New and surprising middle-grade novels

The Lost Year

Katherine Marsh
(Roaring Brook Press 2023)

It’s a few months into the pandemic, and Matthew is sick of Zoom classes. His mom tells him to help GG, Matthew’s Ukrainian great-grandmother, sort out her belongings. Despite his initial ­reluctance, Matthew becomes enthralled by GG’s haunting past and learns a secret she’s never told. The book alternates between timelines, weaving a narrative about the 1930s Holodomor ­famine that resulted in the deaths of over 3.9 million Ukrainians. The story portrays some disturbing scenes, and one character says, “There is no God.” Two characters are also disrespectful to parents, but both repent. Aside from some snide remarks about controversial political topics, The Lost Year is a tender story about ­family and endurance. Ages 10-14

The Windeby Puzzle

Lois Lowry
(Clarion Books 2023)

In 1952, workmen on the Windeby estate in Germany discovered a 2,000-year-old body in a peat bog. Scientists initially identified the well-preserved body as a young female from a primitive Germanic tribe. After explaining the scientific properties of bogs, author Lowry gives the mysterious girl a name, Estrild, and creates a story about what her life might have been like. While the plot seems promising, the Newbery Medalist makes ancient Germany sound like 2023. Since much of the book is a rant about patriarchy, it’s hard to relate to the characters. Parents should know that some mild bad language is used. Toward the end of the story, Lowry reveals a jarring twist that might leave some readers feeling hoodwinked. Ages 10-13

The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams

Daniel Nayeri
(Levine Querido 2023)

An orphaned young monk nearly loses his life for accidental ­heresy but then finds rescue through Samir, a jolly merchant caravanning along the Silk Road. Though Samir is an excellent storyteller, his insincere fables land him in trouble: Roman legions and an 11th-century gunman are among those who seek his life. Samir is a bit flippant about religion and takes the Lord’s name in vain, and the boy considers him a “blasphemer.” Tucked into the swashbuckling tale, however, are ­profound reflections on love and divine Providence. Because adults would also enjoy the book’s humor and could filter the language, it might make a great family read-aloud. Ages 8-12

Freewater

Amina Luqman-Dawson
(Little, Brown Books 2022)

After Homer and his sister Ada escape slavery on a plantation, they meet Suleman, a former slave. The three travel to Freewater, a community of runaways that feels like paradise, but actually harbors danger. With the help of new friends, Homer embarks on a journey to keep his family safe. While this Newbery-winning book has nail-biting moments, the story drags and some parts feel clichéd: “Now I have scars on my back, you can touch those. But most of the scars we get from out there aren’t ones you can see.” Most of the slave owners are ­portrayed like Disney villains when realism would have helped young readers see evil more clearly. Note: A few misuses of the Lord’s name, and one of the characters prays to the swamp. Ages 10+