Tag: genre: middle grade

title: City of Ghosts (Cassidy Blake #1)

author: Victoria Schwab

my rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
genre(s): Middle Grade, Fantasy, Paranormal

my thoughts: This is Schwab’s first middle grade book and I really enjoyed the story. It definitely had a creepy vibe but wasn’t terrifying (which sometimes I just can’t handle so this was perfect for me). I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. Hopefully it will be released soonish. I recommend this book for those looking for an easy and fun halloween (spooky in general) read.

Finish date: 10/14/18

20. A book by a local author – The Search for WondLa by Tony DiTerlizzi

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Finished 09/18/18

I had a hard time with this prompt so I expanded my area to the state in general. According to his bio, Tony DiTerlizzi resides in LA. I figured eh same state at least sounds good. Also I’m a big fan of The Spiderwick Chronicles. The illustrations are wonderful and enhanced the story. It helped paint the world DiTerlizzi created. The story itself dragged or felt stagnant in some places. I’m interested to find out what happened to the earth in the rest of this trilogy.

A6. An allegory – The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

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Finished 07/29/18

I loved this. What fun, seriously. I don’t have anything bad to say about it. A very whimsical and playful read with a deep message. I loved the illustrations that went along with the story. This was a joyful and fast, easy read. I definitely recommend this book.

40a. A book you own but have never read – Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson

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Finished 07/12/18

Now I saw another person doing this challenge separate #40 Your favorite prompt from the 2015, 2016, or 2017 POPSUGAR Reading Challenges into 3 parts for each year. I loved the idea and decided to try it as well. This prompt comes from the 2015 popsugar reading challenge.

Originally I bought this book for a children’s lit class I was taking in college but I never read it. 3 years later I finally got around to reading it and I enjoyed the story. 4/5th grade me would have absolutely loved this book.

27. A book set on a different planet – A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

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Finished 07/07/18

I chose this book because I always had an interest in reading it. When I went to the bookstore there was a section dedicated to this book because of the movie coming out and I figure why not and decided to buy it. And this folks, is why I borrow my books from the library and then only buy my favorites. With the money I spent on this book I could have bought a different book that I wanted more. Now that’s not to say this book was horrible but I was not blown away like many reviews suggested. It was okay but mostly weird, like a long winded story that your parent is making up as they go along after you asked for a bedtime story. I’m not sure if I’ll continue on with the series or not.

title: Nightmares! (Nightmares! #1)

author: Jason Segel and Kirsten Miller

my rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
genre(s): Middle Grade, Horror

my thoughts: under the cut for possible spoilers.

This was a fun and quick read. I came across this book while browsing the children’s section at my library. I love middle grade books and I definitely had a few good laughs while reading this, I also shed some tears. A heart-warming story about facing your fears and finding support from those who care about you. I’m looking forward to continuing with this series.

Finish date: 07/05/18

title: George

author: Alex Gino

my rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
genre(s): Middle Grade, Lgbtqa+, Contemporary

my thoughts: under the cut for possible spoilers

A very heart-warming and realistic story. George is struggling to find a way to for everyone around her, including her mother to see that she is a girl and not a boy. This is a very quick read, only 200 pages and so very important and beautifully written. One thing that I loved about this story was that George has a supportive friend that she is able to confide in. I also appreciate the questions and answers by Alex Gino in the back of the book, it’s a great way to educate the reader.

Finish date: 07/02/18

title: Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them (Hogwarts Library)

author: Newt Scamander

my rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
genre(s): Fantasy, YA, Middle Grade

my thoughts: What a fun book! Very easy read, only took one day to finish. I love that the book is authored by Newt Scamander. There were a lot of fun facts and information about the magical creatures from the Harry Potter series. Recommended for Harry Potter series lovers.

Finish date: 06/15/18

title: The Old Willis Place

author: Mary Downing Hahn

my rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
genre(s): Middle Grade, Horror, Mystery

my thoughts: Mary Downing Hahn is one of my favorite childhood authors. I have been reading her books since elementary school and the stories are always interesting and fun. I recommend this book if you like middle grade stories and want an interesting and easy read.

Finish date: 06/15/18