I have several friends and relatives with kids who love graphic novels. Several of their children won’t read anything except these pictured filled stories. I’m asked all the time by the adults what looks good in graphic novels for their middle grader.
Here’s a great choice in FLASH GORDON – THE GIRL FROM INFINITY. This is not the Flash Gordon we are familiar with who got his start in a 1934 comic and went on to star in popular movies. In fact this Flash Gordon is a girl.
She has been asleep for many years until her shooting star is discovered by Dale Arden, a voyager. Supposedly the Savior of the Universe, this girl has no memory of anything.
With Dale’s help, they attempt to uncover her past, save Dale’s family, and rescue the alien planet of Omnia from the cruel Emperor Azimuth. Exciting for sure!
The illustrations are bold and colorful. Each page combines text and pictures in an appealing fashion. Here are few examples.
The 128 pages are a quick read and this initial tale in the series will have readers anxious for more. Geared toward 10-14 year olds, this might even appeal to older kids like me :). FLASH GORDON – THE GIRL FROM INFINITY debuts on July 1st, 2025.
Writer, Marguerite Bennett
Marguerite Bennett is a GLAAD-nominated, New York Times-bestselling comic book and screenwriter based in Los Angeles.
Her comic credits include DC Comics’ BOMBSHELLS, BATWOMAN, BATGIRL, SUPERGIRL, and RWBY, along with ANIMOSITY, HORDE, and INSEXTS through Aftershock Comics, and MOTHER OF MADNESS with Game of Thrones superstar Emilia Clarke for Image Comics. She has written MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS and SLEEPY HOLLOW for Boom Studios, JOSIE AND THE PUSSYCATS through Archie, A-FORCE, ANGELA, and YEARS OF FUTURE PAST at Marvel, RED SONJA and SHEENA from Dynamite, and indie horror THE LOT for Bad Idea.
She is the lead writer on ARK: THE ANIMATED SERIES, adapted from the adventure/survival video game ARK: SURVIVAL EVOLVED from Studio Wildcard. She is a founder of horror publisher NINTH CIRCLE. She is the new writer of WITCHBLADE through Top Cow.
Artist, Bev Johnson
Bev Johnson is a California-based illustrator with a passion for characters. Her work includes the Adventures in Fosterland series, the Max Einstein series, the Best Babysitters Ever series, as well as Rea and the Blood of the Nectar, Pippa Park Raises Her Game, and Bingo Love. She has also worked on games such as Placebo Love and The Shivers.
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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.
The second book in THE WEB OF THE SPIDER series will have its debut on June 24th. No worries If you haven’t read RISE OF THE SPIDER, the first story that was released last September as they both read just fine on their own.
Set in Heroldsberg, Germany, in 1930, THREAT OF THE SPIDER is narrated by Ansel, a 12-year-old boy who loves to make his friends laugh and in his spare time he enjoys reading every Dirk Goodly, Boy Detective novel.
Ansel always speaks up when he feels mistreatment to others or himself. This is especially true in regards to the Hitler Youth and Hans, the know it all leader. Many of Ansel’s classmates have joined despite the organizations’ false promises and information. Ansel knows the truth having a journalist father who is very much against this Nazi propaganda.
Just before an important voice in the Nazi party comes to town, Ansel’s father disappears. Fearing that they are trying to keep him from covering this event for the local newspaper, Ansel uses what he has learned about being a detective to hopefully find his dad with a help of a few classmates, best friend’s Rolf and Joshua.
The narration is a revealing look at what citizens experienced during this terrible time in history. The story itself covers just 143 pages, an appealing amount for young readers. The back pages include a heartfelt author’s note and a timeline of events. This one also ends in a cliffhanger, so we will have to wait until next year for book #3, THE SPIDER STRIKES.
THREAT OF THE SPIDER will appeal to the more mature middle grade reader who is ready to learn a deeper meaning as to the ugliness Hitler and the Nazi party brought forth during this time period.
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THREAT OF THE SPIDER by Michael P. Spradlin
I’ve read many books set during the reign of Hitler, but this one is told from the view of a German in the appealing Ansel. His honesty and dislike for those who don’t play by the rules had me fully on his side.
Ansel often uses his Unassailable Facts of Life comebacks. He’s the only one who understands their meaning and is happy to explain each one. They each provide a bit of levity to the serious side of the story. Unassailable Facts of Life #12: “When the wolf approaches, the cheese will still smell bad after three days.”
Danger and mystery are much needed components in a story of this type. This one delivers both in a memorable fashion.
History classes in middle school have a great discussion tool with this series.
The story had me reflecting about modern day challenges that seem to parallel many of the events in this plot.
Note, After reading THREAT OF THE SPIDER I just had to pick up and read Book one, RISE OF THE SPIDER with Rolf doing the narration. Here’s what to expect in this equally compelling story:
1929, Heroldsberg, Germany. Rolf might only be twelve years old, but he’s old enough to know that things have not been good in his country since the end of the Great War. Half of Germany is out of work, and a new political movement is taking hold that scares him. Every night, Rolf’s father and older brother, Romer, have increasingly heated arguments about politics at the dinner table. And when two members of the new Nazi Party, Hans and Nils, move to town as part of the Hitler Youth, Rolf is uneasy to see how enamored Romer is by their promises of bringing Germany to glory.
Rolf doesn’t trust Hans and Nils for a moment. For all their talk of greatness, they act more like bullies, antagonizing shop owners who are Rolf’s friends and neighbors. Yet Romer becomes increasingly obsessed with their message of division, and Rolf watches in horror as his family fractures even further.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michael Spradlin is the author of over a dozen books for children, some of which have actually been published. He grew up in a small town in Michigan not far from the Ohio-Indiana border and spent many hours of his young life keeping an eye out for “suspicious Hoosier and Buckeye activity.” His early youth was spent reading hundreds of books, imagining himself as the hero of several epic battles, and sneaking in fireworks from Canada to indulge his favorite pastime which was blowing up his collection of plastic Green Army Men and Matchbox Cars.
Michael Spradlin has never practiced law, dentistry (okay maybe once with a loose tooth, string and a doorknob) or flown in outer space. In 1978 he managed to talk his way into college and emerged four years later with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and no prospects for a real job. He has worked as a field hand, a newspaper delivery engineer, a lawn maintenance specialist, a bartender, a bookseller, and has lived in Michigan his whole life except for a two year sojourn to a Southern state which he refuses to discuss. (For more about Michael visit his author website)
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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW!AND BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!
An engaging mystery with great characters and a setting we rarely see in novels: Newfoundland.
Benny lives with his mom at the nursing home she manages. His best friend is Mr. Tom, an 86 year old resident. Benny has Mosaic Down Syndrome, a condition that causes some physical conditions evident on the outside but isn’t bothered by other health and social issues often prevalent in typical Downs Syndrome cases.
Benny is finally going to attend regular school after growing up mostly in special education classes. There’s a bully who treats him terribly, but also a new friend with the sweet and understanding Salma.
Together they become Sherlock Holmes style sleuths as the duo try and find the person responsible for robbing the nursing home residents. The police department so far has not been very helpful. The pacing had me guessing again and again about the identity of the criminal. If the truth concerning the robberies isn’t discovered then the nursing home could be shut down.
Benny’s first person narration is perfect and the many heartfelt moments between himself, Mr. Tom, Salma, and Mom will have you smiling and maybe dropping a tear or two. Before Chapter one begins there is a a helpful guide of Newfoundland sayings. Be sure to read this as the dialog between characters will make more sense, b’ys.
They mystery’s resolution comes about in a very believable way. Benny on the Case is a memorable MG mystery with a big message about accepting differences and being brave enough to speak up. Highly recommended for girls and boys along with being a read aloud worth trying.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Wesley King is the author of over a dozen novels for young readers. His debut, OCDaniel, is an Edgar Award winner, a Canada Silver Birch Award winner, a Bank Street Best Book of the Year, and received a starred review from Booklist. The companion novel, Sara and the Search for Normal, received a starred review from School Library Journal and was the recipient of the Violet Downey Book Award and the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Award. King has also written The Incredible Space Raiders from Space!, A World Below, Butt Sandwich & Tree, Benny on the Case, and Kobe Bryant’s New York Times bestselling Wizenard series. He lives in Newfoundland.
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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.
Valinora Troy interviews Lucie Stevens debut author of Middle grade historical fantasy R.I.P. Nanny Tobbins. Valinora also has a review of the novel from this past week.
A new entry in stories where a training academy is the setting has an appealing addition with The Incorruptibles. Despite the enticing cover, the tale is best for older, experienced MG readers (ages 10-14). They will be able to handle the large amounts of text on each of the nearly 400 pages.
The third person narration stays close to Fiona, a fantastic main character. She is an orphan as her parents were killed by sorcerers. Fiona lives with her uncle and is training to become a tailor.
That all ends after Fiona comes to the rescue of her uncle and engages in a fight with rulers of the sorcerers. Luckily there is a captain from the Incorruptibles who takes them both to safety. This is a group that until now Fiona didn’t believe existed. She then finds herself on a trial basis at Inc Academy where training to battle the sorcerers takes place.
Other students are skeptical and aren’t happy she was admitted, leading to some uncomfortable exchanges for Fiona. She works hard to prove that she belongs and soon gains confidence with the Thistles group, one of three in the academy.
The tension builds throughout and without giving away any spoilers, the epic nature of the tale will be evident. The exciting ending sets up what will happen next as Fiona and her mates continue their quest to battle the sorcerers and eliminate their power. Those who enjoy fantasy adventures with an appealing cast of characters have a new friend with THE INCORRUPTIBLES.
Book Birthday: JUNE 10, 2025
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE INCORRUTIBLES by Lauren Magaziner
Such a wonderful, diverse set of characters with personalities that are beautifully brought to life for readers. You will certainly have your favorite.
Mel is one of those characters and has a memorable character ARC. She starts out as an obnoxious know-it-all but changes thanks in part to Fiona liking this girl more and more.
The world building comes across is great fashion. You feel like you are there at times.
The last battle between the sorcerers and the Incs is thrilling and page turning. It sets up what might happen next.
Finding a new family is given a unique approach with some believable and heartfelt scenes.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lauren is the internationally bestselling author of the Case Closed series, The Mythics series, the upcoming series The Incorruptibles (June 10, 2025), and three other stand-alone books for middle grade readers. Her books are available in 12 languages, have been Junior Library Guild selections, have been on the Indie Next List, been an Amazon bestseller, earned starred reviews, been on state lists, and have been optioned for a TV movie with Nickelodeon. She has also contributed short stories to Storyworks magazine and a middle grade mystery anthology called Super Puzzletastic Mysteries.
Lauren grew up in New Hope, Pennsylvania. After receiving a B.A. in Creative Writing and Philosophy at Hamilton College, Lauren Magaziner worked on two delightful Scholastic magazines, where many of her coworkers didn’t believe her last name was real. She currently lives in Philadelphia, where she writes full time. (Lauren’s Website)
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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW!AND BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!
Set in 1349 England, British author Andrew Beattie gives readers an engaging second story in his Tales From the Middle Ages series. A disease known as the Black Death hovers over the cast of characters.
Twelve-year-old Will Hunter travels with a troupe who perform in one city after another in the county of Kent. Their plays are based on events in the Bible. While on the road to their next engagement they come across a young boy and his lifeless body hanging from a tree. But wait, Will sees the boy’s eyes flicker and with the help of his mean Uncle Tobias they cut the boy down. He is alive.
Thomas Rose is his name and happens to be the same age as Will. He joins the group to their next city. They soon realize how extraordinary this kid can be. Magic tricks, tumbling, juggling, and the most amazing: Thomas seems to be able to cure individuals who have gotten sick. A miracle boy.
Scared and desperate citizens reach out to Thomas for a cure to this deadly disease, but the church is skeptical and there is growing suspicion that Thomas is a fraud. Will believes in his new friend and tries to help and protect him from the anger of many.
Will’s first person narration through 25 chapters and an epilogue shows emotion in every heartfelt scene. The Angel Player also realistically portrays the realities of life clouded by a disease along with the aggressive disciplinary ways adults deal with the young in their care. The hardship reminded me of our most recent modern day pandemic.
This unique tale flows with page turning skill by the author. Both Will and Thomas are memorable characters. Thomas helps Will with acting techniques and is always by his side when needed. Those who love performing will be fascinated how it was done during this Middle Ages time period. THE ANGEL PLAYER is perfect for fans of Historical Fiction or anyone who enjoys a great story.
Book Birthday: September 26, 2024. Pages: 272
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andrew Beattie is a London-based author, editor and archivist. Whilst The Secret in the Tower marks his debut as a writer of children’s fiction, he has previously written a number of stage plays for children which have been performed by schools and youth theatre groups in England, the United States and Australia – including Arthur, Boy King of Britain, which tells the story of the boy Arthur, the magician Merlin, and the Sword in the Stone; Brief Lives, which won the Scottish Community Drama Association’s Award for new writing for youth theatre in 2002 and was later staged at the East 15 Acting School in Essex in a production directed by the actress Alison Steadman; and a stage adaptation of Mark Twain’s novel The Prince and the Pauper. He has also written a number of books on history, travel and the environment. (Author’s Website)
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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.
ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is taking part in the blog tour for the new MG novel, ARMANDO AND THE AMAZING ANIMAL RACE by Diana Schaffter. Read my review and be sure to enter the fantastic GIVEAWAY!
Jennifer Bohnhoff reviews Caroline Starr Rose’s recently published middle grade verse novel: THE BURNING SEASON.
Isabelle Knight shares what it’s like prepping for a book launch of her new MG fantasy novel, along with a few tips for any authors who might be planning their own book launch.
Tonja Drecker has a review of The Lost Book of Undersea Adventure by Teddy Keen.
I’m happy to be a part of the blog tour for this engaging new middle grade book, ARMANDO & THE AMAZING ANIMAL RACE. A fantastic GIVEAWAY follows my review.
Twelve-year-old Aramando is the likeable narrator for the story. He and his Grandma are about to embark on an amazing journey around the world. They are competing in a contest to photograph 7 endangered animals in just 70 days:
Polar Bear in Greenland
Desert Leopard in Israel
Grevy’s Zebra in Kenya
Four-Toed Jerboa in Egypt
Siberian tiger in Russia
Spectacled Cobra in India
Pied Tamarin Monkey in Brazil
There is prize money and a cruise for the winner but Armando and Granny D’s real wish is to complete the same race their beloved mom and daughter Amelia never finished 8 years ago. She mysteriously disappeared during the competition and was never found. The mystery of why also motivate this multi-generational twosome. Armando has also found his mother’s old race journal which will hopefully help them in their global adventure.
There are many dangerous encounters both with animals and humans that will keep readers in page turning mode through 52 chapters. I’m always hooked on a story that provide surprises for scenes and encounters I never predicted. There are many to be enjoyed. You also learn a lot about the countries and those animals you may never of heard of before.
The biggest plus is the environmental learning, especially how humans are destroying habitats of animals forcing them to find a new home or die. Many are caught by traps. Resources in the back pages of the book highlight organizations involved in global conservation.
Having a winning character like Armando leading the way make this read even more special. He learns a lot about his mother and himself. His growth in confidence is a special part of the story. Armando also gains the voice to finally connect with his dad, the way a father and son should be. I won’t give away the ending, but ARMANDO AND THE AMAZING ANIMAL RACE is heartwarming and the story wraps up with no plot points left unfinished. Highly recommended!
BOOK BIRTHDAY: May 20, 2025 PAGE COUNT: 350
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: ARMANDO & THE AMAZING ANIMAL RACE by Diana Schaffter
Jinny is a friend from back home we only meet through messages. She’s a best friend for Armando and helps with research for the race. Jinny could have been a forgotten secondary character, but has a significant presence here.
Illustrations throughout help connect readers to the locations along with fascinating animal facts from Amelia’s race journal. You learn so much about our world in a appealing format.
The research the author did to write this book is truly amazing. She did her own world journey to gather the necessary facts by following in the footsteps of Armando. A dedicated author at work here!
The plot is entertaining to keep readers interested, but you also gain insights into problem solving skills and an appreciation for wildlife and different cultures.
The father believes Armando and Granny D are spending the summer together in London. He has no idea they are competing in this race. I kept hoping he’d find out and get involved and sure enough he does in a perfect way.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Diana Schaffter is no stranger to adventure. She is fluent in Thai, has traveled to over fifty countries, raised her two sons overseas, and lived in seven countries in Asia and Eastern Europe for forty-two years, including two years in Pyongyang, North Korea, where her husband was the head of the UNICEF office. Diana has worked with Cambodian refugees, taught in international schools, opened schools in Thailand and Vietnam, and has been an educational consultant to non-governmental organizations and the Ministry of Education in Laos.
In researching her story, she followed in the footsteps of her main character, Armando, traveling to Southern India to search for wild cobras with the Irula tribe, to Vladivostok, Russia, to see a Siberian tiger with a local conservationist, to the home of the elusive desert leopard in the Judean desert in Israel; and into the thick Brazilian Amazon rainforest to visit an Indigenous tribe and to photograph a pied tamarin monkey. Wherever she has lived, Diana has witnessed the power of human resilience, cooperation, and caring, which inspires her writing. Diana and her co-adventurer husband, Tim, now live in Sidney, BC, Canada, where she continues to write, give talks in schools and communities, and work with young people.
Enter for a chance to win a copy of Armando and the Amazing Animal Race signed by Diana Schaffter! One lucky grand prize winner will also receive an exclusive adventure-themed bundle that includes a themed T-shirt, a set of vibrant stickers featuring all seven endangered animals from the story, three beautifully illustrated maps, and, to top it all off, a $50 Amazon gift certificate.
Debut author Dana Robertson gives readers an adventure full of surprising turns. The 33 mostly short chapters dive into the mystery of what happened to the now spooky looking theater. Here’s the enticing synopsis:
Deep in the woods of the Winnodov property sits the abandoned theater. Something mysterious happened during the last performance there – the same night Mr. Winnodov disappeared. Eight years later, it’s happening again. A group of mischievous teenagers sneaks into the theater. And now, one is missing. When 12-year-old Beth Shoner learns who the missing teen is, she sets off with two friends to find him. But what they discover is more astonishing than they could ever have imagined. Now, Beth must defeat an evil plan unleashed long ago that threatens to destroy countless worlds, including their own.
The two friends that accompany Beth are complete opposites, making the threesome even more appealing. Teri is the popular girl while Stan has a few nerd like qualities, making him less than appealing to his age group. These two eventually come to appreciate each other. The first part of the plot sets up the action that follows in the second half. Beth is the determined one and convinces them to follow her into the theater where the story really takes off.
This is Book One in the Alderland Series, and although the world building is good here, I hope for even more depth and reveals as the series progresses. The numerous secondary characters have character arcs not fully explained, but a plot like this takes time.
The story works best for those who love fantasy and tales about discovering true friendships, a family mystery, and portals into another world. There are a few innocent kisses, but nothing inappropriate for middle grade audiences. THE ABANDONED THEATER debuted earlier this month and is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
PAGES: 184
About the Author
Dana Robertson lives in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. She completed a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Psychology with Trent University in Peterborough Ontario, followed by a graduate creative writing program with the Humber School for Writers in Toronto, Ontario. She writes mystery, fantasy, science fiction and middle grade. The Abandoned Theater is her debut novel and book one of the Alderland Series. (Visit Dana’s Author Website)
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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.
It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. Email me the title of the book or feature for any middle grade book, author or giveaway, and a link to your blog. Send it to: 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.
ALWAYS in the MIDDLE
ALWAYS in the MIDDLE
ALWAYS in the MIDDLE
Always in the Middle... 