I was thrilled to be invited as a participant in the Heirloom book tour. In fact, I was thrilled to find the series for my tween son, who loves nothing better than to help me in our large garden on a warm summer morning. It’s sufficiently scary for tweens without being overwhelmingly so. It’s definitely middle grade, […]
Princess Kandake, by Stephanie Jefferson, 2012
Historical fiction is still one of my favorite genres, and Princess Kandake is a real treat. Stephanie Jefferson has created a strong teen female lead and set her within ancient Nubia. Kandake knows exactly what she wants, and she’s determined to go after it. Then life throws her a curve. How can she meet her obligations and […]
Magian High, by Lia London, 2012
I have about a dozen posts from my self-hosted site (now closed down) that I’d like to save on this one. I’ll be adding them on Fridays. If you were subscribed to that site, you can just ignore them. All three high schools in Kincaid Riley’s town are being desegregated, which means the Mages will […]
Fablehaven, by Brandon Mull, 2006-2010
I missed this series when it first came out, but I’ve heard it mentioned so many times that I had to read it for myself. Wow! What an awesome middle grade fantasy series! I was hooked in the first chapter. I checked all five books out from the library this summer then had to battle […]
The Silver Chair, by C.S. Lewis, book review
The Silver Chair is my least favorite book in the Narnia series, but that by no means makes it junk. Eustace returns and brings with him a new character, a schoolmate by the name of Jill Pole. Immediately Aslan sets them a task: locate and rescue Prince Rilian, son of King Caspian, who was kidnapped ten […]
Sir Nathan and the Quest for Queen Gobbledeegook, by Mark Simon Smith, 2012, Book Review
MMGM is a weekly meme hosted by middle grade author, Shannon Messenger. My sons both enjoyed this book. The humor is droll, the plot straightforward, and the details random enough to engage young readers. Consider Jubb Jubb Trees that fall into piles of lumber with a precise kick, Hootentoot leaves that scream with fright when they […]
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (Chronicles of Narnia, book three), by C.S. Lewis, 1952
MMGM is a weekly meme hosted by middle grade author, Shannon Messenger. Lewis does a great job creating different adventures within the Narnian series. Of all the installments, books one and two are probably the most alike. After that, characters begin to shift, settings change, and the plots vary widely. In The Voyage of the Dawn […]
The Secret DMS Files of Fairday Morrow, by Jessica Haight and Stephanie Robinson
MMGM is a weekly meme hosted by middle grade author, Shannon Messenger. This is a fun chance for me to review a book that hasn’t been published yet. Jessica Haight and Stephanie Robinson run a popular blog that goes by the same name as their book. After keeping in touch for a year or so, I decided […]
Prince Caspian (The Chronicles of Narnia, book two), by C.S. Lewis, 1951, Book Review
In this second Narnian installment, the four Pevensie children return to the magical land they once ruled, called back by Queen Susan’s horn. They land at the ruins of Cair Paravel just in time to free the Old Narnians from the evil, usurping King Miraz and put the rightful heir on the throne. For though […]
The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain, Lloyd Alexander, 1973, Book Review
MMGM is a weekly meme hosted by middle grade author, Shannon Messenger. (Finally! A meme that fits perfectly with my content!) Most of you know how much I LOVE the Chronicles of Prydain. They’re an older MG fantasy series (1960’s) that won plenty of awards in their day, yet they have a lingering worth for today’s readers. […]