THE TWIN STARS AND THE SOCCER SUPERSTAR

Posted on June 5, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

Sixth grader Cassaty Greene loves soccer. Her favorite player on the Texas Baron’s Creek High School team is Katey Korey who she adores. It’s been an exciting year watching Katey lead them toward a possible state title. Some day Cassaty hopes she too will be playing High School soccer.

Things aren’t perfect at home for Cassaty. Soon it will be the anniversary of her twin brother’s death, who died as a baby. Cassaty mistakenly blames herself for the loss. Mother especially falls into deep depression every time the anniversary occurs while an older sister and dad deal with it in their own way.

But hold on! Katey Korey becomes a much more important part of the plot because she suddenly disappears. Some think she ran away with her boy friend or was kidnapped. The police investigate but find no clues that help. The playoffs are set to begin and now the star midfielder is mysteriously absent. Cassaty decides she will somehow find the missing girl and bring her home in time for the first playoff game. Quite a long shot and she’ll have to break a few family rules to have even a slim chance of her plan working. But if she can it will help Cassaty and her family deal with her brother’s death in a positive way.

THE TWIN STARS AND THE SOCCER SUPERSTAR shows just how hard it is to deal with grief. It’s a superbly written story with Cassaty’s first person narration displaying emotional depth and humor. The cast of characters both young and old are memorable. The mystery and the ending made for a satisfying read. Best for ages 10 and up, the story would also be perfect for a parent or teacher led discussion about the themes in this engaging plot.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: June 9, 2026. PAGES: 256

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kristine Rudolph is a mom of three with two soccer-playing daughters, a left-winger and a defensive back who won her high school state championship in 2024. Kristine splits her time between Atlanta, Georgia, and Austin, Texas. (Author’s 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. Details on how to submit your post can be found in the right margin.

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Marvelous Middle Grade Monday (6/1/26)

Posted on June 1, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

This week I am chaperoning some graduating seniors on a celebration trip. I’ll be back next week. In the meantime, be sure to check out the other posts in our lineup this week:

 

••Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles is participating in the Very Berry Giveaway Hop, with many middle grade choices.

••Susan Uhlig enjoyed Dan Gemeinhart’s fun adventure, BUSTED.

••Brenda @ Log Cabin Library features a review of The Embarrassing Confessions of Gracie Sparks.

Valinora Troy is back with a review of NANCY TOBBINS AND THE MIDNIGHT PLAN by Lucie Steven’s.

••Jennifer Rummel @ YA Book Nerd reviews BREAKING THE ICE, a book about sports and a little romance.

••Maria Antonia is back this week with a post about: THE SHERLOCK SOCIETY BY James Ponti.

••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of GLORY BE by Jamie Sumner. Rosi also has three links of interest for her writing friends.

••Journey Bloomfield has a review of HONEY BUTTER. Journey also has an interview with the author, Millie Florence.

••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.

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Marvelous Middle Grade Monday (5/25/2026)

Posted on May 25, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

 

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is where you can find my review of PERFECT ENOUGH by Meg Eden Kuyatt.

••Susan Uhlig loved RIGHT BACK AT YOU by Carolyn Mackler.

••Linda Browne at Bookcase Bizarro reviews Peter Kuper’s Insectopolis, a book suitable for advanced upper MG readers.

••Jennifer Rummel @ YA Book Nerd reviews Magnitude: a historical fiction disaster book.

••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of HOW THEY CROAKED: THE AWFUL ENDS OF THE AWFULLY FAMOUS. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writer 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.

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PERFECT ENOUGH

Posted on May 24, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

Selah is 13-years-old and autistic. It’s been a rough time trying to figure out how to deal with life, but now she has learned about her autism and what she can do to survive the upcoming writer’s camp where she will work on her poetry.

Also there will be two friends, Reyah and Brooklyn. and a counselor who also is autistic. The person Selah didn’t want to see at camp is Ezra, a bully who is always seeking attention and teasing her. She doesn’t want her camp experience ruined because of him.

Ezra the bully is only the beginning of her problems. Selah’s friends don’t understand her autism and how everything is so overwhelming in this environment. All she wants is to make it through a few weeks of the camp but it appears that might not happen. Camp is too much to deal with for Selah.

Perfect Enough is the companion novel to Good Different but can easily be read on its own. The verse format is an excellent way to share this story. It’s one that will help others understand neurodiverse thinkers, and what you can do to manage yourself or help someone else.

Full of misunderstandings and friendship drama. the character arcs for every young person were satisfying in how they turned out by the last page. Selah is especially one you will remember along with the poetry she wrote.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: June 2, 2026 PAGES: 256

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: PERFECT ENOUGH by Megan Eden Kuyatt

  1. In the back pages are poetry prompts to use, how to read manga, along with ADHD resources. A helpful inclusion for readers who might want to explore the topic more or even write their own poetry.
  2. The relationship between Selah and Ezra (pictured on the cover) was appealing how it changed. They each began to see each other differently rather than a case of bad behavior. A memorable pair.
  3. The message readers will get that everyone does have a point in life where it is alright to back off from doing too much. So many kids have an overloaded schedule that they may not be able to handle.
  4. The broken friend relationship problem is given a wonderful set of outcomes. Seeing other’s in a more complete way was demonstrated beautifully.
  5. The unexpected but necessary choice Selah makes by the end of the story. Bravo for her bravery.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MEG EDEN KUYATT is the neurodivergent author of the Schneider Family Book Award Honor-winning Good Different, and a creative writing instructor. When she isn’t writing, she’s probably playing Fire Emblem. If she could be a Pokémon, she’d be Charizard. Find her online at megedenbooks.com or on Instagram at @meden_author.

COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW

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Posted in MG Contemporary Fiction, Middle Grade Book Reviews, Novel in verse | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT DIVORCE

Posted on May 22, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

A tough issue that effects many families and others in their lives. This book speaks to an often hard to talk about topic through an engaging format geared toward young tweena and teens. Accompanied by diverse cartoon style illustrations, the dialog in this short book (64 pages) covers everything from the emotions a child has when learning about the divorce to the time and support it takes to reach a new normal. The author stresses that divorce is not the child’s fault.

Visuals of a child being used as a ping pong ball or walking a tight rope were perfect reminders of the stress and confusion that can accompany divorce. The intended audience will feel much more informed and certainly better about what is happening in their family. I would even recommend WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT DIVORCE to adults, both those involved in the divorce, other relatives, and educators. A helpful and much needed book exhibiting empathy and hope throughout.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kate Scharff, LCSW-C, is a psychotherapist with over 35 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate separation and divorce. A child of divorce herself, she is also an internationally recognized leader in Collaborative Divorce and a founding board member and Past President of the DC Academy of Collaborative Professionals. We Need to Talk About Divorce is her fourth book. (Kate’s 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. Details on how to submit your post can be found in the right margin.

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Marvelous Middle Grade Monday (5/18/2026)

Posted on May 18, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

 

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is where you can find my review of MUPPIT BOY AND THE ALLERGIES OF EVIL by Michael J. Bowler.

••Jemima Pett reviews Max and Charlie’s Highland Adventure by Wendy Leighton-Porter.

••Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles is participating in the Moms Rock Giveaway Hop with lots of middle grade choices.

••Susan Uhlig is recommending another of Dusti Bowling’s books: 24 HOURS IN NOWHERE. A compelling read.

••Jennifer Rummel @ YA Book Nerd reviews Each and Every Spark: a dual timeline and dual POV (modern day and WWII) set in Paris.

••Jenni Enzor is featuring Wildflower Emily by Lydia Corry.

••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.

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MUPPIT BOY AND THE ALLERGIES OF EVIL

Posted on May 17, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

Today I’m joining the book tour for an exciting new science fiction story set in the present. Elmo Fitzroy is 12-years-old and famous. He had no choice. Growing up his mother included him on her popular You Tube channel about single parenting. The world knows him as Muppit Boy. Not exactly the label you want in middle school.

Now that he has gotten his mother to stop using him in her videos, he can finally lay low through middle school leaving behind his Muppit Boy past and just be Mo. His mentor, who he was matched with through the Big Brothers organization, is a police detective. Their connection leads to an unexpected series of science fiction plot shifts. Mo’s ADHD brain is rather useful as it records events like a video camera.

I won’t give too much away but be ready for an old woman in a clown mask who steals hearing aids, chainsaws, and a harrowing ride thanks to a California Condor. His friends Barn and Kash join Bo, making them a memorable trio as they investigate a potential world crisis. Now it is time for Mo to become a true hero and not some ridiculous internet sensation.

The fast pace and laugh-out-loud first person narration by Mo will appeal to middle grade readers in 5th grade and above. They will love the many heartfelt scenes in MUPPIT BOY AND THE ALLERGIES OF EVIL, along with several edge of your seat moments. The ending was not my favorite but hey, this is science fiction and it nicely set up the second book in the series, MUPPIT BOY AND THE WHEEL POWER.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: May 12, 2026

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Bookshop.org

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: MUPPIT BOY AND THE ALLERGIES OF EVIL by Michael J. Bowler

  1. Mo is a great character who struggles with the attention his mother created for him. His ADHD is not portrayed as a disability but a strength that Mo uses to his best ability.
  2. His mentor Ari was a surprising inclusion. I have spent most of my adult life as a mentor with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization and know the impact a consistent adult can bring to a young person’s life. Ari is a shining star and emotional anchor for Mo and is always his biggest fan.
  3. Full of funny, tender, and heartwarming scenes, you just never know what is going to happen next. That alone will keep the pages turning for young readers.
  4. The diverse group of friends for Mo: Kash is a tough minded devotee to martial arts and Barn’s clumsiness becomes a positive in difficult situations. Hope they all return in Book 2.
  5. Mo truly is a hero. He finds the self respect he desires in such a surprising way. I cheered for him the entire way.

About the Author

Michael J. Bowler has spent his life showing up for young people — as a high school teacher, a single dad to an adopted child, a decades-long volunteer within the Los Angeles juvenile justice system (working with incarcerated youth as young as seven), and as a Big Brother to eight boys through the Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters program. In 2000, he was named National Big Brother of the Year.

His deeply personal understanding of what kids need — to be seen, believed in, and given room to grow — infuses everything he writes. His books for teens and tweens have earned numerous awards, and his middle grade debut for reluctant readers was, fittingly, road-tested by his own son at age eleven. (He loved it.)

When he’s not writing or advocating for youth, Michael can be found online at MichaelJBowler.com and on social media as @michaeljbowler.

https://www.instagram.com/michaeljbowler/

https://www.facebook.com/michaeljbowler.author

Enter the giveaway for a chance to win one signed hardcover, one of five signed paperback copies, or one of five audiobook downloads of Muppit Boy and the Allergies of Evil by Michael J. Bowler. One grand prize winner will receive a signed hardcover plus a $50 Amazon gift card!

CLICK HERE TO ENTER

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Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, Science Fiction | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

SPEED RACER ADVENTURES!

Posted on May 15, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

Graphic novels are becoming more and more popular. I get asked frequently from parents, relatives, and young readers about recommendations. Although I don’t often have available dates to review these colorful stories, I always suggest they start with Papercutz, a leader in graphic publishing for middle grade.

Today, I am featuring this fun and engaging tale about speed racing. Though Speed Racer Adventures is a brand-new story, the characters are inspired from the Flash Gordon Adventures and Tiny Titans. Here’s what to expect from the official back cover blurb:

The best race car driver in the world has been invited to drive the most advanced artificial intelligent car in the world. Speed Racer is not that driver, and the Mach Five is not that car, but that’s not going to stop him from entering that race and winning! When the world’s richest man uses unlimited funds to build the most technologically advanced car in the world and hires Racer X to run a race he created, the deck is stacked against Speed Racer! Its not going to be an easy race, but with his secret weapons, his friends and family, Speed has a pretty good chance of getting in the race and winning, but he’s going to hedge his bet by using a whole lot of candy! Come for the laughs, the hijinx and the amazing speeds the cars reach. Go Speed racer, GO!

A supportive family is the basis of the story. Speed Racer has loving parents and two younger siblings, one of whom has a pet monkey. As you can see from the cover, illustrations are superbly drawn with color and emotion. The page turning adventure has quite a few surprising twists along the way and the tale wraps up nicely by the last panel. Those new to middle grade books who aren’t ready for longer text based novels will be instantly hooked. SPEED RACER Volume 2 is up next and will be anxiously anticipated.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: April 28, 2026 PAGES: 114

Author, Franco

Franco is the co-creator of AW YEAH COMICS! Publishing and retail stores. Franco created the DINO-MIKE book series and has worked for various Comic properties including the critically acclaimed SUPERMAN FAMILY ADVENTURES, YOUNG JUSTICE, BILLY BATSON and the MAGIC of SHAZAM, and the New York Times bestseller, multi-Eisner award and Harvey award winning series TINY TITANS! (DC Comics) GRIMISS ISLAND and Eisner Award winning ITTY BITTY HELLBOY (Dark Horse Comics), Little ARCHIE  (Archie Comics) and FLASH GORDON ADVENTURES (Papercutz), the original graphic novels THE GHOST, THE OWL (Ringo Award Nominated) and FAE AND THE  MOON (Little Bee)

Franco was also a High School Art teacher for 24 years and has shown work in galleries.

Twitter/Instagram/Blusky: @awyeahfranco

blindwolfstudios.com

Illustrator, Derek Charm

Derek Charm is an Eisner Award winning comic artist, illustrator, and character designer for animation. He was the artist on several monthly comic runs, including Jughead and Jughead’s Time Police for Archie Comics, The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl for Marvel, and Star Wars Adventures for Lucasfilm/IDW. Outside of comics he has done work for Marc Jacobs, Pepsi, and DreamWorks Animation. He currently works as a Character Designer on Batman: Caped Crusader for Warner Bros Animation.

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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. Details on how to submit your post can be found in the right margin.

Posted in Graphic Novels, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday (5/11/2026)

Posted on May 11, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

 

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is where you can find my review of THE EMBARRASSING CONFESSIONS OF GRACIE SPARKS by Fiona Harris.

••Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles has an interview with Sarah Marie Jette and a giveaway of her MG One Fair Share.

••Rebecca Douglass is reviewing Paint the Wind by Pam Muñoz Ryan.

••Jenni Enzor is featuring Light and Air by Mindy Nichols Wendell.

••Sue Heavenrich at Archimedes Notebook is taking a look at The Nature of Play: A Handbook of Nature-Based Activities for all Seasons.

••Jennifer Rummel @ YA Book Nerd has a middle grade book list with the Parent Trap theme.

••Maria Antonia is back this week with a post about: Trouble at the Tangerine by Gillian McDunn.

••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of Mascot by Charles Waters and Staci Sorell. Rosi also shares three links for her writer 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.

Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

THE EMBARRASSING CONFESSIONS OF GRACIE SPARKS

Posted on May 10, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

This new book in diary format is a compelling look at a 12-year-old girl trying to fit in. Written by Australian author Fiona Harris, I was a bit confused as Gracie Sparks had just turned 12 and was going into high school. A little research discovered that is what they call secondary education from 7th grade and up in Australia. None of that middle school stuff down under. The emotional journey of growing up though is still ever present.

Gracie is starting her first year at Middleton Grammar. Her previous school is where she became the top of her class, and was not only popular but cool. Doing the same in 7th grade is a much tougher road to follow. None of her friends are going to her new school and the only people she knows are her obnoxious, self centered older sister, Imogen, and Margot, a boring girl from her last school.

The diary format is a perfect and engaging way to relay and understand Gracie’s struggles. The entries begin on January 18th and continue through May 29th of the next year. Her biggest challenge is finding a new group of friends. She can’t get any guidance from her mom since she passed away several years prior. A person she still misses dearly.

Girls ages 10 and up will enjoy Gracie’s story and find familiarity with the family and friend drama. Boys will be a much tougher draw. These days most seem obsessed with graphic and sports related books and may not be the best audience. In the U.S., THE EMBARRASSING CONFESSIONS OF GRACIE SPARKS is currently only in e-book format but would still make a great gift for the young person in your world.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: March 31, 2026 PAGES: 304

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE EMBARRASSING CONFESSIONS OF GRACIE SPARKS by Fiona Harris

  1. Gracie loves playing her electric guitar and she is good at it. Many real artist and groups are highlighted as her favorite, making them more familiar to the intended audience of readers.
  2. Amiel becomes a new friend for Gracie and is the type of friend everyone should have. Honest and supportive he becomes a big part of Gracie’s growth.
  3. The character arcs for Gracie, Imogen. and many of the other female characters were crafted in an excellent way. You’ll be cheering at the results for each.
  4. Gracie’s voice was authentic and always sounded like a 12-year-old girl. A difficult thing for authors to do but Fiona Harris pulled it off beautifully..
  5. The positive message you get from reading the diary that it is okay to be yourself and every experience in those growing up years, whether it be good or bad, help shape the fantastic adult you have the ability to become.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Fiona Harris is an award-winning author, scriptwriter, and performer with more than twenty years of experience across publishing, television, and theatre. She has written over 40 books, many of them for children. The Embarrassing Confessions of Gracie Sparks is her debut middle grade novel. (Fiona’s Website)

COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW

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Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments