Book Reviews Kids-Recent

I love to read, and discovering new middle grade books is one of the perks of this book reviews kids-recent page. Along with the public library, I’m a huge fan of independent book stores, including my favorite (which is right here in Denver), the Tattered Cover. Also check out Barnes & Noble   or this list of independent bookstores. These book suggestions can be found online at all or most of these stores. I hope these book reviews kids-recent will help tremendously with gifts and book suggestions!

Here’s the basic key I will use when reviewing the plots:

D's Favorite for books which are favorites of my son, who reads at a 4th-5th grade reading level

The pictures of the covers link to the book’s Powell's page or Barnes & Nobles page. The titles link to The Tattered Cover.

Savvy , by Ingrid Law *

Right before her 13th birthday -- the day on which Mibs will discover her 'savvy' (or magical gift) -- her father is in an accident, and Mibs goes on a journey to save him.
RT: This book is filled with beautiful prose and a quirky spirit, and I enjoyed Mibs' ability to deal with everything which came her way.


The Healing Spell, by Kimberley Little (I)

Livie yearns for her mom to get better -- especially since she's convinced it's her fault her mom is in a coma, in the first place -- and she spends the summer she turns 12 fighting to 'heal' the rift between them.
DWI: grief; forgiveness; family relationships
RT: This is a well-written and immensely touching story with a setting (the Louisiana bayou) which only enhances the poignancy of Livie's plight.


Palace Beautiful, by Sarah DeFord Williams *

When Sadie and her family move to Utah, Sadie finds a journal in their attic which offers a tragic story about a girl their age living during the 1918 flu epidemic -- and Sadie becomes obsessed with discovering what really happened to Helen as she deals with her own fears about her step-mom's pregnancy and life in a new place.
RT: Favorite because of the beautiful poignancy which swirls within each word of Sadie's story -- and the hope and beauty it shares about life and its struggles.

Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter , by R.J. Anderson

Bryony takes over hunting duties for her faery family, concerned to realize that they are slowly dying out -- and discoveries some surprising truths about their connection with the forbidden humans.
DWI: handling disappointment and seemingly tragic turns of events
RT: The courage in both the main characters in this book is inspirational -- I especially love how both prove their selflessness when it really counts.

Scones and Sensibility, by Lindsay Eland *

Polly wants her modern-day world to run like Jane Austen's world, but she quickly discovers love in real life isn't very easy to control or manipulate.
RT: This is a very cute story with an authentic voice, right down to the Austen-isms spread throughout the narrative. Polly is sweet, and you can't help but cringe and sympathize as she meddles in affairs she truly doesn't understand.

Tracking Daddy Down , by Marybeth Kelsey

Billie wants more than anything to find her daddy and prove he isn't the scoundrel everyone believes.
DWI: letting life be what it is
RT: Favorite because Billie so desperately wants the world to bend to her will...but when she realizes it can't, she accepts her life with a graciousness that truly touches the reader.


When You Reach Me, by Rebecca Stead *

Miranda goes about her life with her nose in her favorite book until some things start happening -- and notes begin appearing -- which make her sit up and take notice...of everything.
RT: Favorite because it's just an amazing story with a great voice -- I finished it and felt like a whole different person. Strongly recommended! (This won the Newbery Award for 2009.)


At Book Reviews Kids-Recent, I'm always on the lookout for Boy Books. My son is currently reading the Harry Potter series and loving it, and I want to be finding books for him which are just as fun and compelling as that one. Here are a few I've discovered -- and I'll definitely continue my search!

Bobby Vs. Girls (Accidentally), by Lisa Yee *

Bobby is looking forward to another year of school with his best friend Holly, but during the summer, Holly became friends with another girl in class -- a girl doesn't like boys -- and it isn't long before Bobby finds himself in a war with the girls, even though he didn't mean it.
RT: Favorite because Bobby is a good kid with a kind heart -- and humor, to boot. It's fun to walk in his shoes for a while, even with touches of sadness here and there.

Dragonbreath, by Ursula Vernon

Danny the Dragon has no fire, but he still manages to find his way out of challenging situations.
DWI: how to be resourceful
RT: Favorite because of the humor in this book -- it's got some gross humor along with lower to mid-elementary aged funniness. He also liked the mix of comic book and narrative. There's now another book in the series, Dragonbreath: Attack of the Ninjas which is just as good as the first!


Gregor the Overlander, by Suzanne Collins (V)

Gregor falls through the laundry grate and into the Underland, where an ancient prophecy foretells that he will turn the tide in a war between humans and various insects and animals.
DWI: what defines bravery>
RT: Favorite because of the page-turning story, Gregor's willingness to fight for those he loves, and the interesting creatures involved on both sides. There are more in the series, as well, and D has devoured them all!

The Magic Thief , by Sarah Prineas

Conn steals a magic stone and thus begins his journey from pick-pocket to apprentice to a wizard -- during which Conn will stop at nothing to find his path.
DWI: Bravery and ambition
RT: This book stands out because of Conn's determination and goodness (even though he steals) -- he's a fighter, and I think he's a great example! The second book, Magic Thief: Lost is even better. Magic Thief: Found comes out this summer -- it's the best one yet (a Favorite)!

NERDS: National Espionage, Rescue, and Defense Society, by Michael Buckley (mild V)

A group of kids whose unusual powers are tied to their interesting habits/traits (like a paste-eater who can stick to walls) come together to take down the bad guys.
DWI: accepting yourself
RT: Mostly this is a fun story with a clever premise -- I think it will appeal to elementary-aged boys because of its humor and unique story line.


The Extraordinary Adventures of Ordinary Boy, by William Boniface (mild V)

Everyone in Superopolis has powers, except Ordinary Boy -- but when he and a group of his super friends go on a hunt for Dr. Brain Drain, Ordinary Boy discovers that he has something to offer, after all.
DWI: what makes each of us unique and valuable
RT: Favorite because of the humor and the well-conceived plot. There are already two others out, and D inhaled all of them!

Prometheus Project: Trapped, by Douglas E. Richards (mild V)