Fall is in full swing, and there is finally a crisp in the air -- perfect reading weather if you ask me! :-) So, I thought I would share some great new chapter/middle grade books available from Simon & Schuster, that would make for the perfect read for kids, as they gear up for Halloween and all things fall.
This year I am trying something new with my girls. Now that they have moved onto chapter books and are reading on their own, I like coming up with fun ways to get them to read more and read books outside the genres or series that they usually gravitate to. So, for the month of October I am doing a "Countdown to Halloween" with my girls. It is kind of like a book countdown for Christmas that I do with my girls. I have wrapped the books up in fun Halloween scrapbook paper as I couldn't find Halloween wrapping paper. I numbered the books 1-12, and stacked them in our living room on the shelf. The girls have their own stacks, as I was sent some amazing books from Simon & Schuster recently. I also bought a few more duplicates of titles I thought the girls would love reading together and sharing their thoughts on.
When October 1st rolled around, the girls grabbed the package numbered #1 and unwrapped it to find the first book they had to read. They read the book and when done, would tell me all about it. Then, they were able to grab #2, and so on and so forth. We are only at the 9th day in October and the girls have already gotten up to book #5 out of #12 in their stacks. They are really getting into the books, and are excited to see what book they will unwrap next to read. And, just as I had hoped, my girls are falling in love with new chapter book series, and have started a list of books they want to look for at the library once we are done with these books.
So, if you are looking for some fun fall/Halloween-inspired books for your middle grade/chapter book reader, here are the books my girls will be reading this month, as they count down to Halloween. Even if your child is a reluctant reader, make it fun for them like I did with the book advent countdown and you will see they will get excited and want to read, just so that they can get to the next book, right to the end.
(Also available in hardcover and Kindle formats)
About this book:
"Detective brothers Frank and Joe investigate a crime of smashin’ in the tenth book in the interactive Hardy Boys Clue Book series.
Frank, Joe, and their best friend Chet are attending Bayport Zoo’s annual Halloween carnival. Frank and Joe have a routine planned for Scaryoke, and Chet has entered the pumpkin pie-eating contest—he even brought his own whipped cream!
After their performance, Frank and Joe go to check out the painted pumpkins on display. But when the brothers enter the tent, they see their Scaryoke song wasn’t the only smash hit at the carnival. The floor is littered with bits of pulverized pumpkins! What’s worse, the organizer says that unless the culprits are caught by the end of the day, this will be the last Boo at the Zoo…forever!
Can Frank and Joe find out what happened before it’s too late? Or is this pumpkin crime unpatchable?"
- Publisher: Aladdin (September 3, 2019)
- Length: 96 pages
- ISBN13: 9781534431232
- Grades: 1 - 4
- Ages: 6 - 9
My Thoughts:
This was the first book my oldest daughter read as part of our Halloween Book Advent Calendar. Even though this was book #10 in the series, she was able to dive right in and enjoy the story and the characters. I grew up reading my brothers' Hardy Boys books, and was excited to see they had a new series featuring the Hardy Boys for me to share and enjoy with my girls. I ended up reading this book when she was done with it, as did my youngest daughter. We both loved it, and can't wait to pick up the previous books in the series to read once the girls are done with their book stack.
Book #1
(Also available in hardcover and Kindle formats)
About this book:
"Get to know the Junior Monster Scouts in this first book in a brand-new chapter book series that’s perfect for fans of Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol and Hotel Transylvania!
Wolfy, Franky, and Vampyra—the children of the classic monsters—are Junior Monster Scouts. And even though ‘monster’ is their middle name, these funny fiends just want to help anybody in need, earn their Junior Monster Scout merit badges, and make friends. But, their good deeds are always foiled by Baron Von Grump, a cranky schemer who doesn’t like noise, doesn’t like kids, and most of all doesn’t like the Junior Monster Scouts.
Peter Piper’s kitten Shadow is lost deep in The Gloomy Forest, and the Scouts want to help their new friend. But today is also the Village Cheese Festival and all of the celebrating has Baron Von Grump at wits’ end. How can he play his violin in peace if the villagers are making such a racket? He hatches a cheesy plan that involves huge and hungry rats! Uh-oh! Can the Scouts save the cats, the rats, and the day?"
- Publisher: Aladdin (September 3, 2019)
- Length: 112 pages
- ISBN13: 9781534436763
- Grades: 2 - 5
- Ages: 7 - 10
My Thoughts:
My girls had no idea this beginner chapter book series was available, but were excited to read it once they read the back cover to see what was in store for them. They were both able to read the book in under and hour and ended up going back and reading it again at bedtime, as they really enjoyed it. And, when I told them I had the second book in the series to read, they couldn't wait for the next day to get here as I let them unwrap a new book each morning. Both of my girls agree that this is a great book for beginner and reluctant chapter book readers, as there are lots of illustrations and big print. Plus, the story moves along at a good pace and keeps you engaged from start to finish.
Book #2
(Also available in hardcover and Kindle formats)
About this book:
"The Junior Monster Scouts celebrate The Village’s 150th birthday in the hilarious second chapter book of the Junior Monster Scouts series!
It’s The Village’s 150th birthday celebration! And that means bright lights, popcorn machines, a marching band, and a musical merry-go-round. But not if Baron Von Grump can help it! If he shuts off The Village’s electricity, there won’t be any noise or merriment.
Meanwhile, in Dr. Frankenstein’s laboratory, Igor Jr. was specifically told not to touch anything, especially “that lever.” But Igor Jr. didn’t listen, and now the lab is a clunking, clanking, crackling mess of gears, electricity, and lightning. Can Vamprya, Franky, and Wolfy—the Junior Monster Scouts—fix Igor’s mess and save The Village party? Or has the Baron ruined the fun for everyone?"
- Publisher: Aladdin (September 3, 2019)
- Length: 112 pages
- ISBN13: 9781534436794
- Grades: 2 - 5
- Ages: 7 - 10
My Thoughts:
This is another great early chapter book for kids just getting into chapter books. My girls liked the first book in the Junior Monster Scouts series, and couldn't wait to read this book. Just like with the previous book this book follows the Junior Monster scouts on a fun adventure. MY girls are Girl Scouts, and wondered what it would be like if there were monsters for real, and if they had their own scouts troop. I guess this book series can give them a taste of the fun and adventure a monster troop would have. I, for one, would love to be apart of this troop as they seem to get along great and have lots of fun. :-)
(Also available in hardcover and Kindle formats)
About this book:
"Halloween is more than haunted in this superscary superspecial story in the frighteningly fun You’re Invited to a Creepover series.
When Ashley McDowell’s parents first told her that they were moving from the big city to a one-stoplight farm town, she was convinced that she was going to hate living in Heaton Corners. But to Ashley’s surprise, she loves it. Everyone is super welcoming, especially her new friends. Plus, it’s October and there’s the town’s Harvest Festival, and, of course, Halloween.
But, when Ashley starts making plans for Halloween night, she is shocked to find out that her new friends are forbidden to go trick-or-treating. Ashley convinces them to sleep over at her house and go trick-or-treating anyway, but she soon discovers that Halloween in Heaton Corners isn’t like Halloween anywhere else. For one thing, everything seems so much more real…too real. Ashley can’t help but think that maybe Heaton Corners doesn’t need tricks and disguises to be terrifying on Halloween night…
This exceedingly scary superspecial story features a glow-in-the-dark cover and bursts through Level 5 on the Creep-o-Meter."
- Publisher: Simon Spotlight (August 27, 2019)
- Length: 208 pages
- ISBN13: 9781534445635
- Grades: 3 - 7
- Ages: 8 - 12
My Thoughts:
My girls haven't gotten to this book yet. I have it labeled as #12 in our Halloween Book Advent. I thought it would be a great suspenseful book as they gear up to go trick or treating. I did read the book on my own, and really enjoyed it. It had just the right amount of creepiness, that will give you good spook, but in a fun way. I can't wait to see what my girls think of this book.
Book #1
(Also available in hardcover and Kindle formats)
About this book:
"It takes a lot to stand out at a school for mad scientists—but Newton Warp is unlike anyone (or anything) else at Franken-Sci High in this first book in a wacky series created with The Jim Henson Company.
Franken-Sci High is the only school in the world for aspiring mad scientists and it’s located on a craggy island in the Bermuda Triangle, of course! While some mad scientists are power-hungry maniacs, the school was founded in 1536 as a refuge for generations of brilliant—and yes, eccentric—young minds. Students are encouraged to use their brainpower for good, but the teachers accept that some kids will still want to take over the world…and the school cafeteria.
In the first book in the series, What’s the Matter with Newton?, Newton Warp is a mystery, even to himself: He wakes up one day in the library with no idea of who he is, how he got there, or where he came from. Newton is quickly assigned to a dorm and makes a friend: Shelly Ravenholt, who creates living, breathing monsters for fun. He’s eager to find out who his family is, but this is high school after all, and he soon has other problems: Newton has to create a last-minute project for the Mad Science Fair and Shelly’s friend Theremin (a robot) is really jealous of him. And that’s not all: the other students at Franken-Sci High soon realize that Newton has a few useful, but surprising quirks. Wherever Newton came from, they start to suspect that he’s not entirely human!"
- Publisher: Simon Spotlight (August 27, 2019)
- Length: 176 pages
- ISBN13: 9781481491303
- Grades: 3 - 7
- Ages: 8 - 12
My Thoughts:
This was the first book in the Franken-Sci High series, and one that I wasn't sure my girls would like, as they are not big into mad science/scary type books. But, after reading the book myself, I could tell that they would like it, as it wasn't scary, and full of humor and adventure. The main character, Newton, is not your normal kid, and this will be shared as you read through this first book. Don't worry as I will not give away the story or all about Newton and what makes his so unique and different. My girls really enjoyed this book, and couldn't wait to dive into book #2, which I share below this review. :-)
Book #2
(Also available in hardcover and Kindle formats)
About this book:
"The hilarious madness at Franken-Sci High continues in this second book in a wacky series created with The Jim Henson Company.
Franken-Sci High is the only school in the world for aspiring mad scientists and it’s located on a craggy island in the Bermuda Triangle, of course! While some mad scientists are power-hungry maniacs, the school was founded in 1536 as a refuge for generations of brilliant—and sometimes eccentric—young minds. Students are encouraged to use their brainpower for good, but the teachers accept that some kids will want to take over the world…and the school cafeteria.
In the second book in the Franken-Sci High series, Monsters Among Us, Newton Warp’s friends notice he’s being followed around by a strange new professor, Dr. Flubitus, but have no idea why. Newton wonders if it has something to do with the barcode on his foot. He doesn’t have much time to dwell on it, though, because soon there are reports of a giant monster loose on campus! Shelly assumes a school for mad scientists would have top-notch security against monsters, nosy tourists, and other invaders, but soon she and her friends Newton and Theremin discover a gaping loophole in the system. If a marauding monster can find its way to the school’s secret location in the Bermuda Triangle and figure out how to open a portal to the campus, anyone else could get in, too! Then Shelly finds out she might be the reason the monster is there in the first place…"
My Thoughts:
My girls got hooked on this book series after reading the first book I shared above this one. In book #2, Dr. Flubitus a new professor is introduced, and Newton Warp and friends have to figure out who this stranger person is, as well as why there is a monster on the loose. This book has black and white illustrations throughout, as well as large text, that reluctant readers will enjoy. My girls can't wait to add more Franken-Sci High books to their growing collection, and I know your kids will, too!
Book #8
(Also available in hardcover and Kindle formats)
About this book:
"Desmond Cole goes camping and tells some scary campfire stories in the eighth book of the Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol series!
Camping with Desmond Cole is a lot of fun, until he starts telling ghost stories around the campfire. Most kids tell creepy stories that are totally fake, but Desmond tells totally true stories that will give you goosebumps. So, settle in while Desmond, Andres, and their ghost-friend, Zax, take turns trying to tell the scariest story of all.
With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol chapter books are perfect for emerging readers."
- Publisher: Little Simon (July 23, 2019)
- Length: 128 pages
- ISBN13: 9781534433502
- Grades: K - 4
- Ages: 5 - 9
My Thoughts:
This is a great beginner chapter book for kids, especially those who don't like to read, as it has big font text and lots of full page illustrations that fill the pages of this book. My girls were able to read this book in one sitting, and were amazed at how fast they were able to get through all 128 pages.
You can't sit around a campfire without telling ghost stories, and this book is no exception. The story is easy to follow along, and will keep kids engaged and entertained from start to finish.
(Also available in hardcover and Kindle formats)
About this book:
"Sabrina the Teenage Witch meets Roller Girl in this hilarious, one-of-a-kind graphic novel about a half-witch who has just discovered the truth about herself, her family, and her town and is doing her best to survive middle school now that she knows everything!
Magic is harder than it looks.
Thirteen-year-old Moth Hush loves all things witchy. But she’s about to discover that witches aren’t just the stuff of movies, books, and spooky stories. When some eighth-grade bullies try to ruin her Halloween, something really strange happens. It turns out that Founder’s Bluff, Massachusetts, has a centuries-old history of witch drama. And, surprise: Moth’s family is at the center of it all! When Moth’s new powers show up, things get totally out-of-control. She meets a talking cat, falls into an enchanted diary, and unlocks a hidden witch world. Secrets surface from generations past as Moth unravels the complicated legacy at the heart of her town, her family, and herself.
In this spellbinding graphic novel debut, Emma Steinkellner spins a story packed with humor and heart about the weird and wonderful adventures of a witch-in-progress."
- Publisher: Aladdin (September 3, 2019)
- Length: 272 pages
- ISBN13: 9781534431454
- Grades: 3 - 7
- Ages: 8 and up
My Thoughts:
This was one of the books I bought a duplicate of so that both of my girls could read at the same time, and come together and share their thoughts including favorite parts. If you have a child who loves graphic novels and witches, then you will have to pick up this book for them. It is kind of like Sabrina the Teenage Witch mixed in with a little humor and adventure. Both of my girls were excited when they read the inside cover jacket about this book and saw it took place in Founder's Bluff, MA, as we are the state next to MA, and have family in MA. So, they said it was fun to read a book about a fictional town in MA. It made them wonder if there were actual haunted places in MA besides Salem, that had witch stories like this one. :-)
My girls couldn't put this book down, and loved how it was a graphic novel. They got hooked on graphic novels during the summer, and have been looking at the library and in book stores for graphic novels to read. They had no idea this book was available, but were so happy to be able to read it together, and talk about it.
(Also available in hardcover and Kindle formats)
About this book:
"A charming, adventure-filled debut novel that’s perfect for fans of The Penderwicks series.
Siblings Meg, Will, and Ariel Griffin are off on an adventure! They can’t wait to spend a week visiting their eccentric aunt and her giant, tongue-drooling Newfoundland dog in England. But when they finally arrive, they’re faced with a few local secrets that stir up more than a little trouble.
Add in some very peculiar lights, strange new friends, a police chase and some stampeding sheep, and the Griffin kids are in over their heads—literally. Apparently this town has a ghost problem and the three children must race to solve the mystery before the ghosts take something that doesn’t belong to them."
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (March 5, 2019)
- Length: 320 pages
- ISBN13: 9781534430884
- Grades: 3 - 7
- Ages: 8 - 12
- Lexile ® 630L
My Thoughts:
My youngest daughter was the first to read this book from her stack. At first she was reluctant to read it as looked like a big book with small print. But, I told her to read the first few chapters and see if she liked it. If she found it was boring after the first few chapters, then she could stop reading it. But, after the first chapter she was hooked and couldn't put the book down. She said there were suspsenseful parts, as well as humor mixed into the story, which moved along at a good pace. She was never bored with the story, and loved the characters and their individual characteristics and traits that made this a more enjoyable read. She is hoping this is the first in a long series for this book, as she said there are so many other great stories that could be told.
(Also available in hardcover, Kindle and Audio CD formats)
About this book:
"“Bunnicula rules!” —Dav Pilkey, creator of the Captain Underpants series
Celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the fluffy and fearsome classic Bunnicula with this pocket-sized edition, perfect for accompanying readers on all their mischievous adventures. This special edition includes bonus content and a deluxe cover that looks and feels as eerily delightful as the story within!
Beware the hare!
Harold the dog and Chester the cat must find out the truth about the newest pet in the Monroe household—a suspicious-looking bunny with unusual habits…and fangs! Could this innocent-seeming rabbit actually be a vampire?"
- Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (May 21, 2019)
- Length: 144 pages
- ISBN13: 9781534435933
- Grades: 3 - 7
- Ages: 8 - 12
- Lexile ® 700L
My Thoughts:
This is the 40th anniversary of the popular Bunnicula and Friends book. I had read this book to the girls last year, and they loved it. And, now that they are reading on their own, they loved this pocked-sized edition, which has a velvety cover to mark the 40th anniversary.
I will not go into detail about this book as you or your child have probably read it a time or two. My girls zipped right thought this book, and said it was perfect for getting ready for Halloween. They loved the mischievous adventures of the vampire bunny and Chester and Howard who all live in the Monroe household.
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You can learn more about these and other great Halloween-themed/inspired books available from Simon & Schuster by visiting https://www.simonandschuster.com.
Disclosure: I was sent review copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
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