The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.
Ayn Rand
Little Monsters
Marvelous Middle Grade Monday
Little Monsters* (Aladdin, 2026) by Máire Roche has a fantastic cover. This story is perfect for the spooky season. Or for anytime really.
It starts out very similar to the classic book, Little Women, but it’s Halloween and no costumes that Jo is grumbling about. Meg at almost 14 wants to make it special for her younger sisters–just if she can earn enough money. But she has deeper problems. Like not upsetting their current foster mother, Marmee, so the March sisters don’t have to move yet again. Speaking of upset, that’s when Meg’s monstrous magical abilities appear. Plus there are rumors of a strange creature roaming around the town at night. Then there’s the new boy, Laurie’s cousin, and she must keep everything monstrous hidden from him. So many secrets!
Readers familiar with the classic will be amused by this twist, but the story is more than a twist. Meg’s struggles feel real in this fantasy world. I had so much sympathy for her as she tries to protect her family. I loved watching her grow.
Read about the author here and check out her other books here.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher for review. Opinions my own.
The Tiny Thing
Perfect Picture Book Friday
The first time I read The Tiny Thing* (Beach Lane Books, 2026) by Ellen Tarlow and Lauren Stringer, I wasn’t sure I liked it. But then I reread it. And paid more attention to the illustrations. Now I love it!
It’s fall and Mole befriends a tiny thing (images show it is a dandelion seed) and brings it home. The tiny thing gives Mole someone to talk to, someone to confess fears to, and best of all someone to tell stories to. His storytelling skills grow over the winter, and in spring he and the tiny thing go outside where Mole puts pieces of plants, sticks, rocks, feathers together to make new things. This causes change for both of them.
See all of the author’s books here and read about Ellen here.
Read about the illustrator/author here. See Lauren’s books here and some of her illustration process here.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher for review. Opinions my own.
Sunrise on the Reaping
How can a book you know the ending too (it’s a prequel) be so compelling? But that’s how I found Sunrise on the Reaping (Scholastic Press, 2025) by Suzanne Collins.
Set in The Hunger Games world, it’s about Haymitch–yes, the drunken mentor! This story takes place when he’s young and has to go through the trials himself. Haymitch isn’t selected as tribute from District 12, but when the boy tribute does a runner and is killed, Haymitch is shoved into his place and forced to reenact his “choosing” as if his name was really drawn. It doesn’t get better from there.
Seeing the contrasts and similarities between this time period and other other books set in the world is fascinating. Living with Haymitch’s experience is very different than “knowing” he went through it. And, yes, if you haven’t heard, there will be a movie. And if you have no idea what I’m talking about read The Hunger Games.
Read some of the bestselling author’s thoughts on this book here. Here is a link to her other books and Suzanne’s bio.
I love how revision helps you know your characters better. It’s magical. And how good, thorough but positive critiques spur you on. That is magical too.
Barbara Herkert