Knights vs. Dinosaurs
Written & Illustrated by Matt Phelan
Age Level: 8 – 12
Grade Level: 3 – 7

When I saw this book in my local library, I had to pick it up, and I wasn’t disappointed! Imagine going back in time to meet four of King Arthur’s knights. I don’t remember these names, do you? Sir Bors, Sir Hector, Sir Erec, Squire Mel, and the black knight. The action begins when Sir Erec brags about beating 40 dragons. Merlin decides Erec needs a little more fun, with a few dinosaurs. That’s when the real sport begins!
 
PS – This book was so good it became a series, book 1 out of 3. 

It’s a Rhap, Cat
Written by Lee Y. Miao
                                      
What would you do if you discovered your identical twin in a Renaissance painting by Raphael? No one knows who the lady in the portrait is, but everyone’s staring . . . at you and your painted twin.

Follow Cat in this tween adventure. Can she find the right partner for the Renaissance History and Art Project (RHAP)? She has a crush on Trey, the best artist, but so does the class diva. Both girls want to win RHAP, for the glory, and for a seat in honors history. Who will Trey pick? But don’t forget the other twist in the plot – the lady in the painting! Can Cat find a connection?
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You’ll have to read for yourself, but be prepared for a roller coaster of an adventure. The best part – this author really understands middle schoolers, their locker kingdom, and their relationships, with each other and with parents too. It’s true . . . there’s nothing like a good roller coaster! 

Royal Princess Academy: Dragon Dreams
Written by Laura Joy Rennert
Illustrated by Melanie Florian
Age Level: 7 – 10
Grade Level: 2 – 5

This is one of the first books I read back when I started keeping a reading journal, around 2012. I loved it back then, and now I’m disappointed to discover, for whatever reason, that it’s not part of a series. Emma is a princess who absolutely does not fit the traditional princess mold. She tries, but somehow she always manages to do the wrong thing. Her big dream – to earn her own dragon. Can she do it? I hope so – a princess should always have a happy ending!

​ The Secret Explorers and The Lost Whales
Written by S J King
Age Level: 6 – 9
Grade Level: 2 – 4
 
This is a SENSATIONAL book. Imagine a secret group of kids who get to help the planet. An ordinary door flashes a signal, then whisks you off to a super-secret meeting. Two kids will be selected for the mission. Could it be you? You’ll have to wait to see if you’re selected . . . and to find out your mission.
 
In the Lost Whales, a marine biology and space expert are called forward, Connor and Roshnie. They hop into the beat-up go cart. It’s the best transformer ever. This time it changes into an underwater vehicle that can help the kids find those lost whales. Seem impossible? Try diving into this action-filled adventure!  
 
PS – if you like this one, there are 14 more adventures left in this series.

​ Stink: Hamlet and Cheese
Written by Megan McDonald
Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
Age Level: 6 – 9
Grade Level: 1 – 4

I loved Stink, and so will kids, especially boys. Stink is all-boy, and that’s the hook – a boy taking on Shakespeare camp. Acting, using weird words in sentences? YUCK! But . . . if you told Stink that there are silly curses, sword-fighting, making faces, and acting out, I bet he’d go! The only downside – Riley Rottenburger. She is not boy friendly, but, boys could overlook her . . . because farting is!

Nancy Drew Clue Book #4: Big Top Flop
Written by Carolyn Keene
Illustrated by Peter Francis
Age Level: 6 – 9
Grade Level: 1 – 4

This set of 18 chapter book mysteries is great! When Nancy’s friend George wins the Junior Ringmaster whistling contest, her prize whistle is stolen and replaced with a dud. Can Nancy, George, and Bess solve the mystery before the circus leaves town?
 
The best part – the Clue Crew and You page. That’s where the case is summarized, and the last two clues repeated. Then it’s your chance to solve the mystery before the last chapter begins. I did, and I got it right! 

Heart Changer
Written by Jarm Del Boccio
Age Level: 9 – 12
Grade Level: 4 – 8

Have you ever wanted to know more about a Bible story, the back story? That’s exactly what Jarm did with Naaman and his leprosy, the Naaman from 2 Kings Chapter 5 in the Old Testament. In second Kings, we don’t know anything about the maidservant except for the important part . . . that she believed in Yahweh and that her faith helped Naaman into the River Jordan.

Jarm started there, by giving the servant a name and a story based on historical details from this time period. For me it made the story richer, and it gave me a greater appreciation of the journey Naaman took. He didn’t want to get into the Jordan River. He said it was polluted, but he did it because of the faith of a servant.

​The Friendship Garden: Pumpkin Spice
Written by Jenny Meyerhoff
Illustrated by Eva Chatelain
Age Level: 7 - 10       
Grade Level: 2 – 5

​This is the second book in a series of three about the Friendship Garden. These mysteries are great for young readers. Clues are left along the way to help them solve it, without giving away the ending.
 
In Pumpkin Spice, Anna, Kaya, and Reed are sure that their pumpkin is going to win first prize at the festival, but two days before the contest their pumpkin disappears. The girls must solve the mystery in time for the festival if they’re going to have a chance at winning. Kids who are into chapter books and easy middle grade reads will love this book, and this series.

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Hachiko Waits
Written by Leslea Newman
Illustrated by Machiyo Kodaira
Age Level: 7 – 12
Grade Level: 3 – 4

This is the most amazing story, and it’s based on what really happened in Japan in 1923. That’s when Professor Ueno adopted a young Akito. The puppy was bright, and training was easy. Every morning Hachiko walked his master to the train station before heading home. Every afternoon before 3:00, Hachiko returned to wait, until one day, the professor never returned. If you want to find out what happened, you’ll have to read the book for yourself. Warning – have your kleenexes ready because this is a heartbreaking story about love and loyalty. My daughter reads it every year to show her students how character affects emotion, and every year, they cry.

​History Smashers: Women’s Right to Vote
Written by Kate Messner
Illustrated by Dylan Meconis
Age Level: 8 – 12
Grade Level: 3 – 7

This book is so well done! It’s chock full of information. I was fascinated with the new things I learned. For instance, I thought all suffragettes had the same beliefs. They didn’t! Some believed ALL women should vote. Others thought only white women should.
 
Another example – the fight for the vote began with Abigail Adams. She tried talking to her husband, to her son. They both became president, but neither listened. It took until President Woodrow Wilson to get the 17th amendment passed, but it almost didn’t. It came down to one state, Tennessee. To one man and his vote, and a letter from his mother. It made all the difference.
 
Throughout the book there are short biographies of the famous, and not so famous. I loved the mix of people until I got to the most recent ones. That’s where the majority of names came from one party, from one side of the aisle. I wish the author had looked harder for names from the other side. For women like Nikki Hailey or Condoleezza Rice to name a few. They’re out there, working hard for the things they believe in.