Rake in some great Middle Grade reviews or features by clicking on any of the leaf’s below.
At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I’m reviewing PLAYING THE CARDS YOU’RE DEALT by Varian Johnson.
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an agent/author guest post by Melissa Nasson and Alex Perry with a query critique and a GIVEAWAY of Pighearted, a MG contemporary novel.
COMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF is recommending Other Boys by Damian Alexander, a graphic novel that’s already receiving a Kirkus starred review.
Maria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA has a review of WHEN ZACHARY BEAVER CAME TO TOWN by Kimberly Willis Holt.
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Ensnared in the Wolf’s Lair byAnn Bausum.
Rosi Hollinbeck reviews TIPS FOR MAGICIANS by Celesta Rimington. Rosi also shares 3 links for her writing friends and her discovery that umpires have been invaded by aliens.
A final note: Newbery Award winning author, Gary Paulsen, passed away last week. We’ll always have his books to celebrate a legacy. Thanks to SCBWI for sharing this video…
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.
Ten-year-old Anthony Joplin has made it to double digits! Which means he’s finally old enough to play in the spades tournament every Joplin Man before him seems to have won. So while Ant’s friends are stressing about fifth grade homework and girls, Ant only has one thing on his mind: how he’ll measure up to his father’s expectations at the card table.
Then Ant’s best friend gets grounded, and he’s forced to find another spades partner. And Shirley, the new girl in his class, isn’t exactly who he has in mind. She talks a whole lot of trash — way more than his old partner. Plus, he’s not sure that his father wants him playing with a girl. But she’s smart and tough and pretty, and knows every card trick in the book. So Ant decides to join forces with Shirley — and keep his plans a secret.
Only it turns out secrets are another Joplin Man tradition. And his father is hiding one so big it may tear their family apart…
Raw emotion greets you at every turn. An omniscient narrator—not used too often in MG—takes you through the 52 chapters. Their identity is revealed in the final pages. It’s perfect choice to convey this heartfelt tale.
Spades is a card game I knew nothing about (I’m more of a Five Crowns player). Early on you get the rules explained and through several matches it starts to make sense. Ant is good at the game but his only tournament play came to an embarrassing end. This year he vows to be a winner in his dad’s eye’s.
Set in present day South Carolina all the characters are memorable. They feel like neighbors. That’s due to the exquisite writing throughout.
I love what Mr. Johnson says in his insightful Publishers Weekly lead to the interview about his new book: “readers find parts that make them laugh, and parts that perhaps make them cry. I hope they see something that makes them think about the world we live in, and the little ways we can make it better by being kinder to our fellow humans.”
He succeeds on all fronts.
PAGE COUNT: 320 BOOK BIRTHDAY: October 5, 2021
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT PLAYING THE CARDS YOU’RE DEALT by Varian Johnson
Solid chapter endings. Some had me laughing out loud while others left me biting my bottom lip to keep the emotions in check.
The emerging friendship between Ant and Shirley is handled with sweetness and care. There are many bumps along the way and those add to the appeal of these two.
The harsh realities of a gambling and alcohol addiction hovers over the family in different ways. They all are honestly revealed in the climatic ending scenes.
Small town life is portrayed in an appealing way and give the story even more heart.
The community here is Black but what they have to say enriches any color, any place. Their voice rings true for all.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Varian Johnson is the author of several novels for children and young adults, including The Parker Inheritance, which won both Coretta Scott King Author Honor and Boston Globe/Horn Book Honor awards; The Great Greene Heist, an ALA Notable Children’s book and Kirkus Reviews Best Book; and the graphic novel Twins, illustrated by Shannon Wright, an NPR Best Book.
Varian was born in Florence, South Carolina, and attended the University of Oklahoma, where he received a BS in Civil Engineering. He later received an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, and is honored to now be a member of the faculty. Varian lives outside of Austin, TX with his family.
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Comments are welcome below. Be sure to visit the other bloggers on today’s edition of MMGM.
If you love enticing mysteries with an endearing new kid detective look no further than the first case in THE VIOLET VEIL MYSTERIES series. Set in England during the Victorian era of the 1800s, it starts off with a page turning surprise and never lets up.
13-year-old Violet is the daughter of an undertaker and lives with him at the cemetery along with her mother and younger brother. Violet is miffed she doesn’t get to do the same things as boys and feels girls aren’t taken seriously. She’d really like to help her dad with the business of dead bodies. No way that’s going to happen.
Still though she often sits near the next burials including a new arrival who was apparently murdered. Turns out Oliver is not dead and comes alive after emerging out of a deep coma the next day.
Violet sets out to solve the crime along with her faithful dog, Bones, and her new very much alive friend, Oliver. Bones almost steals the show with his helpful nature as he leads Violet and Oliver to clues. A great addition to the story.
But center stage belongs to Violet as she attempts to solve several murders that look similar to what happened in Oliver’s case. She is on the clock to figure it out before her father is hanged for supposedly being the one and only suspect. He’s guilty first unless Violet can come to his rescue with the real culprit.
The tense and often scary chapters are a testament to the great writing going on here. Even adults will be totally engaged in the plot. I would though save this one for 9 year olds and above in the MG category.
I’m looking forward to hearing what’s next for Violet in THE VIOLET VEIL MYSTERIES. I’m hooked like many new fans will be with this historical mystery.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sophie Cleverly was born in Bath in 1989. She studied for a BA in Creative Writing and an MA in Writing For Young People. She is the author of the SCARLET AND IVY series and THE VIOLET VEIL MYSTERIES, which are published in English by HarperCollins worldwide and are being translated into many different languages.
Aside from writing, she can often be found blogging about symphonic metal, watching fantastical TV and struggling to find her way out of her ever-increasing pile of books.
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(I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.)
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.
Congratulations to the winner of the Susie B. Won’t Back Down GIVEAWAY: Patricia Tilton! She is a regular contributor to MMGM along with a picture book review every Friday. Go check out her posts at CHILDREN’S BOOKS HEAL.
Click on a star to reach a shining Middle Grade review or feature.
At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I’m reviewing THE MERMAID QUEEN by Alane Adams.
June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing & Stitch-metic shares a Christian non-fiction title, Anxious for Nothing:Living Above Anxiety and Loneliness. Included is a GIVEAWAY.
Beth Schmelzer at Best Books by Beth joins us this week with an important book about reading aloud: The Enchanted Hour: The Miraculous Power of Reading Aloud in the Age of Distraction.
Maria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA has a review of BEYOND THE BRIGHT SEA by Lauren Wolk
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Born Behind Bars by Padma Venkatraman.
Rosi Hollinbeckreviews LINKED by Gordon Korman. Included is a GIVEAWAY! Rosi also shares three helpful links for her writing friends.
Karen Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads always has a great MMGM review. Check it out along with her other reviews last week including yesterday’s feature: Alley & Rex.
THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!
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.
The fourth book in the WITCHES OF ORKNEY SERIES has its debut this week. It’s an exciting adventure full of witches, mermaids, and a nasty serpent who can destroy entire worlds. The question you might first ask is “Can I read The Mermaid Queen if I’ve not read the others in the series?”
Yes! The story line before Book 4 begins won’t confuse readers as this has a different focus with young witch Abigail trying to stop the evil before it is unleashed. It will entice you to go back and read the others, along with Book 5, THE DARK WITCH, due out next year.
Abigail and Hugo have just helped restore the balance of power in Orkney by defeating the powerful alchemist Vertulious when Abigail discovers that Capricorn, the mermaid queen she trusted to help them, has unleashed the powerful Midgard Serpent named Jormungand―who, years ago, encircled the world of mankind and held it captive until Odin banished it to an underwater prison. Capricorn is determined to force Odin to make her goddess of the seas over Aegir, and she’s ready to use the massive serpent to bend him to her will―threatening all of Orkney. Abigail and Hugo must embark on an adventure across the seas to Odin’s island sanctuary to find a way to stop Capricorn and return Jormungand to his watery cell. But when Abigail finds that her powers are not enough, she has to tap into her dark magic again and again. As she is drawn further down this path, a dark presence makes itself known to her―one that may alter her path forever.
(From alaneadams.com)
The third person narration takes you through a prologue, then 31 chapters followed by the setup for Book 5 in an epilogue. It’s a manageable 232 pages that won’t scare away reluctant readers. A small selection of illustrations also help the story move along at a nice pace.
Our heroine witch Abigail, along with Hugo and another witch, Calla, provide a well rounded set of characters. Readers might be putting themselves into each of their shoes wondering if they would make the same decisions under the fantasy laden settings. They are brave and you’ll be rooting for them along with hoping Abigail doesn’t disappear to the dark side of magic. Her inner turmoil and temptations are real and the basis for the main story.
Schooling at The Witch Academy takes a back seat in book 4 to the more important adventure. You won’t be sorry for taking an enjoyable escape to the Orkney world.
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT THE MERMAID QUEEN by ALANE ADAMS
The ending serves its purpose. It’s a cliffhanger and an interesting turn of events for the next story.
Rough seas, strange islands, and new characters bring many surprises along the way. A page turning and often tense set of scenes.
Loyalty and friendship are put to the test. You’ll love how Hugo meets the challenge as both traits are threatened to end.
The magic book of dark spells and balls of witch fire will have readers thankful they live in the present. Scary stuff but too scary.
To create a world such as Orkney requires world building. A map in the front pages gets you started. The locales visited bring the world to life.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Alane Adams is the author of award-winning titles that include the Legends of Orkney™ Norse mythology series for middle grade readers, the Witches of Orkney prequel series, and a series of historical picture books set in the 1920s including The Coal Thief. Alane Adams and her books have been featured on BBC, Fox, the CW, Parade, Bustle, Today, People, and many more! When Alane is not writing or sharing how Reading Is A Superpower with young students through her Between the Pages program, she’s out hiking somewhere in the world or hanging out with her three boys in Southern California. For more information, visit https://alaneadams.com or follow Alane on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @AlaneAdamsBooks.
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I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest critique. Be sure to comment below and then visit the other Marvelous Middle Grade Monday bloggers posting today. Happy MMGM!
Maisie has always loved horses. She is also a talented artist. When the opportunity arises for her to study in Paris, her two worlds collide. There, in the heart of the city, Maisie finds the childhood diary of famous horse artist, Rose Bonifait, and meets the beautiful black stallion, Claude.
As the two girls’ stories emerge, tragedies unfold – both past and present – and Maisie realises that she can’t begin to imagine life without her forever horse…
Horse lovers rejoice at this tender tale set both present and past. Maisie has already found her life’s passions at age 12: Horses and painting beautiful portraits of them.
While she pursues her craft in Paris through a scholarship opportunity, Dad stays behind in London. The arrangement doesn’t seem to be working for Maisie with loneliness setting in and a critical teacher who is not helping. Then she finds Claude, the most stunning creature she has ever come across and his rider, Oscar, a police guard in the city.
Maisie’s first person narration is accompanied by flashbacks to Rose Bonifait’s narration of her life as a rare female budding artist in the 1800’s. Her character is based on a a real artist of the time, Rosa Bonheur.
The modern day atmosphere of Paris comes alive along with an all too familiar event: terrorism. It’s a believable interruption and one that provides much drama for the second half of the story.
I reviewed another of Stacy Gregg’s books in 2019, The Fire Stallion. Now with The Forever Horse she once again has created a compelling story with heart.
Animal lovers have another friend to fill their reading time with a memorable tale of friendship.
I received a copy of The Forever Horse in exchange for my honest review. Comments are welcome below.
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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.
HAPPY OCTOBER! Click on a leaf to reach a variety of Middle Grade reviews and features.
At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I’m reviewing SUSIE B. WON’T BACK DOWN by Margaret Finnegan. There’s also a GIVEAWAY opportunity for a copy of the book.
June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing & Stitch-metic shares a YA devotional, ‘Live on Purpose‘. Would also work as an upper MG title. The post includes a GIVEAWAY from the publisher.
COMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF has a review of Amari and the Night Brothers by B. B. Alston.
Maria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA takes a look at Mystery of Magnolia Circle by Kate Klise.
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews In a Flash by Donna Jo Napoli, a powerful story about Italian sisters surviving WWII in Japan.
Author Valinora Troyreviews the spooky GHOST GIRL by Ally Malinenko. Perfect choice for this time of the year.
Rosi Hollinbeckhas a review of STARFISH by Lisa Fipps. Rosi also shares three helpful links for her writing friends.
Karen Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads always has a great MMGM review. Check it out along with her other reviews last week including Friday’s feature: THE INSIDERS.
THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!
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.
Fifth grader Susie Babuszkiewicz’s teacher is always looking for different ways to get students learning. In the Hero Project unit, you first have to choose a hero and they can’t be alive. Susie chooses Susan B Anthony not only because they are both Susie B’s but because her chosen hero championed women’s rights.
Susie has to research Susan B. Anthony’s life and then write her a series of letters. The entire book is made up of these letters. There are no chapters, only headings like DEAR SUSAN B. ANTHONY. It’s unique story telling device and one I initially had trouble getting into. The letters are like the talkative son or daughter coming home from school and telling you everything about their day.
Eventually though I was hooked, especially when Susie discovers some not so heroic events in her hero’s life. Her adoration of this famous lady takes a sudden turn for the worse. The salutations even change to DEAR NOT SUSAN B ANTHONY.
When Susie decides to run for student council president it’s an uphill climb with the competition being way more popular. Susie deals with broken friendships, a mean classmate, and tries to understand the person she is and wants to become. She also searches for answers as to why her “former” hero made some questionable choices.
You’ll enjoy getting to know this feisty preteen. Susie B. Won’t Back Down is recommended for both boys and girls.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: OCTOBER 5, 2021 PAGE COUNT: 272
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT SUSIE B. WON’T BACK DOWN by Margaret Finnegan
College aged brother, Lock, has many moments of brotherly advice for his confused sibling. Some of it actually works and their short talks throughout the pages were highlights.
What you read on the surface of a hero doesn’t always tell the full story. A great lesson to always dig for the truth, even if you’re in 5th grade. I’ve never seen it presented like this in an MG book.
Susie has several flaws, and they are expertly brought forth and addressed. It’s an initial coming of age story for a yet-to-be teen. I’d like to see more books about Susie set during her upcoming middle school years.
It was nice to read a story where the parents weren’t divorced or dead. I’ve seen way too many books recently with this family trait.
Shifts in friendships can happen frequently during the school aged years. Susie takes on this challenge and the results are satisfying.
ADVICE FROM THE AUTHOR, Margaret Finnegan
“I’ve learned that you need to trust seven-year-old you. Seven-year-old you knows exactly what gives your life meaning and joy. Seven-year-old you is pretty brilliant that way.”
Margaret Finnegan is the author of the middle-grade novels Susie B. Won’t Back Down and We Could Be Heroes. Her writing often focuses on themes on inclusion, hard choices, and being true to yourself. She also makes a really good chocolate cake. To learn more, and to download free discussion guides, visit MargaretFinnegan.com.
Giveaway! One lucky winner will receive a copy of Susie B. Won’t Back Down, courtesy of Atheneum/S&S (U.S. addresses). Just leave a comment below by Sunday, October 10th to enter. Instead of commenting, you can also enter by letting me know via email at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com.
Good Luck!
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Be sure to visit the other MMGM bloggers who have gotten this month off to a shining start.
I featured a review of Pippa Park Raises Her Game last year. It’s a satisfying look at life in a private middle school with new arrival Pippa as the narrator. Don’t worry if if you haven’t read the story. This new journal is a fun journey into how you see yourself. Perfect for 11-13 year old girls.
Spread out over 144 pages, the creative layout is colorful and never boring. Readers are quizzed and given opportunities to express themselves in writing and drawing. Topics like What do you like best about yourself? ; My Dream Outfit; or Share a time when you were a good friend are a few of the motivating choices.
By the end you have a true time capsule of your life and one that can be tucked away to reflect on in your adult years. In fact it all ends with writing a letter to your future self.
Creating a big picture of yourself is a great idea. MY JOURNAL ABOUT LIFE displays a creative flair sure to impress and encourage users to write. It would make a great gift any time of the year. Highly recommended!
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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.
Wow! That was quick. The month is almost over but first make time for one more MMGM! Click on an arrow to reach a post
At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I’m reviewing VIOLETS ARE BLUE by Barbara Dee.
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles interviews debut author Jessica Vitalis with a GIVEAWAY of her MG fantasy The Wolf’s Curse.
Maria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA tells us about DEAD WEDNESDAY by Jerry Spinelli.
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo, an engaging medieval folktale.
Rosi Hollinbeck features a review of THESE UNLUCKY STARS by Gillian McDunn. Rosi also shares three helpful links for her writing friends.
Alex Baugh at Randomly Reading reviews Violet and the Pie of Life by Debra Green, a realistic portrayal of parent separation.
COMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF is back with us this week with a review of City of Illusion by Victoria Ying.
Karen Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads always has a great MMGM review. Check it out along with her other reviews last week including Saturday”s feature: THE GHOUL NEXT STORE.
THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!
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.
