It all began with NAT ENOUGH, the graphic novel about Natalie and the beginning of her middle school years. She learns to focus on who she is rather than who she isn’t.

Now comes the sixth installment of the series with the inspiring NAT A CHANCE. Here’s what to expect:

You don’t know until you try…

Nat doesn’t think she’s an athlete, but after a series of painfully embarrassing moments, she’s determined to build her confidence and signs up for a triathlon with her best friend, Zoe. As training begins, Nat realizes she’s in way over her head, facing so many setbacks and challenges that she wonders why she ever signed up! Can Nat get out of her own way and complete the triathlon, or will she convince herself that she’s not cut out for it and quit?

You can read this one even if you haven’t read the others. Colorful drawings throughout begin with Natalie sharing ways she is not an athlete. Many readers will understand her struggles. The training for the triathlon is a joy to follow. Especially interesting were the station setups as racers transition from swimming to biking then running. Another highlight were Natalie’s dog and cat opening up each chapter with some of their daily habits. Fun stuff!

Despite getting injured during her training, Natalie’s coach motivates her to not give up. With her confidence growing she inspires another friend to not give up on his climate change coalition project. NAT A CHANCE is a fast read and one that is hard to put down. Keeping a positive attitude in the face of failure is a great message for middle grade kids. Highly recommended.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: March 4, 2025 PAGE COUNT: 240

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Maria Scrivan is a New York Times bestselling author and award-winning syndicated cartoonist.

The first book in her graphic novel series, Nat Enough (Scholastic/Graphix), launched on April 7th, 2020, became an instant New York Times bestseller. It was followed by: Forget Me Nat, Absolutely Nat, Definitely Nat, Nat for Nothing, and All is Nat Lost. Nat a Chance will be available in Spring 2025. She is also a contributor to Marvel’s Super Storieswhich released in October 2023. Her books have been translated into Italian, French, German, Spanish, Catalan, Hebrew, Korean, Russian, Turkish, and Greek. Maria’s comic, Half Full, is syndicated by Andrews McMeel and available on GoComics.com/half-full, and it appeared daily in newspapers nationwide including the LA Times for the last ten years.

Her cartoons have appeared in many publications including MAD Magazine, Highlights, American Bystander, Prospect Magazine, Parade Magazine, and Wired, and licenses her work for hundreds of greeting cards.

Maria lives in Connecticut, close to New York City.

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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. 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 that week’s MMGM.

*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.