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Today’s book recommendations: ANIMALS IN PANTS and WET CEMENT: A MIX OF CONCRETE POEMS

📚 Ready to make reading FUN (and maybe a little silly)? If you’ve got a young reader who loves to laugh—or one who just hasn’t fallen in love with poetry yet—these two playful picks are a perfect place to start:

🩳 ANIMALS IN PANTS by Suzy Levinson

What’s better than animals? Animals wearing PANTS. 😄 This laugh-out-loud picture book is packed with ridiculous, colorful illustrations and simple, bouncy text that makes it a joy to read aloud. Perfect for giggles, engagement, and getting even the wiggliest kids excited about books.

🎈WET CEMENT: A MIX OF CONCRETE POEMS by Bob Raczka

This clever, creative collection turns poetry into art. Each poem is shaped to match its subject—so kids don’t just read the poem, they see it. It’s interactive, surprising, and a fantastic way to introduce poetic thinking in a way that feels like play.

Both of these books invite kids to experience reading differently—through humor, creativity, and imagination.

✨ Which one would your kids grab first—the silly or the surprising?

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Today’s book recommendations: WITCHES OF BROOKLYN and THE TRYOUT!

📚 Looking for books that kids won’t want to put down? Graphic novels are a fantastic way to build reading confidence while still delivering rich stories, big emotions, and unforgettable characters.

Here are two middle grade favorites worth adding to your shelf:

✨ WITCHES OF BROOKLYN by Sophie Escabasse

When Effie moves to Brooklyn to live with two mysterious aunts she barely knows, she discovers they might be hiding a magical secret—and that she may have powers of her own. This charming graphic novel blends friendship, family, humor, and just the right touch of witchy magic.

📣 THE TRYOUT by Christina Soontornvat and Joanna Cacao

Based on a true story, this heartfelt graphic memoir follows a girl navigating middle school, identity, and the nerve-wracking experience of trying out for the cheerleading squad. It’s funny, honest, and incredibly relatable for anyone who has ever wondered where they fit in.

Both books are engaging, beautifully illustrated, and perfect for middle grade readers who love stories about friendship, growing up, and discovering who they are.

📖 Tell me which graphic novels the kids in your life love? I’m always looking for new recommendations!

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Today’s book recommendation: LOVE THAT DOG by Sharon Creech

📚 Have you discovered verse novels yet?

These fast-growing favorites are winning over young readers everywhere—and for good reason. With less text on each page, they can feel less intimidating, but they’re packed with voice, emotion, and powerful poetic tools like imagery, metaphor, and creative formatting that brings the story to life.

If you want the perfect place to start, try LOVE THAT DOG by Sharon Creech. 🐶

This beloved middle grade classic follows a boy named Jack who thinks he hates poetry… until he slowly discovers he might have something important to say.

It’s funny, heartfelt, quick to read—and often the book that turns kids into verse-novel fans for life.

✨ Have you or your kids read a verse novel yet? Drop your favorites below!

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📖✨ Today’s book recommendation: THE UNSELECTED JOURNALS OF EMMA M. LION by Beth Brower

-Historical Fiction

I first heard about Emma M. Lion and her journals a few years ago from a friend. She was absolutely obsessed and dying for the third volume to come out. I wasn’t too sure. The title and cover are so simple–could they really hold words worth raving about?

Well, let me tell you, dear reader, yes, yes they do! It’s like the best of Jane Austen and P.G. Wodehouse mixed together. Or a clean Bridgerton mixed with Harriet the Spy. Funny, romantic, witty, cozy, mysterious, and just so, so fun!

Here’s the official BOOK PROMO:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Year is 1883 and Emma M. Lion has returned to her London neighbourhood of St. Crispian’s. But Emma’s plans for a charmed and studious life are sabotaged by her eccentric Cousin Archibald, her formidable Aunt Eugenia, and the slightly odd denizens of St. Crispian’s.

Emma M. Lion offers up her Unselected Journals, however self-incriminating they may be. Armed with wit and a sideways amusement, Emma documents the curious realities of her life at Lapis Lazuli House.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Emma’s voice is sharp as a hatpin, and her observations had me actually laughing out loud. If you love clever heroines, cozy mysteries, and character-driven stories with hidden depth—this one’s a must. 💌🖋️

Here is a friendly warning though: These books always leave you wanting more! Don’t say I didn’t warn you! 😂

Happy reading!

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Today’s book recommendation: SOMETHING ROTTEN: A FRESH LOOK AT ROADKILL by Heather L. Montgomery | Illustrated by Kevin O’Malley

– Published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books

– Middle Grade Nonfiction

If you’re super squeamish, this might not be the book for you. But if you can handle descriptions of dead animals, it’s definitely worth a read. I found it fascinating and my boys could NOT get enough of it! We read it together before school, and each day they rushed to get ready so we would have more time to read. If that’s not a win, I don’t know what is! 🙂

📚 Here’s the official book promo:

*****
When Heather L. Montgomery sees a rattlesnake flattened on the side of the road, her first instinct is to pick it up and dissect it–she’s always wanted to see how a snake’s fangs retract when they close their mouths, and it’s not exactly safe to poke around in a live reptile’s mouth.

A wildlife researcher with a special penchant for the animals that litter the roadways, Heather isn’t satisfied with dissecting just one snake. Her fascination with roadkill sets her off on a journey from her own backyard and the roadways of the American South to scientists and kids in labs and homes across the globe. From biologists who use the corpses of Tasmanian devils to investigate cures for a contagious cancer, to a scientist who discovered a whole new species of bird from a single wing left behind, to a boy rebuilding animal bodies from the bones up, to a restaurant that serves up animal remnants, Heather discovers that death is just the beginning for these creatures.

Dig into this eye-opening and irreverent look at the dead and dying animals that we pass by without a second thought.
*****

Montgomery’s passionate curiosity is contagious, and I just love how she takes readers along with her on this bizarre, but interesting, learning journey. Her prose is full of good humor, and I found myself laughing out loud so many times reading this book.

SOMETHING ROTTEN has won a ton of awards, including a JLG Gold Standard, an ALA Notable Book, and the Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year, so be brave and give this book a try!

Happy reading!

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Today’s book recommendation:🔥THE FIRE OF STARS: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made Of by Kirsten W. Larson

Illustrated by Katherine Roy

Published by Chronicle Books

📚 Nonfiction Picture Book Biography

The Fire of Stars by Kirsten W. Larson

This STEM biography is a major award winner! It is exceptionally crafted and beautifully illustrated! I absolutely love how author Kirsten W. Larson manages to tell two stories at once with her lovely, poetic text.

Here’s the official BOOK PROMO:

*****
Astronomer and astrophysicist Cecilia Payne was the first person to discover what burns at the heart of stars. But she didn’t start out as the groundbreaking scientist she would eventually become. She started out as a girl full of curiosity, hoping one day to unlock the mysteries of the universe.

With lyrical, evocative text by Kirsten W. Larson and extraordinary illustrations by award-winning illustrator Katherine Roy, this moving biography powerfully parallels the kindling of Cecilia Payne’s own curiosity and her scientific career with the process of a star’s birth, from mere possibility in an expanse of space to an eventual, breathtaking explosion of light.
*****

This book encourages curiosity and a love of science on every page, along with gorgeous swirls of stardust, sparks of color, and heartfelt moments in Cecilia’s journey through life.

⭐ Perfect for kids who love space, science, and stories of trailblazing women.
⭐ A beautiful blend of STEM and storytelling.
⭐ Inspiring for classroom use or bedtime brilliance.

Have you read this starry gem yet? 💫 Drop a 🌟 in the comments if you love space books!

Happy reading!

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Today’s book recommendation: LEGEND by Marie Lu

 -Young Adult Dystopian Fiction

Today I have another YA dystopian recommendation for you! This one has been around for a bit, but there’s a reason that it (and the rest of the series) repeatedly hit the NYT bestseller list. Its appeal is timeless! 

LEGEND is a story of two remarkable teenagers who are initially on opposite sides of the law. June is a military student prodigy and Day (official name: Daniel) is a wanted criminal who excels at evading the government.

🔪Here’s the official BOOK PROMO:

*****
What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths – until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.
*****

While a fun romance sparks between the two main characters, the best part of this novel is the suspense and non-stop action. Every page keeps you on your toes with plenty of twists and turns. 

This is the book that launched Marie Lu’s career. The original series was a trilogy, but six years later, Lu added a fourth book called REBEL. There are also super fun graphic novels adapted by Leigh Dragoon and illustrated by Kaari. Do yourself a favor and check these out!

Happy reading!

Marie Lu Legend Series
Legend
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Today’s book recommendation: THE PAGES BETWEEN US by Lindsey Leavitt and Robin Mellom

-Middle Grade Contemporary Fiction

Oh, this was such a fun one! First of all, the book starts out with almost blank pages that say “French Class” and then have list of very poor French vocabulary. It turns out, the book is a notebook that two friends pass back and forth to communicate since their new middle school schedules don’t allow them much time together.

I immediately loved this fun premise because I actually had a notebook like this with one of my best friends in middle school! I even still have it somewhere!

📚 Here’s the book promo:

***
Told in letters, posters, blog posts, homework assignments, and more, The Pages Between Us is a totally fun snapshot of middle grade friendship—and what it truly means to be there for someone during the ups, downs, and everything in between.

Piper and Olivia have been best friends since…well, forever. But they’re distressed to find that their new middle school schedules aren’t giving them enough together-time. Luckily, an idea sparks when Piper finds a cute, sparkly notebook to disguise as her “French Class” homework. It’s genius—now the two BFFs can stick together all the time. And document their adventures—you know, for anthropology’s sake.

But as the two navigate the tricky new world of sixth grade, they realize that they may need to branch out more than they originally thought. Their notebook, once a life raft, begins to feel like a big responsibility. Can they grow up, without growing apart?

***

This book is co-authored by Lindsey Leavitt and Robin Mellon, which adds to the fun since it is a book about communication between two friends. It also is a beautiful portrayal of these girls’ journeys to finding themselves and learning how to be there for each other. Highly recommend!

Happy reading!

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Today’s book recommendation: SCYTHE by Neal Shusterman

-Young Adult Dystopian Thriller

If you or your teenager likes thrilling dystopian stories, have I got a book for you! One of my teenage sons actually introduced it to me. At first I wasn’t sure. It’s a story about murder and death, after all. 

My initial hesitation disappeared when I realized that SCYTHE doesn’t glorify killing. Since it takes place in a future where the world has conquered illness, crime, and hunger, the job of ending lives is given to specially trained Scythes, in order to keep the population in check. 

Basically, the book is about an internal war among the Scythe organization–those who honor the old ways and carry out their duty with respect and those who kill for sport. Yes, it’s fast-paced and violent, but it really makes you think about what is important in life and clearly shows which side is right in the age-old battle of good vs. evil.

🔪Here’s the official BOOK PROMO:

*****
A world with no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery: humanity has conquered all those things, and has even conquered death. Now Scythes are the only ones who can end life—and they are commanded to do so, in order to keep the size of the population under control.

Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe—a role that neither wants. These teens must master the “art” of taking life, knowing that the consequence of failure could mean losing their own.
*****

While the novel uses a dual point of view, alternating between teenagers Citra and Rowan, I really enjoyed Shusterman’s use of journal entries from various adult scythes to flesh out the history and struggles of the Scythe organization.

SCYTHE is a riveting and immersive read, which is why my son inhaled the whole 4-book series in a matter of days! Shusterman obviously knows his audience. 😊 If you liked Hunger Games, I recommend you give this series a try.

Happy reading!

Arc of a Scythe, Four Volume Set by Neal Shusterman Scythe Thunderhead The Toll Gleanings
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Today’s book recommendation: LITTLE RED HENRY by Linda Urban; Illustrated by Madeline Valentine

– Picture Book

This sweet little story turns the tale of The Little Red Hen on its head. Instead of a hen who has to do everything herself because her friends are too lazy, Henry has an extraordinarily loving family who can’t help themselves from doing every little thing for him.

Here’s the official BOOK PROMO:

*****
Little redheaded Henry’s family treats him like a baby. They dress him. They feed him. They brush his “widdle toofers.” But he’s not a baby anymore. He’s a little boy who wants to do things for himself. So with his family watching anxiously from the wings, Henry sets out on a glorious day of independence. But will things swing too far in the other direction? In this charming reworking of the classic tale of the Little Red Hen, author Linda Urban and illustrator Madeline Valentine gently and humorously depict a family trying to find a middle ground between hovering over their youngest member and giving him room to grow.

*****

The need for independence is real–especially for little ones! Almost as soon as my son could talk, I remember him saying “Me do it!” to every little thing.

But as his mom, it was tricky to step back. I was his mom! He needed me! 🙂

That’s what makes this book so humorous–it’s altogether too relatable, for parents and for kids!

Plus, the illustrations! Madeline Valentine’s delightful cartoon-style pictures add so much to this fun tale. I just love little redheaded, bespectacled Henry, and I died laughing at the spread where the whole family was listless and without purpose because they couldn’t do everything for Henry anymore!

Happy reading!