Welcome to Litsy!

Here's my tentative TBR for #MiddlegradeMarch @sblbooks
Mark Oshiro, Ashley Herring Blake, and A. Deborah Baker (aka Seanan McGuire) have written some of my favorite adult books so I'm excited to read their middle grade work. Tamora Pierce was one of my favorite authors when I was actually in middle school so looking forward to trying a series of hers I haven't read. Plus a few others I've been meaning to read

Hector moves to a new school, & everything is different. When a mysterious door helps saves him from some bullies, he may learn a lot about himself.

This was a really tough read. I frequently had to put it down because of the bullying & my own memories, but I am so glad I finished this. It was a charming read with great characters about a group of friends finding the support they need to deal with a variety of problems. 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑

This book was wonderful. When Hector‘s family moves and he needs to attend a new school, he quickly feels labeled as an outsider and othered. Bullying and indifference cause him to withdraw but a magical room provides him with safety, comfort, and friendship. Most of the characters, minus the bully, were complex and the relationships heartwarming. The plot was interesting. If only we could provide a room like this to kids….

Brimming with empathy, compassion, & acceptance, this MG story about a magical room that connects three young people struggling to find their place in the world is an absolute delight. It is a wonderful, inclusive story about knowing yourself, gender identity, allyship & more. It also tackles difficult subjects such as bullying, racism, & stereotyping—issues that are all addressed with nuance & sensitivity. A positive, hopeful book. Recommended.