Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for 9/1/2025

Posted on September 1, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

 

Enjoy all these great Labor Day posts from our line-up this week:

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has my review of THE SHERLOCK SOCIETY Hurricane Heist by James Ponti and Day 3 of the LUCKY 13 GIVEAWAY.

••Brenda at Log Cabin Library reviews The Vale by Abigail Hing Wen, illustrations by Yuna Cheong and Brandon Wu.

••Susan Uhlig is recommending  LOON COVE SUMMER by Donna Galanti.

••Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles is participating in the Glam and Glitz Giveaway Hop where you can find a lot of middle grade choices.

••Rebecca Douglass reviews the audio book of Run Like A Girl, by Amaka Egbe.

••Carol Baldwin features So, My Mom’s from Outer Space–A Sparkling Review from Guest Blogger, Katie Lundeen.

••Jennifer Rummel @ YA Book Nerd reviews The Best Worse Summer of Esme Sun – all about friendship and swimming.

••Valinora Troy shares an update on her writing and features A WOLF CALLED FIRE by Rosanne Parry.

••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of THE HONEST TRUTH by Dan Gemeinhart. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

••Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a book to share every day. Check out Karen’s MMGM choice for this week and all her reviews from this past week.

Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

THE SHERLOCK SOCIETY HURRICANE HEIST

Posted on August 31, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

The second book in the series features more detective work undertaken by the four memorable characters of The Sherlock Society. There’s 12-year-old Alex Sherlock, his older sister Zoe, best friend Yadi, and blue-haired Lina. Grandpa Pete is the adult character with a journalism background who helps keep the group focused.

Book one had them trying to discover where Al Capone hid a large amount of money in the vibrant setting of Miami, Florida. You don’t have to read this first as each story has its’ own plot.

In Hurricane Heist they revisit a closed case where a large amount of jewelry and art work were stolen during 1964’s Hurricane Cleo. Grandpa was a twelve at the time helping his father deliver materials from their family’s hardware store. He was actually at the crime scene that week and later spent many years as a newspaper writer trying to uncover the truth.

Like the first book, the story starts at the climatic ending scene This opening has the five running through the woods while being chased by security dogs and an escaped rhino. It’s a great way to reveal the plot with the group’s sleuthing skills eventually filling in what happened beforehand.

It’s a mystery since the body of person believed to be guilty at the time is found after a present day hurricane reveals his location in an unexpected place. The scenes in the present are narrated by Alex and the flashback chapters are all in third person. The history of Miami comes to life in many of the chapters.

Hurricane Heist is an engaging and fun tale perfect for middle grade readers who enjoy detective style mysteries.

PAGES: 320 BOOK BIRTHDAY: September 2, 2025

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE SHERLOCK SOCIETY HURRICANE HEIST by James Ponti

  1. The facts about hurricanes and 1960’s Miami were fascinating. Now if I could just get the Bee Gees song “Stayin’ Alive” out of my head as I go down a bumpy road near my home…
  2. Grandpa Pete at 73 is such a wonderful mentor to these kids. Having the generational connection in the plot added to the levels of enjoyment and many memorable scenes.
  3. The kids are all very different but except for a little drama between Zoe and Lina, they work together each using their strengths to break the case open.
  4. The story involves a murder mystery but that never drags down the fun aspect of these kids trying to figure out who-dunnit.
  5. You know you are in good hands when an author has you wishing for more books in the series.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

James Ponti is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of four middle grade book series, including City Spies and The Sherlock Society. His novels have been named to forty-five state award lists, optioned by Hollywood, and translated into fifteen languages. He’s a two-time Edgar Award-nominee, winning in 2018 for Vanished. He lives with his family in Orlando, Florida. 

!!!!!!!GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!

This is the third day of my Lucky 13 Giveaway. You can find the other GIVEAWAYS by visiting the first post to find out why it is my Lucky 13, and the second post with 10 TRUTHS ABOUT JAMES PONTI.

Leave a comment today to be entered to win a copy of THE SHERLOCK SOCIETY HURRICANE HEIST and Books 4-6 in the CITY SPIES series (U.S. Addresses only). That’s 4 brand new hard backs to add to your collection! Leave a comment on each of the three days and your entries will be doubled. The deadline to enter is 11pm EDT on Sept. 4th. Good luck and Happy MMGM!

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BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

10 TRUTHS ABOUT JAMES PONTI (and Day 2 of my Lucky 13 Giveaway)

Posted on August 30, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

In the Sherlock Society Series the main characters play a game called the 5 W’s to determine if a statement is true or false. You can read the books to be entertained by this thinking type game, but for today just enjoy these real truths about James Ponti.

  1. Wrote his first story as a student at Atlantic Beach Elementary in Florida.
  2. The characters in the Dead City books are named after his sons, Alex and Grayson.
  3. He was born in Pisa, Italy.
  4. One of his jobs was as a writer on the Mickey Mouse Club.
  5. He did not like to read as a kid.
  6. Has always had rescue dogs.
  7. As a kid, his favorite fictional characters were Indiana Jones, James Bond, and Encyclopedia Brown.
  8. Author and MMGM founder, Shannon Messenger, is a member of Mr. Ponti’s Sherlock Society Hall of Fame.
  9. His wife teaches high school American History.
  10. Favorite food is spaghetti.

You can find even more about James Ponti on his author website.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS: Leave a comment with your favorite of the truths I listed. You will have a chance to win Book 1-3 in the CITY SPIES series. (U.S Addresses only) The deadline to enter is 11pm EDT on Sept. 4th.

(This is the second of three days of James Ponti Giveaways. Visit yesterday’s LUCKY 13 post to also enter in that special giveaway.)

GOOD LUCK in the drawing!

Posted in Uncategorized | 9 Comments

A Lucky 13 GIVEAWAY!

Posted on August 29, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

Thirteen years ago, I was going through all the middle grade books I had read and made a decision. Parents, students, and relatives often asked me for recommendations of books to buy as gifts or to read themselves. I’d respond with some of my favorites, but what if I could reach a larger audience with a book review blog?

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE was born and I remember getting about 10 views that first month. Not exactly what I expected, but it was a start. I soon connected with Shannon Messenger and her genius idea to give middle grade books more recognition with the creation of Marvelous Middle Grade Monday (MMGM). Each week she posted a list of bloggers who had a review of an MG book or anything connected to this level of story telling. My views instantly increased and I faithfully posted a review every week to share.

Fast forward 5 years to 2017 and Shannon asked me if I would take over MMGM as her writing career had taken off. I said yes and I’m still here 8 years later.

Now it is time to celebrate my 13-year blogging anniversary and my 8-year MMGM anniversary with a huge 3-day GIVEAWAY.

James Ponti is one of authors I have followed and am a devoted fan of his work. There will be three days of James Ponti books I’m giving away to lucky readers. A different set of books for each day.

To enter today all you have to do is leave a comment and you could win this 3-book hardback set of the FRAMED series! The deadline to enter is 11 pm EDT on September 4th. (U.S. Addresses only)

Tomorrow I will share 10 truths about James Ponti with a chance to win Books 1-3 in the City Spies series and on Monday I have a review of his newest middle grade release: ” THE SHERLOCK SOCIETY – HURRICANE HEIST.” There will be a Giveaway of this book and books 4-6 in the City Spies series.

Thanks to everyone who visits my site and good luck in the GIVEAWAYS!

Posted in Giveaways, Middle Grade News | Tagged , | 15 Comments

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for 8/25/2025

Posted on August 25, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

 

Enjoy all these great posts from our line-up this week:

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has my review of NORTH OF TOMBOY by Julie A Swanson.

••Susan Uhlig is featuring Eve McDonnell’s debut ELSETIME. Susan calls it a great read. 

••Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an interview with James Ponti and a GIVEAWAY of Hurricane Heist.

••Brenda at Log Cabin Library reviews Surviving Summer Camp by Paul Breau. 

••Tonja Drecker at Bookworm for Kids takes a peek at Schooled by Jamie Sumner.

••Jennifer Rummel @ YA Book Nerd shares a middle grade mystery: Trouble at the Tangerine.

••Carol Baldwin has a new young reviewer this week. Lucy W. liked The Peach Thief so much she didn’t want to give it away!

••Kasey Giard @ THE STORY SANCTUARY reviews Do Not Disturb by Brad Marshall and Lindsay Hassock.

••Maria Antonia has a post about The Trouble with Heroes by Kate Messner.

••Valinora Troy has a review of Caught Dead by S.J.Wills, book 2 in the Bite Risk series.

••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of THE BURNING SEASON by Caroline Starr Rose. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

••Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a book to share every day. Check out Karen’s MMGM choice for this week and all her reviews from this past week.

Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

North of Tomboy

Posted on August 24, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

The story is narrated by 9-year-old Jess Jezowski who strongly believes she’s more like a boy than the girl everyone expects her to be. This includes three siblings, her parents, and other girls at school. Set in Michigan, the first chapter begins Christmas eve, 1972 and the end of the book brings us to October 1, 1973.

Jess hates the dresses her mother makes her wear and isn’t happy having long hair. She stays quiet until receiving a Christmas gift- A toy doll. Jess cuts the doll’s hair off and name’s him Mickey. Using a voice for Mickey when talking to the family, Jess can finally express the way she feels about her true identity. Mickey is expressive and funny, but is this toy doll really going to help or will she have to find her own voice?

Empathy for Jess rings true in every one of the 58 chapters. You’ll understand her confused feelings. She doesn’t resolve everything, which is perfectly portrayed for a 4th-5th grader either at that time or today. It takes time to figure our who you are.

NORTH OF TOMBOY is a bit long for this type of novel, but reading it with a parent or adult would add even more benefit to the experience.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: 9/2/25. PAGES: 376

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: NORTH OF TOMBOY by Julie A. Swanson

  1. The time period with Watergate and the Vietnam War going on gives readers a eye opening look at life in the early 1970s.
  2. So true to the way boys and girls treated each other. You did boy sports and activities only if you were a boy. Girls were expected to be girls. A great portrayal of that time.
  3. The illustrations that begin many of the chapters have some insights of their own. They don’t detract from the story telling but many made me smile.
  4. Jess and her family are Catholic and the story demonstrates how impactful the faith has on decision making. Jess is always concerned about the way she acts and feels.
  5. True to form as the story is based on the author’s own feelings growing up during this time in Michigan.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Julie Swanson grew up in Michigan’s “Little Finger,” the Leelanau Peninsula, where many of her stories are set, but has lived in Wisconsin, Iowa, New Hampshire, California, and Virginia. For the past twenty-five years she’s lived in Charlottesville, VA. Julie writes middle grade and young adult novels and enjoys sports, the outdoors, “making things” (almost any type of art or craft, woodworking), reading, writing, eating, planting trees, and spending time with family. (Julie’s 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!

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

NIGHT OF THE LIVING TOILET PAPER

Posted on August 22, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

The sequel to the entertaining I KNOW WHAT UFO DID LAST SUMMER that I reviewed earlier this year has Marv back in action defending his family and town from aliens. His first person narration is fast paced and likeable.

Joining him again are friends Jace and Nora. Jace enjoys basketball more than alien mysteries and Nora isn’t the best of friends, always referring ot Marv as “Weirdo.” This often leaves Marv investigating on his own.

The first discovery is a motorcycle racing through the woods without a driver. After finding the bike he takes it to his hidden fort for a closer look . A Sleech creature like what he found in Book One slithers out of the tailpipe. Marv knows this is not good.

His instincts are proven correct when he returns with his friends to find the fort destroyed except for his emergency stockpile of toilet paper now in control of the Sleech. If they don’t solve this mystery the T.P. just might attack and wipe them out.

A wild plot for sure that will keep young readers flipping the pages until reaching the exciting conclusion. One new character is included, the fire loving Kenji. Despite their different personalities these four find a way to work together with a bizarre and very wet plan. An exciting premise and a much shorter length (192 pages) than most MG books, a real plus given not every young reader is ready for a 300-400 page reading experience.

NIGHT OF THE LIVING TOILET PAPER would make a great gift or as an addition to the classroom library. You can pre-order the book now in anticipation of a September 23rd release date.

About Kevin Garone​

Kevin Garone is the author of I Know What UFO Did Last Summer. He lives with his wife and sons in Arizona, and is a graduate of Brigham Young University. When he’s not writing, you’ll probably find him reading, playing video games, hiking, or cheering on his favorite sports teams. He is a member of The American Night Writers Association.

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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.
Posted in MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for 8/18/2025

Posted on August 18, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

 

Enjoy all these great posts from our line-up this week:

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is featuring a review of PHANTOM ACADEMY by Christine Virnig.

••Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an interview with debut author Ryan James Black and a giveaway of his MG The Dark Times of Nimble Nottingham.

••Jemima Pett shares an interesting book about Frontiersman Daniel Boone with DANIEL BOONE AND ME.

••Tonja Drecker at Bookworm for Kids takes a look at Lost on Doll Island by Cassandra Ramos-Gomez. 

••Jennifer Rummel @ YA Book Nerd reviews SUNNY FIGURES IT OUT.

••Kasey Giard @ THE STORY SANCTUARY reviews Riverkeeper: Protecting an American River by Nancy F. Castaldo.

••Maria Antonia is back with us again this week with a post about Smoke & Mirrors by Rosalyn Ransaw. 

••Valinora Troy has a review of Bella Bright and the Ghost Game by Carolyn Ward.

••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of THE KING OF JAM SANDWICHES by Eric Walters. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

••Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a book to share every day. Check out Karen’s MMGM choice for this week and all her reviews from this past week.

Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Phantom Academy

Posted on August 17, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

A story about a dead twelve-year-old boy. Unfortunately, Finn died after getting hit on the head by a stray coconut. Now he is a ghost and student at Phantom Academy.

At first I couldn’t get over the sadness of a family losing their son so abruptly. After reading the first chapter, I decided to treat this as to what it is intended to be: A paranormal fantasy full of humor, a mystery to solve, and a trio of fun, engaging characters.

Finn can’t understand why he’s in school again, taking tests and not doing the assigned homework. Wasn’t that just for the living world? No, this school has teachers training underage ghosts about what to expect and be able to do in the afterlife.

Finn meets new friends in Leroy, who almost never breaks a rule, and Jade. Like you’d expect from ghosts they are somewhat transparent and float as they move. The unexpected part is they still have to eat the awful cafeteria food and use the bathroom (No spoilers here as it is rather disgusting).

These three all miss their families. and since they are stuck here for 5 years of training, seeing their loved ones again will be impossible. Finn convinces his ghostly friends to break out of this place. All they have to do is figure out how that can be accomplished. The longer they stay, their memories will become fuzzier about their time alive.

Finn’s first person narration is never boring as he takes readers through 31 chapters. The plot has all the makings of a series. There’s still much to be accomplished in this ghostly world. PHANTOM ACADEMY is perfect for the upcoming Halloween season.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: August 26, 2025 PAGES: 272

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: PHANTOM ACADEMY by Christine Virnig

  1. This was like a middle school for ghosts and the interactions between the characters was both fun and frequently heartwarming.
  2. The mystery of why Finn is the only one who can talk to the numerous paintings on the walls of the academy was a great part of the plot.
  3. I smiled at the card catalog still present in the ghost library. No computers here to help find what you need.
  4. Finn is a well crafted character and exhibits all the charm of a 12-year-old boy. He can be funny one minute and serious the next. A memorable ghost for sure.
  5. The way the three characters eventually deal with death was sad but also hopeful and respectful.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christine Virnig is a children’s author who combines her child development expertise as a former pediatric allergist with her experience working in a children’s library to craft stories that make kids laugh, scream, and feel seen. On the fiction side, Christine’s spooky middle grade novels include A Bite Above the Rest and Phantom Academy. Christine also writes gross-but-educational middle grade nonfiction, including Dung for Dinnerand Waist-Deep in Dung. Her first picture book launches in 2027. Christine lives in Madison, Wisconsin with her family, an exorbitant number of dust bunnies, and one incredibly lazy cat. (Christine’s 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!

Posted in MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

ASK SCARLETT

Posted on August 15, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

A fun book in a question and answer format. Our guide is Scarlett Fox who takes young readers through five chapters:

  • CHAPTER 1 Act Natural
  • CHAPTER 2 Party Animals
  • CHAPTER 3 Sensational Senses
  • CHAPTER 4 Wild Weather
  • CHAPTER 5 Worldwide Wonders

Colorful photos are included throughout and blend well with the text. The questions are ones kids often ask but can’t find an answer.

Some of my favorites included:

Can the wind make me feel weird?

Why do people say to stop and smell the roses?

Can being outside help me de-stress?

Can bad weather make my grades better?

There are dozens more about how nature effects one’s mind and body. The back pages is where you will find a helpful Glossary, Index, and Resources page. Curious minds are the winners here. Read the chapters in any order and be rewarded with an engaging reading experience. ASK SCARLETT would make a great gift for the middle grader in your family.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Becky Baines is a children’s book writer and editor and former editorial director at National Geographic Kids. She has written books for kids about topics from dogs to bones to eggs to spiders.

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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.

Posted in non fiction | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment