FOLLOW THE WATER

Posted on April 24, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

This is not a fantasy or some made-up science fiction tale. Instead what readers experience is a brave girl doing what seems would be impossible.

Nearly 55 years ago seventeen-year-old Juliane Koepcke and her mother were at the Lima, Peru airport. Their destination was the Panguana Reseach Station in the Amazon where dad and husband lived and worked. They boarded a Lockhead L188 Electa with other passengers. Disaster unfolded when the plane flew directly into a storm and was struck by lightning. The aircraft was torn into pieces and Juliane, still strapped into her seat, descended two miles before crashing into the rainforest canopy, and landing on the jungle floor. The amazing result of the crash: she was still alive.

Juliane awoke the next morning. The seats next to her where her mom and another passenger sat were empty. A broken collarbone, along with a missing shoe and glasses is what she discovered next. She had learned a lot from her rainforest-studying parents and used that knowledge to keep moving and follow the water. For eleven dangerous and horrific days she survived and moved closer to being rescued. At that time Juliane didn’t now that she was the sole survivor,

The first 20 plus pages are devoted to the necessary backstory before the doomed flight. I was anxious for the survival story to begin and was finally rewarded with the gripping account. Juliane’s journey was truly amazing and I was glad her emotional and physical recovery and the rest of her life so far were also detailed.

Sidebars throughout delve into the science that allowed Juliane to survive her fall, the diversity of life in the Amazon jungle, the natural history of Peru and much more. Follow the Water is a a story I will never forget. The writing is perfect for ages 10 and up.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: March 17, 2026 PAGES: 192

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ellen Cochrane writes immersive nonfiction for young readers that trusts their intelligence and their emotions. Her debut, “Follow the Water,” tells the true story of 17-year-old Juliane Koepcke’s survival in the Amazon. It’s an adventure that reads like a thriller and teaches how science lives in the world: weather, rivers, canopy, and the choices that keep us alive.

A longtime middle school teacher of English, English learners, Spanish, and Russian, Ellen brings classroom clarity and compassion to complex topics. She studied science writing at Johns Hopkins, is a certified California Naturalist, and previously wrote a syndicated column exploring the natural world. As a teen exchange student she lived in Lima, Peru, and traveled the same route into the jungle that frames Juliane’s story.

Ellen lives in Sacramento, where she champions literacy, nature education, and conservation. A portion of proceeds from “Follow the Water” supports the Panguana Foundation. For more, visit EllenCochrane.com.

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

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 Historical fiction, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday (4/20/2026)

Posted on April 20, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

 

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is where you can find my review of THE SPIDER STRIKES by Michael P. Stradlin.

••Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles has an interview with Van Hoang and a giveaway of her MG contemporary, Auntie Q’s Golden Claws Nail Salon.

••Charlotte’s Library reviews THE DELTA CODEX by Deva Fagan.

••Jenni Enzor and Valinora Troy are each posting the entertaining feature starring their two canine friends. Max and TOTP are interviewing each other about Love Rolls In by Erin Soderberg Downing.

••Susan Uhlig enjoyed THE OUTLAWS SCARLETTE AND BROWNE by Jonathan Stroud.

••Brenda @ Log Cabin Library has a review of The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy by Angela Cervantes.

••Jennifer Rummel @ YA Book Nerd reviews School of Thieves.

••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 , , | Leave a comment

THE SPIDER STRIKES

Posted on April 19, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

The third book in the engaging Web of the Spider series can be read on its own as they each feature a different character’s viewpoint.

Set in Heroldsburg, Germany before the start of World War II, three friends are dealing with changes in their community and the rise of Hitler Youth. Each book has one of the characters taking on the narration.

In book one, Rise of the Spider, 12 year old Rolf is worried his older brother is on the verge of joining the Hitler Youth. Next comes Threat of the Spider that features Ansel who is always ready to share one of his Unassailable Facts of Life comebacks.

The focus comes full circle with THE SPIDER STRIKES and the narration by Joshua. What doesn’t change is the danger, excitement, and page turning result each viewpoint brings to the time period. The shorter length of less that 150 pages should also attract many new young readers to historical fiction.

Joshua and his parents are Jewish and they are feeling threatened by the Nazi presence in their city. Joshua invites his friends, Rolf and Ansel, to join his family on their usual summer trip to Salzburg, Austria before Rolf leaves for America with his father.

Upon arrival Joshua convinces his parents to let the boys hike up to their mountain cabin and stay their alone for a week. The family finally agrees with many conditions. Little do they know the Nazis are also present in Austria. The camping trip turns into a struggle as the Hitler Youth choose to harass them continuously. The boys may never make it safely back to their families.

The story telling in THE SPIDER STRIKES is superb and readers will learn the difficulties of living in this sad time period from the viewpoint of a young person. An excellent series. Book 4, LIES OF THE SPIDER is next.

PAGE COUNT: 144 BOOK BIRTHDAY: February 24, 2026

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE SPIDER STRIKES by Micahel P. Spradlin

  1. In the back pages there is a historical timeline from when Hitler was born in 1889 up to the time he became chancellor of Germany. Informative and fascinating reading on its own.
  2. The writing and series of events within will be more than understandable to the intended audience of readers. Perfect through out where as some historical fiction books provide just a set of facts with little or no context.
  3. The research Mr. Spradlin puts you in the middle of the turmoil and you get a deep feeling of the unfairness in what Joshua’s family is dealing with. Historical fiction is far from boring here.
  4. There are many books about life during a war, but this one sets the stage for war with the changes citizens must deal with in the preceding years.
  5. The boys also have exciting adventures and come up with an amusing set of retaliatory pranks directed at the older boys pursuing them.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael Spradlin is the author of over a dozen books for children, some of which have actually been published. He grew up in a small town in Michigan not far from the Ohio-Indiana border and spent many hours of his young life keeping an eye out for “suspicious Hoosier and Buckeye activity.” His early youth was spent reading hundreds of books, imagining himself as the hero of several epic battles, and sneaking in fireworks from Canada to indulge his favorite pastime which was blowing up his collection of plastic Green Army Menand Matchbox Cars.

Michael Spradlin has never practiced law, dentistry (okay maybe once with a loose tooth, string and a doorknob) or flown in outer space. In 1978 he managed to talk his way into college and emerged four years later with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and no prospects for a real job. He has worked as a field hand,
a newspaper delivery engineer, a lawn maintenance specialist, a bartender, a bookseller,
and has lived in Michigan his whole life except for a two year sojourn to a
Southern state which he refuses to discuss.

Want to know more about Michael? Visit his FAQs

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

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

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

AMI MOON & the GALACTIC PEACEKEEPERS

Posted on April 17, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

The debut graphic in this new series has some promise, despite a rather choppy story telling experience.

The setting is Andromeda, a galaxy full of surprises and quirky characters. Ami Moon is the only human involved with the Galactic Peacekeepers and would like to find Earth some day. In the meantime she helps lead missions throughout. This is no ordinary group including a purple shark and a large puffy creature named Sumo. Also ever present is M.O.M., an artificial intelligence inclusion. It assists the group while they attend to several tasks like attending a birthday party on a planet made of paraffin and having a scary face down with a spider like creature.

Although the separate mini-stories are not too engaging or memorable, what stands out is the spectacular art work. Each page burst with vibrant scenes that are fun to explore and are engaging to the eyes. Ami Moon & the Galactic Peacekeepers has that going for it for sure and it will be interesting to see how the plot develops more fully in future books.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: February 10, 2026 PAGE COUNT: 216

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Frances Lee is a Canadian-Korean artist who loves to write and draws stories mostly at night. She often finds herself pondering about the cosmos and wishing for the ability to teleport. Ami Moon and the Galactic Peacekeepers, the first book in a trilogy, is her debut.

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

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, MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday (4/13/2026)

Posted on April 13, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

 

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is where you can find my review of LIANNA AND THE HOMBIT by Valinora Troy.

••Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles is doing a review of Jennifer Nielsen’s MG contemporary, The Free State of Jax, and her MG historical, Magnitude, with a book giveaway, winner’s choice!

••Sue Heavenrich at Archimedes Notebook has another interesting Non-fiction selection, What Good Is a Dead Tree: A Science Mystery by Doug Wechsler.

••Carol Baldwin has a review of The Silent Journey: A Deaf Immigrant’s Tale with guest blogger Kate Lundeen doing the honors.

••Jenni Enzor features an interview with Becca Wierwille. Max and I will be talking about her and her dog Georgia along with her new mystery series, Barnaby and Scout: The Case of the Four-Legged Friend.

••Brenda @ Log Cabin Library has a review of Hannah Edwards Secrets of Riverway by Ashley Hards.

••Valinora Troy is back with her review of Sammy versus the Smart Phone by Victoria Williamson.

••Stephanie Robinson at Fairday’s Blog features The Revenge of Queen Rose by Valinora Troy.

••Susan Uhlig was impressed with the writing and enjoyed THE UNFINISHED BUSINESS by Stephanie Campisi.

••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 , , | Leave a comment

LIANNA AND THE HOMBIT

Posted on April 12, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

I’ve looked forward to this fantasy story since I first heard about it from the author, MMGM frequent contributor, Valinora Troy. It was worth the wait.

Lianna at just 13-years-old has lost her father. She’s sent to live with her uncle to the far away land of Nivram. Her assumptions that it will be a terrible place are correct. No one there seems to like her because of what her father supposedly did. This includes that uncle who is also a judge.

She feels hopeless until a hombit, a glass bird, comes alive and steps into her life. Hombit is one of the most appealing and surprisingly fun non-human character I have come across. Their conversations with each other are memorable.

They agree to help each other. Lianna will assist the bird with a secret mission, so secret that the Hombit doesn’t even know what it entails. In return this magical creature will help Lianna get back to her original home.

That proves to be a huge task with a creature that is slowly invading Lianna’s body and turning her to stone. Uncovering family secrets and the truth about her father will have to happen if she is to stay alive.

Lianna is a fabulous character and very believable new teen in her thoughts and actions. She’s stubborn but also frequently debates the actions she chooses to take. Lianna is one you will not soon forget.

Family, friendship, bravery, and many magical moments make LIANNA AND THE HOMBIT an appealing choice.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: January 29, 2026 PAGES: 268

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: LIANNA AND THE HOMBIT by Valinora Troy

  1. The world building is excellent as readers will envision this new place right along with Lianna. From the coastal waters to the land of Nivram there are many surprises that will keep you turning the pages to learn more.
  2. The pacing in the 34 chapters is never slow and the events unfolding in each chapter have their own magic in creating an engaging plot.
  3. The uncle has a character arc that is both surprising and believable. His level of likeability rises as you discover the truth about the judge’s dislike of his brother, Lianna’s father. Great reveals throughout this superbly written story.
  4. Small and full-page illustrations appear throughout, adding even more appeal to the reading experience.
  5. The ending is heartwarming but not one you ever expected. The power of excellent writing.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Valinora Troy comes from a family of writers and artists. She holds a MA in Creative Writing (Children’s & Young Adults), and lives in Ireland.

Valinora has recently been short-listed in The Staróg Prize. Her books have all been well-received, and recognised in several awards.

Valinora’s first story, started at the age of five or six, featured a girl finding a magic diamond. It took her all summer to write the first few pages.

Since then, she has written many stories, both short and full length novels. The magic diamond, however, continued to call to her, and The Lucky Diamond was published in November 2021. The story changed greatly since she was six – but the Diamond, the five children, the canoe, and the evil Queen Rose insisted on staying.

You can find more about Valinora on her Author website and on Twitter @ValinoraW

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

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

Posted in MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

TABLE TITANS CLUB – SNEAK ATTACK

Posted on April 10, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

This fun graphic series returns with the second title. A beginning two pages highlights each of the five club members with some brief background information on each. Very helpful if you have not read the original Table Titan’s Club.

The five are headed to a summer camp. It’s a role playing paradise, especially for kids who love to play Dungeons and Dragons. The group will be immersed in several challenges and riddles. The result should bring nothing but success for the gang … or maybe not.

Upon arrival they are randomly placed into different houses for the camp’s ultimate quest. Now they have to compete against each other to win the top prize. The summer is filled with challenges like the Labyrinth, a rope’s course, and the final Battle Royale which just might end their friendship.

The outstanding art work vividly displays the emotions of each character. Colorful scenes in each of the six chapters will keep readers flipping the pages as the friendship drama escalates. The counselors blend in well with the kids and have some amusing tendencies.

If you love graphic novels look no further than TABLE TITAN’S CLUB SNEAK ATTACK.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: MARCH 10, 2026 PAGES: 224

About the Author

Scott Kurtz is an Eisner and Harvey award-winning cartoonist who helped pioneer webcomics with his daily feature, PvP. Since then, Scott has gone on to produce graphic novels, podcasts, animated series, live roleplaying events, and much more. Scott can be found hiding from the coronavirus in the Pacific Northwest but occasionally leaves his studio to enjoy the dog park or visit his family.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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 (4/6/2026)

Posted on April 6, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

 

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is where you can find my review of Lola Gillette and the Summer of Second Chances by Kimberly Behre Kenna.

••Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles has an interview with Jill Tew and a giveaway of her MG Rayana Johnson’s Giant Leap.

••Jenni Enzor features a guest post by Lizzy B., a young, up-and-coming author and recent homeschool graduate. She and her cat, Faith, will be sharing about Henry and the Chalk Dragon by Jennifer Trafton, illustrated by Benjamin Schipper. (Max is taking a break from his reading duties to roll in the  grass. :))

••Brenda @ Log Cabin Library has a review of Gire of Lore by Melanie Dale.

••Carol Baldwin has WHERE THE LIGHT SHINES IN with a guest blogger review by Kate Lundeen.

••Rebecca Douglass reviews The Secret Language of Birds by Lynne Kelly.

••Jennifer Rummel @ YA Book Nerd reviews Secrets and Scones: an older book about friendship and baking

••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 , , | Leave a comment

Lola Gillette and the Summer of Second Chances

Posted on April 5, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

Losing a sibling is a terrible thing to experience. It’s even more traumatic when you are just 13 and your twin sister has died. Our protagonist, Lola, feels responsible for the loss. The two of them always shared a treasured Perfect Pairs Collection. When Lola continues the tradition of adding one new pair per year, she gets caught stealing.

Lola’s parents send her to live with Uncle Milo who lives in a rundown mansion on the Connecticut River and after that to the Bad Girls Boarding School. Uncle Milo is deep in grief as he can’t get over the reality of his wife passing away. Lola is now determined to finish her collection that she feels would provide the luck to avoid getting sent to the boarding school.

There’s one problem after another keeping Lola from her goal. Now town leaders wants to condemn the mansion which motivates Lola to try and save it, leaving her still another big task to complete. Time is running out to finish her Perfect Pairs Collection and saving the mansion, even though Uncle Milo has no interest in her plan.

Lola narrates the story with perfection, displaying the emotional roller coaster she is experiencing. Along with her determination to be seen as a good person, Lola also has a knack for snooping. The rooms on the second and third floor hold many surprises. The heartfelt journey in Lola Gillette and the Summer of Second Chances is worth your time. You will remember Lola for her bravery and commitment in dealing with her guilt. A special character who fits in with this special story.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: March 3, 2026 PAGES: 170

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: Lola Gillette and the Summer of Second Chances by Kimberly Behre Kenna

  1. The setting creates the magical feeling you get while reading. There is a mysterious wolf and an old lifeboat that play a big part in Lola’s character ARC.
  2. Woven together are themes of saving nature, healing from grief, repairing damaged relationships, and keeping memories alive. That unique combination blends together with perfection.
  3. Kya is a girl who lives nearby. She and Lola share the same birthday but aren’t much alike otherwise. Regardless, Kya becomes a friend with Lola and her influence pays off with each passing page. She’s also quite the yodeler!
  4. The topic of a loved one’s death never overshadows the uplifting result you get by the end of the story.
  5. The page length will attract many new readers, especially those unwilling to pick up one of the more common 300+ page middle grade books.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kimberly Behre Kenna

After teaching fifth grade for many years, Kimberly earned an MA in Creative Writing from Wilkes University. Her children’s books have received recognition from the Nautilus Book Award, the Eric Hoffer Award, the Foreword INDIES Award, and the Green Earth Book Award. Kimberly has been a panelist and presenter at SCBWI events and workshops, a featured speaker at bookstore and library events, an MG panelist/moderator at the Virginia Festival of the Book, a panelist discussing banned books at the Collingswood Book Festival, and she will be a panelist/moderator at the 2026 AWP Conference discussing truth-telling in kidlit. She’s taught seminars on the transformational power of play on story-writing, most recently at Wesleyan University. You can learn more about her at KimberlyBehreKenna.com.

COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW

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

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

Posted in MG Contemporary Fiction, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

Princess Academy: The Graphic Novel

Posted on April 3, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

The original Princess Academy story hit the shelves for the first time over 20 year ago. The novel became an instant favorite for many and won a Newberry honor award. The story is set in a mountain town, a place where the king has decided the next princess will be chosen. The Academy is created to train girls in the manners of being a proper princess. Amidst the fierce competition, young Mira is unsure about her future. She may not become the chosen princess but she does find purpose in life.

The popularity of graphic novels makes this new version the perfect fit for anyone who has not read the original or for those who want to revisit the story in a colorful, page turning way. PRINCESS ACADEMY THE GRAPHIC NOVEL is bold and beautiful, capitalizing the story setting and characters. A great gift, especially for readers who are new to the plot.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: April 7, 2026 PAGES: 288

ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTORS in the making of: PRINCESS ACADEMY-THE GRAPHIC NOVEL

Shannon Hale is the Newbery Honor–winning and New York Times bestselling author of the Princess Academy series, The Books of Bayern, Book of a Thousand Days, Dangerous, and the graphic novels Rapunzel’s Revengeand Calamity Jack, as well as the Ever After High and Princess in Black series, and the upcoming The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl for Marvel. She also wrote three novels for adults, including Austenland, now a major motion picture starring Keri Russell. She and her husband, the author Dean Hale, have four children and live near Salt Lake City, Utah. http://www.shannonhale.com @HaleShannon

Victoria Ying is a critically acclaimed author and artist living in Los Angeles. She started her career in the arts by falling in love with comic books, this eventually turned into a career working in animation and graphic novels. She loves Japanese Curry, putting things in her shopping cart online and taking them out again and hanging out with her husband and cat, Bandito. Her film credits include Tangled, Wreck it Ralph, Frozen, Paperman, Big Hero 6, and Moana. She is the author and illustrator of her own series “City of Secrets and City of Illusion” as well as the Marvel/Scholastic “Shang-Chi and the secret of Immortality” and the illustrator of the DC series “Diana Princess of the Amazons.” Her YA debut “Hungry Ghost” was the recipient of the Harvey Award for best YA/Children’s Graphic Novel in 2023. Website

_______________________________________________

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 Uncategorized | 2 Comments