Sixth-grader Maggie Gallagher is a hacker, but not with computers. She takes after her late father, who went to MIT, where he learned to “hack”—to pull wildly elaborate practical jokes. Stuck in the stagnant small town of Odawahaka, Maggie imagines conversations with him while living and breathing by his notebook, The Hacker’s Bible. She adores explosions, but she abides by her father’s rules to be safe and not destroy other people’s property. 

Not surprisingly, Maggie is Nothing but Trouble, especially after she teams up with a new girl in town named Lena. Their dilapidated school is about to be demolished, so the pair concoct a scheme to have a mascot mouse be elected class president, in honor of the fabled mice that live within the school’s walls. 

This is indeed the story of a mouse that roared, as what begins as a prank turns into a movement, empowering not only Maggie and Lena but all of their classmates to stand up against the dictatorial new principal, Mr. Shute. The girls find a surprising ally in their homeroom teacher, Mrs. Dorn-busch, the school’s oldest and most feared teacher, also known as the Dungeon Dragon.

While comical, the novel extols some high concepts. Lena is a fan of the Dadaist art movement (mentioned and explained throughout), and there’s an entertaining physics-based activity section at the book’s end related to hacking. Both at school and at home, Maggie learns to delve deeper into relationships, especially with her wheelchair-bound grandfather and still-grieving mother, who struggles with alcohol. Author Jacqueline Davies (The Lemonade War series) also leaves readers with a teaser in this first book of a new series, as Lena promises to explain some of her family’s “oddities” in the near future.

Filled with heart, humor and plenty of practical jokes, Nothing but Trouble portrays an improbable but poignant middle school world. Sometimes getting in trouble is worth it, Lena and Maggie learn, and middle school readers will enjoy their rollicking journey.

This article was originally published in the November 2016 issue of BookPage. Download the entire issue for the Kindle or Nook.

While her daddy (dubbed “Scrappy” after his fondness for fighting) serves time in the county jail in Raleigh, North Carolina, and her mama can’t make it out of bed anymore, fifth-grader Charlemagne “Charlie” Reese has gone to stay with her aunt and uncle, Bertha and Gus, in their house that seems to hang off the side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Charlie, who inherited her father’s impulsiveness, may admit that she likes spending time in the mountains, but there’s no way she’s going to live where it’s just red dirt roads and “hillbilly kids” who probably eat squirrel. But no matter where she is, Charlie never passes up the chance with a four-leaf clover, a fallen eyelash or a rare yellow train car to make a secret wish.

Once again author Barbara O’Connor wields her Southern charm to tell this spunky gal’s story. When a stray dog appears, especially a dog that won’t judge Charlie’s past, she can’t help but name it Wishbone and begin to open up her guarded heart. Once opened, her heart finds a friend in Howard, an ever-positive boy, even when picked on for his up-down gait. Alongside painful truths about her parents, Charlie experiences family with Bertha and Gus—and her wish just might come true after all.

Like a generous portions of grits, Wish makes the world a little better.

Debut author Kate Beasley crafts a story packed with wit and down-home charm, led by a heroine with enough spirit and spunk to rival the likes of Junie B. Jones and Ramona Quimby, and complemented by illustrations from Caldecott Honor artist Jillian Tamaki.

Gertie Reece Foy is a force to be reckoned with. She always has at least one mission in the works, and she never fails to complete them. Described by her father as “a bulldog with its jaws locked on a car tire,” Gertie’s greatest strength is that she never gives up on anything. So when she finds out that her estranged mother plans to leave their coastal Alabama town, Gertie immediately concocts a plan to convince her to stay: She will become the greatest fifth grader in the whole universe. All she has to do is write the best summer speech, become the smartest student in her class and win the lead part in the play. There’s only one problem: It turns out that Gertie has some competition for the title of best fifth grader, one Mary Sue Spivey, and she won’t be an easy rival to defeat.

This is a classic coming-of-age tale filled with hope and heart. Gertie will burrow her way into your heart right from the very first page, and stay there long after the book is closed. Beasley’s writing sparkles with just the right balance of humor and emotion, and readers are sure to find parts of themselves in Gertie’s quest of self-discovery. 

How exactly does slavery fit into our nation’s history? Middle and high school students will have a much better understanding after reading In the Shadow of Liberty by Kenneth C. Davis, bestselling author of the Don’t Know Much About series. 

After introductory chapters describe how slavery became part of the country’s economy, Davis provides detailed stories of the slaves of four presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and Andrew Jackson. And what fascinating, ultimately tragic tales they are. Billy Lee was the valet who accompanied Washington across the Delaware and at Valley Forge, and he can be seen in the background of several famous paintings. Ona Judge was Martha Washington’s personal servant who ran away to New Hampshire. Isaac Granger was captured by the British as a young boy to become one of “Master Jefferson’s people” and was a witness to Cornwallis’ defeat at Yorktown. Paul Jennings was James Madison’s personal servant and later wrote what is considered to be the first White House memoir. Alfred Jackson, who died a free man, told tales to museum visitors of his life as Andrew Jackson’s slave.

Davis addresses head-on the irony that these presidential defenders of liberty and equality kept slaves. He backs up his discussion with a variety of photos, illustrations and helpful timelines. In the Shadow of Liberty provides an informative read about a subject that’s not always fully addressed in the classroom.

This article was originally published in the October 2016 issue of BookPage. Download the entire issue for the Kindle or Nook.

The long-awaited new novel from Trenton Lee Stewart, author of the award-winning, bestselling Mysterious Benedict Society series, is full of intrigue, bravery and friendship. 

Reuben is a loner. He spends his days keeping to the shadows, always on the lookout for hiding places, while his mom works two jobs to keep them in their run-down apartment. But when one of Reuben’s daring exploits results in him coming into possession of a coveted pocket watch with an extraordinary function, our young hero suddenly finds himself swept up in a centuries-old fight for power. If he is to prevail, he must learn to trust his new companions: steadfast Penny, cunning Jack and wise Mrs. Genevieve. 

With writing that is smart and fresh, this middle grade novel showcases Stewart’s trademark blend of edge-of-your-seat adventure and emotional resonance. The almost dystopian world of New Umbra is detailed and thoroughly explained, forming the ideal backdrop as one twist gives way to another. The real heart of this story is its beautifully portrayed relationships, from Reuben’s close bond with his mother to his friendship with Penny. This novel has everything: sharp writing, dynamic characters, a well-paced plot, a detailed setting and, most importantly, lots and lots of heart.

This article was originally published in the October 2016 issue of BookPage. Download the entire issue for the Kindle or Nook.

War, death, slavery; patience, freedom, dreams. Isabel’s life is filled with contradictions. As one hopeful event occurs, painful ones follow. Ashes, the thrilling and long-awaited conclusion to Laurie Halse Anderson’s award-winning Seeds of America trilogy, continues the story of Isabel and Curzon, who have been thrust into the middle of the American Revolution. Isabel is heading back south with Curzon to find Ruth, her sister who was taken from her as an infant and sold. Finding Ruth, however, may not give Isabel the family she imagines. Ruth is scared and angry, plagued by seizures and distrustful of Isabel. Ruth, Isabel, Curzon and Aberdeen (a friend and companion of Ruth’s) begin the trip back north toward freedom, but this journey, in the middle of the Revolution and veering directly into the center of the Battle of Yorktown, is not simple for anyone.

Though it’s the final book in a trilogy, Ashes is accessible for readers who have not yet heard Isabel and Curzon’s story. For those who have, it is a satisfying finale. Filled with the horrors of slavery, the heartbreak of war, the compassion of forgiveness and even a touch of love, Ashes draws the reader deep into the lives of those who watched their owners and masters fight for freedom, even as they themselves were not free.

This article was originally published in the October 2016 issue of BookPage. Download the entire issue for the Kindle or Nook.

Newbery Honor author Grace Lin returns to an imagined ancient China in her new fantasy novel. Like her previous books, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon and Starry River of the Sky, When the Sea Turned to Silver celebrates the power of storytelling while taking readers on an exciting, danger-filled adventure.

Quiet Pinmei lives with her grandmother, Amah, in a mountain hut. Although Amah ekes out a living with her embroidery, visitors are most attracted to her stories. But with the ascension of the Tiger Emperor, fear fills every heart, and one day the emperor’s men come for Amah. Pinmei manages to escape capture, and she and her friend Yishan set out on a quest to release Amah by bringing the Emperor the Luminous Stone That Lights the Night. Along the way, the two young travelers encounter adventures and magical creatures (including an amazing dragon horse), and shy Pinmei is often called upon to be brave and to tell the stories she knows—tales that help unlock the mystery of their epic quest. 

Lin (whose own artwork graces the book) was inspired by ancient Chinese folklore to create her stories. Readers familiar with her other books will rejoice, and newcomers have not one, but three wonderful books to discover. 

Deborah Hopkinson lives near Portland, Oregon. Her most recent book for young readers is Steamboat School.

This article was originally published in the October 2016 issue of BookPage. Download the entire issue for the Kindle or Nook.

“Over breakfast, Dad / eyes me like an alien / never seen before. / Sometimes, I could swear that he’s / hoping to make first contact.” In verse form, Garvey’s Choice tells the story of one boy’s journey to discover his own voice.

Being overweight is one thing, but Garvey’s dad wants a son who excels in sports, not a “Star Trek”-watching dreamer. When Garvey tries out for chorus, he finds his true talent, but what will his family think? 

Author Nikki Grimes (Words with Wings) wrote this story in tanka, Japanese short verse that is like pumped-up haiku—five lines with a 5-7-5-7-7 syllable count. While this makes for short chapters of one to three verses, they’re also tightly compacted and hard-hitting. Garvey’s joy when he’s with his friends, or beginning to train his singing voice, sparkles as brightly as his hurt feelings burn when he’s being teased. Readers don’t have to be fans of Luther Vandross to choke up when father and son connect through his music.

It can be hard for parents to learn that letting kids be themselves is beneficial to the whole family. This story empowers kids to do just that while slipping them a dose of poetry in the bargain. It’s a winner.

This article was originally published in the October 2016 issue of BookPage. Download the entire issue for the Kindle or Nook.

BookPage Children's Top Pick, October 2016

“A Tale of Two Weddings” would be an apt, more Dickensian title for Archer Magill’s story. At the first wedding, when Archer was 6, his performance as the ring bearer didn’t go so well. He split his too-tight dress pants (with no underwear underneath) and walked down the aisle, bare bottom exposed for the world (and YouTube) to see. In fifth grade, Warrant Officer Ed McLeod arrives during a school lockdown complete with helicopters to be the new student teacher in Archer’s class. The 26-year-old’s dramatic arrival and movie-star looks soon make him “the most famous student teacher in the Twitterverse and the photosphere.” He becomes a heartthrob to the girls and gets marriage proposals from as far away as North Korea. Turns out, though, that Mr. McLeod is gay and attracted to Archer’s beloved Uncle Paul, and Archer is to be the best man at their wedding. He does a splendid job this time—pants intact, no butts about it.

Author Richard Peck relates the years between the weddings with his signature humor, using the intimacy of the first-person point of view to provide Archer’s take on his world—sometimes clueless, always earnest—as he grows up and seeks role models. Peck began this book in 2014, when same-sex marriage became legal in Illinois (where the novel takes place), and by the time he finished, same-sex marriage was the law of the land. “But have the youngest readers among us heard?” he wondered. So he wrote this endearing, full-of-life story “to spark discussion and to open a door to a world suddenly living in a whole different era.” By the end of the story, count Uncle Paul and Ed McLeod, now happily married, as two of Archer’s role models.

This article was originally published in the October 2016 issue of BookPage. Download the entire issue for the Kindle or Nook.

Tough baseball games are nothing for Shane Woods, a 12-year-old boy who loves pitching and hanging out with his friends. But soon, Shane’s secret—that he is transgender—may come out thanks to a school bully.

Shane’s proud of who he is and who he has become—thanks to his supportive mom (but not his father, who thinks this is a phase he will grow out of). Shane’s good friend Josh has always been there for him, but Shane wonders if he can share his secret with him. And when Shane’s story does come out, Josh is angry and upset that he didn’t open up to him.

Shane finds refuge in drawing his graphic novel—the images of which are scattered throughout the book, paralleling his own story of betrayal, exclusion and misunderstanding. He also seeks support through a gay-straight alliance, where he meets a trans girl who befriends him.

Much like the characters in his graphic novel, Shane forges ahead, learning to be at peace with himself while working toward his future, the ultimate unknown. The Other Boy offers an honest portrayal of a challenging journey, featuring a very likable, believable and real lead character.

In light of the infectious and extraordinary joy that young Judith brings to her Aunt Cora’s life, the fifth grader has earned the nickname “Jubilee.” But Jubilee holds trauma deep within, as she hasn’t spoken a word—except when alone or with Dog—since her mother broke their relationship and dropped her off to live with Aunt Cora. She communicates entirely with gestures, taps and doodled cartoons.

As fifth grade begins, Jubilee is paired with talkative Mason for a class project, and a tentative friendship blooms. But Jubilee is consumed with questions about her mother’s estrangement. Through pain and confusion, Judith embarks on a journey of self-discovery, searching for answers to the tenacious question that has shattered her world since her early ages: “Why did my mom abandon me?” Allowing herself to break free from the barriers of difference and solitude, Jubilee discovers that her world is full of love and compassion—a feeling she once doubted and debated in her most private moments.

Patricia Reilly Giff, author of Newbery Honor book Lily’s Crossing, touches upon the torment of abandonment and its influence on young people. In this tale told through the eyes of a developing fifth grader, Giff sensitizes the overwhelming feelings that come with desertion and insecurity. Affording Jubilee the gifts of humor and artistic expression, Giff allows her heroine to step outside of her comfort zone and take control of her personal happiness. Jubilee’s illustrations throughout the book offer a deeper look into her extraordinary heart.

Entering a new grade, learning to cope with peers and bullies and balancing academics and personal family struggles are all challenges faced by children. Jubilee is an exceptional story about self-discovery, forgiveness and the art of letting go. It's also about the power everyone holds within themselves to see the world not for what it is, but for what it could be.

Twelve-year-old Florian Bates has recently moved to Washington, D.C., where both his parents work in art museums. His new school is Alice Deal Middle School, where he is in seventh grade along with his new best friend, a dynamic black soccer player named Margaret. He’s learning a new language (Romanian), of which he has mastered just one phrase, which translates to “My hovercraft is full of monkeys.”

Oh, and one more thing: Florian has a new job. He’s a covert asset for the FBI.

Florian was recruited into the agency thanks to his remarkable observational abilities, which rival the great detective Sherlock Holmes. Florian’s skills are all based on the fundamental philosophy he developed called T.O.A.S.T, which stands for the “Theory of All Small Things.” He tells Margaret, “That’s how I read people and places. The idea is that if you add up a bunch of little details, it reveals the larger truth.”

Of course, what use is a detective without a mystery? And luckily for Florian (and his fans, of which there are bound to be many), there is no shortage of cases to solve. It helps to have a father in museum security and a mother who specializes in art history and forgery. And when several valuable impressionist paintings disappear from the National Gallery of Art, Florian and Margaret put their observational skills to work to help find the thief.

This intriguing, lighthearted mystery features an appealing middle school friendship with a bit of art history and FBI lore thrown in for good measure. Framed! would make a great selection for pleasure reading, while also offering a number of STEM connections for classroom use. Let’s hope the T.O.A.S.T. mysteries keep coming!

Deborah Hopkinson lives near Portland, Oregon. Her most recent book for young readers is Steamboat School.