JAZZY THE WITCH in BROOM DOOM

Posted on July 13, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

This graphic novel will appeal to younger middle grade readers. They’ll find a fun story emphasizing the importance of individuality.

Jazzy is not alone in being a witch. The small town where she lives is full of them and her family has their own broom making shop. But Jazzy isn’t feeling the magic of flying a broom. Rather than flying on one she rather be a cyclist, maybe being in a race someday. She’s sure this normal non-witch behavior of bicycle riding will not go over well with her parents.

Jazzy pushes forth anyway, ignoring her responsibility of learning how to ride and fly on a broom. Instead, she puts together a bicycle from spare parts so she can practice her new passion.

This causes disagreements with her best friend who doesn’t want to be her friend anymore. There’s also an upcoming parade where young witches will show off their flying skills. Without having practiced, Jazzy is for sure going to fail and be in big trouble with her family.

The colorful, bold illustrations add to the page turning quality of the story. JAZZY THE WITCH in BROOM DOOM is a nice choice for those who enjoy graphic novels with an engaging plot.

PAGE COUNT: 232 BOOK BIRTHDAY: July 15, 2025

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: JAZZY THE WITCH in BROOM DOOM by Jessixa Bagley

  1. Jazzy’s pet bat, Fiona, has many lighthearted comments and cringe worthy comebacks. A fun addition to the story.
  2. Her family really shined in their reaction after finding out how Jazzy felt about all this witch stuff.
  3. The variety in how pages were laid out from 5-6 panels on a page to several pages having just one panel. No eye strain reading this cute story.
  4. Pursuing your passion is the positive message.
  5. After “The End” there are some interactive pages where the fun continues. Learn how to put together a Besom, a unique type of broom, and make some spore prints. There’s also a sneak preview of the next book in the series: Jazzy the Witch in Friend Fiasco.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessixa Bagley is a children’s book author-illustrator with a background in fine art and comics. She has had work featured in publications such as New American Paintings, Highlights Magazine, The Stranger, and Illustoria Magazine. She’s also the author of the middle grade graphic novels Duel and Dear Jackie (illustrated by Aaron Bagley) and the author-illustrator of the middle grade graphic novel series Jazzy the Witch. Jessixa is a two-time Washington State Book Award recipient; first in 2016 for her debut picture book, Boats for Papa, and again in 2024 for her graphic novel, Duel. Jessixa also received a 2018 Ezra Jack Keats Honor Award for picture book Laundry Day. Many of her books are Junior Library Guild Selections. In her work, she’s drawn to animals and emotional themes often inspired by her own experiences. Jessixa also teaches and speaks about writing and illustration. She often illustrates for other writers and artistically collaborates with her husband, Aaron Bagley. Jessixa lives in Seattle with her husband and son. (author website)

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LISSA LOVES BUGS and 2 other Ecology/Conservation related titles!

Posted on July 11, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

Having an interest at an early age in animals and plants will serve to benefit our world. Here are several choices to engage middle grade readers with what they can do to become a friend of the earth.

First up is a fun story centered around an ecological mystery and a little bit of magic. Geared toward 7-9 year olds, LISSA LOVES BUGS is a perfect title to bridge the gap to lengthier middle grade books.

Lissa is a true bug lover and on her 9th birthday she finds a magnifying glass when pointed at something not only reveals facts but also hidden messages. What it does to Wren, one of her friends, is even more of a mystery.

The two of them have a big challenge: find out the cause of what is making the garden behind Lisa’s house sick. The ecosystem is in danger and there’s not much time to convince city leaders of a solution that will save their community.

The ten chapters are filled with black and white illustrations showing the range of emotions for the main characters. They are skillfully done, accompanying the text in a pleasing way.

LISSA LOVES BUGS would make a great read aloud at school or home. A cliffhanger at the end leads us toward the next book in the WONDER LENS FRIENDS series: LUNA LOVES SPACE. Young readers will be anxious to find out what happens next.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR

Tracy Blom is an award-winning author of over forty published books. Her work has received STEM accreditation, Teacher’s Pick Awards, Reader’s Favorite Awards, and has appeared in magazines and blogs internationally and domestically. She is very involved in her community and offers creative writing workshops through The Girl Scouts of Ohio, The Ohio Learning Project, Ohio Wesleyan University, and the Arts Castle. In the Spring of 2024 she co-created the Byrd & Blom Storytelling Contest to boost literacy rates across Ohio, and offer one child the chance to have their story turned into a cartoon. Tracy is a host on the Authors On The Air Global Radio Network, which is available in 153 countries and has over 4 million unique listeners. Her show, Books, Kids & Creations, features people worldwide who inspire future generations with their work. She grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, and currently resides in Columbus, Ohio, with her husband and two rescue dogs. Learn more at www.theblomdotcom.com/. 

Cathy Morrison is passionate about nature, science and the environment. Combining her degrees in fine arts and education along with her background in animation and graphic design she researches and illustrates a variety of books, including picture books, chapter books and creative nonfiction. Cathy’s studio is in the foothills northwest of Fort Collins, Colorado, with a panoramic view of Rocky Mountain National Park. 

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Another series, WILDLIFE RESCUE, debuts this fall. HOW TO SAVE AN OTTER and HOW TO SAVE AN OWL are the first books that will be available on September 2nd. Here’s a video preview from author Kate Messner.

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Last up is CONSERVATION SUCCESS-Protecting Wild Spaces and Species, a fantastic learning resource.

The guide features areas of the world where conservation has a winning record with success stories from the past. The emphasis is on protecting species, habitats, and our planet. The 8 chapters begin with an essential question that helps readers focus on an answer as they are reading. The chapter titles are a hint as to what is included:

  1. Ecosystem Restoration
  2. Ready for Rewilding
  3. Discover Reintroduction
  4. Species Recovery
  5. Habitat Reconnection
  6. Community Based Conservation
  7. Encouraging Ecotourism
  8. Laws and Protections

If you find words you may not understand, they are listed with definitions right on the page. Frequent inclusion of QR codes are a great extended resource included throughout. There are also hands-on projects with detailed directions. Ones like EXPERIMENTING WITH OIL SPILL CLEANUP and DEVELOP SEED BOMBS extend learning past the written words in each chapter.

Even the most reluctant learner will find success with CONSERVATION SUCCESS . Highly recommended for home or classroom.

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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.
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Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for 7/7/2025

Posted on July 7, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is featuring a review of SPARK by Chris Baron.

ALSO JOINING OUR MMGM LINEUP THIS WEEK:

•Jennifer Rummel @ YA Book Nerd reviews Into the Rapids: A story about grief and friendship with a little bit of survival.

•Linda Browne is back with her BookCase Bizarro for July and has a review of THE BEST AT IT by Maulik Pancholy.

•Valinora Troy reviews Dracula & Daughters by Emma Carroll.

•Rebecca Douglass has a review of Just Shy of Ordinary, by A. J. Sass.

•Jenni Enzor is blogging about about the Cargo of the Magdalena by Cynthia Barnett 

•Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a book to share every day. Check out Karen’s MMGM choice for this week and all her reviews from last week.

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SPARK

Posted on July 6, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

A novel in verse focusing on an all too common event in the United States: devastating forest fires.

Finn and his parents live in Redwood Hollows, a rural California area. Rabbit (Marisol) is a best friend who shares his concern with the environmental effects caused by the frequent fires, especially what is happening to animals and plants in the forest. But what can two kids do to help?

When another out of control fire gets too close, everyone is forced to evacuate leaving homes and belongings behind. Finn’s family stays with his aunt in another California community farther away from the danger. Meanwhile, Rabbit’s beloved dog is missing but her family flees to find safety in Texas.

These two continue to communicate and discover evidence of what may have started the fire via Rabbit’s trail camera they had set up. The main focus of this engaging story though is on evacuation, rebuilding and the effects of life turned upside down for all residents.

Reading this revealing story gives you a deep understanding of wildfires and how climate change is causing their increased frequency. Equally important is the spark of hope a community feels thanks in part to Finn and Rabbit. SPARK is an important novel, one that will appeal to middle grade readers of all ages.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: July 15, 2025 PAGES: 320

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: SPARK by Chris Baron

  1. Finn is a good student and his voice carries the story so well.
  2. PTSD is discussed as their substitute teacher virtually connects with the students and has them talk about what they are going through emotionally. Such an important component to healing and one Finn realizes he also needs.
  3. The author based the story on his own experiences living in California which result in a much deeper reveal for the effects of wildfires.
  4. How builders of new projects are often blind to the interaction of their projects and the environment. Working together is the answer that brings positive results.
  5. Firefighters and evacuation strategies are the heroes in making everyone feel safe.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Chris Baron’s is the award winning author of  Middle Grade novels in verse, All of Me, The Magical Imperfect,  and The Gray from Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan, as well as The Secret of the Dragon Gems. a Middle Grade novel co-authored with Rajani LaRocca from Little Bee Books. He is a Professor of English at San Diego City College and the director of the Writing Center. Learn more about him at www.chris-baron.com and on Twitter: @baronchrisbaron Instagram: @christhebearbaron

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW! AND BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

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Jackson’s Wilder Adventures 2

Posted on July 4, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

This graphic novel series is a nice addition for those in the 10 and under age group (although my adult self also enjoyed learning about the animals). Perfect for reluctant readers, one can read this second book without having read the first Jackson’s Wilder Adventures.

Jackson Wilder is our young main character. He’s curious about the world and turns to his imaginary friend for answers. That friend is actually Irwin, his stuffed animal who is a Thylacine, an extinct Tasmanian marsupial.

Irwin uses a cardboard box portal that can take the two anywhere in the world. When Jackson loses a tooth Irwin takes him to exotic places where many animals have their own unique teeth. Readers follow along and learn about Nile Crocodiles who lose over 3,000 teeth in their lifetime; a bull shark in the Gulf on Mexico; and the Iguazu Falls next to Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. There you meet the unique Capybara.

In the second half, Jackson is having trouble sleeping. Irwin comes to the rescue again with a trip to Japan’s Yakushima Island. There they visit a 2-inch Ussuri Tube-Nosed Bat who can sleep for months at a time. Next up are the Kanai Fjords in Alaska for a rare look at a Wood Frog. Finally they portal off to the Mojave Desert to see Little Pocket Mice.

The conversations Jackson has with Irwin are often funny and all of the illustrations are appealing in their colorfully, bold format.

In between meeting the animals are visual puzzles, five in all that add even more appeal. Jackson’s Wilder Adventures #2 would make a great companion on those summer road trips. Thanks to publisher PAPERCUTZ for introducing me to Jackson and Irwin and their fun adventures.

Writer/Artist – Sarah Davidson

Sarah Davidson is a comic book illustrator and colorist from Savannah, GA currently working on her MFA in Sequential Art. When Sarah isn’t drawing comics, you can find her cuddling on the couch with her too many pets and watching feel-good cooking competition shows.

Quote:

“I’m absolutely thrilled to share the second of Jackson’s Wilder Adventures with everyone! This volume is even more full of cute animals and exciting locations, and I can’t wait for young readers to get swept up in Jackson’s newest and wildest adventure!” – Writer/Artist, Sarah Davidson

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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.
Posted in Graphic Novels, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for 6/30/2025

Posted on June 30, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

(Have a Happy 4th of July!)

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is featuring a review of WOLF GIRL-INTO THE WILD by ANH DO.

Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles is participating in the Sparkle Time Giveaway Hop with a lot of middle grade choices. You’ll have to wait one more day to enter as the giveaway starts on Tuesday.

Sue Heavenrich is over at Archimedes Notebook with a fun MG nonfiction/ bio: Smash, Crash, Topple, Roll!: The Inventive Rube Goldberg―A Life in Comics, Contraptions, and Six Simple Machines.

Tonja Drecker is taking a look at Invisible: Max Wheeler’s Guide to (NOT) Fitting In by Ryan Andreassen.

Isabelle Knight returns with a review of Ready or Not by Lisa Fowler.

Rebecca Douglass has a review of Spin With Me, by  Ami Polonsky.

Valinora Troy reviews the fabulous The Song of Orphan’s Garden by Nicole M. Hewitt.

Jennifer Rummel @ YA Book Nerd reviews Cincinnati Lee, Curse Breaker: A middle grade Indiana Jones type novel.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews ONE WRONG STEP by Jennifer A Nielsen. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

Nicole Hewitt has a summer reading list posted at Middle Grade Escapades.

Nicole is also over at Feed Your Fiction Addiction with some bite-size reviews.

Brenda @ Log Cabin Library features The World Is Lava: A Crabgrass Comics Adventure by Tauhid Bondia.

Max @ Completely Full Bookshelf has The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a book to share every day. Check out Karen’s MMGM choice for this week and all her reviews from last week.

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WOLF GIRL – INTO THE WILD

Posted on June 29, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

This captivating story was published in 2019 by Australian author, Anh Do. It became an instant mega bestseller and a whopping eleven additional Wolf Girl books followed.

Harper Collins finally brought this blockbuster to America last March with the release of INTO THE WILD. A thrilling plot and a fast paced read make it the perfect choice for dog lovers and those boys and girls out there who would rather do anything than read a book. Be assured they’ll have a hard time putting this one down.

In the opening chapter Gwen is woken up by her mother who says “We have to move fast. They’re coming!” The whole family including dad and younger sister take what they can and head off in their car along with all the other residents. They don’t get far before all traffic is stopped and everyone takes off running. A plane overhead is dropping bombs.

Dad encourages Gwen to keep going while he assists his other daughter. She does exactly that and does not see them again. Gwen ends up alone in the wilderness and falls into a fast moving river. A wolf puppy, a Labrador, a Chihuahua, and a greyhound save her life. They soon become family to help each other survive.

Released in paperback, the 224 pages have black and white illustrations throughout that blend well with the text. They add to the action present throughout the story. The bond Gwen gains with her new animal friends is the heartwarming aspect of book 1. There is a huge cliffhanger at the end which left me with many unanswered questions.

  • Who is responsible for the attack on their town? country?
  • Why doesn’t Gwen find her family or any other humans? Are they all dead or captured?
  • Where did these dogs come from? Maybe they were separated from their owners.
  • Did three years in the wilderness actually pass before Gwen finds any help?

I’ll have to wait for any answers in Book 2.. We do see a change in Gwen as she becomes stronger and learns new survival skills. The companionship with the dogs will also be very familiar with dog owners. It’s no wonder INTO THE WILD gained such a following as it has everything you expect in a middle grade action/survival tale. I wish their was s library binding edition as this one would fly off the shelves.

Recommended for those just starting out with middle grade books and anyone who is already an established reader at this level. Jump right in and be hooked like I am.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: WOLF GIRL INTO THE WILD by Anh Do

  1. It’s an easy read without simplifying the language. It helps that the layout and spacing of the text is so well done.
  2. If you like reading out loud or reading a story with your middle grader, then look no further than INTO THE WILD. So many plot points to be discussed and shared.
  3. Many surprises especially in the closing chapter. The author really knows how to engage readers.
  4. The dogs each have their own strengths rather than being all the same. You will find a favorite while getting to know this crew.
  5. Having a memorable and engaging main character is a must to carry a series forward and Gwen fills the bill with perfection.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anh Do is a comedian, artist, and one of the highest-selling Australian authors of all time. He is a prolific author with an incredible thirty-seven books to his name—and counting! Along with the “WeirDo” books, some of the most popular Anh Do books include The Happiest Refugee, for which Do won the Australian Independent Booksellers Book of the Year in 2011, and the “Wolf Girl” kids’ adventure series. (Check out his author/entertainer web site)

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW! AND BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged | 9 Comments

THEIR JUST DESSERTS

Posted on June 27, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

I previously featured the first book in the series, THE COOKIE CRUMBLES, and found it to be an engaging story full of mystery, friendship, and baking. The sequel brings more of the same with a new story.

In THEIR JUST DESSERTS our superb baker, Laila Thomas, and her best friend and outstanding young journalist, Lucy Flores, are back. Now eighth graders, each has a busy schedule limiting their time together.

When Jaden, a former rival from the first book, asks them for help they can’t resist. Jaden’s father has been accused of stealing prized jewels at amateur kids’ holiday baking show. Laila will enter the contest while Lucy secretly investigates. All does not go well and their friendship is put to the test.

The story has alternating viewpoints between Laila and Lucy. This back and forth structure help show the ups and downs of friendship in such a meaningful way. I also liked how Laila’s loneliness issue was included which is often common among this age group.

The mystery part of the plot once again had me guessing as to who was guilty. THEIR JUST DESSERTS has all the pieces in place to attract middle grade readers. Combine two great main characters, add in a dose of mystery, and combine with a baking contest makes a sure recipe for an enjoyable read.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Alechia Dow is a former pastry chef, a librarian, and an award-winning author of acclaimed young adult sci-fi fantasies, several short anthology pieces, and magical (sometimes mysterious) middle grade stories. When not writing, you can find her having epic dance parties with her family, baking, reading, taking teeny adventures, and exploring her local food scene. (https://www.alechiadow.com/)

Tracy Badua is an award-winning Filipino American author of books for young
people. By day, she is an attorney, and by night, she squeezes in writing, family time, and bites of her secret candy stash. She lives in San Diego, California. Tracy’s work has garnered such accolades as the Society of Children’s Book Writers and
Illustrators Sid Fleischman Humor Award, the Children’s Literature Council of Southern California Award, multiple selections as Junior Library Guild GoldStandards, and inclusion on state book lists across the United States. (https://tracybadua.com/)

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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.
Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, New Release | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for 6/23/2025

Posted on June 23, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is featuring a review of NOT LUCILLE by Mike Steele.

Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles has an interview with Michael Spradlin and a giveaway of his Threat of a Spider.

Brenda @Log Cabin Library reviews The Ghosts of Nameless Island by Carly Anne West, illustrated by Teo Skaffa.

ET Charles is delighted to interview Polly Holyoke, author of THE NEPTUNE PROJECT.

Jennifer Rummel @ YA Book Nerd reviews Crumble: A graphic novel about grief and magical baking.

Rebecca Douglass takes a look at Both Can Be True by Jules Machias.

Carol Baldwin has guest blogger Kathryn Dover’s review of SAME PAGE by Elly Swartz. The author is also offering a GIVEAWAY of the book.

Tonja Drecker is back with a science fiction/ humor read, Press 1 For Invasion by J.A. Dauber.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews THE ABILENE KID: DEAD MAN’S HAND Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a book to share every day. Check out Karen’s MMGM choice for this week and all her reviews from last week.

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NOT LUCILLE

Posted on June 22, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

Set in 1931-32 Chambersburg, NJ, a suburb of Trenton, the third person narration stays close to 10-year-old Lucy who doesn’t like to be called Lucille.

Her brain can’t seem to stop her from doing the wrong thing, especially in Miss Gillingham’s fifth grade class. There are frequent detentions and her teacher believes impulsive Lucy might have Hyperkinetic Syndrome (now known as ADHD).

If that weren’t enough, the Great Depression has made life even more difficult. Lucy’s dad is out of work, Mom is running an illegal numbers game, and living with three brothers can be a real pain. Baby boy Johnny sleeps in the same room as Lucy in their cramped half house. The oldest brother has dropped out of high school and is working at a hot dog cart, while the second oldest is using whatever money he can get to play craps in the alley.

After serving one of her school detentions, Lucy takes a short cut to reach home quicker. That’s what you see on the cover. It’s the fenced in campus of a school for the deaf. Private property. She meets Florence, a deaf girl about her same age. They become friends even though Florence can only communicate via written words or sign language. Lucy begins to learn sign language and would like to buy a dictionary that would explain each gesture even more. The cost would be $7.92, far more than Lucy can afford.

Lucy has to lie frequently to parents and her regular group of friends as to what she is up to every day. That’s why her fingers are crossed. It’s not only trespassing in her time spent with Florence but trying to stay out of trouble while finding a way to buy that book.

The third person narration stays close to Lucy. Broken friendships, challenges in communicating, and understanding differences make this tale one that will enlighten readers. ADHD today is often misunderstood, but it was even more so almost 100 years ago. NOT LUCILLE is a great, unique addition to the middle grade shelves.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: June 24, 2025 PAGES: 256

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: NOT LUCILLE by Mike Steele

  1. You understand the Great Depression at a much deeper level as you experience it along with Lucy and family.
  2. The time Lucy spends with Florence provide many heartwarming moments as they learn about each other and being friends.
  3. You just know that these two will eventually be discovered, and when it does happen the result of how their voices are finally understood and heard was a favorite scene.
  4. Lucy often shares her problems to her baby brother despite his babbling from the nearby crib. She calls him the creature, but their relationship takes on a subtle change that had me smiling by book’s end.
  5. Not to be missed is the AFTERWORD: A BIT OF HISTORY that takes a deeper look at the historical topics covered in the story.

About the Author
Mike Steele is an elementary school librarian
and children’s playwright with eight plays
published and licensed for production. Not
Lucille is his debut middle-grade novel. In his
spare time, he likes to attend musicals, create
mixed-media artwork, and win prizes from claw
machines. He lives at the Jersey Shore with his
tabby cats, Karen and Sox. If you spot him in
the wild, he usually has a bubble tea in one of
his hands.
www.mikesteeleonline.com
@msteelewrites

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW! AND BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

Posted in Historical fiction, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments