RAIN REIGN, by Ann M. Martin, Feiwel & Friends

DESCRIPTION: Rose Howard has Asperger’s syndrome, and an obsession with homonyms (even her name is a homonym). She gave her dog Rain a name with two homonyms (Reign, Rein), which, according to Rose’s rules of homonyms, is very special. Rain was a lost dog Rose’s father brought home. Rose and Rain are practically inseparable. And … Continue reading RAIN REIGN, by Ann M. Martin, Feiwel & Friends

OPHELIA, by Charlotte Gingras, Illustrations by Daniel Sylvestre, Groundwood Books, House of Anansi Press

The kids at school call her rag girl because she hides under layers of oversized clothing, but she calls herself Ophelia. She hardly speaks to anyone — until one day a visiting author comes to give a talk in the school library. The writer speaks about what it means to create art, and at the … Continue reading OPHELIA, by Charlotte Gingras, Illustrations by Daniel Sylvestre, Groundwood Books, House of Anansi Press

TRAPPED IN A VIDEO GAME, #2, Dustin Brady, Andrews McNeil Publishing

Jesse Rigsby is on a mission to save his friend Mark, but first he’s got to shake the Bigfoot chasing him through the school library. And then there’s the velociraptor in the bathroom. Oh yeah, don’t forget about the ginormous flame-throwing bat in the cafeteria. Jesse’s trapped in the invisible world of Go Wild – … Continue reading TRAPPED IN A VIDEO GAME, #2, Dustin Brady, Andrews McNeil Publishing

SPELLED, THE STORYMAKERS SERIES #1, by Betsy Schow, Sourcebooks Fire

Link to Book #2 Review Here Link to Book #3 Review Here Somewhere over the rainbow, all spell is about to break loose… Fairy Tale Survival Rule No. 32: If you find yourself at the mercy of a wicked witch, sing a romantic ballad and wait for your Prince Charming to save the day. Yeah, no thanks. … Continue reading SPELLED, THE STORYMAKERS SERIES #1, by Betsy Schow, Sourcebooks Fire

DREAMING DANGEROUS, by Lauren DeStefano, Bloomsbury Kids

Brassmere Academy for the Extraordinary is a school for orphans with strange and wonderful gifts. Twelve-year-old Plum has lived there forever, and each night, she ventures into her dreams alongside her three best friends, Vien, Gwendle, and Artem, to fight monsters and journey on dangerous quests. But one night, Plum gets a mysterious warning that … Continue reading DREAMING DANGEROUS, by Lauren DeStefano, Bloomsbury Kids

SCHOOL OF CHARM, Lisa Ann Scott, Katherine Tegen Books

Who’s got time for hair curlers and high heels when you’re busy keeping baby turtles alive? Chip has always been a tree-climbin’, fish-catchin’ daddy’s girl. When Daddy dies, Mama moves her and her sisters south to Grandma’s house and Chip struggles to find her place in a family full of beauty queens. Just when she's … Continue reading SCHOOL OF CHARM, Lisa Ann Scott, Katherine Tegen Books

THE LOST PROPERTY OFFICE, by James R. Hannibal, Simon Schuster

James R. Hannibal presents a thrilling adventure through history, complete with mysteries, secret items, codes, and a touch of magic in this stunning middle grade debut. Thirteen-year-old Jack Buckles is great at finding things. Not just a missing glove or the other sock, but things normal people have long given up on ever seeing again. … Continue reading THE LOST PROPERTY OFFICE, by James R. Hannibal, Simon Schuster

XAVIER, ST. GRISWOLD COLLEGE FOR ABANDONED BOYS, by E.M. COOPER, Book One, Self-Published

OVERVIEW: In the first book of the Xavier fantasy series, a 13-year-old boy’s life is pitched into turmoil after his parents abandon him at St Griswold College deep within the Mourn Forest. What secrets have Xavier Jones’ parents hidden from him? Why is the principal, Ms Ratchet so eager to unearth them? Alone and afraid, … Continue reading XAVIER, ST. GRISWOLD COLLEGE FOR ABANDONED BOYS, by E.M. COOPER, Book One, Self-Published

THE MOON STEALERS, AND THE QUEST FOR THE SILVER BOUGH, by Tim Flanagan, Self-published

OVERVIEW: Peter Crisp, a boy with an unusual gift of being able to see things that others cannot, goes missing after spending the night in a graveyard. Two of Peter's school friends, join forces with a Knight of King Arthur to attempt to find him but come across some mysterious engravings which propel them on … Continue reading THE MOON STEALERS, AND THE QUEST FOR THE SILVER BOUGH, by Tim Flanagan, Self-published

PHOENIX, PERADON # 1, by DACCARI BUCHELLI, Self-Published

OVERVIEW: No power is greater than the one you’re willing to sacrifice. Princess Violetta Flame lives her life according to rule, but those rules require her to pay a heavy price. Haunted by a devastating loss, she longs for freedom. When a handsome ruler takes a special interest in her, she senses greater things lie … Continue reading PHOENIX, PERADON # 1, by DACCARI BUCHELLI, Self-Published