Book Review Books Children Coming of Age MIDDLE GRADE (Ages 8-12)

“Muppit Boy and the Wheel of Power” by Michael J. Bowler

The Adventures of Muppit Boy series expands with the second book, Muppit Boy and the Wheel of Power, the brainchild of author Michael J. Bowler.  If you haven’t read the first book, I’m sure you’re wondering what, exactly, a Muppit Boy is.  It’s not actually a what.  It’s a who:  Muppit Boy is the unfortunate name poor Elmo Fitzroy (Mo to his friends) was saddled with thanks to his over-exuberant social media influencer mother.  He’s actually (and unfortunately) world-renowned for the antics his mom has uploaded over the years.  But thanks to an accident involving a dastardly evil guy named… well, Dr. Evil (which Mo says is the worst villain name ever), Mo is now actually the world’s first genuine superhero!  He’s trotting out his new superhero persona as Condor Kid in this book, and it’s both awesome and comically ridiculous.

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Book Review Books Children EARLY READERS (Ages 5-7) MIDDLE GRADE (Ages 8-12) PETS & ANIMALS (Adults & Children's Books)

“Sophie Moon and the Honeybees” by Szilvia S. Jennings

When Sophie Moon arrives at her grandfather’s cabin for a five-day visit, she hopes the surprise he has for her is a puppy. Imagine Sophie’s surprise when she learns that it is not a puppy, but bees – specifically, a set of bees to put into a hive. In this delightful children’s book, Sophie Moon and the Honeybees by Szilvia S. Jennings provides an educational story about bees, as well as how we are sometimes like bees in how we live and interact with people.

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Book Review Books Children Disabilites MIDDLE GRADE (Ages 8-12)

“Daddy Is Amazing Like That” by Mary Anne McMahon and Jennifer Bucciero Boyles

Daddy Is Amazing Like That by Mary Anne McMahon and Jennifer Bucciero Boyles is based on the authors’ real lives, featuring two sisters and their father, who uses a wheelchair. Throughout the story, there are examples of how the father has not let his disability stop him from pursuing a full, rich life. For emotional support, he started a group where other parents in wheelchairs can meet, share their experiences, and plan activities together. One such activity is sports day, which highlights the physical activities people in wheelchairs can participate in. Throughout the book, the author highlights how the father continues to be a good parent, doing as many “typical dad things” as he can, including giving his children good advice, modeling positivity, and attending their activities, such as the Daddy/Daughter dance.

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