Format: Middle Grade Fiction

Survive This Safari

Survive This SafariSurvive This Safari by Natalie D. Richards
on April 8, 2025
ISBN: 0593644166
Genres: Animals, Mystery, Realistic Fiction
Format: Middle Grade Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Lucy is struggling mightily with anxiety over her panic attacks and is reluctant to enter the zoo contest even though her older sister will be by her side as a zoo employee. She and her team have been asked to test a new escape room/puzzle challenge for zoo visitors and one member of her team will be asked to join their ambassador program. When Lucy’s sister is stranded behind a locked gate and the gates and walkie-talkies malfunction, Lucy and her team soon realize there is more going on than solving puzzles. Written for upper elementary/middle grade readers, the depiction of anxiety and panic attacks is realistic. While things are tied up perhaps a little too neatly at the end – the tension between Lucy and her rival is resolved a little too easily – readers will enjoy the mystery element and learning animal facts through the humorous footnotes.

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

three-stars

Like a Curse

Like a CurseLike a Curse (Like a Charm #2) by Elle McNicoll
Published by Random House on February 2, 2023
ISBN: 0593649524
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship
Format: Middle Grade Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars
In this follow up to Like a Charm, Ramya has been sent to Loch Ness to learn to control her magic from her grandmother and Aunt Opal. But Ramya is impatient: having discovered that she’s a witch, she has no use for lessons – she’s ready to do – especially since the evil siren, Portia, is gaining control over the humans in Edinburgh and beyond. She and her cousin Marley befriend a dryad, a dragon and a siren in their quest to first get out of the house, and next, to save the hidden people and humans of Edinburgh.

This will be most enjoyed by readers who started with the first book in the series. Ramya and her aunt Opal are both neurodivergent, and that plays a significant role in Ramya’s life and how she interacts with the world, which many readers will appreciate. A great addition to library shelves that also have the first book. 4 stars.

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta

four-stars

The Misfits: A Copycat Conundrum

The Misfits: A Copycat ConundrumA Copycat Conundrum (The Misfits #2) by Dan Santat, Lisa Yee
Published by Random House on January 7, 2025
ISBN: 0593564227
Genres: Adventure, Humor, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General, Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship, Mystery
Format: Middle Grade Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars
This second book in the Misfits series by Lisa Yee will please young readers who enjoyed the first. Olive and her friends are back at the Reforming Arts School on Foggy Island when a string of strange happenings kick off: their friend Zeke starts getting threatening letters, odd earthquakes are shaking up San Francisco, a treasure trove is discovered deep beneath the school and goldrush-era legends are cropping up in unexpected places. Stranger yet, all these things seem to be connected.

Dan Santat’s black and white drawings enliven Yee’s text. Chapters are short and will keep readers engaged. A great choice for middle grade readers who enjoy zany characters, imaginative tech, madcap adventure and a good mystery thrown into the mix. An easy purchase for libraries that already own the first book, A Royal Conundrum. 4 stars.

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta

four-stars

The Wolf-Girl, the Greeks, and the Gods: A Tale of the Persian Wars

Format: Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
two-stars
A book that blends history and mythology, this is a read that would be appealing to patrons who want to learn a more realistic perspective beyond just Greek gods and their powers. 

The story opens with Gorgo, daughter of the Spartan king whose mother’s dying words are a warning of the Persians coming to take over Greece. Eventually becoming the queen of Sparta herself, the reader is able to gain an understanding of events, both real and fantastical, that lead the small, ragtag army of Spartans and Athenians to defeating the mighty Darius the Great and King Xerxes of Persia. Features of the book include beautiful illustrations, a cast of characters list (though not as extensive as is needed for the story) and multiple maps to track the progression of battles. Though marketed as a graphic novel, the book is actually quite dense and text heavy, making it a slower and un-bingeable read. This along with gory battle descriptions makes it better for tweens and teens instead of the publisher recommended age group of 9-11. Overall, only add this book to your collection if you have exhausted other resources on Greek mythology and ancient wars. 

 

Reviewed by Hannah Doktor, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta

two-stars

Impossible Creatures

Impossible CreaturesImpossible Creatures (Impossible Creatures #1) by Katherine Rundell
Published by Penguin Random House on September 14, 2023
ISBN: 0593809866
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Magical Realism
Format: Middle Grade Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

This magical adventure story follows Christopher, a Scottish boy who discovers he is destined to be a Guardian of the last remaining bit of magic on earth, and Mal, a girl who lives in that hidden land and is determined to save it at whatever cost. Reminiscent of C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia – particularly Voyage of the Dawn Treader – and Angie Sage’s Septimus Heap series, characters are varied and well developed, and the story is simultaneously simple and multi-layered, giving it appeal to a wide range of readers. Though it is Christopher’s story first, he and Mal share the main character role in many ways, and the balance makes for a positive reading experience. This is the type of story so many of us read when young but still remember when we are adults; it is the secret land found in the back of the wardrobe or through the looking glass. There is love, risk, fear and terrible loss, but also success in the face of vanishingly small odds. It’s a gem, and gorgeously packaged with a vibrant cover hinting at the dragons within. Highly recommend for every library; an easy book to put in the hands of readers from early middle grade on up.

5 Stars/Cream

Reviewed by: Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library

five-stars

28 Days of Neon

28 Days of Neon28 Days of Neon by Meira Rosenberg
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General, Realistic Fiction
Format: Middle Grade Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
Neon is a busy middle-schooler – co-captain of the cheerleading squad and liked by the most popular boy in school. She seems to have it all, except for one thing: she recently overheard her parents talking, and it turns out she only has twenty-eight days left to live. She doesn’t feel like she can talk to her parents about it (and shouldn’t they come to her, anyway?). So, she decides to take matters into her own hands, hoping that she’ll get a miracle if she performs one good deed a day. Some of her good deeds go awry, for example when she alienates her friends by choosing to sit with her autistic classmate “Weird Bobby” at lunch. A touching story full of Neon’s most important relationships (including her dog and special older neighbor next door). A heavier topic, given Neon’s predicament. The cover illustrations appear dated, which is disappointing since it may reduce circulation of this sweet and humorous story. Recommended for ages 10-12 (5th to 7th Grade).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

four-stars

Maven Takes the Lead

Maven Takes the LeadGirl Scouts: Maven Takes the Lead by Yamile Saied Méndez
ISBN: 0063317818
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Middle Grade Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars
Maven is nervous to start 5th grade. Her best friend, Gemma, recently switched schools and now they only get to see each other at Girl Scouts. All of the other kids seem to start the school year boasting about fancy vacations they took, while Maven is self-conscious about spending all Summer entertaining her younger brother and cousins. Maven quickly befriends a new girl, Sylvie, and invites her to Girl Scouts, where Sylvie and Gemma hit it off (perhaps a little too well, leaving Maven feeling left out). In the classroom, Maven has volunteered to lead a robotics competition, which she does not feel prepared for (she’s more of a creative type, and definitely not an expert in robotics). She quickly gets overwhelmed with the competition, spending late nights reading robotics books she checked out from the library and fussing over robotics kits. Even worse, while the class is supposed to be a united team, it has unraveled into a petty competition of boys versus girls (and Maven refuses to let down the girls in her class). Obsessed with the competition, Maven starts neglecting her relationships. With a good look in the mirror, and some honest conversations, she works to repair her relationships, bring her team together, and be proud of who she is. An optional purchase, especially good for areas with active Girl Scout troops or if looking for series similar to the Baby-Sitters Club. Recommended for ages 8-10 (3rd to 5th Grade).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

three-stars

Answers to Dog

Answers to DogAnswers to Dog by Pete Hautman
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536234885
Genres: Animals, Realistic Fiction
Format: Middle Grade Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars
Eighth-grader, Evan Dunn, likes to live life under-the-radar in this rural town with his solitary parents who follow their solitary routine. One day a white dog with the black ear appears while he was walking to the bus stop and the border collie joins Evan on his afternoon run that afternoon. Evan is determined to learn more about this dog. The book alternates between third-person narration from the perspectives of Evan and the dog. The dog’s narration offers a comedic element to this story about neglect and animal abuse. A quirky, yet quiet book that animal lovers will enjoy and likely a number of Maine middle school kids will relate to.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Take it From the Top

Take it From the TopTake It from the Top by Claire Swinarski
ISBN: 0063321734
Genres: Emotions & Feelings
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Middle Grade Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
Take It From the Top

Claire Swinarski

This middle grade novel for ages 8- 12 is set at Lamplighter Lake Summer Camp, a residential musical theater camp for those with Broadway aspirations, and follows the friendship evolution of two girls over the course of six summers.

Eowyn Becker comes from a privileged family and has an older brother who performs on Broadway. Her father is often too busy managing her brother’s career to attend her performances. For her, camp is a place where the pain of her mother’s death is eased and she gets to reunite with her best friend, Jules Marrigan. Jules comes from a family that struggles financially, but her parents provide her with unwavering support for her dreams. This summer’s end-of-year production is Wicked, the girls’ favorite musical, and Eowyn and Jules earn leading roles as  Elphaba and Glinda.

But when Eowyn arrives at camp, everything is wrong. Jules will barely even look at Eowyn, let alone talk to her, and Eowyn does not know why.

Told in a series of alternating chapters that flashback to past summers, the girls’ story reveals how wealth, class, money, and privilege can adversely affect a friendship. The story contains frequent references to musicals and songs, which feels a little isolating and exclusionary to readers unfamiliar with the theater world.

4 stars

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

four-stars

Give Me Something Good To Eat

Give Me Something Good To EatGive Me Something Good to Eat by D.W. Gillespie
Published by Delacorte Press on August 13, 2024
ISBN: 0593651812
Genres: Horror
Format: Middle Grade Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
The town of Pearl is obsessed with Halloween and the entire community goes all out every year with a massive party. Only middle-schooler Mason Miller realizes that there is something very wrong with this annual event, and that while the townsfolk celebrate, a child goes missing and is immediately and completely forgotten by their families and friends. Mason is devastated when this year his own sister Meg is the one to disappear. With the help of his friends, Mason discovers the town is controlled by a witch who throws her own diabolical party every year in a monstrous place called UnderPearl, a haunted mirror image of Pearl.

For readers looking for a scary step up from Goosebumps, this is an excellent choice. Young horror buffs will appreciate the nods to horror classics like Evil Dead and UnderPearl has a real Tim Burton feel to it.  Gillespie does a terrific job building UnderPearl; it’s a genuinely creepy place and he doesn’t shy away from making the monsters truly frightening. While the terror of the witch’s plan for Meg, and of the fate of the previously missing children might seem too bleak, it is balanced out with the humor and emotional growth of Mason and his friends and their determination to take their town back. A great addition to a middle grade horror collection!

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars