BINGO boards have been making the rounds via social media, with everyone searching for common ground and (figuratively) covering those squares. Elza and I both filled them out. She posted ours side-by-side on this post, which gives you the chance to see which of us you’re most like.
Even more exciting, we’re doing a Summer Reading Challenge over the summer, with a new BINGO board every month. Play along by picking up your June board >>
In Circus Mirandus, Micah’s grown up with his grandfather’s stories about a magical circus, and he believes them all. Especially the ones about the Man Who Bends Light, who once promised Grandpa Ephraim a miracle. The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline is the fifth book in the Enola Holmes series, which introduces us to Mycroft’s and Sherlock’s much younger sister. And in The Last Motley, Roderick the tailor discovers a boy who seems lost and alone, only to recoil at the vivid pattern of diamonds decorating his skin. Roderick grew up hearing terrible tales of these motleys, yet more and more, he sees a frightened boy in desperate need of help … and of a home.
Reading MG. There’s a new blog especially for lovers of middle grade fiction (for 8-12 year olds). Book reviews, monthly themes, national days, quotes, and cover art. We kicked everything off this month, and we’re gearing up with fresh challenges for June. (Including a round of book bingo for summer reading!) Come follow Elza & me at Elymnifoquent.com >>
Every one of the Byways Books includes beautiful full-color art by my illustrator, Hannah Christenson. Here’s a sampling from Book #5, Inside the Tree: A Ewan Johns Adventure.
In The Evil Wizard Smallbone, Neil runs away from the uncle who beats him and the cousin who bullies him only to find himself on an evil wizard’s doorstep. Getting away proves impossible, but perhaps that’s not such a bad thing. The Whispering Skull is the second book in the ghost-ridden Lockwood & Co. series. (Jonathan Stroud has been added to my Favorite Authors list.) And Wild Boy is the fourth book in the Rowan Hood set (each member of her outlaw band is getting their moment.)
How about a look behind the Byways header on Book #13, Among the Tents: A Ganix Johns Adventure? This story follows Ganix to the circus, where he is able to protect his teammates and make new friends. He earns a stage name (or two) and does odd jobs behind the scenes. The cover art for Book #13 features the Neptune Circus carousel.
Story Excerpt:
The huge three-top tent was packed with people. Hoots and hollers. Whistles and cheers. Excitement hummed through the stands, making Ganix’s stomach do a few backflips. He’d been too jittery to eat much dinner, so roasting peanuts, popping corn, and spun sugar smelled good. Continue reading BYWAYS: Behind the Header
Meet Ian Johns, father to the three boys who are caught up in an epic race across their homeland.
Ian Johns is the founder of the postal system in the land of Liberty. Continue reading BYWAYS: Portraits
Alex and the Ironic Gentleman is a quirky adventure of the punny, tongue-in-cheek, intentionally (and intensively) whimsical sort. The Ransomed Crown is the fourth book in the Saga of Roland Innes, which is set very much alongside the legend of Robin Hood. And The Case of the Peculiar Pink Fan is fourth installment in the Enola Holmes mystery series (which I wholeheartedly adored and cannot recommend more).
Personal Touch. In the land of Liberty, citizens add their seal to official documents. A design’s seal is unique … and usually of personal significance to the person who carries it. Do you recognize this seal?
C. J. Milbrandt 