stuckinthemiddlegradewithyou's reviews
315 reviews

Witchspark by Dominique Valente

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I absolutely adored this book and devoured it in an afternoon. It’s whimsical, cosy and charming with just the right amount of peril. 
We follow Eglantine as she tries to find her ‘witchspark’ and overcome the evil whistlewitch. We’re also treated to the dual pov with chapters from princess Victoria who faces her own issues with magic. There’s magical hats, dragon butlers, secret witch courses and sassy, sentinel houses, what more could you want from a middle grade fantasy?
I love the overall message of the book that no matter your gender, ability or disability and social status you control your future. 
Can’t wait to read more in this world. 

The Haunting of Fortune Farm by Sophie Kirtley

adventurous emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

5.0

I simply couldn’t put this down. Full of emotion, memories and a Viking mystery to solve the haunting of fortune farm grips the reader and doesn’t let go. 

An exquisitely written story following 12 year old Edie and 6 year old Pip as they visit their grandmother Lolly at fortune farm on the Irish mountains. Struggling with the lost of her father Edie discovers clues that could lead her to Viking treasure and longs to know more about it and how it can link her to memories of her father. 
Part creepy ghost story, part historical quest and many parts heartwarming connections through lost, the haunting of fortune farm faces subjects not often seen in a middle grade. It was a refreshing take on the traditional spooky middle grade books and the twist at the end was fantastic and full of emotion. 

Thank you Bloomsbury children, NetGalley and Sophie Kirtley for this arc. 

Puffin and Penguin by Helaine Becker

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

A fun graphic novel bout Puffin and his family as they move home and he starts a new school. There he tries his hardest to make new friends and meets Penguin, a cool but busy bird. 
This is a cute fast read for the younger end of middle grade. It’s overall message of being yourself and having empathy towards others is a great one for this age group. 
I loved the colourful, cute illustrations and play on the names of places

New Stork city and Brookloon

Thank you NetGalley and Kids Can Press for the ARC. 

Rosa by Starlight by Hilary McKay

adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This is a magical book perfect for cat lovers. It had a very Roald Dahl/ Lemony Snicket-esque feel to it with the evil aunt and uncle and orphan child but it left me with lots of unanswered questions. 

How does Rosa stop things? How could Bathazar talk or slip through windows? Also I’d love to know more about the orange kitten that was saved 20 years before

Overall it was a quick, fun read, tense in places and heartwarming in others. I hope there is a sequel and we can catch up with Rosa and

her new life in Italy

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan children’s books for my arc. 

Dogmatix and the Indomitables Vol. 1 by Yves Coulon, René Goscinny, Jérôme Erbin, Albert Uderzo, Matthieu Choquet

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

5.0

A fun spin-off from the much loved Asterix, this volume of dogmatix and the indomitables is a collection of three comic strips. We follow Dogmatix and his  furry and feathered friends as they aid the characters of Asterix in their fight against the Romans. 
For those who grew up with Asterix and Obelix this is a trip down memory lane. 
Thank you to NetGalley and Papercutz for this arc. 

The Book of Purrs by Luís Coelho

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

A lovely cute book filled with uplifting and inspiring messages with sweet kitties thrown in. This reminded me a little of the boy, the mole, the fox and the horse for its poignant messages and the way the illusions are drawn, as if they are on thick parchment. I really liked how you can dip in and out of this book when you need to and it can make you laugh, lift your mood or make you feel all warm and fuzzy. 
As a cat owner I especially love “look into my eyes and forget you already fed me” and “by the power of the purr and the beauty of the fur good things will occur”
This would make the ‘purrfect’ gift for a cat lover. 

Heebie Jeebies by Shelby Criswell, Matthew Erman

funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

A fun, quirky graphic novel about two boys on a hunt for treasure in their haunted school. While the underlying message was not to bully and be true to yourself there is also the importance of friendship and helping others. 
The story does branch out quite a lot rather than being linear but that only adds to its quirkiness. With fun, colourful illustrations and easy to read text this is a great book for reluctant readers. 

Great Churches of London by Derry Brabbs

informative medium-paced

4.0

A fascinating guide to the churches of London, each page is jam packed with information about each churches history, its architect and whether it played a part in or was damaged during the war. Filled with beautiful photographs of each church, you get a glimpse of stained glass windows, alters, shrines, statues and more. This would be the perfect book to enjoy while visiting each to the featured churches. 
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this arc. 

Love Saves the Day by Gwen Cooper

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

An emotional read from the point of view of a cat named Prudence. Through her eyes we navigate through challenges in life and realise the impact they can have on our pets who don’t always understand what is happening. 
Another well written story from Gwen Cooper. 
Thank you Bantam and NetGalley for this arc. 

Homer's Odyssey by Gwen Cooper

emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

5.0

A touching tale about a fearless feline. This book has it all, it’s informative, comedic, sobering and touching and will leave you believing anything is possible with a positive mental attitude like little Homer.
We follow Gwen as she tumbles through a breakup and finding somewhere to live with her two cats Scarlett and Vashti when she receives a phone call about a blind kitten, Homer. As Homer grows he becomes fearless and fiercely loyal, even fighting off a burglar and dealing with the fall out of 9/11. Described as a “tiny dynamo with a giant heart” you can’t help but fall in love with this plucky cat. 
Thank you Delacorte press and NetGalley for my arc.