In 2021, I read a nearly countless amount of middle grade fiction and nonfiction. Though I’ll be taking more of a break from it in 2022, I wanted to highlight some of the amazing, 5 star worthy reads I finished in the past few months.
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The Ghoul Next Door by Cullen Bunn and Cat Farris
Oh my gosh, the drawings in this one are so creepy and fun! Lavinia was especially haunting, but I cracked up at an evil witch’s once human, now rat familiar Miles. He was so gross that it was hilarious. This book is definitely for those with a certain sense of humor and that humor is totally the same as mine. It was a 5 star read for me.
Buy it here. | Look out for my full review on April 27.
The Ghoul Next Door by Cullen Bunn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Adored the creepy art in this one. Miles is a personal favorite. All around fun read.
The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera
This was such an engaging read. I knew what was going to happen next, but absolutely could not put it down. The theme of the power of stories was so well done. I absolutely loved this 5 star middle grade novel and think readers of all ages will too.
Buy it here. | Look out for my full review on April 10.
The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Simply WOW. I don’t even like sci fi and could not put this one down.
Ophie’s Ghosts by Justine Ireland
In Pittsburgh, Ophie’s mother works at Daffodil Manor, the home of the Caruthers, as a servant. Money is tight, so Ophie must leave school to join her. Daffodil Manor is full of ghosts. Ophie soon realizes that she has the ability to help these ghosts move on. She is particularly drawn to the ghost of a young woman, Clara. Ophie befriends her despite warnings from her aunt, who also has Ophie’s gift. Can Ophie solve the mystery of Clara’s death, which she quickly becomes aware is a murder, and help her move on?
Buy it here. | Read my full review.
Ophie’s Ghosts by Justina Ireland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Absolutely awesome, loved the personification of the house, railway, etc.
Pencilvania by Stephanie Watson
This was such an emotional read. The best part, for me, was the illustrations. The drawings are very evocative of what a kid would make and give such a realistic feel to an otherwise fantastical story. I loved the character development of Zora falling back in love with her art. There’s also some great humor. For example, in one scene, Zora wants to fly a plane. However, she can’t, because she drew all planes to scale as tiny specks in the sky of her drawings and cannot fit into any of them. Overall, this was a 5 star read that I think a lot of kids will be drawn to (haha) due to the fun illustrations.
Buy it here. | Read my full review.
Pencilvania by Stephanie Watson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Quick read. Love the “realistic for a kid” illustrations. Great story about processing grief.
When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson
This book was absolutely heart-wrenching. Sometimes I skip the afterward with books, but with this one I had to find out what happened when Omar and Hassan grew up. I am so glad I had the chance to read this one and recommend it to readers of all ages.
Buy it here. | Look out for my full review on March 9.
When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
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