★★★★★ Each and Every Spark by Claire Swinarski is a great historical fiction novel exploring children's role in the French Resistance during Nazi occupation of France during World War II. It is told through dual timelines: present day Paris where thirteen year old Penny finds a artwork hidden in a wall with a mysterious note;… Continue reading Book Review: Each and Every Spark by Claire Swinarski
Tag: 3rd grade readers
Book Review: Hail Mariam by Huda Al-Marashi
★★★★★ I really enjoyed Hail Mariam by Huda Al-Marashi. Mariam is Iraqi American and Muslim, and she starts sixth grade at a new school - a local Catholic school. Mariam knows that she may be the first Muslim that her classmates and teachers have ever met, and she feels a pressure to represent her entire… Continue reading Book Review: Hail Mariam by Huda Al-Marashi
Book Review: Hattie Mae Begins Again by Sharon G. Flake
★★★ Hattie Mae Begins Again by Sharon G. Flake is a novel-in-verse that takes place in 1938 and is as story about a young girl, Hattie Mae, who leaves her home in rural North Carolina to Philadelphia to attend boarding school - Miss Abigail's School for Exceptional Young Ladies. As soon as Hattie Mae arrives,… Continue reading Book Review: Hattie Mae Begins Again by Sharon G. Flake
Incredible Middle Grade Historical Fiction Books – Non WW2 Edition
There are so many incredible middle grade historical fiction novels that center on World War II, which I absolutely love. But, I wanted to shine some love on some great historical fiction books that highlight some other historical events and eras that merit attention. In Light and Air, Halle and her mother are sent to… Continue reading Incredible Middle Grade Historical Fiction Books – Non WW2 Edition
Book Review: Mighty Macy by Kwame Alexander
★★★★★ Macy is in third grade. She loves her family and loves to read and write. She loves the violin too, but not so much the practicing. In this absolutely adorable novel-in-verse by the wonderful Kwame Alexander, Macy's school library is going to be reducing its hours due to budget cuts. Macy, along with her… Continue reading Book Review: Mighty Macy by Kwame Alexander
Book Review: The Ordinary and Extraordinary Auden Greene by Corey Ann Haydu
★★★★ For years, Auden Greene, or Denny as she prefers, and her best friend Runa have been creating the world of Sorrowfield through their writing of The Tale of Dragons True. It's a world with princesses, magic, and of course dragons. But now, Denny is turning twelve, and Runa makes it clear that their make-believe… Continue reading Book Review: The Ordinary and Extraordinary Auden Greene by Corey Ann Haydu
Incredible Middle Grade Books That Take Place in Washington State
We live in Washington State and it is always so fun when we come across a book that takes place there. It can serve as a beautiful, nature-filled backdrop, or allow to shed light on important subjects, such as Japanese internment or Indigenous identity. Check out these 12 books below that are not only great,… Continue reading Incredible Middle Grade Books That Take Place in Washington State
12 Incredible Middle Grade Reads to Celebrate Black History Month
February is Black History Month, so I've put together a list of incredible reads that celebrate, center, or explore Black history and lives. This list is by no means exhaustive, and I would love to hear your recommendations in the comments. All the Blues in the Sky by Renee Watson is the 2026 John Newbery… Continue reading 12 Incredible Middle Grade Reads to Celebrate Black History Month
Book Review: The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman
★★★★★ UPDATE: The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest is a 2026 Newbery Honor Book! I really, really enjoyed The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman. Clare is a one-eyed fox that is not quite dead, but not quite alive. He lives alone in Deadwood Forest and shepherds souls to their final afterlife destination:… Continue reading Book Review: The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman
Book Review: Away by Megan E. Freeman
★★★★ Away is the companion novel to Megan E. Freeman's bestselling, Alone. Readers of Alone may remember that Maddie woke up one day to find herself alone in her small Colorado town. Whereas Alone takes reader on Maddie's survival journey in an abandoned town, Away explores what happened in that Colorado town to force evacuations… Continue reading Book Review: Away by Megan E. Freeman
Birdie's Bookshelf 