Make your own Galactic Hot Dogs bookmark!

Hey everyone! How's it going? We've been cruising through space for a few weeks now, looking for our next adventure. Nothing's cookin' right now, except LOTS of hot dogs -- we're back on Space Port Funketoun slinging dogs and making tons of space cash. We need to stock back up on spaceos. Adventures in space aren't free, you know!

Today I've got something for all you awesome bookworms: a super-cool GHD bookmark! Check it out:

Now you can have me, Humphree, and Dagger with you no matter what book you're reading. Sweet!

Stay awesome,
Cosmoe

Galactic Hot Dogs is an online game and app!

Hey everyone! I bet you all play games online and on phones, right? Well, did you know that you can play a Galactic Hot Dogs game online AND on an app? 

It's true, and it's WAY COOL!

Here's the deal. There's this game called Poptropica, which is this awesome virtual world where kids can play in a safe online environment -- and the Poptropica geniuses created something called Galactic Hot Dogs Island that you can play in Poptropica!

I bet you're wondering what the heck a Poptropica Island is. Well, within the world of Poptropica there are these Islands that all have their own themes and adventures to complete. There's a couple Wimpy Kid Islands, a Mythology Island, Reality TV Island, and tons more!

So basically, you create your own little Poptropica character and then you're off to explore any Island you want. There are super-cool quests, stories, and games, and you can collect objects, read digital books and comics, watch movies, and compete in head-to-head competition with other Poptropicans.

Check out this cool video to get an idea of what GHD Island is all about:

There's also a Poptropica app and GHD Island is on that, too! Look at my Poptropican talking to Humphree!

Check out this Galactic Hot Dogs Island info page where you can get fun stuff like desktop wallpaper, a Neon Wiener paper craft, and a free F.R.E.D. follower (a "follower" in Poptropica is a little dude who follows your Poptropica character around). You can also watch a walkthrough of the island, which is super helpful if you’ve never played Poptropica before.

Go check it out -- I bet you'll love it! I'm playing the app right now (but don't tell Humphree cause he thinks I'm making a batch of mustard).

Stay awesome,
Cosmoe

19 awesome books for middle-grade boys

We read a lot of amazing books this summer and wrote a ton of blog posts about them. But I thought it might help out all you adults if I broke up our lists into books that boys usually like and books that girls usually like.

Of course, everyone can read whatever they want to. That's the beauty of books. No discrimination! No worries! Princesses and football for everyone!

But for those of you thinking, "What do 10 year old boys usually like to read???" and "What in the world do I get a 11 year old girl who likes to read???" Well, I'm creating lists for you that are full of books that are probably a safe bet.

First up: Books that middle-grade boys usually dig. That's boys ages 9 – 12, or 4th – 8th graders. I've got funny books, thoughtful books, adventure books, graphic novels, and more! Here we go, listed from younger to older readers...

Knights of the Lunch Table by Frank Cammuso (book 1 of a series)

The Arthurian legend is reborn--in a funny, average-joe, middle-school boy and his pals! Artie King just wants to ease into life at Camelot Middle School. He’s got new lunch buddies, Percy and Wayne, and his science teacher, Mr. Merlyn, is pretty cool. But then there’s scary Principal Dagger and big bad Joe and The Horde, a bunch of brawny bullies who rule the school.

Clueless McGee by Jeff Mack (book 1 of a series)

Clueless McGee is just your average fifth-grader: snarky, awkward, and a magnet for trouble. The only difference: he's also an amateur detective. Determined to make his absent father proud, he uses the skills he's learned playing video games to solve mysteries. Only he's no Sherlock Holmes. Or Encyclopedia Brown. Or even Scooby-Doo.

When the school bully is framed for filling the orchestra teacher's tuba with macaroni and cheese, Clueless is on the case. But can he catch the culprit before he strikes again? His only obstacle, as Jeff Mack shows us in his hilarious new illustrated series, is his own ineptitude . . . questionable talent . . . and limited intelligence. No problem!

Lunch Lady by Jarrett J. Krosoczka (book 1 of a series)

Hector, Terrence, and Dee have always wondered about their school lunch lady. What does she do when she isn’t dishing out the daily special? Where does she live? Does she have a lot of cats at home? Little do they know, Lunch Lady doesn’t just serve sloppy joes—she serves justice! Whatever danger lies ahead, it’s no match for LUNCH LADY!

Big Nate by Lincoln Peirce (book 1 of a series)

Nate knows he’s meant for big things. REALLY big things. But things don’t always go your way just because you’re awesome. Nate barely survives his dad’s toxic oatmeal before rushing off to school—minus his lunch. He body slams the no-nonsense principal. He accidentally insults his least favorite teacher, the horrifying Mrs. Godfrey (aka Godzilla). And school has barely started!

Trouble always seems to find him, but Nate keeps his cool. He knows he’s destined for greatness. A fortune cookie told him so.

Timmy Failure by Stephan Pastis (book 1 of a series)

Take eleven-year-old Timmy Failure--the clueless, comically self-confident CEO of the best detective agency in town, perhaps even the nation. Add his impressively lazy business partner, a very large polar bear named Total. Throw in the Failuremobile--Timmy’s mom’s Segway--and what you have is Total Failure, Inc., a global enterprise destined to make Timmy so rich his mother won’t have to stress out about the bills anymore. Of course, Timmy’s plan does not include the four-foot-tall female whose name shall not be uttered. And it doesn’t include Rollo Tookus, who is so obsessed with getting into "Stanfurd" that he can’t carry out a no-brainer spy mission...

(Side note: Timmy Failure is coming to Poptropica!)

Frank Einstein by Jon Scieszka and Brian Biggs (book 1 of a series)

Frank Einstein loves figuring out how the world works by creating household contraptions that are part science, part imagination, and definitely unusual. After an uneventful experiment in his garage-lab, a lightning storm and flash of electricity bring Frank’s inventions -- the robots Klink and Klank -- to life!

Not exactly the ideal lab partners, the wisecracking Klink and the overly expressive Klank nonetheless help Frank attempt to perfect his Antimatter Motor ... until Frank’s archnemesis, T. Edison, steals Klink and Klank for his evil doomsday plan!

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney (book 1 of a series)

This is THE book that started the craze for illustrated kids' books! It’s a new school year, and Greg Heffley finds himself thrust into middle school, where undersized weaklings share the hallways with kids who are taller, meaner, and already shaving. The hazards of growing up before you’re ready are uniquely revealed through words and drawings as Greg records them in his diary.

Greg is happy to have Rowley, his sidekick, along for the ride. But when Rowley’s star starts to rise, Greg tries to use his best friend’s newfound popularity to his own advantage, kicking off a chain of events that will test their friendship in hilarious fashion.

Greg says in his diary, “Just don’t expect me to be all ‘Dear Diary’ this and ‘Dear Diary’ that.” Luckily for us, what Greg Heffley says he won’t do and what he actually does are two very different things.

BONE by Jeff Smith (graphic novel)

The BONE adventures tell the story of a young bone boy, Fone Bone, and his two cousins, Phoney Bone and Smiley Bone, who are banned from their homeland of Boneville. When the cousins find themselves mysteriously trapped in a wonderful but often terrifying land filled with secrets and danger--and special new friendships--they are soon caught up in adventures beyond their wildest dreams.

Public School Superhero by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts, illustrated by Cory Thomas

Kenny Wright is a kid with a secret identity. In his mind, he's Stainlezz Steel, super-powered defender of the weak. In reality, he's a chess club devotee known as a "Grandma's Boy," a label that makes him an easy target for bullies.

Then Kevin gets detention for the first time, and he is assigned the nearly impossible task of teaching one of the school’s biggest bullies, Ray-Ray, how to play chess. During their weeks of playing together, the two boys learn things about each other that lead to an unlikely friendship.

Goblin Secrets by William Alexander

In the town of Zombay, there is a witch named Graba who takes in stray children, and Rownie is the youngest boy in her household. Rownie’s only real relative is his older brother Rowan, who is an actor. But acting is outlawed in Zombay, and Rowan has disappeared.

Desperate to find him, Rownie joins up with a troupe of goblins who skirt the law to put on plays. But their plays are not only for entertainment, and the masks they use are for more than make-believe. The goblins also want to find Rowan—because Rowan might be the only person who can save the town from being flooded by a mighty river. A National Book Award winner!

The Terrible Two by Jory John and Mac Barnett, illustrated by Kevin Cornell

Miles Murphy is not happy to be moving to Yawnee Valley, a sleepy town that’s famous for one thing and one thing only: cows. In his old school, everyone knew him as the town’s best prankster, but Miles quickly discovers that Yawnee Valley already has a prankster, and a great one. If Miles is going to take the title from this mystery kid, he is going to have to raise his game.

It’s prankster against prankster in an epic war of trickery, until the two finally decide to join forces and pull off the biggest prank ever seen: a prank so huge that it would make the members of the International Order of Disorder proud.

Crown of Three by J.D. Rinehart

Family secrets combine with fantasy in this epic tale of battle, magic, strange creatures, power, and fate! Toronia, a kingdom composed of three realms, is wracked with civil war. Cruel King Brutan rules with an iron fist. The kingdom’s only hope comes in the form of Brutan’s illegitimate triplets, prophesied to kill the king and rule together in peace. Separated at birth and scattered throughout the realms, the triplets face a desperate fight to secure their destiny. Will they survive long enough to rule?

Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi (graphic novel)

After the tragic death of their father, Emily and Navin move with their mother to the home of her deceased great-grandfather, but the strange house proves to be dangerous. Before long, a sinister creature lures the kids' mom through a door in the basement. Em and Navin follow her into an underground world inhabited by demons, robots, and talking animals. Together with a small mechanical rabbit named Miskit, they face the most terrifying monster of all, and Em finally has the chance to save someone she loves.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

August "Auggie" Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face.

Wonder begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance.

The Search for WondLa by Tony DiTerlizzi (book one of a series)

Eva Nine was raised in an underground sanctuary by the robot Muthr. But when it's destroyed, the twelve-year-old girl is forced to flee aboveground. Eva Nine is searching for anyone else like her: She knows that other humans exist because of an item she treasures—a scrap of cardboard on which is depicted a young girl, an adult, and a robot, with the strange word, “WondLa.” 

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein

Kyle Keeley is the class clown and a huge fan of all games—board games, word games, and particularly video games. His hero, Luigi Lemoncello, the most notorious and creative gamemaker in the world, just so happens to be the genius behind the construction of the new town library.

Lucky Kyle wins a coveted spot as one of twelve kids invited for an overnight sleepover in the library, hosted by Mr. Lemoncello and riddled with lots and lots of games. But when morning comes, the doors stay locked. Kyle and the other kids must solve every clue and figure out every secret puzzle to find the hidden escape route!

City of Orphans by Avi

The streets of 1893 New York are crowded and filthy. For thirteen-year-old newsboy Maks Geless, they are also dangerous. Bruno, leader of the awful Plug Ugly Gang, has set his sights on Maks and orders his boys to track him down. Suddenly Maks finds himself on the run, doing all he can to evade the gang, with only his new friend Willa by his side. And that’s just the start of Mak’s troubles. His sister, Emma, has been arrested and imprisoned for stealing a watch from the glamorous new Waldorf Hotel. Maks knows she didn’t do it—but will he be able to prove it in time?

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann (book 1 of a series)

Each year, all the thirteen-year-olds in Quill are labeled as Wanted, Necessary, or Unwanted. Wanteds get more schooling and train to join the Quillitary. Necessaries keep the farms running. Unwanteds are set for elimination.

It’s hard for Alex, an Unwanted, to leave behind his twin, Aaron, a Wanted, but he makes peace with his fate—until he discovers that instead of a “death farm,” what awaits him is a magical place called Artimé. There, Alex and his fellow Unwanteds are encouraged to cultivate their creative abilities and use them magically. Everything Alex has ever known changes before his eyes, and it’s a wondrous transformation. 

But it’s a rare, unique occurrence for twins to be divided between Wanted and Unwanted, and as Alex and Aaron’s bond stretches across their separation, a threat arises for the survival of Artimé that will pit brother against brother in an ultimate magical battle. 

Legend by Marie Lu (book 1 of a series)

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths—until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

BONUS BOOK #20!!!

How could we not include our own awesome book, right? Galactic Hot Dogs: Cosmoe's Wiener Getaway is perfect for kids ages 9-12!

Meet Cosmoe, the Earth-Boy. He’s captain of the Neon Wiener, the finest flying food truck in the galaxy. Along with his bud, Big Humphree, he spends his days cruising the cosmos and staying crazy busy…

1. Cooking up a Mega-Dog. (Dude, this hot dog is the size of a jeep!)

2. Escaping mutant worm monsters, zombie space pirates, and grumpy robots. (What the butt?!)

3. Playing Super Moon Ninja Death Jab (Turbo Ear Slap! 9,000 points!!)

4. And…PROTECTING THE GALAXY from the Ultimate Evil. (He’s kind of an awesome space guy.)

Happy reading,

the Galactic Hot Dogs crew

PS: If you liked today's post, click the "way cool" box below!

Image credit: "Gripped by Terry Prachett" by Richard Leeming is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Goodbye summer, hello new adventures!

Well, everyone, it's been a super rad summer. We've chilled at the beach, mini-golfed, hit a bazillion theme parks, gone camping, cooled off at water parks, explored a ton of fairs and carnivals, and now we're chilling at a lake. We're taking one last deep breath of fresh Earth air before we're blasting outta here! 

That's right, the Neon Wiener is fixed! We are now ready to go where no wacky-haired kid has gone before. Time for us space adventurers to get back to what we do best: fighting space jerks, playing video games, and selling hot dogs!

It's been real, Earth friends! I'll update on the blog after we get settled in at Space Port Funketoun!

Stay awesome,
Cosmoe and the crew

Middle-grade NYT best sellers we can't wait to read!

Hi everyone! Today we've got a list of books for kids that are on our must-read lists. They are all New York Times Best Sellers, which means a whole lot of people buy them. So we're thinking they must be pretty good, right? Humphree, Princess Dagger, and I all picked two books that we each want to read. Ready? Here we go...

El Deafo by Cece Bell

Book description: Going to school and making new friends can be tough. But going to school and making new friends while wearing a bulky hearing aid strapped to your chest? That requires superpowers!

The Phonic Ear gives Cece the ability to hear—sometimes things she shouldn’t—but also isolates her from her classmates. She really just wants to fit in and find a true friend, someone who appreciates her as she is. After some trouble, she is finally able to harness the power of the Phonic Ear and become “El Deafo, Listener for All.” And more importantly, declare a place for herself in the world and find the friend she’s longed for.

Cosmoe says: I dig graphic novels, so I want to read this. It looks mega funny! I also like that it's about a kid who has to figure out how to deal with something that makes her different from everyone else. We all have something about ourselves that we think makes us weird, right? Well, except me, of course. I have a LOT of somethings that make me weird!!! Anyway, I want to see how Cece deals with her situation and how it all turns out!

Public School Superhero by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts, illustrated by Cory Thomas

Book description: Kenny Wright is a kid with a secret identity. In his mind, he's Stainlezz Steel, super-powered defender of the weak. In reality, he's a chess club devotee known as a "Grandma's Boy," a label that makes him an easy target for bullies.

Then Kevin gets detention for the first time, and he is assigned the nearly impossible task of teaching one of the school’s biggest bullies, Ray-Ray, how to play chess. During their weeks of playing together, the two boys learn things about each other that lead to an unlikely friendship.

Cosmoe says: This is another cool-looking graphic novel that I want to read. I like that it deals with bullying because lots of kids have to deal with stinky stuff like that, and I want to see what happens with Kevin and Ray-Ray.

Drama by Raina Telgemeier

Book description: Callie loves theater. And while she would totally try out for her middle school's production of Moon over Mississippi, she can't really sing. Instead she's the set designer for the drama department's stage crew, and this year she's determined to create a set worthy of Broadway on a middle-school budget. But how can she, when she doesn't know much about carpentry, ticket sales are down, and the crew members are having trouble working together? Not to mention the onstage AND offstage drama that occurs once the actors are chosen. And when two cute brothers enter the picture, things get even crazier!

Princess Dagger says: This book is a graphic novel and it looks like a good book for middle-school kids and older. The graphics are pretty amazing, and the story sounds great. I think Callie seems like a way-cool kid I'd be friends with!

Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty

Book description: Serafina lives secretly in the basement of the grand Biltmore Estate. She and her father, the estate's maintenance man, have lived in the basement for as long as Serafina can remember. She has learned to prowl through the darkened corridors at night, to sneak and hide, using the mansion's hidden doors and secret passageways.

But when children at the estate start disappearing, only Serafina knows the clues to follow. A terrifying man in a black cloak stalks Biltmore's corridors at night. Following her own harrowing escape, Serafina risks everything by joining forces with Braeden Vanderbilt, the young nephew of Biltmore's owners. Braeden and Serafina must uncover the Man in the Black Cloak's true identity before all of the children vanish one by one.

Princess Dagger says: I love a good mystery! This one sounds like it might get a little creepy, but I'm okay with that. I don't scare easily because I'm the SUPER AWESOME Princess Dagger. Duh! I also like that the book takes place in 1899 -- I dig books that take place a long time ago, in places or times I don't know anything about.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Book description: August "Auggie" Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face.

Wonder begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance.

Humphree says: I bet everyone's surprised that I picked this book because I'm a fun-loving dude, but I think it looks really interesting. Big dudes like good books, too, you know. I want to know all about Auggie and find out how going to school works out for him.

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein

Book description: Kyle Keeley is the class clown and a huge fan of all games—board games, word games, and particularly video games. His hero, Luigi Lemoncello, the most notorious and creative gamemaker in the world, just so happens to be the genius behind the construction of the new town library.

Lucky Kyle wins a coveted spot as one of twelve kids invited for an overnight sleepover in the library, hosted by Mr. Lemoncello and riddled with lots and lots of games. But when morning comes, the doors stay locked. Kyle and the other kids must solve every clue and figure out every secret puzzle to find the hidden escape route!

Humphree says: This book sounds way fun. I want to see how the library's books and video games come together -- like, will books be turned into video games somehow? Sounds pretty awesome! We need to get ourselves an interactive library on our ship. I gotta talk to F.R.E.D. about that.


Happy reading,
Cosmoe, Princess Dagger, and Humphree

PS: If you like today's post, click the "way cool" box below!

PPS: We've written tons of posts about awesome middle-grade books. Check them out:

6 awesome middle-grade books for adventure lovers

5 science fiction / dystopian series for fans of The Hunger Games

5 graphic and illustrated book series that kids love

6 fun book series for kids who think they don't like books

5 great book series for girls ages 7-9
5 great book series recommended by a 9 year old girl

Image credit: "Bookshelf Spectrum 1.0: mission accomplished" by Pietro Bellini is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

I'm feeling right at home at the county fair!

Hi you guys! Cosmoe here, still hanging out on Earth. Humphree and F.R.E.D. think the Neon Wiener's hyper-warp-speed thingamajig will be fixed this week! Hot butts! That's the best news I've heard since I found out a new Star Wars movie is coming out in December! I've been having fun on Earth, but I'm ready to blast on outta here and back into space.

This week we're hitting country fairs around the USA, and they totally remind me of the circus. If you read Galactic Hot Dogs: Book Two (free online!) you know that I have a big history with the circus -- bad history and good history. I don't want to ruin it for you if you haven't read the book yet, but this might give you an idea:

And you know, this kind of happened during our adventure...

Basically, carnivals and circuses are in my blood and are pretty much why I'm the goofy space kid I am!

So far we've hit four or five different fairs around the USA. At the last one, Humphree didn't exactly make the Neon Wiener incognito with his choice of parking, if you know what I mean.

But people just thought our ship was part of the fair, so we took advantage of that and sold like a gajillion hot dogs! SWEET! Plus we went on a ton of rides, ate too much fried food and ice cream, went to some concerts, and saw fireworks. It's been way cool.

Have a rockin weekend and we'll see you back here Monday!

Stay awesome,
Cosmoe

An awesome 9 year old girl tells you about books she loves!

Hey everyone! Princess Dagger here, guest posting again on Cosmoe's blogariffic blog!

Back when I wrote about great book series for 7-9 year old girls, I said that the girls I talked to had a gazillion book suggestions. Well, I wasn't kidding. Those kids wouldn't stop talking about books!

So today I have more books that girls and boys who are around eight or nine years old would really get into, straight from an Earth kid named Lily. Ready? Here we go!

Judy Moody by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds (first in a series)

Book description: Judy Moody doesn't have high hopes for third grade. Her new desk won't have an armadillo sticker with her name on it. Her new classroom will not have a porcupine named Roger. And with her luck, she'll get stuck sitting in the first row, where Mr. Todd will notice every time she tries to pass a note to her best friend, Rocky. But when Mr. Todd assigns a very special class project, things start looking up because Judy really gets a chance to express herself! This is a feisty, funny chapter book for every kid who has ever felt a little out of sorts.

Lily says: Judy Moody is funny and I think both girls and boys would like these books. I like how she isn't perfect and she feels all different ways: happy, mad, grumpy -- just like a regular kid. The TP club is super funny, too!

Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great by Jude Blume

Book description: The Tubman family's plans to summer in Tarrytown actually sound like fun until Shiela discovers that their rental home comes with a dog and she'll have to take swimming lessons ... two of her greatest fears. But her new friend Mouse helps her learn that in order to conquer her fears, Sheila must first admit to them.

Lily says: My mom told me she loved this book when she was a kid, and I love it too! Sheila is funny and acts like a know-it-all when she doesn't know something and she tells white lies instead of just admitting it. Her new friend Mouse is really nice and helps Sheila and they have lots of fun. I read this book over and over. Oh, and just because this book has a pink cover doesn't mean it's for girls. I think boys would like this book too.

Lunch Lady by Jarrett J. Krosoczka (first in a series)

Book description: Hector, Terrence, and Dee have always wondered about their school lunch lady. What does she do when she isn’t dishing out the daily special? Where does she live? Does she have a lot of cats at home? Little do they know, Lunch Lady doesn’t just serve sloppy joes—she serves justice! Whatever danger lies ahead, it’s no match for LUNCH LADY!

Lily says: I learned in school that this is called a graphic novel. It's kind of like a long comic strip. The book's author came to my school and it was awesome. I really like all the Lunch Lady books, and so did my whole class!

Ramona Forever by Beverly Cleary (part of a series)

Book description: Life can move pretty fast—especially when you're in the third grade, your teenage sister's moods drive you crazy, and your mom has a suspicious secret she just won't share. Plus, Mr. Quimby's new job offer could have the entire family relocating. It's a lot to handle for Ramona. But whatever trial comes her way, Ramona can count on one thing for sure—she'll always be Ramona…forever!

Lily says: I have been reading the Ramona books for a few years. My mom read them to me when they were a little hard for me to read, and now I've read them all on my own. This is my favorite Ramona book. She is funny and I like reading books like these where the kid goes through the same kind of stuff I do, like having a sister who can be annoying.

Nancy Clancy: Star of Stage and Screen
by Jane O'Connor, illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser (part of a series)

Book description: It's Nancy's time to shine as she takes center stage in the school play! There's no way Nancy will get stuck in the chorus again this year—she's been practicing guitar for months and her audition was superb. So when Nancy gets a callback, she's overwhelmed with joy! But after Nancy's performance during the play is captured on a video that gets posted on YouTube, it seems her stardom has gone viral. Will Nancy's humiliation get the best of her, or will she find a way to embrace her newfound fame?

Lily says: I loved the Fancy Nancy books when I was little, so it's fun to read about Nancy as a kid my age. She is a regular girl who isn't the best at everything. I think lots of kids know how that feels. Nancy is funny and smart and has an awesome best friend named Bree. I really like these books!


Happy reading,
Princess Dagger (and Cosmoe, too)

PS: If you like today's post, click the "way cool" box below!!!

PPS: We've written lots of posts about awesome middle-grade books this summer. Check them out:

5 great book series for girls ages 7-9
6 awesome middle-grade books for adventure lovers
5 science fiction / dystopian series for fans of The Hunger Games
5 graphic and illustrated book series that kids love
6 fun book series for kids who think they don't like books

Image credit: This image is a derivative of “Mikaela_Cooper-Age-10-DOB-July-14-1996-image011” by mikaela.cooper and is licensed under CC BY 2.0.