I previously featured the first book in the series, THE COOKIE CRUMBLES, and found it to be an engaging story full of mystery, friendship, and baking. The sequel brings more of the same with a new story.
In THEIR JUST DESSERTS our superb baker, Laila Thomas, and her best friend and outstanding young journalist, Lucy Flores, are back. Now eighth graders, each has a busy schedule limiting their time together.
When Jaden, a former rival from the first book, asks them for help they can’t resist. Jaden’s father has been accused of stealing prized jewels at amateur kids’ holiday baking show. Laila will enter the contest while Lucy secretly investigates. All does not go well and their friendship is put to the test.
The story has alternating viewpoints between Laila and Lucy. This back and forth structure help show the ups and downs of friendship in such a meaningful way. I also liked how Laila’s loneliness issue was included which is often common among this age group.
The mystery part of the plot once again had me guessing as to who was guilty. THEIR JUST DESSERTS has all the pieces in place to attract middle grade readers. Combine two great main characters, add in a dose of mystery, and combine with a baking contest makes a sure recipe for an enjoyable read.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Alechia Dow is a former pastry chef, a librarian, and an award-winning author of acclaimed young adult sci-fi fantasies, several short anthology pieces, and magical (sometimes mysterious) middle grade stories. When not writing, you can find her having epic dance parties with her family, baking, reading, taking teeny adventures, and exploring her local food scene. (https://www.alechiadow.com/)
Tracy Badua is an award-winning Filipino American author of books for young people. By day, she is an attorney, and by night, she squeezes in writing, family time, and bites of her secret candy stash. She lives in San Diego, California. Tracy’s work has garnered such accolades as the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Sid Fleischman Humor Award, the Children’s Literature Council of Southern California Award, multiple selections as Junior Library Guild GoldStandards, and inclusion on state book lists across the United States. (https://tracybadua.com/)
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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.
Set in 1931-32 Chambersburg, NJ, a suburb of Trenton, the third person narration stays close to 10-year-old Lucy who doesn’t like to be called Lucille.
Her brain can’t seem to stop her from doing the wrong thing, especially in Miss Gillingham’s fifth grade class. There are frequent detentions and her teacher believes impulsive Lucy might have Hyperkinetic Syndrome (now known as ADHD).
If that weren’t enough, the Great Depression has made life even more difficult. Lucy’s dad is out of work, Mom is running an illegal numbers game, and living with three brothers can be a real pain. Baby boy Johnny sleeps in the same room as Lucy in their cramped half house. The oldest brother has dropped out of high school and is working at a hot dog cart, while the second oldest is using whatever money he can get to play craps in the alley.
After serving one of her school detentions, Lucy takes a short cut to reach home quicker. That’s what you see on the cover. It’s the fenced in campus of a school for the deaf. Private property. She meets Florence, a deaf girl about her same age. They become friends even though Florence can only communicate via written words or sign language. Lucy begins to learn sign language and would like to buy a dictionary that would explain each gesture even more. The cost would be $7.92, far more than Lucy can afford.
Lucy has to lie frequently to parents and her regular group of friends as to what she is up to every day. That’s why her fingers are crossed. It’s not only trespassing in her time spent with Florence but trying to stay out of trouble while finding a way to buy that book.
The third person narration stays close to Lucy. Broken friendships, challenges in communicating, and understanding differences make this tale one that will enlighten readers. ADHD today is often misunderstood, but it was even more so almost 100 years ago. NOT LUCILLE is a great, unique addition to the middle grade shelves.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: June 24, 2025 PAGES: 256
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: NOT LUCILLE by Mike Steele
You understand the Great Depression at a much deeper level as you experience it along with Lucy and family.
The time Lucy spends with Florence provide many heartwarming moments as they learn about each other and being friends.
You just know that these two will eventually be discovered, and when it does happen the result of how their voices are finally understood and heard was a favorite scene.
Lucy often shares her problems to her baby brother despite his babbling from the nearby crib. She calls him the creature, but their relationship takes on a subtle change that had me smiling by book’s end.
Not to be missed is the AFTERWORD: A BIT OF HISTORY that takes a deeper look at the historical topics covered in the story.
About the Author Mike Steele is an elementary school librarian and children’s playwright with eight plays published and licensed for production. Not Lucille is his debut middle-grade novel. In his spare time, he likes to attend musicals, create mixed-media artwork, and win prizes from claw machines. He lives at the Jersey Shore with his tabby cats, Karen and Sox. If you spot him in the wild, he usually has a bubble tea in one of his hands. www.mikesteeleonline.com @msteelewrites
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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW!AND BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!
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.
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... 