Tag: adventure

cover of Best of All Worlds
Posted in MG Novels, So Many Good Books, YA Novels

Best of All Worlds

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Best of All Worlds (Scholastic Press, 2025) by Kenneth Oppel was fascinating, mysterious, and a freaky story of survival.

Thirteen-year-old Xavier hadn’t wanted to go to the cottage with his dad and pregnant stepmom–he’d rather be gaming at home with Mom and his brother–but when he wakes up the first morning, it’s as if the cottage has been removed from one place and plunked down somewhere else. Have they been abducted by aliens, as Xavier expects, or by the government for a secret project?

Later in the story, three years have passed, and Xavier is 16, so this book may not be appropriate for younger readers. I don’t know how else the author could have ended the book, but it wasn’t as satisfying as I’d hoped.

Read about the award-winning author here and check out more books here. (Note: the website appears to not have been updated recently.)

cover of The Wilde Trials
Posted in So Many Good Books, YA Novels

The Wilde Trials

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

The Wilde Trials (Storytide, 2025) by MacKenzie Reed is quite a thrilling adventure that reminds me somewhat of The Hunger Games, although the intent of the competition is not to kill kids! I zipped through this book and did not want to stop reading.

At Chloe’s elite boarding school seniors can apply to participate in The Wilde Trials, seven ultimate physical and mental tests, for 12 students. It’s a way to get out of finals, but best yet the winner will receive $500,000! Which Chloe’s family really could use since her younger sister has cancer.

Surprisingly, Chloe’s ex-boyfriend Hayes, whose brother died during a previous trials, is also chosen. Then Chloe is blackmailed and she must work with Hayes. Now she’s worried that someone else might die too.

Go here to see MacKenzie’s other books (past and forthcoming) and to read about her.

cover of The Accidental Stowaway
Posted in #Giveaway, MG Novels, So Many Good Books

The Accidental Stowaway

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

I just finished reading the fun romp, The Accidental Stowaway (Candlewick, 2022) by Judith Eagle and illustrated by Jo Rioux.

Twelve-year-old Patch Leonard didn’t mean to stowaway on the RMS Glorious steamship. But when she’s erroneously accused of stealing a plate of toffee, she runs. Right up on the gangplank. Before she knows it the ship has sailed and she’s stuck. Patch makes new friends, has to avoid being caught by the chief steward, and overhears criminals plotting a kidnap. And that’s only part of her problems.

Read about the author’s other books here.

Read about the illustrator here and check out her art here. Jo is also an author and you can see her books here.

I have a gently-read paperback (Walker, 2025) for one lucky winner who comments. (Let me know if you share this post on Social Media for extra tickets.)

cover of Sylvia Doe and the 100-Year Flood
Posted in MG Novels, So Many Good Books

Sylvia Doe and the 100-Year Flood

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Sylvia Doe and the 100-Year Flood (Disney/Hyperion, 2024) by Robert Beatty is a mysterious story.

Thirteen-year-old Sylvia Doe tries to stay with her foster families. But the only place she feels she belongs is Highland Home for Children, with it’s caretaker, and the horses. Sylvia always finds her way back. “Caught in a nook here, and a cranny there, she was the one little pebble that the river could never seem to push downstream.” Once “home” a powerful storm causes the river to flood and Sylvia finds strange things that don’t belong, and even rescues an odd boy, who doesn’t seem to be from her time.

Watch the book trailer on this page.

Read about the bestselling author here and check out his Serafina and Willow series here.

cover of Amari and the Night Brothers
Posted in Award Winners, MG Novels, So Many Good Books, YA Novels

Amari and the Night Brothers

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Amari and the Night Brothers (Supernatural Investigations, #1) (Balzer & Bray, 2021) by B. B. Alston is like a cross between Men in Black and Harry Potter at summer camp.

13-year-old Amari Peters struggles with anger against those who think she doesn’t fit in since she’s a scholarship student and black. It’s worse since her older brother Quinton has been missing. Many believe he is dead, but Amari knows he’s alive. A chance to tryout for the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs this summer may help her find out where Quinton is. But again in a world of magic, there are those who don’t think she belongs. Amari must stand up for herself and learn all she can about this new world to have any chance of finding her brother.

This was B.B.’s debut novel. The books have been published in over 30 countries and a movie is in the works! Wow! Here’s the Spanish version, Amari y Los Hermanos de la Noche. The third book in this trilogy is expected out this summer.

Awards:

  • ALSC Notable Children’s Books, 1995-2024. Commended, 2022. (Association of Library Services for Children)
  • Notable Children’s Books in the Language Arts Award, 1997-2023. Selection, 2022. (Children’s Literary Assembly)
  • Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, 1997-2024. Commended, 2022. (YALSA)
  • Best Fiction for Young Adults, 2011-2024. Selection, 2022. (YALSA)
  • SLJ Best Books of the Year, 2010 – 2023. Selection, 2021. (School Library Journal)

Read about this NY Times bestselling author here.