The 2018 GOLDEN CUP AWARDS

Posted on December 30, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

The past year was another special one for middle grade books. cupThe big name award groups recognize their favorite books, but my Golden Cup Awards look within the stories to find the best in fifteen unique categories.

Keep reading for a big giveaway detailed at the end of this post.

Without further delay, (drum roll) here are my GOLDEN CUP AWARDS for 2018:

FAVORITE VOICE (FEMALE PROTAGONIST):

Aven in INSIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF A CACTUS

and…

Lucy Callahan in THE MISCALCULATIONS OF LIGHTNING GIRL

FAVORITE VOICE (MALE PROTAGONIST):

Mason in THE TRUTH AS TOLD BY MASON BUTTLE and…

Moose Flanagan in AL CAPONE THROWS ME A CURVE

FAVORITE SETTING:

Arizona in 24 HOURS IN NOWHERE

FAVORITE BOOK WITH DIVERSE CHARACTERS:

YOU DON’T KNOW EVERYTHING JILLY P

FAVORITE CHARACTER NAME:

Mason Buttle

FAVORITE OPENING LINE:

It should come as no surprise that the day I almost got my face clawed off by a vicious monster was a Thursday. (From THE LEGEND OF GREG)

FAVORITE COVER and TITLE: Gwendolyn+Gray+Cover-Final

FAVORITE ENDING:

CHILDREN OF JUBILEE

FUNNIEST READ:

SPUTNICK’S GUIDE TO LIFE ON EARTH

SADDEST READ:

THE GIRL WITH MORE THAN ONE HEART

FAVORITE READ-ALOUD:

JOURNEY OF THE PALE BEAR

FAVORITE ANIMAL CHARACTER:

Argos in ARGOS

and…

Sputnick in SPUTNICK’S GUIDE TO LIFE ON EARTH

FAVORITE CHARACTERS FROM HISTORICAL FICTION:

Bone in BONE’S GIFT

and

Belle in HARDSCRABBLE

FAVORITE FRIENDSHIP:

Robbie Hart and her Grandfather in JUST LIKE JACKIE

CREEPIEST CHARACTER:

Alastor in THE DREADFUL TALE OF PROSPER REDDING

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GIVEAWAY!!!! Comment on one of your own favorites (MG or otherwise) for a chance to win a $50 AMAZON Gift Card. I’ll draw the winner on January 6, 2019 (10 PM EST).

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This Friday I kick off 2019 in a special way: An interview with Gregory Funaro, author of the popular Odditorium books. We’ll focus on his newest novel for middle graders called WATCH HOLLOW.

Have a safe and happy 2019 full of reading and writing.

Posted in Giveaways | Tagged | 13 Comments

End of the Year Clean-up

Posted on December 28, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

I’ve been busy preparing a list of Middle Grade favorites for 2018. Next Monday I’ll reveal my picks in fifteen different categories.

My other task has been tidying up piles, in particular the many unrequested books that come my way. Most are YA, Chapter, or Picture books—not the best fit for ALWAYS in the MIDDLE. But an unread book doesn’t stay unread for too long around my house so I do read them all. Unfortunately, there is never enough time in my blogging days to feature each one.

On this last Friday of 2018, I’ve pulled three favorites from the pile for a special shout out. The aren’t in the middle, but close enough.

THE INFAMOUS RATSONS-PROJECT FLUFFY

This is the third book in the chapter book series and it’s perfect for those not quite ready for MG. Entertaining with fun characters.91GnDCBDZPL._AC_UL320_SR230,320_.jpg

Chuck Wood is the most popular kid in school, and Louie Ratso can’t believe that Chuck has asked him for help! Chuck likes Louie’s friend Fluffy Rabbitski, and he wants Louie to help him get Fluffy to notice him. As for Ralphie Ratso, he can’t believe that his brother wants to spend all his time with Chuck instead of with him. Meanwhile, despite Louie and Chuck’s attempts to get Fluffy’s attention, she has eyes for only one thing: her garden. But there may be hope. As their father, Big Lou, tells his boys, the best way to get someone to like you is to show that you’re interested in what they like. After all, that’s how Big Lou won over Mama Ratso years ago. Can Louie help Chuck find a way into Fluffy’s heart? And will Ralphie find a way to let his brother know how much he misses him?

For more information visit the book’s AMAZON page.

POPPY’S PANTS

Inspired by the author’s experience in second grade, the charming story and whimsical pictures won me over.

Penelope’s Poppy always wears khaki pants. When he finds a hole in one pair, he 9781611179279_p0_v1_s550x406asks Penelope to patch it. Penelope likes to sew, but she soon realizes that mending the hole is more complicated than she first thought. Penelope struggles with the challenges and frustrations, but, with a little help from her mama, she finally—and creatively—repairs Poppy’s pants.
Poppy’s Pants is about perseverance and problem-solving. Through Penelope’s example youngsters discover the satisfaction of finding solutions on their own, even if the solution is not the way other people might solve it. Sometimes the best solutions come from being creative—using your head and your hands.

A postscript written by the author’s father, Pat Conroy, best-selling author of The Great Santini and The Prince of Tides, gives a personal, behind-the-scenes description of the book’s characters and the author.

To order visit the book’s Barnes & Nobel page.

THE THREE WILD PIGS-A Carolina Folktale

I previously featured another Carolina folktale by Lisa Anne Cullen, LITTLE ORANGE HONEY HOOD. This newest one has three brave pigs and a ferocious hurricane. The pictures and story bring both tension and smiles.

A1QNkkMMEXLThree Wild Pigs: A Carolina Folktale, written and illustrated by Lisa Anne Cullen, is an adaptation of James Orchard Halliwell-Phillipps’s The Story of the Three Little Pigs. Set on Bird Island along the Carolina Coast, this creative retelling of the timeless tale features three generations of a pig family―Lulu, her father, and her grandfather.

On the island Lulu is known for being wise in the ways of the world. Pop is wise in the ways of the waters. Grandpaw Curly, the oldest and smartest pig of all, is wise in the ways of the winds. While shrimping in the Atlantic Ocean, the pigs experience harsh winds and see ominous clouds. Knowing these are warning signs of impending bad weather, they row home. Before long a whirling, swirling, huffing-and-puffing Hurricane Wolf arrives to wreak havoc on the pigs, their homes, and Bird Island.

Cullen’s colorful illustrations mirror the weather, flora, and fauna of the Carolina coast. Three Wild Pigs features maps of North and South Carolina as well as select state symbols and will educate, entertain, and enlighten early readers and listeners of all ages as Lulu, Pop, and Grandpaw Curly struggle to survive Hurricane Wolf.

For more visit the book’s Amazon page.

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I hope to see you on Monday for my 2018 Golden Cup Awards and a big giveaway!

 

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A HAPPY HOLIDAY MMGM THANK YOU!

Posted on December 24, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

MMGM2

What a year for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday! A total of 40 bloggers joined us the past twelve months. I’ve listed the 37 below who still have a home on the web. Visit them during the holidays for a look at what they’ve accomplished the past year. The work they do bringing recognition to Middle Grade books is nothing short of spectacular.

Thank you! Thank you! I hope to see many of you when MMGM returns on January 7, 2019!

May the holidays bring you rest and rejuvenation with family and friends. HapHolidaysAnime

(If I forgot you, please let me know so I can add you to the list)

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FRONT DESK

Posted on December 21, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

Author Kelly Yang looked at her own life as an immigrant to create a touching, inspiring story of hope, empathy, and understanding. Racism is the central focus but strong themes of friendship front desk.jpgand never giving up also grace the pages. It reaffirms the belief there’s always someone who will help in time of need.

Ten-year-old Mia Tang and her parents get a job managing a motel in Anaheim, California. The owner is deceitful and greedy, going to great lengths to make life even harder for this family. Her parents clean rooms and deal with general upkeep, while Mia manages the front desk. She narrates with a lot of spunk, desperately wanting to make things better.  Her opinions often collide with a mother who has a more traditional view of how they should act.

Short chapters (67 in all) put you firmly on the side of this family. Mia takes to writing letters to get what she wants. Her writing skills are compromised by still learning the rules of English spelling and grammar, but she continues to improve. School is often not the happiest place, full of hateful attitudes and misunderstandings. The jeans you wear, or want to wear, bring many heartbreaking scenes. Mia’s one friend has her own troubled past in Mexico. Together they hope to get off the “roller coaster” and live a life of promise.

I highly recommend this touching look at life in the 1990’s for a Chinese immigrant. It provides an open avenue of discussion as we continue to struggle with the topic of immigration in the United States.

THE OFFICIAL BLURB (From Scholastic)

Mia Tang has a lot of secrets.

Number 1: She lives in a motel, not a big house. Every day, while her immigrant parents clean the rooms, ten-year-old Mia manages the front desk of the Calivista Motel and tends to its guests.

Number 2: Her parents hide immigrants. And if the mean motel owner, Mr. Yao, finds out they’ve been letting them stay in the empty rooms for free, the Tangs will be doomed.

Number 3: She wants to be a writer. But how can she when her mom thinks she should stick to math because English is not her first language?

It will take all of Mia’s courage, kindness, and hard work to get through this year. Will she be able to hold on to her job, help the immigrants and guests, escape Mr. Yao, and go for her dreams?

Learn more about Kelly Yang and the Kelly Yang Project here.

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MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY is taking the rest of the month off as it falls on both Christmas and New Year’s Eve. This coming Monday I’ll have a holiday wish with links to all the bloggers who have participated in MMGM this past year. On December 31st, I’ll reveal my picks for the best in MG this year. I call them the Golden Cup Awards.

MMGM will return for my second year of hosting on January 7, 2019.

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Holiday Stocking Stuffers from NGK!

Posted on December 19, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

This is my final day of holiday recommendations from the great folks at National Geographic Kids. You can see day one here (ULTIMATE PREDATORPEDIA and WHY NOT?). And last Friday I presented the third choice with THE POETRY OF US.

Today are two more gifts perfect for a last minute stocking stuffer. WEIRD BUT TRUE! starts things off with its tenth edition. 51xGyp2bnBL._SY498_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

The 6.5 inch square paperback is filled with facts. You know right from the get-go you are in for a fun and eye popping ride—

The average rain cloud weighs as much as 100 elephants.

Continuing on, you’ll find fascinating scientific facts—

There are more than 60,000 tree species on earth.

A few facts I’m not sure I wanted to know—

Doctors removed a 14-pound hairball from a woman’s stomach.

And ones to celebrate the 10th edition—

There are 125 million 10-year-olds around the world.

You’ll find 346 more to keep both you and your children occupied, discussing and rereading each amazing fact. The pictures bring even more awe. Here’s the official blurb:

 Weird But True! 10 (ages 8-12) With the release of the TENTH book in the Weird But True franchise this Fall, things just got even WEIRDER.   To celebrate this major milestone, WBT! 10, as well as books 1-9, feature a new cover design and 50 MORE facts than the original releases (that’s 350 facts per book if you are counting!).  Did you know that ears are self-cleaning, itching is contagious. or that 99% of people can’t lick their elbows — but 90% of people who read this will try??   Topics include science, space, weather, geography, food, pop culture, and just about everything else under the sun, presented with fascinating photos and illustrations. This quirky little reference and perennial favorite is all about fun and and is perfectly sized and priced for a stocking stuffer or paired with a teacher’s favorite gift card. 

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Wrapping up the holiday gift parade is a book I reviewed last September: EXPLORER ACADEMY-THE NEBULA SECRET. It’s the first fiction title from NGK.

nebulasecret

I wrote at the time— “Twenty-one chapters provide much intrigue and fun through the advanced classes the young explorers take. The mystery is what propels the story forward to an exciting and an “I did not see that coming” conclusion.

The Official Plot: Twelve-year-old Cruz Coronado has been invited to become part of an elite group of young explorers at the prestigious Academy in Washington, D.C. Yet even before Cruz can leave his home in Hawaii, an attempt is made on his life. Things only get more complicated, and dangerous, when Cruz arrives in the nation’s capital. Someone wants him dead and it may involve a secret his mom took with her to the grave seven years ago. Join Cruz and his fellow explorers as they travel the globe, following clues and cracking codes to unlock a mystery that could change their world, and ours, forever. Be sure to look for the hidden puzzles and codes embedded throughout the book! 

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All five books presented the past week would make long lasting gifts.

Enjoy and have a happy holiday!

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

MMGM for 12/17/18

Posted on December 17, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

                   

Today is the final MMGM post for 2018. MMGM will return on January 7, 2019 for my second year of hosting.

I’ll still be here the rest of the month. December 24th is devoted to my holiday wish to all the bloggers who have participated in MMGM the past year. On December 31st, I’ll reveal my picks for MG’s best in 2018 with a big GIVEAWAY!

Here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE, I have a review of LOUISIANA’S WAY HOME by Kate DiCamillo. Click the package to read all the details and then keep unwrapping below to open up more reviews and features.
Sue Heavenrich at Archimedes Notebook has a review of  Explorer Academy: The Nebula Secret, by Trudi Trueit.
June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic has the historical Christmas book, ‘The Story of Holly & Ivy’. It has an element of fantasy and appeals to all ages.
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal features Speechless by Adam P. Schmitt, and important story about mental illness with a lot of humor woven into the story.
Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden by Karina Yan Glaser. Don’t miss her links for writers. Some real gems in there this week.
Karen Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads always has an informative MMGM post. Be sure to check out today’s feature and all of her other 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 , | 3 Comments

LOUISIANA’S WAY HOME

Posted on December 16, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

Kate DiCamillo always has a great main character in her books. She also makes sure to have rich secondary-characters, ones you’d welcome if they ever had their own story. And so, Louisiana Elefante, a friend of Raymie Nightingale (the title of the book where you first meet Louisiana), is the centerpiece and narrator of this new tale. But no worries if you missed the first book (although I’m sure you will want to read it, too). This one stands as a separate story.louisiana

It’s a compelling look at the life of a child who has never met her parents and only knows of them from what her Granny has told her. But Granny is having issues in her own life. She takes Louisiana from their home in Florida and they end up in Georgia. It’s there that the story evolves into a sweet, heartbreaking, and often tender tale of finding your way.

The ample margins in the book along with the honest narration make reading this somewhat quiet story a real page turner. I’m looking forward to reading it aloud to a group of kids. Far too many will understand the fears and frustration along with what lies ahead for Louisiana.

PUBLICATION DATE: 2018   PAGE COUNT: 240

THE OFFICIAL BLURB (From AMAZON)

When Louisiana Elefante’s granny wakes her up in the middle of the night to tell her that the day of reckoning has arrived and they have to leave home immediately, Louisiana isn’t overly worried. After all, Granny has many middle-of-the-night ideas. But this time, things are different. This time, Granny intends for them never to return. Separated from her best friends, Raymie and Beverly, Louisiana struggles to oppose the winds of fate (and Granny) and find a way home. But as Louisiana’s life becomes entwined with the lives of the people of a small Georgia town — including a surly motel owner, a walrus-like minister, and a mysterious boy with a crow on his shoulder — she starts to worry that she is destined only for good-byes. (Which could be due to the curse on Louisiana’s and Granny’s heads. But that is a story for another time.)

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT:

LOUISIANA’S WAY HOME

  1. There is always someone to help those in need. For Louisiana it is a mysterious boy with a crow on his shoulder. Burke could easily become Kate DiCamillo’s next story.
  2. Sad in parts but there are also surprising laughs along the way. The lady in curlers and the walrus-like minister to name a few.
  3. The voice is powerful and spot-on. Louisiana is  a memorable character we will never forget.
  4. The first and last pages squeeze you tight into the realization of an excellent story well told.
  5. Both children and adults will benefit from the message and hopefulness in the story. Especially for those where rejection is a dark shadow they can’t escape.

FAVORITE LINES (They grab you from the first page)

I am going to write it all down, so that what happened to me will be known, so that if someone were to stand at their window at night and look up at the stars and think, My goodness, whatever happened to Louisiana Elefante? Where did she go? they will have an answer. They will know.

A QUOTE FROM KATE

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF—there is no right or wrong way to tell a story. This is one reason that writing is so wonderful and terrifying: you have to find your own way. Be kind to yourself. Listen to other people. And then strike out on your own. (For more visit her author website)

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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, New Release, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

The Poetry of US

Posted on December 14, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

Welcome to day two of my National Geographic for Kids Holiday Wish List.  You can check out day one here.

Poet J. Patrick Lewis had an idea. Compile the best poems about the United States and its territories, especially those for children to read and enjoy. Not only that but present them using a treasure trove of pictures from the National Geographic archives as a backdrop.
POETRY US.jpg
The results are stunning.

Organized into eight regions, the journey begins in New England and takes you west to the Pacific Coast. Territories like Puerto Rico and Guam also are included in their own  section. Each region includes dozens of poems from well known authors to the obscure.

In this day and time of political disagreements and focusing on the negative, this hardback tabletop compilation will bring you back to the wonder and awe the U.S. offers in every corner. The colorful pictures enhance the experience. Diverse voices are also included with poems from immigrants and minorities. There are even a few poems written in another language and translated to English. The book ends with some Last Thoughts poetry along with a Title and First Line Index, a real plus for finding the perfect match.

The Poetry of US would be a special gift for any middle grader as they begin to piece together the world we live in. Take a look inside  then grab one for your own. It truly is America the Beautiful!

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Coming up next week is the final MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY for December. I hope you’ll be there with me and again when MMGM returns with its first post of 2019 on January 7th!
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 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.
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, non fiction | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

My Holiday List from NGK!

Posted on December 12, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

National Geographic Kids offers the best in engrossing, colorful, and fun-filled titles. Over the next week I’ll be sharing five recommendations. Many are best gift wrapped and placed under the tree, but a few selections could be stuffed in that still not full stocking. You’ll treasure these titles long after the new year sets in.

Let’s start the shopping list off with ULTIMATE PREDATORPEDIA…55D3BD95-ACD1-4A4C-8C16-B6CEDE0B9916.jpeg

The images alone are worth adding this volume of over 100 predators to your library. You can read it from page one like I did or use the handy glossary to find a particular animal.

The first section sets the table with a background on predators: Food webs, behaviors, and protecting species are a few of the topics covered. The meat (pun intended) of Predatorpedia comes in the next five sections, each devoted to a type of predator: Mammals, Birds, Reptiles & Amphibians, Fish, and Invertebrates. Each animal gets a full page image and a second page filled with facts and a written background on its behaviors. You’ll recognize many but also be surprised at ones new to you. Mine were the Madagascar Fossa with a ferocious stare, the skunk like Zorilla, and an Atlantic Torpedo—described as a flattened shark.

This hardback edition can sit on your lap or table. Either way you’ll find hours of learning about these awe inspiring creatures.

Here’s the official scoop (click on the title to find out how to order your copy):

* Ultimate Predatorpedia: The Most Complete Predator Reference Ever (ages 7-10) Welcome to the amazing world of creatures who prey on others for their survival: from high-profile sharks, lions, tigers, and bears to the tiniest ants, mites, and spiders. Every animal in this book is ferocious, fierce, and fantastic in its own way. With colorful photographs illuminating every fang, stinger and razor sharp claw, this easy-to-use encyclopedia features profiles accompanied by Did You Know details, and fast facts (including scientific name, size, diet, and habitat), as well as thematic spreads covering topics from predatory techniques to defenses and communication.

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Next on the list is WHY NOT? with the whys divided into seven catego8D746C97-EE74-48AF-86B2-7EBD3A8863B8ries: ANIMALS, OUR PLANET, THE UNIVERSE, HISTORY, YOUR BODY, TECHNOLOGY, and POP CULTURE. More than ninety starting questions get the ball rolling and within each two-page spread hundreds more are answered. Colorful backgrounds and images add to the I didn’t know that feeling you’ll get.

No spoilers here, but say you turn to TECHNOLOGY and find a question of interest. How about… Why does my voice sound different when I hear it in a video or recording? The question and answer are on the left side of the page with a fun photo. Here it’s a kitten wearing head phones. Too cute. The answer though is straightforward with an easy to understand scientific description.

On the right side of the page is another Q & A, Why don’t I look quite like myself in selfies (and other photographs)? There is also a Q-TIP feature as to how to take the perfect selfie along with three special selfies.

Other features you’ll find on many of the pages include SILLY QUESTION-SERIOUS ANSWER, MYTH MASHED, and PERSONS OF INTEREST.

I spent hours with this volume of answers and could go hours more with the amount of information covered on the pages. Great learning and better yet, it will encourage you to ask your own questions. Take a look at the official description below:

* National Geographic Kids Why Not?: Over 1,111 Answers to Everything (ages 8-12) The concept is simple. Got a question? This book has the answers.  Over 1,111 of them. Why don’t you keep growing your whole life? Check out the human body section. Why aren’t we traveling by jetpack yet? Tech has your answer. Why aren’t school buses red? Flip to the pop culture chapter. Why aren’t dinosaurs still alive? Why can’t you walk on clouds? With hundreds of topics ranging from silly to serious, each page is filled with expert information in a fun Q&A format that will keep kids digging for answers. Answers include all kinds of fascinating extra info like top 10 lists, weird-but-true facts, explorer profiles, and cool activities. 

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I’ll be back Friday with my next choice on the list. In the meantime, I’m diving back into these fantastic resources once more.

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, non fiction | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

MMGM for 12/10/18

Posted on December 10, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

                   

IMPORTANT DECEMBER MMGM REMINDER: MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY will have one more set of links on December 17. December 24th is devoted to my holiday wish to all the bloggers who have participated in MMGM the past year. On December 31st, I’ll reveal my picks for MG’s best in 2018 with a big GIVEAWAY!

MMGM will return to its regular schedule on January 7, 2019 and my second year of hosting. As for today, enjoy a great set of links…

Here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE, I have a review of ZACK DELACRUZ UPSTAGED by Jeff Anderson. Click the ornament to read all the details and then keep clicking below for more reviews and features.
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an interview with debut author Rebecca Caprara and a giveaway of her MG fantasy THE MAGIC OF MELWICK ORCHARD.
June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic shares an  article she wrote for the golden anniversary of the television premiere of ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas‘ back on December 9th, 1965.
Suzanne Warr at Tales from the Raven spotlights Everlasting Nora, by Marie Miranda Cruz–and in case anyone else is peckish, link to a Filipino banana que recipe included!
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal recommends a touching holiday chapter book, The True Gift by Patricia MacLachlan. The paperback was printed in 2013.
Beth Mitchell at Imaginary Friends has a review of Class Action by Steven B. Frank
Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of The Atlas Obscura Explorers Guide for the World’s Most Adventurous Kid. Don’t miss her links for writers as they’re always helpful.
Karen Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads always has an informative MMGM post. Be sure to check out today’s feature and all of her other 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