These two books from Red Chair Press are perfect for those anticipating a move up from chapter books to middle grade lit.. THE BEACH DILEMMA, the first in the EMMA JUST MEDIUM series, is only 72 pages, but the story will be familiar to many who find themselves as the middle child.

Emma is in the middle of two brothers who are nicknamed Big and Little. Big is 10 and avoids his younger sister, unless of course the perfect prank presents itself. Adorable Little (at least that’s what everyone except Emma calls her 3-year-old brother), always gets away with his outbursts and mispronunciations because, well, he’s only 3.

During a beach vacation with another family, Emma is frustrated and decides to act more like a Big. The outcome is not so good. Neither is it when she decides to try being a Little in the family. Emma eventually finds a new direction with help from her dad.

Nine chapters are accompanied by black and white illustrations that emphasize the emotions on each face. A fun collection by award-winning artist Marta Kissi.

The story flows smoothly from one scene to the next. The Beach Dilemma is a great beginning to this new series perfect for 3rd and 4th graders.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Laura Wiltse Prior went from creating tales starring “Laura the Great” in her dad’s studio office, to crafting short stories when she was supposed to be working in a business office, to writing books for kids in her very own office (well, one she shares with her son’s Xbox). She loves reading anything and everything, sneaking cookie dough from the mixing bowl and playing tennis. When she isn’t writing, Laura’s ferrying her kids around, hiking with her dog Cody, or hanging with Casper the cat. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and three kids, the inspiration for her stories.

(For more about Laura and her writing be sure to visit her author web page)

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Monster Match is the first book in the FRANKINSCHOOL series. Geared toward 8-12 year olds, the plot centers around Fred who turns into a young version of Frankenstein’s monster. This surprising turn of events occurs after an author signs Fred’s book “To Frank.”

Annoying classmate Luisa suggests that Fred is actually “Frank in school.” This gives Fred an idea for his creative writing assignment. After penning a ‘What If’ poem Fred suddenly ends up as the monster and his classmates, except Luisa, fall asleep at their desks. They both head to the attic to see if they can save the school.

The characters are a fun twosome with witty dialog throughout. I liked how they see each other differently by the last page. The bold black and white illustrations are a pleasing visual addition.

The plot unfolds in page turning style and you will be wanting more. An engaging and not too scary story, Monster Match will be a favorite classroom read aloud.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

When Caryn Rivadeneira was a kid, she dreamed of two things: being a writer and having lots of dogs. Both came true! Well, almost true. Caryn is a writer. She’s written lots of books for both kids and grown ups. And Caryn has had lots of dogs. However, right now, she only has one: a rescued pit bull who prefers the company of people to dogs. Caryn and her pup live in the near-west suburbs of Chicago with Caryn’s husband, three kids, three rescued guinea pigs, two parakeets, and too many fish.

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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.