Middle Grade

Sea Legs: A Graphic Novel / Jules Bakes, Niki Smith (Illustrator)

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Sea Legs: A Graphic Novel
By: Jules Bakes, Niki Smith (Illustrator)
Genre: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade
Number of Pages: 256
Published: February 4, 2025
Publisher: Graphix
Dates Read: July 31, 2025 - August 1, 2025
Format: Library Book / Hardcover

Set in 1993, Janey and her parents own and live on a 40-foot steel sailing ship her Dad built that they christened, The Merrimaid. They’ve been docked in Miami, Florida long enough that Janey’s gone to public school and made a best friend, Rae. But Janey’s parents are ready to set sail again, so the family (along with family cat, Sassa) are off. Janey loves the adventurous life at sea, but she still gets bored and lonely – because when you leave ports every few days, it’s hard to make friends.

They drop anchor in Crown Bay, St. Thomas, US Virgin Island, where Janey’s parents find work and they get a P.O. Box set up to begin receiving mail, which means Janey and Rae can write to each other more frequently. It’s here where Janey meets Astrid, another boat kid. Astrid though… can be hard to be friends with, she’s not always nice to Janey and sometimes acts like she doesn’t want her around. Not only that, but hurricane season is right around the corner.

Based on the author’s life growing up at sea, this middle grade graphic novel rocks the boat on friendships and growing up.

This was a bit confusing about whether or not this was a memoir or not, and you don’t really find out until the end remarks (it’s not, it’s based on their life though).

It was kind of fun to see life out at sea through Janey’s eyes – the small space, the rough waters, the isolation, school… This was also set in the early 90’s where computers and cellphones weren’t quite a thing for the general public. I wonder how different it is for people on boats to keep up with one another nowadays.

Overall, beautiful artwork and illustrations and a great insight on the different types of friendships you have growing up (with or without being on a boat).

Reasons to Look at the Night Sky / Danielle Daniel

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Reasons to Look at the Night Sky
By: Danielle Daniel
Genre: Middle Grade, Novel in Verse
Number of Pages: 328
Published: October 29, 2024
Publisher: Tundra Books
Dates Read: July 12, 2025 - July 13, 2025
Format: Hardcover

Luna is eleven-years-old and knows everything about the night sky and space. She dreams of being an astronaut one day. The first step to her dream is acing the space unit in her science class so she can add it to her NASA summer space camp application.

But when Luna’s teacher suddenly has to take a leave of absence, substitute teacher, Ms. Manitowabi comes in and shakes up the entire science class unit by bringing art into science. But on top of science class changing, Luna is also dealing with changes not only at home, but within her relationship with her best friend. What on Earth is happening?

This is an adorable novel in verse middle grade read. Luna is easily identifiable as an eleven-year-old (beside the fact that she’s very proud of being as old as she is) and this story is definitely written with that audience in mind.

I enjoyed this read of Luna’s journey, especially her excitement and fascination with the sky stories from the First Nations people. Like Luna, I also agree those are important and need to be included in the history and knowledge of sky and space.

Overall, this novel in verse is an enjoyable read that is aimed towards middle grade readers, especially those who enjoy space – but also those who don’t because I feel like Luna does an excellent job at getting others excited for space too.

*Thanks Tundra Books and LibraryThing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

The Lost Sunday / Iléana Surducan

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The Lost Sunday
By: Iléana Surducan
Genre: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Fantasy
Number of Pages: 64
Published: June 17, 2025 (1st Published January 1, 2021)
Publisher: Oni Press
Dates Read: June 24, 2025
Format: eBook

Nina lives in a town haunted by the six angry wolves of the week – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Each day brings new chores that need to be done. There’s rumors of a seventh day of the week, Sunday, but everyone knows an evil witch stole it and keeps it locked away with her in the well she was banished to. When Nina has had enough of constantly working, she sets out on a quest to find the witch so that she may rest.

First off, the art in this graphic novel is fantastic and beautifully detailed. The cover alone made me want to read this. The colors matched the themes of the day and the whereabouts of Nina in the witch’s world.

Secondly, this novel shines a light on the importance of leisure and finding time, even in a busy week, to relax and enjoy life. I wasn’t familiar with the folklore or fairy tales that this story inspired until after I read it, but I could surely relate to the need for leisure time, especially in today’s society.

Overall, I would highly recommend this to both kids and adults alike, especially those who just want to have some fun and relaxing times.

*Thank you Oni Press and Edelweiss+ for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

The Wild Robot Protects (The Wild Robot #3) / Peter Brown

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The Wild Robot Protects (The Wild Robot #3)
By: Peter Brown
Genre: Middle Grade, Science Fiction
Number of Pages: 304
Published: May 6, 2025 (1st Published September 26, 2023)
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Dates Read: June 17, 2025 - June 23, 2025
Format: Paperback

Roz has fought hard to get back to her island with her friends and her son Brightbill, all seems to be going well until one day an injured seal washes ashore and warns of a dangerous, dust poison tide that’s in the water and heading the island’s way. Once the poison tide is at the island’s edge, the animals are forced inland and resources begin running scarce.

Roz helps the island as much as she can but understands the toll everyone is under. When Roz discovers she’s waterproof, she sets out across the ocean to find out what’s causing the poison tide.

During her underwater journey, Roz meets amazing creatures and sees fantastical geological formations. Friends she makes along the way direct her to the north, to find the giant Ancient Shark. When she finally meets the Ancient Shark, they explain where the poison tide is coming from and that they want to prepare an attack with an army of sea creatures. Roz however, hopes for a peaceful interaction. Can the wild robot save the ocean and her island?

I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the first or second of the series, mainly because it focused on taking care of the environment, especially with the choices that we make and the consequences that could happen. It kind of made humans to be the bad guys – even if we did clean up after basically getting caught.

Readers who fell in love with Roz the first two books will also enjoy this book, especially because Roz is learning and experiencing something new, but just note it focuses heavily on the message of environment protection, especially within the oceans.

How to Talk to Your Succulent / Zoe Persico

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How to Talk to Your Succulent
By: Zoe Persico
Genre: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade
Number of Pages: 224
Published: April 1, 2025
Publisher: Tundra Books
Dates Read: May 26, 2025
Format: Library Book / Hardcover

Eleven-year-old Adara has always had a hard time talking with her dad, but it’s been even harder now that her mom’s passed and they’re moving from sunny California to the cold flat lands of Michigan. What’s even stranger is that Dad brought so many of Mom’s house plants even though grandma will only allow them in the craft room. But when Adara meets a little succulent named Perle, she unlocks the same magical ability her mom had: she can talk to plants!

Taking care of Perle isn’t easy – the environment of Michigan winters isn’t suited for the succulent, and Adara isn’t sure how to meet her needs. If only Perle could ask Adara for help.. and Adara could speak with her dad.

Oh how I wish I could talk to my succulents – especially the ones I can’t ever seem to be able to keep alive no matter how many different ways I’ve tried to take care of them!

The art of this book is lovely and easy to see and digest.

The story itself is about grief, friendship, and supporting loved ones through change. It’s also about advocating for yourself while also still being there for others you care about.

Overall, this is a beautiful story that not only has a great message, but amazing artwork as well.

A Song for You & I / K. O’Neill

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A Song for You & I
By: K. O’Neill
Genre: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade
Number of Pages: 240
Published: March 4, 2025
Publisher: Random House Graphic
Dates Read: April 18, 2025
Format: Library Book / Hardcover

Rowan knows exactly what they and their trusted flying horse, Kes, needs to do to be a ranger and protect their village. But when Rowan’s eagerness to prove themselves gets Kes hurt, they are suddenly unsure if they’re capable of becoming what they’ve always dreamed of.

While Kes needs time to heal, Rowan is assigned a laidback post – being paired with a sheep herder named Leone as he travels across the lands on deliveries, but they only get more and more frustrated by not being able to do simple tasks. As Leone’s own struggles and endless support brings new possibilities to Rowan, could their unlikely pairing turn into something more?

I fell in love with K. O’Neill when I read The Tea Dragon Society and will always read everything they published. I’ve always loved not only their illustrations but their queer representation as well. With Rowan, being true to themselves so that they can be the best ranger is simply written, for the younger age group, but it’s still powerful. 

Overall, the storyline of this beautifully drawn graphic novel flows effortlessly from adorable moments into slightly darker, more serious situations.

*Thank you Random House Graphic and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

All the Blues in the Sky / Renée Watson

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All the Blues in the Sky
By: Renée Watson
Genre: Middle Grade, Novel in Verse
Number of Pages: 208
Published: February 4, 2025
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Dates Read: April 9, 2025 - April 10, 2025
Format: Library Book / Hardcover

Sage’s thirteen birthday was supposed to be staying up late with her best friend with movies, snacks, and watching the sunrise together. Instead, it’s the day her best friend died. Without her, Sage is lost. In a counseling group with other girls who lost someone close to them, she learns loss is not always the same – nor is grief – and the healing process is unpredictable. As Sage grieves, her emotions are all over the place: sadness, loneliness, anger, anxiety, pain, love, guilt… as she experiences new things, Sage may help herself in her grief.

Yet another book I wish I had when I was younger. I was twelve when my Dad was killed in a traffic accident while working. I went through all the emotions Sage goes through in this and more. I do appreciate the fact it mentions grief never really goes away, and that it comes back sometimes unexpectedly – 20 years last August and I’ll still have days I wish my Dad was around to ask questions/talk to.

I never went to a counseling group like Sage does though. My Mom had asked about talking with a therapist, but at the time, therapy and therapist were still kind of taboo and I told her I didn’t want to go; she never pushed. I ended up coping a lot with music, but talking about it while I was younger would have probably helped with my anger.

Overall, this is a beautifully written novel in verse about a young teenager dealing with the sudden loss of her best friend. I believe this would be so helpful to those who have also lost someone close to them suddenly.

It’s All or Nothing, Vale / Andrea Beatriz Arango

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It’s All or Nothing, Vale
By: Andrea Beatriz Arango
Genre: Middle Grade, Novel in Verse
Number of Pages: 272
Published: February 11, 2025
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Dates Read: March 16, 2025 - March 17, 2025
Format: Library Book / Hardcover

After months away from fencing after an accident, Valentina, Vale for short, is finally cleared to go back, but it’s much harder than before. Her body doesn’t move as it once did and some days’ pain is better than others, but what’s worse is the new girl, Myrka. Myrka is everything Vale once was and more. As Vale pushes herself to make up the lost ground, she realizes the injury isn’t the only thing holding her back. If she can’t get over her accident how will she ever move forward?

How do you explain pain to someone

when they can’t see it

when they can’t feel it

when a scale from one to ten feels useless

but metaphors and verbs like

stabbing

hammering

digging

scraping

feel like words I could shout til I run out of steam

but Papi and Mami and Manu

would never actually understand?

As someone who suffers from chronic migraines and who spent nearly five years trying to figure out what was causing them, I felt this passage above. Watching Val learn that her value does not equal what her body can and can’t do was something I needed when I was a lot younger. I started my migraine journey in my early-mid twenties and having to remind myself I wouldn’t always be able to do stuff was hard! I’m excited for younger children to see this story earlier in life so that they can have that already in their mind.

Overall, this is a great novel in verse – both for the younger generations as well as a small reminder for older generations that you may have injuries, or your body may not run like everyone else’s, but having to slow down, take your time with things, or modifying how to you do something is perfectly okay!

Please Pay Attention / Jamie Sumner

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Please Pay Attention
By: Jamie Sumner
Genre: Middle Grade, Novel in Verse
Number of Pages: 240
Published: April 15, 2025
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Dates Read: March 15, 2025
Format: ARC / Paperback

Trigger Warning: school shooting, PTSD, grief

After a school shooting took the lives of some of her schoolmates and her teacher, Bea Coughlin must figure out how to grieve, live, and keep rolling forward. But as her community begins to rally and protest, Bea can’t get past the helplessness she felt in her wheelchair as others around her took cover.

When her foster mom signs her up for therapeutic horseback riding, Bea finally begins to feel like herself. As she begins to heal, she finds her voice and the courage to demand change.

In a way, books about school shootings make me so sad because it’s become almost a norm for children, especially in America, and to think that someone reading this book may very well feel seen is a bit bittersweet in a way. I wish we didn’t need a book like this, but I’m also glad that we had one. 

Besides the overall storyline of the school shooting, this book really focuses on Bea feeling helpless in a situation she had no control over and how with the help from her family, and a horse, she was able to get her power back.

Overall, this book is worth the read for younger students to feel seen and to help those maybe overcome the tragedy of being in a school shooting. This would also be great for adults to read to understand what the younger generation is going through just to get an education.

*Thank you Atheneum Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

The Girl Who Sang: A Holocaust Memoir of Hope and Survival / Estelle Nadel, Bethan Strout, Sammy Savos (Illustrator)

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The Girl Who Sang: A Holocaust Memoir of Hope and Survival
By: Estelle Nadel, Bethany Strout, Sammy Savos (Illustrator)
Genre: Graphic Novel, Memoir, Middle Grade
Number of Pages: 272
Published: January 23, 2024
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Dates Read: March 15, 2025
Format: Library Book / Hardcover

Trigger Warnings: Holocaust, death, murder, war, antisemitism

Estelle Nadel was just seven years old when the Nazis invaded Poland in 1939 – back then she was known as Enia Feld and she was born into a Jewish family. Once a vibrant child who loved to sing, Estelle would eventually lose her voice over the next five years as she went into hiding.

At the mercy of her neighbors during the war, Estelle would survive the deaths of her mother, father, her eldest brother and sister, and countless others, all before the age of eleven. After the war, Estelle would travel barefoot around European borders to find solace in an Austrian displaced persons camp before finally traveling across the Atlantic to New York City.

Told with the art from debut illustrator, Sammy Savos, Estelle tells her story of surviving the Holocaust and the years after.

No matter how many different experiences from the Holocaust I read about, they never cease to amaze me in how much strength and resilience people showed in order to survive the war and even the aftermath of it. People of all ages survived it and all their stories deserve to be shared and honored. 

Estelle’s journey didn’t end with liberation, and after making it to America, she still struggled with finding her place as she was still relatively young. After growing up, Estelle made it her mission in life to speak to school children and share her story, so that the Holocaust would not be forgotten.

Estelle Nadel passed away on November 28, 2023.