Category Archives: Reviews

ARGOS

Posted on June 10, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

I was first introduced to The Odyssey in the eighth grade, or at least to a translation of the Greek poem. Basically, Odysseus leaves his beloved island Ithaca to fight in the Trojan War. Staying behind are a wife and … Continue reading →

Posted in Reviews | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

THE FREEDOM SHIP OF ROBERT SMALLS

Posted on June 8, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

The town of Beaufort, South Carolina is the starting point for this true story of a daring escape by an African American slave. It’s a beautiful seaside town and I’d fully recommend a visit. The text in this new edition … Continue reading →

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, non fiction, Reviews | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

HEROES OF HISTORY

Posted on June 3, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

WELCOME TO ANOTHER MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY! Most middle graders have little background on the politics and leaders of our country—especially from the past. What they do know is heard through parents/teachers, the 24/7 endless new cycle, and social media. … Continue reading →

Posted in non fiction, Reviews | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

EVANGELINE OF THE BAYOU

Posted on June 1, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

There are many scary things lurking in the deep south—New Orleans  and the Louisiana bayou to be more specific. Let me begin with the Rougarou,  a werewolf type creature pulled from French folklore. Not scared yet? How about an Acadian … Continue reading →

Posted in Reviews | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

SOME VERY MESSY MEDIEVAL MAGIC

Posted on May 27, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

This third book in the Adventures of Pete and Weasel is actually the first for me. I had heard about the series but could never fit it in to my busy review schedule. I’m glad to finally get a start … Continue reading →

Posted in Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

THE SNOW QUEEN—A GRAPHIC NOVEL

Posted on May 25, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

Hans Christian Andersen wrote The Snow Queen in 1844. It is a beloved tale, perhaps not know to modern day middle graders.  A nice two-page introduction sets up the story and from there it takes off. The remaining pages are … Continue reading →

Posted in Graphic Novels, Reviews | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

STARTALK

Posted on May 23, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

StarTalk is a popular podcast hosted by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. It is a mix of science, space, and popular culture—often with a comedic slant to the proceedings. An extension of the Startalk program on National Geographic is in the … Continue reading →

Posted in non fiction, Reviews | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

THE TRUTH AS TOLD BY MASON BUTTLE

Posted on May 20, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

WELCOME TO MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY! I’m tired of bullies. Both in real life and in fiction. I was about to pass on this story until I saw the author’s name—Leslie Connor. Her special way of creating an endearing character … Continue reading →

Posted in New Release, Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

ROSETOWN

Posted on May 18, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

Author Cynthia Rylant wrote her first story way back in 1979. Since then there have been over a hundred more from toddler books and poetry to chapter books and middle grade fiction. She’s been honored with numerous awards. The Caldecot … Continue reading →

Posted in Reviews | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

THE MARVELOUS ADVENTURES OF GWENDOLYN GRAY

Posted on May 13, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

WELCOME TO MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY! Book covers are there to convince you to read a story. A great cover can also provide visual hints to the plot. This new fantasy tale (Due out this week) succeeds on both counts … Continue reading →

Posted in New Release, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments