••George Frederick at FLAT DONKEY joins us for the first time. Welcome, George! He has an article about Peeking under the sheets of a middle-grade ghost story.
The two main 5th grade characters in this investigative story will be appealing to readers. Pictured on the cover is Andromeda (Andy) Diaz. She’s grown up under the guidance of her mom and dad who are both public defenders. Just by listening to their conversations over the years she has learned how her parents fight injustice.
Andy never expected she’d be helping a classmate, Benji Jones, who has been accused of stealing a gold watch from the school P.E. teacher.. Andy knows Benji is a good person and believes it seems unlikely he’d do such a thing.
Helping Andromeda is her best friend, Danny.. They try and piece together the events leading up to the theft by interviewing witnesses and finding proof that Benji had nothing to do with the theft despite it being found in his desk. Doing so is not easy especially when the principal, vice principal, and security officer firmly believe they have the guilty person in Benji.
The 17 chapters are an engaging read. Readers will learn all about undeniable truth and how we all have rights in the judicial system that must be followed if a person is to be found innocent. The truth is evident that Andromeda is a fantastic female lead and together with Danny, they provide the perfect youthful pairing.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: September 8, 2026 PAGES: 192
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT ANDROMEDA DIAZ AND THE REASONABLE DOUBT by Emily Galvin Almanza
Teachers will appreciate the discussion guide for the story to use with students on the author’s website. It’s a well-done accompaniment with questions and activities.
Readers will be piecing together the facts as the story progresses, making their own judgement as to who is guilty of the theft or if it really was Benji. A great way to keep one focused on what happens in the plot.
Chapter headings and usually a small image hint at what lies ahead. This made it easy to read just one more chapter before taking a break from the book.
Andromeda’s parents demonstrate that even though they are both lawyers, they conduct themselves differently when working on a case. Good to know lawyers aren’t all the same in how they proceed in their work.
As hinted on the closing page there is a possible new case for Andromeda which means a sequel, one that would be highly anticipated if you’ve read this one.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Emily Galvin Almanza is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Partners for Justice, a nonprofit creating a new collaborative model designed to empower public defenders nationwide. Prior to co-founding PFJ, Emily fought for clients inside the LA County Public Defender, Santa Clara County Public Defender, Bronx Defenders, and the Stanford Three Strikes Project. She believes that everyone is entitled not just to equal justice, but to equal mercy.
Emily is a graduate of Harvard University and Stanford Law School, where she earned the Deborah Rhode Prize for her work in the public interest. After her first year as a public defender, she clerked for the Honorable Thelton Henderson of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. In 2017, Emily was honored as one of the American Bar Association’s Top 40 Young Lawyers. Her writing has appeared in The Atlantic, The Washington Post, Newsweek, Teen Vogue, and TIME. Her book The Price of Mercy was published by Crown in February 2026. (Author Website)
Be sure to stop by again this Friday where I will be sharing two books that would make great gifts. There will be a GIVEAWAY opportunity where you could win both. Stay tuned!
The wildly popular series debuted back in 2008 with ON THE EDGE OF THE DARK SEA OF DARKNESS. Three books followed and eventually adapted into an animated TV series now going into its fourth season.
Here’s a short synopsis of the story line:
Janner Igiby, his brother, Tink, and their disabled sister, Leeli, are gifted children as all children are, loved well by a noble mother and ex-pirate grandfather. But they will need all their gifts and all that they love to survive the evil pursuit of the venomous Fangs of Dang, who have crossed the dark sea to rule the land with malice. The Igibys hold the secret to the lost legend and jewels of good King Wingfeather of the Shining Isle of Anniera.
New readers and ones who have already read the books can now enjoy book one in a graphic format. These kind of adaptations sometimes don’t work, but that is far from the truth here. Bold colors are used in each of the detailed illustrations. Alessia Trunfio has exceeded expectations on every page making for a visual experience young and old readers will enjoy.
THE WINGFEATHER SAGA is a perfect gift choice and a welcome addition to middle grade book shelves at school or at home.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: Sept. 8, 2026. PAGES: 224
About the Author
Andrew Peterson is a critically-acclaimed singer-songwriter, as well as the bestselling author of the Wingfeather Saga and an executive producer of the animated series. He is also the founder of the Rabbit Room, which nourishes community by cultivating and curating stories, art, and music. He and his wife, Jamie, divide their time between Nashville, Tennessee, and Oxford, England.
About the Illustrator
Alessia Trunfio has worked as a background artist for some of the most important animation studios in Italy. She currently works as a freelance artist on various animation and illustration projects. Powerful colors, lighting, and everything that can move her, like a beautiful soundtrack or a good book, inspires her work.
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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.
••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is where you can find my review of ROWAN + GEMMA by Sally J. Pla.
••Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an interview with Jackie García-Morales and a giveaway of her MG contemporary bilingual novel, Pesky Roots / Raíces fastidious.
••Carol Baldwin reviews RIGHT BACK AT YOU by Carolyn Mackler.
••Linda Browne is back with her most recent edition of Bookcase Bizarro with ROLL OF THUNDER, HEAR MY CRY and ALL YOU HAVE TO DO. Two books upper middle graders might find appealing.
Alternating viewpoints spoken by two special main characters make this a memorable read. The story is best for upper middle grade as Rowan and Gemma are just starting high school, but the family problems and innocent first crush will hit home with many ages 10 and up.
Rowan Monahan lives in the fictional town of Friendship Prairie with his parents. He’s bullied a lot by a cousin and tries to avoid him with not much success. Rowan is considered a slow learner due to his stuttering and slow processing. He is really quite brilliant at knowing how the best humans should act.
Gemma has just moved to the town with her mom and three older triplet brothers. She is autistic and is non-speaking so she uses her tablet with a variety of voices to communicate with others. High school will be a challenge as she is used to being home schooled.
Rowan and Gemma meet on the first day of classes and immediately start connecting with each other. The road ahead is quite upsetting as their mothers hate each other and are running for the same school board seat. Their accusations fly with personal attacks on each other. Rowan and Gemma don’t want this to effect their relationship so they try and keep their friendship a secret amidst this political storm.
The emotions are brought out superbly by these two teens. In many ways they become more mature than the adults they live with every day. ROWAN + GEMMA is a fast read thanks to the engaging back and forth narration. It will remind you of a modern take on Romeo and Juliet and will be well worth your time.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: Oct. 20, 2026. Pages: 288
5 MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: ROWAN + GEMMA by Sally J. Pla
The ending was a happy one and very unexpected how Rowan and Gemma became the catalyst for change among the adults.
Learning about Gemma’s challenges in communicating was a highlight of the story.
The triplet are football players and provide both amusing and supportive relationship scenes with their younger sister. Gemma is lucky to have them and realizes how each is different by the last page.
One of the high school teachers has an excellent take on media manipulation and AI. We could all learn from his class discussion in the second half of this story.
A truly appropriate look at a first relationship so no worries for parents if their 10-year-old wants to read this one.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sally J. Pla is an award-winning author renowned for her heartfelt and inclusive books for young readers. Her works often center on neurodivergent characters, reflecting her own experiences as a late-diagnosed autistic individual. Pla’s stories resonate with readers of all ages, offering authentic portrayals of characters who perceive the world differently.
Her books include TheFire, The Water, and Maudie McGinn, honored with the 2024 ALA Schneider Family Book Award for its representation of disability, The Someday Birds, which received the 2018 Dolly Gray Children’s Literature Award, Stanley Will Probably Be Fine, Benji, The Bad Day, and Me, Ada and Zaz,Invisible Isabel, and Rowan and Gemma (October 2026).
Beyond writing, Pla is a passionate advocate for neurodiversity and autism acceptance. She founded and manages A Novel Mind, a resource dedicated to exploring mental health and neurodiversity in children’s literature. Her advocacy work extends to appearances on television and radio, where she discusses the importance of embracing different ways of thinking.
Pla holds English degrees from Colgate University (with honors) and Penn State University (M.A.). Before becoming a full-time author, she worked as a business journalist and in public education. She resides in Southern California with her family, where she continues to write stories that celebrate the beauty of diverse minds and the power of empathy.
Childhood cancer is a devastating reality for many families. Author Michael G. Velázquez is devoted to helping those families in a big way.
DREAM BIG is the fictional story of Michael (age 16) and his younger brother Max (age 14). Also present is their loyal dog. After seeing many kids outside a cancer center, the boys decide to come up with a plan to build the National Hall of Champions and Learning Center on Childhood Cancer.
It’s a long road of getting community support and funding, along with working with families who are most impacted by cancer to make sure this dream fits with what they need. The boys also meet with doctors and nurses who are on the front lines of diagnosing and treating these children. Their dad is the helpful adult advising them along the way.
The story is a revealing and heartwarming look at childhood cancer. One that would be perfect as a read aloud and discussion starter.
Michael is the Founder of Childhood Cancer Hall of Champions.
For over two decades, he has been supporting organizations that advocate for children and families who are impacted by cancer.
In 2020, Michael decided to launch and fund this unique platform, with a purpose to share stories and connect families in need.
Michael is blessed with two healthy children of his own, Michael and Max. As a family legacy, a way to give back to the community, we look forward to creating a safe and helpful space with your stories.
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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.
••Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an interview with Kate O’Shaughnessy with a giveaway of her MG magical realism, Brittle Magic. (NOTE: NATALIE IS TRAVELING HOME TODAY AFTER ATTENDING AN OUT OF STATE FAMILY FUNERAL. SHE WILL VISIT AND COMMENT ON MMGM BLOGS AFTER SHE RETURNS.)
••Susan Uhlig enjoyed the fantasy Socks & Secret Quests by Triona Murphy and illustrated by James Firnhaber. Perfect for fans of Howl’s Moving Castle.
••Isabelle Knight reviews Sea Glass Girls, an upcoming MG contemporary told in verse by Beth Ferry.
••Jenni Enzor is featuring an interview with author Julie Sellers, who wrote Ann of Sunflower Lane and the forthcoming sequel, Home to Sunflower Lane.
••Jennifer at YA Book Nerd reviews SECRET BOOKSTORE, a bookstore murder mystery that takes place in 24 hours
••Rosi Hollinbeck has her next review of a Gary D. Schmidt classic with MARA’S STORIES: GLIMMERS IN THE DARKNESS. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.
Life has not gone well for Kitty. She’s lost her family and now lives in a rescue facility next to an obnoxious rabbit named Bunny Von Hopper. Hope arrives when Max and his mother visit the shelter.
Max is still distraught and blames himself for the death of his cat named Licorice. He decides Kitty might make a good replacement. They soon take Kitty to their home on 5 Manderly Lane and it’s a scary place for her.
There are other animals there like Fred the Turtle, Cookie the Hamster, and a bossy parrot named Duchess. They all take some getting used to. What’s worse though is the constant smell of that other cat named Licorice. This doesn’t feel like home for Kitty.
Max has friends too in Josh and Bella who constantly bring up the fact that Kitty is nothing like Licorice who they both liked. Kitty tries her hardest to fit in and be Max’s little pal so she doesn’t get sent back to the shelter.
The story is an endearing and touching look at felines that cat lovers will especially enjoy. If you are not a fan of cats I’d still give this one a go since the story of belonging is so well written. The tale is also a retelling of Daphne du Maurice’s classic REBECCA.
With a memorable narration by Kitty, LICORICE is one you will want on your bookshelf.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: October 20, 20026. PAGES: 224
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: LICORICE by Kara LaReau
Max’s mother adds a little humor with her obsession about streaks of good and bad luck and astrological signs.
Black and white drawings like the one below with Kitty staring at a mantle picture of Max and Licorice, provides the perfect accompaniment to the plot.
Suspenseful but not scary for the middle grade aged reader.
The 19 chapters move forward with a nice pace. A good one for a read aloud.
I like when there is a surprising twist at the end of a story and this one has a great one.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kara LaReau worked as an editor at Candlewick Press and Scholastic Press, where she edited celebrated titles such as Kate DiCamillo’s Because of Winn-Dixie (winner of a Newbery Honor), The Tiger Rising (finalist for the National Book Award), The Tale of Despereaux (winner of the Newbery Medal), The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (winner of the Boston Globe Horn Book Award), and the Mercy Watson series. She’s the author of the award-winning chapter book series The Infamous Ratsos, illustrated by Matt Myers; middle-grade trilogies The Unintentional Adventures of the Bland Sisters, illustrated by Jen Hill, and the ZomBert Chronicles, illustrated by Ryan Andrews; the chapter book series WITCHYCAKES, illustrated by Ariane Moreira; and many picture books. Kara lives in Providence with her husband and daughter and their cats.
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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW
BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!
Readers are always asking me if I have any gift ideas for a certain age group. Recently I’ve had several inquiries about 6 -10 year olds who don’t want any heavy novels, just something fun and engaging to have on hand. Here are three choices sure to please:
The easy to read 85-page story is the second book in the Muslim Mavericks series. Earlier this year I featured book one, MAYSOON ZAYID, THE GIRL WHO CAN CAN. In this newest fascinating and revealing book we meet Mo Farah, who became the greatest distance runner of all time. Mo’s real name was Hussein Abdi Kahin but was given the new name after being trafficked from his family home in Somaliland to England at the age of 9.
The challenges ahead were many, but with help of caring adults he was able to find the courage to hopefully reconnect with both his real family and find the other boy, the original Mo Farah. Illustrations help reveal the story. MO FARAH is a story you won’t forget. He won 4 Olympic gold medals and now at age 43 Mo continues to provide inspiration. Check out his website here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR OF THE MUSLIM MAVERICK SERIES
Dr. Seema Yasmin is a Pulitzer Prize finalist, Emmy Award-winning journalist, medical doctor, professor, poet and author. A fiction fellow of the Kundiman and Tin House workshops, she is the author of five books including Muslim Women Are Everything, Viral BS: Medical Myths and Why We Fall for Them, and the poetry collection, If God is a Virus. Yasmin trained in medicine at the University of Cambridge and in journalism at the University of Toronto. She served as an officer in the Epidemic Intelligence Service and is director of the Stanford Health Communication Initiative, clinical assistant professor of medicine at Stanford University and visiting assistant professor of crisis management at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management.
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WHERE’S WALDO? SPOOKY SPOT THE DIFFERENCE
Where’s Waldo is back as he and his friends go on a Halloween adventure. From cover to cover there are unique, challenging puzzles that will have young readers smiling and flipping the pages back and forth. No two puzzles are alike with fun challengers like finding differences in four magical lands or finding 15 differences in pirates hats to name a few. WHERE’S WALDO SPOOKY SPOT THE DIFFERENCE would make a great gift for the visual learner in your family.
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WHERE’S WALDO ADVENT CALENDAR
Each day in the calendar offers a new mini-book with search-and-find activities, jokes, and facts. Something new to discover every day. And for extra excitement on Christmas Eve, press out and assemble a figure of Waldo to hide and surprise your friends and family with! This brilliant, boredom-busting advent calendar is perfect for screen-free fun, imaginative play, and festive family moments.
Another fantastic gift choice and one that can be brought back yearly. WHERE”S WALDO ADVENT CALENDAR is a winning format.
ABOUT THE WHERE’S WALDO AUTHOR
Martin Handford spent much of his childhood drawing and his earliest influences were cinema epics and playing with toy soldiers. After art college, he began working as a freelance illustrator specializing in drawing crowd scenes. Martin now gathers his inspiration from a huge variety of sources: films, visiting museums and art galleries, reading comics and books, and collecting ephemera and trivia. Gradually, from all this meticulous research, the inspiration for a picture emerges, which Martin embellishes with his own ideas to create his astonishing scenes. He is fascinated by crowds and is attracted to their vibes, patterns and details – especially humor.
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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.
••Carol Baldwin shares guest reviewer Kate Lundeen’s review of A STORM INSIDE HER by Lola Mae.
••Susan Uhlig was fascinated by Maire Roche’s LITTLE MONSTERS, a Little Women retelling with a big twist.
••Jenni Enzor is featuring Thunder and Mercy by Jennifer Robin Barr.
••Rosi Hollinbeck has her next review of a Gary D. Schmidt classic with WEDNESDAY WARS. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.
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.
