George Goodwin is no dragon slayer. At least that’s what he believes at the start of this engaging fantasy. George is 12-years-old and a dedicated boy scout. He lives with his police officer mother and still deeply misses his dad who was killed along with ten other coal miners in Big Mountain, West Virginia. The town blames George’s dad for the disaster but the young scout is going to prove them wrong.
On a camping trip with his Scouting troop George recruits his best friends on a mission to find proof of a treasure. Doing so could save the dying town and show everyone that his Dad was not the cause of the accident.
Using skills learned through their earned scouting badges, the group enters the forbidden mine. What they never expected to find was a huge people hungry dragon inside Big Mountain, along with collapsing tunnels, ruthless thieves, and dynamite traps. Courage along with George discovering himself as a dragon slayer is their only hope for survival.
Thirty chapters written in third-person are often page turning with a several laugh out loud moments, but also a few scary ones. The adventure has many twists and turns both inside and out of the mountain. There are many action and dangerous scenes that might scare those not use to these types of stories. GEORGE GOODWIN DRAGON SLAYER is the first book in a series and young readers who like longer books will have a great summer read in their hands.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: May 5, 2026 PAGES: 336
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: GEORGE GOODWIN DRAGON SLAYER by Candace Lee & Eric Newman
Each of the chapters has an image at the beginning with black and white art work. They are well done and hint at the action and danger forthcoming.
The loyalty the friends showed toward each other and George’s bravery is what stands out the most in this fantasy.
Scouts and former scouts (like myself) will appreciate the references to scouting throughout. There’s even a few tributes to the Boy Scout founder.
I always hope the climatic ending of a story I enjoy will not be disappointing. Thanks to the authors as the last chapters were fantastic.
I hate to see books sitting their without a reader so I always pass along my copy to a young reader. I gave it to a 12-year-old boy who is also a scout and his parents said he has been glued to the book for days. That alone says it all to me about the appeal of this story.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Candace Lee & Eric Newman love to tell stories. From Disney+ to NBC Universal, they’ve written for Emmy-winning series, produced movies and music, and collaborated with stars like Bear Grylls, Andrea Bocelli, and Larry the Cucumber. Along the way, they landed on the New York Times bestseller list with their friend Max Lucado. But their favorite adventure of all? George Goodwin, Dragon Slayer—a creative quest they began long before they each started raising little dragon slayers of their own. Candace studied film and television production at New York University, while Eric focused on writing at Oral Roberts University. Goonies at heart, they dig deep for stories of truth, wonder, and redemption. Their vision for the Order of the Dragon Slayer series is to inspire a generation to be prepared—mentally, physically, and spiritually—to slay life’s dragons.
Sixth grader Cassaty Greene loves soccer. Her favorite player on the Texas Baron’s Creek High School team is Katey Korey who she adores. It’s been an exciting year watching Katey lead them toward a possible state title. Some day Cassaty hopes she too will be playing High School soccer.
Things aren’t perfect at home for Cassaty. Soon it will be the anniversary of her twin brother’s death, who died as a baby. Cassaty mistakenly blames herself for the loss. Mother especially falls into deep depression every time the anniversary occurs while an older sister and dad deal with it in their own way.
But hold on! Katey Korey becomes a much more important part of the plot because she suddenly disappears. Some think she ran away with her boy friend or was kidnapped. The police investigate but find no clues that help. The playoffs are set to begin and now the star midfielder is mysteriously absent. Cassaty decides she will somehow find the missing girl and bring her home in time for the first playoff game. Quite a long shot and she’ll have to break a few family rules to have even a slim chance of her plan working. But if she can it will help Cassaty and her family deal with her brother’s death in a positive way.
THE TWIN STARS AND THE SOCCER SUPERSTAR shows just how hard it is to deal with grief. It’s a superbly written story with Cassaty’s first person narration displaying emotional depth and humor. The cast of characters both young and old are memorable. The mystery and the ending made for a satisfying read. Best for ages 10 and up, the story would also be perfect for a parent or teacher led discussion about the themes in this engaging plot.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: June 9, 2026. PAGES: 256
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kristine Rudolph is a mom of three with two soccer-playing daughters, a left-winger and a defensive back who won her high school state championship in 2024. Kristine splits her time between Atlanta, Georgia, and Austin, Texas. (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.
This week I am chaperoning some graduating seniors on a celebration trip. I’ll be back next week. In the meantime, be sure to check out the other posts in our lineup this week:
••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of HOW THEY CROAKED: THE AWFUL ENDS OF THE AWFULLY FAMOUS. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writer friends.
Selah is 13-years-old and autistic. It’s been a rough time trying to figure out how to deal with life, but now she has learned about her autism and what she can do to survive the upcoming writer’s camp where she will work on her poetry.
Also there will be two friends, Reyah and Brooklyn. and a counselor who also is autistic. The person Selah didn’t want to see at camp is Ezra, a bully who is always seeking attention and teasing her. She doesn’t want her camp experience ruined because of him.
Ezra the bully is only the beginning of her problems. Selah’s friends don’t understand her autism and how everything is so overwhelming in this environment. All she wants is to make it through a few weeks of the camp but it appears that might not happen. Camp is too much to deal with for Selah.
Perfect Enough is the companion novel to Good Different but can easily be read on its own. The verse format is an excellent way to share this story. It’s one that will help others understand neurodiverse thinkers, and what you can do to manage yourself or help someone else.
Full of misunderstandings and friendship drama. the character arcs for every young person were satisfying in how they turned out by the last page. Selah is especially one you will remember along with the poetry she wrote.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: June 2, 2026 PAGES: 256
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: PERFECT ENOUGH by Megan Eden Kuyatt
In the back pages are poetry prompts to use, how to read manga, along with ADHD resources. A helpful inclusion for readers who might want to explore the topic more or even write their own poetry.
The relationship between Selah and Ezra (pictured on the cover) was appealing how it changed. They each began to see each other differently rather than a case of bad behavior. A memorable pair.
The message readers will get that everyone does have a point in life where it is alright to back off from doing too much. So many kids have an overloaded schedule that they may not be able to handle.
The broken friend relationship problem is given a wonderful set of outcomes. Seeing other’s in a more complete way was demonstrated beautifully.
The unexpected but necessary choice Selah makes by the end of the story. Bravo for her bravery.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
MEG EDEN KUYATT is the neurodivergent author of the Schneider Family Book Award Honor-winning Good Different, and a creative writing instructor. When she isn’t writing, she’s probably playing Fire Emblem. If she could be a Pokémon, she’d be Charizard. Find her online at megedenbooks.com or on Instagram at @meden_author.
COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW
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BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!
A tough issue that effects many families and others in their lives. This book speaks to an often hard to talk about topic through an engaging format geared toward young tweena and teens. Accompanied by diverse cartoon style illustrations, the dialog in this short book (64 pages) covers everything from the emotions a child has when learning about the divorce to the time and support it takes to reach a new normal. The author stresses that divorce is not the child’s fault.
Visuals of a child being used as a ping pong ball or walking a tight rope were perfect reminders of the stress and confusion that can accompany divorce. The intended audience will feel much more informed and certainly better about what is happening in their family. I would even recommend WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT DIVORCE to adults, both those involved in the divorce, other relatives, and educators. A helpful and much needed book exhibiting empathy and hope throughout.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kate Scharff, LCSW-C, is a psychotherapist with over 35 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate separation and divorce. A child of divorce herself, she is also an internationally recognized leader in Collaborative Divorce and a founding board member and Past President of the DC Academy of Collaborative Professionals. We Need to Talk About Divorce is her fourth book. (Kate’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.
Today I’m joining the book tour for an exciting new science fiction story set in the present. Elmo Fitzroy is 12-years-old and famous. He had no choice. Growing up his mother included him on her popular You Tube channel about single parenting. The world knows him as Muppit Boy. Not exactly the label you want in middle school.
Now that he has gotten his mother to stop using him in her videos, he can finally lay low through middle school leaving behind his Muppit Boy past and just be Mo. His mentor, who he was matched with through the Big Brothers organization, is a police detective. Their connection leads to an unexpected series of science fiction plot shifts. Mo’s ADHD brain is rather useful as it records events like a video camera.
I won’t give too much away but be ready for an old woman in a clown mask who steals hearing aids, chainsaws, and a harrowing ride thanks to a California Condor. His friends Barn and Kash join Bo, making them a memorable trio as they investigate a potential world crisis. Now it is time for Mo to become a true hero and not some ridiculous internet sensation.
The fast pace and laugh-out-loud first person narration by Mo will appeal to middle grade readers in 5th grade and above. They will love the many heartfelt scenes in MUPPIT BOY AND THE ALLERGIES OF EVIL, along with several edge of your seat moments. The ending was not my favorite but hey, this is science fiction and it nicely set up the second book in the series, MUPPIT BOY AND THE WHEEL POWER.
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: MUPPIT BOY AND THE ALLERGIES OF EVIL by Michael J. Bowler
Mo is a great character who struggles with the attention his mother created for him. His ADHD is not portrayed as a disability but a strength that Mo uses to his best ability.
His mentor Ari was a surprising inclusion. I have spent most of my adult life as a mentor with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization and know the impact a consistent adult can bring to a young person’s life. Ari is a shining star and emotional anchor for Mo and is always his biggest fan.
Full of funny, tender, and heartwarming scenes, you just never know what is going to happen next. That alone will keep the pages turning for young readers.
The diverse group of friends for Mo: Kash is a tough minded devotee to martial arts and Barn’s clumsiness becomes a positive in difficult situations. Hope they all return in Book 2.
Mo truly is a hero. He finds the self respect he desires in such a surprising way. I cheered for him the entire way.
About the Author
Michael J. Bowler has spent his life showing up for young people — as a high school teacher, a single dad to an adopted child, a decades-long volunteer within the Los Angeles juvenile justice system (working with incarcerated youth as young as seven), and as a Big Brother to eight boys through the Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters program. In 2000, he was named National Big Brother of the Year.
His deeply personal understanding of what kids need — to be seen, believed in, and given room to grow — infuses everything he writes. His books for teens and tweens have earned numerous awards, and his middle grade debut for reluctant readers was, fittingly, road-tested by his own son at age eleven. (He loved it.)
When he’s not writing or advocating for youth, Michael can be found online at MichaelJBowler.com and on social media as @michaeljbowler.
Enter the giveaway for a chance to win one signed hardcover, one of five signed paperback copies, or one of five audiobook downloads of Muppit Boy and the Allergies of Evil by Michael J. Bowler. One grand prize winner will receive a signed hardcover plus a $50 Amazon gift card!
Graphic novels are becoming more and more popular. I get asked frequently from parents, relatives, and young readers about recommendations. Although I don’t often have available dates to review these colorful stories, I always suggest they start with Papercutz, a leader in graphic publishing for middle grade.
Today, I am featuring this fun and engaging tale about speed racing. Though Speed Racer Adventures is a brand-new story, the characters are inspired from the Flash Gordon Adventures and Tiny Titans. Here’s what to expect from the official back cover blurb:
The best race car driver in the world has been invited to drive the most advanced artificial intelligent car in the world. Speed Racer is not that driver, and the Mach Five is not that car, but that’s not going to stop him from entering that race and winning! When the world’s richest man uses unlimited funds to build the most technologically advanced car in the world and hires Racer X to run a race he created, the deck is stacked against Speed Racer! Its not going to be an easy race, but with his secret weapons, his friends and family, Speed has a pretty good chance of getting in the race and winning, but he’s going to hedge his bet by using a whole lot of candy! Come for the laughs, the hijinx and the amazing speeds the cars reach. Go Speed racer, GO!
A supportive family is the basis of the story. Speed Racer has loving parents and two younger siblings, one of whom has a pet monkey. As you can see from the cover, illustrations are superbly drawn with color and emotion. The page turning adventure has quite a few surprising twists along the way and the tale wraps up nicely by the last panel. Those new to middle grade books who aren’t ready for longer text based novels will be instantly hooked. SPEED RACER Volume 2 is up next and will be anxiously anticipated.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: April 28, 2026 PAGES: 114
Author, Franco
Franco is the co-creator of AW YEAH COMICS! Publishing and retail stores. Franco created the DINO-MIKE book series and has worked for various Comic properties including the critically acclaimed SUPERMAN FAMILY ADVENTURES, YOUNG JUSTICE, BILLY BATSON and the MAGIC of SHAZAM, and the New York Times bestseller, multi-Eisner award and Harvey award winning series TINY TITANS! (DC Comics) GRIMISS ISLAND and Eisner Award winning ITTY BITTY HELLBOY (Dark Horse Comics), Little ARCHIE (Archie Comics) and FLASH GORDON ADVENTURES (Papercutz), the original graphic novels THE GHOST, THE OWL (Ringo Award Nominated) and FAE AND THE MOON (Little Bee)
Franco was also a High School Art teacher for 24 years and has shown work in galleries.
Derek Charm is an Eisner Award winning comic artist, illustrator, and character designer for animation. He was the artist on several monthly comic runs, including Jughead and Jughead’s Time Police for Archie Comics, The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl for Marvel, and Star Wars Adventures for Lucasfilm/IDW. Outside of comics he has done work for Marc Jacobs, Pepsi, and DreamWorks Animation. He currently works as a Character Designer on Batman: Caped Crusader for Warner Bros Animation.
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.
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.
Always in the Middle... 