Format: Middle Grade Fiction

The Dysfunctional Family’s Guide to Murder

The Dysfunctional Family’s Guide to MurderThe 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

five-stars

Let’s Get Together

Let’s Get TogetherLet’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

four-stars

Tempest by K. Ibura

Tempest by K. IburaTempest: 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.

three-stars

Three Blue Hearts

Three Blue HeartsThree Blue Hearts by Lynne Kelly
on October 7, 2025
ISBN: 0593898397
Genres: Animals, Family, Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship, Realistic Fiction
Format: Middle Grade Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Three Blue Hearts by Lynne Kelly is a mellow coming of age story that will appeal to many readers. The story follows Max, a gentle animal-lover who lives in the shadow of his brash, politician & business tycoon father with whom he shares a name. Too embarrassed to go to Zoo Camp after his father publicly insulted the organization, Max chooses to spend the summer with his mother who is doing research on a (fictional) island off the coast of Texas. On his first day there Max saves an octopus, Ursula, and meets Emmett and Ollie, two animal-loving locals who become fast friends.

Though Max is 12, his internal monologue is closer to an 8 -10 year old. Kelly shies away from some of the harsher realities that will be obvious to older readers, like his father’s corruption and treatment of women. Instead, how these characters support each other through conflicts and how they care for Ursula is the bulk of the plot. Some readers might find it slow, but readers who like friendship driven, emotional stories with lots of animal facts will find themselves in these characters.

Reviewed by Ivy Burns, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth 

four-stars

A Home For Unusual Monsters

A Home For Unusual MonstersA 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

four-stars

The House Next Door

The House Next DoorThe 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

 

four-stars

Same Page

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

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

three-stars

Junius Leak and the Spiraling Vortex of Doom

Junius Leak and the Spiraling Vortex of DoomJunius 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

five-stars

The Better To Eat You With

The Better To Eat You WithThe Better to Eat You With by Tehlor Kay Mejia
Published by Delacorte Press ISBN: 0593647076
Genres: Horror, Psychological thriller
Format: Middle Grade Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Evan’s family’s yearly summer vacation at Camp Sonrisa is upended by trouble between her parents. She suspects they agree to let her stay with her best friend’s family at the camp because they need to sort out what’s going on between them, and she’s relieved to be free of both the marital tension and the constant surveillance of Evan’s eating and exercise habits by her mother.

Once there, things feel different; her best friend Billie suddenly seems older than her twelve years and there are rumors of a large animal roaming the woods that have campers frightened. Evan had planned to eat anything she wanted all summer but she finds she can’t bring herself to do it as her mother’s relentless wellness tips prevent her from enjoying food. As she weakens, the wild animal presence becomes stronger until Evan becomes worried that she and the animal might be one and the same.

The cover of this book promises horror, but it really is a novel about disordered eating. The monster-in-the-woods element never quite lands, but as a book for young readers about anorexia and the circumstances that can lead to it (like a well-meaning parent who is also suffering), it’s excellent.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

Hikaru in the Light

Hikaru in the LightHikaru in the Light! Vol. 1 by Mai Matsuda
ISBN: 1546140980
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Hikaru in the Light” is a middle grade manga by Mai Matsuda. Hikaru is a middle schooler who loves to sing while working in her family’s bathhouse. Her friend Ran became a singer in a pop group and Hikaru dreams about doing the same. When she runs into Ran, her friend asks her to try out with her for a new singing group, but does Hikaru have what it takes?

Hikaru is a very likeable character, and readers will enjoy following her attempt to become a singing idol. Readers will relate to Hikaru’s anxiety while she pushes to make her dream come true. Grit and friendship are clearly major themes in this book and will appeal to readers, especially middle graders. A suggested purchase for middle grade graphic novel collections where manga is popular.

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

four-stars