Middle readers will LOVE this book
358099
The Sisters Grimm: The Unusual Suspects is the second book in Michael Buckley's delightful series about two sisters, Sabrina and Daphne Grimm. Following their parents disappearance, Sabrina and Daphne Grimm were shuttled from an orphanage to a series of horrible foster homes, homes they ran away from.

The sisters were surprised to learn that the grandmother they thought died, was really alive. While they (at least Sabrina) didn't want to live with Granny Relda, they settled in and immediately learned that their ancestors were the Brothers Grimm (of the fairy-tale Grimms) and Ferryport Landing was not a typical town. The village residents are human and Everafters (fairy-tale characters who fled Europe's persecution).

Sabrina and Daphne didn't want to attend school, but a visit from the cruel child protection worker, Minerva Smirt changed their propensity to playing hooky. It was either school or return to New York. School seemed the lesser evil.

The sisters start school and learn that the principal is the Pied Piper of Hamelin and Daphne's teacher is the beautiful Snow White. The girls soon find that things are a bit 'off' at school. The children seem tired, irritable and some are downright mean. And the teachers, well, one is a cruel bully.

After the first day of school, one of the teachers is found dead. He was tied to the ceiling in a monstrous spider web. An investigation is begun. There's a monster loose and if the case isn't solved, it could have dire consequences for Sabrina, Daphne, their family and Ferryport Landing.

Will the arrogant mayor (Prince Charming) mend his ways? What will happen to Mr. Canis and his nighttime problems? Will Snow White be strong? Will the secret room and Mirror help the girls find their parents?

I love this series. It's exciting and fast-paced. The characters are delightful and the suspense aspect will thrill middle readers.

Armchair Interviews says: The Sisters Grimm is a series that will become a favorite.
2511514
A FANTASTIC middle grade adventure that will keep your kids hooked from page one. Cantwell writes the adolescent voice masterfully and presents well-rounded characters that are so easy to connect with. A certifiably nuanced fantasy.
23819
3.25 Stars An appropriate book for middle-grades readers who like quests, riddles, and birds. It's light-hearted and has an intriguing plot, but sometimes the story drags. The characters are of a typical, hodgepodge variety, but satisfactory and familiar. The book may appeal to girls and boys since the main group of characters includes both sexes. Lots of potential and ends with the possibility of a sequel.

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3983761
My 9 year old niece just loved the creative and bizarre nature of this book but she is an advanced reader and could cope with the reading level of the book. The reading level of this book is probably at the 7th grade level, but the imagination will hold charm for a 4th - 5th grade level.

The book is about an experimental school that offers unique education methods. Parents want to get their misfit kids into the school to in a desperate attempt to get them to learn. The school uses unique teaching methods  from a multiplication table that will multiply anything to pills, when swallowed, give you instant knowledge.

Middle-School Cools underlying message is that kids are different and different methods, however bizarre, can enable learning.

A good summer read to get your childs imaginative juices flowing.
3222270
It's pretty marvelous, how this book manages to get the reader to root for a main character who so often goes out of his way to have the opposite effect on so many of the characters around him. Despite his best efforts, I love the character of Trent Zimmerman, and I love Lisa Graff's handling of Trent's flawed relationships so often teetering on the edge of breaking down entirely. Easily one of my favorite middle-grade novels.
2750823
I've read most of Peggy's other books, and though this is a new genre to her as a writer, I think she nailed it!

With two boys in middle school, I've read my share of middle grade books, and this one is perfect! Not only is it an adorable story with plenty of humor and unique and colorful characters, I love that there is a lesson to be learned.

Peggy did a fantastic job of understanding her audience. It's important that the kids in stories at this grade level solve problems for themselves. Theo's parents, as well as the super teacher, Mr. Timms, allow Theo and his super friends to do just that on their own. And even though Theo has a super power, middle graders can still relate to him and his need to fit in when he starts middle school.

I truly love this book, and I love seeing Peggy spread her writing talents into genres for kids. Her super power is the gift of storytelling.
2823625
Engaging story. Great read for middle school grades.  The charm of the tale stayed with me long after I read the book.  This is similar to the my experience after reading  Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine and Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
4515192
I am always excited about the opportunity to read ARCs of middle grade books because my three girls are in the target demographic.  Not only do we get quality time together every night, but they are able to provide valuable feedback for my book reviews.

The Adventures of Henry Whiskers is author Gigi Priebes first book.  She transports the reader to England and introduces us to a young mouse named Henry Whiskers.  Henry and his family live in Windsor Castle; specifically, they live in Queen Marys dollhouse, a grand edifice with functioning appliances and real books, etc.  Henry is always very careful to avoid being detected by the museum staff, but when his little sister goes missing, Henry knows that he is the only one who can find her.  Accompanied by his cousin Jeremy, the two mice set out on a grand adventure to rescue their beloved Isabel.

When I was in elementary school, I loved Beverly Clearys books about Ralph the mouse.  My girls and I actually listened to Audible edition of the first Ralph book over the summer.  Henry Whiskers is somewhat reminiscent of the Ralph books, but Priebe makes Henry wholly original.  My girls loved reading Henry Whiskers, and they were always disappointed when it was time to stop for the evening.

One thing that really struck me about this book is Henrys need to do the right thing.  This goes beyond the obvious gesture of rescuing his younger sister in her time of need; Henry also goes out of his way to perform an act of kindness even though he is preoccupied with rescuing his sister.  Furthermore, Henry feels compelled to return something that he has borrowed, even though doing so would place him in danger.  Finally, Henry sees beyond superficial characteristics and reaches out to some unlikely allies.

I would absolutely recommend The Adventures of Henry Whiskers to children in elementary school.  Younger children might also enjoy having this book read out loud, but the book is rather short as far as chapter books go, making it more accessible to children who are gaining confidence in their reading abilities and beginning to seek out longer books.  We are all hoping for more Henry Whiskers books in the future!

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
2600219
I am a middle school teacher and assigned this book as group reading with some trepidation. I wasn't sure how the book would be received. It has been overwhelming voted the "Best Middle School Reading Assignment" by my group of 7th and 8th graders. We usually take 2 weeks to finish a book of this length. Everyone had finished the book within the first week. The "new" language appealed to my students as did the twist on"Ryder." This is a terrific book for the age level.
4273050
A delightful story that both middle grade students and adults can enjoy!
2231895
Murphy, Gold Rush Dog is a great book for middle grade readers who enjoy historical dog stories. While the book is told by Murphy, he behaves just like a dog so there aren't any fantasy elements here. Murphy and Sally make a great pair with Sally's gumption leading them into plenty of danger, but Murphy's good sense and instincts helping them out again.  The details felt real and the author manages to cover many of the details that made life in the Alaskan gold fields so difficult and dangerous.  I appreciated the notes at the end explaining where those details came from and what elements of the story were real.  There is plenty of excitement for young readers with Murphy and Sally facing off with thieves, an avalanche, a bear, and a moose.  The bravery that Murphy and Sally exhibit in the face of difficult odds makes for an enjoyable read.
699996
I enjoyed reading this book, and think it works best with young readers, around 12-16. As an adult, I had some issues, but in the realm of YA fiction, it is a great fit. The story has some simple metaphors that can easily be understood by the earlier mentioned age range, and I think it has a good introduction of those for them. Understanding intuition versus reason is important for those going through that time period and growing up in general. Will definitely recommend to the mid-scene reader. I also liked the pacing.
3502317
This is a delightful book.  I started reading it with my six year-old, but he soon zoomed ahead of me, curious to discover what might happen next in the halls of Tiddlywhump Elementary School.  Moxie and Milton are exactly the kind of creative, funny, lovable kids that my own child would want to befriend.  Indeed, they became my son's friends for 15 whole chapters.  He finished the book a few days ago, and has already begun to read it again.  Unlike many heavily illustrated books for middle readers, the dialog flows in sequence down the page, making it both visually satisfying and easy for young readers to follow.  The whimsical pictures helped the prose to jump off the page, and the plot twists kept us turning pages.

We can't wait to read more about the adventures of Moxie and Milton as they continue to solve mysteries and to make us smile.
199798
Great middle grade book! I would say ages 10+.  The story grabs you from the start and has great plot twists!
572824
One of the most important ingredients for a great middle-grade novel is voice, and Mibs has it with some to spare. Her Southern sayings and acute observations are delivered with an innocent honesty that is as charming as can be. Law does a great job of balancing Mibs's gradual discovery of her savvy with her confusion about more typical thirteen year old worries, like the harsh words of older girls and the lingering gaze of a cute preacher's son.

All of the characters jump right off the page; I particularly loved Mibs's moody, broody little brother Samson. The book also has its fair share of funny but touching moments, like Mibs's memory of her Grandma Dollop's funeral, where the mourners let their magical powers run rampant in their grief. Even the ending was a satisfying mix of heart-warming and heartbreaking.

But it wasn't until a few hours after I finished reading that I realized what it was I loved about Savvy. It left me with the same feeling - and I'm about to utter my most holiest of holy compliments - as reading a Roald Dahl book when I was younger. He has always been my all-time favorite children's author; his stories just enchanted me, and still do. And with Savvy, Law has captured his ability to not just to create a magical world, but to make the real world itself sparkle with magic all its own.

~review by YA Highway,[...]
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.
210543
Both of my middle school children loved this book. Both even cried. It made me even want to read it for myself. Glad we could rent it from the library.