FALLING OUT OF TIME

It’s been 28 years since the first book (RUNNING OUT OF TIME) was released and became a hit with middle grade audiences. Margaret Peterson Haddix had never intended to write a sequel, as she notes in her “Acknowledgements” piece, but readers kept asking for one.

She’s finally delivered with a page turning story full of plot twists. Twelve-year-old Zola lives with her Mom in the year 2193 where everything is perfect. There’s no climate change, crime, or any other problem. It’s just perfect. Or is it?

Zola discovers she’s related to Jessie from the first book and a dark reality begins to set in and maybe it isn’t 2193 after all. The third person narration flows quickly across 47 chapters and an epilogue.

This adventurous mystery has so many unexpected turns, I don’t dare ruin anyone’s reading experience by revealing them. You can dive right into Falling out of Time, without having read the first book, though it will be hard to resist not to visit that first classic.

FALLING OUT OF TIME is a fantastic delayed sequel that will appeal to middle grade audiences both young and old. A great summertime addition to your reading pile.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: FALLING OUT OF TIME by Margaret Peterson Haddix

  1. Chapters more than often end with an eye-opening reveal. It urges you to read just one more page. A great writing technique to engage readers.
  2. The proposed overwhelming use of technology in the future is a perfect ground for debate in a classroom or at home.
  3. Puck, a boy Zola gains as a new friend, was a great character. He’s kind but also vocal and willing to disagree with his own opinion. What happens to him brought a smile to my face.
  4. World building is essential to a novel of this type, and you will feel like it really is the future…at least until it isn’t.
  5. The mysterious cover and the author’s comments in the back pages- a nice connection as to why she finally wrote the sequel.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Margaret Peterson Haddix grew up on a farm near Washington Court House, Ohio. She graduated from Miami University (of Ohio) with degrees in English/journalism, English/creative writing and history. Before her first book was published, she worked as a newspaper copy editor in Fort Wayne, Indiana; a newspaper reporter in Indianapolis; and a community college instructor and freelance writer in Danville, Illinois.

She has since written more than 40 books for kids and teens, including Running Out of TimeDouble Identity; Uprising; The Always War; the Greystone Secrets series; the Shadow Children series; the Missing series; the Children of Exile series; the Under Their Skin duologyand The Palace Chronicles. She also wrote Into the Gauntlet, the tenth book in the 39 Clues series.  Her books have been honored with New York Times bestseller status, the International Reading Association’s Children’s Book Award; American Library Association Best Book and Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers notations; and numerous state reader’s choice awards. They have also been translated into more than twenty different languages.

Haddix and her husband, Doug, now live in Columbus, Ohio. They are the parents of two grown kids.

(For more visit her author web page)

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SERAFINA AND THE BLACK CLOAK (The Graphic Novel)

Eight years have passed since Serafina and the Black Cloak arrived on the bookshelves. The engaging plot centers around a young girl living in the basement of the Biltmore Mansion in Asheville, N C. The wealthy Vanderbilt’s who live there don’t even know she exists.

When children start disappearing, it’s up to Sarafina and her only friend, Braeden, to find out the true identity of the man in the black cloak. They hope to stop him from doing any more kidnapping of innocent kids.

The tale was a hit with the older MG crowd and three more books were written. With the popularity of graphic novels it’s not surprising to find the story recreated in this new format.

The art work is vivid and spot on as it depicts both day and nighttime scenes. The emotions of the characters can be seen on each page.

There seems to be more text than usual for a graphic novel, but you can still enjoy the accompanying colorful panels. If you’ve read the original novel or not, Serafina and the Black Cloak is an alluring addition to the series.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robert Beatty is the author of the #1 New York Times best-selling Serafina Series published by Disney-Hyperion, a spooky mystery-thriller about a brave and unusual girl who lives secretly in the basement of the grand Biltmore Estate, surrounded by the opulence of the Gilded Age and the rugged beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. He won the Southern Book Prize in 2016. He is also the author of the #1 New York Times best-selling Willa of the Wood Series, the story of a young forest girl with ancient magical powers who struggles for survival and understanding in the Great Smoky Mountains. Loved by both young readers and adults alike, the Serafina and Willa books are being taught in over a thousand classrooms nationwide, and have been translated into over 22 languages. (For more details visit Robert’s author website)

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Join us next week for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday! It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging 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 join the lineup. All you have to do is 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 the coming Monday.

*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.

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

MMGM for May 22, 2023

May flowers are in full bloom and so are some great MG reviews and features. Click a blogger’s flower basket to see what they have planted.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of Time Traveling Through Yellowstone National Park: The Adventures of Bubba Jones by Jeff Alt and illustrations by Hannah Tuohy.

Brenda at LOG CABIN LIBRARY also reviews Time Traveling Through Yellowstone National Park: The Adventures of Bubba Jones.

Linda Browne presents her Bookcase Bizarro for April, a collection of reviews from picture books to middle grade.

Max at Completely Full Bookshelf shares two reviews today. First up is Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonzalez and Gabriela Epstein. Next is one of my all time favorites: Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead.

Susan Uhlig really enjoyed THE GIRL WHO COULD NOT DREAM, a fantasy by Sarah Beth Durst.

Maria Antonia has a post about SURELY SURELY MARISOL RAINEY by Erin Entrada Kelly.

Valinora Troy reviews Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell.

Faith Hough has a review up…it’s about Jacqueline Davies’ The International House of Dereliction.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of TENMILE by Sandra Dallas. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with last Saturday’s review of JOY TO THE WORLD.

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(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
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TIME TRAVELING THROUGH YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK – The Adventures of Bubba Jones

The summer travel season is upon us once again. If your family is planning a trip to this iconic destination then the fifth book in The Adventures of Bubba Jones series is a must. The characters are fiction. but the story is loaded with true facts about the park. Previous titles include visits to The Great Smoky Mountains, then onto Shenandoah, Acadia, and Grand Canyon National Park:

In this new story the author fills you in along the way as to what has previously happened. The main characters include Tommy “Bubba Jones” and his sister, Jenny “Hug-A-Bug,” as they try to solve a park mystery. They are part of a legendary time travel family who serve to protect and preserve our national parks

Although the mystery is not that compelling, what makes this shine are the amazing facts you will learn as they time travel back meeting members of early park expeditions and Native Americans, along with many park secrets. I hadn’t been to the park since a family trip to Old Faithful Lodge back when I was about 10 years old, but my mind is already planning another trip.

Bubba Jones provides the first person narration and is a key family member making time travel possible. The author did extensive research on Yellowstone’s past, present, and future. Enrich your trip there by reading this newest volume together with your family.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT TIME TRAVELING THROUGH YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK– The Adventures of Bubba Jones by Jeff Alt

  1. The trip to Yellowstone centers around a family reunion. Having relatives like Grandfather Papa Lewis, Cousin Colter, and other well informed family experts on everything Yellowstone gives readers fun insights both in the present and the past.
  2. Cypher code messages appear throughout to help solve the mystery. It would have been fun and engaging for young readers to solve these, but seeing how they work will motivate them to create their own.
  3. Full page illustrations precede each chapter. They are detailed and compliment the story well.
  4. No changing clothes when the family time travels to historic periods–they are automatically dressed like others from the time upon arrival! You’ll be guessing and anticipating the next wardrobe change with each trip backwards in time.
  5. Included are some great back pages’ material like discussion questions, a map of places visited, and a through bibliography.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeff Alt is a talented speaker, hiking and camping expert, and an award-winning author of seven books. He is a member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA). He has shared his transformational “Lessons from the Trail” with thousands. He filmed a Tedx Talk about his Appalachian Trail journey. Alt holds a business/ marketing degree from the University of Toledo and a master’s degree from Miami University in Speech Language Pathology with a minor (thematic sequence) in environmental science.  Jeff’s career spans several industries as an award-winning sales and marketing professional, a speech language pathologist, an educator, professional speaker and outdoor author/ writer. For over 20 years he has hosted the annual Sunshine Walk, 5k Run and Roll, inspired from his Appalachian Trail journey, which has raised over a half of a million dollars to support people with developmental disabilities. Alt has been hiking since his youth. He has walked the entire 2,160-mile Appalachian Trail, the 218-mile John Muir Trail with his wife, and he carried his 21-month old daughter along the coast of Ireland on a family hike. His son was on the Appalachian Trail at 6 weeks of age.

(For more visit Jeff’s web site)

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW.

BE SURE TO ALSO VISIT THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

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PECULIAR WOODS

Take a cute blanket, a yoga chair, and two royal chess pieces. Add in nine-year-old Iggie who discovers he can talk with them and you have the start of a fun graphic series.

The story begins with Iggie on his way to live with his biological mother for the first time in a town called Peculiar Woods. Iggie had previously lived with his aunt who has always been a loving substitute mother.

It doesn’t take long for Iggie to discover the town is anything but normal. Talking with inanimate objects is weird enough, but now the chess pieces want help in finding their kingdom in an ancient underwater city.

There are humorous moments, especially when Boris the Yoga chair is in a scene. The graphics are colorful and bold, bringing out the emotions and action on every page. You can see several of the panels by visiting the publisher’s site.

Peculiar Woods is available in paperback or hardcover and would be the perfect choice for a young reader transitioning to middle grade books.

ABOUT THE CREATOR

Andrés J. Colmenares is a cartoonist and illustrator from Bogota, Colombia, and the creator of the beloved Wawawiwa Comics. With more than 3.5 million social fans, his work is a sweet and sincere space for these anxious times. He lives with his wife and two children, who inspire him to create empathetic and endearing content for his fans.

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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 from other individuals blogging 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. All you have to do is 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 the coming Monday.

*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.

Posted in Graphic Novels, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

MMGM for May 15, 2023

May is half over. Time to switch on more MG reviews and features. Click a blogger’s light switch to find out what they have in store.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of LO & BEHOLD by Wendy Mass.

Brenda at LOG CABIN LIBRARY reviews Mace and Hammer (Del Toro Tales #3) by Darby Karchut. It’s got warhorses, and a young boy and his family who are fighting monsters.  Lots of fun!  

Carol Baldwin has ETHEL’S SONG: Ethel Rosenberg’s Life in Poems: A Review and Giveaway!

Kasey Giard at The Story Sanctuary shares her thoughts on a graphic novel called Squire & Knight by Scott Chantler.

Maria Antonia has a post about the graphic novel: SQUISHED by Megan Wagner Lloyd & Michelle Mee Nutter.

Valinora Troy reviews THE NIGHT RAVEN by Johan Rundberg.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of DOGS WHO WORK: THE CANINES WE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

Max at Completely Full Bookshelf has a review of one of my favorites, When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with Friday’s review of THE GREATEST KID IN THE WORLD.

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(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

LO & BEHOLD

Author Wendy Mass has written many middle grade and young adult novels (11 BIRTHDAYS and BOB are my past favorites). With LO & BEHOLD she enters new writing territory with a graphic novel.

Here’s what to expect in this engaging story:

When you’re named after a 250-year-old tortoise, you grow up believing life is full of possibilities and wonder. But ever since Addie’s family got turned upside down, those things have been harder for her to see.

The last thing Addie wants to do is make a new friend, but when her dad’s summer job takes them across the country, she meets Mateo and finds herself caught up in an exciting project. With the help of a virtual reality headset, she’s suddenly scaling castle walls, dodging angry kittens, and seeing the world in whole new ways. Plus, she has an idea that could be bigger than anything she’s imagined before, but can she right some wrongs first . . . or is it too late?

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Dad has a summer job at a University and Addie has no choice but to join him. The story leaves you guessing as to what happened with the mom. Eventually we find out there was an accident followed by an addiction to pain killers. The plot keeps that in the background while Addie is introduced to the world of virtual reality. The university students are creating worthwhile explorations for the headsets that will help cancer patients and others in need.

The friendship between Addie and Mateo takes time to develop. They each have family secrets but soon their own virtual reality project brings them closer to being real friends. The ending will leave you smiling.

The style of artwork is both colorful and bold. Seeing what Addie saw while she had on the virtual headset made it evident why a graphic novel approach was chosen.

The heavy topics of parental separation and opioid addiction were realistic and handled well for a middle grade audience. LO & BEHOLD is full of compassion and heartwarming moments. Even if you don’t usually read graphic novels, this one is worthy of your time.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: LO & BEHOLD by WENDY MASS

  1. The dad is a nerdy and lovable guy. His character is always doing something to help his daughter like introducing her to his students and at one point taking her to a pet shelter. Every kid deserves a father like Addie’s dad.
  2. Virtual Reality takes a positive spin on how it can be used help people cope with a crisis or find empathy rather than just for gaming purposes.
  3. Addie and Mateo are memorable characters whose way of facing life when there are bumps in the road will help others.
  4. Geocaching is not an activity seen very often in middle grade books. Finding out how much fun it is for Addie and Mateo will encourage young readers to give it a go in their own neighborhood.
  5. The author’s website has additional augmented reality activities you can use with the book. There’s one on moon seeds and more will be coming.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

WENDY MASS is the New York Times bestselling author of fourteen novels for young people (which have been translated into fourteen languages and nominated for sixty-eight state book awards), including A Mango-Shaped Space (which was awarded the Schneider Family Book Award by the American Library Association), the Twice Upon a Time fairy-tale series, 11 Birthdays, The Candymakers, and 13 Gifts. Her latest books are Space Taxi: Archie Takes Flight and Pi in the Sky. Wendy tells people her hobbies are hiking and photography, but really they’re collecting candy bar wrappers and searching for buried treasure with her metal detector. She lives with her family in New Jersey. Visit her at wendymass.com.

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW AND BE SURE TO SPEND TIME WITH ALL THE OTHER MMGM BLOGGERS POSTING THIS WEEK.

Posted in Graphic Novels, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

WORLD’S WORST TIME MACHINE

Liam, the endearing protagonist in WORLD’S WORST TIME MACHINE, is only trying to find a prop for his homework assignment at the neighbor’s garage sale. Instead he comes away with a not so reliable time machine.

Now that Liam has the time travel contraption he decides to summon the real Thomas Edison as the best find of all time for his school report. Instead he gets some kid named Tommy, a wanna be gangster from the 1930s. With help from best friend Elsa, they work together to find a way to get Tommy, a few other gangsters, and Liam’s parents back to where they belong.

The often laugh out loud, third person narration is accompanied by illustrations that add more fun to the story. The 26 chapters zip by with the characters and plot leading the way. A bonus in the back pages is a Meet the Cast section where you get the background on a few of the real life people from our history depicted in the book. There’s also a quick teaser as to where this story is headed next.

Those less excited about reading will find a partner in this story. It’s perfect for someone just getting into Middle Grade books. World’s Worst Time Machine is available now in paperback and hardback editions.

ABOUT THE CREATORS

Dustin Brady writes books for kids who think they hate reading. His Trapped in a Video Game series has sold over one million copies because— as it turns out—there are a lot of kids who think they hate reading. Dustin lives in Cleveland, Ohio with his wife, three kids, and a small dog named Nugget. He honestly can’t believe he gets to do this for a living. (Dustin’s Author Website)

Dave Bardin is a freelance illustrator and animator residing in Southern California who has worked on a variety of project with some of the biggest names in media. When Dave drew his very first comic book at the age of nine, he knew he had found what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. When he isn’t at the drawing board, Dave can be found riding his bike by the beach, going on driving adventures with his very cool wife, and spending time with his friends and family.

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Join us next week! I share highlights from other individuals blogging 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. All you have to do is 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 the coming Monday.

*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.

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

MMGM for MAY 8, 2023

Start piling up books for the summer . Find some great choices by clicking on each blogger’s book stack.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of MIGHT AS WELL BE DEAD by Mark Goldblatt.

Susan Uhlig enjoyed the adventures of the mice in JOURNEY BEYOND THE BURROW.

Maria Antonia has a post about THE SECRET LIFE OF LINCOLN JONES by Wendelin Van Draanen.

Valinora Troy reviews The Wildstorm Curse by Eve Wersocki Morris.

Rosi Hollinbeck returns with a review & GIVEAWAY of HOME AWAY FROM HOME by Cynthia Lord. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

Andrea Mack features The Big Sting by Rachelle Delaney.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with yesterday’s review of Ellie Engle Save Herself.

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(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

MIGHT AS WELL BE DEAD

First off, I’m not a big fan of the title. But this new sort of fantasy by “Twerp” author Mark Goldblatt nicely captures the emotions of 13-year-old David Salmon as his family is falling apart.

Mom has left home and only talks to David on the phone. Dad is trying to be a good dad but is failing badly. The stench of alcohol hints at how he is facing the future.

David does have a best friend in Hector at his Flushing, Queens, New York middle school. Unfortunately, even a best friend can’t help David deal with his family crisis.

Enter Winston, a middle aged Englishman who must be a hallucination. For David though Winston is someone to talk with and seems to be around when needed. The man helps David with not only family issues but the trials and tribulations middle school brings. This includes a first girl friend and other confusing challenges.

When Winston eventually reveals the real reason why he has appeared, things get more confusing. Winston wants David to deliver a message to someone named The Walrus.

The first person narration shines as David hides the emotional turmoil that weighs him down. It’s been said “All You Need is Love” and with it David might be able to face the past for a new future.

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: MIGHT AS WELL BE DEAD by Mark GoldBlatt

  1. Beatle fans will be the only ones to pick up on the references to the famed foursome. For the 12 and up intended audience, they will be treated to an engaging story about trauma and healing.
  2. A school guidance counselor is portrayed as a positive presence for David. His brief appearance provide a glimpse at the good these people can bring to a school.
  3. Coping with life for a boy gets all star treatment in a story with no chapters, only an image of those eyeglasses transitioning you to the next scene. It flowed beautifully.
  4. The ending was rather abrupt, but the issues put forth would be great discussion topics for middle schoolers.
  5. The setting of Flushing, Queens was a perfect backdrop for a story with heart and hope.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mark Goldblatt is the author of the best-selling middle grade novel Twerp and its sequel Finding the Worm, as well as many works of fiction and non-fiction for adults. His writing has appeared in popular and academic journals including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, New York Post, New York Observer, USA Today, Time, Reason, Commentary, National Review, Quillette, Philosophy Now, and the Sewanee Theological Review. He teaches developmental English and religious history at Fashion Institute of Technology of the State University of New York.

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW.

BE SURE TO ALSO VISIT THE OTHER POSTS FROM BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

Posted in MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 6 Comments