Today, I’m featuring four quite interesting and imaginative children’s books that I bet middle grade children will absolutely love!
As always, if I received a complimentary copy of the book, that did not influence my review in any way.
Oliver and the Seawigs
Author: Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre
Source: Free from publisher
Genre: Yong reader/middle grade fantasy
Readability Rating: 3 stars
Target Audience: Modern adventure lovers
Buy it: Amazon
Oliver and the Seawigs Book Summary
Oliver is looking forward to becoming a normal kid and settling down because his parents are explorers and he’s never lived a normal life before. But when his parents go missing, Oliver must set off on an adventure all his own to find where they have gone!
What I Liked Most
The illustrations in Oliver and the Seawigs are not the standard kid book fare. They were half-imaginative, and half-creepy, which I thought was unique. It reminded me of the horror game Don’t Starve. Think of Oliver and the Seawigs as Dr. Seuss for the later elementary crowd.
What I Liked Least
I found the word count a little odd. The vocabulary and length of each page made the story seem like it was for older kids, but the format seemed like it was meant for young kids.
Overall Thoughts
Although I won’t be adding Oliver and the Seawigs to my favorites shelf, it was a fun, enjoyable story that children who are fans of adventure will really like. I could see this book being a really fun read-aloud together book for kids and parents.
The Fourteenth Goldfish
Author: Jennifer L. Holm
Source: ARC from publisher
Genre: Modern Middle Grade with a Twist
Readability Rating: 3 stars
Target Audience: Reluctant readers
Buy it: Amazon
The Fourteenth Goldfish Book Summary
11-year-old Ellie doesn’t really like change, so when a strange 14-year-old boy shows up at her house, she is quite annoyed and confused. Why is this boy talking like he knows her mother? And why does he look so much like her grandfather? In The Fourteenth Goldfish Jennifer L. Holm explores what it might be really like to live with someone who has discovered the fountain of youth.
What I Liked Most
This story explores a side of science that many books do not. The entire premise of the book is about what it might be like to have a family member come back as a teen again, and whether or not that would be a good idea. It brings up philosophical questions that most 11-year-olds probably don’t think about. The writing was clear and concise, and I think it would be something even reluctant readers would be willing to try due to its short length.
What I Liked Least
Mostly, I felt that The Fourteenth Goldfish didn’t go anywhere. The plot both starts and ends abruptly. This could be because of the shorter length, but I had difficulty bonding with any of the characters.
Overall Thoughts
I like modern with a twist children’s books because they feel like real life, but offer a difference that is exciting to explore. Stories like this help capture the imagination of children. I suspect that reluctant readers would enjoy this book because the plot is revealed quickly and wrapped up within just a few pages.
Gabriel Finley and the Raven’s Riddle
Author:
Genre: Modern fantasy
Source: ARC from publisher
Readability Rating: 4 stars
Target audience: Riddle loving kids
Buy it: Amazon
Gabriel Finley and the Raven’s Riddle Book Summary
12-year-old Gabriel Finley is an orphan- but not really, because his parents both disappeared mysteriously without a trace. Raised by his aunt, Gabriel resents his dad leaving until he reads his dad’s old diary. After reading, Gabriel is left with more questions than answers. Who was his father’s older brother? Can ravens really talk? And what does this have to do with his father’s disappearance? Fans of classic riddle-based adventure will love each twist and turn presented by this book.
What I Liked Most
Gabriel Finley and the Raven’s Riddle is focused on rhymes. According to the story, ravens once communicated with people by the exchanging of rhymes. At some point, evil ravens were started, called valravens, which gave the real ravens a bad reputation. The riddles in the story are simple enough that most children can figure them out on their own. I loved the opening rhyme, which says, “when is a door not a door?”
The writing style in this book is easy to read and full of life, which is important for my daughter, at least. She would really enjoy this book, I think.
What I Liked Least
The book dragged a little in the middle. I think it could have been shortened by a few thousand words and still managed to get the point across. I also got a little bored by the raven’s chapters.
Overall Thoughts
Gabriel Finley and the Raven’s Riddle is one of the first new children’s books I have read since A Series of Unfortunate Events that I feel like captures what children like to read about in books. It is full of humor and life that even reluctant readers should enjoy. Plus, the punny riddles are quite enjoyable.
Howl’s Moving Castle
Author: Diana Wynne Jones
Genre: Fantasy
Source: Purchased
Readability Rating: 5 stars
Target Audience: Middle grade classic fantasy lovers
Buy it : Amazon
Howl’s Moving Castle Book Summary
Sophie is the eldest of three girls, which means she is destined to fail wherever she goes according to fairy tale traditions. True to form, an accident catches the ire of the Witch of the Waste who transforms Sophie into an old woman. The only way to break the spell is to beg the help of eccentric and heartless wizard Howl who travels the world in a moving castle. Will Sophie be able to break the curse of being the eldest daughter?
What I Liked Most
Firstly, I’m the eldest daughter in a set of three, so I identify with Sophie (although I also have four brothers). Howl’s Moving castle is so imaginative and unique, all while remaining humorous and light-hearted. If Terry Pratchett were a woman, I imagine he would write a series like this one. Howl’s Moving Castle has the privilege of being one of the only books to ever make me laugh out loud.
What I Liked Least
There is a section in the story that I felt didn’t meld with the rest of the story and broke the fourth wall, so to speak. I won’t go into specifics so I don’t ruin the story for you if you haven’t read it, but you’ll know the part when you read it.
Overall Thoughts
If there is a better light-hearted YA fantasy adventure, I certainly haven’t read it. Everything about this series is unique and completely magical.
I included this book on the list because I feel like it’s an amazing middle grade/young YA book that isn’t mentioned much any more. I feel it’s a timeless book that should be read by everyone!
What middle grade fantasies have you read recently? Share your favorites with me!
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