Donny Osmond; David Cassidy; Kirk Cameron; Scott Baio; Leif Garrett; Matt Dillon; Joey Lawrence; Shaun Cassidy; Zac Efron; Elvis.
Teen Idols. Every generation has their favorites including a few female teen stars. My list only includes the boys since the focus of this new fictional novel is a girl’s devotion to the current heartthrob, Rory Calhoun.
Rory has messy hair and perfect teeth and is a global superstar. His hit WORLDWIDE CRUSH has 13 year old Millie wishing and hoping she is the one. Now that Rory has a concert scheduled in her hometown of Minneapolis, Millie just has to see him in person. Her mom promises to get tickets but comes up empty.
But Millie’s dream isn’t over thanks to her family. Still though, there is one roadblock after another. Millie narrates the story with emotion and humor, especially when best friend, Shauna, and little brother, Billy, are in a scene. The ending is perfect.
Worldwide Crush sides on the upper middle grade shelf. A mother and daughter reading this together would be a great comparison to their personal teen idols. Parents will ask and yes, there is some inappropriate language used or pretending to use on several of the pages.
Overall, a captivating read for the intended audience. Would that include boys? The jury is still out, but I don’t think so. I’m on a quest to get a boy to read this and have struck out so far with a 12, 13, and 14 year old. I’ll keep trying.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: July 11, 2023
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kristin Nilsen has been a children’s librarian, a bookseller, a perfume seller, a horse poop shoveler, a typist (on an actual typewriter), a storyteller, a seventh grader, and a mom to both humans and dogs. Today she is a self-proclaimed Pro Crushologist who talks about Gen X pop culture on The Pop Culture Preservation Society podcast. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, one of the only big cities in the world where you can look out your window and see a lake. Which she likes. A lot.
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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 from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.
It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. All you have to do is 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 don’t forget to say what 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.
*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.
Always in the Middle... 
You have flung the gauntlet, Mr. Pattridge! When I get my copy, my first challenge will be to get boys to read it! I loved the book and have been enjoying the Pop Culture Preservation Society posts a little too much!
Here’s something that might help get this book into the hands of boys (one of my goals, too!) — research shows that boys actually have MORE crushes than girls! But it’s not socially acceptable for them to admit it, mostly because it’s considered a girl thing. It’s so unfair that boys have to hide what they feel — especially when most of them are experiencing the same thing!
This is my second time hearing about his book and it sounds like a great read. I really enjoyed your review and hope to get to read this one soon. Thanks for sharing.
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