AMETHYST, THE SHALLOWS by Kellye Abernathy YA / Magical Realism / Coming of Age Publisher: Atmosphere Press Page Count: 296 pages Publication Date: February 6, 2024 Scroll down for a giveaway! "This is a night for being brave." In the aftermath of a devastating sickness that shatters their close-knit beach town, six lonely kids are … Continue reading Amethyst, The Shallows – Review & Giveaway – Lone Star Literary
Middle School
Maia & The Mermaid Princess by Kate S. Richards
I am always pleased to see a new book from this author being released into the wild. It does make me long for my librarian days when I could have handed this book to every kiddo from 10-16! The author herself is a librarian, and I think that's what makes her books so wonderful, as she … Continue reading Maia & The Mermaid Princess by Kate S. Richards
Death at Dusbar College by Laura Dinovis Berry
This chapter book is the perfect read for upper elementary and middle school readers who devour all things magical. Add in a mystery and you can pull those fans in too. An entertaining read with wonderful characters, especially the main character Cristiano, the As Yet Untitled, who is an inquisitive young man with a sense … Continue reading Death at Dusbar College by Laura Dinovis Berry
Annie Abbott and the Druid Stones by Isabelle & Michael Nelson
This father and daughter author team have created a beautiful story for their first collaboration. While aimed toward the 8-15 age reader, while slightly order than that, I was just as entertained! This book is based on the real life adventures that Michael created for his daughter Isabelle as she grew up. Sprinkled in is … Continue reading Annie Abbott and the Druid Stones by Isabelle & Michael Nelson
Operation Varsity Blues (A Kahale and Claude Mystery Book 3) by Timothy Baldwin
This is a great mystery series for middle and high schoolers. And frankly, I have also enjoyed it. The author is a teacher who has vast experience with middle school and high school, so he is spot on when it comes to exactly knowing what this reader will enjoy. The series involves four friends who … Continue reading Operation Varsity Blues (A Kahale and Claude Mystery Book 3) by Timothy Baldwin
Nikau’s Escape (Adventures of Jabu & Friends, Book 3) by Kate S. Richards
This author always has a great adventure in each of the 3 books in the set. While each can easily be read as a stand-alone, I thoroughly enjoyed them in order. This story centers around Nikau who is dealing with a lot of life changing challenges. Presented in a realistic manner, the braid of surfing, … Continue reading Nikau’s Escape (Adventures of Jabu & Friends, Book 3) by Kate S. Richards
Camp Lenape (Book 1 – Kahale & Claude Mystery Series) by Timothy R. Baldwin
Remember back to your days of summer camp? This story follows four soon to be sophomore students as they spend a summer being Junior Counselors. I remember the feeling of being sort of in charge but not an adult and yet not a camper either. When strange people are seen around the camp area, the … Continue reading Camp Lenape (Book 1 – Kahale & Claude Mystery Series) by Timothy R. Baldwin
Lightmasters 13 by M. G. Wells
The main character, Jessica, is portrayed with the blend of kid and adult that most feel at this age. Written in present tense it allows the reader to experience things as the character does. Jessica has a whirlwind going on in her life. The grandparents were very entertaining with their various physical attributes and their … Continue reading Lightmasters 13 by M. G. Wells
Ragel’s Brood & Naahla’s Pet by Antony Awtrey
I heard this author speak at the Indie Book Fest in Orlando, but he was talking about his adult books. When I went to the book sale, these two covers caught my eye (the Children’s Librarian resurfaced!). Tell me about these, I asked and he smiled, looked at his daughter sitting next to him and … Continue reading Ragel’s Brood & Naahla’s Pet by Antony Awtrey
Saving Thandi (Adventures of Jabu & Friends) Book 2 by Kate S Richards
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this middle school adventure and could not wait to see where Jabu would lead us next. A nice surprise was the return of the character Ice, who added a lot more depth to the attitude of the other characters. This is a series that I have now recommended … Continue reading Saving Thandi (Adventures of Jabu & Friends) Book 2 by Kate S Richards