The Chronicles of Middle Grade

Everyone goes through a dinosaur phase, right? I know I did, and I’m certain some of the kids you work with are fossil-heads. This one is for them. Deborah Noyes, acclaimed author of middle grade nonfiction favorites THE MAGICIAN AND THE SPIRITS and TEN DAYS A MADWOMAN, here turns her attention to Edward Cope and Charles Marsh, the original dino buffs, who chased each other across North America throughout the mid-nineteenth century, competing for choice finds in fossil beds for the prestige of naming species, displaying their spoils in rival museums, and ultimately—whether they meant to or not—forming the foundations of the modern field of paleontology. Incorporating extensive back matter and fascinating images of the bones in these scientists’ original sketches, TOOTH AND CLAW is both accessible and immersive, a breeze to read and a fascinating study of two of history’s most volatile frenemies.

Here is the book you don’t want to miss. Really, put it at the top of your TBR pile right now. It has all the makings of a true middle grade classic—gorgeous writing, a strong sense of place, an inspiring heroine, and a charming supporting cast. Debut author Kate Allen expertly navigates family, loss and hope through the story of Lucy, the daughter of a marine biologist and a rescue diver, who finds herself thrust into completing her late mother’s shark research when she is once again confronted with insurmountable grief. THE LINE TENDER is heartbreaking, deeply moving, and a true gift for readers who seek meaning and connection. I can’t wait for the world to read and love it too.

Two Sentence Recap: Virginia Laydon, an infant at the end of Blood on the River, has now grown up in a colony that is teetering dangerously on the precipice of conflict with the native Algonquins. Virginia has the gift, or the curse, of the knowing-an ability that could help save the colony, and is equally likely to land her at the burning stake as an accused witch.

Elisa Carbone’s BLOOD ON THE RIVER: JAMES TOWN 1607 is a staple in classrooms around the country. After 12 years, POISON IN THE COLONY is the new companion to BLOOD ON THE RIVER and it picks up right where the last one left off. Virginia Laydon, an infant at the end of BLOOD ON THE RIVER, has now grown up in a colony that is teetering dangerously on the precipice of conflict with the native Algonquins. Virginia has the gift, or the curse, of the knowing—an ability that could help save the colony, and is equally likely to land her at the burning stake as an accused witch. When accusations and danger threaten, Virginia flees on her own, resulting in a journey of survival and self-realization. As with BLOOD ON THE RIVER, Carbone has a great sense of place and it feels like you’re in James Town as you’re flipping through this page-turning story. Virginia is a fascinating character as she has seen the colony of James Town grow over the years and it’s a fascinating perspective from that of Samuel in the first book. If you have BLOOD ON THE RIVER in your class or library, you’ll want this companion! 

Two Sentence Recap: Out of the thirty-two pro hockey teams that compete, only one can call itself the champion and proudly hoist up the Stanley Cup--the oldest sports trophy in the world! From the formation of the leagues and the crowning of the first championship-winning team, to the Rangers' Stanley Cup curse and the uncertain fate of the teams during the Spanish flu epidemic, this book recounts the highs and lows of this exciting ice hockey series.

Two Sentence Recap: Dory has her first loose tooth, and, with her usual over-the-top excitement, she cannot stop talking about the tooth fairy. This not only drives her siblings crazy, but it also sparks a serious jealous streak in her nemesis, Mrs. Gobble Gracker, who wants all of Dory’s attention to herself.

Two Sentence Recap: CJ's Aunt Nic is a psychic medium who tours the country speaking to spirits from Far Away, passing on messages from the dearly departed. CJ has been using Aunt Nic to talk to her dearly departed mother, but when she finds out that she won’t be able to converse with her anymore, CJ sets off on a road trip to locate the one object that she believes will tether her mother’s spirit back to Earth.

As we enter into this companion novel to THE MAD WOLF’S DAUGHTER, we find Drest, Tig, and Emerick on the cusp of a brand-new adventure. They’ve escaped Faintree Castle and Sir Oswyn along with Drest’s father and brothers. But now, Oswyn has put a price on Drest’s head for supposedly killing Emerick, and they not only have to run from the knights who are loyal to Oswyn, but also the knights that are loyal to Emerick. This is a fast-paced, fantastic adventure novel. It can either be read as part of a series, or as a stand-alone, and either way, kids will fall head-over-heels for the daring acts, feats of bravery, feminist heroes, and, above all, the kindness and empathy that Drest shows her fellow man.

One Sentence Recap: The inspirational real-life stories of superstar athletes Serena and Venus Williams, Simone Biles, Carli Lloyd, and more! For sports fans, aspiring athletes and readers of sports biographies.

Two Sentence Recap: As summer turns to fall, our favorite warlord cat remains in his pitiful exiled existence. But Raj has an even scarier prospect than cosmic exile: starting at a new school.