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 LIL' BIT Our Lil' B.I.T. (Before It's Trendy) Program is Changing Hands's legion of tween reviewers, casting judgment on books before they're released. Reviewers aged 8-12 get access to advance reading copies of middle-grade releases, and in return write brief recommendations for the books they love. Their recommendations are showcased in the children's sections, on event displays, and here on our website. Interested in becoming a part of this elite crew? Click here for more info. |
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LUMBERJACKULA is a sweet and charming story of acceptance and self-exploration. Lumberjackula has to decide whether he wants to go to lumberjack school or vampire school, and doesn’t want to upset his parents with his decision. But neither of those schools seem right for him!! Until he meets a friend who tells him about a dancing school she goes to. This adorable graphic novel teaches an important lesson of following your heart! -Emerson, 16
Onyeka is from Nigeria and only has her mom. At school she stands out because of all her hair. But unlike Cheyenne, her fox-eared friend, Onyeka doesn’t like to stand out. So, when she’s whisked back to Nigeria to an academy, she feels afraid. I was astonished at the amazing technology they have at her new school. If I was new at the academy I would want everyone to be welcoming, and not like how they responded to Onyeka. If you're a superhero kind of person, you will want to read this book. It has a cool new twist on superheroes and genetics. I hope you read this book and have the good time I did, exploring this cool world. -Sydney, 11
In the third installment of the Charlie Thorne series, Charlie is back at it looking for the treasure of Cleopatra. Just like all books by Stuart Gibbs, you'll be thoroughly entertained while still learning something about the famous Egyptian pharaoh. I was captured by the fantastic word choices and lively plot. The plot moves in a way that you'll never grow bored. I guarantee that you will enjoy the book, just as I did. Will Charlie be able to solve yet another mystery or will this one stump her for good? -Giuliana, 13
THE SUMMER OF JUNE is an absolutely marvelous masterpiece that catches your heart. When June gets out of school for the summer, she wants to make it a good one. She shaves her hair wanting to accomplish two goals. Number one: beat her anxiety and become her inner lion, and number two: after she accomplishes number one, she and her single mom will be strong independent females owning their power. But . . . nothing in life comes easy. June has to face her constant anxiety and overcome her fears. This is totally worth the read. -Sofia, 14
Hasani is just a normal girl with a goal of growing her followers on her YouTube channel, MakeupontheCheapCheap. When she gets sent off to a special boarding school for witches, her life changes. I think that it is cool that she used to just have a YouTube channel, but now she can do magic! I would like to be her because her magic is very cool. All witches have a signature flower and hers is a Morning Glory, which really fits her. At first she doesn’t fit in, but by the time camp ends, she has friends. Follow Hasani on her wild adventure! -Sydney, 11
SKANDAR AND THE UNICORN THIEF is a thrilling story. Skandar faces many emotional challenges as the book evolves. He meets unicorns and friends. And he meets an enemy, who unexpectedly becomes a friend. In this book, unicorns aren’t all fluffy and rainbows, they are bloodthirsty unicorns. If the island calls you to hatch a unicorn, you must answer their call, or have a wild unicorn born, who answers to no one. This sensational story will have you wanting to answer its call, every time your eyes land on it. Read this exciting story to find out more. -Sydney, 11
Filled with forbidden secrets and thrilling discoveries, feats of magic and creatures of myth, and bonds of supportive friendship and familial love, SKANDAR AND THE UNICORN THIEF will enchant those who enjoyed Brandon Mull’s Fablehaven or J. K. Rowling’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Steadman’s diverse cast battles through emotional personal struggles, relatable social and educational pressure, and a magical conflict that puts their wits, will, and inner strength to the test. The story addresses important issues such as discrimination, trust, and mental health, but remains lighthearted enough to find a well-earned place in a classroom or on a personal bookshelf. -Mikey, 15
MAPMAKERS AND THE LOST MAGIC was a really interesting story about friends who don't give up on each other. Blue was my favorite character because he is a beautiful bird. I thought it was a really cool book and hope they make another story! -Ofelia, 8
I found magic, suspense, danger, strange things and more in this graphic novel. Alidade and her friend Lewis have been stuck in Alden all their lives, and they’ve decided it's time to leave. The only problem is the Night Coats, evil people determined to keep everyone in the valley, but Alidade has other plans. As I read the book I felt excitement and a burning desire to keep reading. I would want Alidade to be my friend because of her daring personality. The pictures really illustrate a story in your mind. The characters in this graphic novel help shape the story as you read. If you like fantasy, this book is for you. -Sydney, 11
Have you ever learned that something you always thought was true turns out to be wrong? Octavia has this feeling many times over the course of this book. She lives in a town that no one ever leaves and is heavily protected. Outside the walls of Vittoria there are Ferox; dangerous monsters that have a mind of their own. They can call out in a human’s voice and lure people to them. I was so engrossed in this novel I had a difficult time putting it down. I was surprised so many times by everything Octavia faced. Even when she didn’t know what to believe, she strived to find the truth. I liked that she was brave but trusting. As you read this book, you will follow her on her adventure. -Sydney, 11
THE NOT-SO-UNIFORM LIFE OF HOLLY-MEI is amazing for readers ages 10 and older. I really liked that this book was nothing like I expected. The main character moves to Hong-Kong from Canada because of her mom’s job. She dreads it because she's leaving the only place she's ever known, and has to meet new people and even face a bully. In the end, this book is a spectacular way to see through a middle schooler’s eyes and go through Holly-Mei’s Hong-Kong adventure with her! -Sofia, 14
WITCHLINGS is an enchanting book. It has a perfect set-up and the characters have amazing qualities. With Valley's skills, Seven's wits, and Thorn's determination, these three can do anything. I can't wait for the next in the series! -Belle, 12
Crab and Snail are BBF's (best beach friends) who meet an invisible whale named Isabel after she was spraying water on them from her blowhole but they thought it was rain. They are really funny and have a hard time remembering how to say umbrella, which made me laugh a lot! They are friends with a seagull who says he knows everything but he really doesn't. This book made me crack up! -Ofelia, 8
THE BEST LIARS IN RIVERVIEW is a mystical book about friendship, lies, confessions, and being yourself. When Aubrey’s best friend Joel goes missing, they are determined to find him, but when people start asking Aubrey questions about Joel, things begin to get out of hand. I really liked this book because it teaches you about telling the truth and trusting the people you love. It has short chapters, so it’s a fast and easy read. This book will drag you in and won’t let go until you’re finished reading it. -Zooey, 11
THE BEST LIARS IN RIVERVIEW is written with an amazing plot and even better characters. It goes to show that struggling with your gender identity and feelings is okay and that people will miss you if you run away. -Belle, 12
This book was divine in every meaning of the word. Reading this was like riding a roller coaster. Going from the excitement of becoming so connected to the characters, to the suspense of of trying to discover why our main character is paralyzed and in a wheelchair permanently. I was truly amazed by this read. I found myself late at night, struggling to stay awake but saying, "just one more chapter!" This book has everything a reader could want: romance, suspense, mystery, ballet . . . and did I mention romance?? -Emerson, 16
LOYALTY is an exciting book. There aren't any action scenes or crazy chases, but the book leaves you yelling out "What will he do?!" The book is set during the American Revolution, written from the perspective of a loyalist, 12-year old boy. This offers a different view than adults writing about the topic and allows you to learn with the character. All of the characters have their own distinct, clear personalities that add flavor, but allow the reader to understand what is happening quickly. If you are looking for an interesting perspective, an easy read, and a fascinating book, check out LOYALTY. -Rocco, 12
I love this book! It's a really funny story with some pretty crazy characters. If you like to imagine your own creations coming to life, you'll love this book! Like me! My favorite character is Kip because she has a lot of imagination which makes the book interesting. -Ofelia, 8
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