Marvelous Middle Grade Monday (3/30/2026)

Posted on March 30, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

 

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is where you can find my review of WONDERS OF SHADOW KEY by JJ Fleming.

••Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles is participating in the Honey Bunny Giveaway Hop with lots of middle grade choices.

••Natalie Aguirre isn’t quite done this week as she returns on Wednesday, sharing an interview with debut author Christopher Roubique and a giveaway of his middle grade fantasy, Mythspeaker. 

••Sue Heavenrich is over at Archimedes Notebook with a nonfiction title: Dinosaur Secrets Revealed! How High-Tech Tools Spark Discoveries (Sandra Markle’s Science Discoveries) by Sandra Markle.

••Jennifer Bohnhoff reviews an MG historical fiction set during the American Revolution, Dark Treason: An American Revolution Spy Thriller, perfect for teachers trying to find material for the 250th anniversary of the US.

••Brenda @ Log Cabin Library has her review of Nell O’Dell Hates Quests by Emily B. Martin.

••Rebecca Douglass has posted a review of Schooled by Jamie Sumner.

••Maria Antonia has a review + giveaway for: The Silent Journey by Havelah McLat.

••Patricia Tilton returns to the MMGM family with a review of The Clock and the Boulder by Karin Fisher-Golton, a time travel novel.

••Susan Uhlig is sharing Gary D. Schmidt’s THE LABORS OF HERCULES BEAL.

••Jennifer Rummel @ YA Book Nerd reviews Parachute Kids: a graphic novel about immigration and families.

••Rosi Hollinbeck reviews FASTER THAN A JET, BIGGER THAN A WHALE: AN ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO MEASURING OUR WORLD. Rosie 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 and all her reviews from this past week.

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WONDERS OF SHADOW KEY

Posted on March 29, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

Climate change has caused a complete disruption in the life of twelve-year-old Eleanor. The time is in the near future and Florida is the setting. Hurricanes now happen weekly and have destroyed everything in their path, including Eleanor’s school.

She and her parents escape to a beach community that seems deserted but has had less damage than other parts of the coastline (This didn’t sound like a very good plan to me with more hurricanes on the way, but Dad is a die hard Floridian).

The real story begins when Eleanor finds a colony of ghosts living in the same apartment complex as her family. She first meets Mrs. Mabel Frobisher sitting in a lawn chair happily sipping an umbrella drink. Mabel is thrilled that Eleanor can see her and eventually introduces her to the other ghostly residents.

The ghosts’ time here is in danger of ending as sea monsters with tentacles are trying to take away their souls. They get closer with each passing storm. Eleanor tries to find a way to save her new ghostly friends and also rescue another ghost lost at sea.

WONDERS OF SHADOW KEY is a unique, fast moving plot sure to keep your attention throughout. Eleanor is a fantastic main character and her first person narration shines. The mark of a good writer. Eleanor doesn’t seem like a fictional character but someone who could be your next door neighbor. There are a few scary moments but nothing terrifying for young readers. Family, friendship, and the motivation to help others takes center stage in this endearing tale.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: March 31, 2026 PAGES: 186

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: WONDERS OF SHADOW KEY by JJ Fleming

  1. The parents are also memorable. Dad is trying to find work while also trying to get rich in the stock market. Mom makes jewelry out of shells. They both provide the perfect parental support to Eleanor.
  2. Although this is a story about growing up in the uncertain future, it also provides fuel for the present about working together even in a crisis.
  3. The quirky ghosts are a fun group. The Fabulous Singing Siren Sisters always have a song while a homesick pirate refuses to believe he is dead. There’s also a family and Eleanor volunteers to play with the two kids. You’ll hope these ghosts find their way by the final page.
  4. Yes, kids worry about their parents and the choices they make. Family is not a one way street as brilliantly portrayed here.
  5. This will hit home for readers who recall the upturn in our lives from COVID. Friendships and school classes were never in person and it was tough dealing with those changes. You’ll feel sad but also happy the way Eleanor tackles the uncertainty, especially through her writing assignments.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JJ Fleming is the “marvelously inventive” and “highly entertaining” author of the middle grade novel Wonders of Shadow Key as well as books and stories for adults (writing as John Henry Fleming). He directs the creative writing program at the University of South Florida, where he founded the literary magazine Saw Palm: Florida Literature and Art. He’s a two-time recipient of Florida Literature Fellowships and winner of the International Book Award. (JJ Fleming’s Website)

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

Korobá: The Case of the Missing Kolo

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

Korobá lives in the Nigerian fishing village of Makoko, a setting I’ve never seen featured in a middle grade book. She likes to visit the market and walk the waterways with friends, Saidat and Joba, and Popi her cute dog.

The graphic style is perfect for this detective type story when Saidat’s Kolo is missing. A Kolo is a box, usually decorated, and each child in Makoko has one. They each use it to save money all year in anticipation of the annual harvest festival.

As the detective work begins, Korobá forms a list with her friends of possible suspects . There is no obvious culprit so readers will be guessing the identity of the thief along with the team of sleuths. There are clues early on which may lead you to the guilty party.

With superb, brightly colored illustrations the story moves along at a fast pace. I enjoyed learning about the real village of Makoko and how different it is compared to where I live. The intended audience will surely feel the same way.

Korobá: The Case of the Missing Kolo is best for new middle grade readers and for those who love an engaging mystery. The series will continue soon with the next adventure, Korobá: The Case of the Broken Masterpiece.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: Feb. 24 PAGES: 144

ABOUT THE AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR

Àlàbá Ònájìn is a children’s book author/illustrator born in Lagos state, Nigeria and has a Diploma in Freelance Cartooning and Illustration from The Morris College of Journalism, Surrey, Kent, UK. He is currently living in Gloucester, England, having recently emigrated from his home in Lagos, Nigeria. He has always had a passion for telling stories through his drawings, and as a child, was strongly influenced by the illustration style of Hergé’s Tintin series; these books sparked an energy to bring his stories to young readers around the world.

Ònájìn’s work includes two picture books with Maria Modugno at Random House Studio, Waaa Waaa Goes Tawa!, and Oh No, Ojo (2025). Past books include Anike Eleko, a comic book on girls’ education published by Farafina Books, On Ajayi Crowther Street, a graphic novel published by Cassava Republic in collaboration with the German cultural organization Goethe Institut, and other art collaborations with UNESCO on the Role of Women in African History Project, illustrating the lives of three great African women: Funmilayo-Ransome Kuti, Empress Taytu Betul of Ethiopia, and Miriam Makeba. (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.

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

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday (3/23/2026)

Posted on March 23, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

 

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is where I review THE BLUE DRESS by Rebecca Morrison.

••Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles has a guest post by Aaron Starmer and a giveaway of his MG speculative You Are Now Old Enough to Hear This.

••Carol Baldwin has a book intended for adults, The Color Of Love: A Mother’s Choice In The Jim Crow South, but the historical significance and that it is narrated from a 12-year-old’s perspective might interest upper MG readers.

••Jenni Enzor is featuring Honey and Me by Meira Drazin.

••Linda Browne has her March version of Bookcase Bizarro where she reviews two MG cozy mysteries: Absolutely Truly and Yours Truly, by Heather Vogel Frederick.

••Jennifer Rummel @ YA Book Nerd reviews Right Back at You.

••Brenda @ Log Cabin Library has The Whisperwicks: The Labyrinth of Lost and Found by Jordan Lees, illustrated by Vivienne To.

••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of RISE OF THE SPIDER by Michael Spradlin. Rosie 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 and all her reviews from this past week.

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THE BLUE DRESS

Posted on March 22, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

Body Image. It’s a tough but necessary topic to talk about. Young people, especially those in middle school, begin to make comparisons of their own developing bodies with classmates, social media posts, along with famous people in movies and television. THE BLUE DRESS is an engaging and heartbreaking look at how it effects one girl and her family.

Thirteen-year-old Yasmin, amidst many pressures, feels like her body isn’t hers. Puberty has caused changes, along with the pressures of moving from Iran a year-and-a half ago to Ashbury Falls, Virginia so her dad could take an important job with Boeing. The worst though has been her mother, who is always reminding Yasmin she needs to lose weight. Weekly weigh-ins are the worst as pounds gained or lost are noted over and over again. Her mother even sews Yasmin a blue dress to wear for Persian New Year, even though she purposely made it way to small for Yasmin.

Yasmin does have best friend Carmen (Whose family immigrated from Mexico), but she is petite, a constant reminder of how different their bodies are to each other. Yasmin decides it is time to take drastic measures to lose weight and improve the look of her body. This only creates more problems both for her health and relationship with family and classmates.

Yasmin’s first person narration through 21 chapters is a realistic portrayal of the emotions brought about by the constant reminders that being thin is the answer. You’ll be rooting for Yasmin the entire way to mend the relationship with her mother and learn a different approach to body acceptance. No one should have to endure what Yasmin goes through in her young life to look perfect. THE BLUE DRESS tackles this topic in such a great way. Highly recommended to read and use as a discussion at home or in the classroom.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: March 24, 2026 PAGES: 272

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE BLUE DRESS by Rebecca Morrison

  1. Yasmin also faces hurtful criticism and jokes from classmates about being Persian and that maybe her dad is a terrorist. With Iran taking center stage in recent news you forget that their are many in Iran who only wish to have a peaceful place to raise their families, rather than feeling the effects of a political war.
  2. The story will resonate not only for tween and teen girls but also adults who are still struggling with body image and self worth.
  3. Finding a support system away from family is a valuable and beautifully explored option in dealing with any tough problem a young person is going through. Getting another’s outlook, in Yasmin’s case a favorite teacher and a counselor, is a helpful and honest direction to take.
  4. The character arcs for Mom, Yasmin, little brother Ali, and mean classmate Zoe are a memorable part of making this story so good.
  5. The realistic themes are portrayed in an honest and non-scary way.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rebecca Morrison is a lawyer and writer. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, TODAY, NBC News, Salon, HuffPost and Newsweek, among others. She was born in Iran, and now lives in the Washington DC area with her husband and two kids. The Blue Dress is her debut novel. (Rebecca’s Author Website)

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Posted in MG Contemporary Fiction, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 13 Comments

OLIVIA GRAY WILL NOT FADE AWAY

Posted on March 20, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

Olivia Gray is starting her seventh grade year. Many will agree that middle school brings new challenges and confusion toward growing up.

For Olivia, her older brother Malcomb has a new crush, and has come out as gay. That part is okay but the person she always went to for advice now spends no time with her. She feels invisible.

Meanwhile at school, her friends are obsessed with gossip about who likes who and Olivia could care less. Except now the most popular boy has asked her to go to the fall formal dance. She rejects that invitation in a unknowing way, but now it has become the main topic on the social media app known as KruShh. This leads to Olivia feeling even more invisible, in a real fantasy like way.

Talking with the new young librarian and a another student named Jules, she begins to realize she might in fact be asexual (a lack of sexual attraction to others). As is later revealed, asexual is a label that fits about 2% of individuals. Olivia just wants to fit in, but now it is even more of a problem.

Best for 5-8th graders, the third person narration is engaging throughout the 34 chapters. Readers will enjoy the honesty about middle grade friendships and how they often change. Social media adds to the problem. Being a new teenager can be an extremely difficult time. Thankfully for Olivia she has parents who love her and want her to be happy no matter the choices Olivia makes in her life. They do dive into it in an often overwhelming way, but it is appreciated.

OLIVIA GRAY WILL NOT FADE AWAY is a book that will not fade away and help many young readers with understanding others and themselves in their teen years.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: March 17, 2026 PAGES: 272

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ciera Burch is a lifelong reader, writer, and ice cream aficionado. She has a B.A from American University and an MFA from Emerson College.

When she’s not reading or writing, she can be found playing Dungeons & Dragons, eating ice cream, and thinking up more spooky stories with Black girls at the center. While she is originally from New Jersey, she currently resides in Washington, D.C with her stuffed animals, plants, and far too many books and D&D dice.

Find her on Instagram @cierasburch. She’d rather you not find her on Tumblr. (Ciera’s 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 (3/16/2026)

Posted on March 16, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

 

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is where I review RED RIVER ROSE by Carole Lindstrom.

••Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles is participating in the Chasing Rainbow Giveaway Hop with lots of middle grade book choices.

••Jennifer Rummel @ YA Book Nerd reviews Written in the Stars and Playing for Keeps.

••Brenda @ Log Cabin Library has Deathly Fates by Tesia Tsai.

••ET Charles enjoyed Jennifer Chambliss Bertman’s BOOK SCAVENGER: THE UNBREAKABLE CODE.

••Rebecca Douglass reviews the audiobook of Dust Bowling’s 24 Hours in Nowhere.

••Jenni Enzor is featuring Valinora Troy’s Lianna and the Hombit and Siobhan Parkinson’s Kathleen: The Celtic Knot. Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day!

••Kasey Giard @ The Story Sanctuary has a review of Hafsa’s Way by Aisha Saeed.

••Susan Uhlig was fascinated by GREENGLASS HOUSE (Kate Milford) which introduces one to the Roaming Worlds.

••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of ORPHANLAND by Lauren Fischer. Rosie 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 and all her reviews from this past week.

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RED RIVER ROSE

Posted on March 15, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

Twelve-year-old Rose is the daring and likable heroine in this historical novel. It’s 1885 and the Canadian government is forcefully moving towards a takeover of Rose’s Métis community during the North-West Resistance. She along with her parents and little sister Delia live in Batoche near the Saskatchewan River. It’s a small town with a few shops, a school, and a church.

Rose hears the adults talking about losing their land and the debate on how to react. The decision is to fight and Rose knows she has to help in some way. But shouldn’t girls be home taking care of family, not out on the front lines where danger exists?

This doesn’t fit Rose’s personality and she takes action, Rose disguises her appearance to look like a boy and hauls a cart full of guns and supplies to the front lines. She also devises a brave scheme to stop additional Canadian troops from arriving by ferry.

The world building and sense of community is strong and heartfelt. Thirty-three emotion packed chapters display Rose’s determination to keep her family and community together. Carol Lindstrom based this novel on her own family history. You can also find Rose in the author’s 2025 picture book, The Gift of the Great Buffalo.

Red River Rose is a rare look at a time period in Canada that will never be forgotten thanks to books like this one. Perfect for any young middle grade reader who enjoy adventurous historical fiction.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: March 17, 2026 PAGES: 224

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: RED RIVER ROSE by Carole Lindstrom

  1. The writing is never boring as you feel for what is going on in each scene, making this story even more memorable. A good start for those who have never read a story based on history.
  2. Ambroise, Rose’s friend is a great support for Rose. He is a fun and necessary companion who helps Rose and ends up as a memorable character for sure.
  3. The character ARC for Melanie, a girl who dislikes Rose, is nicely done. There is often a good side to people few get to see.
  4. The Author’s Note is a compelling look at the why and how this book had to be written. A well done extra after reading the story.
  5. The front cover of a book often stops at the front cover. Not here as the entire scene gets colorful exposure throughout.

About the Author

Carole Lindstrom is a New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of literature for young people, including the Caldecott Medal-winning WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS. She is Anishinaabe/Metis and an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe. She is honored to write books that allow her to shine a light on her beautiful people and their strength and resilience. Her tribal homelands are in Belcourt, North Dakota, but she was born and raised in Nebraska and currently makes her home in Maryland.

Carole has been a voracious reader and library geek ever since she was growing up in Nebraska. On weekends you could usually find her at the library lost in the book stacks or holed up in her bedroom with a good book. It wasn’t until she had her son, that she discovered her love of writing for children and began to work seriously on her writing.

(Carole’s Author Website)

COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW

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Posted in Historical fiction, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

CAPUT MUNDI

Posted on March 13, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

You know the plot is going to have some surprising twists and a lot of unanswered questions after the first few minutes reading Caput Mundi. 11-year old Niil Terra is kidnapped by a couple who are trying to get a debt back from his father.

They take Niil to the severely damaged island of Umbra. With no word from Dad about accepting the demands of his captors, Niil begins to bond with this couple who treat him with respect.

He soon learns that he inherited a unique skill from his mother who four years ago left and never came back. Niil can attract and use Enarii, a magical liquid that can be formed to be anything you desire. Did you forget your shovel? No problem! Visualize the shovel you want and Emarii does the rest.

The next twist comes when his captors leave him alone for months. Niil eventually meets a tough minded 13-year-old girl named Ada and her cautious cousin Soes. The three take off for Caput Mundi to find answers to their questions about the events in this strange world. Could his mother be the leader of the the Doubleyes, a group trying to destroy Emarii. There’s one surprise after another including an evil plot for revenge.

Having heard from young readers about chapter length (“We only get 15 minutes of free reading time and I always hate when I can’t finish a chapter!“). Yes, these chapters are long here but fortunately they have scene breaks within each chapter giving you a place to pause your reading.

Overall, the story will have you changing your mind several times as to who is the one causing all the problems. The world building is fascinating and the engaging fantasy adventure in Caput Mundi will have you hoping for Book 2 as there are still a few plot twists unresolved.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: March 17, 2026 PAGES: 274

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

B.R. KANG is a 1.5-generation Korean-American, unapologetic foodie, Harvard alum, and constant daydreamer. Her debut novel, “Caput Mundi,” has been nearly twenty years in the making—rooted in what-ifs, countless revisions, hundreds of rejections, and a stubborn belief that good stories are worth fighting for. 

When she’s not writing, she’s in the kitchen experimenting with recipes or exploring flavors from around the world. Learn more about her and her work at CaputMundiBooks.com.

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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.

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

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday (3/9/2026)

Posted on March 9, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

 

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is where I review NO WAY NEVER SISTERS by Chantel Acevedo and Natalia Sylvester.

••Jennifer Rummel @ YA Book Nerd reviews Dear Jackie: a graphic novel about friendship drama and being yourself.

••Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles has an interview with Ciera Burch and a giveaway of her MG Olivia Gray Will Not Fade Away. 

••Jenni Enzor features Mitali Perkin’s The Golden Necklace: A Darjeeling Tea Mystery.

••Stephanie Robinson is with us again and shares her featured review on Fairday’s Blog of The Secret Winner’s Club by Donna Galanti.

••Kasey Giard @ The Story Sanctuary has a review of Mythspeaker by Christopher Roubique.

••Maria Antonia has a post about The Free State of Jax by Jennifer A. Nielsen.

••Susan Uhlig found OUTSIDE by Jennifer L. Holm very hard to put down.

••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of Wild Mountain Ivy by Shannon Hitchcock. Rosie 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, NO WAY NEVER SISTERS, and all her reviews from this past week.

Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 1 Comment