The Worst Witch – Jill Murphy

The Worst Witch by Jill Murphy

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Received: Publisher
Publication Date: August 5th, 2014
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Point of View: 3rd Person & Feminine
Recommended Age: 8+
Pacing: Fast
Genres & Themes: Middle Grade, Witches, Friendship, Boarding School

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BLURB:

Mildred Hubble is starting her first year at Miss Cackle’s Academy for Witches — and making a mess of it! She can’t ride her broomstick without crashing, she’s always getting her spells mixed up, and worst of all, the teacher’s pet, Ethel, has just become her sworn enemy.

Almost Home – Joan Bauer

Almost Home by Joan Bauer

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Received: Publisher
Publication Date: August 29th, 2013
Publisher: Puffin Books
Point of View: 1st Person & Feminine
Recommended Age: 8+
Pacing: Normal
Genres & Themes: Middle Grade,  Contemporary, Family Issues, Animals

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BLURB:

When twelve-year-old Sugar’s grandfather dies and her gambling father takes off yet again, Sugar and her mother lose their home in Missouri. They head to Chicago for a fresh start, only to discover that fresh starts aren’t so easy to come by for the homeless. Nevertheless, Sugar’s mother has taught her to be grateful no matter what, so Sugar does her best. With the help of a rescue dog, Shush; a foster family; a supportive teacher; a love of poetry; and her own grace and good humor, Sugar comes to understand that while she can’t control the hand life deals her, she can control how she responds.