# middle grade (blogs) — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 19 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover middle grade. Page: Feed: --- ## [#MG Horror Review: The Haunting of Old Splinter by Jack Mackay](https://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home.blog/2026/08/20/mg-horror-review-the-haunting-of-old-splinter-by-jack-mackay/) _2026-08-20 · veronicaprice2163 · V'sViewfromtheBookshelves_ Not to be read after dark…unless you are very much braver than me! This second title from Jack Mackay enhances his reputation as a masterful author of spine-chilling, middle grade horror, following his astonishing debut Gloam last year (you can read my review here). The Haunting of Old Splinter brilliantly combines horror tropes; a haunted … Continue reading #MG Horror Review: The Haunting of Old… ## [When Lemons Give You Life](https://ratedreads.com/when-lemons-give-you-life-fiction-book-review/) _2026-08-20 · Cathy Carmode Lim · Rated Reads_ \[…\] The post When Lemons Give You Life appeared first on Rated Reads . ## [The Picture Book Buzz - August 2026 Interview with STEAM Team Books Members](https://www.mariacmarshall.com/single-post/the-picture-book-buzz-august-2026-interview-with-steam-team-books-members) _2026-08-20 · Maria Marshall · Maria Marshall Children's Author_ Five fantastic STEAM Team Books authors shares their inspiration and insights into their stunning new STEM picture books releasing in August 2026. ## [Deerheart by Eoin Colfer, illustrated by P.J. Lynch](https://worldssmallestlibrary.wordpress.com/2026/08/20/deerheart-by-eoin-colfer-illustrated-by-p-j-lynch/) _2026-08-20 · mrssydney · Mrs Sydney's Famous World's Smallest Library_ Fairy tales are such an important part of our heritage and yet, in the modern world, we almost seem to have forgotten this. While the very young are still introduced to Snow White and the like, they’re often watered down or Disneyfied versions and there’s a distinct lack of new stories so this new title Continue reading "Deerheart by Eoin Colfer, illustrated by P.J. Lynch" ## [Jekyll vs Hyde: The Potion of Doom by Jack Meggitt-Phillips](https://scopeforimagination.co.uk/2026/08/19/jekyll-vs-hyde-the-potion-of-doom-by-jack-meggitt-phillips/) _2026-08-19 · Kate Heap · Scope for Imagination_ Jekyll vs Hyde: The Potion of Doom is deliciously macabre and delightfully bizarre! This creative twist on an absolute classic is a must-read for Key Stage 2 and anyone who teaches the original novella at Key Stage 3 or 4. GCSE students of the future will never look at Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and… Continue reading Jekyll vs Hyde: The Potion of Doom by Jack Meggitt-Phillips ## [Isola](https://ratedreads.com/isola-fiction-book/) _2026-08-19 · Cathy Carmode Lim · Rated Reads_ \[…\] The post Isola appeared first on Rated Reads . ## [How to raise kids who read (according to 27 parents who did it)](https://readingmiddlegrade.substack.com/p/how-to-raise-kids-who-love-reading) _2026-08-19 · Afoma Umesi · Reading Middle Grade_ Two of these kids didn't read for fun until they were nine. Both review books for us now. ## [Queen’s Witch (Hedgewitch 5) by Skye McKenna, illustrated by Tomislav Tomić](https://worldssmallestlibrary.wordpress.com/2026/08/19/queens-witch-hedgewitch-5-by-skye-mckenna-illustrated-by-tomislav-tomic/) _2026-08-19 · mrssydney · Mrs Sydney's Famous World's Smallest Library_ I don’t know if other readers do this too, but when I find a series that I’m invested in, I will wait – albeit not necessarily very patiently – for the next title to arrive once I’ve devoured whatever I’ve just read with the same sense of anticipation and excitement that as a child I Continue reading "Queen’s Witch (Hedgewitch 5) by Skye McKenna, illustrated by Tomislav Tomić" ## [A Fatal Crossing](https://ratedreads.com/fatal-crossing-mystery-book-review/) _2026-08-18 · Cathy Carmode Lim · Rated Reads_ \[…\] The post A Fatal Crossing appeared first on Rated Reads . ## [Meet #kidlit Debut Author Evgenia Mantikas](https://writersrumpus.com/2026/08/18/meet-kidlit-debut-author-evgenia-mantikas/) _2026-08-18 · Carol Gordon Ekster · WRITERS' RUMPUS_ CAROL GORDON EKSTER: I met Evgenia at the Kindling Words East retreat in 2026. What sweet and contagious energy she has! I am so excited Continue reading ## [Point a Domain, Start a Pit (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/7gM4L6Ccxe0d) _2026-08-18 · **Sponsored**_ Point any domain to a blacked-out, poison-green coming-soon page with an email waitlist. ## [The Potion of Doom – Jekyll vs Hyde by Jack Meggitt-Phillips](https://worldssmallestlibrary.wordpress.com/2026/08/18/the-potion-of-doom-jekyll-vs-hyde-by-jack-meggitt-phillips/) _2026-08-18 · mrssydney · Mrs Sydney's Famous World's Smallest Library_ There are very few books from debut authors that I would pre-order but Jack Meggitt-Phillips’s The Beast and the Bethany was one that I did, on the advice of an online friend who had had an early read via NetGalley. One of those even rarer funny books that I genuinely found to be absolutely hilarious, Continue reading "The Potion of Doom – Jekyll vs Hyde by Jack Meggitt-Phillips" ## [Remembering Tomie DePaola](https://www.matthewcwinner.com/post/remembering-tomie-depaola) _2026-08-18 · Matthew C. Winner · Matthew C. Winner_ This is a rebroadcast of a conversation with the late Tomie DePaola that originally aired on this podcast on November 27, 2018. ## [The Secret Thread](https://ratedreads.com/secret-thread-fiction-book-review/) _2026-08-17 · Cathy Carmode Lim · Rated Reads_ \[…\] The post The Secret Thread appeared first on Rated Reads . ## [Makade Asin / Black Stone](https://canlitforlittlecanadians.blogspot.com/2026/08/makade-asin-black-stone.html) _2026-08-17 · Unknown · CanLit for LittleCanadians_ Written by Darcy Whitecrow and Cail Judy Illustrated by Maya McKibbin Translated by Waskonegabowiik / Pamela Johnson Groundwood Books 978-1-77946-015-8 32 pp. Ages 3–8 August 2026 There is never one way to deal with fears. But Makade Asin / Black Stone is based on an Ojibwe story of dealing with fears through a vision quest. The text of the book is minimal, even when presented in two languages… ## [The Fairy Tales We Inherited and the Women they Left Behind](https://www.racheltoalson.com/the-fairy-tales-we-inherited-and-the-women-they-left-behind/) _2026-08-17 · bentoalson · Rachel Toalson_ I read the sanitized version of fairy tales when I was a kid—by which I mean the version of the story where things end mostly happily. The collections of fairy tales that eliminated the more violent stories like “Bluebeard,” where women were slaughtered and kept in a torture chamber; “The Maiden with No Hands,” where \[…\] ## [Ask Afoma: The middle school boys book club looking for a water sports-related story](https://readingmiddlegrade.substack.com/p/water-sports-books-for-kids) _2026-08-17 · Afoma Umesi · Reading Middle Grade_ They take book club seriously. ## [The Neverland Thieves by Katie & Kevin Tsang](https://scopeforimagination.co.uk/2026/08/17/the-neverland-thieves-by-katie-kevin-tsang/) _2026-08-17 · Kate Heap · Scope for Imagination_ Return to Neverland with Katie & Kevin Tsang in this heartfelt adventure full of magic, hope and healing. Celebrating imagination and the wonders of childhood, it reminds us all of the joy of being young and that, really, we should strive to never grow up. In The Neverland Thieves, two new magical creatures, Scorch the… Continue reading The Neverland Thieves by Katie & Kevin Tsang ## [Will Shakespeare Mysteries: The Pearly Pants (WSM2) by Kaz Penney, illustrated by Sammy Elgie](https://worldssmallestlibrary.wordpress.com/2026/08/17/will-shakespeare-mysteries-the-pearly-pants-wsm2-by-kaz-penney-illustrated-by-sammy-elgie/) _2026-08-17 · mrssydney · Mrs Sydney's Famous World's Smallest Library_ With a wealth of drama now available at the touch of a button, the pleasures to be gained from attending a live theatre performance of a Shakespeare play may no longer be on many people’s to-do lists but there is something very special about seeing his writing performed and recently I’ve enjoyed a series of Continue reading "Will Shakespeare Mysteries: The Pearly Pants (WSM2) by Kaz Penney,… ## [#Illustrated Fiction Review: Will Shakespeare Mysteries: The Pearly Pants by Kaz Penney, illustrated by Sammy Elgie](https://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home.blog/2026/08/17/illustrated-fiction-review-will-shakespeare-mysteries-the-pearly-pants-by-kaz-penney-illustrated-by-sammy-elgie/) _2026-08-17 · veronicaprice2163 · V'sViewfromtheBookshelves_ The Pearly Pants is the second book in the Will Shakespeare Mysteries series and lives up to all of the hilarious promise of the first (for which you can read my review here: Will Shakespeare Mysteries The Stinky Stolen Toenails). As an adult reading this book, I love the way that author Kaz Penney has … Continue reading #Illustrated Fiction Review: Will Shakespeare Mysteries: The Pearly Pants by… ## [The Hexton Chronicles: The Trouble with Magic by Amy Wilson, illustrated by Eric Deschamps](https://worldssmallestlibrary.wordpress.com/2026/08/16/the-hexton-chronicles-the-trouble-with-magic-by-amy-wilson-illustrated-by-eric-deschamps/) _2026-08-16 · mrssydney · Mrs Sydney's Famous World's Smallest Library_ As someone who only works very occasionally, there’s usually little difference between weekdays and weekends for me but after five days of workmen making a huge amount of noise installing new windows for us that was also spent busily writing some reading resources I’d been asked to create, the prospect of a day’s quiet reading Continue reading "The Hexton Chronicles: The Trouble with Magic by Amy… ## [Sync Bookmarks Everywhere (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/yGhwyBZKkyJS) _2026-08-16 · **Sponsored**_ Two-way sync keeps folders and toolbar intact across Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. ## [The Heir Apparent](https://ratedreads.com/heir-apparent-romance-book/) _2026-08-15 · Cathy Carmode Lim · Rated Reads_ \[…\] The post The Heir Apparent appeared first on Rated Reads . ## [Outlaws by E.L. Norry](https://scopeforimagination.co.uk/2026/08/15/outlaws-by-e-l-norry/) _2026-08-15 · Kate Heap · Scope for Imagination_ Outlaws is another captivating novel from E.L. Norry, exploring real-life issues with honesty and sensitivity. Aimed at the teen market, readers aged 8–14+ will quickly find themselves drawn into the lives and friendship of Robyn, Will and Scarlet. Norry’s characters feel authentic and relatable, bringing their experiences vividly to life and creating the sense that… Continue reading Outlaws by… ## [Olivetti](https://ratedreads.com/olivetti-middle-grade-book-review/) _2026-08-14 · Lyra Thompson · Rated Reads_ \[…\] The post Olivetti appeared first on Rated Reads . ## [Fabulous First Page: Middle Grade](https://evalangston.substack.com/p/fabulous-first-page-middle-grade) _2026-08-14 · Eva Langston · Eva's Newsletter for Writers_ From page 1, this Middle Grade mystery nails a perfect MG voice ## [Five Kids, One Book: Anna-Jane and the Endless Summer](https://readingmiddlegrade.substack.com/p/anna-jane-and-the-endless-summer-review) _2026-08-14 · Afoma Umesi · Reading Middle Grade_ Can this novel in verse win over a kid who says he won't read poetry? ## [The Summer My Wishes Came True by Radhika Sanghani](https://scopeforimagination.co.uk/2026/08/14/the-summer-my-wishes-came-true-by-radhika-sanghani/) _2026-08-14 · Kate Heap · Scope for Imagination_ The Summer My Wishes Came True is another delightfully magical story by Radhika Sanghani about growing up, navigating friendships and discovering who you really are. Thirteen year old Ayesha is heading to summer camp for the first time. She can’t wait to spend the summer with her best friend, Nikki, and try all the activities… Continue reading The Summer My Wishes Came True by Radhika Sanghani ## [I’ll Love You Till the Sloths Start School by Kathryn Cristaldi, illustrated by Kristyna Litten](https://worldssmallestlibrary.wordpress.com/2026/08/14/ill-love-you-till-the-sloths-start-school-by-kathryn-cristaldi-illustrated-by-kristyna-litten/) _2026-08-14 · mrssydney · Mrs Sydney's Famous World's Smallest Library_ No matter what our age, we all need to feel loved and for the very young, the reassurance that comes with regularly being told that we are cannot be underestimated. Here, in this charming board book that’s perfect for sharing, littlies are given a lullaby to remind them of just that fact as they watch Continue reading "I’ll Love You Till the Sloths Start School by Kathryn Cristaldi, illustrated by… ## [The Picture Book Buzz - Interview w/ Ellie Laks and Review of Gentle](https://www.mariacmarshall.com/single-post/the-picture-book-buzz-interview-w-ellie-laks-and-review-of-gentle) _2026-08-14 · Maria Marshall · Maria Marshall Children's Author_ Excited to chat with author Ellie Laks about her touching picture book debut - Gentle. ## [All the Water on Earth (CitizenKid)](https://canlitforlittlecanadians.blogspot.com/2026/08/all-water-on-earth-citizenkid.html) _2026-08-13 · Unknown · CanLit for LittleCanadians_ Written by Rochelle Strauss Illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight Kids Can Press 978-1-525310881 40 pp. Ages 5–8 June 2026 Kids Can Press's CitizenKid series has brought world issues to the attention of young readers for over twenty years. The series is all about making children global citizens who are aware of how children live in other countries, of environmental issues, and of their own roles in… ## [2021 Read with Jenna book club picks, with content ratings](https://ratedreads.com/2021-read-jenna-book-club-picks/) _2026-08-13 · Cathy Carmode Lim · Rated Reads_ \[…\] The post 2021 Read with Jenna book club picks, with content ratings appeared first on Rated Reads . ## [Licensed Dispensaries, Pay with Crypto (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/n7TtFeOgy8qE) _2026-08-13 · **Sponsored**_ Search verified licensed dispensaries and pay with Bitcoin, Lightning, or stablecoins. ## [How Not To Be a Pirate: The Trouble with Curses by Jenny Pearson, illustrated by Paula Bowles](https://worldssmallestlibrary.wordpress.com/2026/08/13/how-not-to-be-a-pirate-the-trouble-with-curses-by-jenny-pearson-illustrated-by-paula-bowles/) _2026-08-13 · mrssydney · Mrs Sydney's Famous World's Smallest Library_ There are few authors whose books for children automatically go on my list but Jenny Pearson is most definitely amongst them. Having discovered her writing when I read The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates when it came out during the pandemic, I’ve gone on to read and enjoy all her middle grades that have Continue reading "How Not To Be a Pirate: The Trouble with Curses by Jenny Pearson,… ## [Broken Country](https://ratedreads.com/broken-country-fiction-book/) _2026-08-12 · Cathy Carmode Lim · Rated Reads_ \[…\] The post Broken Country appeared first on Rated Reads . ## [Book Trailer of the Week: Ghost by Jason Reynolds](https://readingmiddlegrade.substack.com/p/ghost-jason-reynolds-book-trailer) _2026-08-12 · Afoma Umesi · Reading Middle Grade_ A book that needs no introduction. ## [James](https://ratedreads.com/james-historical-fiction-book-review/) _2026-08-11 · Cathy Carmode Lim · Rated Reads_ \[…\] The post James appeared first on Rated Reads . ## [I Will Not Walk to School](https://canlitforlittlecanadians.blogspot.com/2026/08/i-will-not-walk-to-school.html) _2026-08-11 · Unknown · CanLit for LittleCanadians_ Written by Naseem Hrab Illustrated by Kelly Collier Kids Can Press 978-1-5253-1439-1 40 pages Ages 3–7 May, 2026 School will be starting again soon and undoubtedly there are parents and guardians wondering how challenging it will be to get little ones to school. (Maybe not so little ones too.) Perhaps children are nervous about starting a new school or a new class, or maybe school has always been… ## [Dracula & Daughters: School for Slayers (D&D 2) by Emma Carroll](https://worldssmallestlibrary.wordpress.com/2026/08/11/dracula-daughters-school-for-slayers-dd-2-by-emma-carroll/) _2026-08-11 · mrssydney · Mrs Sydney's Famous World's Smallest Library_ One of my very favourite books as a child was Usborne’s Vampires, Werewolves and Demons, published as part of their series of Supernatural Guides. A book that I read over and over again, it was at least in part responsible for creating my lifelong fascination with the undead and is one that – along with Continue reading "Dracula & Daughters: School for Slayers (D&D 2) by Emma Carroll" ## [Researching and Writing Nonfiction](https://writersrumpus.com/2026/08/11/researching-and-writing-nonfiction/) _2026-08-11 · Alumni & Guests · WRITERS' RUMPUS_ Guest Post by Lauren H. Kerstein I am beyond thrilled to be here. I’ve long enjoyed reading Writers’ Rumpus posts and am excited to share Continue reading ## [Remembering Jane Yolen](https://www.matthewcwinner.com/post/remembering-jane-yolen) _2026-08-11 · Matthew C. Winner · Matthew C. Winner_ This is a rebroadcast of a conversation with the late Jane Yolen that originally aired on this podcast on June 26, 2017. ## [#YA Graphic Novel Review: Marionetta by Míriam Bonastre Tur, colours by Eiden Marsal Zamora](https://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home.blog/2026/08/10/ya-graphic-novel-review-marionetta-by-miriam-bonastre-tur-colours-by-eiden-marsal-zamora/) _2026-08-10 · veronicaprice2163 · V'sViewfromtheBookshelves_ Marionetta is a Young Adult, manga-style graphic novel created by Spanish cartoon artist Míriam Bonastre Tur. It is a cult hit on the WebToon platform, and will be published in paperback format for the first time in October 2026 by Rock the Boat in the UK. I count myself very fortunate to have been sent … Continue reading #YA Graphic Novel Review: Marionetta by Míriam Bonastre Tur, colours by… ## [Spark of Secrets (Empire of Dragons, book 1)](https://ratedreads.com/spark-secrets-empire-dragons-middle-grade-book-review/) _2026-08-10 · Lyra Thompson · Rated Reads_ \[…\] The post Spark of Secrets (Empire of Dragons, book 1) appeared first on Rated Reads . ## [Selda Lane’s Last Act](https://www.racheltoalson.com/selda-lanes-last-act/) _2026-08-10 · bentoalson · Rachel Toalson_ (I wrote this short story in response to the prompt, “Make some sensory observations that are unusual.” I’m not really sure where the premise came from, but it was fall, and I was thinking about monsters and vampires and ancient beings and secrets. All great recipes for stories, however short.) Griselda Wing Chair Musings is \[…\] ## [Ask Afoma: The advanced 4th grader looking for stories with only children](https://readingmiddlegrade.substack.com/p/middle-grade-books-about-only-children) _2026-08-10 · Afoma Umesi · Reading Middle Grade_ She loved Parachute Kids and A Chance to Fly ## [Unicornia: Camping in the Clouds by Ana Punset, illustrated by Diana Vicedo, translated by Rosie Eyre](https://worldssmallestlibrary.wordpress.com/2026/08/09/unicornia-camping-in-the-clouds-by-ana-punset-illustrated-by-diana-vicedo-translated-by-rosie-eyre/) _2026-08-09 · mrssydney · Mrs Sydney's Famous World's Smallest Library_ Although they usually enjoy a wide range of stories, younger readers often prefer those that feature characters with whom they can relate, doing the sort of everyday things that they themselves do, albeit it often with a twist, and here is a super-cute chapter book perfect for those who are just starting to engage with Continue reading "Unicornia: Camping in the Clouds by Ana Punset, illustrated… ## [Frostbite](https://canlitforlittlecanadians.blogspot.com/2026/08/frostbite.html) _2026-08-08 · Unknown · CanLit for LittleCanadians_ Written by Ian Boothby Illustrated by Pia Guerra Graphix (Scholastic) 978-1-5461-1117-7 208 pp. Ages 12+ August 2026 This isn't the Ian Boothby I've read and reviewed before. His Sparks graphic novel series (illustrated by Nina Matsumoto) is fun and bright and funny and perfect for middle-grade readers who like stories of superheroes, cats, and weirdness. Frostbite is for older readers who like… ## [#Illustrated Fiction Review: The Dragon Mountain by Mathieu Pierloot, illustrated by François Maumont, translated by Charis Ainslie](https://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home.blog/2026/08/08/illustrated-fiction-review-the-dragon-mountain-by-mathieu-pierloot-illustrated-by-francois-maumont-translated-by-charis-ainslie/) _2026-08-08 · veronicaprice2163 · V'sViewfromtheBookshelves_ The Dragon Mountain is a cute fantasy adventure filled with magical creatures and featuring an unusual band of intrepid adventurers. The original French story written by Mathieu Pierloot has been translated into English by Charis Ainslie; the beautiful and distinctive artwork is by François Maumont. In my proof copy, many of the illustrations are printed … Continue reading #Illustrated Fiction… ## [The Diary of Wiska Wildflower: The Crystal Cave (TDoWW 2) by Harriet Muncaster](https://worldssmallestlibrary.wordpress.com/2026/08/08/the-diary-of-wiska-wildflower-the-crystal-cave-tdoww-2-by-harriet-muncaster/) _2026-08-08 · mrssydney · Mrs Sydney's Famous World's Smallest Library_ As someone whose social media feeds contain an awful lot of posts from people commenting on reading, and what children read in particular, I can’t help but notice that some things that I feel shouldn’t be controversial apparently are. While my kids were always allowed to read whatever they wanted, it seems that a significant Continue reading "The Diary of Wiska Wildflower: The Crystal Cave (TDoWW… ## [The Wild Ones by Steve Cole](https://scopeforimagination.co.uk/2026/08/07/the-wild-ones-by-steve-cole/) _2026-08-07 · Kate Heap · Scope for Imagination_ Narrated by the charming, honest and ever hopeful Jack Russell Terrior, Scamp, The Wild Ones is a beautiful story of finding light in darkness and the power of friendship. This is The Incredible Journey for a new generation with distinctive characterisation, humour and heartbreak. Following the ‘Night of the Great Growl’, the air turns black,… Continue reading The Wild Ones by Steve Cole ## [Group: How One Therapist and a Circle of Strangers Saved My Life](https://ratedreads.com/group-memoir-book/) _2026-08-07 · Cathy Carmode Lim · Rated Reads_ \[…\] The post Group: How One Therapist and a Circle of Strangers Saved My Life appeared first on Rated Reads . ## [Fairy Tale Friday: Disney’s vs. Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid”](https://www.racheltoalson.com/fairy-tale-friday-disneys-vs-andersens-the-little-mermaid/) _2026-08-07 · bentoalson · Rachel Toalson_ Disney’s The Little Mermaid came out in 1989 and earned $84 million on release. It was my favorite Disney movie when I was a kid, and I can still proudly sing every song in it, because, for some reason, those words have stuck with me all my life. Maybe it’s because I’m autistic (just didn’t \[…\] ## [Reading Together Beats Reading Alone](https://readingmiddlegrade.substack.com/p/book-club-for-kids-and-teens) _2026-08-07 · Afoma Umesi · Reading Middle Grade_ What happened when 65 kids spent the summer talking about books.