••Jenni Enzor is featuring The Friendship Awards, honoring friendships in middle-grade books with Wish, Wonderland, PeonyWatercolor’s Wish for Sun and Moon, Always Abigail, Anne of Green Gables, Betsy Tacy, and The Story Girl.
••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of DEAD ENDS!: FLUKES, FLOPS & FAILURES THAT SPARKED MEDICAL MARVELS. Rosi also shares three links of interst 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. (Happy 20 years of reviews, Karen!)
The first book in tie CITY SPIES series hit the shelves for the first time in 2021. The popularity of this unique story brought five sequels:
GOLDEN GATE
FORBIDDEN CITY
CITY OF THE DEAD
MISSION MANHATTAN
LONDON CALLING
Now in 2026, the seventh novel, CITY SPIES EUROPA has arrived.
I had read several of the books in the series but had missed the past three. A helpful appraisal of each of the seven team members appears in the back pages so I started there to re-familiarize myself with these smart group of kids. I then went back to page one and began reading.
This may not be the best approach if you are new to the series so I would suggest reading CITY SPIES first, or all six as they are available to purchase in a set.
CITY SPIES EUROPA brings another exciting and clue inducing story line. Umbra, a bad guy previously imprisoned with the help of the spies is somehow continuing his destructive thoughts from his cell with the help of outsiders he recruited. Umbra plans to bomb famous locations around Europe, destroying many landmarks and innocent people. He’ll stop the attacks only if he is released from prison.
The CITY SPIES separate into different teams to solve codes and investigate clues in Rome, Paris, London, and Amsterdam. It’s a nerve wracking adventure for all of them.
The third person narration takes readers through 39 chapters, often focusing on a few characters at a time. You’ll be confused right along with the spies as to what path they should take to stop this villain from creating havoc. The ending is a page turner and the door is left open for another book in the series.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: FEB. 10, 2026. PAGES: 384
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: CITY SPIES EUROPA by James Ponti
Of course these kids aren’t traveling by themselves across Europe, There are helpful adults like TRU (their leader) and Mother (who is not a mother). They shined in their role as mentors.
The mystery surrounding another adult, Clementine, will have you guessing and re-guessing as to which side she is on. Clues about her whereabouts and if she is working with the bad guy made for an engaging sidelight.
Each of the spies expertise is different and working together is a must to decipher the clues. Paris was my favorite, but each one will for sure have fans.
The cover for each book in the series is always an attention grabber. With EUROPA’s cover you are pulled right into the exciting plot.
The time the author spent researching each location and the history of Europe brings another element to the appeal of City Spies. I learned many new things about this part of our world.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
James Ponti is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of four middle grade book series, including City Spies and The Sherlock Society. His novels have been named to sixty state award lists, optioned by Hollywood, and translated into sixteen languages. He’s a two-time Edgar Award-nominee, winning in 2018 for Vanished. He lives with his family in Orlando, Florida. (Author Website)
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BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!
Two sisters face tremendous challenges in a fantasy world all new to them. Twelve-year old Katie and her younger sister Jenny live in Minneapolis with their mom. Divorce in their family has upset both girls. Dad seems to never want to be with them again.
At the story’s beginning pages they have arrived at Grandpa’s gray stone mansion in Duluth, Mom has left for Ireland and the girls will be staying here under Grandpa’s care.
It’s a spooky place, including the fireplace in the basement. Turns out by entering you can travel to O’Mirra, a kingdom full of magic and mystery. When grandpa disappears, they know he has been captured and imprisoned by an elf whose actions are more like a dictator.
They travel via the portal to this realm with the help of another much friendlier elf. Once there they find it to be creepy with scary creatures and trees, but this place is also exciting and has unique scenery.
The third person narration stays close to Katie who discovers more about herself than ever imagined. She’s always been environmentally conscious, but the plot goes much deeper. Topics like divorce, grief, and the anxiety Katie feels provides the backdrop for this magical tale. The heartfelt ending adds to the appeal of the 28 chapters.
The relationship between brave Katie and the much more cautious Jenny was also a highlight. Leave it to Spunky the wolf pup to provide a few smiles. His name says it all. Small black and white illustrations appear throughout, adding a bit of visually appealing accompaniment. In the back pages is a perfect summary of MAGIC SPELLS and THE CORE WIZARD POWERS. You could even read these first before diving into page one.
THE WIZARD’S WAY is the first in a series and I’m guessing more visits to O’Mirra are forthcoming. Young readers will be anxiously awaiting.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lisa Kelly lives in sunny Santa Barbara, California, with her husband and two goofy dogs. Ever since she was a child making up magical bedtime stories for her brothers and sisters, Lisa has believed in the power of imagination.
With a PhD in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Human Development, Lisa has dedicated her career to helping children, teens, and adults discover the “wizard powers” they already carry inside. For over 20 years, she worked as a life coach, guiding people to name their dreams and take the steps to achieve them. As a college instructor, she taught the healing power of imagery—the way imagination can calm our minds, strengthen our bodies, and help us grow.
Now, through her book The Wizard’s Way and her school visits, Lisa combines storytelling, psychology, and creativity to inspire young people. She helps kids see that they are brave, lovable, and full of magic—and that through imagination, love, and hope, they truly can change their lives and even the world around them. (Website)
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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. 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. Hope to see you back here on Monday!
••Brenda @ Log Cabin Library shares a graphic novel: Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King by Darin S. Cape, and a picture book for a blog tour that might have some crossover to younger kids: Katie’s Really Bad Day: A Story About Test Anxiety by Kathleen Jeffrey.
••Rebecca Douglass reviews Dusti Bowling’s Dust and Holding on for Dear Life.
••Jenni Enzor is celebrating the birthday over the weekend of Charles Dickens with four Dickens-inspired middle-grade books. Books are: The Traitor’s Gate by Avi, The Great Trouble and The Boy Called Dickens by Deborah Hopkinson, and The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson.
••Isabelle Knight reviews Greenglass House by Kate Milford, a cozy, wintry middle-grade book that is perfect to read when you’re snowed in!
••Valinora Troy features a review of The Big Bad Wolf Murder by P.G.Bell.
••Carol Baldwin has an update on her Work in Progress, a historical MG.
••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.
Four very different kids experience Hurricane Harvey, the devastating tropical storm that hit the city of Houston in August of 2017.
The chapters rotate among the characters. They include:
Yasir Manzoor who hopes to become the next soccer captain of his middle school team. Dad passed away and his mom is struggling financially.
Mona Jennings-Shah is a talented artist and has a growing interest in mythology about floods. She often takes care of her younger brother Omar while her parents are away working in other states.
Cody Bevin is the current captain of the soccer team and has a terrible attitude, treating Yasir in unkind ways. His personality matches his fathers, a person he is scared to be around.
You see them all on the front cover after they are forced to work together in hopes of surviving the catastrophe. Each of their personalities comes across in memorable ways as we get to know each child. Their fears and the unique abilities combine to make them heroes. Weather updates and warnings are added in between many of the chapters to bring even more meaning to the devastation occurring.
It’s a compelling look at how a disaster can change lives both in a bad way but also the positive. HOUSTON STRONG became the label that helped the recovery. Through it all we see how a new beginning for each child and their family come about. SOME OF US ARE BRAVE is a compelling read and one you won’t want to put down.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: Feb. 10, 2026 PAGE COUNT: 336
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: SOME OF US ARE BRAVE by Saadia Faruqi
We often take it for granted but here we learn how parents are the rock of support for a family. If that rock crumbles like it does for Yasir, Mona, and Cody, you see the importance of what a loving and supportive family can mean.
The unlikely friendship that develops between the kids and their understanding of each other. Yasir and Cody, Yasir and Mona, along with Cody and Mona, all change and readers will experience their well done character arcs.
The relationship between Yasir and the younger Omar brought smiles to my face. It shows how characters of different ages who are not related can come together and be supportive for each other.
You not only experience what the storm was like while it was happening but also the aftermath when the kids are able to return to their homes. The story came full circle.
The interesting inclusion of flood legends and myths. Many were new to me as they will be for most readers.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Saadia Faruqi is a Pakistani American author and interfaith activist. She writes the popular children’s early reader series Yasmin and other books for children, including award-winning middle grade novels, chapter books, and graphic novels. Her 2025 novel The Strongest Heart, depicting mental illness and its effect on families, received starred reviews from Kirkus, Publisher’s Weekly, School Library Journal, Booklist and the Horn Book. In 2024, The Partition Project, highlighting the partition of India and the creation of Pakistan, won the South Asia Book Award. Her 2023 graphic novel Saving Sunshine, about animal conservation and biodiversity, was a finalist for the Eisner award, a Kirkus Best Book, and a New York Public Library Best Book. Additionally, A Place At The Table (co-written with Laura Shovan) was a Sydney Taylor Notable in 2021 for its heartwarming friendship story between a Muslim and Jewish girl. Saadia is editor-in-chief of Blue Minaret, a magazine for Muslim art, poetry and prose, and was featured in Oprah Magazine in 2017 as a woman making a difference in her community. She lives in Houston, TX with her husband and children. (Author’s web site)
This newest addition to the “Gifted” series can be read on its own. You can always go back and checkout the popular predecessors, UNGIFTED and SUPERGIFTED.
HYPERGIFTED refers to one of the main characters, 12-year-old Noah Youkilis, who has an IQ of 206. Since my IQ follows the sign that hangs in my office, I was hoping I’d still enjoy reading about Noah.
Despite that gap between myself and Noah, I pushed forth and I’m glad I did.
School is easy for this super genius, but now he has been invited to attend the prestigious Wilderton University. He’d rather not accept the opportunity but it happens anyway. One good thing is he can invite a friend, his very average IQ buddy, Donovan.
Donovan would prefer to have a summer of doing nothing, but his parents decide the better plan is to send him off to roommate with Noah while they vacation in Europe. His summer has for sure been ruined as he will now be working as an on-campus camp counselor for 8-year-olds while Noah takes college classes.
The experience has Noah attempting to join the secret Society of the Gavel while he also creates an AI program that causes a lot of problems. Meanwhile Donovan is busy with his group of 8-year-olds as one keeps disappearing for hours. Without giving too much away Noah and Donovan end up having to smuggle the University’s highly adored mascot, a 200 pound pig into their dorm room.
Yes, it’s a crazy summer for the two of them. Despite their different IQ’s, the two of them together and the conversations they have are often hilarious. Another highlight is seeing how Noah and Donovan interacted with the older college age students and the younger elementary age kids. It’s a challenge either way.
The plot is relayed through multiple viewpoints. While not my favorite way of story telling, it did work well here. I still think a dual format might have worked better. Regardless, this entertaining story is well worth your time and would make a great read aloud. It’s also a springboard for a discussion about the positives and negatives of AI. HYPERGIFTED ends on a high note but the intended audience would surely give a thumbs up for another one in the series.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: February 3, 2026 PAGES: 272
ALL ABOUT GORDON KORMAN
Welcome to the wonderful world of a regular guy who just happened to write 100 books for kids and teens.
I was born on October 23, 1963 in Montreal, Canada, and grew up mostly in the Toronto area.
My writing career began virtually by accident when I was in 7th grade. The track and field coach had to teach English. For creative writing, he gave us total freedom to work on whatever we wanted for the rest of the year. It was February. That added up to a class period per day for more than four months. The result was my first novel, THIS CAN’T BE HAPPENING AT MACDONALD HALL.
I sent my manuscript to Scholastic because I was the class monitor for Scholastic Book Orders, and figured I was practically an employee. Seriously. (Full disclosure: my mom had to type my book for me.) It was a totally flukey and random way to launch a publishing career, but here’s the thing: It worked.! THIS CAN’T BE HAPPENING AT MACDONALD HALL was published by Scholastic when I was a freshman in high school, and I was on my way.
I’ve been writing for more than three-quarters of my life. My books have been translated into 32 languages and have sold over 35 million copies worldwide. I have a BFA degree from New York University with a major in Dramatic Writing and a minor in Film and TV.
I now live on Long Island, outside New York City, with my wife and family. When I’m not writing, you can usually find me on the road, appearing at schools, libraries, and bookstores, meeting my readers. (FOR MORE ABOUT GORDON KORMAN AND HIS BOOKS VISIT HIS 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.
••Maria Antonia has a post about Spelling It Out by Margaret Finnegan.
••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of HUNT FOR THE SILVER DRAGON by Linda Joy Singleton. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.
If you are looking for a engaging fantasy that blends Greek Mythology, new friendships, magical mystery, and characters you won’t forget, look no further than The Aftermyth. Also–you should love long books. At 448 pages it is not a quick read.
The first person narration by Penelope Weaver keeps the story moving forward despite many detours along the way. She and her twin brother are headed to Anaximander’s Academy where they will learn about Greek Mythology in a more in-depth way. They will get matched with the Greek god aligned to their own thoughts and feelings, then live in that section of the academy.
Penelope has always wanted to be an Athena but instead she is put into the Aphrodite group. Totally opposite of what she expected. Paris, her twin, gets to be an Athena which adds to her confusion.
That’s not all she has to deal with. A very confused Penelope has a big problem getting from point A to point B, and it’s not her fault. This begins with a terrifying trip across the bridge to enter the school on the first day. She seems to be the only one having this issue, but each new side trip is just as strange and exciting, including a simple walk to her classes.
Penelope hopes her muse (kind of like an advisor) will be a source of help, but hers is not that way at all. New friends Fifi and Arjun help her immensely and add even more appeal to the story. They support her throughout. This includes trying to win the challenging contest between the groups, one which the boastful Athenas always win.
The story is loaded with surprising twist and turns. Never boring and each creepy encounter is handled in a perfect way for the intended audience. I could tell this story was not going to be wrapped up by the last page. There are still questions about Penelope and what will happen as she continues her education at the school for the next 6 years. The Aftermyth has an epic series appeal ready to take the lead in the 2026 class of middle grade fantasies.
Book Birthday: February 3, 2026
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE AFTERMYTH by Tracy Wolff
Sometimes what seems to be the wrong path you take can turn out to be the best. This changed Penelope is a great way. A real highlight of the story.
The three main characters are a fantastic group. Fifi’s enthusiasm and the deep thinking Arjun add so much, making this a memorable trio of friends.
A lot of action but also many humorous moments. The dialog between the characters will have you smiling more than once.
The world building is excellent and that starts right at Anaximander’s Academy where you will find buildings that don’t stay in the same place, an amazing candy room, and never a dull moment.
Losing the support of a twin sibling is a tough thing to go through. This one is not solved by book’s end and will have you guessing the next outcome.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tracy Wolff is the #1 New York Times, #1 International, and USA Today bestselling author of over sixty novels that run the gamut from young adult action adventures to new adult romance and from women’s fiction to erotica. A long-time lover of vampires, dragons and all things that go bump in the night, Tracy loves nothing more than combining her affection for paranormal creatures with her love of writing tortured heroes and kick-butt heroines.
When she’s not writing (which is a rare occurrence), she can be found trying out new recipes, offering make-up tips online, wandering comic book/gaming stores with her sons, and watching movies or plotting stories with her besties. A one time English professor, she now writes full-time from her home in Austin, Texas, which she shares with her family. Her most recent work, the young adult vampire novel, CRAVE, “is about to become fandom’s new favorite vampire romance obsession” (Hypable). (Tracy’s Author Website)
Tracy is beginning a book tour this week. Stop by if you are near any of these cities…
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BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!
Nothing scary about this monster story. Instead, young readers hooked on graphic novels will be entertained by the fun plot. Here’s what to expect:
Tasha’s family has run Camp Yeti for generations, but these days there just aren’t enough Yetis to fill the bunks. This summer they are rebranding as CAMP MONSTER–a superfun summer camp experience for ALL of monster-kind. Tasha can’t wait to show off all the camp traditions she loves!
But things get off to a rocky start–the goblins are causing a ruckus, the ogre is a total diva, and the werewolf keeps disappearing. This is not the perfect summer Tasha had hoped for. Then a series of mysterious mishaps occurs . . . someone is trying to sabotage Camp Monster! Can these monsters set aside their differences to find out who is behind the hijinks?
There are many characters besides Tasha but getting to know them is easier with the handy Meet Our Fellow Campers pages early in the story. It’s a group sure to bring a a smile to your face. Their biggest worry is protecting the camp from humans. They finally work together to keep that from happening.
Friendship serves as the overall theme of Camp Monster. The art work is detailed and colorful, matching the amusing vibe of the story. You will be hoping for more stories about this camp as you turn the final page.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: February 3, 2026 PAGES: 224
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
New York Times bestselling author Kate Messner is passionately curious and has written over seventy books for kids who wonder, too. Her titles include award-winning picture books like Over and Under the Snow , The Next Scientist, and The Scariest Kitten in the World as well as novels for older readers like Breakout and The Trouble with Heroes. Kate also writes the popular History Smashers graphic nonfiction series and the Ranger in Time historical adventures, and she leads the multi-author team behind The Kids in Mrs. Z’s Class chapter books. Kate lives on Lake Champlain and is a proud Adirondack 46er. Learn more at www.katemessner.com.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Falynn Koch was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. She has an MFA in sequential art from the Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta and is a graduate of the International Culinary Center in New York City. She loves to travel and explore the outdoors with her husband and occasionally her dogs. Her books from First Second include Science Comics: Bats, Science Comics: Plagues, Maker Comics: Bake Like a Pro!, History Comics: The National Parks,History Comics: The Wild Mustangs (with writer Chris Duffy), and Science Comics: Elephants (with writer Jason Viola).
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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. 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. Hope to see you back here on Monday!
••Isabelle Knight reviews The Missing Magic of Sparrow Xia by Leia Ham. Isabelle says this is a middle-grade fantasy that is both full of whimsy and wonder and also terribly heart-wrenching.
••Sue Heavenrich at Archimedes Notebookhas a non-fiction selection young readers will surely enjoy, Scat: The Incredible Science of Wildlife Poop (Books for a Better Earth) by Anita Sanchez
••Jenni Enzor in honor of the upcoming Milan Olympics is featuring five books for kids set in Italy. Three are picture books, but the middle grade titles are Just a Girl by Lia Levi and Rosa by Starlight by Hilary McKay.
••Maria Antonia is back with a review of Holding On for Dear Life by Dusti Bowling
••Rebecca Douglass shares her review of Three Blue Hearts, by Lynne Kelly.
••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of HOLDING ON FOR DEAR LIFE by Dusti Bowling. Rosi also shares three 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... 