Showing posts with label Middle Grade Fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Middle Grade Fiction. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Middle Grade Fiction Review: The Invasion by J. Taylor

This morning, I have another middle grade fiction book to share! I always enjoyed reading this genre of books with my younger daughters. We loved finding a series that we could read together--and look forward to adding the next book to our reading list! This morning, I have The Invasion, from The After series by J. Taylor. I enjoyed the first book, The After, and was excited to continue the series--here is that review in case you missed it--and you can find my review of Survival here! What did I think of The Invasion by J. Taylor?


​Book TitleTHE INVASION (Book Three The After series) by J. Taylor
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction & Juvenile Fiction (10 to 15 yrs old),  198 pages
Genre: Adventure, dystopian, suspense
Publisher:  FriesenPress
Release date:  July 2025
Content Rating: PG. 
 

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About the Book

With no central government to support Canada, chaos reigns as invaders seek control, and the Resistance rises to challenge them. Charlotte and Anna find themselves entangled with those protecting their country, desperate to prevent the intruders from seizing power and dismantling what remains of their nation.
Fleeing through unfamiliar territory, Charlotte and Anna’s resolve is tested as they evade relentless pursuers determined to capture or eliminate them. Although hopeful they can make a difference, every step forward is fraught with uncertainty, the looming threat of captivity pushing them to their limits. 

Despite fear and exhaustion, the determination to protect Canada’s future keeps the girls moving, even as the shadows of war close in around them.

 
My Review
 

The Invasion Takes Readers on the Next Step of this Dystopian Adventure. The author has created a fantastic character team that has grown along with the growing challenges and adventures faced in the series. The book is fast-paced and engaging from beginning to end. The pace keeps the story moving, preventing younger readers from getting bored, but it is well developed and interesting enough that the scenes are not too abrupt to engage older teens and adult readers. I love the author's writing style. She can develop scenes clearly and quickly without taking anything away from the story or its characters. 

 

Expect a Clean Read. This series takes on some serious dystopian challenges--but the author offers a clean read that your tweens and younger teens can read without worrying about the content themes. The characters certainly face challenges and situations that tug the heartstrings. Still, they are also handled well and in a G/PG writing style that makes the story more heartpounding and heartwarming than the shock-value content of some teen dystopian pieces.

 

Would I Recommend The Invasion by J. Taylor? I loved this series, but this book was my favorite so far. I have enjoyed watching the characters grow and find their paths. I recommend reading the series in order to better understand the characters' situations and the background of their growing bond. The novel is fast-paced and engaging, with action-packed scenes that are perfect for younger teen readers, but still detailed enough to hold the interest of older readers. If you enjoy middle-grade dystopian fiction with strong characters and an engaging, clean storyline, this series is an easy one to pick up and enjoy from the first pages. This book doesn't tie up all the loose ends, so you can be sure that I will be watching for more books in the series!

 
 Meet the Author 

J. Taylor leads a fulfilling life balancing her roles as a mother, teacher and author. Creating memorable experiences for her family and loved ones brings her joy. Large family dinners filled with lively conversation and great food are a cherished tradition. These aspects of her life contribute to her personal fulfillment as well as inspire her writing and the themes of connection and family in her stories. 

Taylor’s upbringing in Nova Scotia notably influences her storytelling, as she incorporates elements of the region’s culture and environment into her narratives. This background enriches her characters and the overall themes of her stories, making them relatable and inspiring.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook instagram goodreads




Monday, October 20, 2025

Middle Grade Fiction Review: Survival by J. Taylor

This morning, I have a middle grade fiction book to share! I always enjoyed reading this genre of books with my younger daughters. We loved finding a series that we could read together--and look forward to adding the next book to our reading list! Today, I have a Survival, from The After series by J. Taylor. I enjoyed the first book, The After, and was excited to continue the series--here is that review in case you missed it! Stop back tomorrow for my review of the 3rd book in the series: The Invasion!


 

​Book TitleSURVIVAL (Book Two The After series) by J. Taylor
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction & Juvenile Fiction (10 to 15 yrs old),  198 pages
Genre: Adventure, dystopian, suspense
Publisher:  FriesenPress
Release date:  January 2025
Content Rating: PG. I would have chosen G because there is no swearing or graphic scenes; however, based on the definitions given by ireads, the two teenage characters do kiss​

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About the Book

In the wilderness of Nova Scotia, Charlotte and Anna confront the formidable challenges of survival such as finding food, building a shelter, and establishing a new life. Their bond is tested, however, when an unknown individual enters the scene, potentially driving a wedge between them. As tensions rise, a catastrophic event further complicates their situation, leading to a separation that leaves them struggling to reunite.

Book Two of The After Series explores themes of resilience, friendship, and the harsh realities of survival, highlighting both the strength of Charlotte and Anna’s connection and the obstacles that threaten to tear them apart. 
My Review
 

Survival Continues the Dystopian Adventure. The author does an excellent job pulling readers into the next step of her characters' adventures. Various obstacles and challenges to survival test the girls, and the author presents these challenges in a way that is easy to read and engaging for middle-school readers. The emotions are well-portrayed, and the strength of character and the bond of friendship form the heart of the story. The author tackles the realities of survival along with some of the relatable realities of growing up and relationships. 

 

Expect a Clean Read. I often find tween/teen dystopian novels jump too quickly into romance and violence--but, the author here offers a clean read that your tweens and younger teens can read without worrying about the content themes. The girls face obstacles to survival (and challenges to their relationship)--and a love interest--but the nature of the story remains clean and a family-friendly read.

 

Would I Recommend Survival by J. Taylor? I enjoyed this novel. While you could read this book alone, I would recommend reading the first book in the series to help better understand the characters' situations and the background of their bond. The novel is fast-paced and engaging, with action-packed scenes. This pace makes some of the scenes play out rather quickly, but the style and flow of the book are perfect for younger teen readers. If you enjoy middle grade dystopian fiction with strong characters and an engaging, clean storyline, this series in an easy one to pick up and enjoy from the first pages.

 
Next in This Continuing Series:
​Book TitleTHE INVASION (Book Three The After series) by J. Taylor
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction & Juvenile Fiction (10 to 15 yrs old),  198 pages
Genre: Adventure, dystopian, suspense
Publisher:  FriesenPress
Release date:  July 2025
Content Rating: PG. I would have chosen G because there is no swearing or graphic scenes; however, the two teenage characters do kiss​
About the Book

With no central government to support Canada, chaos reigns as invaders seek control, and the Resistance rises to challenge them. Charlotte and Anna find themselves entangled with those protecting their country, desperate to prevent the intruders from seizing power and dismantling what remains of their nation.

Fleeing through unfamiliar territory, Charlotte and Anna’s resolve is tested as they evade relentless pursuers determined to capture or eliminate them. Although hopeful they can make a difference, every step forward is fraught with uncertainty, the looming threat of captivity pushing them to their limits. 

Despite fear and exhaustion, the determination to protect Canada’s future keeps the girls moving, even as the shadows of war close in around them.
 
 Meet the Author 

J. Taylor leads a fulfilling life balancing her roles as a mother, teacher and author. Creating memorable experiences for her family and loved ones brings her joy. Large family dinners filled with lively conversation and great food are a cherished tradition. These aspects of her life contribute to her personal fulfillment as well as inspire her writing and the themes of connection and family in her stories. 

Taylor’s upbringing in Nova Scotia notably influences her storytelling, as she incorporates elements of the region’s culture and environment into her narratives. This background enriches her characters and the overall themes of her stories, making them relatable and inspiring.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook instagram goodreads




Friday, January 10, 2025

Middle Grade Fiction Review: The After by J. Taylor

I love dystopian-style fiction and share reading young adult books with my daughters was always a highligh of my week! Today, I have a middle-grade fiction book that is perfect for share reading or read alone! Check out young adult dystopian novel The After, read my thoughts on the book, learn about the author & enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post!


 

​Book TitleTHE AFTER by Joanne Taylor
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction & YA Fiction (10 to 15 yrs old),  183 pages
Genre: Fictional Dystopian
Publisher:  FriesenPress
Release date:  October 2024
Content RatingG. No swearing, drug use, sex scenes, violence (minimal)

"Taylor’s debut is a taut tale of survival in a post-pandemic world that’s buoyed by an amiable protagonist and a well- developed setting. ... A riveting beginning to a promising new series." - Kirkus Reviews

"The After introduces an intrepid teenage heroine as she explores a changed world... this first series title lays ample groundwork for the coming volumes." - Foreword Clarion Review

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About the Book


Despite the deadly virus that caused borders to close and governments to fall ten years earlier, fourteen-year-old Charlotte and her family have lived a challenging yet relatively peaceful life, isolated on their acreage in rural Nova Scotia. However, when Charlotte discovers that an interloper has infiltrated their property, she must decide between keeping the potential threat a secret or embracing the potential for companionship that the intrusion represents. As the chaotic world that lurks outside the fence surrounding her farm disrupts Charlotte’s life even further, she must reach deep within herself and find the courage to become the mature young woman she claims to be—or risk losing everything that she and her family have worked so hard to build.
 
My Review
 
Excellent Storytelling Creates the Perfect Series Opener. I settled immediately into the author's writing style. The world she created feels real, with interesting characters and a believable plot. The author doesn't overload readers with blocks of background information; the pieces come together naturally to "fill in" the reader about the past and move the story forward. There was not a single moment of the story that was boring or confusing, or that felt silly or contrived. I was fully engaged within the first couple of pages, and I have added the series to my "watch list" so that I can continue with the next book!
Great for Parents and Tween/Teen Readers. The story is interesting as it sets up the world for the series, builds some suspense and urgency and explores the teen main character's emotions and growth. It appeals perfectly to a tween or younger teen audience but is engaging and well-developed enough for an adult audience, too—especially those who enjoy clean reads without "shock-value" add-ins! The book fits the G rating but doesn't feel childish or undeveloped.
Would I Recommend The After by J. Taylor? "The After" is a great middle-grade dystopian novel that is age-appropriate and very well-developed. The novel ends with loose ends, so you'll be adding the series to your to-be-read list and looking forward to the next book. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end and will definitely look to continue the series when a new novel is released! 

Buy the Book

Monday, September 11, 2023

Middle Grade Fantasy Spotlight: Sprinkle Drifter by Elaine Medline

Today, I have a middle grade fantasy adventure novel in our book spotlight!  Check out Sprinkle Drifter, Book 1 in the Trials of Tweed series by Elaine Medline!  Learn about the book and the author!



A Beautiful Fantasy Adventure (Trials of Tweed Book 1)

 

Middle Grade / Young Adult Fantasy

Date Published: May 5, 2023

Publisher: Granite Wings Inc.


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About the Book

 

Two continents. Two opposing cultures. And a girl trying to find her place in a divided world.

 

Tweed Resin-Nor is restless. She’s desperate to experience life beyond her farmhouse. When given a chance to leave behind her dreary existence, the sixteen-year-old boards a schooner to a foreboding wall in the middle of the ocean. Will Tweed’s voyage grant her the knowledge and excitement she craves, or will it lead to her capture?

Traveling to faraway places, Tweed discovers ominous secrets and forgotten injustices. She forges deep friendship bonds, but some regard her as a threat. In her words, she’s “the star and the scourge, the entertainment, and a monstrous surprise.”

Her father was born in the rural landmass of Myot. Her mother hails from the modern continent known as Serrel. As Tweed attempts to forge an identity of her own, she’s forced by the authorities to choose between being Myota or Serrelin. It’s an impossible decision. Should she honor her dad or follow her mom? Which side of her is more her?

 

If you like riveting exploits in the face of unfair odds, hints of magic, and eye-opening plot twists, then you’ll love Elaine Medline’s emotional adventure. Join Tweed on her travels and buy Sprinkle Drifter today!

 

Sprinkle Drifter is the first book in the Trials of Tweed coming-of-age fantasy series. Book Two will be available in early 2024.


 

About the Author

Elaine Medline grew up in Toronto, Canada and now lives in the province of Québec with her husband and their dog named Zara. She has three wonderful adult children and three fantastic grandchildren. Her favorite hobbies are downhill skiing, swimming in lakes, and going on canoe trips. Elaine’s love of nature is weaved into all her writing. Retired from her career in health care, she has just released a Young Adult Fantasy novel entitled Sprinkle Drifter.

 

  Buy the Book

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Thursday, August 3, 2023

Middle Grade Fantasy Reveal: The Dragon and the Girl - True Treasure by Laura Findley Evans

This morning, I have a middle grade fantasy novel to share!  Check out the Dragon and the Girl:  True Treasure and learn about author Laura Findley Evans!

The Dragon and the Girl, Book 2

 

Middle School Grade Fantasy

Date Published: November 14, 2023

Publisher: Acorn Publishing


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 About the Book

 

Dire news arrives from Cantington. Rumors of dragon sightings are stirring up fears based on old stories that depict dragons as blood-thirsty, fire-breathing monsters. To protect his people, the Overking decrees that all dragons must die.    

Twelve-year-old Eliana knows the truth about dragons. After all, her best friend, Winston, is one! Fresh off an adventure where she saved her kingdom using her ability to communicate with Winston’s family, she is now excited to hone her skills through her Dragon Speaker apprenticeship. That is until she begins having a recurring nightmare of a scar-faced soldier, a poison-tipped spear, and an orb that glows in the dark. What’s even more worrisome is that Winston is having the same nightmare.

When they hear of the Overking’s decree, they realize their dreams may not be a coincidence. Eliana must quickly learn how to use her ability to understand dragons to help new friends–and old–solve a mystery about an ancient treasure and save the dragons from certain death. Along the way, there are lessons to be learned about the dangerous desire for fame, about the transitory nature of plans, and about how treasure can mean different things to different people…and dragons.

 

 About the Author
 

Laura Findley Evans is the author of True North, Book 1 of The Dragon and the Girl series. It all started when her grandchildren said one night (when they were supposed to be sleeping), “Tell us a story.” And so the adventures of a feisty young girl and an impossible dragon began. Laura would like you to know that whatever she writes must be true, whether it is real or not. She hopes you will discover the truth in whatever she writes. When she’s not writing, Laura reads (a lot), cooks (mostly) healthy dinners, and spends time with people she loves. You can visit her at www.LauraFindleyEvans.com.

 

 Connect with the Author

Website

Facebook

Twitter: @LauraFindley

Goodreads

Instagram: @laurafindleyevans

 

 Catch Up with the Series
 
While you wait for this book to be released, check out the first book in The Dragon and the Girl series!
 


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Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Middle Grade Fantasy Spotlight: The Frights of Fiji by Sunayna Prasad

Today, I have a middle grade fantasy to share!  Check out The Frights of Fiji and learn about author Sunayna Prasad in this book spotlight!


Middle Grade fantasy

Date Published: 10-20-2018


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About the Book

Sent to live with her strict, aloof, and uncaring uncle after her parents are killed in a car accident, twelve-year-old orphan Alyssa McCarthy longs for the life she used to have—one filled with fun and love. Then one stormy night, a message appears in the raindrops on the window that will change everything.

"Your life will never be the same again, as magic will interfere."

Before long, Alyssa is kidnapped by Master Beau, a banished sorcerer with a mysterious connection to her who can only regain his power by weakening hers. Suddenly hurled into a world of wizardry filled with fantastical beasts and marvelous technology beyond her wildest imagination, Alyssa must defeat Master Beau if she ever wants to get home again. But Master Beau will stop at nothing, including using Alyssa’s friends, to ensure he is triumphant.

 

 

About the Author

Sunayna Prasad enjoys writing fantasy books for children, as well as cooking, creating artwork, watching online videos, and blogging.  She is passionate about modern-day life in fantasy stories, worldbuilding, and even humor. She is constantly brainstorming new ideas and using her creativity.

Sunayna has been writing stories since the age of six. Many sources that have inspired include various books and movies, all of which are fantasy.

She is lives in New York with her parents.

 

Connect with the Author

Website

Twitter

Goodreads

 

Buy the Book

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Barnes and Noble

Kobo


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Thursday, February 23, 2023

Middle Grade Fiction Spotlight: The Lost Journals of Bud Wiper by S.M. Morgan

This morning, I have a middle grade fiction novel in our book spotlight!  Check out The Lost Journals of Bud Wiper and learn about author S.M. Morgan!


Middle-Grade Fiction

Date Published: 03-10-2021

Publisher: Morgan Publishing

 

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About the Book

"Help!! My head is being lowered into the swirling vortex of a toilet!”

My name is Teddy, and I’m in the 6th grade. It’s my first day at a different school, and so far, the only person I know is Zane, the school bully. I was just your everyday kid trying to stay off everyone’s radar, but when I met my new best friend, Bud Wiper, everything changed.

Bud is a 6th grade millionaire from 60 years ago.

Yep, that’s right, Bud Wiper is a treasure hunter from the 1940’s who left behind his journal full of life and adventure, and even though we’ve never met, I think he might be the only thing that gets me through the 6th grade alive.

The Lost Journals of Bud Wiper is a fantastic story of bravery and friendship, perfect for kids, middle school students, and adults.



 

About the Author

S.M. Morgan is the author of The Lost Journals of Bud Wiper — A Middle Grade Adventure. He lives in East Texas with his wife, daughter, and son, and when not writing potty humor for kids, he is trying to get alone to read more mystery adventure stories.

When the real world calls him to be social, he can be found canoeing with his family or trying to convince his wife to watch action movies.



 

connect with the author

Website


 

buy the book

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Barnes and Noble

iBooks


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