Dreams

by Andrei Goanță

Middle Grade Fantasy

78 pages

ages 8 to 18

Hey, you! Yes, you. The one looking at this screen. Back for another adventure?
I knew you had courage. But I might have lied before. This story is about broccoli. And maybe, just maybe, a little bit about magic.

Just when Dahlia thought the Library of Lost Dreams was safe, a new enemy emerges, one that makes old shadows look like fluffy kittens. The Memory Thief, does not just steal dreams. He erases memories, draining the world of its color and laughter until only an empty silence remains.

When a magical experiment backfires, Dahlia is hurled hundreds of years into the past. Stranded in a time not her own, her only way home is to confront this rising shadow before he becomes the monster of her future. To defeat him, she must dive into a forgotten history of ambition, betrayal, and heartbreaking regret. As she pieces together the puzzle of a fallen Keeper, she will discover that even the brightest guardians of magic can be twisted into nightmares.

Are you ready to travel through time, solve a puzzle of ancient sorrows, and learn the one secret name that could save everything from being erased forever?

(P.S. The Keeper's apprentice is joining the quest. She has more energy than a candy factory explosion. I am still not sure if that is a good thing.)

GOODREADS      /      AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Fantasy and imagination sparkle on every page with an exciting adventure to grab until the end.

Dahlia finds herself, suddenly, in the past. A familiar face is there, but this owl of the past hasn't met her, yet. Luckily, time travel and magic aren't anything new to the library, and the current guardian knows fairly quickly, who she is. Knowing that she might be able to solve one of their problems, he asks her to heal dreams, but it turns out that the problem isn't that simple. Instead, a memory thief is wrecking havoc, and she's the only one that can stop it. 

This is an exciting tale from beginning to end, which keeps the pacing high the entire way through. It is created in a slightly larger text, making it easy to read, and the amount of words on each page also don't weigh down. Add the shorter length of the entire book, and it works great for anyone, who simply wants to dive into a quick tale. The imagination holds a playful touch, which invites to dreams and creates an enjoyable world. This works nicely to counter-balance the monster and less joyful themes she runs up against, giving the tale its fun tone. It fits well to the age group, and I'd recommend it even for slightly younger readers. The action stays in control, leaving less room for depth, and this fits nicely to that age group. 

The illustrations make this read a real treat. Each page is decorated in the corners with golden weaves, while bright, colorful illustrations mark almost every page. These draw in and bring the world to life. It's fun to stop and simply gaze at each one. 

This is a fun tale with tons of room to explore more, and I'm looking forward to seeing where Dahlia and her adventures will take her next.

And here he is...

Andrei Goanta is a children's author who discovered his passion for writing and illustrating books, inspired by his family and the magical moments of everyday life. He uses a unique blend of classic storytelling and digital artistry to bring his enchanting worlds to life, feeling his creative voice evolve with each new book.

His main focus is the "Library of Lost Dreams" series. The adventure is now richer than ever, beginning with the Special Expanded Edition of Book 1, "The Library of Lost Dreams," and continuing with the newly released Special Expanded Edition of Book 2, "Journey into the Past." The classic edition of Book 3, "Journey into the Future," is also available.

With the new edition of Book 2 now complete, his attention has turned to giving Book 3, "Journey into the Future," the same magical upgrade. Next, he will begin crafting the final and most thrilling volume of the saga: Book 4, "Parallel World."

Want to keep up with his upcoming releases and get sneak peeks of his new storytelling adventures? Be sure to follow him on his author journey! 

 

How to Drive Your Brother Bananas by Diane Z. Shore

With so many spooky, nonfiction, and more serious reads, it's time for a little humor! Today's read heads toward beginning readers and promises to keep silliness high. I'm betting that this one is great for even reluctant readers, since so many siblings love to irritate their brothers (and sisters). 

Let's see how far this main character is willing to take his teasing antics!

HOW TO DRIVE YOUR BROTHER BANANAS

by Diane Z. Shore

Illustrated Laura Rankin

HarperCollins

Beginning Readers

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

In this companion to the bestselling Level 2 I Can Read How to Drive Your Sister Crazy, Bradley Harris Pinkerton returns, and this time he's driving his brother bananas!

Do you have a big brother? Do you know how to drive him bananas? With a remote control, a rubber snake, and some dirty underwear, Bradley Harris Pinkerton shows just how easy it is!

Early-grade kids with big brothers will get a kick out of the silly sibling rivalry in this laugh-out-loud story.

How to Drive Your Brother Bananas is a Level Two I Can Read book, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the engaging stories, longer sentences, and language play of Level Two books are proven to help kids take their next steps toward reading success.

GOODREADS     /      AMAZON     /     PUBLISHING

MY TIDBITS

Sibling tensions and teasing hit full swing in these pages.

Bradley has an older brother, one that only wants to sit on the couch and watch television. But Bradley wants to play, so he decides to make his brother's life a little more difficult. With step-by-step care, Bradley explains the various ways he drives his brother crazy. The pranks are simple but effective, and are sure to leave readers laughing more than once or twice.

This is a simple book for those beginning readers, who are getting the hang of their words but aren't completely smooth quite yet. The large font, ample spacing, and short lines keep the text from feeling overwhelming. Still, it flows smoothly and lets readers fall into the story. The illustrations make every page come to visual life and add extra fun. It's well suited to the intended age group and will even be one for more reluctant readers to enjoy.

Not only brothers will enjoy the pranks and teasing in these pages. Bradley has it out for his brother, and he is relentless. The book has Bradley speaking to the reader as he explains everything he does, a bit like a how-to book. The pranks are simple and age appropriate, but whether they would really work in real life is another question all together. Still, the situations edge to over-the-top, and it's hard to guess what Bradley will come up with next. This makes a fun read with few serious moments, but the promise of tons of smiles and giggles along the way.

And here they are...

Diane Z. Shore is an award-winning children’s author and read-aloud advocate. Her books have been translated into many languages. Diane loves to visit schools, and she travels across the US inspiring the most reluctant kids to read and the most hesitant students to write. She lives in Georgia with her husband and cat. You can visit her online at dianezshore.com.

Laura Rankin is the creator of The Handmade Alphabet, a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book, and Ruthie and the (Not So) Teeny Tiny Lie. She is the illustrator of many other books for children, including A Balloon for Isabel by Deborah Underwood. She lives in Easton, Maryland.

Nightmare Scuttler Island by Chris von Halle and a Cover Reveal

With Halloween sliding closer and closer, it's time to turn the creepy factor up with today's read. This is the latest in a series of books, and yes, I have read some of them already. (Wow, right?) So far, these have given me a bit of Goosebump vibes but with a slightly darker twist. Each one is very different, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised that this latest addition seems to nod towards scifi. 

But first.....

******************

I have an awesome cover reveal, I want to share with you (because the author is such a lovely person, too!) This one comes from Valinora Troy and her upcoming release, Lianna and the Hombit. 

LIANNA AND THE HOMBIT

A grieving girl in need of a friend. A magical creature with a secret task. Can they end the ancient curse threatening their new home?

13-year-old Lianna has lost everything: her home, her friends, and most devastatingly, her beloved Papa. Sent to live with her uncle, Lianna is certain he will be cruel and unkind, for why else would Papa have run away when he was young? Robbed on arrival of her precious keepsakes, Lianna receives a worse-than-expected welcome from her uncle. His servants are hostile and even her grandparents seem to glare at her from their portraits over the fire.

When a magical creature resembling a small glass bird bursts into her life in a mix of sparks and fire, Lianna is eager to assist the hombit with its secret mission if it helps her return home. Which leads to Lianna undertaking a risky dive near perilous sea stacks known as ‘living rocks’.

When her dive goes wrong, she awakens a creature that seeks to rob her of her humanity.

To survive, Lianna must uncover the dark secrets of her father’s past. Now she faces a stark decision: does she save herself or the town that rejects both her and her father?

A heart-warming story of the healing power of friendship when all seems lost.

ALL ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Valinora Troy is a children’s fantasy writer from Ireland. She has a MA in Creative Writing Specialising in Writing for Children and Young Adults, and has served as a panellist for the CYBILS awards (elementary & middle grade speculative fiction category). Her short stories for adults have been in a number of publications. She is the author of ‘The Lucky Diamond’ trilogy, three middle grade children’s fantasy adventures. She has recently been shortlisted for the Staróg prize, and has served as a Reading Ambassador for Louth County Libraries.

*********************

Okie dokie! Now, let's open up this spookier read and see what it holds!

 

NIGHTMARE ON SCUTTLER ISLAND

Between Dark and Light

by Chris von Halle

Upper Middle Grade & YA Horror

191 pages

ages 10 to 18

What if everything you knew about your life was a carefully constructed lie?

Thirteen-year-old Billy and his younger sister Megan have never seen the sun. Raised by their AI mother Darla two hundred feet underground, they’ve lived their entire lives in a two-room den—safe, comfortable, and completely isolated from the outside world. That is, until the power cuts out.

Armed with laser guns, protective gear, and a cryptic mission, Billy and Megan are forced to evacuate to the surface… and step straight into a waking nightmare.

The island above is cloaked in heavy, black mist. Withering trees line the roads. And massive black machines marked with an eerie corporate insignia patrol the streets—firing on sight. While dodging death at every turn, the siblings encounter other kids who also emerged from underground dens. But when the group uncovers the first clues about why they were hidden away, a terrifying truth begins to surface.

The world outside isn’t just dangerous—it was designed that way.

And the greatest threat may already be among them.

Perfect for fans of Stranger Things, The City of Ember, and Escape from Furnace, Nightmare on Scuttler Island is a pulse-pounding middle-grade horror adventure packed with high-stakes suspense, emotional twists, and unforgettable scares.

Between Dark and Light is a series of nonconnected children’s horror books featuring strange, eerie, supernatural events. Ages 10 and up!

GOODREADS     /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Danger meets a dystopian world, where a dark mist hides not only secrets but death.

Billy and Megan have lived underground in tight quarters with an AI mother raising them. While they question what might lay beyond their home and what happened to their parents, they aren't necessarily ready to leave until the power shuts off and they're forced to head out into the unknown world beyond. The world outside is dark and dreary with a heavy mist hiding more than a few secrets. It quickly becomes clear that the world around them is patrolled by machines, which kill on sight. When Billy and Megan discover other children in the same predicament, they begin to piece the secrets together and slowly uncover the truth...one that darker than any of them could have ever dreamed.

Tension runs high in these pages as Billy and his sister do their best to survive. It centers mostly around Billy and follows him as he tries to figure out what is happening and deals with the situations as best as possible. The stakes are more than high, which doesn't leave tons of room for careful consideration or thought as every moment becomes a fight to live. The danger is more than clear as life hangs on a deadly edge. It makes for a very, quick paced read the entire way through.

This isn't a read to give much thought to the foundation, but rather, lets the adventure take over. Emotions run high as every move turns into a terrifying situation. The plot is well-laid and keeps the reader in the tale the entire way through. It isn't one for sensitive readers, either, but does carry violence and horrific moments to slide into into the tween and young adult category.

Shocking Spiders by John Lesley

While Halloween immediately brings thoughts of ghosts, monsters, witches, and such, spiders are never far behind. Today's read takes a look at these, sometimes, terrifying creatures, but not from the spooky story direction. Rather, this is a nonfiction read, which should teach all sorts of spider facts. I'm looking forward not only to the information but hope to find wonderful photos, too.

Let's open this book and see what it holds!

SHOCKING SPIDERS

World's Scariest Creatures

by John Lesley

Gareth Stevens

Middle Grade Nonfiction

32 pages

ages 8 to 11

Spiders are already scary, but a spider with a dangerous bite is scarier! Most spiders are too small or too scared of humans to do any damage, but some spiders have a bite that’s enough to make you itch, scratch, and scream. They might not be the biggest hunters, but spiders can be just as dangerous. In this exploration of spiders, readers learn about how spiders have adapted to hunt and how dangerous they can be to other animals and humans alike.

GOODREADS     /     AMAZON      PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Lots of spider facts and bright photos make this a read for spider fans or for those wanting to know more about these creatures.

Ten different spiders are taken under the microscope...well, not literally. From habitat to life span to characteristics and more, this creatures are studied and exposed. The information is brought across in an organized manner with each theme marked by a clear heading and followed by a short paragraph. The information is clear and concise. Yet, it flows smoothly enough to remain perfect for even the younger end of the intended age group. To help familiarize the reader with the spiders, bright and clear photos cover the pages. These are taken from various angles to ensure readers will recognize the spider, when they see it. After all, many of these are pretty venomous. 

To round off this book, there are several chapters in the later pages, which take a general look at spiders. The anatomy, habits, and more are explained in a clear and understandable manner. Photos are used to showcase each fact, and these are pointed out with little tags as needed. This makes it a lovely read not only for spider fans, but also works for anyone seeking more information about spiders. It would make a nice addition to classrooms and libraries and even fits to homeschooling situations.

It's a well done read for a quick look at some of the more dangerous spiders as well as basic spider-knowledge in general.

 

Mystery of the Missing Ball by Rahere Amolo and Zélie Amolo

MYSTERY OF THE MISSING BALL

in which Ollie meets an AI kitten

by Rahere & Zélie Amolo 

Children's Mystery

41 pages

ages 3 to 7

Mystery of the Missing Ball is a charming addition to any collection of children’s picture books, blending gentle mystery, playful rhymes, and modern themes.

Perfect for parents, grandparents, teachers, and librarians, this children’s book mystery follows Ollie the dog and his clever friend Louie as they solve the puzzling disappearance of a beloved squeaky ball.

With warmth and humor, this funny kids picture book engages young readers in problem-solving while subtly introducing concepts about friendship, teamwork, and even artificial intelligence, through the wise virtual feline, Aïda.

Told in delightful rhyme, this children’s rhyming picture book encourages early literacy, while the colorful, imaginative world makes it a standout among dog picture books for children.
Ideal as a picture story book for kids aged 3–7, it’s also a thoughtful tool for starting conversations about technology and empathy in a safe, age-appropriate way. Whether you’re looking for a kids book about a dog or an uplifting mystery, this story is a joyful, insightful read with lasting impact.

GOODREADS     /      AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Adorable dogs meet a simple mystery with an AI twist to form an enjoyable read.

Ollie loves his ball, but one day, it goes missing. Luckily, his friend Louie hears his distress and rushes to help, but they have no idea where the ball went. So, they get help from Aida, the AI cat. With some hunting, adventure, and thought, they might be able to solve the mystery together.

The illustrations are bright and engaging on every page, and bring across the characters very nicely. All three are fun to meet, and readers will find themselves wishing that they could jump into the pages and join the fun. Ollie's sadness at losing the ball is very understandable and will connect with young readers. The author also handles the mystery side well as the dogs search in various places in a way, which draws readers in. The ending holds a little surprise, and the entire tale opens up for more adventures to come. It fits the age group nicely with a short text, smooth rhyme, and mostly fitting vocabulary level. All of this makes it a nice read-aloud.

One of the main points of this series is the AI character, Aïda. The cat is cute and carries a high-tech look in the illustrations to constantly remind readers what it is. She popped in a bit suddenly without introduction but is adorable and melds right into the plot. The AI cat opens door to the theme and can be used to explore and consider the world of AI versus reality. It's a modern message wrapped in a grabbing mystery with characters to enjoy.

And here they are...

Rahere Amolo, a Singapore-born data scientist now living in Seattle with his wife and three curious children, blends his passion for algorithms with a love of imaginative storytelling. Fascinated by AI’s potential and mindful of its challenges, he strives to equip his kids with the skills and confidence to thrive in a technology-driven future. Inspired by bedtime conversations and whimsical questions like “Where do lost toys go?” and “Can robots purr?”, he created the Ollie and Louie Mysteries series—humorous, heartfelt tales featuring talking animals that introduce young readers to the wonders, quirks, and lessons of emerging technology.

Zélie Amolo is a devoted mother, homeschooler, and lifelong dog lover whose beloved golden retriever, Ollie, inspired the joyful, loyal canine hero of her books. Though Ollie passed from illness two years ago, his spirit lives on in every heartwarming, whimsical tale she writes. Drawing inspiration from cherished people, pets, and the magic of everyday life, Zélie infuses her stories with warmth, imagination, and a touch of gentle nostalgia.

The Forest of a Thousand Eyes by Francis Hardinge

Today's read seems like it might slide more into the haunting direction as it follows a girl on a dangerous journey. Plus, the title gives a bit of a creepy impression. I'm looking forward to opening this one up, especially since it's a shorter read at around 125 pages. 

So, let's see how this one goes!

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 FOREST OF A THOUSAND EYES

by Frances Hardinge

Illustrated by Emily Gravett

Two Hoots

Middle Grade Fantasy

128 pages

ages 10 to 14

Costa Award-winning Frances Hardinge's gripping story of a young girl's daring mission through a natural world intent on her destruction.

With stunning two-colour illustrations by superstar illustrator Emily Gravett on every page, this richly atmospheric book is perfect for fans of David Almond and Kiran Millwood Hargrave.

The hungry Forest is moving forward like an army, a green and constant threat to the humans living in and on an increasingly crumbling Wall. Feather, accompanied only by her scaled ferret, Sleek, must avoid the Forest's tentacles, and the many dangerous creatures it shelters, to return the community's precious spyglass to its rightful place. Along the way, she develops her resilience, and meets other people living on the Wall, whose stories and experiences open her mind, and those of her community, to new horizons.

A compelling story filled with adventure, emotional intensity and the rawness of nature.

GOODREADS     /     AMAZON     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

The mystical allure of fairytales meets the gloomier weight of a dystopian world to form a tale with depth and heart.

Feather lives with the rest of her community behind a crumbling Wall, which protects them from the dangers of the ever-pressing forest. She hears the tales surrounding the Wall's construction and people's fight to survive, but has never known anything but her little community. Her curious nature has already gotten her into trouble more than once, and when she's discovered creating a map, the adults of the community wonder if she's playing with the idea to head out into the forest alone. But she doesn't really want to do that, either. While hunting for food, one day, she runs across a stranger along the edge of the forest. Strangers shouldn't exist, since no one comes through the forest, but she's excited to learn about his stories. When he asks her to bring something to him and he turns her trust into betrayal, she decides to fix the situation goes into the forest after him. But that means she'll have to face the dangers her people have feared for so long.

This is a very atmospheric read and beautifully done. In a short tale, the author has crafted a rich world, where survival, community, friendship, and trust ram head-first against curiosity, resilience, protection, and dreams. The writing flows very smoothly and lets Feather's experience hit with a variety of emotions to bring the setting and messages across with power and potency. It leads to thought not only about the community, which Feather lives in, but investigates social fears and communities as a whole. The world lures in with its danger, the characters pack mystery and heart, and Feather's desire to make everything right creates a path to let the power of determination and spirit shine with hope. 

It's nice to dive into a deeper tale without having to pick up a thick tome, and the illustrations add an extra layer of enjoyment. They not only bring the book to an entirely new level but build the world and scenes to support the written text. From the artwork and literary side, this book is a treat. Plus, there's plenty of food for thought as Feather heads out and braves the dangers to discover a broader world. 

The only thing which makes me a little hesitant on this one is that I'm not sure which age group it fits best. The vocabulary and writing fits well to the middle grade audience, but this holds depth and meaning, which will leave an impression on older audiences as well. The pacing and situations seem to slide toward a slightly older audience, as well. Middle graders, who enjoy the depth, will find this to be a grabbing read. 

The Kiss Bet by Farrah Penn

Today's read is a new...not so new read. What does that mean? Well, let me take a step back, and first say that when I picked up this read, I hadn't noticed that it is a novel based on a graphic novel of the same name. Silly thing is, I actually reviewed the graphic novel back in 2024 (here). I'm not a completely idiot (just a little scatter-brained, at times), and recognized the title right away. I even went back to check my old post author with the new one to see that this was, indeed, written by someone else. And I thought, "Huh. Weird that Webtoons would bring out two books with the same title, but whatever." Yep, I forgot to read the description completely and didn't take the time to read the smaller print on the cover. 

A said, I'm not always super attentive and often in a hurry.

Anyway, I'm still excited to dive into today's read because the graphic novel was adorable. I'm hoping this format lets us take a deeper dive into the characters and get to understand them a bit better. 

So, let's snuggle down into a chair and see what these pages hold.

THE KISS BET

based on the graphic novel by Ingrid Ochoa

by Farrah Penn

Wattpad Books

YA Romance

352 pages

COMING...

FEBRUARY 24th!!!

In this laugh-out-loud coming-of-age novel based on the wildly popular webcomic, Sara Lin has decided senior year is the time she’s going to make something special happen: her first kiss.

This clean teen contemporary YA rom-com about first love and friendships is perfect for fans of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and Rainbow Rowell’s Pumpkinheads.

Based on the hit WEBTOON comic, The Kiss Bet follows Sara Lin on her quest to experience her first kiss. Told from both Sara and Patrick’s point of view, The Kiss Bet shows that life—and love—can be messy and complicated, but it sure can be fun.

It’s senior year and Sara Lin just turned eighteen. The last thing she needs is to worry about having her first kiss.

Sara understands that her first kiss is a rite of passage, one that she takes very seriously, even if everyone around her doesn’t. She wants it to be special—true love’s kiss—and wants to fall for someone she really cares about, not just get it over with.

But that’s about to change because her good pal Patrick just challenged her to a bet that will either lead to love, heartbreak, or embarrassment . . . or maybe all three.

As Sara explores her relationship options with three different boys, she realizes that life isn't a fairytale and romance can be confusing.

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

Embarrassing situations and steering the rollercoaster of social life in high school mixes with fun characters for a delightful read.

This novel is strongly based on the same titled graphic novel by Ingrid Ochoa, but this form does add tons more depth. We still have Sara, a girl celebrating her eighteenth birthday with her two best friends, who faces a $50 bet of asking a random guy to kiss her. When she does, it doesn't head into fairytale goodness but leaves her face-planted on the concrete floor. Glad that no one outside of her two friends and the stranger witnessed her humiliating experience, she heads to school to deal with falling grades in math and the usual social drama. This ends her up with tutoring hours. Unfortunately, her tutor is the new guy, and he just so happens to be the stranger from the subway. Add that the best friend, who challenged her to the ludicrous bet, is suddenly discovering he's actually in love with her, and chaos is guaranteed. 

For those who read the graphic novel, you're already aware of the direction this tale goes, but it definitely adds so much more to everything. The chapters dance between Sara and Patrick, her best friend's, perspectives. I found Patrick's chapters humorous but fitting in the beginning, since they start with only one sentence or so. When he starts 'waking up', they quickly get longer. Sara carries most of the tale, which fits since she's the main one facing everything. While I found her a bit ridiculous, at times, in the graphic novel, this normal novel form brings her across with more clarity, and her decisions are more understandable. She has lots to figure out, but the things she faces and how she handles them aren't as sporadic as they, sometimes, come across in the graphic novel form. In other words, she's easier to connect with and root for.

This is a very sweet, light-hearted romance read. There's absolutely no 'spice' and not even hints of it. These characters have enough on their plates as they deal with the daily problems and try to figure out the chaos of teen life and last year of high school. It's innocent, humorous, and lets the awkwardness of friendships, first loves, and getting ready to head into 'real' life shine in the most adorable way. 

 

Night Job by Karen Hesse

When I saw today's read, there was no way I was going to pass up on the chance to take a peek at it. It takes a look at a night time, school janitor and what he does as his son accompanies him.

(Time for a trip down memory lane....) My father worked as a high school janitor next to his regular job for many years, so that my six siblings and I could attend a 'better' school. We lived in the heart of a city, and the public high school in our district wasn't exactly a calm place. There were metal detectors and cops even back then due to the violence...and I'm talking fairly long ago. The private school was expensive, especially since my dad didn't earn much, and seven kids is a lot to put through. But as a janitor, he was able to secure us free tuition. So, he worked a physical labor job outdoors from 7:30am all day, and started his janitor job around 4pm or so until about midnight. I have no doubt that his sacrifice made a huge difference in our lives and even then knew the huge amount of effort it took as he'd sleep whenever he could on our couch.

I would, sometimes, accompany him, usually if I had a sport's game or practice of something and needed a ride home with him afterwards. So, this cover is nostalgic for me.

Anyway, let's see what this book is about, shall we?

 

NIGHT JOB

by Karen Hesse

Illustrated by G. Brian Karas

Candlewick Press

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 3 to 7

With lyrical narration and elegant, evocative artwork, Newbery Medalist Karen Hesse and illustrator G. Brian Karas share the nighttime experience of a father and child.

When the sun sets, Dad's job as a school custodian is just beginning. What is it like to work on a Friday night while the rest of the city is asleep? There's the smell of lilacs in the night air, the dusky highway in the moonlight, and glimpses of shy nighttime animals to make the dark magical. Shooting baskets in the half-lit gym, sweeping the stage with the game on the radio, and reading out loud to his father in the library all help the boy's time pass quickly. But what makes the night really special is being with Dad. Newbery Medalist Karen Hesse's quietly powerful story of a boy and his father is tenderly brought to life by G. Brian Karas in this luminous tribute to an enduring, everyday sort of love.

GOODREADS     /      AMAZON      /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

With family goodness, these pages raise awareness for the hard work parents and adults do to care for the kids.

The sun is going down, which means it's about time for a boy and his father to take off on the motorcycle and head toward the school. There, the father works as a night time janitor, and the boy accompanies him. While the boy, sometimes, helps out a little here and there, other times he reads books or even sleeps in a corner in the library. When the sun rises, they head home with a sense of family love and an extra twist at the end.

The illustrations will come across with familiarity as readers will see aspects of their own schools in the scenes. Plus, it will awaken dreams of what it'd be like to spend the night in the school when barely anybody else is there. Then, the text comes in with a gentle flow to match the night tone. It has a poetic feel to it, although it doesn't take on that form. This creates a lovely read-aloud, especially for school settings, since listeners will immediately let their imaginations drift into what it'd be like if they stayed in the school.

As to the messaging, there's two aspects which work nicely. First, these pages make it clear that parents often sacrifice quite a bit for the well being of their children. The father not only works diligently in his position and comes home in the morning tired from working all night. The second aspect is the large amount of care the father has for the son. While working, he never ignores his son, but makes sure he's comfortable and taken care of. Especially the scenes of the son reading books aloud in the library while the father cleans hold goodness pure. Even the last scene makes this entire loving atmosphere very clear and leaves everything off with a very caring note.

The Book of Frights for Spooky Nights by Leisa Stewart-Sharpe

Halloween is creeping in, and we're going to up 

THE BOOK OF FRIGHTS FOR SPOOKY NIGHTS

by Leisa Stewart-Sharpe

Illustrated by Eva Sanchez Gomez

Wide Eyed Editions

Middle Grade Horror

64 pages

ages 7 to 9

Open The Book of Frights for Spooky Nights—if you dare—and encounter the world's most haunted places in the journal of a long-lost Ghost Hunter.

Ghosts and ghouls, crypts and cryptids await you in The Book of Frights for Spooky Nights, the illustrated notes of a long-gone Ghost Hunter—a guru from beyond the grave who explored the world's scariest places.

As you flick through the Ghost Hunter's chilling firsthand narrative, you'll experience running from the headsman's axe in the Tower of London, seeking out the seasick spirits aboard the Queen Mary in California, and escaping the pharaoh's wrath in the Valley of the Kings, with this frighteningly factual compendium of spooky sites from around the globe. For each haunted locale, you'll first read the research of the ghost hunter, learning all about the real history and beliefs behind the creepy goings-on. Then, you're put in the middle of the action as you read their account of visiting each place in an attempt to finally complete the Book of Frights, and end its curse for good... From treading the storied cemeteries of Edinburgh to dodging the Headless Horseman in Connecticut, these are adventures you wouldn't want to go on alone!

As well as the featured locations, scattered throughout the book are many more secrets and facts to uncover in the bitesize tales of the Ghost Hunter's travels to farflung places, grouping together spooky castles, eerie countryside, forests of fear, and even whole islands said to be haunted.

With hauntingly beautiful illustrations and a thrilling fact-or-fiction, book-within-a-book narrative, The Book of Frights for Spooky Nights is best read by the flickering light of a campfire, or a flashlight way past bedtime...

GOODREADS     /    AMAZON     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Chills, thrills, and myths mix with nonfiction goodness to create a read, which showcases the many fears around the world.

The first pages lure in with a short, creepy tale. The book is coming for you in a haunting way, and it carries a note from a ghost hunter, who explains this book is cursed. After setting this chilling tone, the pages dive into the various myths, which have served as ghost stories for generations. These are broken down into locations such as opera halls, mansions, castles, and more. Each one holds about four pages of various tales surrounding each location. These are presented in a few short sentences each in small paragraphs, which are placed in various locations on each page. Each one gets a short title (to keep things organized), and each one is accompanied by a small illustration to make sure the creepy atmosphere sits. It forms an informative and enticing read. At the end, the cursed book visits again to wrap everything up.

There's a delightful mix between creepy vibes and presentation of the various myths and legends. These aren't ghost stories, but rather, each one gives a quick summary of the myth...just enough to make it clear and attention grabbing. The illustrations carry darker tones and stick to the haunting atmosphere nicely, which dribbling in just enough visual information to make things understandable when needed. The text is great for the age group and keeps even more reluctant readers in mind thanks to the briefness of each myth. I wasn't a huge fan of the italics font. While it sticks nicely with the atmosphere, it doesn't make reading much more difficult for anyone who isn't strong on the word end. Still, these are written with care and keep the interest in the pages.

Not only is this great for fans of spooky myths and legends, but it would work nicely in classrooms and school libraries as an introduction to a theme or project. 

And here they are...

Leisa Stewart-Sharpe is an author of children's non-fiction and picture books. Born in Bundaberg, Australia, Leisa grew up fascinated by wild places and even wilder animals. As an adult, Leisa brings that fascination to a wide array of children's books, taking in everything from chocolate to buried treasure and sharks to environmental activism. Her works include the companion books to the BBC's Blue Planet II, The Green Planet and Frozen Planet II, as well as Happy Stories for Animal Lovers (Ivy Kids, 2023) and The Comeback Creatures (Wide Eyed Editions, 2024). Leisa lives in England with her family.

Eva Sánchez Gómez was born in Puigcerdà, Spain. She graduated with her Fine Arts degree from University of Barcelona and focused on illustration in “Escola Francesca Bonnemaison” of “La Diputació de Barcelona”. Her tender, grumpy, melancholic, funny, or ironic characters accompanied her all along this learning process. Since then, she has illustrated more than thirty novels and picture books for publishers from different countries. Three of her published books as illustrator have been part of the prestigious White Ravens list in 2020 and 2021.