Author: Lensey Namioka – Middle Grade Carousel

First Rays

The Coming of the Bear by Lensey Namioka

Dawn was on the point of breaking when they approached the river—a stream, actually; they could see where it branched off from the main body of the river a little way up. The shallows near the banks were still frozen, but water was running in the middle of the stream. By the time they reached it, the first rays of the sun touched and gilded the surface of the water.
The Coming of the Bear by Lensey Namioka

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In Any Language

Yang the Youngest and His Terrible Ear by Lensey Namioka

Music is music in any language, and Father doesn’t have to say much during the lessons. When one of his students plays well, he smiles. And when a student plays a sour note, Father just puts on a look of great suffering.
Yang the Youngest and His Terrible Ear by Lensey Namioka

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#MGCarousel – 20 Middle Grade Books About Cryptids

20 Middle Grade books about Cryptids: Middle Grade books featuring modern monsters, enigmatic entities, and creatures from urban mythology!

Our #MGCarousel reading challenge this month is all about CRYPTIDS. If you’re looking for more pseudo-scientifical stories to add to your reading list, CJ and Elza have gathered 20 Middle Grade books that feature Bigfoot, sea monsters, changelings, and other unsubstantiated entities.

The Grip of Winter

"On the main island of Japan spring was around the corner, and in some places the plum trees were already in bloom. At this time of the year, Matsuzo thought wistfully, he would normally be writing poems to the fragrant while blossoms. But the land was still in the grip of winter here in the north, and he would be digging ditches." —The Coming of the Bear by Lensey Namioka

Trends & Themes: Series That Count

Trends & Themes: Middle Grade Series that Count. CJ & Elza recommend three MG series with a common theme

Snow Country

"The region was in the Snow Country, and there would still be several months of heavy snow before any real break in the weather would come. Nevertheless the New Year's festival served to remind people that there was an end to the long winter." -Village of the Vampire Cat by Lensey Namioka

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Growing Odds

Our themed Middle Grade reading challenge this month is SOME FRIENDLY COMPETITION. Find more magical Middle Grade books during the month of April.

Musical Talent

Our themed Middle Grade reading challenge this month is I CAN READ A RAINBOW. Find more colorful Middle Grade books during the month of February.