Today we’re featuring a review by Middle Grade Fiction judge Jaymie, who blogs at The Neverending TBR. She reviewed finalist Maybe He Just Likes You (Amazon, IndieBound), writing: This is an important book for middle grade readers, especially upper elementary students and middle school students. It gives language to kids for this very specific and nuanced kind of bullying and harassment. …
REVIEW: Sorcery of Thorns
Today’s review of Young Adult Speculative Fiction finalist Sorcery of Thorns (Amazon, IndieBound) comes from round one panelist Grace, who blogs (both in writing and on video) at Gracegetsbooks. She says in her video: It is a love letter to book lovers everywhere. It’s for anyone who loved the Hogwarts library. It’s for anyone who just feels an awe for …
REVIEW: The Dark Lord Clementine
Today’s review is of Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction finalist The Dark Lord Clementine (Amazon, IndieBound). Round one panelist Jennifer, who blogs at Raise them Righteous, wrote: Clementine is the perfect awkward heroine of her own adventure and a lovable title character that won’t soon be forgotten. In fact, I hope to see her in a follow-up book soon!! Read the whole …
REVIEW: Internment
Today we’re looking at Young Adult Speculative Fiction finalist Internment (Amazon, IndieBound)! Our reviewer is round one panelist Jennifer, who blogs at Windy City Reader. She writes: There is so much discussion fodder in this one; I’d add it to a high school government class in a heartbeat. Read the whole review here.
REVIEW: With the Fire on High
Today’s review comes from Young Adult Fiction round 1 panelist Carmen, who writes reviews on Goodreads and has a brilliant Instagram account, Tomes and Textiles. She reviewed Young Adult Fiction finalist With the Fire on High (Amazon, IndieBound), writing: Any book that hypothesizes that women can be teen moms AND good moms gets all the praise from me. Read the whole …
REVIEW: Roll with It
Today’s review of Middle Grade Fiction finalist Roll with It (Amazon, IndieBound) comes from round one Middle Grade Fiction panelist Julie, who blogs at Reading by the Pond. She wrote: Any book that starts with a Great British Bake-Off reference is okay with me. Read the whole review here.
REVIEW: A Stone Sat Still
Today’s review of Fiction Picture Book finalist A Stone Sat Still (Amazon, IndieBound) comes from round one panelist Maria, who blogs at Maria Marshall: Making Nature Fun. She wrote: Each time I read it, I find a new treasure in the illustrations and text. I truly hope this book finds a home in every classroom and library. Read the rest …
REVIEW: Cog
Today’s review of Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction finalist Cog (Amazon, IndieBound) comes from Round 1 panelist Debbie who blogs at The Book Search. She wrote: This is a WONDERFUL story about free choice, loyalty, creative problem solving, and compassion as well as some of the consequences and ethical dilemmas of artificial intelligence. Read the whole review here.
REVIEW: Dig
A. S. King’s Dig (Amazon, IndieBound) was originally nominated in Young Adult Fiction, but has since found a home in Young Adult Speculative Fiction. Before it was moved, Young Adult Fiction panelist Kara, who blogs at Great Imaginations, reviewed it: One thing I do have to mention though is that this is my first A.S. King novel, and it won’t be …
REVIEW: Cracking the Bell
Today we’re featuring the Young Adult Fiction nominee Cracking the Bell (Amazon, IndieBound). Young Adult Fiction chair Gary Anderson, who blogs at What’s Not Wrong, wrote: As Isaiah considers the life-or-death implications of continuing to play football after suffering concussions, Cracking the Bell honors those attitudes while leading young readers to consider how and when to move on and how to …