••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of THE ACCIDENTAL STOWAWAY by Judith Eagle. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.
••Susan Uhlig is featuring Cat Patrick’s TORNADO BRAIN.
••Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has abook to share every day. Check out Karen’s MMGM choice for this week and all her reviews from last week.
Tiffany D. Jackson is the successful author of many YA titles and a few picture books. Now she has taken the leap into middle grade with BLOOD IN THE WATER, a story sure to please readers who enjoy a thrilling mystery.
It’s listed as a book for 4-7th graders, but I know parents might be wary of what the story is about given the title and cover picture. No worries as there is only one bloody nose and frequent references to shark attacks. The main story centers around an endearing 12-year-old girl.
Set in Martha’s Vineyard, Kaylani McKinnon is spending the summer there to escape a ongoing family crisis in Brooklyn. Her dad is in jail and she desperately wants to prove he did nothing wrong. Instead she has to stay with family friends who also have two other kids staying there for the summer. They are both rather obnoxious toward Kaylani.
She tries her best to enjoy the beaches and all the Black history within the area. But then Chadwick, a popular teenage boy who has been helping Kayla fit in, is suddenly found dead. Some think it was a shark attack or possibly an accidental drowning.. Even the possibility of murder is brought forth. Having experienced her dad’s trial, Kaylani has been learning how to be a lawyer. She tries to solve the mystery and uncovers shocking secrets which could eventually lead to her own demise.
The suspenseful, first person narration takes readers right to the thrilling conclusion. Kaylani is a brave and truthful girl who would prefer to have a kid like summer. Yes, BLOOD IN THE WATER is a middle grade novel. No nightmares but plenty of page turning scenes that will have you guessing again and again as who is responsible for boy’s death. Highly recommended for the 9-13 age group.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: July 1, 2025. PAGES: 272
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: BLOOD IN THE WATER by Tiffany D. Jackson
The character arcs for Kaylani and her former friend, London, are masterfully done. It’s hard to like London through most the plot, but by the end you will like her a lot more.
The world building is excellent. I’ve never been to Martha’s Vineyard, but now I have a good picture in my head as to what it is like.
The focus on values and never giving up were a solid foundation for the story. Misconceptions are rampant and many young readers will have experienced the same thing based on their family circumstances.
Miles is the brother of the deceased boy and he provides a heartwarming friendship with Kaylani. A great secondary character.
Some coming attraction videos are nothing but pictures of the book jacket while you hear the voice over of the plot. Scholastic took the time to develop a perfect one for this book:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tiffany D. Jackson is the NYT Bestselling, award-winning author of YA novels Monday’s Not Coming, Allegedly, Let Me Hear A Rhyme,Grown,White Smoke, Santa in The City, The Weight of Blood, Marvel’s STORM: Dawn of a Goddess andco-author of Blackout and Whiteout. A Coretta Scott King — John Steptoe New Talent Award-winner and the NAACP Image Award-nominee, she received her bachelor of arts in film from Howard University and has over a decade in TV/Film experience. The Brooklyn native is currently splitting her time between the borough she loves and the south, most likely multitasking.
The first in a series, DEAD MAN’S HAND is an engaging story advertised as a YA novel. I disagree. The protagonist is 12 and the plot stays within the boundaries of the middle grade world. I solidly recommend the novel for ages 10-14, placing it in the often mysterious upper middle grade category.
Here’s what to expect:
Twelve-year-old Dominick Dalesandro is obsessed with the Old West—outlaws, lawmen, and dusty frontier towns. But when a mysterious library book transports him back to 1888 Abilene, Kansas, history is no longer just a subject he studies…it’s a world he must survive.
Sheriff Amos “Lone Wolf” Malone has chosen Dominick as his apprentice, giving him the chance to live out his Wild West dreams under a new name, Pete Moss. But adventure quickly turns to danger when Pete learns that the sheriff is doomed to die in just one month. Determined to change history, Pete must navigate gunfights, town secrets, and a daring rescue mission—all while trying to stop a fate that the sheriff refuses to outrun.
As the stakes rise, Pete faces an impossible choice: save the kidnapped children he’s sworn to find or prevent the sheriff’s tragic end. One decision could change the past forever—but at what cost?
The first person narration flows nicely in page turning fashion. Young Pete Moss is a great character who despises the treatment of Native Americans but is also fascinated with his new life on Kansas Prairie in the 1800s. Pete learns to ride a horse and despite missing life at home, he learns to adapt to this very different time. Pete meets many new people as a sheriff in training, both young and old. Abby is the girl his age that he likes. She and her younger brother Tommy are kidnapped which becomes part of the tale’s focus. They mystery of the kidnapping will have you guessing throughout as to the guilty party.
The other strand of the plot is how Pete can interrupt the impending death of a character from his favorite biography: The Man Who Tamed the Wild West.The Unauthorized Biography of Amos “Lone Wolf” Malone. He tries many times to tell Amos Malone what is going to happen, but the sheriff won’t listen, wanting no part in changing history. The relationship between these two develops into a father and son type bond. It’s a heartwarming character arc for both of them.
This time period in our history is rarely seen in middle grade books and shows the mistreatment of native lands and people. Perfect for those who enjoy a time travel mystery with plenty of adventure throughout. The Abilene Kid series will continue with 3 more books.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: April 25, 2025 PAGES: 264
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
John Madormo, a Chicago area screenwriter, author, and college professor, has created a body of work that has attracted the attention of motion picture producers and publishers. John has sold a family comedy screenplay to a Los Angeles production company, signed a contract for a three-book deal with a major New York publisher, and was recently named the Grand Prize winner of a national writing competition.
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.
Enjoy all these great posts from our line-up this week:
••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is featuring a review of THE SCOTT FENWICK DIARIES by Kristin Nilsen.
••Susan Uhlig is pleased to share the powerful CHIRP by Kate Messner.
••Brenda @ Log Cabin Library reviews The Ghosts of Nameless Island: The Boy Who Could Fly: Vol. 2 by Carly Anne West.
••Jemima Pett reviews TREASON by Michael E. Wills, an adventure about WW2 evacuees.
••Valinora Troy has two guest posts from Isabelle Knight to celebrate the launch of her new book. Here’s PART ONE and PART TWO. Don’t miss either of these!
••Carol Baldwin welcomes back teen reviewer Journey Bloomfield who shares her thoughts on THE KING OF MONTREAL by Daniela I. Norris.
••Middle Grade Escapades has a post about Stan Yan’s upcoming graphic novel, The Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang.
••Jenni Enzor takes a look at Hertz Got Fused by Suzanne Purvis.
••Tonja Drecker at Bookworm for Kids, heads into the realm of nonfiction with How the New Seven Wonders of the World were Built by Jiri Bartunek and Tom Velkovsky.
••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of SAM by Eric Walters.. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.
••Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has abook to share every day. Check out Karen’s MMGM choice for this week and all her reviews from last week.
That first crush. Most of us remember the swirl of emotions when you can’t take your eyes off a classmate. You do silly things to get their attention and worry they won’t like you back.
This sequel to WORLDWIDE CRUSH that I reviewed two years ago, has plenty of teen angst and humor as 8th grader Millie backs away from her celebrity crush. The focus now is on a boy in her social studies class, cute Scott Fenwick.
Millie receives a lot of advice from her best friend who often uses a magic 8 ball to answer questions, two grandmas who know a lot about foxes, Pringles her bulldog, and a bunny loving neighbor. The ultimate ending is near when Millie gets invited to Scott’s Bar Mitzvah. Instead of a perfect outcome, Millie is humiliated. A tragic event comes next, but through the turmoil Millie discovers a lot about herself, friendships, and Scott Fenwick.
The 31 chapters pass by quickly. They often include Millie’s written entries in her SFD (Scott Fenwick Diary), a series of personal thoughts about her crush. It’s spot on as to how a girl this age would react. It’s all very innocent. THE SCOTT FENWICK DIARIES will appeal to mostly girls in the 10-13 age group. Reading the novel just might help them see a different side to their first crush.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: JULY 22, 2025 PAGES: 272
FIVE MOIRE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE Scott Fenwick Diaries by Kristin Nilsen
Such a realistic portrayal from passing notes to waving at each other in the hallway, and running into your crush at the store. So embarrassing!
The humor throughout made me laugh many times.
The no phone policy at family meals was tested to the max. What does a girl do when their phone is taken away? Millie solves that problem with a little help from Grandma.
You can read this one without having read the first, but with such a great cast of characters it will be hard to resist revisiting them in the first book.
It’s not all about that crush. The story gives readers the power to trust themselves and value friendships.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kristin Nilsen is a children’s author and librarian with an encyclopedic knowledge of all things 70s and 80s.
She is the author of Worldwide Crush, a middle grade novel inspired by her own childhood crush on Shaun Cassidy. She also co-hosts The Pop Culture Preservation Society, a weekly podcast celebrating the cultural nuggets of the classic Gen X childhood. Kristin lives in Minneapolis with her Gen X husband, her Gen Z son, and their rock and roll goldendoodle, Axl Rose Nilsen. The Scott Fenwick Diaries is the sequel to Worldwide Crush and Nilsen’s second middle grade novel. (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!
Another engaging title from Nomad Press. The Science of Sound is something we would rarely think about, but learners from 8-12 will be thoroughly in tune with what they learn in each of the 5 chapters:
SUPER SOUND WAVES
HEROIC HEARING
PITCH PERFECT
ALL THAT SOUND
SOUND TECHNOLOGY
As with other science titles like GRAVITY and ELECTRICITY, there are colorful, comic style illustrations that begin each chapter. Also included are essential questions to guide what you are reading and frequent boxes detailing WORDS TO KNOW. Dozens of QR codes send readers off to learn even more.
Engaging Hands On Activities are located at the end of each chapter. Some of my favorites: MAKE AN AMPLIFIER; BUILD A WIND INSTRUMENT; SEEING MOLECULES; and ANIMAL EARS. Dozens more will for sure keep one enthusiastically involved..
THE SCIENCE OF SOUND is a great choice for STEM related study at home or in the classroom.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: June, 15, 2025 PAGES: 112
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andi Diehn graduated with an MFA in Creative Writing from Vermont College, relied on a freelance writing career when her children were young, and now works as a children’s book editor and marketer at Nomad Press. She has written eleven nonfiction books for the educational market and has six more nonfiction picture books forthcoming.
Andi also works as a bookseller at her local indie in rural New Hampshire, where she lives with her husband, three sons, and lots of pets.
It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.
It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. Email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com
Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time)in order to be included in the list of links for that week’s MMGM.
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is featuring a review of JAZZY THE WITCH IN BROOM DOOM by Jessixa Bagley.
AND JOINING ME IN OUR MMGM
LINEUP THIS WEEK:
••Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an interview with debut author Sarah J. Mendonca and a GIVEAWAY of An Encantadora’s Guide to Monstros & Magic.
••Susan Uhlig enjoyed the amusing time-travel western: The Abilene Kid: Dead Man’s Hand by John V. Madormo.
This graphic novel will appeal to younger middle grade readers. They’ll find a fun story emphasizing the importance of individuality.
Jazzy is not alone in being a witch. The small town where she lives is full of them and her family has their own broom making shop. But Jazzy isn’t feeling the magic of flying a broom. Rather than flying on one she rather be a cyclist, maybe being in a race someday. She’s sure this normal non-witch behavior of bicycle riding will not go over well with her parents.
Jazzy pushes forth anyway, ignoring her responsibility of learning how to ride and fly on a broom. Instead, she puts together a bicycle from spare parts so she can practice her new passion.
This causes disagreements with her best friend who doesn’t want to be her friend anymore. There’s also an upcoming parade where young witches will show off their flying skills. Without having practiced, Jazzy is for sure going to fail and be in big trouble with her family.
The colorful, bold illustrations add to the page turning quality of the story. JAZZY THE WITCH in BROOM DOOM is a nice choice for those who enjoy graphic novels with an engaging plot.
PAGE COUNT: 232 BOOK BIRTHDAY: July 15, 2025
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: JAZZY THE WITCH in BROOM DOOM by Jessixa Bagley
Jazzy’s pet bat, Fiona, has many lighthearted comments and cringe worthy comebacks. A fun addition to the story.
Her family really shined in their reaction after finding out how Jazzy felt about all this witch stuff.
The variety in how pages were laid out from 5-6 panels on a page to several pages having just one panel. No eye strain reading this cute story.
Pursuing your passion is the positive message.
After “The End” there are some interactive pages where the fun continues. Learn how to put together a Besom, a unique type of broom, and make some spore prints. There’s also a sneak preview of the next book in the series: Jazzy the Witch in Friend Fiasco.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jessixa Bagley is a children’s book author-illustrator with a background in fine art and comics. She has had work featured in publications such as New American Paintings, Highlights Magazine, The Stranger, and Illustoria Magazine. She’s also the author of the middle grade graphic novels Duel and Dear Jackie (illustrated by Aaron Bagley) and the author-illustrator of the middle grade graphic novel series Jazzy the Witch. Jessixa is a two-time Washington State Book Award recipient; first in 2016 for her debut picture book, Boats for Papa, and again in 2024 for her graphic novel, Duel. Jessixa also received a 2018 Ezra Jack Keats Honor Award for picture book Laundry Day. Many of her books are Junior Library Guild Selections. In her work, she’s drawn to animals and emotional themes often inspired by her own experiences. Jessixa also teaches and speaks about writing and illustration. She often illustrates for other writers and artistically collaborates with her husband, Aaron Bagley. Jessixa lives in Seattle with her husband and son. (author website)
Having an interest at an early age in animals and plants will serve to benefit our world. Here are several choices to engage middle grade readers with what they can do to become a friend of the earth.
First up is a fun story centered around an ecological mystery and a little bit of magic. Geared toward 7-9 year olds, LISSA LOVES BUGS is a perfect title to bridge the gap to lengthier middle grade books.
Lissa is a true bug lover and on her 9th birthday she finds a magnifying glass when pointed at something not only reveals facts but also hidden messages. What it does to Wren, one of her friends, is even more of a mystery.
The two of them have a big challenge: find out the cause of what is making the garden behind Lisa’s house sick. The ecosystem is in danger and there’s not much time to convince city leaders of a solution that will save their community.
The ten chapters are filled with black and white illustrations showing the range of emotions for the main characters. They are skillfully done, accompanying the text in a pleasing way.
LISSA LOVES BUGS would make a great read aloud at school or home. A cliffhanger at the end leads us toward the next book in the WONDER LENS FRIENDS series: LUNA LOVES SPACE. Young readers will be anxious to find out what happens next.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR
Tracy Blom is an award-winning author of over forty published books. Her work has received STEM accreditation, Teacher’s Pick Awards, Reader’s Favorite Awards, and has appeared in magazines and blogs internationally and domestically. She is very involved in her community and offers creative writing workshops through The Girl Scouts of Ohio, The Ohio Learning Project, Ohio Wesleyan University, and the Arts Castle. In the Spring of 2024 she co-created the Byrd & Blom Storytelling Contest to boost literacy rates across Ohio, and offer one child the chance to have their story turned into a cartoon. Tracy is a host on the Authors On The Air Global Radio Network, which is available in 153 countries and has over 4 million unique listeners. Her show, Books, Kids & Creations, features people worldwide who inspire future generations with their work. She grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, and currently resides in Columbus, Ohio, with her husband and two rescue dogs. Learn more at www.theblomdotcom.com/.
Cathy Morrison is passionate about nature, science and the environment. Combining her degrees in fine arts and education along with her background in animation and graphic design she researches and illustrates a variety of books, including picture books, chapter books and creative nonfiction. Cathy’s studio is in the foothills northwest of Fort Collins, Colorado, with a panoramic view of Rocky Mountain National Park.
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Another series, WILDLIFE RESCUE, debuts this fall. HOW TO SAVE AN OTTER and HOW TO SAVE AN OWL are the first books that will be available on September 2nd. Here’s a video preview from author Kate Messner.
The guide features areas of the world where conservation has a winning record with success stories from the past. The emphasis is on protecting species, habitats, and our planet. The 8 chapters begin with an essential question that helps readers focus on an answer as they are reading. The chapter titles are a hint as to what is included:
Ecosystem Restoration
Ready for Rewilding
Discover Reintroduction
Species Recovery
Habitat Reconnection
Community Based Conservation
Encouraging Ecotourism
Laws and Protections
If you find words you may not understand, they are listed with definitions right on the page. Frequent inclusion of QR codes are a great extended resource included throughout. There are also hands-on projects with detailed directions. Ones like EXPERIMENTING WITH OIL SPILL CLEANUP and DEVELOP SEED BOMBS extend learning past the written words in each chapter.
Even the most reluctant learner will find success with CONSERVATION SUCCESS . Highly recommended for home or classroom.
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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... 