Category Archives: New Release

HUMMINGBIRD SEASON

Posted on February 11, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

COVID. March, 2020. It hit fast and hard. None of us were prepared for what was about to unfold. Teachers and parents often struggled providing support for children during this difficult time when we were locked in and shut out … Continue reading →

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, New Release, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

SIXTH GRADE SUPERSTAR

Posted on December 17, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

My first year as a teacher was spent with 35 sixth graders. Back in those days sixth grade was at the top of the elementary school ladder. Kids had waited their whole lives to be leaders of the pack. It … Continue reading →

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, New Release | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments

WAND

Posted on November 5, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

There’s nothing new about a plot with wishes. Plenty of books use this familiar strategy to entice readers. The difficult part is making it unique and engaging. WAND has accomplished that feat with a story full of surprising twists and … Continue reading →

Posted in MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews, New Release | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

HIDDEN TRUTHS

Posted on October 22, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

If your reading preference is more toward the contemporary/ realistic fiction side then look no further than HIDDEN TRUTHS. Author Elly Schwartz took 22 years creating this engaging story before finally bringing it to middle grade readers. Book Birthday: 10/31/2023 … Continue reading →

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, New Release | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

WHITE HOUSE CLUBHOUSE

Posted on October 6, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Marissa and Clara’s mom is the newly elected president of the United States, and they haven’t experienced much freedom lately. While exploring the White House they discover a hidden tunnel that leads to an underground clubhouse full of antique curiosities, … Continue reading →

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, New Release | Tagged , | 3 Comments

RACE FOR THE RUBY TURTLE

Posted on October 1, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Jake Rizzi has a new label adding to the challenges of growing up: ADHD. His parents and caring educators at school are helping him cope, but it still bothers him he is seen as different. The story begins in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, New Release | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

JETT JAMISON AND THE SECRET STORM

Posted on August 6, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Sixth-grader Jett Jamison can’t catch a break. Her home in small town Wisteria is noisy as a zoo, and her mind buzzes with bits of a traumatic memory she’d rather forget. She’s filled a shoebox with one hundred thirty-three to-do … Continue reading →

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, New Release | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

The Fire, The Water. and Maudie McGinn

Posted on July 9, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Maudie’s brain works differently than most. She’s autistic and the only person she connects with is her dad. Things couldn’t be better because the summer has arrived and Maudie is going to live with him at the cabin she adores … Continue reading →

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, New Release | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments

JUST GUS

Posted on March 31, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

A big dog named Gus narrates this sweet and compelling tale of friendship. His main job is to guard the livestock from predators on a South Carolina farm where he lives. It’s the kind of work Gus loves. Little does … Continue reading →

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, New Release | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

MY NOT-SO-GREAT FRENCH ESCAPE

Posted on March 12, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

When I saw author Cliff Burke’s name on the cover of MY NOT-SO-GREAT FRENCH ESCAPE, I hoped for a story just as good as his debut novel, AN OCCASIONALLY HAPPY FAMILY reviewed here in 2021. It didn’t take me long … Continue reading →

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, New Release | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments