Middle Grade Marvels Book Club

As you probably know from some of my previous posts, I'm part of the Middle Grade Marvels book club. It's hosted by @HollyRawlins2, @theartsyreader1 and @ReadtoRamble and anyone is welcome to join. It's been going for a few months and while I had already read and reviewed some of the books chosen so far, I thought I'd share the reviews of just some of the newer (to me) books we've been reading. If you're interested, have a look at @GradeMarvels for more details, we'd love to have you!

The Jumbies - Tracey Baptiste

Corinne is very protective of her father and her Caribbean home and she's not afraid of anything. She's always believed her father when he said the Jumbies were just made up to scare children but when the myth comes to life she and her friends are the only ones who can save the island.

This is a very creepy book so take notice of the warning given, you don't want to read this at night! Although, maybe the monsters aren't always who you think they are and maybe sometimes everyone is just trying to survive.

I'm already on the lookout for books 2 and 3 of the trilogy.

Thomas Wildus and the Book of Sorrows - J.M. Bergen

Thomas has been searching for magic ever since his Dad told him it was real, just before he disappeared forever. Most people have laughed at him but when he comes across a mysterious old bookshop he is finally in luck. The owner not only has just what he's been looking for, but he's been waiting for Thomas for a long time.

I liked the sound of the magical bookshop, especially when the sliding bookshelf ladder was mentioned! And the connection between physics and magic was great. It was a bit slow at first, particularly the chapters of the magic book which I found quite tedious and difficult to read. However it got more interesting after that and there were twists I didn't expect.

I have to say that my favourite so far has been Small Spaces, I easily could have read it in one day if I didn't stop myself and try to keep to the schedule. I had to read the sequel too and I'm very happy that there are more books to come!

Small Spaces - Katherine Arden

Ollie is sneaking away for a bit of quiet reading time at her favourite secret spot by the river, dreaming of the adventures in books and wishing she could have some of her own. But when she gets there she finds a woman crying and preparing to throw a book into the water. There's no way Ollie is going to allow that to happen so she grabs the book and escapes with it. Reading the book sparks off an adventure of her own with 2 unexpected new friends. They have to deal with creepy scarecrows, ghosts and the mysterious smiling man. The only warning Ollie keeps hearing is to keep to small spaces. She doesn't really understand it at first but when they get chased she realises the only way to stay safe is find somewhere small their pursuers can't follow.

This book was just so creepy! I actually didn't want to read it at night. Ollie is a great character, super-smart and very caring though she tries not to show it. I just love her cynicism. Even though we only get short sections of the stolen book, the story is written so well and I really enjoyed that story within a story. I almost immediately went on to the second book, Dead Voices and it was gripping as the first.

We're currently in the middle of Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger. I'm really enjoying it and it is giving us plenty to talk about! It's part of an 8 book series (that I know of so far) so I'm sure there will be lots more to find out even after finishing this book.

What do you think of our club? Let me know which middle-grade books you would choose to read and any recommendations you have!

While you're trying to decide which of these books to read next, make yourself a Marvel cocktail. Put the following into a shaker: 1 & 1/2 shots orange rum, 1/3 shot grenadine, 1/3 shot lemon juice. Shake with lots of ice and strain into a cocktail glass.

 The Strangeworlds Travel Agency - L.D. Lapinski 

Flick's family move from a big city into a tiny village "In Little Wyverns, a shed had once fallen down in a night of strong winds. People were still talking about it." While exploring she stumbles into the most run down shop, the Strangeworlds Travel Agency, and here her life and her view of the world changes forever. This is a Travel Agency, but with a huge difference, not only do you travel by suitcase but you can go to completely different worlds! It seems Flick has arrived just in time, Jonathan has been holding up the Society on his own and strange things have been happening for some time. With Flick's help, maybe they can save the Strangeworlds Society.

I really loved the expressive language. The description of going through the suitcase, stepping down and up at the same time, into and out of, I imagine it really captures the feelings they get as they travel. And I could completely feel Flick's wanting and yearning for exploration and for being part of something magical. The characters are wonderful, Flick and I have lots in common, loving numbers and being mathematically minded, while Jonathan has to be the oldest 18 year old I've ever heard of! 

"He made a pot of tea and brought it out on a tray with some cups and an actual milk jug, like he was someone's grandma."

The whole book really is full of magic. Imagine being able to instantly travel to another place, that bouncy world is definitely one that's going on my fictional bucket list. I loved the cover too, it definitely gives a good flavour of what's to come.

After an exciting adventure, make Jonathan a pot of Mexican Tea, it will calm both your nerves much quicker than Earl Grey! In a glass, pour a shot of tequila, 1/2 shot of sugar syrup and top with hot breakfast tea. Stir and garnish with a slice of lime.