Scarlet Morning

February 26, 2026

Scarlet Morning (Scarlet Morning, #1) by N.D. Stevenson
Published by Quill Tree on September 23, 2025
ISBN: 0063210347
Pages: 427
Genres: Adventure, Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship
Format: Middle Grade Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

ND Stevenson’s first installment of a duology, and his first prose novel, is an exciting swashbuckling adventure set upon calamitously salty seas.

Fifteen years ago, the dreaded pirate Scarlet Morning murdered the beloved queen Hail Meridian. In response, pirates were hunted and killed. This precipitated a chain of events that destroyed the land and water, leaving Dickerson’s Sea a wasteland of glacier-like salt blocks and islands drifted with constantly blowing, toxic salt. Survival was difficult at best, particularly for Viola and Wilmur, who raised themselves from a very young age upon one of the most isolated islands of all.

Until one day, a ship appears, plowing through the nearly impassible salt blocks, and someone breaks down their door. It is the terrifying captain of the ship, Cadence Chase. She has come seeking a book that is in their possession; in exchange, they demand passage off the island.

Viola and Wilmur find that while everyone knows pirates were eradicated, the ragtag bunch crewing the ship are awfully…pirate like. When the ship is attacked and they are suddenly separated, the two friends must survive without each other for the first time in their lives. But finding their way back to one another is not their only goal, for as Viola comes to realize, they are also the best hope for saving the enigma that is Scarlet Morning, and in turn, Dickerson’s Sea itself.

This book is truly fantastic. It will appeal to so many readers – both fans of ND Stevenson’s previous work, and also new readers who love adventure, pirate stories, mysterious characters and the drama of long-held secrets. Stevenson has somehow captured the multitudes we all contain, giving so many readers the chance to see themselves reflected. It is a tale that will appeal to those exploring the limits of who they are, and their place in the world, found family, loving friendship, and universal acceptance; but then again, it’s also a layered, rollicking good pirate story with unique, beautifully executed world building. That’s a tall order for a middle grade book, but Scarlet Morning delivers. Partial and full page black and white illustrations, also by Stevenson, add to the drama. The end is a cliffhanger that leaves readers ready for the next installment as soon as possible.

Highly recommend; 5 stars, cream.

-Jenny Martinez, Maine State Library

Danilo Was Here

February 25, 2026

Danilo Was Here by Tamika Burgess
on January 21, 2025
ISBN: 006315966X
Genres: Cultural / Latin America, Family, Sports
Format: Middle Grade Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Danilo Was Here by Tamika Burgess is an, at times, uncomfortably relevant middle grade historical fiction novel set in the aftermath of the United States invasion of Panamá in 1989. Danilo had a lot on his shoulders even before the invasion. His father, who was an exceptional baseball player before getting injured, moved to the US promising, but failing, to send money. This leaves Danilo to care for his sister when his mom is working multiple jobs. After the terrifying night of bombs, helicopters, smoke, and crumbling buildings, known as Operation Just Cause to the US military, Danilo’s home is condemned and his family is forced to live in a refugee camp. This trauma is palpable throughout the story and affects all of Danilo’s decisions. Though Danilo resents his baseball talent because of his father, he agrees to temporarily go to California to play baseball so he can attempt to get his father to send money back to Panamá.

Life in California is hard on Danilo in different ways. Despite the comfy bed and room bigger than the apartment he shared with his mother and sister, Danilo is constantly peppered with microagressions. Readers will feel Danilo’s inner frustration as he reminds himself to be polite despite the near constant ignorance and assumptions. Danilo isn’t able to take this baseball opportunity as seriously as everyone expects him to and he finds it hard to empathize with his new friends’ relatively small struggles, causing lots of conflict with his new team. And just when he starts to settle in, Danilo begins to experience PTSD induced panic attacks.

Though Burgess paints a very clear picture of childhood trauma, there are moments of joy and understanding that truly shine and provide necessary catharsis. Danilo’s host father and coach are excellent role models who support Danilo at his lowest and admit that bringing him to the US so soon after the invasion was insensitive. Danilo even bonds with his host family’s son, an autistic boy who shares Danilo’s love of accordion, and together they experience the power of music therapy. Burgess gives Danilo’s story a happy, but realistic ending that will leave readers with a feeling of hope. Danilo Was Here will resonate deeply with children who have experienced the trauma of war, family separation, immigration, or microagressions and will be a welcoming, passively educational window for those who just like historical fiction or sports stories. A highly recommended purchase for all libraries.

Reviewed by Ivy Burns, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

The Dysfunctional Family’s Guide to Murder

January 16, 2026

The Dysfunctional Family's Guide to Murder by Kate Emery
Published by Alfred A. Knopf on October 21, 2025 (USA)
Genres: Family, Humor, Mystery, Realistic Fiction
Format: Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

When Ruth’s step-grandmother is found dead – murdered! – on the very morning that everyone is meant to head home after a long weekend at the remote family ranch, she knows it’s time to turn all her crime-reading hours into crime-solving expertise.

Teaming up with her too-cute-for-comfort and newly sort-of cousin Dylan as the Hastings to her Poirot, Ruth begins her investigation. Of course, the fact that the likely murderer is someone in the house – and therefore family (or family adjacent) is less than ideal. But Ruth doesn’t let that stop her. The real problem, she explains to the reader, is that there will be a second body before the end.

This younger YA/older middle grade Agatha Christie-esque whodunnit set in Western Australia is a lot of fun, and perfect for middle grade readers who enjoy a twisty mystery with an engaging, tell-it-like-it-is heroine. While there are two dead bodies, it avoids any goriness that might put some readers off and (spoiler alert!) in the end it transpires that neither death was actually murder – both were accidental. However, that plot point cleverly unfolds in a way that allows for a happy resolution, without disappointing the reader or feeling anticlimactic.

Highly recommend; an excellent addition to library shelves. 5 stars.

– Jenny Martinez, Maine State Library

Let’s Get Together

January 15, 2026

Let’s Get Together by Brandy Colbert
ISBN: 0063092484
Genres: Family
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Middle Grade Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

“Let’s Get Together” by Brandy Colbert is a loose retelling of the 1961 film, The Parent Trap. This is mentioned at the end of the book in the Author’s Notes, but it was a joy for this reviewer to figure this out while reading the story. The book, for ages 8-12, tells the story of two 11-year-old identical twin girls, Kenya and Liberty, who reunite after being separated as babies. Kenya Norwood lives with her father and grandmother, while Liberty Perry resides with her new foster mother, Joey. Kenya and Liberty butt heads at school. Kenya enjoys being the center of attention and resents having a look-a-like around. Kenya’s father takes a paternity test which confirms that Liberty is in fact his missing daughter and Kenya’s twin sister, Kalilah. They also learn that the twins’ mother is dead. While Liberty is happy to have found her biological family, she doesn’t want to leave the life she’s built with Joey. So, the girls bond while scheming about ways to get Dad and Joey together.

Kenya is pretty horrible to Liberty for a while, which makes it difficult for the reader to sympathize with her as she learns and processes the truth about her family. Fans of The Parent Trap will definitely appreciate the similarities between the book and that film.

4 stars

Reviewed by Lindsey Hopkins, Jay-Niles Memorial Library, Jay

Tempest by K. Ibura

December 17, 2025December 17, 2025

Tempest: A Young Adult Southern Gothic Fantasy of Elemental Magic in New Orleans by K. Ibura
on June 3, 2025
ISBN: 0063081032
Genres: Magical Realism
Format: Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Veronique has a secret. She can control the winds. After the death of her parents, when Veroniques was quite young, her grandmother took over the responsibility of raising her and helping her learn to control the wind. Now her grandmother is ill and Veronique must go live with family she never knew existed. As her life goes through turmoil, so does her ability to keep the winds at bay. Now there is a secret society after her and others that hold similar powers.

The contemporary fantasy feels like a nod to the 1990s TV series Captain Planet. Besides Veronique’s wind power, others control the earth, fire, water, etc. As one reads there are more and more secrets and questions about each character’s trustworthiness. Right up to the end, it’s anyone’s guess as to who is on the “right” side of history and power. It definitely feels like a sequel would be in line. The book is an easy read and is very engaging, yet is slightly disappointing on the delivery of a climax and resolution. While there are teenage relationships that push this novel into the YA category, it is also appropriate for mature middle grade readers.

Reviewed by Heidi Kopishke, Camden Hills Regional High School, Rockport, ME.

A Home For Unusual Monsters

December 9, 2025

A Home for Unusual Monsters (The Kairos Files #2) by Shaun David Hutchinson
on February 11, 2025
ISBN: 0593646339
Pages: 276
Format: Middle Grade Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

A sequel that can stand alone, A Home for Unusual Monsters is a first-person narrative by twelve-year-old Sam, an agent-in-training for a secret organization that monitors monsters and the supernatural. This story deals with seeking independence, when your needs conflict with another’s needs, and the struggle of not knowing who to trust or who is your friend.

Even though the story sounds formulaic—hero orphan kid saves the world while dealing with both the supernatural and common coming-of-age issues—the writing sets it apart. Hutchinson respects his audience. Unlike a lot of middle grade fiction, he doesn’t explain how to interpret the narrator’s feelings. He’s also good at establishing characters concisely, which is useful in a book that introduces at least ten people in addition to reestablishing those met in the first book. Sam, the main character, is intelligent, curious, and on a quest to make the world a better place, a perfect role model for tween readers who prefer mystery and action to romance and melodrama. It also alludes to a third book in the future, a boon to series-hungry readers.

Reviewed by Becky Cooper, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta

The House Next Door

December 4, 2025

The House Next Door by Ellen Oh
on September 30, 2025
ISBN: 0062875825
Genres: Horror, Supernatural
Format: Middle Grade Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Ellen Oh’s latest spooky middle grade chapter book, The House Next Door, is perfect for younger readers ready for (age-appropriate) scares. The protagonist, Rory, is a twelve year old boy still scared of the spirits he encountered at a sleepover in the house next door. When a new family moves into the house, Rory has to decide if he is brave enough to help them.

Though the finale is epic, most of the story lacks tension. There is a focus on family, friendship, and food that reflects both family’s Asian heritage. The pace might turn away some readers looking for constant thrills, but will be appreciated by those looking for a beginner horror novel. The creatures they battle are described as goopy fairies with a hunger for children’s bones and teeth, but the most damage they do on page are small scratches. There are also ghosts, but they are ultimately helpful.

Put this in the hands of kids who want to read their first horror story!

Reviewed by Ivy Burns, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

Same Page

November 19, 2025

Same Page by Elly Swartz
on January 14, 2025
ISBN: 0593705602
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship, Realistic Fiction
Format: Middle Grade Fiction
Goodreads

Same Page by Elly Swartz follows the plucky Bess Stein as she navigates working with people who have different, and often incorrect, opinions. When Bess meets the new kid, and fellow horse lover, June, the two become fast friends and decide to run for student council together. One of their first initiatives as president and vice president is to install a book vending machine, but Bess is deeply hurt when half of the books she and the school’s librarian select are removed due to a parent complaint. Bess and June’s new friendship is put to the test when Bess discovers that June’s mom, who is described as “super traditional”, is the parent fighting to keep the books out of the vending machine. Bess’s anger grows when her attempts to get June to stand up to her mother only push June away, so she funnels all of her energy into a group for Book Warriors (students and adults) who want to fight to change the hearts and minds of the people in town who don’t understand the value of reading challenging books. Bess’s attempts are not directly successful, and in the end the school board didn’t return all of the books to the vending machine, but the fight for the freedom to read never ends.

Though the messages of the story are clear (children should have the freedom to read, you have to fight for what you believe in, but you have to be respectful if you want to be heard), several choices, probably to make the story more age appropriate, unfortunately weaken those messages. The decision to have the challenged books be in a vending machine instead of the library lessened the impact of their removal. The reasons given by parents and community members who want the books removed are also vague. The author side-steps homophobia or racism and instead focuses on these people believing children shouldn’t read things that make them “feel bad”. Lastly, Bess’s inability to empathize with June for being scared of her mother, who frequently screams and is very hard on June, might alienate timid readers.

Despite these issues, there are many things in the story that young readers will be attracted to. Bess is full of spunk, her ideas on getting the books back are realistic, and her frequent meditation “May I be happy. May I be healthy. May I be safe. May I be peaceful. May I be strong.” could be as grounding for the readers as it is for Bess. This might not be a necessary purchase, as there are many “book ban books” available, but it would be enjoyed by eager chapter book readers who are interested in middle grade “issue books”, but aren’t ready for the heavier topics.

Reviewed by Ivy Burns, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

Junius Leak and the Spiraling Vortex of Doom

November 3, 2025November 3, 2025

Junius Leak and the Spiraling Vortex of Doom by Allan Wolf
ISBN: 153621745X
Genres: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Realistic Fiction
Format: Middle Grade Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This middle grade book is narrated by Lake Peigneur itself, this is the story of pirates and buried treasure and the real-life drilling accident on Lake Peigneur in Louisiana in 1980. Junius is shipped off to stay with his Uncle Spot on a houseboat on Lake Peigneur. His parents are headed to a retreat to work on their marriage. Junius suffers from what his mom calls “leaks” which are noises he makes when he gets anxious. He also loves water of all types – lakes, rivers, ponds – and has written a book about waterbodies. Ironically, he is afraid of being in the water or in a boat on the water. It turns out that the lake and the town have a lot of mysteries and Junius is able to uncover some big secrets. This is based on a real event – the Lake Peigneur drilling accident of 1980. Includes lots of Lousiana cultural details, including “whirling dervish” dancing. Readers will also enjoy The Vanishing of Lake Peigneur: A Graphic Novel Based on a True Story.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham