MMGM for June 5, 2023

Posted on June 5, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

HAPPY JUNE! I’m out of town this week helping chaperone a high school honors’ class to Universal Studios Hollywood. It may take me a little longer than usual to read all the great reviews and features from today’s lineup. Reach a bloggers’s post by clicking on the JUNE icon.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of ELLIE ENGLE SAVES HERSELF by Leah Johnson.

Brenda at LOG CABIN LIBRARY has a review of The Carrefour Curse by Dianne K. Salerni.

Sue Heavenrich is over at Archimedes Notebook with her review of Her Eyes on the Stars: Maria Mitchell, Astronomer , by Laurie Wallmark.

Carol Baldwin has a review and GIVEAWAY of BEHIND THESE HANDS by Linda Phillips.

Linda Browne is back with another BOOKCASE BIZARRO and her reviews from last month. Several middle grade titles are included.

Kasey Giard at the Story Sanctuary has a review of THE KINGDOM OVER THE SEA by Zohra Nabi.

Max at Completely Full Bookshelf recommends Living with Viola by Rosena Fung.

Susan Uhlig had fun with the middle grade adventure THE HIKE TO HOME by Jess Rinker.

Maria Antonia has a post about MY OWN LIGHTNING by Lauren Wolk

Valinora Troy reviews Into The Faerie Hill .

Faith Hough is spotlighting some vintage middle grade reads this summer and she kicks it off with Seacrow Island by Astrid Lindgren.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with last Tuesday’s review of RUNNING OUT OF TIME and FALLING OUT OF TIME.

———————————————————————

(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*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.
Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

ELLIE ENGLE SAVES HERSELF!

Posted on June 4, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Ellie Engle doesn’t stand out. Not at home, where she’s alone with her pet fish since her dad moved away and her mom has to work around the clock . Not at the bakery, where she helps out old Mr. Walker on the weekends. And definitely not at school, where her best friend Abby—the coolest, boldest, most talented girl in the world—drags Ellie along on her never-ending quest to “make her mark.” To someone else, a life in the shadows might seem boring, or lonely. But not to Ellie. As long as she has Abby by her side and a comic book in her hand, she’s quite content.

Too bad life didn’t bother checking in with Ellie. Because when a freak earthquake hits her small town, Ellie wakes up with fantastical powers that allow her to bring anything back to life with just her touch. And when a video of her using her powers suddenly goes viral, Ellie’s life goes somewhere she never imagined—or wanted: straight into the spotlight. 

Surviving middle school is hard enough. Surviving middle school when paparazzi are camped out on your front lawn and an international pop singer wants you to use your powers on live tv and you might be in love with your best friend but she doesn’t know it? Absolutely impossible.

***********************************

Ellie’s first person narration takes us through 30 chapters. It’s an eye opening account of being yourself and not always trusting what you see on the surface in others. Ellie is like many middle school kids who prefer to stay in the background and not bring any attention to themselves.

Ellie loves to read comics and hides the fact she has a crush on her best friend. She can’t understand other girls’ infatuation with the cute guys. It’s best to stay quiet and not reveal her true self.

A hands-on frog dissection lesson in a 7th grade science class changes everything. Yes, that dead frog comes back to life when Ellie accidentally uses her newly discovered powers. So much for staying in the shadows.

Friendship, family, and believing in yourself instead of what others think is the core of this fun and engaging tale. I could easily see a sequel as to how Ellie uses her powers in the future. There is in fact a sequel, but it will feature her new friend in BREONNA BOYD IS A LEGEND! Hopefully we will see more of Ellie in this next book.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: ELLIE ENGLE SAVES HERSELF by Leah Johnson

  1. Social media influence is something most middle grade kids will admit to, especially as they spend a good chunk of time looking at Tik Tok videos. It was a fun sidelight to see how being in the middle of a pop star’s request can change your perception of their world.
  2. Bree and Sammy were true heroes of the story as they see Ellie not as a freak of nature, but as a new friend.
  3. Mom is trying to do the best for her daughter, so it was great to see the struggles she has in an upended family. It’s not often revealed in MG lit how the parent is coping.
  4. Mr. Walker, Ellie’s grandfather’s best friend, was a surprising support. His baking skills go so much further than making delicious treats. He’s also a true friend To Ellie and they connect in a “didn’t see that coming” plot twist.
  5. A strong character is one where you see some of yourself in their personality. Ellie will for sure provide this to many in the intended audience.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Leah Johnson is an eternal midwesterner and author of award-winning books for children and young adults. Her bestselling debut YA novel, You Should See Me in a Crown, was a Stonewall Honor Book, and the inaugural Reese’s Book Club YA pick. In 2021, TIME named You Should See Me in a Crown one of the 100 Best Young Adult Books of All Time. Leah’s essays and cultural criticism can be found in Teen Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Cosmopolitan among others. Her debut middle grade, Ellie Engle Saves Herself is available now.

(For more about Leah Johnson be sure to visit her author website)

***************************

COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW AND BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER MMGM BLOGGERS POSTING THIS WEEK.

Posted in MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , | 6 Comments

GRIMWOOD

Posted on June 2, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

When Ted and Nancy arrive in Grimwood, instead of peace and quiet, they’re met with thieving eagles, dramatic ducks, riotous rabbits, and a whole host of unusual characters. Grimwood is . . . weird. But when Princess Buttons tracks them down, they must unite with the other animals of Grimwood in a mind-bending race against time!

*********************

Silliness abounds as two fox siblings escape the clutches of Princess Buttons (a pet cat out for revenge). They end up in Grimwood, a forest community filled with animals of all kinds. They encounter rabbits, an eagle, flying squirrels, and Titus, a male deer who is the mayor of this strange town.

The fun plot is only dampened by the quick deaths of a few animals. Otherwise, the tale will appeal to the new MG reader who is use to shorter chapter books. The text is spaced nicely on each page and frequent illustrations also add to the appeal. Readers will also love the heartfelt ending.

GRIMWOOD is an import from the UK and is the first in three-book series. Book two, Let the Fur Fly, comes out September 12, 2023.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nadia Shireen has won awards for her picture books including the UKLA Book Award for Good Little Wolf and most recently for Barbara Throws a Wobbler, which has been described as a ‘little doorway of joy’ by Caitlin Moran. She’s also been shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, and has been Writer-Illustrator in Residence for BookTrust. Grimwood is her first series for older readers.

*********************************

Join us next week for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday! It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging 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 join the lineup. All you have to do is 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 the coming Monday.

*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.

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

MMGM for May 29, 2023

Posted on May 29, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY! Click a blogger’s Memorial Day Emblem to find out what they have in store.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of FALLING OUT OF TIME by Margaret Peterson Haddix.

Susan Uhlig was fascinated by the medieval tale, The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog by Adam Gidwitz and illuminated by Hatem Aly.

Brenda at LOG CABIN LIBRARY is today’s Blog Tour stop for LOLO WEAVER SWIMS UPSTREAM by Polly Farquhar;  Excerpt + Giveaway!

Carol Baldwin welcomes a new teen reviewer, Mara Scudder. She gives us a critique of LIGHT COMES TO SHADOW MOUNTAIN.

Kim Aippersbach returns to MMGM this week with a review of THE GRACE OF WILD THINGS by Heather Fawcett.

Max @COMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF recommends The Moth Keeper by K. O’Neill, and reviews The Golden Hour by Niki Smith.

Valinora Troy features an interview with award winning children’s author H. S. Norup.

Kasey Giard at The Story Sanctuary shares 10 graphic novels coming out this year that she can’t wait to read.

Maria Antonia has a post about THE NOT-SO-PERFECT PLAN by Christina Matula.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of GOOD DIFFERENT by Meg Eden Kuyatt. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with last Thursday’s review of THE MUSEUM OF LOST AND FOUND.

———————————————————————

(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*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.
Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

FALLING OUT OF TIME

Posted on May 28, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

It has been 28 years since the first book (RUNNING OUT OF TIME) was released and became a hit with middle grade audiences. Margaret Peterson Haddix had never intended to write a sequel, as she notes in her “Acknowledgements” piece, but readers kept asking for one.

She’s finally delivered with a page turning story full of plot twists. Twelve-year-old Zola lives with her Mom in the year 2193 where everything is perfect. There’s no climate change, crime, or any other problem. It’s just perfect. Or is it?

Zola discovers she’s related to Jessie from the first book and a dark reality begins to set in and maybe it isn’t 2193 after all. The third person narration flows quickly across 47 chapters and an epilogue.

This adventurous mystery has so many unexpected turns, I don’t dare ruin anyone’s reading experience by revealing them. You can dive right into Falling out of Time, without having read the first book, though it will be hard to resist not to visit that first classic.

FALLING OUT OF TIME is a fantastic delayed sequel that will appeal to middle grade audiences both young and old. A great summertime addition to your reading pile.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: FALLING OUT OF TIME by Margaret Peterson Haddix

  1. Chapters more than often end with an eye-opening reveal. It urges you to read just one more page. A great writing technique to engage readers.
  2. The proposed overwhelming use of technology in the future is a perfect ground for debate in a classroom or at home.
  3. Puck, a boy Zola gains as a new friend, was a great character. He’s kind but also vocal and willing to disagree with other’s decisions. What happens to him brought a smile to my face.
  4. World building is essential to a novel of this type, and you will feel like it really is the future…at least until it isn’t.
  5. The mysterious cover and the author’s comments in the back pages- a nice connection as to why she finally wrote the sequel.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Margaret Peterson Haddix grew up on a farm near Washington Court House, Ohio. She graduated from Miami University (of Ohio) with degrees in English/journalism, English/creative writing and history. Before her first book was published, she worked as a newspaper copy editor in Fort Wayne, Indiana; a newspaper reporter in Indianapolis; and a community college instructor and freelance writer in Danville, Illinois.

She has since written more than 40 books for kids and teens, including Running Out of Time; Double Identity; Uprising; The Always War; the Greystone Secrets series; the Shadow Children series; the Missing series; the Children of Exile series; the Under Their Skin duology; and The Palace Chronicles. She also wrote Into the Gauntlet, the tenth book in the 39 Clues series.  Her books have been honored with New York Times bestseller status, the International Reading Association’s Children’s Book Award; American Library Association Best Book and Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers notations; and numerous state reader’s choice awards. They have also been translated into more than twenty different languages.

Haddix and her husband, Doug, now live in Columbus, Ohio. They are the parents of two grown kids.

(For more visit her author web page)

*****************************

COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW.

BE SURE TO ALSO VISIT THE OTHER POSTS FROM BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

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

SERAFINA AND THE BLACK CLOAK (The Graphic Novel)

Posted on May 26, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Eight years have passed since Serafina and the Black Cloak arrived on the bookshelves. The engaging plot centers around a young girl living in the basement of the Biltmore Mansion in Asheville, N C. The wealthy Vanderbilt’s who live there don’t even know she exists.

When children start disappearing, it’s up to Sarafina and her only friend, Braeden, to find out the true identity of the man in the black cloak. They hope to stop him from doing any more kidnapping of innocent kids.

The tale was a hit with the older MG crowd and three more books were written. With the popularity of graphic novels it’s not surprising to find the story recreated in this new format.

The art work is vivid and spot on as it depicts both day and nighttime scenes. The emotions of the characters can be seen on each page.

There seems to be more text than usual for a graphic novel, but you can still enjoy the accompanying colorful panels. If you’ve read the original novel or not, Serafina and the Black Cloak is an alluring addition to the series.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robert Beatty is the author of the #1 New York Times best-selling Serafina Series published by Disney-Hyperion, a spooky mystery-thriller about a brave and unusual girl who lives secretly in the basement of the grand Biltmore Estate, surrounded by the opulence of the Gilded Age and the rugged beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. He won the Southern Book Prize in 2016. He is also the author of the #1 New York Times best-selling Willa of the Wood Series, the story of a young forest girl with ancient magical powers who struggles for survival and understanding in the Great Smoky Mountains. Loved by both young readers and adults alike, the Serafina and Willa books are being taught in over a thousand classrooms nationwide, and have been translated into over 22 languages. (For more details visit Robert’s author website)

*********************************

Join us next week for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday! It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging 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 join the lineup. All you have to do is 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 the coming Monday.

*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.

Posted in Graphic Novels, MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

MMGM for May 22, 2023

Posted on May 22, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

May flowers are in full bloom and so are some great MG reviews and features. Click a blogger’s flower basket to see what they have planted.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of Time Traveling Through Yellowstone National Park: The Adventures of Bubba Jones by Jeff Alt and illustrations by Hannah Tuohy.

Brenda at LOG CABIN LIBRARY also reviews Time Traveling Through Yellowstone National Park: The Adventures of Bubba Jones.

Linda Browne presents her Bookcase Bizarro for April, a collection of reviews from picture books to middle grade.

Max at Completely Full Bookshelf shares two reviews today. First up is Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonzalez and Gabriela Epstein. Next is one of my all time favorites: Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead.

Susan Uhlig really enjoyed THE GIRL WHO COULD NOT DREAM, a fantasy by Sarah Beth Durst.

Maria Antonia has a post about SURELY SURELY MARISOL RAINEY by Erin Entrada Kelly.

Valinora Troy reviews Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell.

Faith Hough has a review up…it’s about Jacqueline Davies’ The International House of Dereliction.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of TENMILE by Sandra Dallas. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with last Saturday’s review of JOY TO THE WORLD.

———————————————————————

(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*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.
Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

TIME TRAVELING THROUGH YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK – The Adventures of Bubba Jones

Posted on May 21, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

The summer travel season is upon us once again. If your family is planning a trip to this iconic destination then the fifth book in The Adventures of Bubba Jones series is a must. The characters are fiction. but the story is loaded with true facts about the park. Previous titles include visits to The Great Smoky Mountains, then onto Shenandoah, Acadia, and Grand Canyon National Park:

In this new story the author fills you in along the way as to what has previously happened. The main characters include Tommy “Bubba Jones” and his sister, Jenny “Hug-A-Bug,” as they try to solve a park mystery. They are part of a legendary time travel family who serve to protect and preserve our national parks

Although the mystery is not that compelling, what makes this shine are the amazing facts you will learn as they time travel back meeting members of early park expeditions and Native Americans, along with many park secrets. I hadn’t been to the park since a family trip to Old Faithful Lodge back when I was about 10 years old, but my mind is already planning another trip.

Bubba Jones provides the first person narration and is a key family member making time travel possible. The author did extensive research on Yellowstone’s past, present, and future. Enrich your trip there by reading this newest volume together with your family.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT TIME TRAVELING THROUGH YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK– The Adventures of Bubba Jones by Jeff Alt

  1. The trip to Yellowstone centers around a family reunion. Having relatives like Grandfather Papa Lewis, Cousin Colter, and other well informed family experts on everything Yellowstone gives readers fun insights both in the present and the past.
  2. Cypher code messages appear throughout to help solve the mystery. It would have been fun and engaging for young readers to solve these, but seeing how they work will motivate them to create their own.
  3. Full page illustrations precede each chapter. They are detailed and compliment the story well.
  4. No changing clothes when the family time travels to historic periods–they are automatically dressed like others from the time upon arrival! You’ll be guessing and anticipating the next wardrobe change with each trip backwards in time.
  5. Included are some great back pages’ material like discussion questions, a map of places visited, and a through bibliography.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeff Alt is a talented speaker, hiking and camping expert, and an award-winning author of seven books. He is a member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA). He has shared his transformational “Lessons from the Trail” with thousands. He filmed a Tedx Talk about his Appalachian Trail journey. Alt holds a business/ marketing degree from the University of Toledo and a master’s degree from Miami University in Speech Language Pathology with a minor (thematic sequence) in environmental science.  Jeff’s career spans several industries as an award-winning sales and marketing professional, a speech language pathologist, an educator, professional speaker and outdoor author/ writer. For over 20 years he has hosted the annual Sunshine Walk, 5k Run and Roll, inspired from his Appalachian Trail journey, which has raised over a half of a million dollars to support people with developmental disabilities. Alt has been hiking since his youth. He has walked the entire 2,160-mile Appalachian Trail, the 218-mile John Muir Trail with his wife, and he carried his 21-month old daughter along the coast of Ireland on a family hike. His son was on the Appalachian Trail at 6 weeks of age.

(For more visit Jeff’s web site)

************************************

COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW.

BE SURE TO ALSO VISIT THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

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

PECULIAR WOODS

Posted on May 19, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Take a cute blanket, a yoga chair, and two royal chess pieces. Add in nine-year-old Iggie who discovers he can talk with them and you have the start of a fun graphic series.

The story begins with Iggie on his way to live with his biological mother for the first time in a town called Peculiar Woods. Iggie had previously lived with his aunt who has always been a loving substitute mother.

It doesn’t take long for Iggie to discover the town is anything but normal. Talking with inanimate objects is weird enough, but now the chess pieces want help in finding their kingdom in an ancient underwater city.

There are humorous moments, especially when Boris the Yoga chair is in a scene. The graphics are colorful and bold, bringing out the emotions and action on every page. You can see several of the panels by visiting the publisher’s site.

Peculiar Woods is available in paperback or hardcover and would be the perfect choice for a young reader transitioning to middle grade books.

ABOUT THE CREATOR

Andrés J. Colmenares is a cartoonist and illustrator from Bogota, Colombia, and the creator of the beloved Wawawiwa Comics. With more than 3.5 million social fans, his work is a sweet and sincere space for these anxious times. He lives with his wife and two children, who inspire him to create empathetic and endearing content for his fans.

########################

It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging 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. All you have to do is 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 the coming Monday.

*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.

Posted in Graphic Novels, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

MMGM for May 15, 2023

Posted on May 15, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

May is half over. Time to switch on more MG reviews and features. Click a blogger’s light switch to find out what they have in store.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of LO & BEHOLD by Wendy Mass.

Brenda at LOG CABIN LIBRARY reviews Mace and Hammer (Del Toro Tales #3) by Darby Karchut. It’s got warhorses, and a young boy and his family who are fighting monsters.  Lots of fun!  

Carol Baldwin has ETHEL’S SONG: Ethel Rosenberg’s Life in Poems: A Review and Giveaway!

Kasey Giard at The Story Sanctuary shares her thoughts on a graphic novel called Squire & Knight by Scott Chantler.

Maria Antonia has a post about the graphic novel: SQUISHED by Megan Wagner Lloyd & Michelle Mee Nutter.

Valinora Troy reviews THE NIGHT RAVEN by Johan Rundberg.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of DOGS WHO WORK: THE CANINES WE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

Max at Completely Full Bookshelf has a review of one of my favorites, When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with Friday’s review of THE GREATEST KID IN THE WORLD.

———————————————————————

(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*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.
Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 2 Comments