Month: April 2025

On the Block

On the BlockOn the Block: Stories of Home by Ellen Oh
ISBN: 0593648447
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“On the Block: Stories of Home” is a collection of short stories about kids living in an apartment building and their different cultures. Edited by Ellen Oh and featuring stories written by many popular middle grade authors, each chapter in this book is about a different kid living in the building and their various situations. All of the stories are interesting and the characters are very realistic. The only critique is that the stories didn’t really feel like they were all set in the same apartment building, but each chapter is great on its own. A must-buy for all middle grade fiction collections.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

four-stars

The Curse of the Dead Man’s Diamond

The Curse of the Dead Man’s DiamondThe Curse of the Dead Man's Diamond by Christyne Morrell
on September 17, 2024
ISBN: 0593707605
Genres: Adventure, Supernatural
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

“The Curse of the Dead Man’s Diamond” is a middle grade paranormal fiction novel about Charlotte, a girl who is forced to move with her dad from New York to a small town in Florida. Their new house is creepy and supposedly haunted by ghosts. There is supposed to be a cursed diamond hidden in the house and Charlotte wants to find it and sell it to move back to New York.

The point of view of the book switches between Charlotte and the ghosts. Kids who have reluctantly had to move will empathize with Charlotte and her single-minded desire to go back “home.” A funny and not really frightening story, this is an additional purchase for libraries where paranormal fiction is popular.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

three-stars