#amreading monochromatically

Looking for books that fit our monthly reading challenge this November? Try one of the favorites from our home shelf!

Book spotlight for Middle Grade Carousel November 2022: It's There in Black and White features the book HALFWAY NORMAL by Barbara Dee.

After two years of treatment for leukemia, Norah Levy is ready to return to normal. The hospital social worker warns her the transition back may be tricky, but Norah isn’t worried. Compared with battling cancer, how tricky can seventh grade be?

Very. Everyone treats Norah differently now. Her best friends are part of new groups. Nobody quite understands.

And then she meets Griffin, a cute boy who encourages her love of drawing and Greek mythology. Norah is desperate not to be that girl who had cancer, but secret-keeping becomes impossible and Norah must figure out a way to share her cancer story and still be able to move on and have her normal life.

Check our #MGCarousel Challenges page for more info.

Bingo Squares

Looking for books that fit our current Book Bingo challenge? Here are a few recommendations to help you read for a win!

Bingo Squares: fish on the cover

Fish on the Cover

Want to play?

Read the challenge rules and download your bingo card to get started!


Can you find a book with fish on the cover on your shelf? Share an MG read you’d add to our stack in the comments!

#amreading aquatically

Looking for books that fit our monthly reading challenge this July? Try one of the favorites from our home shelf!

Book spotlight for Middle Grade Carousel July 2022: Our Bookshelf Overfloweth features the book MY LIFE IN THE FISH TANK by Barbara Dee.

When Zinnia’s older brother is diagnosed with a mental illness, her parents wish to keep Gabriel’s condition “private” turns Zinny’s life into a giant “secret”. Loyalty to family makes it hard for Zinny to talk to friends, find her place in the Lunch Club, or dare to dream about going away to marine biology camp for the summer.

Check our #MGCarousel Challenges page for more info.

#MGCarousel – 20 Middle Grade Books About Theater

20 Middle Grade books about Theater: CJ and Elza present you with a selection of books featuring performing arts

Our #MGCarousel reading challenge this month is all about THEATER. If you’re looking for more dramatic stories to add to your reading list, CJ and Elza have gathered 20 Middle Grade books that feature performances, young thespians, and all things musical.

Continue reading “#MGCarousel – 20 Middle Grade Books About Theater”