New kid Mattie realizes that her classmate Mercedes is practically her doppelganger, but she quickly finds out that there’s more to the resemblance. While working on a project together, Mattie discovers that she and Mercedes share the same Colombian dad who left both of them for a life as an anthropologist in Colombia. But now he’s teaching in a university in their town, so they hatch a plan to meet him without their families knowing. Will they make it?
60+ Awesome Book Character Costumes Worth Buying
Over the years, literary celebrations have evolved to involve not only book clubs but globally appreciated holidays and school book days. For bibliophiles, these days are not just about celebrating books but also sharing their most cherished book characters with the rest of the world. Here at Reading Middle Grade, we’re big on reading (maybe a little obsessed), so what better way to spread the joy of books than dress up as a book character on book holidays! If you’re looking for a worthy costume for your kids, you’ll love these 60+ options!
Review | Sisterhood of Sleuths
Maizy and her best friend Izzy are working on a film Maizy has named Shellfish Holmes, about a lobster detective. But Izzy seems bored with the project and even thinks it’s a bit childish. Izzy has also recently said she now wants to go by the more mature-sounding “Isabelle,” which Maizy doesn’t understand. Soon, Izzy ropes in two boys in their class (because she’s crushing on one) to join their project, but they completely derail things, going off Maizy’s vision. Maizy’s life gets more interesting when a box of Nancy Drew books with an inscription to a girl with the same name as her grandmother (Susie, aka Jacuzzi). There’s also a picture of what appears to be a young Susie. When Jacuzzi denies sending over the box, Maizy reunites with a former neighborhood friend, Nell, to get to the bottom of the mystery. In the process, the girls learn a lot about Jacuzzi and the Nancy Drew books.
The Best Graphic Novels for 8 Year Olds
Graphic novels are a fun way to get young readers to explore more books. This is especially so for younger graphic novels (many of which are on today’s list). On this list of graphic novels for 8 year olds, I’ve included options for stronger and developing readers. The stories on this list are a great mix of serious and silly and I’ve read a loved several. If you’re looking for a graphic novel to appease your 8 year old, start here! And if they’re more advanced readers, check out our list for 9 year olds.
Picture Books About Siblings
Siblings are our first friends. They make life more colorful and give us people to squabble with. They defend us when we’re in trouble and they’re our first partners-in-crime. I’m not one to be against sibling squabbles in books because I know they’re normal. However, unnecessary meanness or name-calling, I can’t get behind. These picture books about siblings highlight the highs and lows of sibling relationships, from the adjustment of gaining a new sibling to the camaraderie that develops between them. If you’re looking for books to mirror healthy sibling relationships, you’ll find them here.
Review | An Occasionally Happy Family
Theo’s dad is bundling him and his sister, Laura into the car for a road trip to Big Bend National Park. Although nature doesn’t fit into any of the kids’ interests (Theo like comics), they follow along for a chance to have a nicer family vacation than visiting their grandma. It’s also a good chance to bond more since their mom died a few years ago. The kids notice, though, that their dad is suspiciously over-excited (and in turns) nervous about the trip and everything makes sense when mid-way through, he introduces them to his new girlfriend, Lucrecia.
