In Sister Showdown!, the sixteenth instalment in the Dork Diaries series, Rachel Renee Russell creates realistic characters to build a fast-paced story about friendship, sisterhood and the anxieties of starting high school.   Plot summary Nikki Maxwell is back from a summer holiday in Paris, but the days ahead are worrying. She “BARELY survived all the middle school DRAMA”, and…

The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle, the second book in the series by Hugh Lofting, follows the eccentric doctor, this time to the Spider Monkey Island. The doctor is kind and deeply devoted to studying animals, understanding their language and exploring nature in general, as well as showing a strong sense of responsibility toward the inhabitants of the island. However, the…

Robodog is a middle-grade humorous story for ages 9-11, exploring crime, supervillains, and the impact of technology.   Plot summary Welcome to Bedlam, “home to some of the dastardliest criminals the world has ever known.” The city is in urgent need of well-trained dogs to tackle its rising crime problems. When another theft occurs, this time at the museum, the…

The Last Bear is a middle-grade emotional story for ages 8-11, exploring the need for love, grief within the family, and responsibility towards the environment.   Plot summary After her mother dies, April is left in the care of her father, a researcher deeply absorbed in his work. When he accepts a position on Bear Island near the Arctic, April…

In this Wishtree book review, Katherine Applegate’s middle-grade novel explores the experiences of an urban community through the lens of an oak tree. Plot summary The oak tree at the centre of Wishtree serves as a long-standing pillar of its community, holding the wishes of both children and adults. Over the years, Red quietly observes the lives of the human…

Robin, with its well-designed cover in light, dark, and cobalt blue, evokes a mood of wintry nostalgia and quiet tenderness through a handwritten font. Plot summary of Robin Eddie leaves home to stay with Uncle John in the countryside. His sister Scarlet is due for another heart operation. Eddie discovers the beauty of nature by visiting the forest next to…