My theme this week has been middle graders dealing with the life changing situation when their single parent is dating. On Monday I featured The Field Guide for Getting Lost, the story of two very different kids brought together under these circumstances.

Today is all about Jeremiah and his Second Dad Summer.

Jeremiah lives with his mom but spends summers with his dad in Minneapolis. He knows dad is bi-sexual, but the partner he is with now is a bit much. Michael is not like anyone and is more than embarrassing to be around as the front cover portrays with perfection.

Filled with diverse characters and a thought provoking plot (check out the discussion guide from One Elm Books), Jeremiah has to tag along to Pride events and put up with Michael trying to act like a Dad. He’s never going to like this person, but a grouchy old neighbor and Sage, a new friend in the neighborhood, are the links to seeing things in a new way if Jeremiah is willing to listen.

Here’s the official synopsis from Red Chair Press:

Jeremiah wants a normal summer with his dad, but his dad has moved in with his new boyfriend who serves weird organic food and rides a unicorn bicycle. With help from new friends and an elderly neighbor, Jeremiah learns being a family comes in many surprising forms.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: August 4, 2020 PAGE COUNT: 224

Delightful illustrations are scattered throughout and there wasn’t a character I didn’t like (even old Mr. Keeler). Yes, the traditional American family is never the same and books like this one help young readers know that’s okay. Jeremiah is an appealing narrator and many kids will see themselves in some of the things he says and does. The community of LGBTQ is portrayed with tenderness and honesty and fits well with the intended reader of age 9 and up.

A heartfelt story and I would welcome another book featuring Jeremiah.

About the Author

Benjamin Klas knows a lot about Jeremiah and his family. The author lives in Saint Paul, 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 from North Central University (MN), Benjamin earned a Master of Library and Information Science from St. Catherine University. His work has appeared in several literary magazines and a collection by LGBTQ authors

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

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.