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Top 10 Middle-Grade Books for August (page 2)

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Cover art for THE EMPTY CITY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 21, 2012
Kirkus Star THE EMPTY CITY
by Erin Hunter
"Wild and wonderful adventure for middle-graders. (Adventure. 8-12)"
In this dog-themed series opener from the team behind the Warriors franchise, dogs must learn to face not only the results of the devastating earthquake that has turned their world upside down, but their own feelings of loyalty and independence. Read full book review >
Cover art for SPLENDORS AND GLOOMS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 28, 2012
Kirkus Star SPLENDORS AND GLOOMS
by Laura Amy Schlitz
"Schlitz's prose is perfect in every stitch, and readers will savor each word. (Historical fantasy. 9-13)"
Two orphans, a witch and a girl who laughs at death: Each shares the lens of protagonist in Newbery winner Schlitz's fully satisfying gothic novel. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE SECOND LIFE OF ABIGAIL WALKER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 28, 2012
Kirkus Star THE SECOND LIFE OF ABIGAIL WALKER
by Frances O’Roark Dowell
"Middle school mean girls are not uncommon, in fiction or in life, but seldom has an author so successfully defeated them without leaving her protagonist or her reader feeling a little bit mean herself. (Fiction. 9-12)"
When Abby's one-time friend whispers to her, "You're dead," Abby knows it's true. Maybe not dead physically, but dying inside. Read full book review >
Cover art for KATERINA'S WISH
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 28, 2012
Kirkus Star KATERINA'S WISH
by Jeannie Mobley
"Top-notch. (Historical fiction. 9-14)"
Thirteen-year-old Katerina and her little sisters want to believe in their dreams, but life in a Colorado coal camp threatens to turn them into pipe dreams. Read full book review >