By Tom Phillips

The Curious League of Detectives and Thieves is a lighthearted, hilarious read that simultaneously tells an important lesson. The creativity of the plot and stylistic voice of the writing paints a vivid picture of the world Tom Phillips has created.

I love how this book challenges toxic masculinity and stereotypes by letting John (our MC) be emotional and strong at the same time.

I also love how fun of a read this book is. It is a read that not only the kid will enjoy but the parent will not get bored of at bedtime. It is an adventurous joyride that takes you through twists and turns that you won't see coming.

I would highly recommend this book to middle grade and YA readers alike. A definite 5 stars.

Buy now at: Barnes and Noble, Amazon, or Green Apple Books

By Beth Lincoln

This whimsical mystery is, in my opinion, a great start for debut author Beth Lincoln.

The Swifts is such a unique story that keeps you turning pages. Personally, I love a good whodunit and, in my experience, it can be hard to create a good one while still keeping it middle grade -- but this book does a great job of keeping me reading to the very end.

From the relatable, crazy extended family, to the racing treasure hunt, to the well-needed message of self-acceptance, this book is a great addition for your 2024 to-be-read! (Plus I love anything British so that's a nice cherry on top for me!)

Buy now at: Barnes and Noble, Amazon, or Green Apple Books

By Michelle A. Barry

My favorite parts of this book are the world building, unexpected characters, and of course the adorable robot Bin-ro.

Moongarden is the type of book where one more page turns into one more chapter turns into I need to go get the second book. It is an entertaining read for those who love sci-fi and fantasy.

It is a Middle Grade book but I would venture to say that YA readers would love it just as much. I can't wait to read book two!

Buy now at: Barnes and Noble, Amazon, or Green Apple Books

By Rick Riordan

The Trials of Apollo is for sure my favorite spin-off Riordan series.

I love the witty, sarcastic, self-centered, hilarious voice that Riordan has created for Apollo. This book makes me laugh out loud every time I re-read it.

I would highly recommend this book to lovers of middle grade, Greek mythology, and anyone wanting to have a good hearty laugh.

Buy now at: Barnes and Noble, Amazon, or Green Apple Books

By Tom Phillips

If you liked the first book then get ready for a wild ride in the newest installment of The Curious League of Detectives and Thieves, S.O.S.. Tom Phillips has outdone himself with this new, heartwarming, zany, shenanigan-filled addition to the growing series.

I love how Phillips portrays the ever growing relationship of John and Toadius. But, my favorite part, or should I say parts, of the book are the new ensemble of characters that are introduced. From Wembley and Kana to Claudia and Dirk, the new cast of characters adds even more to relate to. I would highly recommend this book to Middle Grade lovers of mystery, thrill, and overall hilarious-ness and anybody in between!

Buy now at: Barnes and Noble, Amazon, or Green Apple Books

By James Ponti

James Ponti does it again with City Spies! I am a huge fan of the Framed series and was so excited to find this! With the quick paced action of Spy School by Stuart Gibbs and the heartwarming found family of Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, this book keeps you turning the page till the very end.

The characters are all heartwarming and hilarious, but also so distinct and well-developed. You could take away the names and still be able to tell whose line it is.

I love how Ponti keeps it middle grade while still adding things like murder and espionage in a gripping, thrilling way.

I highly recommend this book to MG readers. 5/5 stars!

Buy now on: Barnes and Noble, Amazon, or Green Apple Books

By Stuart Gibbs

Spy School is the book that I compare all other MG spy novels to. To me it is THE tried and true MG espionage to compare all others to.

I love the twists and the fast paced action of the story.

Another thing I love about this book is that is it relatable. The voice Gibbs has created for Ben (the MC) is truly one of a twelve year old just trying to make it through middle school, friendships, and plain old growing up.

Spy School is a hilarious read I know Middle Grade readers will appreciate.

Buy now at: Barnes and Noble, Amazon, or Green Apple Books

By Mark Oshiro and Rick Riordan

The Sun and the Star by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro is an amazing new addition to the ever-growing Percy Jackson Universe.

I love how well Oshiro and Riordan work as a team. Riordan brings the fast paced action that we know and love while Oshiro adds beautful tender moments that bring this book together.

One of my absolute favorite things about this book is that we get to see the most we've seen through Nico's persepctive. Nico's point of view shows sides of him we haven't seen before in the best way possible.

I would reccomend reading the previous series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Heroes of Olympus, and Trials of Apollo to get the full experience this book has to offer.

Overall 5/5 read! Highly recommend!

Buy now at: Barnes and Noble, Amazon, or Green Apple Books

By Rick Riordan

I read this book in a day. I just couldn't put it down.

The Chalice of the Gods is like running into an old friend at the supermarket. It has a senese of nostalgia while also bringing something new and refreshing to the table.

Something I love about this book is that it's like stepping into Percy's day to day life.

Another thing I love is how hilarious it is. As all the other Riordan books are, it is laugh out loud funny!

I would recommend this book to anybody from the age of nine to ninety. It keeps you reading and laughing to the very end!

Buy now at: Barnes and Noble, Amazon, or Green Apple Books

By Shannon Messenger

Keeper of the Lost Cities is the type of book you can cozy up to on a rainy day with a cup of (mallowmelt) hot chocolate.

The fantasy in this book is off the charts! I mean really, a world where debates surrounding the best flavor of Ripplefluffs are an every day occurrence and dinosaurs still exist!?

This book also has amazing characters that give you something to invest.

I would recommend this book to both Middle Grade and YA readers, especially as the story progresses. Can't wait to review the others!

Buy now at: Barnes and Noble, Amazon, or Green Apple Books

By Janet Sumner Johnson

The Winterton Deception: Final Word is a tried and true page turner. I would compare it to books like The Inheritance Games and The Swifts.

If you love a good mystery you will LOVE this book. It's the type of book where the reader figures out the mystery alongside the MC, which is one of my favorite types of mysteries.

Not only is Final Word gripping and adventurous, but it is also heartwarming. My favorite part of this novel is the characters. Johnson truly makes you care about who you are reading about. Each character has their own backstory that weaves through the others and makes you want them to succeed.

I would highly reccomend this book to MG readers of all ages. The Winteron Deception: Final Word is an amazing read you won't be able to put down. (Plus the references to books like Percy Jackson and Smile were a sweet cherry on top!)

Buy now at: Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Green Apple Books

By Carolyn Keene

I love this series! If I told you how many times I have read this 25 book long series you would not believe me. (Hint: its way more than you think)

One of my favorite things about The Nancy Drew Diaries series is how it re-introduces the classic character of Ms. Nancy Drew. Also how it includes other quintessential charcaters like Bess, George, Ned, Hannah Gruen, and Carson Drew. It's a great way to present a whole new (old) world of books to the young readers of today!

One complaint I had about the old series was the sexism and racism. The then normal for the time, now outdated and inappropriate, jokes pulled me out of the story. The modern take of Nancy Drew Diaries completely fixed that for me.

I would recommend this book (and series) because every mystery is better than the last. Each one is gripping and leaves you guessing till the very end. These books are my comfort reads and I sincerly hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Buy now at: Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Green Apple Books

By Stacey Lee

Winston Chu and the Whimsies is a great read for anyone who loves fantasy, mythology, middle grade, and San Francisco. It's gripping, it's heartwarming, and it will keep you turning pages till the very end.

I am a sucker for any book related to mythology, Greek or otherwise. This book introduced a whole new world of knowledge and stories and tales that I had never heard before. A great introducton to Chinese Mythology.

I love how relatable the main charcters are. It really feels like a twelve year old boy, just trying to figure himself out, is jumping out of the pages to tell me his unique story. Even his friends and sister feel like real kids navigating their way through friendships and life itself.

One of my absolute favorite things about Winston Chu vs. the Whimsies is how accurate author Stacey Lee writes about navigating San Francisco. Each place is in the correct distance and timing away from each other. In many books I have read about San Francisco, the way they describe the locations pull me out of the story, but not Winston Chu. The immaculately accurate details of the city just pull me deeper into the adventure.

I highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend this book to Middle Grade lovers looking for a five star that keeps them entertained for hours.

Buy Now at: Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Green Apple Books

By Dhonielle Clayton

The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton is a great book. It's fun, mystical, and magical, all while also dealing with bigger problems like microaggressions in easy to digest ways.

I love this take on the classic magical school meets new kid trope. It's fresh and fun AND it feels like coming back to an old friend. Once this series is over I can totally see it becoming a comfort read for many.

Another stand out is the diverse cast of characters. It dips its toe into all sorts of backgrounds, leaving something for everyone! Even personality wise there is a bunch of different types of people, letting the book reach a truly wide span of readers.

If you like books like Nevermoor, Keeper of the Lost Cities, and Harry Potter, then this book is a must read for you.

Buy now at: Barnes and Noble, Amazon, or Green Apple Books

By Jessica Townsend

Jessica Townsend does a great job with this amazing middle grade fantasy.

The magic of this book is enchanting. It fits right in with books like Harry Potter, Keeper of the Lost Cities, and The Marvellers. I love the worldbuilding that creates such a vivid picture in my mind. It’s like a movie!

Another highlight is the captivating storyline. The twists and turns literally made me gasp out loud.

But, even after all that, the characters are my favorite part. I mean eccentric hotel guests like Dame Chanda, a marvelous singer, and Frank, a party throwing, vampire dwarf, really make the book the amazing MG that it is. There's even a giant, talking cat!

Buy now at: Barnes and Noble, Amazon, or Green Apple Books

by Deborah Hopkinson

The strong main character, the English history, and the distinctive format all make this book a great read!

I loved the unique format of this book. The creativity of splitting into three acts like a play because the main character is a fledging playwright is amazing. It even has an intermission!!!

Personally, I am super interested in old, English royal history. This book takes place during the reign of Queen Elizabeth. A middle grade historical fiction based in the Elizabethan era, wow! Hopkinson creates the perfect balance of history and fiction.

I also can't not mention the feminism in this book. Emilia, our main character, constantly gives comments about the prejudice towards woman back then and the disproportionate advantages men had. Instead of glorifying and skipping over the inequality, Hopkinson points it out for what it is. I think it is great when books do this because it creates an awareness in the minds of the young people who will read this book.

Overall I would recommend this book to MG lovers and historical fiction enthusiasts.

Buy Now at: Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Green Apple Books

by Eoin Colfer

Artemis Fowl is a classic read, so popular it's been turned into a movie, and now I understand why!

The characters in this book are compelling with unique personalities. The mysterious facade of Artemis makes you want to read farther. It makes you want to puzzle together just who he is. The resourcefulness of Captain Holly Short makes you intrigued to see what she will do next. And the humorous nature of Mulch Diggums leaves you yearning for more to giggle at.

I also like how this book is practically in real time without it getting too slow or too unrealistically fast. It also doesn't get boring.

I will definitely be checking out the rest of this series!

Buy Now at: Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Green Apple Books

by Ally Carter

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You is a great choice for upper Middle Grade and YA readers. It's a fun, light read, perfect for a road trip.

I love the voice in this book. Cammie is distinct, she doesn't waver from her character. She stays true to her values but also stays true to the realistic rollercoaster of her teenage-ness and a teen's decision-making process. Sometimes in books the youthfulness of a character gets lost, but Carter does a great job of letting Cammie's blossom instead of die.

I LOVE the spy school component. It's so cool to see a different take on what that would look like. I have read books like Spy School and City Spies many times and it's so fun to add a new book to my MG spy rotation!

Overall, I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter is a great book that I would definitely recommend.

Buy Now at: Barnes and Noble, Amazon Green Apple Books

by Suzanne Collins

I love this book. I would definitely not recommend it to young MG readers because of the obvious death component, but I would highly recommend this book to all YA readers.

I read this book in a day. It is that good. Not only is Suzanne Collins a fantastic author, but the story is complex and compelling.

Collins does an amazing job of bringing the world of Panem to life. Her writing is lyrical and descriptive. She knows just when to bring in the action while balancing it with tender moments. One thing I will say about this book is, I would highly recommend it to writers, no matter what genre, looking to improve their craft.

The story of Katniss Everdeen is layered and gripping. The emotional connection to her sister is what drives the plot forward and it is what makes you want to continue reading. Then, Peeta enters the story and that adds a whole new level of unknown that boosts the story to a completely different level.

This book left me hungry for more (no pun intended) and I just know I will devour the second one (pun intended). The Hunger Games is an amazing 5/5 stars I will recommend for a long time to come.

Buy Now at: Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Green Apple Books