Posted in MG Novels, So Many Good Books

The Witching Wind

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

The Witching Wind (Scholastic Press, 2024) by Natalie Lloyd is a novel full of magic and hope.

Grayson, going to yet another foster home, doesn’t mind because soon her older sister Beanie will come and take her away.

Roxie, was excited about starting sixth grade, until she made everyone laugh at her at the pool. But she’ll go on a singing tour with her gran and can forget about the whole embarrassing event.

Unfortunately, both Beanie and Granny are missing, and the two new friends think the Witching Wind stole them. Together they must find the truth.

The personalities of these girls shine in this dual point-of-view novel. I also love the way Grayson’s disability is dealt with.

Read about this New York Times Bestselling Author here and check out all her books here.

I previously recommended Natalie’s Over the Moon and A Snicker of Magic. I need to catch up on more of her books.

Posted in MG Novels, So Many Good Books

Mackenzie Blue

mackenzie blue 017th Grade – no laughing matter

Unless you’re getting to read about it! Yesterday, I got caught laughing out loud in a waiting room as I finished reading Mackenzie Blue by Tina Wells (HarperCollins, 2009). I laughed so often that others commented that I must be reading a good book.
Mackenzie’s got the common fear of starting 7th grade, plus her BFF has moved away. Jasper–recently moved from England–is her friend, but she’s supposed to be helping him. Of course, there’s a mean girl . . . or is she? A crush interest. A new teacher whom Zee likes, but someone’s trying to get fired. Mix in embarrassing events (I’m not just talking parents), a lost diary, a rock band, a Teen Sing competition, and life is pretty much hopping at Brookdale Academy.
thesecretcrush.jpgBut wait, when you get done with the book, you don’t have to leave Mackenzie Blue’s life. Next up is The Secret Crush (2010). Science projects, homework, parties, and best yet a Rock and Roll Musical that is more important to Zee than anything. Well, except her relationship with her BFF (why can’t Ally be here to help her out?) and the confusion about one certain boy, complicated by two new kids joining the music class, and a note from a secret admirer.
Just out is Friends Forever? What could be better than a week at camp with allfriendsforever.jpg your friends? Well, not having to worry about bugs and wild animals and weird bathrooms . . . or the mysterious MOUNTAIN MAN! And how come Mackenzie’s friends are arguing? What’s a girl to do?!
I’m still smiling from reading these two books this afternoon–yes, I’ll confess, I read them straight through one after the other. Looking forward to the next book scheduled to come out in December, as well.
You also won’t want to miss the Mackenzie Blue website where you can check out Kathi’s closet, take a quiz to see which character you are, see the lost diary, get green tips from Jasper and money tips from Marcus. Oh, and you can even read about the author, Tina Wells!