Mark My Words

This blog began in 2009, and it's transformed through different styles over the years. I've become a reviewer for the Young Adult Books Central (YABC) and posts for those books have their own look. I've also been a judge for Cybils.com since 2010 to determine the best books of the year in the category of elementary/middle-grade speculative fiction. You'll see reviews for these top books in some of my January posts from the past.

Sunday, October 4, 2026

The Key to Avalon (The Joseph Affenham series Book 1) by H J Bumbleton

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What worked: The book has an effective introductory hook when Joseph is thrust into the middle of “incompetence” at the zoo. He saves the ...
Sunday, September 27, 2026

Astra Fox and the Rise of the Wonderworkers by Isaac Fitzsimons

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What worked: Astra is a sympathetic character, as she’s treated poorly at the orphanage. She’s frequently and severely punished and is separ...
Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Transylvania County by Jenny Howard

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What worked: Dig’s father hopes Dig’s behavior will improve after spending time with his cousin, Elliot. Elliot is a model student who follo...
Saturday, September 19, 2026

Firebloom by Justin Davies

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What worked: Tally hopes to become a Sting Winkler like her grandfather, mother, and Smuck ancestors, but doesn’t know if it will happen. ...
Thursday, September 17, 2026

Our Children in the Shadows by J.T. Bird

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What worked: Haven’s character is the highlight of the book. She’s confident, curious, mischievous, and sarcastic, and she loves snooping. T...

A Kingdom of Shadows (Lightseekers Book 1) by Emily Bain Murphy

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What worked: The Great Betrayal causes the diminishing light, along with other negative consequences. Evil and danger lurk in the spreading ...
Friday, September 11, 2026

The Last Immortals: Dawn of the Axolotl (Epic Axolotls #1) by Kit Brooks

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What worked: Young readers can learn a lot about axolotls because the story begins with Ace hatching from an egg with his twin brother. Afte...
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