HYPERGIFTED

Posted on February 6, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

This newest addition to the “Gifted” series can be read on its own. You can always go back and checkout the popular predecessors, UNGIFTED and SUPERGIFTED.

HYPERGIFTED refers to one of the main characters, 12-year-old Noah Youkilis, who has an IQ of 206. Since my IQ follows the sign that hangs in my office, I was hoping I’d still enjoy reading about Noah.

Despite that gap between myself and Noah, I pushed forth and I’m glad I did.

School is easy for this super genius, but now he has been invited to attend the prestigious Wilderton University. He’d rather not accept the opportunity but it happens anyway. One good thing is he can invite a friend, his very average IQ buddy, Donovan.

Donovan would prefer to have a summer of doing nothing, but his parents decide the better plan is to send him off to roommate with Noah while they vacation in Europe. His summer has for sure been ruined as he will now be working as an on-campus camp counselor for 8-year-olds while Noah takes college classes.

The experience has Noah attempting to join the secret Society of the Gavel while he also creates an AI program that causes a lot of problems. Meanwhile Donovan is busy with his group of 8-year-olds as one keeps disappearing for hours. Without giving too much away Noah and Donovan end up having to smuggle the University’s highly adored mascot, a 200 pound pig into their dorm room.

Yes, it’s a crazy summer for the two of them. Despite their different IQ’s, the two of them together and the conversations they have are often hilarious. Another highlight is seeing how Noah and Donovan interacted with the older college age students and the younger elementary age kids. It’s a challenge either way.

The plot is relayed through multiple viewpoints. While not my favorite way of story telling, it did work well here. I still think a dual format might have worked better. Regardless, this entertaining story is well worth your time and would make a great read aloud. It’s also a springboard for a discussion about the positives and negatives of AI. HYPERGIFTED ends on a high note but the intended audience would surely give a thumbs up for another one in the series.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: February 3, 2026 PAGES: 272

ALL ABOUT GORDON KORMAN

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Welcome to the wonderful world of a regular guy who just happened to write 100 books for kids and teens.

I was born on October 23, 1963 in Montreal, Canada, and grew up mostly in the Toronto area.

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My writing career began virtually by accident when I was in 7th grade. The track and field coach had to teach English. For creative writing, he gave us total freedom to work on whatever we wanted for the rest of the year. It was February. That added up to a class period per day for more than four months. The result was my first novel, THIS CAN’T BE HAPPENING AT MACDONALD HALL.

I sent my manuscript to Scholastic because I was the class monitor for Scholastic Book Orders, and figured I was practically an employee. Seriously. (Full disclosure: my mom had to type my book for me.) It was a totally flukey and random way to launch a publishing career, but here’s the thing: It worked.! THIS CAN’T BE HAPPENING AT MACDONALD HALL was published by Scholastic when I was a freshman in high school, and I was on my way.

I’ve been writing for more than three-quarters of my life. My books have been translated into 32 languages and have sold over 35 million copies worldwide. I have a BFA degree from New York University with a major in Dramatic Writing and a minor in Film and TV.

I now live on Long Island, outside New York City, with my wife and family. When I’m not writing, you can usually find me on the road, appearing at schools, libraries, and bookstores, meeting my readers. (FOR MORE ABOUT GORDON KORMAN AND HIS BOOKS VISIT HIS AUTHOR WEBSITE)

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

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. Email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for that week’s MMGM.

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
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Marvelous Middle Grade Monday (2/02/2026)

Posted on February 2, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

 

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is where I have a review of THE AFTERMYTH by Tracy Wolff.

••Susan Uhlig recommends HOW TO TELL A TRUE STORY by Tricia Springstubb.

••Carol Baldwin welcomes young author Isabelle Knight and her review of FELICITY FIRE AND THE FOREVER KEY by Leon Mitchell.

••Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles shares a guest post by V.T. Bidania and a giveaway of her MG novel in verse, A Year Without Home.

••Isabelle Knight also has a review on her own website with The Unchosen One by Amy Sparkes.

••Jennifer Rummel @ YA Book Nerd has Let’s Get Together, a Parent Trap re-telling.

••Kasey Giard @ THE STORY SANCTUARY reviews The Lion’s Run by Sarah Pennypacker.

••Maria Antonia has a post about Spelling It Out by Margaret Finnegan.

••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of HUNT FOR THE SILVER DRAGON by Linda Joy Singleton. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

••Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a book to share every day. Check out Karen’s MMGM choice for today, Rules for Liars, and all her reviews from this past week.

••Valinora Troy, a regular with MMGM, has a new book! Check out the exciting details with LIANNA AND THE HOMBIT.

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THE AFTERMYTH

Posted on February 1, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

If you are looking for a engaging fantasy that blends Greek Mythology, new friendships, magical mystery, and characters you won’t forget, look no further than The Aftermyth. Also–you should love long books. At 448 pages it is not a quick read.

The first person narration by Penelope Weaver keeps the story moving forward despite many detours along the way. She and her twin brother are headed to Anaximander’s Academy where they will learn about Greek Mythology in a more in-depth way. They will get matched with the Greek god aligned to their own thoughts and feelings, then live in that section of the academy.

Penelope has always wanted to be an Athena but instead she is put into the Aphrodite group. Totally opposite of what she expected. Paris, her twin, gets to be an Athena which adds to her confusion.

That’s not all she has to deal with. A very confused Penelope has a big problem getting from point A to point B, and it’s not her fault. This begins with a terrifying trip across the bridge to enter the school on the first day. She seems to be the only one having this issue, but each new side trip is just as strange and exciting, including a simple walk to her classes.

Penelope hopes her muse (kind of like an advisor) will be a source of help, but hers is not that way at all. New friends Fifi and Arjun help her immensely and add even more appeal to the story. They support her throughout. This includes trying to win the challenging contest between the groups, one which the boastful Athenas always win.

The story is loaded with surprising twist and turns. Never boring and each creepy encounter is handled in a perfect way for the intended audience. I could tell this story was not going to be wrapped up by the last page. There are still questions about Penelope and what will happen as she continues her education at the school for the next 6 years. The Aftermyth has an epic series appeal ready to take the lead in the 2026 class of middle grade fantasies.

Book Birthday: February 3, 2026

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE AFTERMYTH by Tracy Wolff

  1. Sometimes what seems to be the wrong path you take can turn out to be the best. This changed Penelope is a great way. A real highlight of the story.
  2. The three main characters are a fantastic group. Fifi’s enthusiasm and the deep thinking Arjun add so much, making this a memorable trio of friends.
  3. A lot of action but also many humorous moments. The dialog between the characters will have you smiling more than once.
  4. The world building is excellent and that starts right at Anaximander’s Academy where you will find buildings that don’t stay in the same place, an amazing candy room, and never a dull moment.
  5. Losing the support of a twin sibling is a tough thing to go through. This one is not solved by book’s end and will have you guessing the next outcome.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tracy Wolff is the #1 New York Times, #1 International, and USA Today bestselling author of over sixty novels that run the gamut from young adult action adventures to new adult romance and from women’s fiction to erotica. A long-time lover of vampires, dragons and all things that go bump in the night, Tracy loves nothing more than combining her affection for paranormal creatures with her love of writing tortured heroes and kick-butt heroines.

When she’s not writing (which is a rare occurrence), she can be found trying out new recipes, offering make-up tips online, wandering comic book/gaming stores with her sons, and watching movies or plotting stories with her besties. A one time English professor, she now writes full-time from her home in Austin, Texas, which she shares with her family. Her most recent work, the young adult vampire novel, CRAVE, “is about to become fandom’s new favorite vampire romance obsession” (Hypable). (Tracy’s Author Website)

Tracy is beginning a book tour this week. Stop by if you are near any of these cities…

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CAMP MONSTER

Posted on January 30, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

Nothing scary about this monster story. Instead, young readers hooked on graphic novels will be entertained by the fun plot. Here’s what to expect:

Tasha’s family has run Camp Yeti for generations, but these days there just aren’t enough Yetis to fill the bunks. This summer they are rebranding as CAMP MONSTER–a superfun summer camp experience for ALL of monster-kind. Tasha can’t wait to show off all the camp traditions she loves!

But things get off to a rocky start–the goblins are causing a ruckus, the ogre is a total diva, and the werewolf keeps disappearing. This is not the perfect summer Tasha had hoped for. Then a series of mysterious mishaps occurs . . . someone is trying to sabotage Camp Monster! Can these monsters set aside their differences to find out who is behind the hijinks?

There are many characters besides Tasha but getting to know them is easier with the handy Meet Our Fellow Campers pages early in the story. It’s a group sure to bring a a smile to your face. Their biggest worry is protecting the camp from humans. They finally work together to keep that from happening.

Friendship serves as the overall theme of Camp Monster. The art work is detailed and colorful, matching the amusing vibe of the story. You will be hoping for more stories about this camp as you turn the final page.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: February 3, 2026 PAGES: 224

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

New York Times bestselling author Kate Messner is passionately curious and has written over seventy books for kids who wonder, too. Her titles include award-winning picture books like Over and Under the Snow , The Next Scientist, and The Scariest Kitten in the World as well as novels for older readers like Breakout and The Trouble with Heroes. Kate also writes the popular History Smashers graphic nonfiction series and the Ranger in Time historical adventures, and she leads the multi-author team behind The Kids in Mrs. Z’s Class chapter books. Kate lives on Lake Champlain and is a proud Adirondack 46er. Learn more at www.katemessner.com.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Falynn Koch was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. She has an MFA in sequential art from the Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta and is a graduate of the International Culinary Center in New York City. She loves to travel and explore the outdoors with her husband and occasionally her dogs. Her books from First Second include Science Comics: Bats, Science Comics: Plagues, Maker Comics: Bake Like a Pro!, History Comics: The National Parks, History Comics: The Wild Mustangs (with writer Chris Duffy), and Science Comics: Elephants (with writer Jason Viola).

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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. It’s here I share highlights and links from other bloggers about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS. Hope to see you back here on Monday!

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Marvelous Middle Grade Monday (1/26/2026)

Posted on January 26, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

 

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is where I have a review of VOTE FOR THE G.O.A.T. by Ali Terese.

••Susan Uhlig was fascinated and freaked out by BEST OF ALL WORLDS by Kenneth Oppel, a mg/ya crossover.

••Brenda @ Log Cabin Library reviews Table Titans Club #2 Sneak Attack by Scott Kurtz.

••Isabelle Knight reviews The Missing Magic of Sparrow Xia by Leia Ham. Isabelle says this is a middle-grade fantasy that is both full of whimsy and wonder and also terribly heart-wrenching. 

••Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles has an interview with Tracy Wolff and a giveaway of her MG fantasy, The Aftermyth.

••Sue Heavenrich at Archimedes Notebook has a non-fiction selection young readers will surely enjoy, Scat: The Incredible Science of Wildlife Poop (Books for a Better Earth) by Anita Sanchez

••Jennifer Rummel @ YA Book Nerd has Confessions of a Group Chat, a book about social media, mean comments, and bullies.

••Jenni Enzor in honor of the upcoming Milan Olympics is featuring five books for kids set in Italy. Three are picture books, but the middle grade titles are Just a Girl by Lia Levi and Rosa by Starlight by Hilary McKay.

••Valinora Troy reviews Bite Risk: Cold Blood by S.J.Wills.

••Maria Antonia is back with a review of Holding On for Dear Life by Dusti Bowling

••Rebecca Douglass shares her review of Three Blue Hearts, by Lynne Kelly.

••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of HOLDING ON FOR DEAR LIFE by Dusti Bowling. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

Kasey Giard @ THE STORY SANCTUARY reviews The Aftermyth by Tracy Wolff.

••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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VOTE FOR THE G.O.A.T.

Posted on January 25, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

I had this upper middle grade book on my list to review from last Summer, but couldn’t get to it until the new year arrived. It was worth the wait.

Here’s what to expect:

Sporty Meg and fashionista Jo don’t have much in common besides being seventh graders at Somerset Middle School, where everyone is obsessed with being voted the Greatest of All Time and celebrated at the Harvest Ball. But when their mascot Somerset Babette (a.k.a. the world’s cutest goat) is kidnapped, Jo and Meg are wrongfully accused of being the culprits.

The burned-out soccer star and chronically ill overachiever band together and assemble a rag-tag squad to steal the goat back. Banter, activism, self-care, double-crosses, big shenanigans, and even bigger feelings follow as the girls fight to change how animals are treated at their school and achieve true freedom for their four-legged, sweater-chewing friend in this laugh-out-loud middle-grade heist centering friendship and bodily autonomy.

Jo Belmonte takes the first of 27 chapters in this dual point of view plot. She is big on fashion and taking care of Babette. Jo is also dealing with a recent flare-up of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Then there is soccer star Meg Mancuso who is also having some health issues when she strains her hamstring. Her father would like her to play through the pain but under Doctor’s orders to rest, she does what is best for herself and takes time off from soccer. She’s not sure if playing again will be worth it.

Meg and Jo work together to find the cute goat, but their trust level makes the path very bumpy to succeed. Adding to their challenge is Principal Petrov, more of a nemesis and should get an award for being the all time worst school administrator. Thankfully, I haven’t come across anyone like him in real educational settings.

The other student characters are diverse, adding to the mix with doses of humor and believable interactions. This includes a few innocent kisses. Readers in 6th or 7th grade will especially enjoy the amusing banter between the kids.

VOTE FOR THE G.O.A.T. is a very entertaining story and one that you could envision a sequel.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: August, 26, 2025 PAGES: 336

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: VOTE FOR THE G.O.A.T. by Ali Terese

  1. Books with characters dealing with either arthritis or a sport’s injury are rare. They both are given attention here and learning how they deal with their setbacks was enlightening.
  2. Realistic school stories are also hard to find in middle grade literature but young readers will see a lot of familiarity with this story.
  3. The solution of what to do next for Babette the goat was a winning choice. Animal lovers will be applauding.
  4. Students do have a voice when given the chance, one that will provide motivation for the intended audience of readers.
  5. The ending was a winner, maybe not the G.O.A.T., but certainly a memorable one.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ali Terese is a middle grade and YA author who writes funny and heartfelt stories including FREE PERIOD (Scholastic – 2024) and VOTE FOR THE G.O.A.T. (Aladdin / Simon & Schuster – 2025). Her work has been longlisted for the National Book Award, received starred reviews in School Library Journal and Publishers Weekly, an Audiofile Magazine Earphones Award, a Kids’ Indie Next selection, and spots on the American Library Association’s RISE list, the Chicago Public Schools Battle of the Books, Texas Lone Star Reading List, Garden State Teen Book Award List, and DC Three Stars Book Award List. Ali has presented the book at bookseller, teacher, and librarian events across the nation. Visit Ali online for book bonuses, giveaways, and resources like discussion guides, recipes, and craftivism projects at aliterese.com.

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A PIRATE’S PACT

Posted on January 23, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

I am glad to finally feature this engaging story that was originally released in 2024. The tale is set 300 years in the future and features twins Kik and Mac. In many respects family life is the same as it is in our world today even though the landscape has changed. They live on a pirate island with their two sisters, a mom, and their “Bonus dad”.

Kik and Mac are very different despite being born minutes apart. Mac is outgoing and often finds trouble both at school and at home. Kik is quiet and loves to write. The past year has seen them drift apart from the recent past when they were close twin brothers.

It’s a pirate treasure map that brings them back together as they attempt to find a long ago hidden treasure. It helps them understand each other and their family in a touching way. The ending is heartfelt and perfect for the plot.

The pacing is superb and always has you wanting to read more. Each of the 20 chapters focuses on either Mac or Kik while staying in a third person perspective. It would work well for new middle grade readers along with older preteens. A PIRATES’ PACT is also a perfect read-aloud at home or in the classroom.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-winning author Sarah Branson was a midwife for close to thirty years, helping families welcome their little ones into their arms in the hospital, at a birth center and at home. Now she writes tales of action, adventure, revenge, and romance featuring airborne pirates. Her stories are set against the backdrop of an Earth changed by fires, floods, and pandemics, but are firmly rooted in the strength and resiliency of the human spirit.

​Sarah first started conjuring stories of pirates when her family hopped a freighter to Australia when she was seven. She has since grown up, traveling extensively across the US and the globe. She raised her family in Michigan and still longs to swim in Sturgeon Bay and Little Traverse Bay. She worked as a receptionist, retail clerk, writing tutor, business owner, and certified nurse midwife. She also taught science and history to middle school and high school students in the U.S., Brazil, and Japan. Through these myriad experiences, she developed a deep appreciation for people’s strength and endurance and fully believes that badass women will inherit the Earth and the Earth will be better for it.

​Sarah lives with her husband in Connecticut.

(For more about Sarah and her books visit her author website)

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

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Marvelous Middle Grade Monday (1/19/2026)

Posted on January 19, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

 

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is where I have a review of Jeannie’s Bottle, Incantations by N Millane.

••Brenda @ Log Cabin Library reviews The Unbreakable Crown by Carina Finn.

••Jemima Pett has Roald Dahl’s autobiography, Going Solo, (book 2, but you can go straight in).

••Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles shares a guest post by Leslie Vedder and a giveaway of her MG fantasies, The Labyrinth of Souls and The Nowhere Beast.

••Carol Baldwin turns over the reviewing duties to a student, Brooke White, who gives her thoughts on John Schu’s, LOUDER THAN HUNGER.

••Jenni Enzor is featuring Four Cozy Winter Reads for Tweens including Dog Driven by Terry Lynn Johnson, Snow Treasure by Mary McSwigan, The Willows in Winter by William Horwood, and I Lived Through a Windchill Advisory by Annika Klanderud.

••Isabelle Knight reviews Felicity Fire and the Forever Key by Leon Mitchell.

••Valinora Troy reviews The Galileo Heist by Sam Sedgman.

••Jennifer Rummel @ YA Book Nerd shares a few Middle Grade Reads she’s excited to read this year.

••Linda Browne has her Bookcase Bizarro MG/YA reads for January including a review of Rebecca Stead’s THE EXPERIMENT.

••Kasey Giard @ The Story Sanctuary has another review of a novel in verse, Eureka by Victoria Chang, which is about the expulsion of Chinese Americans from Eureka, CA in 1885.

••Rosi Hollinbeck is back with a review of THE VANISHING OF LAKE PEIGNEUR by Allan Wolf. There is also a GIVEAWAY opportunity. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

••Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a book to share every day. Check out Karen’s MMGM choice for today, JUST LIKE HOME, and all her reviews from this past week.

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JEANNIE’S BOTTLE, INCANTATIONS

Posted on January 18, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

A middle grade fantasy that will keep you turning the pages. Thirteen-year-old Jeannie is still dealing with the unexpected loss of her mother. Her father chooses to move after his orthodontic practice has some strange things happening to patients. They’re off to stay with Aunt Madrid’s in the town of Shallow Cove where Dad opens a new clinic.

Jeannie now has to adjust to losing her friends and being at a new school. There’s a an odd acting teacher named Mr. Q who is currently spending a lot of time with her aunt who runs the town’s antique shop. It’s there that Jeannie finds a magical bottle and Dru appears from inside. He’s a new young Jinn (a genie!) who grants her one wish a day. This could make the future for Jeannie a lot easier.

This includes dealing with the school bully and finding out what really happened to her mother. Jeannie has new friends that help and what they uncover changes Jeannie forever.

The third person narration takes the story through 28 chapters. With plenty of unexpected twists and a warning of “Be cautious and be mindful. Every wish has an effect,” the story is captivating. Jeannie is a memorable character who has to find the courage to make things right. Friendship and family is at its core while the magic is always engaging. Can’t say much more without giving away the plot’s secrets. Upper middle grade readers will be enamored by JEANNIE’S BOTTLE, INCANTATIONS and hopefully a sequel will soon be in the works.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: Oct. 31, 2025 PAGES: 203

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: JEANNIE’S BOTTLE, INCANTATIONS by N. Milanne

  1. Dru talks in rhymes and you’ll look forward to his daily visits to Jeannie. Their friendship and understanding of each other grows with each wish.
  2. Jeannie starts out as a worried girl with no future but her detective skills show another side to her creative and thoughtful mind.
  3. A perfect mix of reality and fantasy.
  4. I kept waiting for the usual slow moving, boring chapter, but it never happened. Great story telling at it’s finest.
  5. The way Jeannie dealt with the emotions of loss and the challenges of moving to a new town were both heartfelt and believable.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR, N. Milanne

I write middle-grade fantasy books packed with mystery, magic, and characters who might just remind you of your own awesome friends. My stories are all about discovering hidden strengths, navigating tricky situations, and finding your place in a world far bigger (and more magical!) than you ever imagined.

I have three wonderful daughters and the cutest dog in the world named Malibu! Before I started writing books, I spent my time crafting movie scripts, building business ideas, and basically, figuring out out how real life works. This has helped me build fantastical worlds that I hope feel just as real to the reader.

I believe that every challenge is an opportunity for a new adventure, and that even the smallest creatures can hold the biggest magic. When I’m not busy writing, I’m probably daydreaming about magical creatures, space exploration, and planning my next travel adventure. My greatest hope is that my books spark your imagination, encourage you to be brave, and show you that the most amazing magic is often found within yourself. Happy reading, and may your next adventure be just around the corner. (Author’s Website)

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TOMMY THE COWARD

Posted on January 16, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

Parents who have a non-reader in their family often ask me what they can do to get their child reading. Middle grade novels are frequently over 300 pages long and staring at text for hours on end does not appeal to non-readers. What they need is a good graphic novel where the visual component of their brain wakes them up and they begin reading the shorter passages.

Tommy the Coward, a new release from PAPERCUTZ, fits this plan perfectly. Here’s what to expect:

Brave the unknown!

Thomas Anderson, AKA Tommy, is your average—if timid—kid. He lives with his parents and his siblings, Andrew and Dorothy. But everything scares Tommy. A bump in the night! The sun?! Waaaah!

One day, Tommy’s parents go on a trip, and our intrepid heroes venture into the woods—hoping to help Tommy overcome his fears. But when Andrew and Dorothy get trapped in a dark realm called the Ravenous Woods, it’s up to Tommy to face his fears. Will he be able to save the day?

The fast paced tale will have you rooting for Tommy. His character arc makes the tale even better. The color graphics are excellent and always fit the story well.

There’s a touch of fantasy included which serves to change Tommy’s way of thinking. Hopefully this will also convince reluctant readers that there really are books that they will like. One like Tommy the Coward.

ABOUT THE CREATORS

“This story is very close to me. The adventures of Tommy the Coward were born in my mind when my son was little. Luca was 6 years old and had some minor fears; this is a normal thing for children, but I wanted to help him be stronger and listening to Tommy’s exploits helped Luca overcome his fears. I hope this comic book entertains and inspires many readers as it did with Luca.”
– Writer, Marco Sonseri

“Telling stories for children is a great joy for me, and if these stories also have an educational and formative value and can help young readers grow up, I am even happier. Drawing Tommy was an adventure of training and growth for me. I hope that my drawings, embellished by Andrea’s colors, have done justice to the story written by Marco, and I really hope they will be liked by everyone a lot.”
– Artist, Roberto Lauciello

“When you have children, when they are small you believe that they will conquer the world. If you have children you know that you have to lower your expectations. If you have children you know that everything in their imagination is bigger and more dangerous if they have to face it alone. Tommy faces life like any other child, with ingenuity and imagination and I like to think with the right amount of fear.” – Colorist, Andrea Piccardo

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

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. Email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for that week’s MMGM.

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
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