Review by 12-year-old, Abby Bingham. When I read this book my heart just melted over Ester, a little girl from Chicago who lived during the Great Depression. Ester doesn’t quite fit in with her family. Her ma is superstitious and is very strict. She believed if you do something wrong it could bring bad luck.... Continue Reading →
Middle Grade: Interview with 12-Year-Old Abby Bingham
Every now and again I like to discuss literature with a more sophisticated and saavy reader, so I asked 12-year-old Abby Bingham to stop by Novel Novice and share what she loves about Middle Grade books. *What is your favorite thing about reading? I love being able to feel like I’m in the book. I... Continue Reading →
The Wig in the Window Review
I'm so excited about the release of The Wig in the Window by Kristen Kittscher. When I find an adventure that has great action, believable characters (no stereotypes) and page-turning mystery, I'm hooked. Official synopsis: "Best friends and seventh graders Sophie Young and Grace Yang have made a game out of spying on their neighbors.... Continue Reading →
Middle Grade Monday is BACK!
Our regular Middle Grade Monday post has been on a rather long hiatus and we're finally back! Stay-tuned for regular reviews beginning next week. In the meantime, check-out these two exciting new Middle Grade titles, both released this month (reviews to follow in the coming weeks)! The Wig in the Window "Best friends and seventh... Continue Reading →
Best Middle Grade & Children Books of 2013
Here are the results (according to Goodreads). What do you think? Do you agree? What were some of your favorite books of 2013? Winner 42,877 votes Rate this book 1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars The House of Hades by Rick Riordan (Goodreads Author) At... Continue Reading →
Frankfurt Book Fair 2013: Ferals Emerges as Hot Middle-Grade Property
As I've been busy gearing up for a magical schedule in Middle Grade on Novel Novice for the New Year, I've left out some important MG news from the Frankfurt Book Fair in October! Check-out this exciting article from Publisher's Weekly! "One of the big children’s projects that has bubbled up at the German book... Continue Reading →
Middle Grade Monday: Thanksgiving on Thursday
Looking for a fun (albeit, stereotyped) Thanksgiving middle grade read? Check out Jack and Annie's next fantasy adventure in the best selling series, the Magic Tree House! Official synopsis: "It's a time for giving thanks . . . when the Magic Tree House whisks Jack and Annie back to 1621 on the first Thanksgiving Day.... Continue Reading →
Junie B. Jones Creator Barbara Park Dies at 66
Today we honor and celebrate the life of middle grade author, Barbara Park. Thank you for giving us our beloved heroine with a "big, fat mouth," Junie B. Jones. You will forever be in our hearts! Post from Publisher's Weekly: Children’s author Barbara Park, long appreciated for her stories that blend humor and heart, and... Continue Reading →
Book Review: Marco the Impossible
Hannah Moskowitz has a bit of a cult following. And after reading Marco Impossible, I understand why. True, it is her first middle grade novel, and yes, it is my first time reading her work, but my fan status has officially been pledged and I can't wait to delve into her previous magic. From what I've... Continue Reading →
Middle Grade Monday: CHARIS: Journey to Pandora’s Jar
"Thirteen-year-old Charis Parks has five days to save mankind. What she thought was mere mythology has become her reality ... she alone must reverse the curse of Pandora's Jar. If Charis is to fulfill her destiny, she has to face her fears against the darker forces of Hades and the blood-thirsty Erinyes Sisters who help... Continue Reading →
