Posted in MG Novels, So Many Good Books

The Shape of Lost Things

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

The Shape of Lost Things (HarperCollins, 2024) by Sarah Everett is an amazing and powerful book!

Skye Nickson’s father and older brother disappeared four years ago and the twelve-year-old still has questions. Where did the go? Why did the leave? Why didn’t Dad take her too? Each year she has to deal with a birthday party for her missing-in-action brother. But this year after his birthday is different. Finn has been found. Can this fourteen-year-old stranger really be the brother she remembers and loved?

Sarah writes young adult books too–I’m going to have to read them: Everyone We’ve Been and How to Live without You! Read more about the author on her website.

Posted in MG Novels, So Many Good Books

I, Cosmo

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Who says a dog can’t learn new tricks?

I, Cosmo (Nosy Crow, 2019) by Carlie Sorosiak is such a sweet story! And funny, too.

Cosmo is getting older, but he needs to help his boy, so the thirteen-year-old dog is willing to train to be in a dance contest with his master. Max is worried his parents will separate and he and Cosmo might be separated. He thinks a canine dance contest will remind his family of the good memories and they’ll stay together. But Charlie’s arthritis is getting worse. Will they succeed?

Told from the dog’s viewpoint, there are many things that confuse Cosmo, but he is strong in his love for Max. This story could be very helpful for middle grade readers experiencing the breakup of their own families. But any animal lover will enjoy the book.

Read about all of the animal-loving author’s other books here–she writes for children and young adults. Meet Carlie here.