Books for Alan Gratz fans who've read EVERYTHING 😳

This week's newsletter is sponsored by Andrews McMeel Publishing

The rain never stops. The world is drowning. Survival is everything. When the Rain Came is the first YA book in an all-new, action-packed dystopian adventure series by New York Times bestselling author Matt Eicheldinger.

Ed note: This is such a terrific novel, I enjoyed it! Great for older fans of Alone and Hatchet and absolutely appropriate for middle schoolers, too.

Hey y'all,

How's it going? I've had a full, productive week! One of my goals this year is to get more movement, and I've been doing so well that it's starting to feel like a normal part of my routine. It's also fun to have friends who love trying different kinds of workouts, and we've been making firm plans to work out together, whether it's taking a strength class or a Pilates class.

This week, I also published a much-requested readalike post: a list of books for kids who love Alan Gratz but have read everything he's published so far! Know any kids like this? This post will help.

Galley of the Week

This week's galley is... Foreigners by E.L. Shen

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I enjoyed this author's middle grade debut and her YA book, The Queens of New York, so I am looking forward to this one! Here's the synopsis:

Perfect for fans of Pachinko and Last Night at the Telegraph Club, this propulsive, tender novel follows an immigrant family across generations as they navigate love, belonging, and the great fictions we must weave to preserve a legacy.

For centuries, the Chin family has kept its secrets.

In 1878, Duanfang knows he’s destined for greatness. He’ll do anything to uphold and protect the legacy of his Manchu family—even if it means hiding his past.

In 1965, Zheng Yi flies from Taiwan to New York City to have a shot at attending an American college. Thrown into a world of parties, prejudice, and a tumultuous romance, Yi worries that New York may be more than she can handle. But just as she is beginning to adjust, she must make a shocking decision that will irrevocably change her life and her future forever.

Today, Dawn Chin’s family is opaque at best, with heavy expectations and heavier silences. But an assignment to interview her grandmother is about to crack open her real family history: a legacy hundreds of years old, and a lie decades in the making . . .

Newsletter Book Giveaway

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This week, author Joshua Roig is giving away a copy of Alex and the Summer of Secrets. To enter, reply to this email indicating interest. The giveaway is US only and closes next Thursday, March 5, 2026, at midnight EST.

Last week's winner: Sarah H.

This Week on the Blog

Here's what you may have missed this week on the blog:

My review of Tae Keller's latest novel, When Tomorrow Burns (Tae's visiting us next month! Get tickets here)
REPLAY: Books for kids who love Refugee by Alan Gratz (psst! Have you checked out our Refugee novel unit? You can try a free lesson here)
For authors: How to market a middle grade book successfully in 2026 and beyond (I'm working on so many helpful posts for you, author friends)

This Week on Substack

This week’s post is for those kids who only want the warm and fuzzy, cozy stories. I have TEN recommendations for them! READ IT HERE (it's free).

🤩 If you're a parent looking for some guidance with choosing enjoyable books for your tweens and young teens, my Substack is the place to be! With weekly book recommendation posts and monthly new release and reading recap round-ups, you have an affordable, reliable, and nonstop book recommendation engine.

SUBSCRIBE TO MY SUBSTACK (it's free!)

This Week on Patreon

Patreon members received the above printable and next week, I'm excited to share the forthcoming March releases I loved -- so fun!

🤩 If you're an upper elementary/middle school teacher or librarian lost with too many books to vet and too little time, our Patreon community is for you. On Patreon, I share a steady stream of recommendations, from monthly new release dispatches to my monthly reading recaps and teaching resources like discussion guides. Patreon members also get 10% off all author visits and free access to shop items!

CHECK OUT PATREON 🥳