middle grade novels

I’m delighted to report that a bunch of us middle grade authors who write “spooky” books – from the moody to the seriously scary (I’ve been told that The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle is seriously scary) – have joined together to form a group of Monstrously Good Middle Grade peeps. Very soon we’ll open… Read more »

Anne Nesbet’s historical novel, CLOUD AND WALLFISH, about the Berlin Wall is receiving wide acclaim, including a Horn Book starred review. “In an intricately plotted novel full of espionage and intrigue, friendship and family, Anne Nesbet cracks history wide open and gets right to the heart of what it feels like to be an outsider… Read more »

This week I have a special treat for all you tricksters – and a special guest. Christine Hayes, author of MOTHMAN’S CURSE, has written us a tantalizing guest post – and she’s attached a great giveaway of her own! Here’s Christine: There’s something irresistible about a mystery, and cryptids may be one of the most… Read more »

I’m delighted to have a guest on the blog today – Karen Romano Young. Her debut middle grade HUNDRED PERCENT is out this week, and it’s getting wonderful buzz, including a Kirkus starred review! Here’s a bit about Karen: Karen Romano Young has dived to the bottom of the Pacific Ocean in a tiny submarine,… Read more »

What are you reading this summer? I’ve got a towering pile. Here’s a list of new books I’ve got on my long list of middle grade: In no particular order, the novels on my list are: Sara Pennypacker, PAX – actually, I just finished this novel and loved it. A boy, a fox, separated by war…. Read more »

I loved Kirby Larson’s writing as soon as I first “met” her through her Newbery honor-winning novel HATTIE BIG SKY. I’ve met her for real since then – and she’s a delightful person as well as an amazing author. I’m truly honored to have her today on the blog, talking about her newest book (an… Read more »

Are you searching for something new for your middle grade readers? Here are a few just out or upcoming books, in graphic format: A selection of middle grade books launching between 1/1/16 and 4/1/16 Here’s a list of the books by author and title: Crystal Allen, THE MAGNIFICENT MYA TIBBS – SPIRIT WEEK SHOWDOWN Balzer… Read more »

Several years ago I had the absolute joy of meeting Nanci Turner Steveson at a Highlights workshop, where I was a TA. Nanci’s breathtaking novel captured me then, and now I’m pleased to reveal the cover for her debut middle grade, SWING SIDEWAYS, due out from HarperCollins on May 3, 2016. Watch for this one… Read more »

As a lover of historical fiction, I’m always on the hunt for excellent reads, and I’m thrilled that BLUE BIRDS, Caroline Starr Rose’s second novel (following her highly acclaimed debut MAY B.), is available now! Here’s a synopsis of BLUE BIRDS: “It’s 1587 and twelve-year-old Alis has made the long journey with her parents from… Read more »

Today on the blog I’m pleased to host an interview with Darlene Beck Jacobson, whose debut middle grade novel WHEELS OF CHANGE is an inventive look at a window of history as the car was making its debut. Here’s just a bit of the great review Kirkus gave the novel: “Twelve-year-old Emily loves helping her father in… Read more »