Always in the Middle…

January 27th is Holocaust Remembrance Day. It has now been 75 years since the liberation of Auschwitz.  I’m featuring a special story by author/literary agent Anna Olswanger.

The hardback is just 48 pages, but packs a powerful  punch. It’s the true story of Daniel, a Holocaust survivor who arrives at the Brooklyn Jewish school carrying a box. He won’t open it and always keeps the container near.

Another boy, Aaron, is a stutterer and is often teased for his repetitions. The school bully has given him the name, Gravel Mouth. Aaron’s main wish is to become a rabbi. His compassion for others has him reaching out to Daniel. This begins a friendship between the two boys. Together they face the taunts, learning to deal with hurtful words and actions.

Greenhorn would be a great choice for an adult and child to read together. The contents of the box are heartbreaking to comprehend, but also a reality of the time. It’s the perfect story to share in our current world.

Here are five more things I liked about GREENHORN:

1. Color illustrations appear throughout. They support and extend the words on the page.
2. The Afterword tells the story when the boys meet again as adults. A satisfying footnote.
3. Both boys have difficulty expressing themselves for very different reasons. The inclusion of this character trait pushed the story to even greater heights.
4. Serves as a springboard to a deeper study of the Holocaust. I’d suggest reading more middle grade books about the topic. The Jewish Book Council has a list of HOLOCAUST BOOKS FOR MIDDLE GRADE READERS; Brightly presents 13 CHILDREN’S AND YA BOOKS TO HELP REMEMBER THE HOLOCAUST; and Pragmatic Mom has 39 HAUNTING HOLOCAUST BOOKS FOR KIDS.
5. I kept thinking as I read the story that it would make a fantastic movie. Someone else thought the same thing and made a short film. Check out the 90 second trailer:

The film is available on AMAZON in DVD format.

The hardback edition of GREENHORN is available here.

Visit UNITED NATIONS list of events for today’s remembrance.

Learn more about Anna Olswanger at her website.

My school already has a copy of the book so I’m giving away the one I received for this review. Make a comment to enter and I’ll draw the winning entrant on February 1st.

Scoob has had a rough go at school recently, causing his dad to cancel their spring break trip and grounding him instead. Then Grandma appears and whisks her grandson away in a new Winnebago for the road trip to who knows where (Well, maybe G’ma has a plan). Scoob is just glad to be far away from his dad. Their relationship isn’t the best.

From Georgia, through Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas the trip is both revealing about G’ma’s past and confusing about her future—their future. She changes the license plate on the RV several times, calls Scoob “Jimmy” when that was his grandfather’s name, and it sure looks like she tried to steal from the jewelry store.

But along the way, Scoob learns how African Americans were treated back in the 60s, the civil right’s movement, and the difficulty of a mixed marriage. His Grandpa was locked up and died in prison for a crime G’ma says he didn’t commit.

Told in third person, my personal preference would have to experience the story directly from young Scoob, but that’s just me. It doesn’t get in the way of a tale that will grip you right to the quick ending. Family, a road trip of understanding, and a boy who grows up a lot. A great ride from the the get-go. Highly recommended!

YEAR PUBLISHED: 2020 PAGE COUNT: 240

Here’s the official background:

How to Go on an Unplanned Road Trip with Your Grandma:
•  Grab a Suitcase: Prepacked from the big spring break trip that got CANCELLED.
•  Fasten Your Seatbelt: G’ma’s never conventional, so this trip won’t be either.
•  Use the Green Book: G’ma’s most treasured possession. It holds history, memories, and most important, the way home.

What Not to Bring:
•  A Cell Phone: Avoid contact with Dad at all costs. Even when G’ma starts acting stranger than usual.

Set against the backdrop of the segregation history of the American South, take a trip with New York Times bestselling Nic Stone and an eleven-year-old boy who is about to discover that the world hasn’t always been a welcoming place for kids like him, and things aren’t always what they seem–his G’ma included.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT

CLEAN GETAWAY by Nic Stone

1. The tender relationship between Scoob and his G’ma is perfect. Their bond is funny at times, heartbreaking, and full of truth.
2. In the words of G’ma: “We all make mistakes. It’s how you clean them up that matters.” And Grandma cleans up her mistake in the most endearing way.
3. I often don’t like the results when a YA or adult author decides to write a middle grade novel. Here though, it works on many levels and I’m hoping Ms. Stone continues writing for the MG audience.
4. The green book that guided people of color back in the day is an eye opener for Scoob and it will do the same for young readers of every ethnicity.
5. Tough topics aren’t given a light coating here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nic Stone was born and raised in a suburb of Atlanta, GA, and the only thing she loves more than an adventure is a good story about one. After graduating from Spelman College, she worked extensively in teen mentoring and lived in Israel for a few years before returning to the US to write full-time. Growing up with a wide range of cultures, religions, and backgrounds, Stone strives to bring these diverse voices and stories to her work.

You can find her goofing off and/or fangirling over her adorable little family on most social media platforms. (For more visit her author website)

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Earlier this week I featured  the first book in this series. Right on its heels is the sequel—

Chapter One is preceded by four pages of news/social media posts connecting the two stories. I’d never seen this done and it’s quite effective here.

I was expecting more of the Boy Band emphasis in this story, but Washed Up takes a totally new direction. The tale utilizes a reality show theme where Sam, his sister Lexi, and best friend Milo are participants. The evil band manager, a nemesis from from the first book, also shows up at the show’s mysterious island location in the Bermuda Triangle.

Although you could read this on its own, I’d suggest beginning with book 1 to catch all of the plot point meanings.

Here’s the official synopsis:

Just when Sam thinks life has returned to normal he’s kidnapped by agents of the Apocalypse Intelligence Agency who send him off the remote jungle island of Fin del Mundo to appear on a survival reality TV game show. One of Sam’s rival “celebrity” contestants is none other than the evil music mogul Nigel Cruul, who the AIA suspect is planning to bring back the Horsewomen of the Apocalypse. Luckily his best friend Milo and kick-ass sister Lexi are starring in the show too. But they’ll have to survive everything from crocodile-infested swamps to public vote offs, if they’re to save the world once more.

Washed Up is one of those stories that won’t tax your brain cells too much. Despite the dangers set forth in the competition, you’re 99% sure everything will turn out okay. Even with a few death defying stunts, it’s all rather light-hearted and fun. Sam continues his first person narration and the story flows well from his viewpoint.

WASHED UP would make a great read aloud or an escape from the big topic books loading down the MG bookshelf these days. It also appears that the world will need saving again with the surprising turn of events in the final chapter.

Party on!

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Coming up this Monday is our first edition in the new decade 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.

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.

I’m starting my MMGM reviews in 2020 with something light, funny, and full of twists (the kind in stories—not the kind you’d see a boy band do on stage). This comes from British author Tom Nicoll who also wrote a series of chapter books about a dinosaur and a gaming series called Level Up!

Boy Band of the Apocalypse is narrated by 13-year-old Sam, and he has no interest in either the band or their music, but it’s hard to avoid the popular group. Almost every girl in his neighborhood and school is in love with each of the five members of the epic band, Apocolips.

A series of strange events lead Sam to tryout for a sudden vacancy in the band. Sam’s angst and awkwardness comes through in several humorous scenes. Here’s a sample after his friend, Milo, questions him about his dancing skills.

“I haven’t done a lot,” I said.

What have you done?’

I thought about it. “There was my aunt’s wedding a few months back. I danced at that.”

Milo leaned forward eagerly. “Yeah? And how did it go?”

I looked down at my feet. “Well, we haven’t really spoken to my aunt since,” I said. “But I did hear that my cousin Lucy is due to get the casts off any week now.”

Although over 300 pages, the story is a quick read that can be enjoyed by a wide range of middle graders. It will appeal to both boys and girls along with those somewhat reluctant readers. Here’s the official synopsis:

Sam knows it will be bad when he’s stuck taking his sister to boy band Apocalips’ concert, but he doesn’t expect to overhear the band plotting to destroy the world! Even though he’s a disaster at singing and dancing, it’s up to Sam, with help from his best friend, Milo, to infiltrate the band and save the world from Armageddon.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT

BOY BAND OF THE APOCALYPSE by Tom Nicoll

1. Besides a few world leaders who else but a boy band would even think to overtake the world? Sounds crazy, but the plot never suffers and provides even more surprises.
2. Sam is the perfect foil for this adventure. He’s just a normal kid with boring parents and a younger sister who has some anger issues.
3. When a character’s past shows them in a whole different light it provides many engaging moments. Here we have a half dozen characters who come across much differently than the way they started. Excellent story telling!
4. Illustrations like those on the cover appear every few pages. They are a great connection to our visual generation of readers.
5. Fame can make you see the world in a whole different light. You’ll have to see what I’m talking about by picking up your own copy of the book.

ABOUT the AUTHOR

Tom Nicoll is an award-winning writer of funny books for children, including the There’s a Dragon in my… series and Boyband of the Apocalypse, which won the Stockton Children’s Book of the Year 2019. He is also an avid, though arguably not-very-good, gamer and has written a video-game based series for younger readers called Level Up!

ABOUT the ILLUSTRATOR

David O’Connell is a writer and illustrator living in London, UK. He works mostly in children’s books, particularly humorous picture books and young fiction.

I received a copy of the book from Kane Miller/EDC Publishing for my honest critique. This Friday I will be reviewing the sequel, BOY BAND OF THE APOCALYPSE—WASHED UP.

Comments are welcome below. I read them all and will respond when time allows!

2020.

Just saying the year sounds so unbelievable. Seems like yesterday we celebrated  the new millennium. Well, it’s time to move forward with more reviews, more Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays, and someday my own story for the world to enjoy. These 20’s may not be roaring like they were 100 years ago, but I like to think they’re going to be marvelous.

A good friend commented to me over the holidays, “There doesn’t seem to be a book you don’t like. All of your reviews are heavy with praise for whatever published story you write about at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE.”

I let her in on a little secret: I don’t love every MG book I pick up. Last year I read over 120 middle grade books and posted 100 reviews. I’m very careful about which books I choose to read, but even I sometimes miss the mark. Those 20 plus books I never reviewed were ones I couldn’t find five things to like about the story.

Writing is difficult. Whatever heaps of criticism I could pour on a book would not change the fact it is already published. I’m here to recommend books I enjoy. Ones you’d want to give to your own children or students. Those with mystery, great characters, humor, and adventure. Books you can’t wait to turn the page and have you guessing right to the end.

Which brings me to my first MMGM review for 2020—a double dose from Australian author A.L. Tait: THE BOOK OF SECRETS and THE BOOK OF ANSWERS.

THE BOOK OF SECRETS gets the story moving from the get-go with these enticing first lines:

Gabe stared in horror at the small book in his hand. The light from the low fire danced across its golden cover, setting off a shower of sparkles from the rainbow of jewels that adorned it. Its beauty dulled only in one corner, stained by a dark, spreading smudge of blood. 

Gabe knows nothing beyond what goes on inside the monastery walls. He arrived as an infant and never knew his parents. Some day he’ll become a full fledged monk. Gabe is obedient and follows the rules—at least until he’s given the task of safeguarding the book.

When Gabe is asked to hide and protect this special manuscript and do so beyond the boundaries of the monastery, the journey doesn’t go well. He’s captured by a rowdy band of thieves and soon, to his shock and dismay, learns their secret: they’re all girls!

The adventure and mystery that follows focuses on the Ateban Cipher, the book Gabe has been given to protect. It has images of trees and plants and words that don’t make sense. Told in third person and staying close all the way with Gabe, the story is engaging and just the right length. He learns the truth behind most of the secrets but leaves a major one for THE BOOK OF ANSWERS.

Here’s the official background blurb from Kane Miller Publishing:

Forced to flee his home to uncover the secrets hidden in a coded book, sheltered orphan Gabe discovers a world of danger, intrigue, adventure and unexpected friendship. When a dying man hands him a coded manuscript, Gabe is hurled into a quest that takes him beyond his monastery home and into a world of danger, political intrigue and adventure. Gabe learns that survival must be earned and that some of life’s biggest lessons are not found in books … and that the biggest secret of all may be his own.

The BOOK OF ANSWERS picks up where the first novel left off. The character arcs continue to evolve as Gabe and his new friends take a treacherous journey to an imposing castle. It’s there where Gabe has been told to take the book.

The plot twists and danger throughout make this a real page turner. Just when you think things are heading toward a resolution, another tension filled problem is thrown at the group. Gwyn, their leader, is one tough cookie and Gabe is always trying to figure out how she got such an take over attitude. He also knows she’s his best bet for survival.

Gabe will uncover many more answers along the way including his heritage, the book’s purpose, and his own future. The only real answer I can give you is to give this series a try. It will be time well spent.

Here’s the official background on THE BOOK OF ANSWERS

Gabe and his companions journey to a remote mountain citadel where they learn the secret of the mysterious, encrypted book that Gabe has been tasked with protecting. But with their enemies close behind them, and new dangers lying ahead, Gabe discovers that the biggest secret of all may be his own.

SIX MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT

THE ATEBAN CIPHER DUOLOGY by A.L. Tait

1. The perceived medieval time period comes to life with crooked leaders, secret passageways, and a young boy learning how the outside world works. It all blends together perfectly.
2. The huge tree the girls live in was a marvelous touch of setting the right tone for their existence. I’d have loved to explore the insides of the tree myself. Give credit to the author for that feeling.
3. The meaning of family gets a whole new look for Gabe as he witnesses the bond these girls have and how unlike their life is to his upbringing in the monastery. The dedication page before the story starts sets the mood: “For all the girls who go where they want, when they want. Or will, one day.”
4. The young characters include the four girls along with Gabe and another boy who  joins them under different circumstances. Six characters is a big task to ensure each one has a unique personality and focus. It’s pulled off without a hitch.
5. Humor helps break up the serious nature of the story. From their wardrobe to Gabe’s nickname, Sandals, the scenes often had me smiling
6. A book leading into a sequel should be one of excited anticipation. I was lucky to start book two immediately following the first and it did just that.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR (from her author website)

Allison Tait (A.L. Tait) is the internationally published bestselling author of middle-grade adventure series The Mapmaker Chronicles and the new Ateban Cipher. A multi-genre writer, teacher and speaker with more than 25 years’ experience in magazines, newspapers and online publishing, Allison lives on the south coast of NSW (Australia) with her family.

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I received copies of the books for my honest critique. Feel free to comment below..