Middle Grade

A red cover with a large record in the centre and yellow lightning bolts indicating sound coming from the record. A figure with a lampshade over their head is on the left hand side of the image.

The Genius Hour Project by Leanne Shirtliffe

August 24, 2024 by Sarah Butland

This book defies any idea of a target audience. It is a story that should be read by anyone who has allowed fear and societal expectations get in the way of doing or being what they love.

Cover of the The Last Witch of Skye. Shows a friendly witch being followed by two stereotypical Scottish children.

The Last Witch on Skye by Carolyn J. Nicholson

August 18, 2024 by Sue Slade

During the Ban the Witches and Fairies (BW&F) Party’s witch hunts, Magaidh’s family relocated to Greenland, but Magaidh, the last witch on Skye, transformed herself into a cat and hid in Castle MacLeod for 2 years. The Last Witch on Skye by Carolyn J. Nicholson, begins with the successful mission of finding the stolen Fairy Flag and restoring it to its proper place. With the flag restored, the portal between the realms will remain open allowing the supernaturals to pass back and forth.

How to Kidnap a Mermaid by Andy Tolson

August 22, 2024July 26, 2024 by Sue Slade

How to Kidnap a Mermaid by Andy Tolson is the first book in his middle-grade fantasy series; The Quests of Tiny Wilde, to be released by Nimbus Publishing in August.

Pride Month Throwback: Thanks a Lot, Universe by Chad Lucas

June 12, 2024June 3, 2024 by Sue Slade

Chad Lucas’ debut novel, Thanks A Lot, Universe, is a perfect example of why I enjoy middle-grade novels, even in my 50s.

Luna and the Heart of the Forest by Adam Karlin

May 12, 2024May 11, 2024 by Andy Tolson

Luna and the Heart of the Forest is a beautifully written and evocative modern fairy tale set in the wilds and water of Newfoundland.

A dog in a super hero cape in a pet store window. The title is on the window. There is a dog with yellow and black patches and a red leash sitting in front of the window.

Pet Tales by Heidi Tattrie Rushton

April 19, 2024 by Sarah Butland

An empowering read for young readers while also greatly appealing to an audience of all ages.

An old style war plan flies across the centre of the image, slightly angled away from the viewer. We view the side of the plane. The title is in red letters just above the plane, and the author's name is just below. The sky in the background is yellow, grey, and blue.

Beyond Amelia by Heather Stemp

April 17, 2024 by Sue Slade

This month will see the release of Heather Stemp’s third and final book in her Ginny Ross series Beyond Amelia. Each of these three Middle-Grade/Young Adult novels can be read as a stand alone, but readers who enjoy historical fiction may enjoy reading the entire series.

An illustrated image of a boy in blue playing hockey. There are two boys behind him, one in red. The central boy in blue skates over the title, which is in large black letters. The author's name is in white letters on a blue strip over the top of the image.

The Kodiaks: Home Ice Advantage by David A. Robertson

April 14, 2024 by Mala Rai

David A. Robertson has expertly woven age-appropriate teaching moments with all the unknowns of a young adolescent’s sudden upheaval in The Kodiaks.

A turquoise cover of a mountain range. Central is a large rainbow hot air balloon. The title is in white letters diagonally over the balloon part of the hot air balloon. The author's name is just below the basket of the balloon.

Bertie Stewart is Perfectly Imperfect by Melanie Mosher

March 29, 2024 by Sue Slade

I was pleased as punch and over the moon to be given an advanced copy of Melanie Mosher’s upcoming middle-grade release, Bertie Stewart is Perfectly Imperfect!

A girl with her back turned to viewers looks out over a balcony to see a large mountain and a large white bird fly towards her. The title appears just below the bird. The girl holds a sword and her hairs and skirt blow in the wind.

Rebel Skies by Ann Sei Lin

March 21, 2024March 9, 2024 by Andy Tolson

A spirited and unique YA adventure …

a girl with light brown skin in a red checkered dress with a green backpack walks along a dirt path. She is holding red books across her chest. Greenery is behind her. There is a cloudless blue sky. The title is in red letters across the blue sky. The author's name is at the bottom of the image in green lettering.

Shanti Fights for Her Rights by Marcia E. Barss

March 10, 2024March 7, 2024 by Sue Slade

Shanti Fights for Her Rights is a young adult novel by Marcia E. Barss. Shanti is a 14-year-old girl who lives in a village in eastern India. When I was 14, I was glued to the latest fashion magazines, practicing with make-up, and busy picking out what classes I was going to take in High …