Mundie Moms

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Must Have Middle Grade Reads

This past week on Mundie Kids I reviewed some fantastic middle grade books. I highly recommend picking these books up. Here's a snippet of my reviews:


Published by Aladdin
Released On March 15th, 2011
Ages 8-12
Source: Bought
4.5 stars - A Fantastic Adventure
You can read the rest of my review here
Jason Walker has often wished his life could be less predictable—until a routine day at the zoo ends with Jason suddenly transporting from the hippo tank into a strange, imperiled world. Lyrian holds dangers and challenges unlike anyplace Jason has ever known. The people all live in fear of their malicious wizard emperor, Maldor. The brave resistors who once opposed the emperor have been bought off or broken, leaving a realm where fear and suspicion prevail.

In his search for a way home, Jason meets Rachel, who was also mysteriously drawn to Lyrian from our world. With the help of a few scattered rebels, Jason and Rachel become entangled in a quest to piece together the word of power that can destroy the emperor and learn that their best hope to find a way home will be to save this world without heroes (quoted from Brandon's Site).
A World Without Heros takes readers to an incredible, mesmerizing world for an epic adventure and introduces them to some fantastic, unforgettable characters.
I wish I had a fraction of the imagination talent Brandon Mull has. Beyonders takes world building to a whole new level. I've not read anything quite like this before. It's world full of possibilities, danger, adventure and a place where choices determine your outcome. Aside from the characters, one of things I really enjoyed about this story was how the character's choices always have consequences and impact their journey. Coming from an outside world, the story's main characters Jason and Rachel are bit naive to the new world they've accidentally come into, but smart enough to withstand some of the temptations that come their way. In an unfamiliar place full of strong, indepth characters it's hard to decide who they should trust.


Published by G. Putnam & Sons
Released on May 12th, 2011
Source- ARC from author for review
Ages eight years & up
4.5 stars- A wonderful story about self discovery, love & friendship
You can read the rest of my review here
It's the summer before seventh grade, and twelve-year- old Raine O'Rourke's mother suddenly takes a job hours from home at mysterious Sparrow Road- a creepy, dilapidated mansion that houses an eccentric group of artists. As Raine tries to make sense of her new surroundings, she forges friendships with a cast of quirky characters including the outrageous and funky Josie.

Together, Raine and Josie decide to solve the mysteries of Sparrow Road-from its haunting history as an orphanage to the secrets of its silent, brooding owner, Viktor. But it's an unexpected secret from Raine's own life that changes her forever.
Sparrow Road is a beautifully written, fulfilling read. It's not often I feel well connected to both the characters and the setting with a middle grade read from the get go like I was with with this book. Sheila O'Connor has a talent for writing prose and a magical ability to make her characters and the world they're apart of come to life. There are so many elements I liked about the story that I truly enjoyed every moment of this book.

By Julie Sternberg
Illustrated by Matthew Cordell
Published by Amulet Books/ Abrams
Released on March 1st, 2011
Ages 8-10
Source: publisher for review
4 stars- I really liked it

You can read the rest of my review here.

I had a bad August.

A very bad August.
As bad as pickle juice on a cookie.
As bad as a spider web on your leg.
As bad as the black parts on a banana.
I hope your August was better.
I really do.
When Eleanor's beloved babysitter, Bibi, has to move away to take care of her ailing father, Eleanor must try to bear the summer without Bibi and prepare for the upcoming school year. Her new, less-than-perfect babysitter just isn't up to snuff, and she doesn't take care of things like Bibi used to. But as the school year looms, it's time for new beginnings. Eleanor soon realizes that she will always have Bibi, no matter how far away she is.
Written in a lyrical style with thoughtful and charming illustrations throughout, this remarkable debut novel tells a poignant story of friendship and the bittersweet feelings of growing up.
Eleanor's fresh voice makes this debut book by Julie Sternberg a fun, enjoyable read. Eleanor is learning to cope with losing her best sitter she's had for the last few years, Bibi, who's moving to FL. Not only does Eleanor learn to cope with her moving away, but she's entering 3rd grade and has to learn to be open to a new babysitter.

4 comments:

  1. I can't wait to read Beyonders...I love Brandon Mull!

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  2. I really need to start reading some middle grade books. I have heard nothing but good things about Mull's books.

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  3. i'm in the middle of Beyonders right! Brandon Mull is amazing. and he's super nice also! one of my favorites.

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  4. Thank you for doing this post! I love MG books, and it's great to see them highlight :)

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