MMGM for 10-21-2019

Posted on October 21, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

               

Several months ago I received a note from a blogger asking for a more streamlined MMGM list. Your wish has been granted. On future MMGM posts I can either continue doing my graphic version or use the new format below. Let me know if you have a preference.

  • Here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I’m reviewing THE RUBICUS PROPHECY by Alane Adams.
  • Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles interviews Katie Zhao and is giving away a copy of her MG fantasy THE DRAGON WARRIOR.
  • June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic, reviews a new middle-grade action and adventure novel by Author JJ Johnson, IGGY & OZ — THE PLASTICS OF DOOM.
  • Maria Antonia at Of Books, Photography, and Tea features a review of BIRDIE by Eileen Spinelli.
  • Patricia Tilton at CHILDREN’S BOOKS HEAL has a review of  LEADING THE WAY by Senator Janet Howell and Theresa Howell.
  • Beth Mitchell at Imaginary Friends reviews WE’RE NOT FROM HERE by Geoff Rodkey.
  • Dorine White at THE WRITE PATH interviews Charles Suddeth, author of the MG book, STONEMAN AND THE TRAIL OF TEARS.
  • Suzanne Warr at Tales From The Raven spotlights THE MAYPOP KIDNAPPINGS, by CM Surrisi. There’s also a GIVEAWAY.
  • Christi M. at A GARDEN OF BOOKS reviews MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD by Drew Callander and Alana Harrison.
  • Rosi Hollinbeck has a double review. First up is BATTLE OF JUNK MOUNTAIN. Then she presents DREAM WITHIN A DREAM. Rosi also has some not to be missed links for her writing friends.
  • Karen Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads has a new MMGM post today. After you read her newest, scroll down to see all of her featured books this past week including JUNIOR HIGH DRAMA.
  • Andrea Mack at That’s Another Story takes up the final spot in our list with THE DOUGHNUT KING by Jessie Janowitz.
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 , , | 4 Comments

The Rubicus Prophecy

Posted on October 20, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

It’s Marvelous Middle Grade Monday!

This second book in The Witches of Orkney series could be read without having knowledge of the first story, THE BLUE WITCH. You may not even know the books are a prequel to the previously released, Legend of Orkney series.

Regardless, the author does a good job of filling in the gaps. But once you finish THE RUBICUS PROPHECY, I’m sure you will be going back to enjoy the introduction to the series. It’s a fantastical world full of engaging and distasteful characters that provide a wide range of emotions for readers.

rubicus prophecy

Here’s the Official Background: Abigail has just started her second year at the Tarkana Witch Academy and is already up to her ears studying for Horrid Hexes and Awful Alchemy! Worse, Endera’s malevolent spellbook has its hooks in her, whispering in her ear to use its dark magic. Meanwhile, the entire school is talking about the Rubicus Prophecy; a sign has arrived that the chosen witchling is among them, the one who will one day break Odin’s curse over them. When an Orkadian warship arrives carrying troubling news, Abigail and her friend Hugo are swept into a new mystery after a young boy from the ship, Robert Barconian, asks for their help retrieving a missing item.
Along with the former glitch-witch, Calla, the four friends end up deep in the catacombs beneath the Tarkana Fortress―a place where the draugar, the living dead, wander about. Abigail discovers there is more to the Rubicus Prophecy than anyone ever imagined. Can she stop it in time before she and her friends are destroyed?
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The tale is full of mystery, bullies (far worse than you’d come across in the real world), and spell making. I liked the addition of a young Robert, although his actions and words often seemed older than his eleven years. The 31 chapters pass by quick and the climatic ending will have you hanging on edge.

The world building is perfect and doesn’t go so deep to make the story drag. It’s aided by illustrations throughout (Wait, did I see a mermaid?) Like any great series, unresolved issues are left for you to ponder until the next book is released. The characters have a fearsome future along with destroyed relationships.

Parts are gruesome but the story would appeal to middle grade grade girls and boys who have exhausted everything Potter and Percy. Both books in the Witches of Orkney series would make a great gift.

laugh2FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUTlaugh2

THE RUBICUS PROPHECY by Alane Adams

  1. The spells have bewitching names and often surprising results.
  2. Fun, fast-paced, and frightful. The big three for young readers!
  3. School life at the Tarkana Witch Academy made me glad to have good old public school.
  4. The relationships formed between the characters are memorable and with two feuding factions, you might pick up on some parallels to our real world.
  5. Although the story line left me hanging (I’m a resolve all plot lines kind of reader), the intriguing possibilities put forth by the epilogue had me full of guesses for several scenarios that possibly could come about.

A FEW WORDS FROM AUTHOR, Alane Adams (from her website)

Having been an avid reader my entire life, books based on mythology have always fascinated me the most. I think it’s the idea of magic and the unlimited potential behind the surreal. Building an entirely new world like the fantastical realm of Orkney in my series has been a wonderful challenge. When I think of stories that don’t involve some element of magic it feels dry and boring. I love characters that are deeply flawed and full of emotions like anger and frustration and a burning desire to understand why it is they are so flawed. There are so many wonderful writers out there that entertain children and adults alike, but my all-time favorite book is River God by Wilbur Smith because it tells such a powerful story of life in ancient Egypt and you can’t help but be swept back to that time and place.

When I’m not writing or teaching, I’m out hiking somewhere in the world or hanging out with my three boys who are my greatest joy. Thank you for visiting my page. I hope you enjoy reading these books as much as I enjoyed writing them for you.

To learn more about my foundation visit: www.riseupfoundation.org.

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I received an arc for my honest review. Please comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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

Mr. Penguin and the Fortress of Secrets

Posted on October 18, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

81Jqp2p0efLTHE PLOT: Meet Mr. Penguin–Adventurer (And Penguin!)
When Mr. Penguin and Colin crash-land on a snowy mountain, they discover strange noises coming from an old, ruined fortress. Might it be connected to the mystery of missing pets? Why are there shadowy figures lurking about? And will Mr. Penguin conquer his fear of flying?
This second installment in the humorous, page-turning series from Alex T. Smith, the author-illustrator of the popular Claude series, is sure to thrill young readers looking for a good adventure.

Publishing Date: October, 2019

Page Count: 288

MY THOUGHTS: I reviewed the first book in the series, Mr. Penguin and the Lost Treasure, last March. The madcap adventures of Mr. Penguin continue in this new installment. You’ll be fine if deciding to read this one first as it doesn’t take long to get a feel for the character’s personalities.

The illustrations balance the text well and help move the story to a rousing finish. Mr. Penguin isn’t the best sleuth given his sometimes bumbling decisions, but he means well and supplies a lot of the humor. His sidekick, Colin the Kung Fu spider, adds his own brand of one liners. Each typed out on his pad.

The short chapters and fun dialog would make this an appealing read-aloud. British slang also pops up occasionally.  Like the first book, this would be a nice intro to middle grade lit for those stepping up from chapter books. Perfect for ages 8-10.

Nothing to heavy or scary in this lighthearted read (unless you don’t like snakes). Pull up a chair with your favorite plate of fish fingers and disappear into the world of a very unusual penguin.

**Visit Alex T. Smith on Twitter.

**Order your own copy of Mr. Penguin and the Fortress of Secrets and check out the free activity sheets at Peachtree Publishing.

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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

Cat Breed Guide/Dog Breed Guide

Posted on October 16, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

These two well-researched and colorful guides will please animal lovers of all ages. You’ll be hooked when you turn a page and find one of these cats and dogs staring back. How about an adoring gaze from a Shorthaired Chartreux feline or a Yugoslavian Shepard Dog? These hardback editions are not only fun to look through but contain loads of helpful information. Here’s a closer look at each guide:

51XS5t8cQnL._SX391_BO1,204,203,200_Dog Breed Guide: A Complete Reference to Your Best Friend Fur-Ever  From dachshunds to Dalmatians and poodles to pugs, this comprehensive guide gives an overview of more than 400 different dog breeds. Each profile includes the breed’s “dog stats”: country of origin, size, coat color and pattern, grooming difficulty, exercise needs, and “K-9 qualities.” With the help of veterinarian Dr. Gary Weitzman and dog behaviorist Amanda Kowalski, kids will also learn how to choose the right dog for them, how to take care of their new furry friend, and how to understand their behavior. Fantastic feature spreads cover dogs in popular culture, dog ancestry, how to prepare for your perfect pooch, and so much more. 

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The guide begins with WHAT IS A DOG? A sixteen page introduction includes the history and domestication, diversity, coat varieties, along with a definition of What is a breed?

Next come the breeds arranged in groups. The categories include PRIMITIVE DOGS, SPITZ TYPE DOGS, HERDING DOGS, MOUNTAIN DOGS AND MASTIFFS, SIGHT AND SCENT HOUNDS,  POINTERS, RETRIEVERS, FLUSHING AND WATER DOGS, PINSCHERS AND SCHNAUZERS, TERRIERS, and TOY DOGS.

If you can’t find your breed the INDEX clues you in to the correct page. I found my Springer Spaniel on page 202. Interspersed throughout the guide are informative features on such topics as wild dogs, canine IQ, and dogs who work for us to name a few.

The manual is great for dog owners but even better for those getting ready to adopt their first canine in the last section called Picking a Pup. You’ll find the Fido that fits in with your family and lifestyle and be ready to welcome him or her into your home. Training tips are also provided.

No growling aloud while looking through the superb DOG BREED GUIDE. Smile and be amazed at all you didn’t know about our best friends.

dog-bone
51Um3q8Y8-L._SX391_BO1,204,203,200_Cat Breed Guide: A Complete Reference to Your Purr-Fect Best Friend From Russian Blues and Munchkins to Maine Coons and Persians, this comprehensive guide gives an overview of 71 different cat breeds. Each profile includes the breed’s “cat stats”: country of origin, size, coat color and pattern, grooming difficulty, and cat-titude. With the help of veterinarian Dr. Gary Weitzman and cat behaviorist Mieshelle Nagelschneider, kids will also learn how to choose the right cat for them, how to take care of their new feline friend, and how to understand its behavior. Fun feature spreads cover cats in popular culture, prehistoric cats, and the house cat’s wild cousins. 
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With fewer breeds, the cats get full page spreads devoted to what makes each special. All the familiar ones (like Siamese and Persian) are included, organized into the broad categories of shorthairs and longhairs. The vast majority I was not familiar with, but thanks to the discussion on each I now know them well. A handy Cat Stats feature for each breed tells you where they come from, size, color, grooming needs, and cattitude.

Some of my favorites included the natural smile of the British Shorthair, the rare Kurilian Bobtail Longhair, and the large, often odd-colored eyes of the Turkish Van. The photos truly capture their unique nature.

Like the Dog Breed Guide, the cats get a similar introduction with twelve pages on What is a Cat? The history and physical feature pages contain some fascinating facts. Extras (More than 20 in all) are also included throughout. From Cat Senses to Cat Heroes, you’ll explore at a deeper level what makes these creature unique.

Don’t have a cat? The last section explores all the ins and outs of owning a cat from choosing the right one to training your new pet.

From cover to cover this book really is Purr-fect!

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, non fiction | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

MMGM for 10-14-2019

Posted on October 14, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

        

IT’S ANOTHER MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

CLICK ON A MARBLE TO REACH A BLOGGER’S POST

Here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I’m reviewing WEIRD LITTLE ROBOTS by Carolyn Crimi.

Natalie Aguirre has a guest post by debut author Jennifer Camaccia and agent Stacey Glick; a giveaway of her contemporary THE MEMORY KEEPER; and a query critique by Stacey.

Sue Heavenrich at Sally’s Bookshelf reviews The Jumbie God’s Revenge, by Tracey Baptiste.

June McCrary Jacobs  at Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic, features some middle-grade historical fiction book lists.

Maria Antonia at Of Books, Photography, and Tea gives a look at Because of the Rabbit by Cynthia Lord.

Joanne Fritz has a Giveaway of a hardcover copy of A TIME TRAVELER’S THEORY OF RELATIVITY by Nicole Valentine, along with photos from her book launch in Pennsylvania.

Beth Mitchell at Imaginary Friends reviews Small Spaces by Katherine Arden.

Patricia Tilton at CHILDREN’S BOOKS HEAL features Mia Mayham Breaks Down Walls by Kara West, a spunky superhero chapter book.

Alex Baugh at Randomly Reading gives us her take on The Battle by Karuna Riazi.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of Free Lunch by Rex Ogle. Rosi also has some not to be missed links for her writing friends.

Christi M. at A GARDEN OF BOOKS features her review of The Dark Lord Clementine by Sarah Jean Horwitz.

Karen Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads has another informative MMGM post. Be sure to check out today’s feature and all of her reviews the past week including THE OTHER, BETTER ME.

One more blogger link came in today. It’s from Faith Hough at Life’s an Art. She has a great piece on A RACE AROUND THE WORLD. Check it out here.
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 , , | 2 Comments

WEIRD LITTLE ROBOTS

Posted on October 13, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

It’s another edition of MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY with a new middle grade book on the shelves this Fall.

9780763694937

THE PLOT (From Penguin Random House) Nine-year-old Penny Rose has just moved to a new town, and so far the robots she builds herself are her only company. But with just a bit of magic, everything changes: she becomes best friends with Lark, has the chance to join a secret science club, and discovers that her robots are alive. Penny Rose hardly remembers how lonely she used to feel. But then a fateful misstep forces her to choose between the best friend she’s always hoped for and the club she’s always dreamed of, and in the end it may be her beloved little robots that pay the price.

MY THOUGHTS Twenty years ago I would have picked up a book like this to find it was about two science loving boys. Thank goodness we’ve progressed with a story about two girls and their unique science-focused interests. Penny Rose makes intricate robots from discarded parts while Lark is a bird watcher who builds and decorates bird houses.

Numerous full page illustrations appear throughout, each a welcome addition to the nicely paced plot. At its core, Weird Little Robots is a story about friendship. Not only what that means, but the elements needed to make it last. The third person narration stays close to Penny Rose, new to all this friend business. Her choices aren’t always the right ones, but she learns from her mistakes.

There’s never an explanation why the robots are alive, but it doesn’t really matter. We’ll leave it as magic. Each of the robots has a unique personality they only share with the two girls. But when the stereotypical boy bully gets involved their friendship is tested.

The positive messages put forth and the read-aloud potential with the mostly short 32 chapters are the main reasons to give this one a go. Readers will also find messing around with science stuff is hard to resist.

PUBLISHED: 2019 PAGE COUNT: 240

laugh2FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT:laugh2

WEIRD LITTLE ROBOTS by Carolyn Crimi

  1. The author has written picture books in the past and her switch to middle grade is pulled off in seamless fashion.
  2. The names of the robots: iPam, Clunk, Sharpie, Data, and Fraction.
  3. Girls can do anything is the theme proudly portrayed.
  4. The girls create roboTown for their family of robots. It’s full of lights and reused items the robots enjoy. Kids might be building their own after reading about this one.
  5. A Secret Science Club with its roots going back to 1969 was a great connection as to why it existed in the first place.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carolyn Crimi enjoys snacking, pugs, Halloween, and writing, although not necessarily in that order. Over the years she has published 15 funny books for children, including Don’t Need Friends, Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies, Where’s My Mummy?, There Might Be Lobsters, and I Am The Boss of This Chair. Weird Little Robots is her first novel.

(For more visit Carolyn’s web site and don’t miss her pointed view on celebrities who write children’s books).

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I received an ARC from the publisher for my honest review. If you have time, please comment below.

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

Polly AND Buster: The Wayward Witch & the Feelings Monster

Posted on October 11, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

61iyNG8NXlLThis first book in the series comes to America from Australia’s best selling female author, Sally Rippin. The third person narration stays close to our young witch, Polly, as she hides her friendship with Buster. In the witching world monsters are disgusting creatures one should never get near. Polly can’t understand that thinking since Buster is the most faithful companion anyone could have.

Themes of family, peer pressure, being a good friend, and acceptance of others weave their way through the fast paced story. Illustrations scattered throughout add a whimsical touch.  Here’s a sample. The book is a perfect addition to an emerging reader’s shelf, especially those who enjoy fantasy.

THE OFFICIAL PLOT (From Kane Miller):

If Polly and Buster walk past each other in the street, they never say hello. After all, who ever heard of a witch being friends with a monster? But every day after school, Polly climbs to the top of their tree and calls out, “Awroooooo!” And Buster always comes. Yet one day, Polly and Buster’s schools go on a field trip to the same museum on the same day, and things go horribly awry. When their secret friendship is exposed, Polly must make the hardest decision of her life.
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All she’s ever wanted is to fit in and be a great witch … but is she willing to lose her best friend for it?

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With read-aloud potential, Polly and Buster are great characters and you’ll find parallels to some of us human creatures. Although the title fits in well with Halloween just around the corner, it’s not a Halloween story. The book can be enjoyed anytime of the year. In our own world filled with hate in the headlines every day, a story like this proves kindness always wins out.

A Little Bit About the Author

Sally Rippin was born in Darwin, but grew up mainly in South-East Asia. As a young adult she lived in China for three years, studying traditional Chinese painting. Sally has over seventy books published, many of them award-winning, including two novels for young adults. Her work includes the highly acclaimed Polly and Buster trilogy and the popular Billie B Brown and Hey Jack! books, which became the highest selling series for 6-8 year olds in Australia within the first year of their release. Sally is Australia’s highest selling female author and her books have sold more than 4.5 million copies in 14 languages. (For more visit Sally’s author web site)

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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 Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , | 2 Comments

CAT SCIENCE UNLEASHED

Posted on October 9, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

51lI0NSeDnL._SX389_BO1,204,203,200_

Last year I featured a review of DOG SCIENCE UNLEASHED, using my own dog for the series of fun and revealing experiments. This new companion title is devoted to our feline friends. I currently don’t have a cat, but the fascinating series of experiments made me want to reconsider. Here’s the background from National Geographic KIDS:

Cat Science Unleashed: Fun Activities to Do With Your Feline FriendCat Science Unleashedcontains 22 safe and cat-friendly activities that let you work alongside your cat to discover how your amazing feline friend thinks, moves, drinks, stays warm, gets clean, cools off, and more.   Step-by-step instructions, clear and interesting scientific explanations, and cool photographs shot specifically for this book reveal how catnip affects your kitty, how she can see so well in the dark, why she always lands on all fours and techniques for testing her vitals and tracking her fitness.  Also includes a behind-the-scenes look at current feline research. 

The experiments are conducted by a panel of 11 kid testers and their own cats. Arranged in four themed chapters. it made for interesting reading despite not doing the experiments myself.

Chapter One, FIT FELINES, covers the amazing agility of cats and all things for their health.. There are tests of balance, a check of vital signs, and tracking your cat’s fitness routine.

Chapter Two, SENSATIONAL SENSES, explores hearing, sight, taste, and smell. You even get to make a terrific toy for your kitty.

Chapter Three, PURRFECT PREDATORS, looks at their territorial instincts and memory.  There’s also a fascinating experiment as to how hunger affects play.

Chapter Four wraps the study up with CLEVER KITTIES, a look at inside the minds of cats. Teach your cat a secret code, discover their unique traits, and check if they are right or left pawed.

Each chapter ends with an “in the LAB” feature. My favorite was on Vincent, a cat fitted with prosthetic legs, made possible through the dedication of Mary Sarah Bergh of the Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine.

A Glossary and a page of resources round out the impressive effort.

If you have a cat or are about to get one, get to know your friend on a whole different level with your own copy of CAT SCIENCE UNLEASHED.

Posted in non fiction | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

MMGM for 10/7/2019

Posted on October 7, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

       

IT’S ANOTHER MONTH OF MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAYS!

CLICK ON A LINK TO REACH A BLOGGER’S POST

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE (that’s me) reviews STONE MAN AND THE TRAIL OF TEARS by Charles Suddeth.

June McCrary Jacobs (Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic) features  additional background on STONE MAN AND THE TRAIL OF TEARS. Included is an author interview and a GIVEAWAY.

Natalie Aguirre (Literary Rambles) is interviewing debut author Sharon Mayhew and giving away her MG historical fiction, KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON, CHILDREN.

Sue Heavenrich at Sally’s Bookshelf hasa  hard to put down book: The Dark Lord Clementine, by Sarah Jean Horwitz.

Susan Uhlig shares two reviews. Click this link for her take on the mysterious ORPHAN ISLAND.

Susan’s second link leads you to JOURNEY OF THE PALE BEAR. I hope she enjoyed this one as much as I did.

Maria Antonia at Of Books, Photography, and Tea shares a few thoughts on Lucky Luna by Diana Lopez.

Suzanne Warr at Tales From The Raven puts the spotlight on Ghosts, by Raina Telgemeier.

Dorine White at The Write Path reviews Awesome Achievers by Alan Katz.

Beth Mitchell at Imaginary Friends reviews Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee.

Patricia Tilton at CHILDREN’S BOOKS HEAL reviews  Dream Within a Dream, by Patricia MacLachlan, a heartwarming story about multi-generational families. 

Ben Langhinrichs is back! At My Comfy Chair he has Amy Makechnie’s The Unforgettable Guinevere St. Clair.

Christi M. at A GARDEN OF BOOKS features The Math Kids: An Unusual Pattern by David Cole (The Math Kids #3).

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of SMACK DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF MAYBE by Jo Watson Hackl. Rosi also has some not to be missed links for her writing friends.

Karen Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads has another informative MMGM post. Be sure to check out today’s feature and all of her reviews the past week including ROLL WITH IT.

Mark Baker at Carstairs Considers reviews Charlie Thorne and the Last Equation by Stuart Gibbs.
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 Uncategorized | 1 Comment

STONE MAN AND THE TRAIL OF TEARS

Posted on October 6, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

IT’S ANOTHER EDITION OF MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

Stone Man by Charles Suddeth

Driven to Stone Man’s trail…

After U.S. soldiers attack twelve-year-old Tsatsi’s Cherokee village, his family flees to the Smokey Mountains. Facing storms, flood, and hunger, they’re forced to go where Stone Man, a monstrous giant, is rumored to live.

His family seeks shelter in an abandoned village, but soldiers hunt them down. Tsatsi and his sister Sali escape, but Sali falls ill and is kidnapped by Stone Man. Tsatsi gives chase and confronts the giant, only to learn this monster isn’t what he seems.

Their journey is a dangerous one. Will Tsatsi find the strength to become a Cherokee warrior? And will they ever find their family?

A fast paced story sure to please historical fiction fans.

It’s a dangerous journey for Tsatsi and his sister. At the young age of twelve he has to become the leader and find safety, even though the rest of his family is gone. The two are almost always wet, cold, and hungry.

First person narration is the perfect point of view for the story. Each chapter ends with an enticing surprise or cliffhanger, which in turn keep the pages turning. Renegades, the Calvary, or sickness will for sure spell their doom, unless they can put their trust with the Stone Man.

The fourteen chapters are further divided into titled subsections, making this a good selection for a read aloud. Historical notes about the Trail of Tears are included in the back along with a glossary of words—both ones used in English and Cherokee.

An important story to tell and yes, good people do make life worthwhile.

PUBLISHED: 2019 PAGE COUNT: 162

laugh2FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT:laugh2

STONE MAN AND THE TRAIL OF TEARS by Charles Suddeth

  1. The story starts off at a frantic pace and doesn’t let up, sure to pull in readers who normally don’t read historical fiction.
  2. Tsatsi is a great character. He wants to take charge but his childlike size keeps him from doing so at times. Still though, he would rather die himself than have his sister hurt.
  3. The Stone Man was a welcome presence. You’ll be changing you mind about him right along with the two main characters.
  4. The Trail of Tears is not a well remembered part of our history. This story will help fill you in and erase any misconceptions.
  5. The ending. Perfectly executed.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR, Charles Suddeth

Although I was born in Indiana and I grew up in Michigan, I have spent most of my life in Kentucky. I live in Louisville with my two cats, Binks and Wendy (Wendy says it should be Wendy and Binks). I am a graduate of Michigan State University. I have also done graduate work at MSU, Spalding University, and the University of Louisville. I am a member of Green River Writers, SCBWI (society of children’s books writers and illustrators, Midsouth), and International Thriller Writers.

(For more about Charles and his books visit his author website, Twitter, and Facebook page)

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I received an arc from the publisher for my honest review.

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Posted in Historical fiction, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , | 11 Comments