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Greg Pattridge
Past
6/21 Present*ALWAYS in the MIDDLE* is your home for…
MMGM for July 26, 2021
Posted in MMGM Links
Tagged Marvelous Middle Grade Monday, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM
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EVERYTHING TOGETHER
The sequel to SECOND DAD SUMMER stands on its own if you haven’t read the first. I reviewed the initial story in July, 2020. It was an enjoyable time spent with young Jeremiah and his split family. With EVERYTHING TOGETHER, a year has passed and Jeremiah is spending the summer with his dad and Michael who will soon celebrate their marriage. Here’s the synopsis from Red Chair Press and One Elm Books:
When 13-year-old Jeremiah arrives in Minneapolis to spend the summer with his Dad, everything feels odd. His dad’s fiancé Michael, has buried the apartment in piles of DIY wedding decorations. And Jeremiah’s best friend Sage now spends all her time with a new friend. Everywhere he goes, Jeremiah feels like the odd one out. Eager for something to get him away from all this, he starts volunteering in an English class for refugees. As summer goes on, Jeremiah discovers community in new places and with unexpected friends. As a sequel to highly regarded Second Dad Summer, Everything Together is about exploring your place in the world and all the tangled ways we connect.
Jeremiah continues his understanding of the LGBTQ+ community and his character branches out even more as he spends much of his spare time assisting in a refugee class. Hurtful opinions are brought forth both in whether two men should be getting married and others who wish the refugee community would disappear. It’s all thoughtfully presented.
33 chapters go by in a hurry and the illustrations throughout help bring the characters and story to life. Everything Together is a celebration of diversity and acceptance. With plenty of humor, it’s a solid effort and one that will bring much needed discussion with kids and their parents. Families are meant to be different and that’s okay.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: August 1, 2021 PAGE COUNT: 280
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: EVERYTHING TOGETHER by Benjamin Klas
- The chapter when Jeremiah and his dad discuss bisexuality is perfectly done. There’s nervousness, apprehension, and eventual understanding.
- Jeremiah is a great protagonist. He’s not only thoughtful but willing to see things from different perspectives. We need more Jeremiahs in this world.
- The themes never become overly political. They’re like raindrops providing a fresh perspective on hurtful attitudes.
- The cast of adult and kid characters are all strong and the Minneapolis setting provided many memorable scenes.
- A unique coming of age story and one you’ll want to share.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Benjamin Klas lives in Minnesota with his partner and their son. He spends his days block printing, playing the ukulele, parenting, and writing, although not necessarily in that order. After graduating with a degree in writing from North Central University, Benjamin went on to earn a Master of Library and Information Science from St. Catherine University. His work has appeared in several small literary magazines and a collection by queer authors.
(For more about his life and writing visit Benjamin’s web site)
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I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. Comments are welcome below.
UNFORGOTTEN
Last week I participated in the Unforgotten Blog Tour, a new title about the life of Dian Fossey. There you learned of TWO LIES AND ONE TRUTH about this iconic mountain gorilla researcher, written by author Anita Silvey. Today is my review of this book.
Six chapters reveal the story of Dian’s dedication to these fascinating animals. The road had many successes. Befriending the Gorillas like no one had done before and eventually publishing her book, Gorillas in the MIst were definite highlights. Not left out are the down moments including alcoholism and her murder in 1985.
Pictured bios of the gorillas she became attached to are included. Dian remembered each by their unique noses—no two were alike. The highlights don’t stop there. Full details about The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, dedicated to the conservation and protection of gorillas show the great progress made to this day. In 1973 Fossey recorded only 275 gorillas living in Volcanoes National Park; there are about twice that many today.
I particularly enjoyed the back pages where a FIELD NOTES include maps, a timeline of her life, a plant guide, and further resources.
UNFORGOTTEN is an engrossing read with excellent photos. Young readers will be inspired and possibly motivated to pursue their own career in protecting animals. Highly recommended for the school and home library.
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Blogging about middle grade books or authors next week? Join the celebration.
All you have to do is blog about a middle grade book on a Monday (contests, author interviews, or anything middle grade related also count). 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 please don’t forget to say what book or author 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.
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)
*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.
MMGM for July 19, 2021
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If you would like to join in the MMGM fun and get your own spot in the parade, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count–but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you’re featuring 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 please don’t forget to say what book 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.
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)
*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 MMGM Links
Tagged Marvelous Middle Grade Monday, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM
3 Comments
CHUNKY
Hudi has always wanted to be a comedian and is a frequent viewer of his favorite show—Saturday Night Live. But life isn’t always a joke. A serious medical issue when he was five left him with only one lung. Now the doctors are urging him to lose weight so his parents push him into sports to increase his level of activity. Not exactly what he wanted to do but an imaginary friend named Chunky is there to be his cheerleader.
First it’s baseball, then soccer, swimming, and tennis. Each one is nothing short of a disaster. Hudi does have some success in football, but his old school Texas coach has vicious methods and would prefer his players take out the other team with a purposeful injury.
Meanwhile, dad loses his job and Chunky keeps encouraging Hudi to pursue his true love— comedy. The story is an autobiographical look into the author’s life transferred into this page turning graphic novel. The only Jewish-Mexican kid in the neighborhood is finally getting to tell his story.
Perfect for graphic novel fans and for those middle graders trying to find their own comfort spot in the world.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: June 22, 2021 PAGE COUNT: 208
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT CHUNKY by Yehudi Mercado
- A welcome addition to the middle grade level as personal identity is a topic that is often left to the imagination or not covered at all.
- Nicely done graphics, especially the two-page spread introducing each of the 7 chapters.
- Chunky provides a comical voice of reason. Something a lot of kids could use.
- Sports style commentary brought many smiles throughout.
- Being true to one self is the flag waving theme and this will be a graphic novel that won’t sit on the shelves for long.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Yehudi Mercado is a former pizza delivery driver and art director for Disney Interactive. He is currently a writer-artist-director living in Los Angeles by way of Austin Texas.
For more visit Yehudi at https://www.supermercado.pizza/
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I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. Comments are welcome below. Also—be sure to visit all the other bloggers on this week’s edition of Marvelous Middle Grade Monday.
4 I Missed
My reading and review schedule fills up months in advance. I would love to read every title I’m contacted about, but there’s never enough time. Thanks to a delay in the arrival of a title I was going to feature today, I can at least give a shout out to four that never made it to my reading schedule—but maybe these blurbs will be of interest to you. (Click on any of the book covers for ordering info)
One fateful night a sinister human warrior raids the home of the young goblin Rikt and leaves him orphaned. Angry and alone, Rikt vows to avenge the death of his parents and seeks a way to destroy the man who did this. He finds aid from unlikely allies throughout his journey and learns of a secret power hidden in the heart of the First Tree. Will Rikt survive the trials that await him on his perilous journey to the First Tree? And is Rikt truly prepared for what he may find there?
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While Loukas is playing his flute at the seawall one day, he befriends a mysterious talking, dancing snake that rewards him with fortune and favor. Some years later, tempted by greed and pride, Loukas loses all his riches and his family. He must now set off on a treacherous journey through a frightening forest filled with suspense and strange creatures to find Destiny, her son Ilion, the Sun, and her daughter Luna, the Moon. These celestial guardians will surely allow him to reverse his misfortune, restore his honor, and win back all that he loves and treasures, won’t they?
A reimagined Greek folktale, Loukas and the Game of Chance is illuminated with dramatic and evocative pen and ink drawings that provide an ideal backdrop for the dark intrigue that fills this haunting story of human struggle, courage, and resilience.
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The one thing eleven-year-old Jake Lupo loves more than anything else is baseball. However, despite his father being a professional pitcher, Jake’s fear of failing has kept him from competing against children his own age. When his father, who has recovered from a serious arm injury, is invited to pitch for an independent team, Jake and his parents move to Pine Barrows, a far flung forested mountain outpost. Jake is excited about his father’s chance at a comeback, but he soon learns that he is not the only one in Pine Barrows who loves baseball. Goblins love to play baseball, too, and Pine Barrows happens to be chock full of them. Then Jake discovers that the region is occupied by two factions of warring goblins.Seeking to take control of the goblin kingdom, the leader of the evil goblins kidnaps Jake’s mother and bans baseball, a game which itself is a natural source of power for the goblins.It turns out that Jake has a secret kinship with the legendary beings, and he is the only one who can save them, their kingdom and his mother. However, Jake must believe in himself and play a winner-take-all game against the best goblin players in Pine Barrows.
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Aboard the Timeline follows the journey of Pete, an ordinary boy who is struggling with boredom and monotony at school. He gets more excitement than he bargained for when time suddenly stops around him and he is inexplicably greeted by a talking dinosaur called Reginald at the classroom door. Trying to figure out what has happened, the two of them embark on a journey of adventure and discovery. They meet Philosophocles, an ancient Greek thinker and the three companions travel along the Time Line, visiting alternate versions of history, including the Cretaceous period, ancient Greece, the Viking North Sea, Medieval Istanbul and Victorian London. Along the way, they meet tricky demons, strange creatures and interesting companions. Can Pete become the hero that some need him to be? And will he ever find a way back to the normal world?
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Blogging about middle grade books or authors next week? Join the celebration.
All you have to do is blog about a middle grade book on a Monday (contests, author interviews, or anything middle grade related also count). 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 please don’t forget to say what book or author 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.
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)
*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.
UNFORGOTTEN BLOG TOUR
Welcome to the Unforgotten Blog Tour!
To celebrate the release of Unforgotten: The Wild Life of Dian Fossey and Her Relentless Quest to Save Mountain Gorillas by Anita Silvey on June 29th, blogs across the web are featuring original content from Anita, as well as 5 chances to win the complete trilogy: Unforgotten, Untamed, and Undaunted.
Two Lies and One Truth about Dian Fossey
by Anita Silvey
By the time I began Unforgotten, a biography of Dian Fossey, I felt I knew a great deal about her. After all, I had already spent five years researching and writing about Jane Goodall and Biruté Galdikas, the two other Trimates (Ape Ladies) who had been championed and sent into the field by famed anthropologist Louis Leakey. At one point when Dian was back in the United States and teaching at Cornell, the three had even lectured together about the species they knew so well: Jane (chimpanzees), Biruté (orangutans) and Dian (gorillas).
But at that point, if I had been asked to find the one truth from the list below, I would have made the wrong choice.
- Dian successfully researched mountain gorillas in Rwanda, in a challenging terrain, because she has great physical stamina and rarely got ill.
- It took months for her to begin her research and get close enough to these huge animals (the males weighed between 400-450 pounds).
- She loved designer clothes and jewelry, and when she wasn’t living in primitive conditions, she delighted in dressing up for dinner parties where she held the audience captivated by her stories.
So, if readers have spotted the one true statement, let’s see if you know more than I did before I began working on the book:
- Jane Goodall, the daughter of a race car driver, was known for her remarkable stamina and ability to exhaust anyone (staff, photographers) who accompanied her to observe chimpanzees. But Dian had every known aliment while she lived in primitive conditions. She began her trip to Africa with a case of pneumonia. When she visited her sponsors at National Geographic before leaving the United States, they reported back to Louis Leakey that they didn’t know if she could withstand the conditions of living in the wilderness. She suffered a variety of physical problems – broken bones, headaches, fevers, recurring pneumonia, kidney infections. And she lived most of her 18 years as a gorilla researcher far away from medical treatment or a hospital. It was only her love of these animals that kept her going during all these physical challenges.
- The elusive orangutans, who travel in tree tops, caused the most trouble for the Trimates. Biruté Galdikas went months before she actually got to see one up close. Then she spotted a young male walking on a forest path near her. But four days after she arrived at her first camp, Dian and her guide Sanwekwe sat with a gorilla family and observed them for three hours.
- The one true statement. Dian, raised in a wealthy family, loved fine clothes and dinner parties and holding guests enthralled with her stories. However, while she lived in the wilderness, she often ate Spam and potatoes. Lots of potatoes. She always thought it was fortunate that she actually liked potatoes.
I myself worked hard to tell the truth about Dian Fossey to young readers. I believe they deserve nothing less. I hope they find inspiration in Dian’s sometimes messy life. She sacrificed it because of her complete devotion to the mountain gorillas. As her tombstone says, “No one loved gorillas more.” And that statement is the absolute truth.
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Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Explore the fascinating life and legacy of groundbreaking primatologist and conservationist Dian Fossey, who made it her life’s mission to study and protect mountain gorillas, in this powerful biography from award-winning author Anita Silvey.
In 1963, young American Dian Fossey spent all her savings and took out a loan to realize her dream–to go to Africa. It soon became her life’s mission to study and protect the few mountain gorillas left on Earth. Fossey had no experience or formal scientific training, but she was smart, passionate, and strong-willed–and she just happened to meet paleoanthropologist Louis Leakey, who helped her pursue her goal of studying animals in the wild. Fossey set up a research camp and threw herself into tracking and observing mountain gorillas. Over the next 18 years, Fossey got closer to gorillas than any human ever had before. As she learned to mimic their behavior and became accepted by them, Fossey’s studies grew into a labor of love and a mission to protect her beloved gorillas from poachers and other threats–no matter what the cost.
Sadly, Fossey was murdered at her camp in 1985, and to this day, her death remains a mystery. But her legacy lives on through the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund: In 1973 Fossey recorded only 275 gorillas living in Volcanoes National Park; there are about twice that many today. Fossey’s story is one of tragedy, but also passion, science, and preservation. As Jane Goodall, once said, “If Dian had not been there, there might be no mountain gorillas in Rwanda today.” Unforgotten is the dramatic conclusion to Silvey’s trilogy of biographies on Leakey’s “Trimates.” With unparalleled storytelling, sidebars, maps, and an award-winning design, Unforgotten will inspire the next generation of budding scientists and conservationists.
Follow Anita: Website | Twitter | Facebook
About the Author: As the author of 100 Best Books for Children, 500 Great Books for Teens, and Everything I Need to Know I Learned from a Children’s Book, ANITA SILVEY has devoted more than 50 years of her career to championing book that turn casual readers into lifelong book lovers. Books in this National Geographic series are Undaunted: The Wild Life of Biruté Mary Galdikas and Her Fearless Quest to Save Orangutans and Untamed: The Wild Life of Jane Goodall. Recent books include Let Your Voice Be Heard: The Life and Times of Pete Seeger. Silvey has been a guest on NPR, The Today Show, 60 Minutes, and various radio programs to talk about the best books for young people. In a unique career in the children’s book field, Silvey has divided her time equally between publishing, evaluating children’s books, and writing. Her lifelong conviction that “only the very best of anything can be good enough for the young” forms the cornerstone of her work. Formerly publisher of children’s books for Houghton Mifflin Company and editor in chief of The Horn Book magazine, she currently teaches modern book publishing, Modern Book Publishing and the History of Children’s Book Publishing at Simmons University.
GIVEAWAY
- One winner will receive the complete trilogy: Unforgotten, Untamed: The Wild Life of Jane Goodall, and Undaunted: The Wild Life of Biruté Mary Galdikas and Her Fearless Quest to Save Orangutans
- Check out the other tour stops for more chances to win
- US/Canada only
- Ends 11:59pm ET on 7/25
Blog Tour Schedule:
July 12th — Pragmatic Mom
July 13th — YA Books Central
July 14th — Always in the Middle
July 15th — Mrs. Book Dragon
July 16th — Imagination Soup
MMGM for July 12, 2021
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If you would like to join in the MMGM fun and get your own spot in the parade, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count–but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you’re featuring 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 please don’t forget to say what book 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.
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)
*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 MMGM Links
Tagged Marvelous Middle Grade Monday, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM
2 Comments
SECONDHAND DOGS
A sweet tale of second chances.
Miss Lottie gives animals a home who took different paths in their lives before finding this loving woman. From left to right is Gus the pack leader; Tank, the guardian; Roo, a three legged pup with a powerful nose; and little Moon Pie, who thinks his previous owner is still alive.
There’s also a cat, Ghost, who keeps her distance but feels safe under MIss Lottie’s care. Finally off to the side, the dark, ominous figure is the new arrival, Decker. He plans to get rid of everyone so he can claim this place as his own. One other human character is Quinn, a neighbor boy who helps out with the dogs and likes this life better than the one he has at home.
The third person narration has each chapter focusing on a different character with Gus getting most of the attention. The animals and humans also have a “Before” chapter detailing what their life was like previously. It’s a great way to have the tale unfold.
Themes of family, loyalty, and love make this a memorable story, perfect as a read-aloud or to enjoy with your own pet at your side.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: July 6, 2021 PAGE COUNT: 256
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: SECONDHAND DOGS by Carolyn Crimi
- The important relationship connecting humans and their pets is brought forth in winning fashion. At the core is love, and how it often heals and changes things for the better.
- Illustrations throughout add to the appeal of this pleasing tale. The faces of each character tell their own story.
- Even if you’re not a dog lover, you might become one after spending time with this pack.
- Many opportunities for discussion about each character’s problems in life. A good selection for a classroom, family, or reading club.
- Every plot point comes to a satisfying conclusion. Nice character arcs for all including the nasty Decker.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Carolyn Crimi received her MFA in Writing for Children from Vermont College in 2000. She has published over 15 books, including Dear Tabby, Don’t Need Friends, Boris and Bella, Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies, Where’s My Mummy?, and I Am the Boss of this Chair. Her book There Might Be Lobsters won The Golden Kite Award in 2018 for Best Picture Book Text, and her middle grade debut, Weird Little Robots, was named a BEA Book Buzz pick. Carolyn has received over thirty state awards and award nominations and was given The Prairie State Award in 2012 for her body of work. You can visit Carolyn at carolyncrimi.com.
Facebook: Carolyn Crimi Twitter: @crims10
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I’ll be participating in the UNFORGOTTEN Blog Tour this Wednesday. Stop by again for a chance to win a copy.
Comments are welcome below and be sure to visit all the other MMGM bloggers today!
FINN AND THE INTERGALACTIC LUNCHBOX
I have another recommendation from an MMGM blogger. This one came from Mark Baker at Carstairs Considers. He reviews books, movies, and TV shows. I was able to sneak in a read this week and enjoyed it immensely.
Science fiction has a friend in young Finn, the protagonist in this wild adventure. Along with his younger sister, an obnoxious bully, and the girl who makes him nervous, they’ll have to somehow save the world from aliens who invade Earth in the form of giant flying bugs. Also helping the kids is a robot, the likeable Highbeam.
The lunchbox serves as a portal to other parts of the galaxy and Finn has the ability to use his thoughts as to where you end up. The ride is nothing like the turbulence on an airplane. It’s more like you could pass out any second.
The tale will appeal to boys and girls and at least one of the characters will win you over. There’s humor, and for the first time in an MG book the middle school principal is one of the heroes. Throw in some family drama and you have a super fun read.
The 29 chapters race along with great pacing and at the end you get a sneak peak at a sequel, FINN AND THE TIME TRAVELING PAJAMAS. Now I just need to find time to jump into this second book.
Find more about both books here.
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Blogging about middle grade books or authors next week? Join the celebration.
