Middle-grade round-up: We're back and ready to review!

Happy September! Autumn is very nearly upon us and we're really excited to get reviewing again. Not that we ever intended to stop - we certainly haven't stopped reading! However, after last posting in June, I was forced to take a little blogging break so I could finish my Master's degree in Writing for Young People, start a new job and have some much-needed family time over the summer. 

As always, new releases have been keeping us busy and, courtesy of NetGalley and our local bookshops, we've been devouring everything from picture books to middle grade. Unfortunately, it would take until next summer to review everything we've read and so, rather than stressing about catching up, we've decided to list our category recommendations while we get on with preparing our annual spooky and festive round-ups. 

So, without further ado, here are our top recent and upcoming reads in middle-grade:

Middle Grade

Turtle Moon by Hannah Gold, illustrated by Levi Pinfold

Published by HarperCollins

Released on 26th September

If you've read any of Hannah Gold's other books, then you'll be glad to know that this is just as much of a treat. With the usual gorgeous settings, beautiful animals and eco-themes, it's a celebration of the wonder of nature. Unlike The Last Bear, there is less of a fantasy element to the plot. However, the story packs an equally powerful punch and is full of heart and emotion.

The Beanstalk Murder by P.G. Bell

Published by Penguin, Released on 1st August 2024

I'm raving about this one. It might even be one of my favourite books of the whole year. Fairy tales x Murder Mystery...Yes, please! And SO well done!

Ember Shadows Secret Ocean by Rebecca King

BOOK 3 of 3

Published by Hachette, 15th August 2024

I've been a huge fan of this series from the beginning and I think it deserves a lot more attention than it's been given. Raising BIG questions about life, Rebecca King's complex but incredibly colourful fantasy world is exceptional - a modern day OZ with bags more imagination. I'm in awe of the thinking involved in creating the landscapes, the themes and the characters. If you love the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion, you're going to love Hans, Florence, the Mon-keys and so many more. The geography and eco-themes are my favourite elements to the book and I really liked how Ember's flaws as a character were explored in this final instalment. 

Crookhaven: The Island Heist (Book 3)

Published by Hachette, 20th June 2024

This is the third book in what is a seamlessly written, dark and edgy series. Set in a boarding school for crooks with a Robin Hood motto, it follows Gabriel Avery and his friends as they learn to take on the villainous underworld. Full of lessons, trials, heists and puzzles, it's an absolute page-turner.  

Fallout by Lesley Parr

Published by Bloomsbury, July 2024

Set in Wales during the time of The Cold War, this story is possibly my favourite of Lesley Parr's so far. The story follows Marcus, a boy who is fighting to be accepted, even though his family have a bad reputation. Real and raw but with bags of heart, can Marcus make choices which will set him on a different path?

The Wanderdays: Journey to Fantome Island by Clare Povey 

Published by Usborne, June 2024

A great first adventure in a new fantasy explorer series. Flo and Joseph Wanderday set off on an exciting and dangerous adventure to find their missing explorer mother. 

A fantastic cast of well-written characters - particularly Joseph - are combined with a plot filled with sea-creatures, secret passageways, mysterious islands and scientific experiments. Thoroughly enjoyable!

The Storm and the Seahawk by Kiran Millwood Hargrave (Book 2 of The Geomancer Trilogy)

Published by Hachette, August 2024

A dark and brooding fantasy adventure with a quest feel. This second adventure leads Ysolda and her hawk, Nara, into Norse Territory in search of The Anchorite. As she travels up a harsh mountain with vicious snowstorms, will Ysolda find what she's looking for and find a way to save her sister?

Alex Vs Axel:The Impossible Quest by Sam Copeland

Published by Penguin, May 2024

Another quest story - or a DOUBLE quest story - but with a lighter, more humorous tone. 

When Axel from a fantasy realm and Alex from the real world swap places in a 'Prince and the Pauper' type scenario, both boys find themselves completely out of their comfort zone. Can they work together, but apart, to solve each other's problems. 

Clever and unique, with lots of randomness and some laugh-out-loud scenarios.

Ghostlines by Katya Balen

Published by Bloomsbury, September 2024

Another gentle beauty from Katya Balen filled with lyrical language and the rawness of both the elements and human emotions. 

Tilda relishes being at one with nature on her remote island home. But Albie's arrival on the island brings change. As the pair set out on an adventure, both might be about to face their demons.