The story you often get is not the story you were chasing but one that ends up being even better.
Anthony Bourdain
Author: Susan Uhlig
Adventure in the City of Stories
Marvelous Middle Grade Monday
Adventure in the City of Stories (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2026) by Emma Otheguy and illustrated by Poly Bernatene is a fun novel of time travel that just came out in July.
Seventh grader and honor roll student Camilla is crying because she got in trouble with the school principal for bringing inappropriate books* to her Miami school, and now a letter has been sent to all the parents talking about how they were confiscated. Cami thinks she can’t ever go back to school. To cheer her up, Jorge shows her their aunt’s old folktale book and puppets. But when an eighth grade bully threatens to throw the book in the dumpster, the two jump into a magic tinajón (large pot) to escape and get transported in time and place. Back to 1930s New York. Where more trouble awaits.
I loved the mix of contemporary and historical in this story. It was a pleasure to “meet” some people from the past, including Pura Belpré, the first Latina librarian at the New York Public Library. I learned some Spanish as well as history. And who doesn’t love magic?
The book is a companion to Cousins in the Time of Magic, which I hadn’t read, but now want to. This story definitely stands alone. (I was given a copy of the book from the publisher for review.)
Read about the author here and see Emma’s other books here.
Read about the illustrator here–there are spot illustrations throughout the book. See Poly’s books here (he’s an author as well) and check out his his kid friendly illustrations here.
*The books were in Spanish about Latino students.
Spooky Scouts
Perfect Picture Book Friday
I again have a preview* of a book that will be popular at Halloween, but will also be perfect in preparation for camping and young scouts–Spooky Scouts (Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2026) by Kimberly Shrack.
The book starts with Luna saying, “The Spooky Scouts Pledge.” Turn the page and see the other Scouts and learn what Luna loves. Most of all she loves the annual camping trip…especially the s’mores. But when she finds out that tonight is a full moon, can she keep her secret?
I loved the humor and the comical events that ruin her plans. I think kids will also enjoy the extras in the illustrations.
This is the author/illustrator’s debut picture book. Read about Kim here and see some of her art here. In 2027 she has a second book coming out called Braaains.
*I received an advance copy from the publisher for an honest review. The book comes out the end of August.
Books are gateways. They are doors. You can open them and step into another place and time. Another world.
Chris Riddell
Books are gateways
Growing Home
Marvelous Middle Grade Monday
I found Growing Home (Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2025) by Beth Ferry and illustrated by The Fan Brothers a delightful read.
Meet the Tupper family, and more importantly, Ivy the plant, who will tell you she’s Jillian’s favorite, and a grumpy goldfish named Toasty, who live at Number 3 Ramshorn Drive. From his eight-sided antique fish tank, Toasty can see everything on the first floor–Mrs. Tupper using the adding machine, Mr. Tupper sneaking downstairs for ice cream, and Jillian singing, dancing and kissing Ivy. Their lives are all about to be disrupted. Prepare for rescues, magic, a villain, new friends, and lots of cheese puffs.
This story will definitely appeal to the younger middle grade readers. It sure left a smile on my face.
This is the author’s first novel–she usually writes picture books. I hope she writes more long fiction. Read about Beth here and see all her books here.