Winter Newsletter 2023 Middle Grade Fiction

Astrophysics can be a very challenging topic for young children to grasp, but it becomes much easier to understand when it is told in a relatable and hilarious way. Stylistically, this book is a blend of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series and the Science Comics series. Hand this to a kid, knowing that they just might be determined to become a physicist for at least a month after reading it. 

—Isaac

After sneaking out to see a play, Emilia overhears two men plotting to kill Queen Elizabeth. Sir Francis Walsingham—Emilia’s guardian and Queen Elizabeth’s famous spymaster— asks her to do the impossible and infiltrate Mary, Queen of Scots’, household in hopes of uncovering the truth. With plenty of nods to theater, as well as Emilia’s pluck and courage (not to mention her adorable dog!), this story is sure to charm fans of The Book of Boy and other historical fiction. 

—Ivy

Open the curtain into the enchanting world of The Dreamatics, a captivating tale that transports readers to the magical Lunarian Grand Theater. Told with whimsy and emotion, this novel weaves dreams into reality in a way that’s both exhilarating and heartwarming. Michelle Cuevas crafts a world where dreams take the spotlight and emotions dance, creating an unforgettable experience that lingers long after the final page.

—Jenny

Katherine Applegate (The One and Only Ivan) and Gennifer Choldenko (the Al Capone at Alcatraz series) have teamed up in this quirky illustrated series about life in and out of a dog shelter—not just any shelter, but the futuristic Dogtown for real and robot dogs. With hopes of reuniting with their families, two dogs, along with a very helpful mouse, escape through the front doors into the wintery world. Short chapters and Wallace West’s expressive drawings make this an addictive read for recent chapter book graduates.

—Michelle

In this reimagining, a young Arthur Conan Doyle is summoned to a mysterious boarding school dedicated to extraordinary children. All is not well, though; the school is repeatedly being vandalized. When the existence of a dangerous secret society is revealed, Arthur and his friends are pushed toward their limits in more ways than one. This book will delight you and keep you turning the pages, with the promise of more adventures to come! 

—S.M.C.

As a hurricane moves closer to Miami, all Antares wants to do is bury his head in a book. However, three strange substitute teachers add a “wrinkle” into his plan, kickstarting a hilarious adventure filled with secret societies, mysterious artifacts, and a healthy dose of time travel. This series opener is part A Wrinkle in Time, part The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and all fun.

—Ivy