The following are just some of the middle-grade books that came out in April that I was unable to review, but are worth checking out. Books are listed in order of publication date. Synopses are provided by the publishers and links to entire reviews are at the end of each section
THE CALLERS, by Kiah Thomas, Chronicle Books, April 5, 2022, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 10 and up)
In the world of Elipsom, the ability to Call, or summon objects, is a coveted, crucial skill, revered among its people as both a powerful tool and an essential way to sustain life. But despite an elite family history, a phenom for an older sister, a best friend who is set to join the Council of Callers, and his mother’s steely insistence that he learn to Call, Quin doesn’t have the gift — an embarrassment made worse when his mother gets his sister to cheat for him on his Calling exam.
But everything changes in a moment of frustration when Quin, instead of summoning an object, makes something disappear. And what’s more, he quickly discovers that the objects Callers bring into their world aren’t conjured at all but are whisked away from another world and a people who for years have had their lives slowly stolen from them. Now Quin must team up with Allie, a girl who’s determined to stop this unfair practice, and decide whether he should remain loyal to his family or betray them — and save the world. —Synopsis provided by Chronicle Books
“Quin is a likable and accessible protagonist, but his easy acceptance upon learning everything he’s ever known is a lie strains credulity. Still, the fast pace keeps the pages turning and the intensity ramps up toward the end, ensuring a sequel.” —Project Muse
HEALER AND WITCH, by Nancy Werlin, Candlewick, April 12, 2022, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 9-12)
Can a young woman gifted with magic learn to manage her powers — and claim her strength — without violence?
Sylvie and her mother and grandmother are beloved, trusted healers in their medieval French village, though some whisper that 15-year-old Sylvie and her grand-mere deal in more than herbs and medicines. Perhaps they’re a bit . . . witchy?
After her grandmother dies, and an attempt to use magic to heal her mother’s grief brooks tragic consequences, Sylvie leaves her village in search of a teacher. The journey subjects her to strange alliances, powerful temptations, danger, and deceit. In the end, there may be only one wise woman Sylvie can trust in a world that would define her limits: herself. —Synopsis provided by Candlewick
“Werlin’s new novel is cause for celebration—for its sleek, sharp prose; intelligent ideas; and precise characterization, to name but a few of its attributes. … A refreshingly honest and elegantly written work of historical fantasy.” —Horn Book (starred review)
THE SISTERS OF LUNA ISLAND, by Stacy Hackney, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, April 12, 2022, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 8-12)
Twelve-year-old Marigold Lafleur is the last of a long line of aromages: witches who blend scents into practical charms using aromagic. But ever since a terrible accident injured her father and damaged Luna Island, Marigold and her sisters, Birdie and Lou, have vowed to abandon their family legacy and mama’s way of life. Shunned by their neighbors and overlooked by their parents, Marigold relies on her big sisters above all else.
But when Marigold discovers a secret curse that threatens her family, her sisters can’t stop the impending danger. It’s up to Marigold and her best friend, Sam, to uncover the origins of the curse and break the spell. To do so, she must learn to trust her instincts and believe in her own unique magic or risk losing her beloved sisters forever. —Synopsis provided by Simon & Schuster for Young Readers
“This is a captivating fantasy with a touch of mystery centered around family. Readers will connect with Marigold’s thoughts and emotions as she deals with her parents’ separation, sibling conflicts, and middle school drama. A charming story of magic and sisterhood.” —Kirkus Reviews
MEANT TO BE, by Jo Knowles, Candlewick, April 12, 2022, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 9-12)
Ivy loves living in Applewood Heights. The family’s apartment is tiny, and her older sister, Rachel, won’t stop grumbling about sharing a room after their old house was lost to foreclosure. But for the first time, Ivy has friends. Lucas and Alice live close by, and every week all three watch their favorite cooking show and practice baking together (even if Ivy has to find creative substitutes for the pricey ingredients).
But Ivy is a worrier, and this summer there’s plenty to be anxious about. Her parents can’t wait to move to a bigger, nicer place, which is the last thing Ivy wants. Then Alice receives devastating news, and Ivy somehow manages to say just the wrong thing. Will Alice ever stop being mad at her?
Ivy finds much-needed reassurance, and a boost of confidence, when she starts working with the building superintendent, who teaches her how to fix things. Ivy has a natural talent, but she comes to realize that some things — like hurt feelings — are harder to fix than others. Luckily, Ivy is pretty good at making up her own recipes as she goes along. —Synopsis provided by Candlewick
“Definitely one for kids who like sort of quite slice of life books, particularly for young foodies! … short answer — I enjoyed it lots, and perhaps am an even more thoughtful person than I was before (?)” —Charlotte’s Library
A DRAGON USED TO LIVE HERE, by Annette LeBlanc Cate, Candlewick, April 19, 2022, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 7-10)
Noble children Thomas and Emily have always known their mother to be sensible, the lady of the castle — if anything, a bit boring. But then they discover Meg, a cranky scribe who lives in the castle basement, leading a quirky group of artists in producing party invitations and other missives for the nobles above. Meg claims that she was a friend of their mother’s back when the two were kids — even before the dragon lived in the castle.
Wait — a dragon? Not sure they can believe Meg’s tales, the kids return again and again to hear the evolving, fantastical story of their mother’s escapades (while putting their fussiest penmanship to work) and get caught up in a quest to reunite the onetime friends. —Synopsis provided by Candlewick
“Tucking scores of cozy, crosshatched sketches into her short chapters as well as sly literary winks in the form of ironic banter and sibling squabbles (Emily, despite being only 9, nearly always comes out on top), Cate nets readers in a web of story as deftly as Meg nets her own audience of two. … Clever, multistranded, and off the charts in read-aloud potential” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
HARVEY AND THE COLLECTION OF IMPOSSIBLE THINGS, by Garret Weyr and Minnie Phan, Chronicle Books, April 19, 2022, Hardcover, $15.99 (ages 8-12)
For city strays, life on the streets can be unforgiving. When every day is filled with territorial animals, fast-moving traffic, and aggressive boys with sticks, it takes more than a little courage to get by.
Harvey, a stray cat struggling to survive, is searching for a home of his own — one that’s safe and dry, with a view of the sky. But when the unexpected kindness of one woman saves him from the harsh city elements, he is forced to rethink what makes a home and who, if anyone, he can depend on. With the sage advice of Chester the dog and three talkative sparrows, Harvey will learn that trusting and helping others are some of the bravest things you can do. —Synopsis provided by Chronicle Books
“Harvey and the Collection of Impossible Things is a delightful middle-grade children’s story of bravery and helpfulness. The writing is captivating and thought-provoking.” —Blue Stocking Reviews
THE LUCKY ONES,by Linda Williams Jackson, Candlewick, April 19, 2022, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 8-12)
It’s 1967, and 11-year-old Ellis Earl Brown has big dreams. He’s going to grow up to be a teacher or a lawyer — or maybe both — and live in a big brick house in town. There’ll always be enough food in the icebox, and his mama won’t have to run herself ragged looking for work as a maid in order to support Ellis Earl and his eight siblings and niece, Vera.
So, Ellis Earl applies himself at school, soaking up the lessons that Mr. Foster teaches his class — particularly those about famous colored people like Mr. Thurgood Marshall and Miss Marian Wright — and borrowing books from his teacher’s bookshelf.
When Mr. Foster presents him with a copy of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Ellis Earl is amazed to encounter a family that’s even worse off than his own — and is delighted by the Buckets’ very happy ending. But when Mama tells Ellis Earl that he might need to quit school to help support the family, he wonders if happy endings are only possible in storybooks. —Synopsis provided by Candlewick
“Jackson draws on her personal history to show real people behind Kennedy’s historic visit, which bolstered support for essential social programs. She successfully presents individuals who, despite grinding poverty, nurtured hopes and dreams, and she highlights those like Mr. Foster and his church community who shared what they had with those in need. … Rich in detail; offers readers immediacy and connection.” —Kirkus Reviews
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