MR. PENGUIN AND THE LOST TREASURE

Posted on March 31, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

The transition to middle grade books can be a harsh one for many young readers. One day they’re happily going through their 100 page chapter book and then the inevitable happens—they’re assigned to read an award winning middle grade novel with 300 plus pages. Some survive, but others get more and more turned off as to what lies ahead.

The solution is simple. mrpenguin.jpgFind transition type MG books with exciting plots that are easy to read. MR. PENGUIN AND THE LOST TREASURE is just what the teacher (or parent) ordered. At just over 200 pages, this fun adventure features Mr. Penguin and a spider named Colin.

Mr. Penguin longs for an adventure and he gets exactly what he wants when Boudica Bones calls, owner of the Museum of Extraordinary Objects. There’s a treasure hidden in the museum and she needs help finding it. Off they go for one surprise after another as they journey deep below the museum floors.

Illustrations and a not always white background for the text, add to the mystery and fun. Yes, it’s a silly romp but it had me smiling and the targeted audience will smile even more. This is the first in a series of adventures with Mr. Penguin.

PUBLICATION DATE: 2019 (US Release)   PAGE COUNT: 208

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT:

MR. PENGUIN AND THE LOST TREASURE

  1. The descriptions will have your head full of visuals from the situations the adventurers get into.
  2. What an appealing layout! The book begs to be picked up and thumbed through.
  3. Will appeal to both girl and boy emerging readers.
  4. The whimsical pictures will make you wish you had a set to decorate a child’s bedroom.
  5. There are more complex sentences than you’ll find in a straight chapter book. These will challenge and provide the proper step so that in years to come a child is ready to delve into longer and more intricate plots.

ABOUT ALEX T. SMITH

After considering several career options (space traveler, cake maker, professional rabbit) and working as a production assistant for an outdoor theatre events company, Alex decided to train to do the job he’d wanted to do since he was five – an illustrator specialising in the world of children’s publishing.

Alex graduated with a 1st Class Hons degree in Illustration in 2006 and having won second place in the Macmillan Prize for Children’s Picture Book Illustration in his final year, Alex begin working on his first commission as he put his degree show up!
Since then Alex has gone on to work for a wide variety of clients not just in the publishing industry, as well as writing and illustrating his own picture books, many of which have won prizes and have been read on TV during the Bedtime Hour on the CBeebies channel.

Alex is also the creator of the CLAUDE fiction series for early readers. The first title,CLAUDE in the City was selected for the Richard and Judy Children’s Book Club 2011 and was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize in 2012. The first three books in the series are now published in fourteen languages across the world and a further three books will be hitting the shelves from October 2012.

When not working Alex enjoys doodling in his sketchbook, reading, people watching and eavesdropping. He is also a big fan of cake and a nice cup of tea. He lives with and under the constant ‘supervision’ of his canine companions – two very tiny, very naughty chihuahuas (Coco and Mr. Bongo) and an ancient and very bossy Yorkshire Terrier – Lucy Locket.

(For more about Alex’s books and illustrations, visit his website)

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I received an ARC in exchange for  my honest review.

Make a comment if you have time. I enjoy reading all of them. Click on the comments link below.

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

THE MAGIC OF MELWICK ORCHARD

Posted on March 29, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

I was fortunate to win a copy of this book on Literary Rambles awhile back. If you’re not familiar with Natalie Aguirre’s site, it is filled with great author and agent interviews and frequent giveaways. Take a look after reading my feedback on THE MAGIC OF MELWICK ORCHARD.

Tmelwick orchard.jpghis tender tale is about girlhood, friendships, and a magical tree. It centers around the tough struggles of a family dealing with the realities of their youngest, Junie, who has cancer. Her older sister, Isa, narrates the story with heart tugging reality. The attention given to Junie, makes Isa feel invisible.

She longs for everything to return to normal, but Junie’s hospital stays gets longer and bills pile higher. Her mother’s depression also is a concern as is her father who seemingly forgets his daughter in more ways than one. The abandoned orchard behind their house give Isa hope in the form of a unique tree. It sprouts magic and maybe it might help their family.

The magic doesn’t overtake the story but provides a nice backdrop for the troubles that beset Isa and her family. She loves her sister and hasn’t let anyone else into her life until a new friendship slowly sprouts from a rather exuberant girl.

Although a bit long for emerging MG readers at 360+ pages and a bit sad, the ending is satisfying and wraps up all the plot points. Those who love realistic stories with a touch of magic will be hard pressed to find a better one.

The Official Plot (From Amazon)

After more moves than they can count, Isa’s family finally puts down roots. People in town are afraid of the abandoned orchard behind their home, but Isa and her sister Junie are happy to have acres of land to explore.

But when Junie gets sick, Isa’s mom falls into a depression, and medical bills force Isa’s dad to work more. No one notices that Isa’s clothes are falling apart and her stomach is empty.

Out of frustration, Isa buries her out-grown sneakers in the orchard. The next day a sapling sprouts buds that bloom to reveal new shoes. Can Isa use this magical tree to save her family?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR (From Rebecca’s website)

Rebecca Caprara is a children’s book author and illustrator. Her debut middle grade novel, THE MAGIC OF MELWICK ORCHARD was published in September 2018 by Carolrhoda Books, an imprint of Lerner Publishing Group. Her next novel, WORST-CASE COLLIN will be published by Charlesbridge in 2020. 

Rebecca graduated from Cornell University and practiced architecture for several years, before shifting her focus from bricks to books. An avid globetrotter, she has traveled to over 50 countries, and has lived in Italy, Singapore, and Canada. She is now growing roots in Massachusetts with her family. 

Rebecca is also a classically trained ballet dancer, and continues to teach creative movement and storytelling to young students.

In 2017, she received the Marguerite Davol Picture Book Manuscript Scholarship, as well as the Jane Yolen Scholarship from the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators. 

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 You only have two days left to enter National Geographic’s huge giveaway to launch the second book in the Explorer Academy Series. ALWAYS in the MIDDLE and four other blogs hosted the tour last week. A separate Rafflecopter entry form is being used for each site so a total of five winners will win all the great items pictured below. Here’s my post with all the details or head right over to the Rafflecopter entry form to sign up.

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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 | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

MMGM for March 25, 2019

Posted on March 25, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

                     

I have a review of THE LAST LAST-DAY-OF-SUMMER by Lamar Giles. Click the ball to reach my post and do the same for each of the features and reviews below.
Joanne R. Fritz at My Brain on Books has a review of  THE BRIDGE HOME by Padma Venkatraman. 
June McCrary Jacobs at ‘Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic’ features a ‘Disney Ideas Book:  More Than 100 Disney Crafts, Activities, and Games’.
Maria Antonia at Of Books, Photography, and Tea has the graphic novel and Newbery Honor book, El Deafo by Cecelia Bell.
Completely Full Bookshelf returns to our MMGM family this week with a giveaway of 5 signed books from the North Texas Teen Book Festival and a great post about the experience of being at the festival.
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews A Case for Buffy (Detective Gordon Series) by Ulf Nilsson, a heartwarming animal detective adventure.
Rosi Hollinbeck reviews The Truth About Martians by Melissa Savage. Rosi also has some not to be missed links for her writing friends.
Dorine White at The Write Path spotlights the book Captain Green and the Plastic Scene.
Andrea Mack at That’s Another Story has a review of The Friendship War and she says, “What a great story!”
Susan Uhlig  loves the historical mg Skylark and Wallcreeper by Anne O’Brien Carelli.
Beth Mitchell at Imaginary Friends has a review of The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart.
Janet Smart at Creative Writing In The Blackberry Patch blogs today about The Littlest Bigfoot.
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.
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

THE LAST LAST-DAY-OF-SUMMER

Posted on March 24, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

WELCOME TO ANOTHER MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

Start with a little Hardy Boys, add in a light dose of The Phantom Tollbooth, and sprinkle in a little Ghostbusters to top off the recipe. The result is a rollicking adventure with a pair of endearing cousins. Humor abounds as does a Final+Cover-1.jpgheartwarming story you’ll want to share.

Otto and Sheed Alston are legendary in their Logan County, Virginia community. These budding sleuths have solved some pretty wild and wacky cases. They long for one more adventure on the last day of summer break (and another key to the city), but never expect to find the whole town unable to move in some sort of time stoppage. Residents are stuck in their last position  but can carry on a conversation. Otto and Sheed are unaffected, still able to move, and set out to unfreeze the town.

Otto takes frequent notes, helping the two deduce what is going on. Depending on the situation, Sheed can either be laid back or jump in and get it done kind of guy. Filled with crazy characters and a touching bond between these two cousins, the story will appeal to both girls and boys. The third person narration stays close to the boys even when the evil doings keep them separated at times. The middle grade stage is ready for a pair of new heroes and what better ones than Otto and Sheed.

PUBLICATION DATE: 2019   PAGE COUNT: 304

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT:

THE LAST LAST-DAY-Of-SUMMER

  1. Kids will attach themselves immediately to the feeling a last day of summer brings. Otto and Sheed will have them reading right to the first bell.
  2. Characters like Mr. Flux, AM, PM, Timestar, and Clock Watchers make sure surprising moments come at a fast pace throughout the 41 chapters.
  3. The less appealing side of time travel is presented when Otto finds out things about his own future and the ones he love. It might even bring a tear to your eye.
  4. Petey is a character a lot of boys and girls could emulate. Don’t be afraid to try something challenging and become the person you are meant to be.
  5. No issues of race here. That alone is refreshing.

THE OFFICIAL BLURB

Otto and Sheed are the local sleuths in their zany Virginia town, masters of unraveling mischief using their unmatched powers of deduction. And as the summer winds down and the first day of school looms, the boys are craving just a little bit more time for fun, even as they bicker over what kind of fun they want to have. That is, until a mysterious man appears with a camera that literally freezes time. Now, with the help of some very strange people and even stranger creatures, Otto and Sheed will have to put aside their differences to save their town—and each other—before time stops for good.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lamar+Giles+Lamar Giles is a well-published author and a founding member of We Need Diverse Books. Lamar has two novels forthcoming in 2019: his debut middle grade fantasy THE LAST LAST-DAY-OF-SUMMER (Versify / HMH) and his fourth YA thriller SPIN (Scholastic).

Also a two-time Edgar Award finalist in the YA category, for his debut YA thriller FAKE ID (HarperCollins, 2014), and his second YA thriller, ENDANGERED (HarperCollins, 2015). His third YA thriller, OVERTURNED (Scholastic, 2017) received a glowing New York Times review, and was named a Kirkus Best Book of 2017. FAKE ID has been optioned by Sony Pictures.

Lamar is a contributor to the YA anthology THREE SIDES OF A HEART (HarperCollins, 2017), the editor of the We Need Diverse Books YA short story anthology FRESH INK (Random House 2018), a contributor to the forthcoming YA anthology BLACK ENOUGH: STORIES OF BEING YOUNG & BLACK IN AMERICA (HarperCollins / Balzer & Bray 2019), and a contributor to a forthcoming We Need Diverse Books middle grade anthology THE HERO NEXT DOOR (Random House 2019). He has published several short stories for adults.

(For more visit Lamar’s website)

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I received an ARC in exchange for  my honest review.

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You only have six days left to enter National Geographic’s huge giveaway to launch the second book in the Explorer Academy Series. ALWAYS in the MIDDLE and four other blogs hosted the tour last week. A separate Rafflecopter entry form is being used for each site so a total of five winners will win all the great items pictured below.  Here’s my post with all the details or head right over to the Rafflecopter entry form to sign up.

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Make a comment if you have time. I enjoy reading all of them. Click on the comments link below.

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

SPEECHLESS

Posted on March 22, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

speechless.jpgI first came across SPEECHLESS after winning a copy on Rosi Hollinbeck’s wonderful blog. I couldn’t wait to read it, but I had a half dozen publisher requests and commitments from the CYBILS finalist’s pile. Over the next several months the book received praise from other great blogging sites like Children’s Books Heal and Read Wonder. Last month SPEECHLESS finally reached the top of my pile and I’m glad it did.

I like when authors take chances and steer away from the typical way of presenting scenes leading up to a climatic ending. Thirteen-year-old Jimmy narrates the story and it begins as he and his parents arrive at the wake for Jimmy’s cousin, Patrick. Jimmy has always despised his cousin, a misunderstood boy who spent a lifetime ruining birthday celebrations, holidays, and almost any other day the two of them were together. Here’s the kick start: Jimmy has been chosen to give the eulogy at Patrick’s funeral the next day.

The book divides itself with backstory about their relationship and the present day preparations Jimmy tries to make in writing a speech of respect for a kid he least respected. The author fits the two together in perfect harmony. Throughout the pages, difficult themes of mental illness, alcoholism, and abuse are handled so middle grade readers will empathize and understand. The end of course is Jimmy making his speech and it’s a winner.

Yes, there are many Patrick’s in the world today who need someone to listen what’s going on inside them. I hope this story will encourage many to do just that and not remain speechless. Come October and the next nomination round for CYBILS, this one is at the top of my list.

AUTHOR BIO (From Adam’s website)

I’ve lived outside of Chicago my entire life, currently in the town of Oswego, IL where the race of suburbia meets the quiet of farm country.  My wife and I met on a blind date, one of the worst either of us ever had.  I’m so grateful she agreed to a second.  We have two boys (Aidan, Anderson) who keep us busy with sports, cat videos, and traveling anywhere we can.  My days are spent as an educator in a middle school, my nights as a husband and father, my weekends as a writer.

I began writing Speechless a few years ago after witnessing a profound moment at a wake of someone taken all too soon.  It stayed with me until I wrote it down and the characters grew from the seed.  In 2016 Speechless gained traction and was selected as a finalist for the middle grade category of a manuscript contest.  After working with through revisions with my mentor, I was offered representation from Marcy Posner of Folio Literary Management. Marcy helped Speechless find a home at Candlewick Press.

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There are only nine days left in the Big National Geographic Explorer Academy Giveaway. Take a look at the load of goodies then head off to the Rafflecopter link to enter.

 
  • One (1) winner will receive SIGNED copies of Explorer Academy books 1 and 2, an ADVANCE copy of Explorer Academy Codebreaking Activity Adventure (not otherwise available to the public until May!), an Explorer Academy pin, baseball cap, t-shirt, and bag, and a Quadcopter DRONE!
  • US/Canada only
  • Ends 3/31 at midnight ET

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Coming up next week is another edition of MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY.
If you would like to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and any other focus on the world of middle grade lit also count) and email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo (at) gmail (dot) com
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. (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).
Thank you so much for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and for spreading the middle grade love!
*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 , , | 4 Comments

Explorer Academy: The Falcon’s Feather BLOG TOUR!

Posted on March 20, 2019 by Greg Pattridge
I’ll soon have a review of this new book in the Explorer Academy series. For now enjoy Day Three of the Blog Tour… (And don’t forget to enter the huge GIVEAWAY through the link near the end of the post!)

Welcome Back to the Explorer Academy!

Welcome to Day #3 of the Explorer Academy: The Falcon’s Feather Blog Tour!

 

To celebrate the release of Explorer Academy: The Falcon’s Feather by Trudi Trueit on March 19th, blogs across the web are featuring special content from Trudi and the Explorer Academy team, as well as 5 chances to win an Explorer Academy DRONE Prize Pack!

Test Your Codebreaking Skills

WHAT IS CODEBREAKING?
People have been sending secret messages for thousands of years. Whether to outsmart an enemy or to communicate private data or just to swap for-your-eyes-only notes with their pals, clever code-makers have created lots of different types of cipher—ways of transforming information to hide its true meaning. Coded letters, numbers, and symbols often look familiar, but their precise arrangement is used to conceal a hidden message.
As you journey through the Academy, you’ll become familiar with all kinds of ciphers—from the ancient Greek Polybius square to the cool clicks of Morse code. Some ciphers can be cracked with only a little bit of effort and some creative thinking. Others, however, need special knowledge of the steps taken to create them. No matter the challenge, instructions and helpful hints will point you in the right direction along the way.
CAN YOU CRACK THIS CODE?
Each letter of the paragraph below has been replaced by the letter that comes immediately after it in the alphabet. So, in the sentences below, B has replaced A, C has replaced B, D has replaced C, and so on and so on throughout the entire alphabet.
KPJO DSVA BOE IJT GSJFOET BT UIFZ BUUFOE FYQMPSFS BDBEFNZ BOE GJOE PVU XIBU TFDSFUT BSF XBJUJOH GPS UIFN UP EJTDPWFS. DIFDL PVU UIF OFYU DPEF GPS B TFDSFU.
Answer (highlight to reveal): JOIN CRUZ AND HIS FRIENDS AS THEY ATTEND EXPLORER ACADEMY AND FIND OUT WHAT SECRETS ARE WAITING FOR THEM TO DISCOVER. CHECK OUT THE NEXT CODE FOR A SECRET.
OKAY, SMARTY PANTS. HOW ABOUT THIS?
This next code is different. This is a cryptogram. There is no pattern, and no hints either. Can you figure it out?
LKX KYYPVYCSV! UAPV XSB DPKN PILRSDPD KEKNPTX, QPPL XSBD PXPW SLPV ZSD YAP WXTMSRW, YAP ESNPW, KVN YAP LBHHRPW ACNNPV YADSBOASBY YAP MSSQ YAKY TCOAY APRL XSB WSRGP YAP TXWYPDX MPZSDP CY’W YSS RKYP!
OKAY, SOME HINTS IF YOU MUST: look for letters that stick together, and short words that repeat. Those will help you get started.
Answer (highlight to reveal): PAY ATTENTION! WHEN YOU READ EXPLORER ACADEMY KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN FOR THE SYMBOLS, THE CODES, AND THE PUZZLES HIDDEN THROUGHOUT THE BOOK THAT MIGHT HELP YOU SOLVE THE MYSTERY BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE!

 

Answer (highlight to reveal): UNDER THE STARS
Now that you’re a code-cracking master, try your hand at this interactive cipher game!

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Blog Tour Schedule:

March 18th – BookTrib

March 19th – Big Shiny Robot

March 20th – Always in the Middle

March 21st – Novel Novice

March 22nd – From the Mixed Up Files

“A fun, exciting and action-packed ride that kids will love.”  
—J.J. Abrams, director of Star Trek, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Lost and Alias
 
“Explorer  Academy  is  sure  to  awaken  readers’  inner  adventurer  and  curiosity  about  the  world  around  them.”
—LeVar  Burton,  host  of  “Reading  Rainbow”and “LeVar  Burton  Reads”
 

Buy: National Geographic | Amazon | Indiebound

Follow Trudi: Website | Twitter | Facebook | YoutubeFollow National Geographic Kids: Website | Twitter | Books Twitter | Facebook | Youtube

It’s an adventure of a lifetime when Cruz Coronado sets sail for the shores of Iceland and Norway aboard the Explorer Academy ship to continue his studies at sea. But, things take a turn while exploring the icy north, when he embarks on a dangerous mission to uncover the first piece of an important puzzle his mother left behind.In the exciting follow-up to The Nebula Secret in the 7-book Explorer Academy series, Cruz, Sailor, and Emmett, along with their new ally Bryndis, embark on their first globe-trotting mission aboard the ship Orion. Cruz jumps right back into school and starts using the latest technology in submersible underwater dives, but is soon reminded of the dangers of exploration when his equipment fails and he almost drowns. Determined to keep his eyes on the prize, Cruz sneaks away to try to find answers, but unknowingly lures his friends into bigger trouble. When a friend of Cruz’s mom meets an untimely end, Cruz’s luck really seems about to run out and the questions multiply. What does the message mean? Where will it lead? Who is following him? And why?

This captivating book is the sequel every Explorer Academy fan is waiting to read!

 

 







About the Author: Author Trudi Trueit is a gifted storyteller for middle-grade audiences. She has written more than 100 books for young readers, both fiction and nonfiction, including The Sister Solution, Stealing Popular and the Secrets of a Lab Rat series. Trueit lives in Everett, Washington.

GIVEAWAY

  • One (1) winner will receive SIGNED copies of Explorer Academy books 1 and 2, an ADVANCE copy of Explorer Academy Codebreaking Activity Adventure (not otherwise available to the public until May!), an Explorer Academy pin, baseball cap, t-shirt, and bag, and a Quadcopter DRONE!
  • US/Canada only
  • Ends 3/31 at midnight ET

a Rafflecopter giveaway

One lucky family of four will embark on a spectacular ship-based adventure, just like the students at Explorer Academy. Experience the remarkable beauty of Alaska’s famed Inside Passage on this thrilling 8-day voyage, courtesy of National Geographic Expeditions. Get up close to icebergs and calving glaciers. See orcas and humpback whales, then listen to them with the ship’s hydrophone. Visit Glacier Bay National Park, learn about Alaska’s rich Native American heritage, and pass islands teeming with wildlife, including brown bears, sea lions, sea otters, and perhaps the world’s highest density of nesting bald eagles. Visit natgeoexpeditions.com to see a detailed itinerary for Alaska’s Inside Passage Cruise. Enter here!

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Hicklebee’s

1378 Lincoln Ave.

San Jose, CA

Event details: 

3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. — Talk by author Trudi Trueit and National Geographic Explorer Erika Bergman, followed by book signing

Friday, March 22, 2019

Kepler’s Books

1010 El Camino Real

Menlo Park, CA

Event details:

6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.— Public event with talk by author Trudi Trueit and National Geographic Explorer Erika Bergman, followed by book signing. Purchase tickets in advance.

Posted in Blog Tour, Giveaways, Middle Grade News, New Release | Tagged , , | 10 Comments

MMGM for March 18, 2019

Posted on March 18, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

               

Spring begins on Wednesday, but Spring is already in the air at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! I have a review of  THE ASTONISHING MAYBE by Shaunta Grimes. Click the bright colored bird to reach my post and do the same for each of the features and reviews below.
June McCrary Jacobs at ‘Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic’ has a S.T.E.A.M. feature on a non-fiction book, ‘Asian Kites for Kids‘
Faith Hough at Life’s An Art! interviews Heather Dixon Wallwork, author of The Enchanted Sonata–and also has a GIVEAWAY of her book!
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Over the Moon by Natalie Lloyd, about a girl who is differently-abled and dreams of flying among the stars.
Mark Baker at Carstairs Considers is back for the second week in a row with a review of The Revenge of Magic by James Riley.
Dorine White at The Write Path has an interview with  Kelli Call author of It’s Not Easy Being a Superhero.
Maria Antonia at Of Books, Photography, and Tea reviews Copyboy by Vince Vawter (sequel to Paperboy).
Michael Gettel-Gilmartin at The Middle Grade Mafioso features Michele Weber Hurwitz’s ETHAN MARCUS MAKES HIS MARK.
Suzanne Warr at Tales from the Raven returns to us this week with a useful post for us budding author types entitled Seven Self-Care Steps for Successful Authoring.
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.
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

THE ASTONISHING MAYBE

Posted on March 17, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

Gideon is not happy. His familiar life in New Jersey with loving parents and a little sister has taken a rotten turn. The family is on their way to a small desert town in Nevada for his Dad’s new job. Upon arrival, things don’t look any better from Gideon’s viewpoint.  It’s hot and there’s not much to do to do except unpack and return to his umpteenth reading of The Hobbit. 81DotnXujnL

Then he spots a girl his age next door. Her name is Roona. She dresses rather oddly and it’s like she lives in a fantasy. Their friendship grows despite his parents being a bit worried about Roona’s influence. Things spiral out of control when Gideon agrees to help Roona visit her father. A journey that provides a jolt of reality to them both.

As Roona reveals secrets, it becomes clear her mother is mentally ill and there’s been abuse by another family member who lives in Idaho. Gideon comes up with a plan to save Roona from moving there.

The first person narration by Gideon is heartfelt as he struggles to make the right decisions for himself and his new best friend’s family. His own family has never faced anything this bad. The story flows at a nice pace and I kept finding time to read more, finishing it in just a few days. Elements of magical realism enter the story line and I’m not convinced this side plot was needed. A sequel with a new chapter in Gideon’s life would be welcome as the ending came about a little too abrupt. If you like honest, modern day stories that deal with some heavy issues, this one is for you.

TO BE PUBLISHED: March 26, 2019   PAGE COUNT: 240

laugh2FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT—laugh2

THE ASTONISHING MAYBE by Shaunta Grimes

  1. It was rather refreshing to have a family like Gideon’s who aren’t beset by a pile of problems. They’re world of perfect is upset once they move.
  2. Gideon’s safe and not very stressful life was a nice balance for Roona’s character who is more bold and impulsive.
  3. Trusted adults help Gideon with his situation, a realistic view of what kids might actually do when burdened with something they can’t handle alone.
  4. A Nevada summer is portrayed in an accurate and very sweat worthy way.
  5. Sad but also heartwarming, you’ll be glad you spent time with Gideon. Friendship and Family are the most important thing is a kid’s life.

THE OFFICIAL PLOT (From Amazon)

Gideon hates the idea of moving to Nevada from the East Coast. It’s so empty and hot in his new neighborhood. Only one person his age lives nearby: the girl next door, Roona.

Gid notices right away that Roona is . . . different. She wears roller skates and a blanket as a cape when she needs to feel strong. What he doesn’t bargain for, however, is how far outside his comfort zone Roona will take him as she enlists his help in finding her long-gone father. For a kid who’s not allowed to ride his bike more than a few blocks from home, this will be the adventure of a lifetime.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shaunta Grimes, author of Viral Nation, has worked as a substitute teacher, a newspaper reporter, a drug court counselor, and a vintage clothing seller. No matter which direction she strays, however, she always comes back to storytelling. She lives in Reno with her family, where she writes, teaches, and perpetually studies at the University of Nevada.

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I also enjoyed Shaunta’s article on 25 Tips to Becoming a Writer.

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(I received an advanced copy for my honest review)

Be sure to stop by again on Wednesday for my Blog Tour stop featuring National Geographic’s second book in the fiction series—Explorer Academy: The Falcon’s Feather. Try out your code breaking skills and enter two huge giveaways. One involves a drone and the other is an exciting cruise!

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

BOY BITES BUG

Posted on March 15, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

boybitesbug.jpgThis one has been in my future reading stack for six months. I chased down a copy not from a publisher request, but because of several other factors:

  1. I enjoyed Rebecca Petruck’s previous book, STEERING TOWARD NORMAL, and looked forward to another off beat story in the same Minnesota setting.
  2. The title and cover begged to be picked up.
  3. The topic of bugs brought me back to my 4-H entomology project.

BOY BITES BUG is not a sequel and focuses on a different set of characters. Told in third person, the plot centers around seventh grader, Will. He’s on the wrestling team and is not the most popular kid. That all changes when Eloy, a new Hispanic student, is the target of a racial slur by one of Will’s best friends. Will eats a bug to defer the attention away from Eloy and becomes known as Bug Boy.

Will is pleased with his newfound fame, but the strained relationships with an older sister and his two friends cause him to rethink what kind of person he’s become. Questions about prejudice and loyalty stand center stage as Will continues to pursue bug eating in a classroom oral report.

Will is a great role model for readers. He debates his actions and seeks to make things better both in his family and at school.

It was refreshing to have wrestling as a backdrop, a sport almost never mentioned in middle grade books. I learned many aspects about the training involved and how matches are conducted. Will’s friendship with Eloy strengthens through their participation in wrestling, but also has many bumps along the way.

Bug eating is a real phenomenon and even has a name—entomophagy. The information provided in the back pages include recipes for Cricket Snack Mix, Chocolate-Covered Ants, and Wax Worm Cookies.

Humorous and not too disgusting, this contemporary tale has a lot of heart.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rebecca Petruck is a Minnesota girl, though she also has lived in Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, England, Connecticut and, currently, North Carolina. A former member of 4-H, she was also a Girl Scout, a cheerleader, and competed in MathCounts. She reads National Geographic cover to cover. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing, Fiction, from UNC Wilmington, and is represented by Kate Testerman of kt literary.

You may visit her online at www.rebeccapetruck.com

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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 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 | Tagged , | 5 Comments

MAKE THIS!

Posted on March 13, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

516lAktxcoL._SX398_BO1,204,203,200_.jpgAs a youngster I was always picking up items off counters and tables, curious as to how they worked. My mom even gave me a nickname—The Fiddler.

This new title from National Geographic Kids and Ella Schwartz would have kept be occupied for hours. Filled with fun and engaging projects to build and problem solving scenarios to test your smarts, this unique endeavor will enthrall both the visual and hands-on learner.

Organized under the umbrella of eight topics, each one has you involved in many hands-on build-it-yourself activities. You can start at the beginning or dive into any of the topics that pique your interest. SIMPLE MACHINES, MATERIALS, SYSTEMS, OPTICS, ENERGY, ACOUSTICS, FORCES, OR MOTION.

No matter which chapter you begin with, a two-page QUICK FACTS piece sets the stage for what you are about to explore. In total more than 40 Make This! projects are laid out with easy to follow directions. All use materials usually found in the home. I loved the Rolling Pin Challenge, Walking Water, and Roman Arch to name just a few.  Every chapter ends with a set of Solve This! activities where you come up with your own creative solutions to problems common in the world.

Yes, the world and our future depends on the makers who create. Make This! is bound to entice our next generation of engineers and scientists.

THE OFFICIAL WORD FROM NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS

Make This! Building, Thinking and Tinkering Projects for the Amazing Maker in You by Ella Schwartz (ages 8-12).  This book is designed to inspire the next generation of engineers and supports all kinds of kid creators: those who prefer guided instruction, those who prefer to dream up and design objects on their own, and everyone in between. Within the nearly 160 pages of this book kids get the tools and the know-how to tackle all kinds of exciting projects: building a kaleidoscope, designing a fidget spinner, planting a rain forest, creating a musical instrument, and more. Unconventional scenarios inspired by real National Geographic Explorers give kids a chance to think outside the box and apply their maker skills to real life. Chapters are divided up by scientific principle, such as simple machines, energy, and forces. In each chapter, kids can start by following step-by-step activities, or get creative by tackling an open-ended challenge. Helpful sidebars explain the science behind what’s happening every step of the way.  

 

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, non fiction | Tagged , , | 2 Comments