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.

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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

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Posted in MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 7 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.

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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 (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.

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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

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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

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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 (3/30/2026)

Posted on March 30, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

 

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is where you can find my review of WONDERS OF SHADOW KEY by JJ Fleming.

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

••Natalie Aguirre isn’t quite done this week as she returns on Wednesday, sharing an interview with debut author Christopher Roubique and a giveaway of his middle grade fantasy, Mythspeaker. 

••Sue Heavenrich is over at Archimedes Notebook with a nonfiction title: Dinosaur Secrets Revealed! How High-Tech Tools Spark Discoveries (Sandra Markle’s Science Discoveries) by Sandra Markle.

••Jennifer Bohnhoff reviews an MG historical fiction set during the American Revolution, Dark Treason: An American Revolution Spy Thriller, perfect for teachers trying to find material for the 250th anniversary of the US.

••Brenda @ Log Cabin Library has her review of Nell O’Dell Hates Quests by Emily B. Martin.

••Rebecca Douglass has posted a review of Schooled by Jamie Sumner.

••Maria Antonia has a review + giveaway for: The Silent Journey by Havelah McLat.

••Patricia Tilton returns to the MMGM family with a review of The Clock and the Boulder by Karin Fisher-Golton, a time travel novel.

••Susan Uhlig is sharing Gary D. Schmidt’s THE LABORS OF HERCULES BEAL.

••Jennifer Rummel @ YA Book Nerd reviews Parachute Kids: a graphic novel about immigration and families.

••Rosi Hollinbeck reviews FASTER THAN A JET, BIGGER THAN A WHALE: AN ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO MEASURING OUR WORLD. Rosie 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.

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WONDERS OF SHADOW KEY

Posted on March 29, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

Climate change has caused a complete disruption in the life of twelve-year-old Eleanor. The time is in the near future and Florida is the setting. Hurricanes now happen weekly and have destroyed everything in their path, including Eleanor’s school.

She and her parents escape to a beach community that seems deserted but has had less damage than other parts of the coastline (This didn’t sound like a very good plan to me with more hurricanes on the way, but Dad is a die hard Floridian).

The real story begins when Eleanor finds a colony of ghosts living in the same apartment complex as her family. She first meets Mrs. Mabel Frobisher sitting in a lawn chair happily sipping an umbrella drink. Mabel is thrilled that Eleanor can see her and eventually introduces her to the other ghostly residents.

The ghosts’ time here is in danger of ending as sea monsters with tentacles are trying to take away their souls. They get closer with each passing storm. Eleanor tries to find a way to save her new ghostly friends and also rescue another ghost lost at sea.

WONDERS OF SHADOW KEY is a unique, fast moving plot sure to keep your attention throughout. Eleanor is a fantastic main character and her first person narration shines. The mark of a good writer. Eleanor doesn’t seem like a fictional character but someone who could be your next door neighbor. There are a few scary moments but nothing terrifying for young readers. Family, friendship, and the motivation to help others takes center stage in this endearing tale.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: March 31, 2026 PAGES: 186

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: WONDERS OF SHADOW KEY by JJ Fleming

  1. The parents are also memorable. Dad is trying to find work while also trying to get rich in the stock market. Mom makes jewelry out of shells. They both provide the perfect parental support to Eleanor.
  2. Although this is a story about growing up in the uncertain future, it also provides fuel for the present about working together even in a crisis.
  3. The quirky ghosts are a fun group. The Fabulous Singing Siren Sisters always have a song while a homesick pirate refuses to believe he is dead. There’s also a family and Eleanor volunteers to play with the two kids. You’ll hope these ghosts find their way by the final page.
  4. Yes, kids worry about their parents and the choices they make. Family is not a one way street as brilliantly portrayed here.
  5. This will hit home for readers who recall the upturn in our lives from COVID. Friendships and school classes were never in person and it was tough dealing with those changes. You’ll feel sad but also happy the way Eleanor tackles the uncertainty, especially through her writing assignments.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JJ Fleming is the “marvelously inventive” and “highly entertaining” author of the middle grade novel Wonders of Shadow Key as well as books and stories for adults (writing as John Henry Fleming). He directs the creative writing program at the University of South Florida, where he founded the literary magazine Saw Palm: Florida Literature and Art. He’s a two-time recipient of Florida Literature Fellowships and winner of the International Book Award. (JJ Fleming’s Website)

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Korobá: The Case of the Missing Kolo

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

Korobá lives in the Nigerian fishing village of Makoko, a setting I’ve never seen featured in a middle grade book. She likes to visit the market and walk the waterways with friends, Saidat and Joba, and Popi her cute dog.

The graphic style is perfect for this detective type story when Saidat’s Kolo is missing. A Kolo is a box, usually decorated, and each child in Makoko has one. They each use it to save money all year in anticipation of the annual harvest festival.

As the detective work begins, Korobá forms a list with her friends of possible suspects . There is no obvious culprit so readers will be guessing the identity of the thief along with the team of sleuths. There are clues early on which may lead you to the guilty party.

With superb, brightly colored illustrations the story moves along at a fast pace. I enjoyed learning about the real village of Makoko and how different it is compared to where I live. The intended audience will surely feel the same way.

Korobá: The Case of the Missing Kolo is best for new middle grade readers and for those who love an engaging mystery. The series will continue soon with the next adventure, Korobá: The Case of the Broken Masterpiece.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: Feb. 24 PAGES: 144

ABOUT THE AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR

Àlàbá Ònájìn is a children’s book author/illustrator born in Lagos state, Nigeria and has a Diploma in Freelance Cartooning and Illustration from The Morris College of Journalism, Surrey, Kent, UK. He is currently living in Gloucester, England, having recently emigrated from his home in Lagos, Nigeria. He has always had a passion for telling stories through his drawings, and as a child, was strongly influenced by the illustration style of Hergé’s Tintin series; these books sparked an energy to bring his stories to young readers around the world.

Ònájìn’s work includes two picture books with Maria Modugno at Random House Studio, Waaa Waaa Goes Tawa!, and Oh No, Ojo (2025). Past books include Anike Eleko, a comic book on girls’ education published by Farafina Books, On Ajayi Crowther Street, a graphic novel published by Cassava Republic in collaboration with the German cultural organization Goethe Institut, and other art collaborations with UNESCO on the Role of Women in African History Project, illustrating the lives of three great African women: Funmilayo-Ransome Kuti, Empress Taytu Betul of Ethiopia, and Miriam Makeba. (Author’s Website)

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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights and links from other bloggers about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS. Details on how to submit your post can be found in the right margin.

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

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday (3/23/2026)

Posted on March 23, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

 

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is where I review THE BLUE DRESS by Rebecca Morrison.

••Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles has a guest post by Aaron Starmer and a giveaway of his MG speculative You Are Now Old Enough to Hear This.

••Carol Baldwin has a book intended for adults, The Color Of Love: A Mother’s Choice In The Jim Crow South, but the historical significance and that it is narrated from a 12-year-old’s perspective might interest upper MG readers.

••Jenni Enzor is featuring Honey and Me by Meira Drazin.

••Linda Browne has her March version of Bookcase Bizarro where she reviews two MG cozy mysteries: Absolutely Truly and Yours Truly, by Heather Vogel Frederick.

••Jennifer Rummel @ YA Book Nerd reviews Right Back at You.

••Brenda @ Log Cabin Library has The Whisperwicks: The Labyrinth of Lost and Found by Jordan Lees, illustrated by Vivienne To.

••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of RISE OF THE SPIDER by Michael Spradlin. Rosie 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.

Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | Leave a comment