••Valinora Troy reviews Quill and the Last Generation by C.M. Lewis.
••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of HOW TO SAVE A LIBRARY by Colleen Nelson. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.
••Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a book to share every day. Check out Karen’s MMGM choice for today and all her reviews from this past week.
Dan Gutman’s latest middle grade novel is a unique one. It’s not your typical beginning, middle, and end story.
The plot begins with 12-year-old Edwin Hodge’s first person narration. He’s at a flea market with his parents when he spots a Kobe Bryant basketball poster. After bargaining with the owner, he buys the framed picture for $10. End of story.? Far from it!
Once at home he finds an original Pablo Picasso drawing hidden in the frame. Excitement and pure panic follow him the rest of the way. First though there is a timeout as another narrator takes us through a timeline when the real Mona Lisa was stolen. It’s a fascinating read but I’m not sure if young readers will react the same way while reading these three background chapters. They may be anxious to get back to the main story.
Edwin returns for the rest of the way. On advice from his teacher he and his parents drive to Chicago to get the work appraised from an art expert. Turns out work is authentic and could be worth millions!
Life as Edwin knows it immediately changes. Kids at school treat him differently and he soon becomes a world famous social media superstar. Worse though are people tapping his phone, breaking into his house, and threatening him. This includes adults and a bully at school. What will Edwin finally do with his prized possession?
We may never know as the last page leaves us on a cliffhanger. I would have preferred to have Edwin’s decision right then. The more I thought about it though this provides a great opportunity for discussion based around WHAT WOULD YOU DO? Overall THE PICASSO CURSE is a fantastic blend of fact and fiction done in an appealing way.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: Sept. 2, 2025. PAGE COUNT: 192
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE PICASSO CURSE BY DAN GUTMAN
The back pages detail the fact and fiction part of the story. It’s a great must read that begins with “Everything in this book is true, except for the stuff I made up.”
You got to love Edwin’s parents. They are supportive and let Edwin make the final choice. Bravo to them.
The book begs to be read out loud with frequent stops for discussion. I handed my copy over to a fifth grade teacher and you could hear the kids debating at lunch time.
You get an inside look at the anxiety caused by a decision you must make. So true for most things going on in one’s life that take some thinking before deciding.
Another choice for that child in your life where reading is at the bottom of their list. The fast pace and Edwin’s kid like worries will appeal to not only reluctant readers but also for those who love to read.
ALL ABOUT THE AUTHOR
New York Times best-selling and award-winning author Dan Gutman has written more than 190 books for readers from kindergarten through middle school. Dan’s My Weird School series includes 100+ titles, and has sold more than 35 million copies globally over the past 20 years. Dan also is the author of the best-selling Genius Files series, the Baseball Card Adventure series, and many more.
Dan’s books have been named Junior Library Guild Selections and Bank Street College’s Best Children’s Books of the Year, and have been awarded numerous state book awards, including: The California Young Reader Medal, the Massachusetts Children’s Book Award, and the Iowa Children’s Choice Award, among others. When he’s not writing books, Dan loves to ride his bike, play pickleball, throw Frisbees, and explore New York City where he lives with his wife Nina. To find out more, follow Dan on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!
The international best selling Wolf Girl series continues to find a new audience in America with Book 2, The Great Escape. Released here in paperback on September 16, the story follows BOOK 1, INTO THE WILD, which I enthusiastically reviewed this past June.
You could read this one on its’ own but with now 14 books in the series you won’t want to miss any of the past events in the upturned life of young Gwen. If you do jump in here first you are in for a exciting adventure, perfect for new MG readers.
THE GREAT ESCAPE takes off with Gwen being transported to a remote jail, now separated from her family of dogs, a wolf, and an eagle. She hasn’t seen her human family in years. Gwen is locked in a cell but can see other kids from her barred window working in a rock quarry.
She eventually connects with one of them, a kind boy named Rupert. Escape can’t happen without Gwen’s pack finding her again. Of course they do and the exciting journey will have you flipping the pages to find out what happens next.
Filled with excellent black and white illustrations, they add to the reading experience with text that is spaced and sized for younger readers. With another cliff hanging ending, I’ll be anxiously awaiting Book 3 when it debuts in the states this March.
The WOLF GIRL books are a nice match for reluctant readers or any middle grader looking for a courageous, friendship story.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Anh Do is a comedian, artist, and one of the highest-selling Australian authors of all time. He is a prolific author with an incredible thirty-seven books to his name—and counting! Along with the “WeirDo” books, some of the most popular Anh Do books include The Happiest Refugee, for which Do won the Australian Independent Booksellers Book of the Year in 2011, and the “Wolf Girl” kids’ adventure series. (Check out his author/entertainer web site)
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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights and links from other bloggers about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.
It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. Email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com
Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time)in order to be included in the list of links for that week’s MMGM.
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
••Linda Browne reviews her top MG/ YA picks for the past year.
••Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles is participating in the Dashing December Giveaway Hop with all middle grade choices, mainly from the last half of 2025.
••Jemima Pett has the last book in the Kiwi cat series, KIWI’S CHRISTMAS TAIL.
••Carol Baldwin welcomes back young reviewer Isabelle Knight with her thoughts on SOLEDAD and the Curse of the Phoenix.
••ET Charles has a one question interview with Jennifer Chambliss Bertman and a review of her mystery BOOK SCAVENGER.
••Jenni Enzor is featuring Winterfrost by Michelle Houts.
••Valinora Troy is back this week with The Moon Seeker by Dee Barragry.
••Maria Antonio is also back this week with The One and Only Family by Katherine Applegate.
••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of INCREDIBLE PENELOPE. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.
••Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a book to share every day. Check out Karen’s MMGM choice for today and all her reviews from this past week.
What initially looks like a holiday story turns out to be an anytime of the year heartwarming friendship tale between a snowman and a girl.
Ten-year-old Blessing has not been to school in several months due to the mistreatment she gets from a trio of bullies. That’s just the beginning of her problems.
Blessing’s Mom is not doing well and is dealing with a deep sadness. She spend long periods in bed and often doesn’t go to work. Mom especially hates the winter as it makes her even sadder.
Unfortunately, the city is having an unusually long winter and it just may last forever. If her mother doesn’t get better, Blessing will have to live with another family, separated from the person she loves for potentially a very long time.
Blessing does not know what to do to make things better. Just in time she meets Albert, a 600 year old snowman who offers to help solve her problems. Albert would also like Blessing’s help in finding his long lost love- a Snowlady friend, Clementine. Blessing and Albert work together, following the important Snowman Code to hopefully find success and bring winter to an end.
Set in London, the third person narration flows along smoothly. The code Albert must follow begins with always helping a child in need. Others include not responding to anyone unless they ask the same question six times and celebrating the end of winter with a huge party.
Frequent illustrations add to the reading experience:
The story has many humorous moments as Albert has very different assumptions about life and the world we live in. There are also some sad moments when you realize if it warms up Albert will melt and be gone for good. THE SNOWMAN CODE is a touching tribute to friendship and solving one’s problems with the help of others. So grab a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy this one with your emerging middle grade reader.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: Dec. 16, 2025. PAGES: 256
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE SNOWMAN CODE by Simon Stephenson
The personalities of both Albert and Blessing were created with perfection. They each have their different ways but their friendship grows throughout their ordeal.
Blessing faces her problems in such a kid like way. She is always looking for solutions even if it means breaking a rule or two. Such a fun character.
The plot covers sad events like bullying, depression, and separation from a parent but does so in an understanding way. It never overwhelms the story and keeps readers focused on the fun relationship between Blessing and Albert.
An animated version was constantly on my mind while reading this sweet story. There isn’t one yet but the story sure has the potential, a sign of great story telling.
The way the bullies were dealt with included an Abominable Snowman. Silly but effective, the scene added to the fantasy element of the story.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR
Simon Stephenson originally trained as a doctor and worked in London and Scotland. He previously wrote Let Not the Waves of the Sea, a memoir about the loss of his brother in the Indian Ocean tsunami. It won Best First Book at the Scottish Book Awards, was a Book of the Week on BBC Radio 4, and a Daily Telegraph Book of the Year. His first novel, Set My Heart to Five, has been optioned by Working Title Films. He currently lives in Los Angeles, where he works as a screenwriter. He originated and wrote the film The Electrical Life of Louis Wain and wrote on Pixar’s Luca. The Snowman Code is Simon’s first book for young readers. Visit him online at SimonStephenson.com.
Reggie Brown is an artist and children’s book illustrator. He has a background incorporate graphic design, and is now focusing on illustrating for children. His multicultural upbringing as an African American and Filipino man is what drives his true passion of illustrating children’s stories and bringing underrepresented voices alive through his art. Reggie is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and lives in San Diego, California, where he enjoys eating burritos, watching Star Wars, and spending time with his wife.
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BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!
It was snowing outside as I was reading SURVIVING SUMMER CAMP. I soon forgot about the cold as this heartwarming story took hold.
Eddy is the main character pictured on the cover. He’s a kid who just likes to stay home, read, and play video games. Eddy also likes to eat, especially junk food.
The upcoming summer is going to be perfect as Adam and Callum, his older and younger brother, are going to summer camp. Not so fast. Turns out Eddy is forced to join them thanks to the sudden decision his parents have made. Things couldn’t be worse attending a camp that doesn’t allow electronics.
Well, it does get worse. The counselor in his cabin is mean both to him and Adam. Then an overnight hike ends up in near disaster as Eddy and his brothers get lost and separated from the main group. A cougar, bear, and an old man in a cabin make things very scary. Eddy has never been a hero but now it’s up to him to become one and save his brothers.
The 30 chapters zip by with the engaging narration by young Eddy. His thoughts and actions are exactly what you might expect from a pre-teen. His character arc is one of my favorite journeys this year with either a boy or girl character. He’s a kid you will remember.
Lots of boy humor here with a few scenes of stinky air if you know what I mean. Yes, I was giggling too. But the real highlight for readers will be the bravery it takes to believe in yourself and finding the strength to reach new goals. Fast paced with plenty of laughs that will appeal to the reluctant reader. SURVIVING SUMMER CAMP is a great read any time of the year.
PAGE COUNT: 220 BOOK BIRTHDAY: July 5, 2025
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Paul Breau is a middle grade chapter book author from Vancouver, British Columbia. He writes coming of age stories that feature smart, funny, and authentic characters dealing with challenging situations.
Paul’s books include Surviving Summer Camp, Friendship or Foul Play, Friendship or Fame, Jake Murphy: The Karate Choke, and Siarra Jones: Skating Into Trouble.
Paul lives with his wife, daughter, and a Chihuahua dog named Poppy. He loves skating, karate, and lots of other sports. He is an avid reader and loves to draw. Paul completed a BA in English Literature from the University of British Columbia.
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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights and links from other bloggers about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.
It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. Email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com
Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time)in order to be included in the list of links for that week’s MMGM.
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
••Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles has an interview with Sarvenaz Tash and a giveaway of her MG mystery, The Treasure of Ocean Parkway (FYI: Natalie is traveling today and will visit blogs when she arrives home).
••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of HOW THE GHOST ARMY HOODWINKED HITLER. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.
••New visitors to my site are always a plus especially when an author joins my subscriber list. This week author Michelle Massie is with us for the first time. Her fantasy trilogy for middle grade is detailed on her site. Welcome Michelle!
••Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a book to share every day. Check out Karen’s MMGM choice for today and all her reviews from this past week.
I promise not to fool you. You should definitely read this heartwarming story. The tale is narrated by Lil Evers, pictured on the cover sitting in her wheelchair.
She wants to attend a real wizarding school rather than the worst junior high in the district where she is currently in a special ed classroom. Isolated from the rest of the school, Lil and her friends decide to make their own school of magic with wands and capes. The pretend magic isn’t real, but it helps pass the time.
Magic takes on a whole new meaning when their wands seem to scare away some bullies. Now the whole school thinks their magic is real. Dozens of kids want their wishes to come true with a good luck charm from Lil’s group. The ones they give out seem to be working and changing the whole atmosphere of the school in a positive direction.
Soon there are several warnings from an unknown person who is opposed to these good luck charms. They do discover the individual’s identity and now it is up to these exceptional children to find their voice. The goal is to stop this evil person and save Willow Springs Middle from closing.
Lil is a magical character. She has celebral palsy and uses an alternative communication device to speak when having to talk more than a few words. She learns the power it takes to be recognized and accepted by her regular classroom peers.
FOOLED shows a community where ableism is ever present and diverse learners are not fully accepted. I’m sure there are still schools in America who are this way despite the law that guarantees a free and appropriate education for students with disabilities. The story is full of opportunities for discussion and reflection. My only hesitation is the length which is a bit long for a more contemporary type plot. Regardless, this one is a great addition to the middle grade shelves.
PAGES: 288 BOOK BIRTHDAY: October 21, 2025
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT FOOLED by Susan and Lexi Haas
You’ll find a handy discussion and activity guide at the end of the book. It’s the perfect way to engage one into learning more about friendships, disabilities, and the magic we each possess.
The EC teacher was just the kind of support system these kids needed. Eva the popular class president was also a great character who provided her own unique way of supporting new friends.
The information that hurtful terms like fool, idiot, and retard should neveer be used anywhere to describe another person.
Lil’s Epilogue on the final page expresses her heartfelt feelings about what just happened in her life. Makes you want to meet this character in person.
Never judge a character before you know the whole story. This was brought out beautifully with the reveals about the life of Mr. Riddick, the school janitor.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Susan and Lexi Haas are a mother and daughter writing team focusing on disability education and advocacy and the authors of The Year of the Buttered Cat, a Junior Library Guild gold standard selection. Lexi has a rare and severe form of cerebral palsy. While she can’t walk or talk, she was reading by ten months old, has an impressive memory, a keen sense of humor, and an invincible spirit. Recognizing her young daughter’s gift for words, Susan began writing with Lexi to help foster independence and develop communication, but soon learned that Lexi’s fresh perspective needed to be shared with others. In addition to writing together, Susan and Lexi also enjoy presenting to schools and organizations around the world, helping others learn about disability from a first-person narrative. They live in Charlotte, NC.
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BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!
I’ve seen many positive reviews about RISK, RESILIENCE, and REDEMPTION so I was happy to finally see it at the top of my future read stack. It’s a short book at just 56 pages but packs a powerful message of understanding about the Holocaust. Written for middle grade readers, it’s the perfect audience to ensure this historical event is never forgotten.
The lives of Bluma Tishgarten’s and Felix Goldberg are told in separate stories beginning in childhood. They were both eventually captured and sent to a prison camp. Living in terrible conditions, timing was on their side as the war eventually came to an end. Bluma and Felix ended up in America where they met and were married. They lost their own family but were able to start a new one together.
The heartfelt story is filled with black and white images that enhance the reading experience. The book is a great start for readers who want to learn more. In the final pages you are encouraged to visit Stories of Survival website for additional information about the Goldbergs.
“After reading this book you must take away a new sense of urgency that lies in the forefront of your mind to eliminate the latest scourge of antisemitism that is sweeping the world.” Henry Goldberg, second-generation survivor
Frank W. Baker, a national media literacy educator, has conducted hundreds of professional development workshops for educators across the United States. He maintains the popular MEDIA LITERACY CLEARINGHOUSE web site (www.frankwbaker.com) and writes a regular blogpost on media literacy at WWW.MIDDLEWEB.COM.
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These next titles are new additions to the Nomad Press Science catalog. Both are easy ways to differentiate instruction in the classroom or at home that allow students to pursue topics not usually covered in a typical school day.
WACKY CONTRAPTIONS begins with a look at the Engineering Design Process. This is important because readers will be using this process to build their own contraptions. The remaining chapters show how tension, magnets, gears, water, motors, batteries, and electricity give devices their power and uniqueness.
There are plenty of detailed examples on what to make. How about a contraption to pop a balloon or launch a paper airplane? Not challenging enough? Then try the one on how to make Elephant Toothpaste, Apply a bandage, or Turn off a Light. Plenty more are detailed and dozens of other ideas are listed in the back pages, Don’t worry if you fail on your first try as like all great creators, you keep trying until it is right.
Most of the supplies to build these contraptions can be found around the home and are listed in the Resource section. I could say more but I’ve got to finish building my dog treat launcher.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Laura is a writing coach, presenter, former middle school teacher, and the author of The Fort (Page Street Kids, 2020) as well as dozens of nonfiction STEM books that focus on nature and the environment. This includes Biodiversity: Explore the Diversity of Life on Earth (Nomad Press, 2019) which is on the Booklist editors’ list of the Top 10 Books on the Environment & Sustainability for Youth 2020. She lives in Boulder, Colorado where she spends as much time as possible outdoors, hiking and watching wildlife. (for more about Laura visit her author website)
The book starts with an introduction that takes a look at an engineering marvel from 4,000 years ago with The Great Egyptian Pyramids. Next come the essential six simple machines that we all use. They are highlighted in separate chapters: INCLINED PLANES, LEVERS, PULLEYS, SCREWS, WEDGES, and WHEELS AND AXLES. Details on how each machine works along with several Inquire and Investigate activities to try on your own.
Once you have the basic downs it’s time to create a compound machine using two or more of the simple machines. How to build a Rube Goldberg Machine is the final activity. Brainstorming and creativity at its best.
Each book also contains a detailed Glossary and frequent QR codes throughout. This allows young scientists to extend their learning even further. With the holidays arriving these will be the books to engage and excite the middle grader in your family.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Carla Mooney has written more than 70 books for children and young adults. Her work has appeared in many magazines including Highlights, Faces, and Learning Through History. Carla lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (For more about Carla visit her author website)
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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights and links from other bloggers about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.
It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. Email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com
Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time)in order to be included in the list of links for that week’s MMGM.
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
••ET Charles posts a one question interview with Megan E. Freeman and features her best selling novel Away.
••Brenda @ LOG CABIN LIBRARY reviews Love Wars: Clash of the Parents, A True Divorce Story by Matthew A. Tower, illustrated by Tsuneo Sanda.
••Jennifer Bohnhoff has Spooky Fun for Middle grade readers with a review and GIVEAWAY of Halloween on the Butterfield Trail.
••Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles is participating in the Holly Jolly Giveaway Hop today where you will find all middle book choices, mostly from the first half of 2025.
••Maria Antonia shares a post about The Plot to Kill a Queen by Deborah Hopkinson.
••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of BUSTED by Dan Gemheinhart. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.
••Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a book to share every day. Check out Karen’s MMGM choice for today and all her reviews from this past week.
It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. Email me the title of the book or feature for any middle grade book, author or giveaway, and a link to your blog. Send it to: gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com
Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for that week’s MMGM.
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Always in the Middle... 