Surprising Stories Behind Everyday Stuff

Posted on November 29, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

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This new series from NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS is the perfect size (6.5 inches by 6.5 inches) to be enjoyed on the road, school, or at home. It’s a fun reveal for many things we take for granted. Here’s the official scoop:

Who invented pizza? Why do people shake hands? Why do we wear underwear? Ever wonder how basketball got started? Why we have birthday cakes? And why some people use forks and some use chopsticks? From familiar foods to common clothing items to bizarre beauty regimens, this book covers all the surprising backstories behind the things you use everyday, including:  who thought of that, where did that come from and why is that a thing?

It’s one of those books kids will be reading to you out loud, sharing all the wacky and weird components.Topics are arranged in ten chapters, each filled with memorable backstories and facts (After each chapter title I’ve included a few of my favorites out of the more than 90 offered):

  1. Toys and Games (Frisbee, Slinky, Pinball)
  2. Food (Hot Dogs, Sushi, Pie)
  3. Fashion (Blue Jeans, Sneakers, Neckties)
  4. Tools (Spatula, Cell Phone, Velcro)
  5. Symbols and Manners (Applause, Handshake, Daylight Saving Time)
  6. Around the House (Refrigerators, Beds, Bathrooms)
  7. Sports & Entertainment (Goalie Masks, Mascots, Skateboards)
  8. Beauty, Hygiene, & Medicine (Lipstick, Nail Polish, Deodorant)
  9. Holidays & Traditions (Fireworks, Christmas, Baby Names)
  10. Odds & Ends (Liquid Paper, Neon Lights, Tupperware)

Colorful layouts abound and you can begin with any chapter. This perfect stocking stuffer will have young readers enthralled for hours. They also will never look at these items in real life the same way, Order your copy today!

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Coming up this Monday is another edition of…

If you would like to join the MMGM parade, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book on a Monday (contests, author interviews, or anything middle grade related also count). 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 please don’t forget to say what book or author 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.

Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)

*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 Uncategorized | 1 Comment

DON’T READ THIS BOOK BEFORE DINNER

Posted on November 27, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

GROSS51C4fQOXw7L._SX360_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

SICKENING

REPUGNANT

NAUSEATING

Need I say more?

Why yes, middle graders are going to love this new title from NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS. Here’s the vile and disgusting background straight from the source:

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From wretched rodents and beastly bugs to putrid plants and muck-filled moats, grab a seat at the table to revel in some of the most repulsive and downright disgusting true stories from around the globe. The gloriously gross stories go way beyond food to include art, plants, animals, fashion, pop culture, medicine, the human body, and beyond. It’s a hot mess to digest, but it’s sure to leave kids disgusted and delighted. 

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More than 60 two-page colorful spreads lay out all the repulsive details. The pictures alone will have your face scrunching in every direction. You might look away for a second, but you’ll soon be back reading all about the whys and hows.

Besides getting reluctant readers to actually put their face into a book, here’s are a few of the highlights:

1. A YUCK-O-METER accompanies each stomach turning feature. It starts out with EWW  and gets increasingly more yucky with GROSS and NASTY,  I did what many 10-12 year olds would do and went straight to the highest grossness alert with those labelled DISGUSTING. My face scrunched up reading such classics as:

  • THE DIRT ON DOO-DOO
  • REVOLTING RECORDS
  • HORRIBLE HABITS OF ANCIENT ROME
  • WADS OF WORMS
  • MEET THE MUMMIES
  • HORRIBLE HUNTING HABITS
  • A MAGGOTY MOUTHFUL
  • SICKENING SURGERY
  • FRIGHTENING FOUL FLIES
  • WASTE FILLED WORLD
  • EXHIBITIONS OF EWWW

2. I needed a break before reading the rest of the book. It came on page 60-61 with THIS IS YOUR HAPPY PLACE. Just pictures of cuteness in our world. My stomach settled and I was ready to tackle the remaining less disgusting pages.

3. Five fun and informative quizzes are spaced throughout. They include HOW SQUEAMISH ARE YOU?; GROSSBUSTERS!; NAME THAT SLIMY STUFF!; GERM DETECTIVE; and GROSS ANIMALS.

You’ve been warned! Go ahead and take the plunge and order a copy today.

Yes, you can judge this book by its cover.

Posted in New Release, non fiction | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

MMGM for 11-25-19

Posted on November 25, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

                  

IT’S ANOTHER MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING WEEK!

Click on the tasty dessert to round out your holiday reading.

Here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I’m reviewing OGRE ENCHANTED by Gail Carson Levine.

June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic, features the classic picture book by Wende and Harry Devlin, Cranberry Thanksgiving.

Alex Baugh at Randomly Reading has The Little Grey Girl (The Wild Magic Trilogy #2) by Celine Kiernan.

Beth Mitchell at Imaginary Friends reviews The Size of the Truth by Andrew Smith

Maria Antonia at Of Books, Photography, and Tea gives us a peek at The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden by Karina Yan Glaser.

Patricia Tilton at CHILDREN’S BOOKS HEAL reviews All the Impossible Things by Lindsay Lackey. 

Rosi Hollinbeck has a Double Review & Giveaway — A Piglet Called Truffle & A Duckling Called Button. Rosi also has some not to be missed links for her writing friends.

Look who’s back! It’s Sue Kooky at Kitty Cat At The Library reviewing Legacy by Shannon Messenger. She also shares her experience meeting Shannon, our MMGM founder.

Karen Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads has another informative MMGM post. Be sure to check out today’s feature and all of her reviews including PAWS vs. CLAWS.
If you would like to join in the MMGM fun and get your own spot in the parade, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count–but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you’re featuring 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 please don’t forget to say what book 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.
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*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, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

OGRE ENCHANTED

Posted on November 24, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

ogre enchanted.jpg

It’s never a good day to be an ogre—just ask Evie who has been turned into one because she refused to marry her best friend. The change was the work of an awful fairy, Lucinda. Here’s the full background from Harper Collins:

Evie is happiest when she is healing people, diagnosing symptoms and prescribing medications, with the help of her devoted friend (and test subject) Wormy. So when Wormy unexpectedly proposes to her, she kindly turns him down; she has far too much to do to be marrying anyone. And besides, she simply isn’t in love with him.

But a certain meddling fairy named Lucinda has been listening in, and she doesn’t approve of Evie’s rejection. Suddenly, Evie finds herself transformed from a girl into a hideous, hungry ogre!

Stuck in this new and confusing form, Evie now has only sixty-two days to accept another proposal—or else be stuck as an ogre forever.

MY TAKE: The world surrounding Evie will be familiar to those who have read the Newbery Honor Book, Ella Enchanted. You’ll run into some of the same characters, but be assured Olga Enchanted works fine as a standalone.

Evie narrates the story and her passion for healing people stays with her even in ogre form. The less strong might give up, but Evie plunges forward and tries to resolve her dilemma. She leaves home, hoping both her mother and Wormy understand this is the only way. She must go live with the ogres to understand their ways. Along the way she finds friendship with royalty and beasts.

Since most of the book is about Evie trying to find true love (i.e. a husband), this might be a difficult sell for boys. Nevertheless, fantasy lovers and past readers of Gail Carson Levine’s work will be right at home.

bullet4FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUTbullet4

OGRE ENCHANTED by GAIL CARSON LEVINE

  1. Evie has some great potions to cure all of your ills and there’s no insurance to deal with when paying your bill. It’s amazing what a little dragon urine can do for aches and pains!
  2. You’ll feel each of the character’s emotions and struggles. This holds true beyond the MC, who must endure her new smell, a ferocious appetite for meat, and the looks from humans.
  3. The romance angle never goes beyond a does he or she like me mode—perfect for the MG audience.
  4. This turns into a rather flip-flop version of Beauty and the Beast. In Ogre Enchanted, the beauty is the beast.
  5. You sense what may happen in the end and when it does, you’ll smile.

FAVORITE SET UP from CHAPTER ONE:

My mind emptied. The kitchen tiles no longer seemed to be beneath me. Somewhere, fabric ripped.

My mind filled again. I held my arms out for balance and felt the floor under my feet. My mouth tasted gamy and spoiled, as if I’d swallowed a three-day-dead squirrel

Wormy’s jaw was still unhinged. He extended my name. “Evie-ee…there’s hair on your face.”

Not what I expected to hear. I started to lift a hand to my cheek but stopped and held the hand out. Hair sprouted there. My fingernails were long and filthy.

My stomach rose into my throat.

“Evie…you’re an ogre.”

About Gail Carson Levine:

Gail Carson Levine’s first book for children, Ella Enchanted, was a Newbery Honor Book. Levine’s other books include Ever, a New York Times bestseller; Fairest, a Best Book of the Year for Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal, and a New York Times bestseller; Dave at Night, an ALA Notable Book and Best Book for Young Adults; The Wish; The Two Princesses of Bamarre; A Tale of Two Castles; and the six Princess Tales books. She is also the author of the nonfiction books Writing Magic: Creating Stories That Fly and Writer to Writer: From Think to Ink, as well as the picture books Betsy Who Cried Wolf and Betsy Red Hoodie. Gail Carson Levine and her husband, David, live in a two-centuries-old farmhouse in the Hudson Valley of New York State.

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Author Website :: Instagram

DISCUSSION GUIDE FOR OGRE ENCHANTED

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I received a copy of the book for my honest review.

Comment below if you have time!

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

EPOCA—THE TREE OF ECROF

Posted on November 22, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

New from Granity Stuidos is their third middle grade fantasy novel with an emphasis on sports. Each stands on its own with a different author for each story. Basketball was the focus in the first book, The Wizenard Series; Tennis in Legacy and the Queen; and now track with Epoca—The Tree of Ecrof.

917LzuB4jKLFROM AMAZON: Set in an alternate classical world dominated by sports and a magical power called grana, Epoca: The Tree of Ecrof is the story of two children: the lowly born Rovi and the crown princess Pretia who uncover and battle terrible evil and discover their inner strength along the way.
Epoca: The Tree of Ecrof takes place at the most elite sports academy in the land, where the best child-athletes are sent to hone their skills. When Rovi and Pretia arrive, each harboring a secret about themselves, they begin to suspect that something evil is at play at the school. In the course of their first year, they must learn to master their grana in order to save the world from dark forces that are rising.

Published: 2019   Page Count: 368

The tale is told in third person with alternating chapters devoted to Pretia and Rovi. They are quite opposite in their upbringing and the contrast makes them interesting characters readers will enjoy. Mystery abounds in not only what each is hiding, but also why the once colorful tree on the grounds of the Academy is dying. These elements add to the suspenseful tone present in the 29 chapters.

The combination of sports and fantasy is the real draw, although there was not as much emphasis on sports in this book. It is more character related. The layout for the book is beautifully done and extends to the inside with a soft rainbow of pastels on each page.

Perfect for the middle grader who generally sticks to contemporary sport novels. They will find a much different take on preparing for a big event. Reluctant readers may have trouble getting through the lengthy text, but if this unusual take on combining sports and fantasy gets them to read then I’m all for it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ivy Claire is a former world ranked athlete and national and collegiate squash champion. She spent a decade competing internationally before turning full-time to writing. She holds a degree in classics and in a parallel life is a literary novelist. She lives in Los Angeles with her family.

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Coming up this Monday is another edition of…

If you would like to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book on a Monday (contests, author interviews, or anything middle grade related also count). 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 please don’t forget to say what book or author 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.
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*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 , , | 2 Comments

The Book of Queens & The Book of Kings

Posted on November 20, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

You’ll find royalty here and not just the kind wearing a crown. Famous leaders from history, scientists, entertainers, and many more are included in two separate colorful hardbacks. First up is THE BOOK OF QUEENS.

Here’s the official proclamation from National Geographic Kids:

51Ia0qn7aSL._SX363_BO1,204,203,200_Empire builders, legendary leaders, revolutionary rebels, powerful pioneers, and more … discover more than 100 wonder women who prove that girls totally rule.

They’re queens wielding scepters and sitting on thrones, they’re revolutionaries on the front lines of change, they’re presidents and prime ministers leading their nation, or they’re CEOs, scientists, sports legends, and artists who are have risen to the top of their fields. Welcome to The Book of Queens, where being a mighty monarch doesn’t just mean wearing a crown. Leaders like these come from all over the globe and have different talents. But most of all? They rule!

Are you ready to be inspired by the most powerful women in history? Some wielded their might for good while others let their power go to their heads. Yet all were powerful people who changed the course of history. From Elizabeth I to Cleopatra to Beyonce, every regal ruler in this book showcases the kind of guts, smarts, and strength it takes to lead. And while there are some wonder women you might recognize, others may leave you wondering why so many brave, smart, and hardworking ladies have gone unnoticed … until now. Whether real-life royals or average Janes who rose to rule, get ready to be inspired by their stories.

MY TAKE: The queens are organized into 8 chapters: EMPIRE BUILDERS; WOMEN OF ACTION; REVOLUTIONARY LEADERS; CULTURAL SHAPERS; MONARCH OF THE ARTS; LEGENDARY LEADERS; QUEENS OF KNOWLEDGE; AND QUEENS OF ADVENTURE.

Many of the women will be familiar but many more will be ones that are overdue in getting praise. I was amazed I’d never heard of Virginia Apgar (Medical Marvel), Bessie Coleman (Flying Queen), or astronomer Jill Tarter (Alien Hunter) as a few examples.

Colorful layouts, pictures, and inspiring text help make this a book a hard one to put down. It ends with a two page spread for young readers as to how they can wear the crown. Five queenly qualities are laid out for them to learn from and each is a lesson in becoming a strong adult.

THE BOOK OF QUEENS would be a great gift for the upcoming holidays.

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The subtitle for THE BOOK OF KINGS made me smile: Magnificent MONARCHS, Notorious NOBLES , and DISTINGUISHED DUDES who ruled THE WORLD. Future distinguished dudes won’t want to waste anytime jumping into this one. Here’s another proclamation from National Geographic Kids:

Mighty monarchs, powerful presidents, legendary leaders … discover more than 100 true 51y77fzktCL._SX363_BO1,204,203,200_stories of magnifcent men who changed the world.

They’re kings wielding scepters and sitting on thrones, they’re revolutionaries on the front lines of change, they’re presidents and prime ministers leading their nations, or they’re CEOs, scientists, sports legends, and artists who rose to the top of their fields. Welcome to The Book of Kings, where being a mighty monarch doesn’t just mean wearing a crown. Leaders like these come from all over the globe and have different talents. But most of all? They rule!

Kids are sure to enjoy meeting these mighty men. Some wielded their might for good while others let their power go to their heads. Yet all are (or were) powerful people who changed the course of history. From Henry VIII to Steve Jobs to Lin-Manuel Miranda, and more, every regal ruler in this book showcases the kind of guts, smarts, and strength it takes to lead. And while there are some kings who you might recognize, others may leave you wondering why so many brave, smart, and hardworking people have gone unnoticed … until now. Whether real-life royals or average Joes who rose to rule, get ready to be inspired by their stories.

MY TAKE TWO: THE BOOK OF KINGS follows the queens with a similar layout, but in different captioned chapters. Find your favorite in EMPIRE BUILDERS, MILITARY MASTERMINDS, RULERS IN REVOLUTION, LORDS OF LEGEND, KINGS Of CREATIVITY, ARISTOCRATS OF ACTION, KINGS OF CHANGE, or KINGS OF KNOWLEDGE.

What a great collection to encourage boys to seek out their own greatness. The information is given in two page spreads or in smaller boxed panels. I enjoyed learning about King Kamehameha, Henry VIII, and Genghis Khan along with more recent outstanding men like Jimmy Chin (Adventure Photographer), Usain Bolt, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Perfect as a source for schoolwork or to use for your own inspiration, history continues to be made with the groundwork laid out by these outstanding Kings. Order a copy today so it will be ready to put under the holiday tree.

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, non fiction | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

MMGM for 11-18-19

Posted on November 18, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

                    

IT’S ANOTHER  MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

Click the to reach a blogger’s post

Here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I’m reviewing CRUSHING THE RED FLOWERS by Jennifer Voigt Kaplan.

Joanne Fritz at My Brain on Books has a post many of us will relate to with all about her agent journey.

June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic, features The Hero Next Door, three short stories from a collection by We Need Diverse Books.

Faith Hough at Life’s an Art! highlights a lovely out-of-print book: Berries in the Scoop, by Lois Lenski.

Beth Mitchell at Imaginary Friends reviews Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia

Maria Antonia at Of Books, Photography, and Tea has two graphic novels: Awkward and Crush by Svetlana Chmakova.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of THE DISASTER DAYS by Rebecca Behrens. Rosi also has some not to be missed links for her writing friends.

Patricia Tilton at CHILDREN’S BOOKS HEAL is back with a review of The Dog Who Lost His Bark by Eoin Colfer. 

Dorine White at The Write Stuff has an interview with  Jennifer Voigt Kaplan, author of Crushing The Red Flowers (The book I reviewed today).

Christi M. at A GARDEN OF BOOKS has an audio book review called Nightbooks by J.A. White.

Karen Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads has another informative MMGM post. Be sure to check out all of her reviews the past week including SAUERKRAUT.

Mark Baker has THE LAST DRAGON.
If you would like to join in the MMGM fun and get your own spot in the parade, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count–but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you’re featuring 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 please don’t forget to say what book 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.
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*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, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

CRUSHING THE RED FLOWERS

Posted on November 17, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

A compelling new story about a time rarely exposed to middle grade readers: Germany in 1938. What to expect (From Barnes & Noble):

9781632460950_p0_v2_s550x406.jpgEmil Rosen and Friedrich Weber couldn’t have less in common, but in the summer of 1938, they must both deal with the changes steamrolling through Germany. Friedrich struggles with an uncle in jail and a cruel Hitler Youth leader, while Emil does his best to avoid the blistering anti-Semitism that’s threatening his family. As the rules of yesterday no longer make sense, both boys find comfort at a private spot along the Leine River. Then in the late hours of November 9th, their world explodes, and the two boys are forced together in a race against time that requires Friedrich to risk his life in order to save Emil and his family.

 

PUBLISHED: 2019  PAGE COUNT: 248

MY THOUGHTS: The gripping story unfolds in 28 chapters and the third person viewpoint alternates back and forth from Friedrich to Emil. It’s the perfect way to relay their fears. Other characters interact with the boys in different ways and doing so provides a powerful building of their inner conflict.

The events of the time drive the story, but Emil and Friedrich make it come alive. The many thematic layers grab hold, and you won’t want to put the book down. These include hateful bullying tactics, loyalty to family, governmental rights, and the meaning of friendship.

Hate among Nazis, Jews, and Communists in 1938 led to terrible results. It’s sad to think 81 years has passed, and our ability to get along has progressed very little. Here’s hoping our young people will grasp the ideas put forth here and lead a life without hate.

di48R8RLTFIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUTdi48R8RLT

CRUSHING THE RED FLOWERS by Jennifer Voigt Kaplan

  1. The tension and inner turmoil for each boy and their families are a continuous thread. You’ll feel each emotion as they do what’s best for the ones they love.
  2. Friedrich, under the guidance of a hateful youth leader, has to make the toughest decisions. His eyebrow twitch was a marvelous foreboding that he’s not happy with the choice of hurting others.
  3. Emil is rather immature but has a sweet disposition. It takes time for him to grip they whys of his world. His tears said it all that their is often no easy answer.
  4. Many questions will surface from young readers and provide opportunity for discussion. A thorough discussion guide is included in the back pages.
  5. The author did extensive research and her Author’s Note detailing the journey to publication is a must read.

FAVORITE LINES:

It’s over! Friedrich thought. Service hours are finally over! He stood to leave.

“And for the last item,” Günter began, but stopped when he spotted Friedrich. Every eye in the room burned into him, the only one standing. His skin prickled. Dread and shame mashed up in his gut. The room swayed. His private demons had betrayed him after all.

Muddy Hell! Friedrich thought. I am next!

About Jennifer Voigt Kaplan (From Jennifer’s Author Web site):

Jennifer Voigt Kaplan is an award-winning author of children’s fiction. Her debut children’s novel, Crushing the Red Flowers, was recognized in six literary contests before its publication, including earning a Letter of Merit for the SCBWI Work-in-Progress Grant and winning the middle-grade category of Publishers Weekly Booklife Prize for Fiction. Jennifer was born in Germany, raised in Philadelphia, and now resides in the New York City area. She holds degrees from the Wharton School of Business in marketing and from the London School of Economics in social psychology.

Outside of writing, Jennifer founded The Public Arts Council, her town’s first organization dedicated to public arts. When she’s not inventing people in her head, she’s painting murals on underpasses, wishing she had more time to watch sci-fi movies, and arguing that there should be no limit on the number of garden gnomes that are considered socially acceptable. She lives with her husband, three children, and a cheeky beta-fish named Bubbles, who thinks it’s hilarious to play dead.

 

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I received a copy of the book for my honest review.

Comment below if you have time!

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If you missed my post this past Wednesday I’m doing a Giveaway of a new National Geographic title: ENCYCLOPEDIA OF AMERICAN INDIAN. All the details are here as to how to win a hardback copy of this beautiful new book.

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

CODE THIS!

Posted on November 15, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

Just last week an excited group of kids asked me what was the best way to learn computer programming. I had once taught classes in BASIC and HTML/JAVASCRIPT, but technology has gotten more complex making our devices all that smarter. Anyone can play around with coding concepts, but to become proficient you need to know the backbone of what makes them work.

Ente51xhK2j3r+L._SX398_BO1,204,203,200_.jpgr NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS and their perfect timing with CODE THIS!

Here’s the official background on this new engaging title:

Programming concepts come to life in this kid-friendly intro to the basics of computer science and coding, with puzzles, games, and quirky characters.  As part of the Coder Crew and with the help of Cody the Robot, readers are “on a mission” to write algorithms to find hidden treasures, decode ciphers to read secret messages, create loops to program an expedition, and dive into concepts like constraints, debugging and binary code. 

First off, you don’t need a computer while using this title. All the learning takes place through four chapters with paper and pencil coding practice. Using bright, never boring text and layouts, even the novice will soon be writing their own algorithms. Fun challenges put users to task and not only will they be learning how to code, but some of the concepts might help them approach daily problems in a different way.

Optimize, Trial and Error, and Debug.

Solutions to all of the challenges are provided in the AFTERWORD. Then A GO FURTHER section takes programming interest to a more advanced level.  HTML and PYTHON scripts are broken down making each language understandable.

CODE THIS! would be the perfect gift for the coding enthusiast in your life. Computers wouldn’t be that smart without humans writing the code to make them work. This title might be the launching pad for our next generation of coders.

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If you missed my post this past Wednesday I’m doing a Giveaway of another new National Geographic title: ENCYCLOPEDIA OF AMERICAN INDIAN. All the details are here as to how to win a hardback copy of this beautiful new book.

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Coming up next Monday is another edition of…

If you would like to join the MMGM parade, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book on a Monday (contests, author interviews, or anything middle grade related also count). 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 please don’t forget to say what book or author 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.

Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)

*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 New Release, non fiction | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

ENCYCLOPEDIA OF AMERICAN INDIAN HISTORY & CULTURE (Plus a GIVEAWAY!)

Posted on November 13, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

A stunning achievement sure to please middle graders, teachers, and librarians. Here’s the official background from National Geographic:
51RW9Z2V4DL._SX385_BO1,204,203,200_.jpgMore than 160 tribes are featured presenting a comprehensive overview of the history of North America’s Native peoples. From the Apache to the Zuni, readers will learn about each tribe’s history, traditions, and culture, including the impact of European expansion across the land and how tribes live today. Features include maps of ancestral lands; timelines of important dates and events; fact boxes for each tribe; bios of influential American Indians such as Sitting Bull; sidebars on daily life, homes, food, clothing, jewelry, and games;   To help give kids the lay of the land, this reference is arranged by region, and all federally recognized tribes are included. Tribal members representing each region and experts at the National Museum of the American Indian at the Smithsonian Institution were involved in its creation.

PUBLISHED: 2019   PAGE COUNT: 304

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WHAT I LOVED ABOUT: ENCYCLOPEDIA OF AMERICAN INDIAN HISTORY & CULTURE

bullet4The colorful and amazing photos, many in two page spreads. You’ll immediately feel the history and traditions of indigenous people.

bullet4How the author organized the massive amount of material. Arranged in eight color-coded geographic areas. You can read it in any order.

bullet4Each section includes a detailed time-line with up to 20 key dates in the region’s tribal history. Appealing layout as photos blend in well with the text.

bullet4A DID YOU KNOW? feature which are eye opening and revealing. My favorite? The Nez Perce once owned the largest herd of horses in North America.

bullet4Each chapter ends with a traditional story from one of the tribes. THE WOMAN WHO FELL FROM THE SKY, HOW COYOTE CAME BY HIS POWERS, and THE RABBIT AND THE FROG were three you don’t want to miss.

A book like this could not be called authoritative without the impressive list of consults including members of Native American communities, a social studies curriculum specialist, and Curator Emeritus at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American Indian.

The encyclopedia would make a great Christmas gift for yourself or a young person’s library. There’s something new to learn on each page. I spent literally hours enjoying the stories and facts associated with each tribe. You can do the same by entering the GIVEAWAY of a hardback edition. All you have to do is enter a brief comment below. U.S. addresses only. The winner will be chosen Thanksgiving Eve! Good luck!

Posted in Giveaways, Middle Grade Book Reviews, non fiction | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments