Marvelous Middle Grade Monday (Sept. 28, 2026)

Posted on September 28, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

 

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is where you can find my review of THE INVISIBLE THREAD by Sue Lamoree.

••Brenda at LOG CABIN LIBRARY reviews True Crime Files: Heist at the Museum! by Sam Subity.

••Susan Uhlig is a fan of Gennifer Choldenko’s THE TENTH MISTAKE OF HANK HOOPERMAN.

••Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles has an interview with Isaac Fitzsimons and a giveaway of his MG fantasy, Astra Fox and the Rise of the Wonderworkers.

••Jenni Enzor shares an interview with Anna Rose Johnson about her newest release, Secrets at Sparhawk Point.

••Jennifer Rummel at YA Book Nerd reviews Nothing to See Here.

••Charlotte’s Library has a review of HOLIDAYS AT THE CASTLE by Jessica Day George.

••Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a book to share every day. Check out Karen’s MMGM review for today and all her posts from this past week including last Friday’s review of The Team and The Tush Push Trouble

••Also…Not an MG book review but Carol Baldwin shares what she is learning and figuring out as she continues to write her next novel. You can find her update at OUT OF THE FLAME: DISCOVERING THE STORY.

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THE INVISIBLE THREAD

Posted on September 27, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

The cover peaked my interest and had me guessing all sorts of possibilities where the plot might be going. A boy in a wheelchair and his dog staring into the forest. I never expected what unfolded in this memorable tale of discovery.

An accident leaves Marvin Wright in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. At 11-years-old he is being bullied by a former friend, and his parents have split up dividing the family he once knew and loved. If that weren’t enough he is faced with the thought of never having his old life back as a boy who loves to play soccer.

Then Anna enters his life. She says heaven is her home and doesn’t know how she suddenly ended up back on Earth. Marvin tries to figure out a way to help her and in the process they both face the challenge of stopping a developer who is destroying the land where wildlife lives.

The 24 chapters move along at a nice pace. Marvin’s special story gives readers young and old an inside look at the challenges a disability brings to a child. I loved his tender relationship with Anna and the new friendships he gains. If you enjoy books with a a spiritual theme but also one with the environmental centerpiece, you will find the experience of reading THE INVISIBLE THREAD thought provoking and moving.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: June 23, 2025 PAGES: 170

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE INVISIBLE THREAD by Sue Lamoree.

  1. The marvelous character ARC for Marvin. He finds new meaning in his life and that alone makes this story special.
  2. Marvin takes solace in riding horses at an academy who help him ride with his disability. It showed how special animals can be in the healing process. That includes Bailey his beloved dog.
  3. The epilogue closed the story in superb fashion. Those final words were both revealing and emotional in its message.
  4. Forgiveness is so important in life and here we see it displayed in many ways for both children and adults. Bravo.
  5. A perfect story for a family to read and discuss together.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Telling stories has always been my way of relating with others. I love writing short stories, novels, poems, whatever drifts into the forefront of my imagination. As a child, I could usually be found in a quiet corner diving into distant lands through the gateways of my favorite books. Or taking pen to paper creating imaginary worlds of my own. My college studies were designed to hone my storytelling skills into a viable career.

As often happens, life knocked me off course and I ended up putting my dreams of writing aside. I relocated to Southern California and earned a degree in Business Management while building a career in finance. Five years later, I returned to my roots in the PNW and shortly afterwards was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis (TM).  The condition left an incomplete quadriplegic in its wake. Without my consent my life had spiraled into foreign territory.

Over the years, and through God’s grace, I learned to accept and manage my physical limitations with humor and dignity. Although the journey is challenging at times I have been blessed by the support of others.  For this reason my passion for writing has been reignited.  I hope my readers will find courage and faith within the pages of my humorous, spiritual, and sometimes challenging anecdotes about life from a quadriplegic’s perspective. (For more about Sue and her books visit her author webpage)

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Posted in MG Contemporary Fiction | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

The Adventures of He-Man and Porter #1

Posted on September 25, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

He-Man is not a new character but one that first appeared in 1981 as a Master’s of the Universe protagonist in He-Man and the Power Sword. In SKELETOR AT MY HOMEWORK, we meet Porter Avery a boy who lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with his dad. They don’t always agree on bed times and studying for tests, but one night Porter falls into a magician box and now his problems have increased ten-fold.

He ends up captured in Eternia as He-Man and Skeletor prepare to battle with the result having an impact on the entire planet. Will young Porter make it back home or is he destined to become pet food in this fantasy world?

The text based novel has frequent illustrations which young readers will appreciate. The story moves along at a fast pace with a heartwarming ending. The tale is perfect for any MG reader, especially those reluctant to pick up a book. The series will get its second installment next year with Please Don’t Tell My Dad.

ABOUT STEPHAN PASTIS

Stephan Pastis took an unusual route to becoming a number-one best-selling comics creator: he went to law school. It’s not that he didn’t want to become a cartoonist – as a child growing up in the Los Angeles suburb of San Marino, he spent many happy hours off by himself drawing. He was routinely called on to create cartoons for his school newspapers. But by the time he graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with a degree in political science, Pastis – a completely self-taught artist – felt it unlikely that his cartoons would ever be syndicated.

So he found himself sitting in class at UCLA Law School, hopelessly bored, sketching the character Rat (who would later become a mainstay of all his future comic strips). Creative inspiration followed him through graduation in 1993 to his first law firm job in San Francisco, where by 1996 he finally started submitting his comics to syndicates. Persisting through an initial spate of rejections, Stephan Pastis created his signature strip Pearls Before Swine, chronicling his worldview through the misadventures of arrogant Rat, dumb-but-sweet Pig, philosophical Goat, along with a brood of other anthropomorphized animals and many, many puns. The strip was eventually syndicated in 1999 and can now be read in over 800 newspapers, dozens of book collections, and on GoComics.com. Several of the collections have appeared on The New York Times Best Sellers list.

In 2013, inspired to break out of the box of a daily comic strip, Pastis took on the new challenge of becoming a children’s author, penning the first book in a projected middle grade series called Timmy Failure, about an inept kid detective and his sidekick polar bear. Fail it did not; receiving stellar reviews and becoming an instant New York Times and National Indie bestseller. Now published in nearly 40 languages worldwide, Pastis’ defective detective has become a breakout children’s book character.

ABOUT WILL HENRY

Will Henry is the creator behind Ordinary Bill and Wallace the Brave, both distributed on GoComics.com. His professional career began with his strip Room Mates, which was published in The Daily Campus during his time at the University of Connecticut. He draws his inspiration from everyday life and in the age of the smart-phone, he aims to re-create a world in which kids “still collect bugs and fly kites and eat ice cream cones upside-down.” He lives in Rhode Island with his wife, his cat, and his mistress, the sea.

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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 (Sept. 21, 2026)

Posted on September 21, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

 

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is where you can find my review of THE HUNGRY FOREST by Kaela Rivera.

••Susan Uhlig is in love with the historical novel A PLACE TO HANG THE MOON by Kate Albus.

••Carol Baldwin shares guest reviewer Kate Lundeen’s review of an upper MG/YA novel, THE SUMMER SCRAPBOOK. There’s also a GIVEAWAY opportunity.

••Jenni Enzor is featuring Bridge of Stars by Tasha Kanzijian.

••Jennifer Rummel at YA Book Nerd reviews Wildfire Book List.

••Isabelle Knight has an author interview with Ava McDonald, a young writer and author of The Moon Crystal.

••Brenda at Log Cabin Library takes a look at The Hardy Boys Clue Book Fall Mysteries 3-in-1.

••Rosi Hollinbeck has her next review of a Gary D. Schmidt classic with LIZZIE BRIGHT AND THE BUCKMINSTER BOY. 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 review for today and all her posts from this past week including last Friday’s review of STANLEY.

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

THE HUNGRY FOREST

Posted on September 20, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

Full of scary scenes, THE HUNGRY FOREST will appeal to those who love a creepy good monster story.

Ryan and Teddy lost their dad after he disappeared into the hungry forest, never to be seen again. He had warned them never to set foot in there themselves. Now that Dad is gone, Ryan has vowed to be the man of the family and tries to be that way with Teddy, despite his embarrassing behavior of always holding onto a teddy bear. Ryan’s anger and grief though is always directed at Teddy and he feels like a failure.

One day they hear a voice coming out of the forest and that voice belongs to Dad. Ryan goes in and warns his brother to stay put. Instead, Teddy sneaks in and is captured by a masked monster. Ryan soon learns they only have until sunrise or they will both be trapped in the hungry forest forever. From there it is one gripping scene after another as they will need to put aside their differences to stay alive.

The 37 chapters are full of tense moments and always end urging one to keep reading. Each turn of the page is a surprise you never expected. The third person narration works flawlessly to drive the story forward. The concluding scenes wrap up all plot points. No hint at a sequel but one would certainly be welcome for fans of this type of creepy tale.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: August 18, 2026 PAGES: 256

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE HUNGRY FOREST by Kaela Rivera

  1. Perdida is a young girl who has been trapped in the forest for over 40 years. She hasn’t aged at all since then but a permanent mask is the mark she must wear after being captured. The boys make friends with her but their relationship is often at odds, especially with Ryan. Her inclusion adds real depth to the plot.
  2. The world building and creepiness of the monsters made this place all too real!
  3. The different personalities of Teddy and Ryan will be familiar to readers with siblings. Ryan is athletic and a runner while a much less active 8-year-old Teddy stays to himself and his stuffed bear. Their relationship changes in ways never expected.
  4. The grief and healing process of losing a family member was handled superbly.
  5. A good read aloud for the classroom or parent and child. Always nice to have support from others during scary scenes

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kaela Rivera is the multi-award-winning author of the Cece Rios trilogy, LEGO DREAMZzz: Dream Chasers and the Riddle-Spokens, and The Hungry Forest (coming Aug 18, 2026). She grew up reading the folktales of her Mexican-American and British parents in the forests of Tennessee, but now she writes about them from the soaring mountains of Utah. When not weaving together stories, she works in marketing, watches anime, or busies herself illustrating new adventures. She believes in the power of hope and aims to write adventures that heal. Sign up for her newsletter at kaelarivera.com.

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Posted in MG Fantasy, MG Mystery | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

JAZZY THE WITCH IN FRIEND FIASCO

Posted on September 18, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

Jazzy the Witch returns with a second story in this fun graphic series. Last year I featured Jazzy in BROOM DOOM where readers discovered she likes riding bikes more than brooms.

In this story, Jazzy takes her love of cycling by training other witches. She is the best rider so it makes sense, but then a new rider appears who is showing off how they might even be better than Jazzy in their cycling prowess. This new witch is also smart, possibly smarter than best friend Aggie.

Jazzie and Aggie choose not to befriend this witch. Instead they start an all out prank war, This also has its consequences leading Izzy to rethink their plan. Maybe the town has room for both of them to excel at school and on a bike.

The illustrations stand out on every page with colorful and fun expressions on each character’s face. It’s a fast pace read that will make you smile. The back pages include extras that will also please young readers. There’s a Witch-tionary and How to take a Moon Bath.

Perfect for readers who may rarely pick up a text based novel, JAZZY THE WITCH IN FRIEND FIASCO would also make a nice Halloween gift to add to that treat bag.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessixa Bagley is a children’s book author-illustrator with a background in fine art and comics. She has had work featured in publications such as New American Paintings, Highlights Magazine, The Stranger, and Illustoria Magazine. She’s also the author of the middle grade graphic novels Duel and Dear Jackie (illustrated by Aaron Bagley) and the author-illustrator of the middle grade graphic novel series Jazzy the Witch. Jessixa is a two-time Washington State Book Award recipient; first in 2016 for her debut picture book, Boats for Papa, and again in 2024 for her graphic novel, Duel. Jessixa also received a 2018 Ezra Jack Keats Honor Award for picture book Laundry Day. Many of her books are Junior Library Guild Selections. In her work, she’s drawn to animals and emotional themes often inspired by her own experiences. Jessixa also teaches and speaks about writing and illustration. She often illustrates for other writers and artistically collaborates with her husband, Aaron Bagley. Jessixa lives in Seattle with her husband and son. (Author Website)

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I don’t usually feature chapter books since this blog is ALWAYS in the MIDDLE. I’m making an exception though for a yarn that is about, well, Yarn. YARN IS EVERYTHING arrives as the third book in the Jasper Rabbit’s Creepy Tales! series.

Nine-year-old Winona is a mole who loves Yarn. She’s becoming a master at creating lifelike yarn sculptures with her crocheting excellence. This obsession leads her to being invited to participate as a contestant on the popular TV show: Yarn is Everything. The result is a surprise right to the final page. Each of the 13 chapters include a few illustrations that compliment the text nicely.

YARN IS EVERYTHING is not only a fun, creepy tale, but one that also might encourage a young readers to begin that next level of reading with a middle grade book.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR, Aaron Reynolds…

Is a #1 New York Times Bestselling Author and has written many highly acclaimed books for kids including creepy carrots!, cREEPY PAIR OF UNDERWEAR!, Creepy crayon!, THE INCREDIBLY DEAD PETS OF REX DEXTER, and the epic fantasy series fart quest. He has a passion for kids’ books and seeing kids reading them. He regularly makes time for school visits, where his hilarious and heartfelt presentations keep kids spellbound. He lives in Chicago with his wife, two kids, three cats, and anywhere between zero and ten goldfish, depending on the day.

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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 | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday (Sept. 14, 2026)

Posted on September 14, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

 

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is where you can find my review of THE SHERLOCK SOCIETY ART ATTACK by James Ponti.

••Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an interview with M.K. England and a giveaway of her MG mystery, Riley Dare: Slightly Witchy Sleuth. 

••Jennifer Rummel at YA Book Nerd reviews a novel in verse: The Burning Season.

••Isabelle Knight is back with us this week with a review of Some Kind of Happiness by Claire Legrand.

••Kasey at THE STORY SANCTUARY also has a review of THE SHERLOCK SOCIETY ART ATTACK by James Ponti.

••Rosi Hollinbeck continues with her next review of a Gary D. Schmidt classic in ANSON’S WAY. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

••Susan Uhlig shares her thoughts on CUCKOO SONG by Frances Hardenge.

••Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a book to share every day. Check out Karen’s MMGM review for today and all her posts from this past week including Saturday’s review of THE LIBRARY OF MEMORIES and NAT AGAIN.

Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

THE SHERLOCK SOCIETY ART ATTACK

Posted on September 13, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

The Sherlock Society returns for a third book in the series. This plot is driven by a new case: finding a secretive graffiti artist known as Funky Munky, whose work often criticizes local politicians and businesses. Alex, Zoe, Lina, and Yadi, the now well-known Sherlock Society, have been hired by a developer who wants this person’s work for a new mural at a hotel. He promises a nice payout to the group.

It becomes more challenging as their investigation occurs during Miami Art Week and many artists are in town. Using a very smart sting operation, they eliminate suspects until there is just one remaining. The results aren’t what they expect.

I won’t give away any more in the fun, intricate plot. Young Alex narrates the tale that will engage the reader through 32 chapters. There are references to the previous book, Hurricane Heist, but you can read this one on its own.

The Sherlock Society Art Attack will appeal to those who love a good mystery combined with a compelling cast of characters. I sure hope we’ll see this group back with a new case like the one hinted at in the final pages featuring Area Fifty-Two in the Everglades.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: Sept. 8, 2026 PAGES:320

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE SHERLOCK SOCIETY ART ATTACK by James Ponti

  1. Grandpa is exactly that and more to Alex and Zoe. He is a memorable adult who helps them with their case. His sense of humor and the Cadillac he drives put him at the top of adult characters in the story.
  2. The focus on the Miami art scene and the graffiti artists was a plus. I knew little about this world before reading all about it as the center stone in the plot.
  3. The Sherlock Society seems real and possible given the amazing formation of the story. Nothing is left for chance.
  4. Spirit week at the school was a fun inclusion, especially for 12-year-old Alex who is not into this type of thing. He learns after the first day mini-disaster and actually enjoys the remaining dress-up days.
  5. The balance of action, times of friendship, and tense moments were balanced to perfection.

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 more than seventy state award lists, translated into sixteen languages, and sold over one million copies. City Spies has been optioned by Amazon MGM Studios for development as a film franchise. He’s a two-time Edgar Award-nominee, winning in 2018 for Vanished!

​​James was born in Italy and grew up in Atlantic Beach, Florida, where he could usually be found on the beach, at the movies, or playing sports. Despite being a reluctant reader, he decided to become a writer in the fifth grade. ​

A graduate of the University of Southern California’s film school, he spent thirty years working in television, first as a scriptwriter for Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, and PBS; and then as a writer/producer for History Channel, Spike TV, Golf Channel, and NBC Sports. He wrote, produced, and co-directed the Emmy-nominated documentary 27 Years: The Exoneration of Valentino Dixon.

He loves to travel with his family and visit museums, historic landmarks, major league baseball parks, and, most of all, bookstores. He lives in Orlando, Florida.​ (Author Website)

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Posted in MG Contemporary Fiction, MG Mystery | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

THE SPARK EXPERIMENT

Posted on September 11, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

A graphic novel that encourages reader engagement through 18 actual experiments. They are scattered throughout the story of two kids who try and save their town.

Here is the official word on this engaging title:

Fifth grader David Patel and his spirited second-grade neighbor Marta Martinez, uncover a science experiment gone wrong and are suddenly transported to the mysterious Micro Universe-a strange dimension where the laws of physics no longer apply. With the help of a curious creature named Spark, they manage to return home.. not realizing they’ve accidentally brought back a dangerous threat: Negatrons, energy-draining beings intent on invading their town. As they spread, David, Marta, and Spark must use creativity, problem-solving, and 18 real do-it- yourself science experiments-all of which readers can perform themselves-to save their community and learn to “spark” their own imaginations along the way.

There is also a QR code in the final pages that leads to videos describing each experiment. A great extra that provides hours of hands-on fun.

The graphics stand out on every pages with colorful panels that show each character’s emotions. Story telling and science blend together in winning fashion. THE SPARK EXPERIMENT is a perfect choice for new and established readers of middle grade graphic novels.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: April 28, 2026. PAGES: 144

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Matthew K. Manning is the author of over 100 comic books and equally as many prose books. He has written for DC, Marvel, IDW, Storm King, Skybound, Mad Cave, Abrams, Scholastic, Disney, DK Publishing, Insight Editions, Capstone, Andrews/McMeel, Running Press, and several other publishers. Some of his favorite projects include his creator-owned series John Carpenter’s Tales of Science Fiction: Pause, the mini-series Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures, the kids’ science adventure The Spark Experiment, the hardcover The Batman Files, the twelve-issue comic series Marvel Action: Avengers, and his multiple stints on the Dick Tracy comic strip.

He lives in Asheville, North Carolina with his wife Dorothy and his two goofball kids, Lee and Gwen.(Matthew K. Manning’s WEBSITE)

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Matthew Loux is creator of the graphic novels My Journey to Japan, Escape to Yokai Mountain (Tuttle Publishing), Prunella and the Cursed Skull Ring, The Time Museum Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 (First Second Books), Sidescrollers and the five volume series Salt Water Taffy (originally published by Oni Press) and is artist for The Spark Experiment (Andrews McMeel). The Time Museum Vol. 1 received a starred Kirkus review, was listed on the 2018 Texas Library Association’s prestigious Maverick list, was a Panda Book Award winner of 2018 and was nominated for the RI Children’s Book Award. Sidescrollers was placed on the American Library Association’s YALSA, Great Graphic Novels for Teens, list of 2008 and in 2009 Salt Water Taffy was placed on the Texas Library Association’s Maverick list as was Prunella and the Cursed Skull Ring in 2023. Matthew also illustrated the graphic novel F-Stop and the board comic Good Night Gabbaland based on the Nick Jr. television show Yo Gabba Gabba and has contributed comics and cover art for the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.
Matthew lives in New York. (Matthew Loux’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.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday (Sept. 7, 2026)

Posted on September 7, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

 

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is where you can find my review of SISTERS ALONE by Shifa Saltagi Safadi.

••Jenni Enzor is featuring Honey Butter by Millie Florence.

••Brenda @ Log Cabin Library takes a look at Death in the Tallgrass by Andrea L. Rogers

••Jennifer Rummel at YA Book Nerd reviews Dare You to Dance – a ballet graphic novel.

••E.T. Charles enjoyed BOOK SCAVENGER: THE ALCATRAZ ESCAPE the third book in the BOOK SCAVENGER series by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman.

••Valinora Troy is back with us on MMGM with a review of  Mischievous Magical Maia Malone by Lindsay J Sedgwick.

••Kasey at THE STORY SANCTUARY reviews When You’re Brave Enough by Rebecca Bendheim.

••Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a book to share every day. Check out Karen’s MMGM review for today and all her posts from this past week including Saturday’s review of VISIBLE.

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