Marvelous Middle Grade Monday (5/18/2026)

Posted on May 18, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

 

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is where you can find my review of MUPPIT BOY AND THE ALLERGIES OF EVIL by Michael J. Bowler.

••Jemima Pett reviews Max and Charlie’s Highland Adventure by Wendy Leighton-Porter.

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

••Susan Uhlig is recommending another of Dusti Bowling’s books: 24 HOURS IN NOWHERE. A compelling read.

••Jennifer Rummel @ YA Book Nerd reviews Each and Every Spark: a dual timeline and dual POV (modern day and WWII) set in Paris.

••Jenni Enzor is featuring Wildflower Emily by Lydia Corry.

••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.

Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

MUPPIT BOY AND THE ALLERGIES OF EVIL

Posted on May 17, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

Today I’m joining the book tour for an exciting new science fiction story set in the present. Elmo Fitzroy is 12-years-old and famous. He had no choice. Growing up his mother included him on her popular You Tube channel about single parenting. The world knows him as Muppit Boy. Not exactly the label you want in middle school.

Now that he has gotten his mother to stop using him in her videos, he can finally lay low through middle school leaving behind his Muppit Boy past and just be Mo. His mentor, who he was matched with through the Big Brothers organization, is a police detective. Their connection leads to an unexpected series of science fiction plot shifts. Mo’s ADHD brain is rather useful as it records events like a video camera.

I won’t give too much away but be ready for an old woman in a clown mask who steals hearing aids, chainsaws, and a harrowing ride thanks to a California Condor. His friends Barn and Kash join Bo, making them a memorable trio as they investigate a potential world crisis. Now it is time for Mo to become a true hero and not some ridiculous internet sensation.

The fast pace and laugh-out-loud first person narration by Mo will appeal to middle grade readers in 5th grade and above. They will love the many heartfelt scenes in MUPPIT BOY AND THE ALLERGIES OF EVIL, along with several edge of your seat moments. The ending was not my favorite but hey, this is science fiction and it nicely set up the second book in the series, MUPPIT BOY AND THE WHEEL POWER.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: May 12, 2026

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Bookshop.org

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: MUPPIT BOY AND THE ALLERGIES OF EVIL by Michael J. Bowler

  1. Mo is a great character who struggles with the attention his mother created for him. His ADHD is not portrayed as a disability but a strength that Mo uses to his best ability.
  2. His mentor Ari was a surprising inclusion. I have spent most of my adult life as a mentor with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization and know the impact a consistent adult can bring to a young person’s life. Ari is a shining star and emotional anchor for Mo and is always his biggest fan.
  3. Full of funny, tender, and heartwarming scenes, you just never know what is going to happen next. That alone will keep the pages turning for young readers.
  4. The diverse group of friends for Mo: Kash is a tough minded devotee to martial arts and Barn’s clumsiness becomes a positive in difficult situations. Hope they all return in Book 2.
  5. Mo truly is a hero. He finds the self respect he desires in such a surprising way. I cheered for him the entire way.

About the Author

Michael J. Bowler has spent his life showing up for young people — as a high school teacher, a single dad to an adopted child, a decades-long volunteer within the Los Angeles juvenile justice system (working with incarcerated youth as young as seven), and as a Big Brother to eight boys through the Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters program. In 2000, he was named National Big Brother of the Year.

His deeply personal understanding of what kids need — to be seen, believed in, and given room to grow — infuses everything he writes. His books for teens and tweens have earned numerous awards, and his middle grade debut for reluctant readers was, fittingly, road-tested by his own son at age eleven. (He loved it.)

When he’s not writing or advocating for youth, Michael can be found online at MichaelJBowler.com and on social media as @michaeljbowler.

https://www.instagram.com/michaeljbowler/

https://www.facebook.com/michaeljbowler.author

Enter the giveaway for a chance to win one signed hardcover, one of five signed paperback copies, or one of five audiobook downloads of Muppit Boy and the Allergies of Evil by Michael J. Bowler. One grand prize winner will receive a signed hardcover plus a $50 Amazon gift card!

CLICK HERE TO ENTER

***********************************************

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

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, Science Fiction | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

SPEED RACER ADVENTURES!

Posted on May 15, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

Graphic novels are becoming more and more popular. I get asked frequently from parents, relatives, and young readers about recommendations. Although I don’t often have available dates to review these colorful stories, I always suggest they start with Papercutz, a leader in graphic publishing for middle grade.

Today, I am featuring this fun and engaging tale about speed racing. Though Speed Racer Adventures is a brand-new story, the characters are inspired from the Flash Gordon Adventures and Tiny Titans. Here’s what to expect from the official back cover blurb:

The best race car driver in the world has been invited to drive the most advanced artificial intelligent car in the world. Speed Racer is not that driver, and the Mach Five is not that car, but that’s not going to stop him from entering that race and winning! When the world’s richest man uses unlimited funds to build the most technologically advanced car in the world and hires Racer X to run a race he created, the deck is stacked against Speed Racer! Its not going to be an easy race, but with his secret weapons, his friends and family, Speed has a pretty good chance of getting in the race and winning, but he’s going to hedge his bet by using a whole lot of candy! Come for the laughs, the hijinx and the amazing speeds the cars reach. Go Speed racer, GO!

A supportive family is the basis of the story. Speed Racer has loving parents and two younger siblings, one of whom has a pet monkey. As you can see from the cover, illustrations are superbly drawn with color and emotion. The page turning adventure has quite a few surprising twists along the way and the tale wraps up nicely by the last panel. Those new to middle grade books who aren’t ready for longer text based novels will be instantly hooked. SPEED RACER Volume 2 is up next and will be anxiously anticipated.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: April 28, 2026 PAGES: 114

Author, Franco

Franco is the co-creator of AW YEAH COMICS! Publishing and retail stores. Franco created the DINO-MIKE book series and has worked for various Comic properties including the critically acclaimed SUPERMAN FAMILY ADVENTURES, YOUNG JUSTICE, BILLY BATSON and the MAGIC of SHAZAM, and the New York Times bestseller, multi-Eisner award and Harvey award winning series TINY TITANS! (DC Comics) GRIMISS ISLAND and Eisner Award winning ITTY BITTY HELLBOY (Dark Horse Comics), Little ARCHIE  (Archie Comics) and FLASH GORDON ADVENTURES (Papercutz), the original graphic novels THE GHOST, THE OWL (Ringo Award Nominated) and FAE AND THE  MOON (Little Bee)

Franco was also a High School Art teacher for 24 years and has shown work in galleries.

Twitter/Instagram/Blusky: @awyeahfranco

blindwolfstudios.com

Illustrator, Derek Charm

Derek Charm is an Eisner Award winning comic artist, illustrator, and character designer for animation. He was the artist on several monthly comic runs, including Jughead and Jughead’s Time Police for Archie Comics, The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl for Marvel, and Star Wars Adventures for Lucasfilm/IDW. Outside of comics he has done work for Marc Jacobs, Pepsi, and DreamWorks Animation. He currently works as a Character Designer on Batman: Caped Crusader for Warner Bros Animation.

************************************************************

It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights and links from other bloggers about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS. Details on how to submit your post can be found in the right margin.

Posted in Graphic Novels, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday (5/11/2026)

Posted on May 11, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

 

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is where you can find my review of THE EMBARRASSING CONFESSIONS OF GRACIE SPARKS by Fiona Harris.

••Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles has an interview with Sarah Marie Jette and a giveaway of her MG One Fair Share.

••Rebecca Douglass is reviewing Paint the Wind by Pam Muñoz Ryan.

••Jenni Enzor is featuring Light and Air by Mindy Nichols Wendell.

••Sue Heavenrich at Archimedes Notebook is taking a look at The Nature of Play: A Handbook of Nature-Based Activities for all Seasons.

••Jennifer Rummel @ YA Book Nerd has a middle grade book list with the Parent Trap theme.

••Maria Antonia is back this week with a post about: Trouble at the Tangerine by Gillian McDunn.

••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of Mascot by Charles Waters and Staci Sorell. Rosi also shares three links for her writer 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.

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

THE EMBARRASSING CONFESSIONS OF GRACIE SPARKS

Posted on May 10, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

This new book in diary format is a compelling look at a 12-year-old girl trying to fit in. Written by Australian author Fiona Harris, I was a bit confused as Gracie Sparks had just turned 12 and was going into high school. A little research discovered that is what they call secondary education from 7th grade and up in Australia. None of that middle school stuff down under. The emotional journey of growing up though is still ever present.

Gracie is starting her first year at Middleton Grammar. Her previous school is where she became the top of her class, and was not only popular but cool. Doing the same in 7th grade is a much tougher road to follow. None of her friends are going to her new school and the only people she knows are her obnoxious, self centered older sister, Imogen, and Margot, a boring girl from her last school.

The diary format is a perfect and engaging way to relay and understand Gracie’s struggles. The entries begin on January 18th and continue through May 29th of the next year. Her biggest challenge is finding a new group of friends. She can’t get any guidance from her mom since she passed away several years prior. A person she still misses dearly.

Girls ages 10 and up will enjoy Gracie’s story and find familiarity with the family and friend drama. Boys will be a much tougher draw. These days most seem obsessed with graphic and sports related books and may not be the best audience. In the U.S., THE EMBARRASSING CONFESSIONS OF GRACIE SPARKS is currently only in e-book format but would still make a great gift for the young person in your world.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: March 31, 2026 PAGES: 304

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE EMBARRASSING CONFESSIONS OF GRACIE SPARKS by Fiona Harris

  1. Gracie loves playing her electric guitar and she is good at it. Many real artist and groups are highlighted as her favorite, making them more familiar to the intended audience of readers.
  2. Amiel becomes a new friend for Gracie and is the type of friend everyone should have. Honest and supportive he becomes a big part of Gracie’s growth.
  3. The character arcs for Gracie, Imogen. and many of the other female characters were crafted in an excellent way. You’ll be cheering at the results for each.
  4. Gracie’s voice was authentic and always sounded like a 12-year-old girl. A difficult thing for authors to do but Fiona Harris pulled it off beautifully..
  5. The positive message you get from reading the diary that it is okay to be yourself and every experience in those growing up years, whether it be good or bad, help shape the fantastic adult you have the ability to become.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Fiona Harris is an award-winning author, scriptwriter, and performer with more than twenty years of experience across publishing, television, and theatre. She has written over 40 books, many of them for children. The Embarrassing Confessions of Gracie Sparks is her debut middle grade novel. (Fiona’s Website)

COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW

**************************************

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

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

BASEBALL’S SHINING SEASON

Posted on May 8, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

A fascinating and revealing account of the 1941 baseball season during world unrest. Intended for upper middle grade and beyond, this one is for you if either of these are true: baseball is a passion and/or the time period centered around the U.S. entering WWII is of interest. As an adult, I loved it!

Back in 1941 citizens had to find something to get their mind off of world events. Baseball was the perfect prescription. A season where the Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Yankees met in the World series. That meant a battle to be the best from superstars Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio as each shattered both the ball and the record books.

The Negro League is also included. Black players were not allowed to play in the “white” League and even women later established their own league as pro players were being drafted for the war.

The photos of that time period are included throughout and support the exciting descriptions of the players and game. The last chapters give readers a look at 1945 and what the future looked like for the country and baseball. along with how the sport help heal the relationship between Japan and the U.S.

The authors have hit a grand slam with Baseball’s Shining Season. A great gift for the fan in your home.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: April 7, 2026 PAGES: 192

******************************************

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 Historical fiction, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday (5/4/2026)

Posted on May 4, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

 

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is where you can find my review of THE MYSTERY OF THE STOLEN WORLD CUP TROPHY by Angela Cervantes.

••Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles is participating in the Come What May Giveaway Hop with lots of middle grade choices.

••Rebecca Douglass is reviewing Lynne Kelly’s Song For a Whale.

••Susan Uhlig was pulled right into Andrew’s story from the illustrated novel POPCORN by Rob Harrell.

••Brenda @ Log Cabin Library has a graphic novel: Diamond Fever!: A True Crime Story in the Wild West by Steve Sheinkin , illustrated by Jon Chad.

••E.T. Charles reviews SAMMY KEYES AND THE CURSE OF MOUSTACHE MARY, fifth book in the series, with themes of choices, vendettas and a mystery that will be new to today’s middle grade students.

••Sue Heavenrich is sharing a couple of STEM-based graphic novels over at Archimedes Notebook.

••Jennifer Rummel @ YA Book Nerd reviews No Way Never Sisters, a reverse Parent-Trap novel.

••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of MIXED FEELINGS . Rosi also shares a summary of her recent baseball trip and has three links for her writer 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.

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

THE MYSTERY OF THE STOLEN WORLD CUP TROPHY

Posted on May 3, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

In North America we call it soccer, but the rest of the world knows this sport as football. Coming up this summer is the 23rd FIFA World Cup hosted by cities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Until then this fast paced mystery is one to enjoy for fans of mystery and an endearing cast of characters.

Sixth grader Diez Espada recently lost his mother to cancer. Time spent with her instilled a love of detective stories and trying out his own developing detective skills in his home town of Miami, Florida. His father is a huge soccer fan and hopes he and his son can share the same passion. Chasing clues seems to be the direction Diez would prefer.

When he and dad are invited to a party to celebrate the upcoming World Cup, the prized trophy is stolen. Now Diez must race to find the trophy and prove he is more than just a nosy kid. Helping him are an older girl which he has a secret crush on and a world famous detective who is there to solve the mystery.

It’s one night of secret tunnels and creating his own suspect list He actually discovers who the guilty person is before anyone else, but time is not on his side to catch this thief before he/she escapes.

Great mysteries like this one will have you guessing and re-guessing along with the main characters. My guess was wrong as the real culprit had quite the cover. Regardless, the story was page turning with Diez’s first person narration. Along the way readers learn about the sport and the world wide adoration of its stars.

THE MYSTERY OF THE STOLEN WORLD CUP TROPHY has 20 chapters and by book’s end you will be hoping for more detective work by this memorable boy sleuth.

PAGES: 240 BOOK BIRTHDAY: May 5, 2026

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE MYSTERY OF THE STOLEN WORLD CUP TROPHY by Angela Cervantes

  1. The dialogue between the characters was a favorite, especially the exchanges between Diez and 8th grader Rio.
  2. Diez is still grieving the loss of his mother, but it doesn’t overwhelm the story. It helps that his dad is still supportive. Other books with a parent death often have the remaining parent offering little support to their child as they are deep in their own grief.
  3. You don’t have to be a soccer fan to enjoy this plot. Yes, you will learn about the sport and it’s famous past but the real engagement comes from the mystery.
  4. The history of the World Cup was fascinating as the cup actually was stolen twice in the past.
  5. Yes, kids often see details adults miss as was on displayed here. Diez could become the next great kid detective like those Hardy Boys in the past.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Angela Cervantes is the award-winning author of popular children’s novels like Lety Out Loud, which was a 2020 Pura Belpré Honor Book. Her other books include The Cursed Moon which won Florida’s Sunshine State Young Readers Award for 2024-2025. Angela’s latest novel, Anomalies 53:Into the Shadows, is the author’s first book in the children’s fantasy genre and is available now. Her upcoming books include a new mystery novel: The Mystery of The Stolen World Cup Trophy which releases May 5, 2026. And book two in the Anomalies 53 book series: Anomalies 53: Dragon Dreams, which releases in July 2026.

Other novels by the author include American Girls’ 2026 Girl of the Year: Raquel Reyes Saves the Wedding; Maritza: Lead with Your Heart (American Girls; 2021); Me, Frida, and the Secret of the Peacock Ring; Gaby, Lost and Found; Allie, First at Last.

In addition to her original novels, Angela authored the junior novelization for Disney/Pixar’s award-winning animated-films, Coco and Encanto.

Angela’s short stories have been featured in Chicken Soup for The Latino Soul and the Young Adult anthology Beyond Borders: Growing Up Mexican in America.

Angela is a daughter of a retired elementary-school teacher who instilled in her a love for reading and storytelling. Angela writes from her home in Kansas City. When she’s not writing, Angela enjoys reading, running, gazing up at clouds, and taking advantage of Taco Tuesdays. (To learn more about Angela and her books, please visit her author web site)

**************************************

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

Posted in MG Mystery, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

THE ENDLESS GAME

Posted on May 1, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

It’s 1998 in this new graphic novel and Fred Townsend is on the move again. His dad’s job has them relocating often and this time it’s Lakeside, Illinois. Fred is always the new kid.

What makes Lakeside different is the Capture the Flag game that has been played since 1923 between two parts of the city. Fred is recruited and discovers the competition to be quite intense. A panel of home schooled kids monitor the rules. There are jails, elaborate home bases for each group, while everyone tries to not get tagged.

The excitement ends each day as jails release the captured kids to return home to their families. The adults stand back and reminisce about their time in the game. Fred tries to fit in but realizes his family probably won’t stay here for long. He wishes they would.

Dialog panels are often filled with a lot of text. Those just getting into middle grade reading might want to read some simpler graphic novels before returning to this one. Established readers will forge ahead and be totally absorbed with the competition. The ending makes the journey even more fulfilling. The graphics are nicely done with the wide-eyed expressions on each character’s face enhancing the story line.

THE ENDLESS GAME most of all is about friendship and realizing that being a kid sets the stage for the adult version of yourself.

BOOK BIRTHDAY:April 28, 2026 PAGES: 248

ABOUT THE AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR

J.D. Amato is a comedy writer, showrunner, and producer best known for his work on comedy television shows like After Midnight with Taylor Tomlinson; Desus & Mero; My Brother, My Brother and Me and The Chris Gethard Show. He is currently an executive producer on The Undercovers, hosted by Eli Manning. Beyond television and film, J.D. has been a house performer at the Upright Citizen’s Brigade Theater, consulted for various magicians, performed as a mime, and once hosted a podcast where every episode was twelve hours long. Outside of writing he is an amateur distance runner and loves colorful things. He is based in Astoria, NY.

Sophie Morse is an illustrator based in Boston, MA. She received her BFA in Illustration from RISD in 2020. She has experience in editorial, publishing, and art direction, and her past clients include Simon & Schuster, NPR, and more. She loves making work that her tinier self would think is cool, and would definitely print out and tape to her childhood bedroom wall. When she is not drawing, she is exploring New England, haunting local graveyards, and running around at her day job as a letterpress printer.

___________________________________

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, New Release | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday (4/27/2026)

Posted on April 27, 2026 by Greg Pattridge

 

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is where you can find my review of THE NOWHERE BEAST by Leslie Vedder.

••Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles has an interview with Garth P. Jones and a giveaway of his two Solve Your Own Mysteries series books, The Monster Maker and The Time Thief.

••Susan Uhlig had fun with CITY SPIES by James Ponti. It’s the first book in a series.

••Rebecca Douglass is reviewing One Fine Voice by Rebecca Langston-George.

••Jenni Enzor has a collection of books old and new for readers who are beyond picture books but not quite ready for longer middle-grade books. Included in the collection are Heartfelt Hotel (Kallie George), Flat Stanley (Jeff Brown), Catwings (Ursula LeGuin), and many more.

••Sue Heavenrich has a great nonfiction MG book over at Archimedes Notebook: Who Hid the Stars? How Light Pollution Changes Our World.

••Valinora Troy reviews CITY SPIES by Jame Ponti.

••Jennifer Rummel @ YA Book Nerd reviews Phoenix, a book about healing.

••Linda Browne @ Bookcase Bizarro is back with us this week and reviews Michael Bedard’s The Winter Vault. Linda wrestles with how to talk about a book that doesn’t fit neatly into publishing categories.

••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.

••BONUS LINK: I came across this interesting opinion piece about the past, present, and future of Middle Grade books by Vicky Weber: Middle Grade Is “Dead” And I Think That’s Good News.

Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 5 Comments