Book Lists!

Before Putin’s Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, many people elsewhere knew only a little about the country. Recent nonfiction and fiction books on Ukraine for Middle-Grade readers can help them understand what Ukrainians are fighting so fiercely to defend. Most of these books appeared in 2022, and many of their publishers will contribute sales profits to Ukrainian relief. NONFICTION: Ukraine is known for  the beautiful golden-domed architecture of its cities and the richness of its culture and language. It is also called “The Breadbasket of Europe” because other countries in Europe and the world depend on its abundant harvests of grain for food. Blue Skies and Golden Fields: Celebrating Ukraine, by Ukrainian children’s author Oksana Lushchevska (Capstone Press, 2022), covers Ukraine’s  history of withstanding invasion and domination by other countries, including Russia.  Lusgchevska also aims to immerse young readers in the Ukrainian culture. There is one whole section on sunflowers, the national flower and symbol of Ukraine. She...

This month brings a mix of fiction and nonfiction for MG readers. I’m looking forward to putting these books in the hands of patrons at Annie Blooms Books where I’m a part time bookseller. But I’m also a full time writer and I have a big deadline in November so...

October is bringing in a bounty of New Middle Grade Books – perfect for curling up on a crisp fall day.   Jeff Pennant’s Field Guide To Raising Happy Parents by Kelli McKinney Why don’t parents come with an instruction manual? Enjoy childhood, they say. I will. I do. Or,...

    Margo here, working to keep the (A) in STE(A)M. Science purists might think the (A) is unimportant but I’m here to argue that it is Very Important. and I will present reasons why. For instance, this month’s theme is “rivers.” This week, I have examples of books about...

It’s back to school season . . . and back to the school library too! Which books will be filling those shelves? Maybe some of these great new middle grade releases. Here are a few to check out, releasing this month. Happy back-to-school reading! How to Find What You’re Not...

It’s summertime and the reading is easy. Take a look at just a few of the middle-grade books coming out this month:   Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonzalez and Gabriela Epstein (illustrator) Can five overlooked kids make one big difference? There’s George: the brain. Sara: the loner. Dayara: the tough...

One of the very best things about the place where I live is that there is a fun mountain hike less that 10 minutes from my house. Which means, on a good week, I’ve climbed the trail to the summit at least once and have hiked the foothills trail around...