Bifocal by Deborah Ellis & Eric Walters

So first things first to get it out of the way.  Yes, Bifocal by Deborah Ellis & Eric Walters has an awful cover.  But on the other hand, it’s co-written by Deborah Ellis.  That’s enough for me to look past the cover.  Unfortunately, if kids aren’t familiar with how awesome Deborah Ellis, will kids pick [...]

Dessert First by Hallie Durand

Dessert First by Hallie Durand is a perfect book for the middle grade reader in your life (heck -  it was perfect for this thirty something woman too!).  Warning:  do not read this book while you are hungry.  Throughout the narrative of this yummy book you’ll encounter the following desserts: Death by Chocolate, chocolate [...]

Charlotte’s Rose by A.E. Cannon

The year is 1856  and Charlotte is twelve-years-old.  In Charlotte’s Rose by A.E. Cannon, Charlotte and her father, newly immigrated from Wales and newly converted to Mormonism, are among a group of pioneers pushing their own handcarts from Iowa City to Utah.
Tired of being treated like a child and eager to make a grandiose [...]

All Alone by Claire Huchet Bishop

All Alone by Claire Huchet Bishop is the 1954 Newbery Honor.  Ten-year-old Marcel is entrusted with his family’s cows for the entire summer on the high French Alp mountain tops.  Entirely alone.  He has always been taught that it’s best to keep to oneself.  In fact, his entire village all keep to themselves.  Nobody is [...]

Dovey Coe by Frances O’Roark Dowell

My name is Dovey Coe, and I reckon it don’t matter if you like me or not.  I’m here to lay the record straight, to let you know them folks saying I done a terrible thing are liars.  I aim to prove it, too.  I hated Parnell Caraway as much as the [...]