Middle Grade Readers Will Love This Book
924344
When Adams mother inherits a mansion the whole family move from a small crowded home to luxury, tennis courts and swimming pools  the whole works. When they are moving in Adam meets Edward Lawrence, a young teenage ghost who has lived in the home since his death in 1945.

Adam learned early that he can see ghosts and their auras and only his Grandpa George knows. He is nonplussed when he encounters Edward but soon discovers that the ghost has a lot of attitude. He sets some pretty rigid rules for Adam and his family to live in his house.

Adam knows that he has to get rid of the ghost and find out why he hasn't gone to the light. He discovers more about Edwards history with the help of his other friend Isabel. Isabel is also a ghost but much more friendly and accommodating.

During one of their confrontations, Edward Lawrence threatens to send Warrior Spirits to get Adam and his family out of their new home and Adam is worried. Hes not sure what Warrior Spirits are or how to deal with them. He enlists the help of Grandpa George, Isabel and Sir John, a professional ghost communicator. But does he have the skills and the knowledge to outwit the very stubborn Edward?

This is a nice book written for middle grade readers. Im sure that they will enjoy this non-threatening portrayal of ghosts and be able strengthen their understanding of what happens after death.

The character of Adam is a good role model for young readers. Hes kind to his sister, looks after the dog and behaves in a sensible, compassionate manner throughout the book. Im sure hell be a great his with Sally Goulds intended audience. I was given a free copy of this book for an honest review. I think it's a good book that most children will enjoy.
3471141
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Tonya Duncan Ellis hits the ground running with this perfect book for late elementary/early middle school readers. As an older reader, QUEEN OF THE BEE spoke to all my kid fears. I remember vividly tryouts for the fifth grade spelling bee, where I accidentally spelled canyon with a K. So I got to live vicariously through Sophie as she spelled words correctly, which was a lot of fun.
Ellis does a brilliant job with the sibling dynamic. Sophies relationship with her younger brother is spot-on. Most of the time, they argue like kids do, but theres a moment where Sophies brother shows he really loves his sister under all the sibling rivalry. It was one of the sweetest things Ive ever read. Sophies relationship with her parents is similarly realistic. Proud parents balance out discipline evenly. This book even features the cool grandma coming to visit and spoiling the kids. Adorable.
The tension was great. Sophies enemy, Nate (aka Mr. Know-It-All), was the perfect antagonist. Ellis even provided a few glimpses into Nates life outside of pestering Sophie, and they were a great addition to the story. I felt for Nate and would love to see a later book where Sophie and Nate become allies. Sophies guts could help Nate out.
Ellis is definitely a childrens/middle grade author to look out for. She blends entertainment and education (both academic and otherwise) seamlessly. The spelling bee is a great backdrop for the typical struggles of elementary school. Im looking forward to more of these books.
1475660
This Book is FABULOUS for the Middle Graders!  I have to say that the world creation is absolutely perfect for the story.  I love how the Author used Fae.  And I loved how the threat isn't like most paranormal stories where the "creature" worries that humans will discover they are different.  Although that is an aspect of course it isn't the main threat, and I felt that was perfect in a paranormal story.

The Characters in this story are extremely well defined, and very realistic.  Cindy Cipriano used such normal every day things in this story.  Things that tweens deal with on an every day occurrence.  Such as when Calum's best friend suddenly thinks he is too cool to be friends with Calum.  The normal boy versus girl issue is here as well, where it just isn't cool for a boy to be friends with a girl.  Such normal things that most kids will deal with and the author made it easy to see not only those issues, but how Calum dealt with them.

I give this book 5 stars and must applaud the author for world creation.  The world she created is both normal and extraordinary. A world filled with magic and mystery.  A world where Faeries do exist but are unlike anything you have ever imagined before.  A world which will suck you in and leave you craving more.  This is a wonderful addition to any Middle Grade Library.  And since it is a series I truly believe it will keep the kids reading.

Details/Disclaimer: Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
1870310
Ethan's Secret is a well written middle grade novel featuring friendship, romance, and mystery! The book focuses on POV characters Kelsey, an upbeat middle school girl who cares deeply about her friends and classmates, and Ethan, the black-clad new kid who tries to be tough, but isn't entirely successful. As Ethan and Kelsey are drawn together, Kelsey's natural curiosity leads her to delve a bit too deeply into the secret Ethan is trying to hide...

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review, and while it isn't the type of book I would normally read, I enjoyed it and read it quickly. While it's a little simplistic for what I would imagine most adults enjoy, it is well executed, with lots of interesting plot lines, interpersonal dynamics between characters, and a surprising ending! If you're looking for a middle grade novel featuring some of the tougher issues these kids face, while still fast-paced and enjoyable, this is your book!
3202191
I feel much the same about this installment in the Saranormal series as I did about the first one, Ghost Town. It was very cute, and just what I was looking for: a fun, light, middle grade read. I liked the spooky factor, and the building suspense and drama. I think middle grade readers (whom this story is intended for) will be on the edge of their seats for much of this story. I liked that this book continued with the same cast of characters, and that I got to know them more. I also liked the addition of some new friends, and a love interest for Sara. It has themes of fitting in, friendship, jealousy, and first crushes. An ideal read for middle grade students who are seeking a fun read with a little bit of creep factor, I would recommend this series. Please note, my rating is based on my own personal enjoyment of this story - fun, cute, but not mind-blowing - however, I do believe it would be a huge hit with the younger crowd! I will be continuing on with this series when I am in the mood for a quick read.
2910833
With finesse, this book tackles a difficult topic while sticking to a realistic middle grader's life.

Mattie is a good student, loves books and has two very good friends. She also has a crush on a guy, which seems out of her reach. When she tries to figure out whether this guy is worth her time, she runs into Gemma and soon finds herself maybe crushing on her. . .maybe. When a theater production has her playing Romeo and Juliet with Gemma, things even get more complicated.

The one thing which impresses right away with this book is the fantastic middle grade voice. The girls are eighth graders (bordering between middle grade and YA), but they hold true to the eighth grade voice through and through. The concerns, thoughts and actions fit perfectly to the age group, and the characters could be friends in any kid's class. Drama ranks high as Mattie fights against peer pressure and deals with the opinions of those around her. Luckily, she has a good set of friends, who hold to her and treat her with gentle understanding.

There's a lot of fun in these pages, and it mixes masterfully into the more serious topic. The read is light and engaging without ever weighing down. Although Gemma struggles to figure out her emotions and feelings for both a guy and a girl, the author never presses this theme too hard. It comes across as a natural predicament kids of this age group might face and doesn't go into what happens beyond. Mattie's feelings could be those of pure friendship or they might develop into something more. This innocence speaks volumes.

Much of the story rotates around Romeo and Juliet, and while this offers a lovely background to the plot, there were times that it went a bit to deep. Many middle graders are not that familiar with Shakespeare and some parts of this story might fly by readers of the intended age group.

Summed up, this is a lovely read for girls ages nine to thirteen which takes a modern day topic and handles it in a very, age appropriate manner.

I received a complimentary copy, enjoyed it and wanted to leave my thoughts.
1860447
This book has it all - fighting, plotting, sibling rivalry, weird experiences, adventure, mystery and battles. In short, everything that appeals to middle school readers. The plot rolls along at a good pace and hooks you in from the very start, with believable characters that are easily related to - we all know a Landon and a Broden, right..?

A must-have for any child's library with real-life lessons built in.
3379452
Liam Moiser's debut novel will most definitely make an entertaining and fun read for middle graders.

The main character Samantha is just beginning to adjust to her school, which has been relocated to the English countryside. But when a close friend is in trouble, Samantha and her mates take risks to help her and save their school's legacy at the same time.

At times, the book's major events are disconnected from the plot, but it is an fun story where readers will find themselves relating to Samantha.
1814446
Bought this for a middle schooler who LOVED the story line.
1074143
I knew I had to read this book from reading the first sentence! I do feel that this book will appeal to those in the middle school grades,  but I am a librarian in an awesome elementary school and I have been reading this book to my 4th graders and they are loving it! This book was recommended to me by another teacher she said it was a good story she was right!
43471
I was lucky enough to read an advance copy of SEARCHING FOR SILVERHEELS, which I have been looking forward to. The binding says it is coming out in September--so get ready! This is a perfect book for middle-school classrooms and libraries, for girls who love mysteries or historical fiction or who are from Colorado. Hint: anyone with an affiliation with Wellesley College will also want to read this novel for a surprise revelation that comes toward the end!

SEARCHING FOR SILVERHEELS is a compelling and distinctive historical novel, set in a small town in Colorado in 1914. The main character, thirteen-year-old Pearl, is an unusual heroine for a historical novel nowadays because rather than being the familiar feisty girl who resists the constraints imposed upon her by her gender, she is sweet, obedient, romantic, and dreamy. Helping her mother in the Silverheels Cafe she has plenty of time to swoon over handsome boys and wonder about the legend of the beautiful Silverheels--but in the cafe, she also encounters and has to deal with sour elderly patron Josie Gilbert, who is forever distributing suffragist pamphlets and alienating the customers.

Pearl reluctantly gets to know Josie better, as she searches for the truth behind the legend of Silverheels, and must help Josie when she faces dire consequences for her political actions. As Pearl uncovers secrets about Silverheels, she comes to a greater understanding of people in her town, of her family, and of the possibilities of life as a woman. The novel is deftly plotted; the characters are rich and believable; and the story is gripping with some wonderfully humorous moments (as when Pearl is roped into participating in a kissing booth at the Fourth of July picnic.) A wonderful second novel by the author of the much-lauded KATERINA'S WISH.
4851497
Truly a wonderful book for a middle elementary reader. I am a classroom teacher, and this will be a book that I share with my students each year. It does well to address pertinent racial issue in a healthy manner for discussion with children in a classroom setting. The author also clearly did his research to give the historical context and accurate picture. Students will love and benefit from having the opportunity to interact and engage with this text.
4421406
I found this tale to be an exciting foray into fantasy. It is my opinion that it will be best appreciated by middle-graders to young high school age. The writing is reminiscent of Madeline L'Engle, and the adventure is non-stop. The kids had one dangerous quest after another. Some of the monster violence would be very exciting to kids in the 10-13 age range, bordering on the gruesome, but not overdoing it. A well-done fantasy that any gender reader would enjoy, but especially ages 9-14. Again, this is my recommendation; I don't know what age group the author was aiming for. I wish this series had come along when I was reading the Wrinkle in Time series, Chronicles of Narnia and Anne McAffrey as a girl. I would have loved this book back then! I plan on having my 9/10 year old read this to get his opinion, but I'm guessing he'll love it.
276618
I loved this book. The main character was great, so was the plot, and the emotions were so realistic. It's a wonderful Middle Grade for baseball-loving and family-loving kiddos.
3940949
I was very happy to be asked to review Tales of a Fifth Grade Knight by Douglas Gibson in exchange for a free copy of the book. This is a fun, fast-paced fantasy novel for middle grades. As a librarian, Id probably offer it to children who are ready to move up from short chapter books like the Magic Treehouse, Time Warp Trio or the Dragon Master series. It should also appeal to children who love tales with knights and quests.

Tales of a Fifth Grade Knight opens with three friends, Isaac, Max and Emma at an after school rehearsal for their class play. The rehearsal runs late and then Isaacs little sister Lily is nowhere to be found. Angry at Lily for making them even later, Isaac behaves badly, causing Lily to lose the plastic gem from her pretend crown. A repentant Isaac and friends search for the gem even though it takes them into the schools creepy basement---where they get locked in! Leave it to Lily to find a secret exit and get lost again. They three friends are in for more than they bargained for when they follow Lily through a tunnel and into a city of elves and their servants. How will the three ever find Lily there?

Douglas does a great job of creating oddly fantastic characters or grotesques such as a giant ear with legs and an army of guard rats that may not be the sharpest crayons in the box. This is a talent that he shares with Tony Abbott, as shown in The Secrets of Droon series and L. Frank Baum, author of the Wizard of Oz. He relies on his own imagination rather than using standard fantasy characters such as goblins and pixies. Sure there are elves in this story but there are a lot of uniquely strange creatures as well.

Isaac and his friends Max and Emma make a terrific ensemble, each with their own strengths to contribute to the group as a whole. While Isaac isn't very nice to his sister in the beginning, he more than makes up for his behavior before the end of the book and shows he has the makings of a good leader. Max has knowledge of knights and quest stories and turns out to be a pretty fair riddle maker as well. Emma finds she has more heart and courage than anyone had suspected. Together they are a match for the elves and their servants.

My conclusion is that Tales of a Fifth Grade Knight is a great choice for independent readers or as a read aloud with younger children. Im looking forward to the next book in the series.
1954732
This is a wonderful, thought provoking  book. Although it was written for middle schoolers, it has value for readers of any age. I highly recommend it.
25152
There's so much to love about this unique middle-grade book with its intriguing plot line, its unusual setting, and most of all its smart, sassy heroine. I also enjoyed the realistic and complex relationships between the kids, including the "enemies" with the main characters and with each other, the existing and newly developing friendships, and the lovely sibling relationship. The science is nicely woven into the history, mythology, and mystery elements as well. Thoroughly charming and highly recommended!