ZENOBIA JULY

Posted on May 19, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

IT’S ANOTHER MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

TZENOBIA JULY.jpghe story of Zenobia July is full of characters many middle graders will not have encountered before. There’s a trans girl (Zen—our protagonist), a character identified as gender queer (Arli, who is growing up non-binary— neither fully masculine or feminine), a trans boy (Elijah), two aunts who may be lesbian but are definitely unique, and a drag queen (Uncle Sprink). In the midst of the diverse cast  there is also a tender story.

Both of Zenobia’s parents are dead. Her mother passed away when Zen was five and her father just recently. Her aunts now have custody and agree to keep Zen’s trans status a secret, but will   support her through future medical challenges. Zen enrolls at the local middle school as a girl. She begins to make friends but also gets on the wrong side of the popular girls.

The depiction of middle school with the cliques and kids trying to discover who they are  is accurate to the smallest detail. It’s an environment like none other with emerging hormones clashing with different personality types. A second plot thread concerning the school blends in nicely. Zen is already a cyber genius and offers to help when the school web site is hacked with hurtful messages about Muslims.

The author continues to create complex characters, but this is different than her previous, FELIX Yz. Told in third person, Zen has frequent chats with God about her problems. She also texts with Arli and their friendship strengthens. Other characters take over an occasional short first person chapter. But the basis of the tale is family. So many kids start out with one family only to end up with another due to circumstances they can’t control. And that often turns out to be a good thing.

With brief bursts of swear words and the unique set of characters, I’d reserve this one for sixth grade and up.

PUBLICATION DATE: May 21, 2019   PAGE COUNT: 320

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT:

ZENOBIA JULY

  1. Aunt Lucy and Phil, along with Uncle Sprink are the most loving care givers you’d ever want to have in a young person’s life.
  2. The message that friendships sometimes don’t work out. There’s no need to be mean about it not working, just realize later in life you may connect again.
  3. The tension of Grandma not understanding her grandchild is handled well. There is also a nice character arc.
  4. The texting chapters were spot on. So kid like.
  5. I wasn’t sure if I liked Zenobia, but by the end I found her to be very endearing.

THE OFFICIAL BLURB (From Amazon)

Zenobia July is starting a new life. She used to live in Arizona with her father; now she’s in Maine with her aunts. She used to spend most of her time behind a computer screen, improving her impressive coding and hacking skills; now she’s coming out of her shell and discovering a community of friends at Monarch Middle School. People used to tell her she was a boy; now she’s able to live openly as the girl she always knew she was.

When someone anonymously posts hateful memes on her school’s website, Zenobia knows she’s the one with the abilities to solve the mystery, all while wrestling with the challenges of a new school, a new family, and coming to grips with presenting her true gender for the first time. Timely and touching, Zenobia July is, at its heart, a story about finding home.

Read Lisa Bunker’s very personal post on how she identifies.

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I received an ARC in exchange for  my honest review.

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

 

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

FROM AN IDEA TO NIKE

Posted on May 17, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

“Dream audaciously. Have the courage to fall forward.”  Nike Founder Phil Knight

This new series continues with the fascinating rise of a shoe company in FROM AN IDEA TO NIKE. Last week I took a look at another success story— FROM AN IDEA TO DISNEY.

9781328453624_lres.jpg

The NIKE story begins with the birth of Philip Hampson Knight in 1938. The decisions he made as a youth led to his eventual creation of a brand with instant recognition. The road to success included many bumps and surprising twists.

Kids who see themselves as future entrepreneurs will find many lessons to help them jump start their journey. Included are the basics of business and what happens when a company goes public.

But the story belongs to Phil Knight, a motivated individual who pushed forward despite tremendous odds he would fail. I had many moments of “I didn’t know that!” while reading the ups and downs of a company that had its beginnings as Blue Ribbon Sports to the multi-billion company we know today. Now I know how that NIKE Whoosh was created along with how Michael Jordon was talked into becoming a spokesperson for the brand.

Quotes, A FUN FACTS feature, and illustrations are an enjoyable sidelight to the story. Also included are a timeline of events and NIKE’s top endorsement deals. This is marketing 101 and a great way to get kids excited about owning their own business.

This summer we can look forward to FROM AN IDEA TO GOOGLE and FROM AN IDEA TO LEGO.

About the author: Lowey Bundy Sichol is the author and creator of From an Idea to…, the world’s first business biographies for kids. She is also the founder and principal of Case Marketing, a specialized writing firm that composes MBA case studies for business schools. Her MBA case studies have been published by Pearson and are read by business school students all over the world.
With over 20 years combined experience in marketing, brand management, and writing, Lowey is the force behind the From an Idea to… series, a movement that introduces business and entrepreneurship to children.
Lowey received her MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and her BA from Hamilton College where she played varsity softball and women’s rugby. When she’s not writing, you can find her throwing a ball, shooting hoops, or along the shores of Lake Michigan with her husband, three children, and two big goofy dogs who like to climb trees. Look for her online at loweysichol.com.
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Coming up this Monday is another edition of…

If you would like to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book on a Monday (contests, author interviews, or anything middle grade related also count). Email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com
Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book or author you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, non fiction | Tagged , | 2 Comments

20 RECIPES KIDS SHOULD KNOW

Posted on May 15, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

If Esme Washburn ever opens her own restaurant, I’ll go out of my way to visit and enjoy one of her delicious meals. Thankfully, readers won’t have to wait. Try out twenty of her creations in this celebration of food. The twelve-year-old wrote the text introducing each of her 20 recipes. Older sister, Calista, served as both taste tester and photographer. 9783791385075_p0_v2_s550x406.jpg

The recipes are organized into seven chapters:

  1. Breakfast
  2. Lunch
  3. Appetizers
  4. Mains
  5. Sides
  6. Desserts
  7. More

A 2-page Introduction covers the basics including Safety Tips; What do to before you start cooking (For example: Tie back your hair and roll up your sleeves.); and a Glossary of Cooking Techniques (Young chefs will know how to Fold, Mince, and Whisk properly to name a few).

The recipes are easy to follow but don’t skimp on the challenge. You won’t find any P & J recipes here. Excellent color photos show the results of each dish. I just had to try out a few and chose Ultimate Banana Bread (Oh My Gosh!), Perfect Pizza (No need to phone in an order again), and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies (OMG part two!).

Emerging cooks, and even those who have not been interested in what goes on in the kitchen will find a recipe to their liking. The book can stand upright allowing you to bookmark the page of your chosen recipe while you mix the ingredients. I’d stay and give this volume more accolades, but I have pasta to make from scratch (page 28). The picture looks delicious and I can’t wait to give it a go.

Order your copy of the book here.

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

MMGM for May 13, 2019

Posted on May 13, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

             

It’s National Apple Pie Day. Enjoy a slice while you read my review of A DROP OF HOPE by Keith Calabrese at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE. Click the piece of pie for this post and do the same for the other features and reviews below.
June McCrary Jacobs at ‘Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic’ reviews a ‘WHO HQ’ biography from Penguin Workshop—Who Was H. J. Heinz?
Michelle Mason at Musings of a young adult writer features a recent middle grade release, THE MULTIPLYING MYSTERIES OF MOUNT TEN by Krista Van Dolzer with an interview and giveaway of the book.
Suzanne Warr at Tales from the Raven is sharing A Single Shard, by Linda Sue Park.
Maria Antonia at Of Books, Photography, and Tea has a discussion on “Why I re-read books…“
Mark Baker at Carstairs Considers reviews Spy School British Invasion by Stuart Gibbs.
Rosi Hollinbeck reviews Absolutely Alfie and the Princess Wars. Rosi also has some not to be missed links for her writing friends.
Karen Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads has another informative MMGM post. Be sure to check out today’s feature and all of her reviews the past week including JUST SOUTH OF HOME.
Dorine White at The Write Path has Frank Cole’s Potion Master- The Eternity Elixir.
Andrea Mack at That’s Another Story reviews THE REMARKABLE JOURNEY OF COYOTE SUNRISE by Dan Gemeinhart.
Stephanie Robinson at Fairday’s Blog is featuring THE MAD WOLF’S DAUGHTER by Diane Magras.
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 Uncategorized | 5 Comments

A DROP OF HOPE

Posted on May 12, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

WELCOME TO ANOTHER MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

A small town in Ohio has its share of problems. Factories are closing down putting more people out of work. Even the town’s sign, Welcome to Cliff’s Donnelly, has worn away, leaving just six letters visible: If Only.91gsPfpEgYL.jpg

Three sixth graders, Ryan, Ernest, and Lizzy latch onto the folklore of Thompkins Well, where legend claims if you throw in a coin and make a wish, it might come true. Ernest is the only real believer and when a new boy’s wish comes true the others aren’t sure what’s going on.

Each of the twenty-four chapters are broken up into numerous sub-sections focusing on a certain character’s Point of View. The chapters are titled along with these separate scenes. I almost needed a scorecard to keep up with all the faces introduced. In the first 70 pages I counted nine more characters in addition to the aforementioned three main ones. And many more are added the rest of the way.

It all makes for quite the intricate plot (I was even flipping back the pages to re-read and lift some of my confusion). The story though would fit well in the classroom with character maps and discussions of how small kindnesses can reap huge benefits. The world today could use a drop of hope and our youth are the perfect ones to bring forth the message.

PUBLISHED: 2019   PAGE COUNT: 320

laugh2FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT—laugh2

A DROP OF HOPE

  1. Many themes effecting middle graders are presented in an appealing and understandable way. Socio-economic status, friendship, and growing older were a few of my favorites.
  2. Ryan, Lizzie, and Ernest reminded me of kids I know. That’s a testament to the author’s writing and nailing down the authenticity of these three in expert fashion.
  3. You knew all the side stories would eventually come together as one. It was a satisfying conclusion when it happened.
  4. Different for sure, and a story good readers will find to be a welcome change.
  5. I was hoping the author had another middle grade book on the radar and he does. Connect the Dots is due out next year.

FAVORITE LINES

And that scared him. Not because Ryan was against people catching a break for a change. But he was of the life philosophy that the light at the end of the tunnel was usually an oncoming train. For Ryan, the other shoe never just dropped. The universe usually threw it at you.

THE OFFICIAL PLOT

Times are tough. Jobs are scarce and miracles are in short supply. But something strange is happening in If Only, Ohio. An old well has suddenly, impossibly, begun to grant wishes. And three sixth graders are the only ones who know why.

Ernest Wilmette believes a good deed makes magic happen. Ryan Hardy thinks they should just mind their own business. Lizzy MacComber believes in facts, not fairy tales. Of course, you don’t have to believe in wishes to make one.

As more wishes are made, the well’s true secret gets harder and harder to keep. Ernest, Ryan, and Lizzy know they can’t fix the world. But in their own little corner of it, they can give everyone a little hope… one wish at a time.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Keith Calabrese is the author of the middle-grade novel, A Drop of Hope, as well as the picture book, Lena’s Shoes Are Nervous. A former script reader, he lives in Los Angeles with his wife, kids, and a dog who thinks he’s a mountain goat.

(For more visit Keith’s Web Page)

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If you have time, please comment below. I enjoy reading them all!

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

FROM AN IDEA TO DISNEY

Posted on May 10, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

Disney is a name that brings a smile to children’s faces whether it be through movies, television, or visits to the many theme parks. This captivating new series gets a great start with the story behind Walt Disney. His successes and surprising failures are covered in masterful detail.

9781328453600_lres.gif Eleven easy-to-read chapters begin with Walt’s childhood and take readers up to the present. Illustrations break up the text and hard to understand words are defined in a separate box right on the same page instead of a glossary in the back. A nice helpful touch.

Walt Disney, one of the most iconic figure in entertainment. died way too young. The story detailed in later chapters of how the company kept going without its leader is equally compelling.

Quotes from Walt Disney are scattered throughout, including one of my favorites:  “If you can dream it, you can do it.” There’s also a Fun Facts feature where you learn some little known facts including what is going on below Walt Disney World.

A handy timeline is presented in the final pages beginning with Walt’s birth all the way to the present where today Disney employs more than 200,000 cast members (Disney speak for employees). There’s also a two page bibliography perfect for further study.

Our future dreamers and doers in the world have an inspiring source for their own success in the world with FROM AN IDEA TO DISNEY. Also out in the series is FROM AN IDEA TO NIKE. And this summer look for FROM AN IDEA TO GOOGLE and FROM AN IDEA TO LEGO.

About the author: Lowey Bundy Sichol is the author and creator of From an Idea to…, the world’s first business biographies for kids. She is also the founder and principal of Case Marketing, a specialized writing firm that composes MBA case studies for business schools. Her MBA case studies have been published by Pearson and are read by business school students all over the world.
With over 20 years combined experience in marketing, brand management, and writing, Lowey is the force behind the From an Idea to… series, a movement that introduces business and entrepreneurship to children.
Lowey received her MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and her BA from Hamilton College where she played varsity softball and women’s rugby. When she’s not writing, you can find her throwing a ball, shooting hoops, or along the shores of Lake Michigan with her husband, three children, and two big goofy dogs who like to climb trees. Look for her online at loweysichol.com.
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Coming up this Monday is another edition of…

If you would like to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book on a Monday (contests, author interviews, or anything middle grade related also count). Email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com
Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book or author you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, non fiction | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

SHOW ME HISTORY! Series

Posted on May 8, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

IMG_2564This ambitious project features four hardbacks in comic book style. It’s a fun way to learn about the most iconic names in American History. Each colorful edition takes you through important moments in their lives. Your guides along the way are Libby (a.k.a Lady Liberty) and young Sam (a.k.a Uncle Sam).

The colorful pages will appeal to boys and girls, especially those who like to learn visually. At the end of every book is a more traditional few pages with a glossary, timeline, and a Find Out More page. Also included is a unique feature: A brief look at Other Civil Rights Heroes found in the Martin Luther King Jr. book; Leaders Against Slavery (in Abraham Lincoln); Famous Flying Women! (in Amelia Earhart); and Did You Know? Declarations (in Alexander Hamilton).

Any of these would make great travel companions for a summer trip or to liven up those long days where boredom sets in. History has never been so much fun to learn. Here’s a brief background on each volume:

image009ALEXANDER HAMILTON: FIGHTING FOUNDING FATHER!

A fascinating and entertaining biography of Alexander Hamilton, in graphic novel format.

Alexander Hamilton: The Fighting Founding Father! tells the story of one of the most ambitious and controversial figures in American history in a graphic novel format. From a rough childhood on the Caribbean island of Nevis to the highest levels of American politics, Alexander Hamilton’s life was filled with adventure, conflict, and controversy. Full-color illustrations and an entertaining narrative make this graphical biography of America’s first Secretary of the Treasury accessible for readers of all ages.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR: VOICE FOR EQUALITY!image010

A graphic biography of civil rights leader and American icon Martin Luther King Jr.

This graphical biography tells the story of the most prominent leader of the American civil rights movement. With full-color illustrations and a historically accurate narrative, Martin Luther King Jr.: Voice for Equality! will inform and entertain readers of all ages. From his childhood in Atlanta to his rise as an international icon of human rights and a fiery orator who refused to back down in the face of adversity, King’s life story serves as an ongoing source of inspiration.

image011AMELIA EARHART: PIONEER OF THE SKY!

When Amelia Earhart became the first woman to make a solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 1932, she immediately became an American icon and a subject of endless fascination for generations to come. In Amelia Earhart: Pioneer of the Sky!, the story of the bold and daring aviator’s life is presented in graphic novel format, with full-color illustrations and historically accurate details. From her hardscrabble childhood to her final flight—and mysterious disappearance—Earhart’s journey will entertain, captivate, and inspire readers of all ages.

 

ABRAHAM LINCOLN: DEFENDER OF THE UNION!image012

The inspiring story of Abraham Lincoln’s life, in graphic novel format.

Considered by many historians to be the greatest American president, Abraham Lincoln led the Union at the greatest turning point in the nation’s history. Abraham Lincoln: Defender of the Union! tells the story of one of America’s most admired figures in graphic novel format. From his childhood on a farm in Kentucky to the battlefields of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln served the United States with resolve, intelligence, and courage unlike that of any other president. Readers of all ages will be entertained and educated by the full-color illustrations and historically accurate narrative of this graphical biography.

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, non fiction | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

MMGM for MAY 6, 2019

Posted on May 6, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

         

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday has May flowers for you along with a bouquet of great reviews and features. Click the flower for my review of EXPLORER ACADEMY—THE FALCON’S FEATHER. Do the same for the other features and reviews below.
June McCrary Jacobs at ‘Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic’ has a S.T.E.A.M. feature, Daring Dozen: The Twelve Who Walked on the Moon. The book chronicles the Apollo missions in honor of the upcoming 50th anniversary of the first moon walk in July, 1969.
Welcome back to Maria Antonia at Of Books, Photography, and Tea. This week is an enticing review of William S. and the Great Escape by Zilpha Keatley Snyder.
Joanne Fritz at My Brain on Books has a teaser for Nicole Valentine’s debut novel A TIME TRAVELER’S THEORY OF RELATIVITY (which pubs Oct 1, 2019).
House of Reads has a review of THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN by Katherine Applegate.
Rosi Hollinbeck reviews and has a GIVEAWAY of SHOUTING AT THE RAIN by Lynda Mullaly Hunt. Rosi also features some not to be missed links for her writing friends.
Janet Smart at Creative Writing In The Blackberry Patch has a post about The Ghost, the White House, and Me.
Karen Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads has another informative MMGM post. Be sure to check out today’s feature and all of her reviews the past week including JUST JAIME.
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

Explorer Academy—The Falcon’s Feather

Posted on May 5, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

IT’S ANOTHER EDITION OF MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

A big splash was made in the fiction world last year when National Geographic Explorer Academy series began with THE NEBULA SECRET. Known for their non-fiction titles this was a bold move and a welcome one based on the results. The second installment has arrived. and the falcon'sfeather.jpgadventure continues for 12-year-old Cruz Coronado and his classmates at the Explorer Academy.

The first book was set at the school in Washington D.C., but this one takes us out into the world on the academy’s ship— Orion. A perfect base since Explorer Academy is inspired by the real explorations of the National Geographic Society.

When reviewing a series I often comment it would be all right to jump in with the second or third book. Not so much here. Although you’ll get snippets of what happened in The Nebula Secret, I’d go back and read it first to get the full inside look at the characters and plot points.

In the Falcon’s Feather, Cruz is searching for a piece of the puzzle his mother left for him and the only way to find it is to decipher a clue. She was killed when Cruz was just five, and now the pharmaceutical company she exposed is out to get her son and the journal he keeps close by.

Technology fills the pages both in the present and with future possibilities. There’s also Cruz’s evolving relationships with crew mates Emmett, Sailor, and Bryndis. The instructors on board include Cruz’s aunt, who is always on the lookout to make sure Cruz is safe.

The exciting climax ends too abruptly (and easily), but the unsolved plot points are dangled for us to ponder until the release of Book 3 due out later this year, THE DOUBLE HELIX. Take the plunge and join the Explorer Academy. If you love science and adventure, there’s no better place to immerse yourself in its wonders.

PUBLISHED: 2019   PAGE COUNT: 208

laugh2FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT—laugh2

EXPLORER ACADEMY: THE FALCON’S FEATHER (Book 2)

  1. Colored images and frequent maps keep you current as to where the crew is located along with a few of the puzzles they solve. The Orion ship map starts things off.
  2. Third person narration stays close to Cruz most of the way with an occasional few pages devoted to the bad guys. They’re easy to find with white text on dark pages.
  3. While reading you learn about conservation, wildlife, and Nordic culture. They’re woven into the story so well you barely notice the lessons.
  4. The book ends with a Truth behind The Fiction section with real life National Geographic Explorers giving their take on what is included in the story. Great stuff to connect with STEM concepts.
  5. The diverse cast of characters are growing closer and first crushes are surfacing. It will be a fun sidelight as the series continue for five more books.

FAVORITE LINES

Everyone was lining up to get their uniforms. Cruz stood, too, and waited behind Emmett. However, while his 22 classmates were bubbling with excitement, Cruz remained quiet. He was worried. Fanchon had said their uniforms were every kind of “proof” imaginable: waterproof, sunproof, bugproof, reptileproof, even germproof. But she had left one very important “proof” off the list.

Bulletproof.

THE OFFICIAL PLOT (From Amazon)

In the exciting follow-up to The Nebula Secret in the 7-book Explorer Academy series, Cruz, Sailor, and Emmett, along with their new ally Bryndis, embark on their first globe-trotting mission aboard the ship Orion. Cruz jumps right back into school and starts using the latest technology in submersible underwater dives, but is soon reminded of the dangers of exploration when his equipment fails and he almost drowns. Determined to keep his eyes on the prize, Cruz sneaks away to try to find answers, but unknowingly lures his friends into bigger trouble. When a friend of Cruz’s mom meets an untimely end, Cruz’s luck really seems about to run out and the questions multiply. What does the message mean? Where will it lead? Who is following him? And why?

RESOURCES

The Explorer Academy website has videos, code breaking games, and look at the technology and explorers providing the background for the series.

The Explorer Academy: The Falcon’s Feather Educator’s Guide.

ALL ABOUT THE AUTHOR

truditrueit.pngTrudi Trueit imagined a career as a novelist ever since writing, her first play in the fourth grade. A former TV news reporter and weather forecaster, Trudi has published more than 100 fiction and nonfiction books for young readers.

Trudi’s fiction books include My Top Secret Dares & Don’ts, The Sister Solution, Stealing Popular, and the Secrets of a Lab Rat series (all from Aladdin). Trudi’s numerous nonfiction titles cover such topics as history, weather, wildlife, earth science, writing, education, and health. Recent releases include Detecting Avalanches & Detecting Volcanic Eruptions (FOCUS Readers); Giant Pandas, Grizzly Bears, and Polar Bears from the Wild Bears series (Amicus). Look for Explorer Academy, her new children’s fiction series for National Geographic, coming Sept 4, 2018!

Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Trudi graduated suma cum laude with a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA. She currently lives in Everett, WA with her husband and their cats. She loves photography, painting, and all things chocolate.

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I received a copy of the book for my honest review. Comment below if you have time.
Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

THE OWLS HAVE COME TO TAKE US AWAY

Posted on May 3, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

Tthe owls.jpgwelve-year-old Simon lives on an Air Force base with his mom and dad. It’s summer vacation, which is fine with Simon except he’s without his best friend who is on a trip to Mexico. Simon spends most days playing video games, writing his own fantasy story, and researching aliens. He’s discovered way too much on the Internet about these possible visitors from space. After a camping trip he’s convinced they’re coming after him. There’s no escape since he also believes they’ve implanted a chip or probe in his stomach.

The tension and creepiness builds in marvelous fashion like a junior version of the X-Files. No nightmares for me but younger readers might not be so fortunate. This felt like an upper MG title perfect for those readers who enjoy a scary story but also realize this is fiction (we hope). As Simon is put on medication and  forced to see a psychiatrist, he realizes everyone thinks he has gone crazy. An older brother and a stereotypical military father are no help. His mother tries to understand, but her compassion doesn’t lead to the same belief that aliens will soon take over civilization as we know it.

The ending was abrupt, and although I saw it coming, it could have been stretched out a bit more and followed with a sequel to replace the prologue. Fans of the recent Dr. Fell and the Playground of Doom, Oddity, or Watch Hollow have another inventive story to feed their desire for frightening events.

THE OFFICIAL PLOT (From Amazon)

Twelve-year-old Simon is obsessed with aliens. The ones who take people and do experiments. When he’s too worried about them to sleep, he listens to the owls hoot outside. Owls that have the same eyes as aliens—dark and foreboding.

Then something strange happens on a camping trip, and Simon begins to suspect he’s been abducted. But is it real, or just the overactive imagination of a kid who loves fantasy and role-playing games and is the target of bullies and his father’s scorn?

Even readers who don’t believe in UFOs will relate to the universal kid feeling of not being taken seriously by adults that deepens this deliciously scary tale.

About Ronald L. Smith

I grew up on Air Force Bases and have lived in Japan, Maine, Alabama, Michigan, Washington, DC, South Carolina, Delaware and a bunch of other places I don’t remember.

I read a lot of books as a kid, especially fantasy and science fiction, and this inspired my lifelong love of the fantastical.

I always knew I would be some sort of writer, and as an adult, found myself drawn to the world of advertising. It was nice to make a living as a real writer, working on big-budget TV commercials and traveling all over the world. I did it for many years, selling everything from cheeseburgers to cars to airlines. During this Mad Men-esque era, I didn’t work on my fiction at all, and focused solely on my career.

(For more visit Ronald’s web site where you will also find links to many of his interviews)

I received a copy of the book for my my honest review.

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Coming up this Monday is another edition of…

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