Reviews and Comments

A Bad Case of the Almosts is a super-fun read with a solid STEM foundation.

Abby's problems and frustrations are easy to relate to. Her curious approach to how to deal with them is a lesson to us all - and a lesson that never comes across as preachy.

A great and empowering book about figuring things out for yourself - and sharing what you've learned to help others, it will be a nice fit in classrooms, and a fun introduction to using the scientific method in everyday life.

The illustrations are wonderful - bright and lively with some fun background details for readers who look closely.

Extra love for the decision tree at the back of the book. It's a fun thing for readers to use to try on a variety of possible responses.

A good sports book that captures the hard work of being yourself. A solid book about doing what you love, finding friends, and accepting yourself. A quick read with great illustrations, kids will enjoy this one.

A cute and fun book that helps us all see that being brave doesn't always look like you think it does.

Wanda is a tenacious character who wants to be brave just like her big brother - or so she thinks. Great characters, peer pressure kids can relate to, and a nice twist ending make this a great addition to any classroom or library. The message is powerful without being overbearing, and kids will enjoy figuring out what brave means to them.

I especially love the back matter. Great, actionable advice that any kid can use to help them try new things - and find their own kind of brave.

t took me a bit to get used to the not-quite contemporary but contemporary style of this book, but the character, Erik, pulled me and in and kept me reading. A quirky and fun read about a kid with anxiety and his over the top "No Fear" Viking family that both helps and hinders him on his journey. In the end, I enjoyed the story and even came to appreciate Erik's take charge sister, the one-eared squirrel, and the rest of of the Viking crew. I think this would make a fun read aloud that could spark some interesting research, writing, and art projects.

A great upper middle grade novel about trying to find your place in the ever-changing world of middle school and how "just be nice" isn't always the solution people would like it to be. Laurie Morrison gives Ivy realistic problems and pressures - ranging from shifts in friendships and sibling relationships, questions about a seemingly settled divorce, and worries about her mom's health as a gestational surrogate. Morrison also shows how a solution like "be grateful and kind" stops working if you never allow yourself to feel how you are really feeling. A good book for kids who like a character-focused story.

Super fun tale of Casey and his monsters! Funny and full of action, this
graphic novel will be a hit with young readers who love everything monsters.

Simply lovely! Stella is a wonderful, heartfelt story about a dog with PTSD and the girl who helps her rediscover her purpose and her joy.

Readers will love that the story is told from the dog's point of view, and teachers will love the depth of detail the author provides about working dogs, service dogs, dog training, and facing your fears.

The steady pace and relatable characters make it an engaging and enjoyable read. A must for any library.

One of my favorite reads so far this year. Alexandra Ott starts off her new fantasy series with a win. The world building is spot-on. I don't think I've ever entered a fantasy story as quickly or easy before. Fun and appealing characters, interesting magic, intriguing magical creatures, and a plot that any young reader will love make this series a must for fantasy lovers everywhere. Can't wait for the sequel!

A lovely, heart-felt story that does a brilliant job of looking at everything from friendship to racism from the very believable perspective of an eleven year old.

Lekha is a great middle grade heroine. She's smart, funny, and trying so hard to both be herself and to fit in - at home, at school, and at swim practice - that the reader is pulled right into her story and can't help but cringe and cheer along side of her. Her pain is easy to connect with, her missteps are real and oh-s0-relatable, and her triumphs are just the right size to make any reader see that growth, change, and forgiveness is possible.

Great supporting characters - including present and realistic parents - round out this story and make it one of my current favorites.

A must read!

A sweet and funny read that both kids and adults will enjoy.
A solid story, great illustrations, and a host of fun characters make this a must for anyone's picture book shelf. The resumes at the end were a perfect and adorable touch. I'm looking forward to more from this author.

A smart, sharp, and funny addition to any bookshelf. THE DARK LORD CLEMENTINE is a clever story - full of magic, evil, and the perfect amount of heart. Horwitz goes deep with her characters and fills a plot that would be fun on its own, with great insights on the difficulties of choosing your own path, the importance of friendship, and the complexities of love and sacrifice. A fun read.

This is a tough, yet heartwarming, story about friendship, family, and the hard (and sometimes poor) choices we make to help each other out.

I enjoyed the contrast between safe and sheltered Gideon and worried and determined Roona as they developed a friendship that challenged them both.

The themes of this book are deep and sometimes troubling - but real nonetheless. Grimes does a nice job developing kid characters we can empathize with and a group of adults who really want what's best for their children even during the roughest of times.

There's lots of room for discussion here about how to be a friend and still get someone the adult help they need. A list of resources at the end would be a nice addition for kids struggling with what to do when a friend is in a harmful and scary situation.

Great characters and a fun setting make this book an enjoyable read. This is a sweet story about a young girl searching for her True Blue Friend (who happens to be right in front of her the whole time) while trying to navigate some tough financial circumstances that even her very best hustle can't quite keep at bay. The mystery of the hotel care-taker and her vaudeville past was icing on the cake. A fun, sometimes serious, story that will appeal to middle grade readers.

A lovely book that tackles a number of complex issues in a real and heartfelt way. Ruby Moon Hayes is a character that's easy to root for, and her frustration, sadness, and eventual compassion feel very true to life. The author does a wonderful job of showing just how hard standing up (for yourself and for others) can be - and how necessary it is for all of us. Great friendships form the heart of this story that's all about finding and using your voice.