Nina Soni returns in the third episode of her story. Check out my review of previous titles, Nina Soni Former Best Friend and Nina Soni Sister Fixer. This new tale comes at a perfect time as many of us are getting ready for gardening season. My dad taught me the ins and outs of getting a bumper crop and for Nina it’s her mom.

It’s Take Your Child to Work Day, and Nina, Kavita, and Jay are all going to work with Mom, a landscape architect, to learn how to start a garden. Naturally that’s not enough for Nina, who quickly develops big plans for a business selling the vegetables she plans to grow. But her plans don’t include managing the problems that inevitably arise, including rabbits, slugs, mosquitos, and more! (From Peachtree Publishing).

Set in Wisconsin, NIna’s Indian heritage is evident throughout especially with references to the many wonderful sounding culinary creations I’d never heard of but can’t wait to try. Of course you need food and that’s what makes this grow your own crops story fun and unique. I even learned a few things myself about the care and harvesting of vegetables.

Intended for early middle grade readers, the series is perfect for those needing a gentle introduction to longer plotted books. The illustrations also fit in nicely with the text.

I predict a lot more kid gardeners this Spring, inspired by the Master Gardener Nina and her precious plants. I’ll be out there too with my own tomatoes, squash, and cucumbers.

(NOTE: I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

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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.