I just finished The Mythic Adventures of Samuel Templeton:Peanut Butter and Chaos by Winnipeg author Anita Daher. This is a terrific summer read for a Middle Grader whose interests include science (specifically quantum physics), Icelandic lore, or magic. PB and C is the first book in the series. The second instalment is aptly named Peanut Butter and Pandemonium.

I’m about to jump into Magicked Born, a debut novel from Saskatoon author Ashleigh Mattern, whom I met at the Prairie Horizons/SK Canscaip conference a few weeks ago. The tagline reads: “In a world hostile to magic, three young mages must find a way to destroy an evil force.” Oh golly, at least I know they will likely find a way to succeed. Ashleigh is currently at work on the second book in this YA fantasy series. And don’t we just love a great fantasy? They are chock full of fascinating characters, plot twists, rich settings, and relevant themes. So much to explore.

But YA and Middle Grade is definitely not all I read. I’m currently midway through Essex Dogs by Dan Jones. Think Band of Brothers meets Braveheart. I was drawn to the one because it’s set in fourteenth century France at the inception of the Hundred Years War. This historical fiction novel is funny, bawdy, bloody, and profane. Love it! I bought the ebook for less than a dollar on Bookbub. What a deal.

Maybe you have a book you’d like to recommend? I’d love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.