Middle-Grade Novels
Glitch
by Laura Martin
Regan Fitz and Elliot Mason have loathed each other for as long as they can remember. They are both in training at the Glitcher Academy, a school designed to prepare kids to go back in time to stop nefarious time travelers from changing the timeline and dramatically altering history forever. But, when they are forced to become glitch partners, they must work together to stop the biggest time crime in Glitcher history.
While I didn't love the bickering that happens between the two main characters in the first couple of chapters of the book, I do appreciate the redemption that happens in their relationship as the story unfolds. It is a fast-paced, action-packed story that sneaks in quite a bit of history.
by Robert McCloskey
Armed with plenty of curiosity, a touch of moxy, and a pet skunk, Home Price foils the plot of 4 sneaky bandits. This charming Leave It To Beaver type misadventure features small-town Americana at its best and will leave readers in stitches...and craving a donut! Each chapter is a stand-alone story making this book a great first read-aloud for families.
The Nerviest Girl in the World
by Melissa Wiley
When a silent picture director comes to her ostrich ranch in Lemon Springs, California, looking for men willing to do dare-devil stunts for his upcoming films, Pearl assumes that she'll be watching her older brothers rope and ride. And she does. But when she rescues a runaway horse that gets spooked by a loud noise on the set one day, Pearl ends up landing a roll on the big screen too. She goes on to be one of the director's most prized talents. This book is loosely based on the life of 19th-century Nickelodeon stuntwoman Pearl White.
Please note: There are three old-timey western swear words sprinkled in the story including, "durn," "sure as heck," and "hells bells." In addition, the Catholic grandmother says, "Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!" and makes the sign of the cross over her chest in one moment of panic.
by Walter R. Brooks
After reading a Sherlock Holmes novel, Freddy, an eccentric pig on Mr. Bean's farm, decides to open a detective agency. Freddy, along with his small band of animal sidekicks, not only inadvertently thwarts the plans of a team of burglars, but also finds a way to stop Simon and his gang of rats from taking over the barn. The story is a series of vignettes. Each chapter is a mini-mystery that all eventually climax with the trial of Freddy's dearest friend, Jinx the Cat, who stands accused of murdering a crow.
This is the third book in the Freddy the Pig series but it is arguably the most well-known of the bunch. Readers do not necessarily have to read the previous two books to appreciate this one.
Parents, Be Aware
The Sun and the Star
by Rick Riordan & Mark Oshiro
From New York Times bestselling author of the Percy Jackson series comes a new stand-alone spin-off title featuring Nico di Angelo, son of Hades, and his boyfriend, Will Solace, the son of Apollo. romantic relationship between the two demigods will be tested when Nico has to face off against a reformed Titan in the lowest part of the underworld. When Will insists on going with him, Nico is faced with the possibility of losing the person most precious to him. Can Will's light withstand the darkest dark?
Things to know: The book highlights the same-sex romantic relationship between two demi-gods and features many scenes in the "land of the dead." Since Nico is the son of Hades, he's essentially the offspring of the "god" in charge of Hell.