THE LEGEND OF GREG

Posted on September 9, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

WELCOME TO ANOTHER MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

No, this isn’t my new autobiography. Instead what I’ve been carrying around for a month is a new book by Chris Rylander. I previously laughed my way through his contemporary THE FOURTH STALL. Here he opts for a fantasy set in Chicago.

The title is one I will always treasure, though the subtitle kind of ruined the moment for me. I can easily cover it up with a few fingers. The thing is, other than a certain wimpy kid (Greg Hefley), I finally have another middle grade protagonist sharing my first name.  Too bad the neighbors and relatives have asked me to leave the book at home when I’m traveling about. I guess attaching it to the front of my bike or the car’s front bumper was going a bit too far.

The story centers around Greg Belmont, a short, well fed boy who has never been told he’s a dwarf. It’s not until a troll kidnaps his father that he learns of his past and future. There’s a whole underground beneath the windy city where dwarfs live. He ends up there and vows to get his father back—if his dad is even still alive.

His one friend above ground is an Elf named Edwin. The Elves and Dwarfs are now on the verge of war with each other and their friendship is challenged. Greg finds new dwarf friends who warn him of having nothing to do with any of the distrustful elves. None of this matters to Greg. His purpose in life now is to rescue his dad at all costs. Yes, not all goes as planned.

Forty-eight chapters keep the action moving. Greg’s first person narration takes you through the adventure and a partial conclusion. Little did I know until the end that this is a series. A few plot points are left undone for the second book. Fantasy lovers have another winning to disappear into and you don’t even have to be called Greg to enjoy the ride.

PUBLICATION DATE: 2018   PAGE COUNT: 352

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT:

THE LEGEND OF GREG

  1. If you’ve ever been to Chicago, the fun is multiplied with all the iconic sights Greg visits, including a climatic finish at The Navy Pier.
  2. You get to know Greg and Edwin the most, but I’m sure the other characters will be developed more as the series moves forward.  Both of the boys come from different backgrounds and seeing them as friends was a definite plus. But will it last?
  3. The stakes are high as the Technological Age is threatened to go away. Can you even imagine a world without cell phones or the Internet? Might be fun to try it for a day.
  4. Hilarious chapter titles like Chapter 15: The Grand Spectacle of Borin Woodlogger’s Big Toe or Chapter 11: There’s Bad Weather Brewing in My Guts.
  5. Despite this being a fantasy, real life themes of trust and commitment will ring true for the intended audience.

FAVORITE LINE (And it’s the first line):

It should come as no surprise that the day I almost got my face clawed off by a vicious monster was a Thursday.

Learn more about Chris Rylander and his books at his very unique web site.

********************************************************************

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, Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

THE NEBULA SECRET

Posted on September 7, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

nebulasecret.jpgThere’s something unusual about the newest title from National Geographic. It’s still loaded with science, history, and technology topics we’ve come to expect—ones I’ve championed many times the past few years at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE. What makes THE NEBULA SECRET unique is it’s their first fiction novel for middle grade readers. And what a fun and thrilling ride it turns out to be.

The story centers around a special school in Washington D.C. where only the best potential young explorers are invited to attend. Twelve-year-old Cruz Coronado from Hawaii is accepted to be in the newest class and joins 23 others from around the globe. Told in third person it centers around Cruz as he attempts to figure out what Nebula is and the true reason his mother died seven years ago.

Filled with diverse and not always perfect characters (including Cruz), the adventure is accompanied by frequent color illustrations. Twenty-one chapters provide much intrigue and fun through the advanced classes the young explorers take. The mystery is what propels the story forward to an exciting and an “I did not see that coming” conclusion. But wait… the story will continue with Book 2 THE FALCON’S FEATHER and a companion codebreaking activity book set for release in Spring, 2019.

Author Trudi Trueit has penned a fantastic story sure to please kids for many years to come.

THE EXPLORER ACADEMY website lets you read Chapter one, play a game of Crack the Code, and explore topics from THE NEBULA SECRET in more detail.

A family of four will win the Explorer Academy Sweepstakes—a shipboard adventure through Alaska’s Inside Passage courtesy of National Geographic Expeditions. Enter here!

Watch the official one minute trailer with scenes from the story!

THE OFFICIAL PLOT (From the author’s website)

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

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.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Coming up next week is another…
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 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, Reviews | Tagged , , | 11 Comments

MIDDLE GRADE in the NEWS 9/6/18

Posted on September 5, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

The winners of my recent Anniversary Giveaway are DANIELLE HAMMELEF, THE BOOK OWL, and ANTOINETTE TRUGLIO MARTIN. They each are receiving a first edition of 24 HOURS IN NOWHERE and a $25 Amazon gift card. Congratulations!

Here are a few news and special feature articles I’ve enjoyed recently from BRIGHTLY. It’s a great site full of book surprises!

 

  1. A much needed list:  11 Books To Bridge the Gap Between Middle Grade and YA.
  2. Is your TBR pile needing a few more titles? Try out 20 Must-Read Middle Grade Books of Fall 2018.

That’s all for now. I’ll be back Friday with a review of National Geographic KIDS newest release. Their first endeavor into fiction!

Posted in Middle Grade News | Tagged | 1 Comment

MMGM for 9/3/18

Posted on September 3, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

Leading the MMGM parade on Labor Day is Joanne Fritz at My Brain on Books. She’s an author and a survivor (read more about her here). You’ll find book recommendations and reviews going back to 2009. But that’s not all! There is a handy list of middle grade blogging sites and links for writers. Today she has a review of The Third Mushroom. Click on the MMGM icon to read her post.

Here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of THE MISCALCULATIONS OF LIGHTNING GIRL by Stacy McAnulty, a contemporary story with heart. Click the Labor Day flags to reach my review.
June McCrary Jacobs at ‘Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic has STEAM education book by Author Kathy Ceceri entitled, ‘MAKE:  Musical Inventions–DIY Instruments to Toot, Tap, Crank, Strum, Pluck and Switch On‘.
Scribbles of an Aspiring Author, Kara Armstrong, reviews To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, by Jenny Han. It’s an upper MG/YA title for ages 12 and up.
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal is reviewing Seed Savers– Treasure by Sandra Smith. The first book in a futuristic series where growing your own food is illegal.
Author Rebecca Balcárcel is also reviewing THE MISCALCULATIONS OF LIGHTNING GIRL by Stacy McAnulty. I’ll be heading over there to find out if we’re in agreement on this book.
Karen Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads always has an informative MMGM post. Be sure to check out today’s feature and all of her other reviews the past week.
Author Dorine White at The Write Path is featuring a plethora of picture books.
If you would like to join in the MMGM fun and get your own spot on the walkway, 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 | 2 Comments

THE MISCALCULATIONS OF LIGHTNING GIRL

Posted on September 2, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

WELCOME TO ANOTHER MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

For several years I taught  in a special program for intellectually gifted students. These were 28 sixth graders who had a variety of strengths in writing, math, and the sciences. They were all deep thinkers and I did for them what I’ve always done with students: Find out what they know and can do and then push them further. Every child deserves growth no matter their starting point. That part was easy.

A more challenging aspect were the social-emotional needs. Gifted is a loaded word and many of these bright youngsters would have traded their ‘gifts’ to be normal. Concerns with identity and fit, heightened sensory functions, perfectionism, anxiety, and underachievement took up 90% of my time. This new book by Stacy McAnulty would have been a good one to use with those students.

Lucy Callahan wasn’t born gifted. Her intellectual skills came about after being struck by lightning. It’s a real condition called Acquired Savant Syndrome. She lives with her grandmother and is home schooled until Grandma decides it would be best if she went to middle school for a year.  Uh-oh is right.

The depiction of middle school here is one of the most accurate I’ve come across—both for students and their teachers. Lucy’s first person narration hides the fact she is a Math genius. What she can’t hide are her OCD tendencies. She counts everything and has to stand and sit three times before settling down. Lucy does make a few friends and one huge enemy, but the heart of this story is accepting differences. We can’t all fit into the same box.

The ending was not an ending but instead provided hope. We need more contemporary dramas like this one.

PUBLICATION DATE: 2018   PAGE COUNT: 304

THE PLOT (From Penguin Random House)

Lucy Callahan was struck by lightning. She doesn’t remember it, but it changed her life forever. The zap gave her genius-level math skills, and ever since, Lucy has been homeschooled. Now, at 12 years old, she’s technically ready for college. She just has to pass 1 more test–middle school!

Lucy’s grandma insists: Go to middle school for 1 year. Make 1 friend. Join 1 activity. And read 1 book (that’s not a math textbook!). Lucy’s not sure what a girl who does calculus homework for fun can possibly learn in 7th grade. She has everything she needs at home, where nobody can make fun of her rigid routines or her superpowered brain. The equation of Lucy’s life has already been solved. Unless there’s been a miscalculation?

A celebration of friendship, Stacy McAnulty’s smart and thoughtful middle-grade debut reminds us all to get out of our comfort zones and embrace what makes us different.

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT:

THE MISCALCULATIONS OF LIGHTNING GIRL

  1. Her two friends, Windy and Levi, are so different but also much needed in her life. They provided the spark that kept the story moving forward.
  2. The group project is something kids dread or cheer depending on who they get to work with. The dog shelter sub plot for Lucy was a gem. Canine lovers may shed a tear for the plight of many of these dogs.
  3. Levi’s I don’t care exterior could have stayed that way throughout. Instead, what breaks out is a very caring individual. Great character arc.
  4. There’s a big gift to math lovers here with Lucy’s infatuation with Pi and her natural calculator brain. But those who despise math should not stay away as your side of the equation is also portrayed.
  5. Mr. Stoker is the kind of teacher we should all have a chance to meet and learn from.

FAVORITE LINES:

The best decision Nana ever made was taking me out of public school. Now she wants to send me back. Obviously, her judgment is deteriorating.

You can also read the first chapter here!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR, Stacy McAnulty:

In no particular order… I’m a wife, mother of 3 kids and 3 dogs, author, daughter, sister and stepsister, aunt, friend, Twitter addict, mechanical engineer (currently inactive), inconsistent blogger, Packers fan, two-finger typist, concerned citizen, book-buying enthusiast, reluctant volunteer, minivan driver, pancake flipper, snooze-button hitter, and coupon clipper.

 (For a more traditional bio see Stacy’s author website)

*******************************************************************

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, Reviews | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments

COUNTDOWN—2979 Days to the Moon

Posted on August 31, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

The moon is a fascinating companion to Earth. It’s been nearly 50 years since Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin first stepped on its surface. For middle grade kids today, reading this fascinating new look at the Apollo years is worth every minute of their time.

The first ten missions are detailed leading up to the climatic journey of Apollo 11. The text has a poetic free verse feel to it along with dramatic dialog. Each of the chapters end with a look at the astronauts who were a part of the quest. Photographs from NASA add to the understanding of how fantastic this achievement came to be. As the drama heightens it’s hard to stop the pages from turning.  Accompanied by full color illustrations, the artist Thomas Gonzales masterfully recreates real life scenes. He fulfills his goal of making sure readers have the illusion of being there.

FROM PEACHTREE PUBLISHERS:

In 1961, President John F. Kennedy announced that the United States would try to land a man on the Moon by the end of the decade. During the two thousand, nine hundred and seventy-nine days that followed his speech, eighteen astronauts climbed into spaceships; three of them died before even leaving the ground. Eight rockets soared into space. And four hundred thousand people—engineers, technicians, scientists, mathematicians, and machinists—joined Project Apollo in hopes of making the dream a reality.

Award-winning author and former mechanical engineer Suzanne Slade joins up with New York Times best-selling illustrator Thomas Gonzalez to tell the powerful story of the successes, failures, triumphs, tragedies, and lessons learned from Apollos 1 through 10 that led to the first Moon landing.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Perfect for science classroom and home. The book has an epic feel to it that is only surpassed by the achievements it describes. Teachers can access the handy classroom guide for free. For all space buffs and future astronauts, COUNTDOWN is one you’ll want in your own library. This is one not to miss!

ABOUT SUZANNE SLADE: A mechanical engineer by degree, Suzanne Slade is the award-winning author of more than one hundred books,including Dangerous Jane and Astronaut Annie. Before beginning her writing career, Suzanne worked at McDonnell Douglas Space Systems in Huntington Beach, California, on Delta rockets, Titan rockets, and the Delta-Star spacecraft. While at MDSS, Suzanne worked with engineers who helped create the third stage of the Saturn V rocket, which launched the Apollo Moon missions. As part of her research for this book, Suzanne corresponded with Walter Cunningham (Apollo 7) and interviewed Alan Bean (Apollo 12), one of the twelve astronauts who walked on the Moon. She lives near Chicago.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR: Thomas Gonzalez was born in Cuba and moved to the United States as a ten-year-old child. After attending the Atlanta College of Art (now called Savannah College of Art and Design) he freelanced for a year and landed a position at the Coca-Cola Company, where he intended to work for just five years. Twenty-plus years later, having worked with major global brands and held several creative positions, he left and became an illustrator, designer, and portrait artist. He has illustrated a number of children’s books, including Seven and a Half Tons of Steel, Toad Weather, The House on Dirty-third Street, and 14 Cows for America. He lives in Duluth, Georgia, with his wife Noni and daughter Nina, and three awesome dogs.

##############

Coming up this Monday is a special Labor Day 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 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, non fiction | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

MMGM for 8/27/18

Posted on August 27, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

IT’S A CELEBRATION!

This past weekend marked my six year blogging anniversary at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! Don’t worry. You didn’t miss it. The party is today! First off I have a review of 24 HOURS IN NOWHERE by Dusti Bowling. Click on the the image and give it a read, then comment for your chance to win one of three special giveaways. You can get a second entry by commenting on my announcement post from last Friday. Whether you have followed me for years or are new today please enter, it’s my thank you for a great six years. Much more to come! (Be sure to visit all these other great MMGM bloggers by clicking on the cupcake I made for each of them.)

Author Susan Uhlig shares the laugh she had reading Eric Kahn Gale’s THE WIZARD’S DOG, a magical fantasy sure to please Merlin fans of all ages.
June McCrary Jacobs at ‘Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic has a feature on a STEAM Biography about a seventeenth century female artist and scientist entitled, ‘The Girl Who Drew Butterflies‘.
Completely Full Bookshelf recommends The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson, a Newbery medal winner many of us may have missed.
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal is reviewing a powerful nonfiction book, Stormy Seas: Stories of Young Boat People by Mary Beth Leatherdale.
Rosi Hollinbeck has a REVIEW and GIVEAWAY of Louisiana’s Way Home by Kate DiCamillo. Rosi also includes some helpful links for writers.
Kevin Springer at Middle Grade Mafia gives you his thoughts on STU TRULY by Dan Richards. Perfect for those 10-13 year-olds who are doing their best to survive adolescence.
Mundie Kids frequently feature children book reviews. Check out all their posts including a look at Disney’s Villains Series. You can also enter the Giveaway!
Karen Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads always has an informative MMGM post. Be sure to check out today’s feature and all of her other reviews the past week including Marcus Vega Doesn’t Speak Spanish.

LATE ADDITIONS: THE THIRD MUSHROOM and MISSION MUMBAI
If you would like to join in the MMGM fun and get your own spot on the walkway, 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 MMGM Links | Tagged | 4 Comments

24 HOURS IN NOWHERE

Posted on August 26, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

WELCOME TO ANOTHER MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

Before I get to my featured review let me pause to celebrate. This past weekend was my 6th year blogging anniversary! I gave all the details in last Friday’s post. What better way to put a shiny bow on the celebration than a giveaway. Three lucky people will each receive a copy of 24 Hours In Nowhere and your choice of a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card (You can use it a B & N store near you or online) or a $25 Amazon gift card. All are welcome to partake from those who have been with me since the beginning to the few who stumbled across here by accident today. I hope you’ll decide to become a regular.

Enter by commenting below. You can receive a second entry by also commenting  on last Friday’s announcement. Good luck!

Last year the endearing and heartfelt, INSIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF A CACTUS, made it all the way to the finalist round for CYBILS. Author Dusti Bowling is back with another story set in Arizona. It’s a completely new tale with a different cast of great characters.

It was ironic to be reading this book last month while the cave crisis was going on in Thailand. Most of the story here is also set in a cave and it’s every bit as frightening. The town of Nowhere, Arizona is basically a place where dreams die. Thirteen-year-old Gus wants out and he knows college could be his ticket. That’s why he’s already studying words for the SAT.

When he goes to the defense of a girl, things take a turn for the worst—Bo arrives—one of the worst bullies to appear in a middle grade book in recent memory. What results from their confrontation is an agreement that sends Gus and three others into a cave. Each chapter becomes a new hour in their ordeal. They learn about each other, survival, and what friendship really means. For readers, it’s another hard to put down story.

PUBLICATION DATE: September, 2018   PAGE COUNT: 272

FULL PLOT (From Barnes & Noble)

Welcome to Nowhere, Arizona, the least livable town in the United States. For Gus, a bright 13-year-old with dreams of getting out and going to college, life there is made even worse by Bo Taylor, Nowhere’s biggest, baddest bully. When Bo tries to force Gus to eat a dangerously spiny cactus, Rossi Scott, one of the best racers in Nowhere, comes to his rescue—but in return she has to give Bo her prized dirt bike. Determined to buy it back, Gus agrees to go searching for gold in Dead Frenchman Mine, joined by his old friends Jessie Navarro and Matthew Dufort, and Rossi herself. As they hunt for treasure, narrowly surviving everything from cave-ins to mountain lions, they bond over shared stories of how hard life in Nowhere is—and they realize this adventure just may be their way out.

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT:

24 HOURS IN NOWHERE

  1. Gus is an underdog type of kid who makes a perfect narrator. He’s reflective and funny and doesn’t back down to a challenge.
  2. It doesn’t matter if you live in a small or big town. Many of the character’s feelings  will resonate with young readers.
  3. Rossi is the only girl in the group and her mental toughness shines through. She’s a great role model.
  4. Gus periodically throws in one of his new vocabulary words. It’s his own thesaurus of life in the present and past. A unique way to provide even more intrigue to the plot.
  5. The adventure will for sure hook readers. Not only is their excessive heat but also bats, a mountain lion, and wild javelina to make things interesting.

A FACT ABOUT DUSTI BOLWING:  

Her first book, INSIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF A CACTUS, was chosen for the Youth One Book, One Denver reading program this summer.  Thousands of children 9-13 were given a free copy of the book and shared their experiences with the author during her visit last month.

********************************************************************

Make a comment if you have time. You might be a winner this week. Click on the comments link below.

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

A Happy 6th Year Blogging Anniversary!

Posted on August 24, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

What a wild ride!

This weekend marks six years of blogging at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE. Oh Happy Day!

Sorry, no cupcakes to give out as they don’t last too long at my house. What I do have is a big thank you—a giveaway of a new MG release I’m featuring next week: 24 HOURS IN NOWHERE by Dusti Bowling.24hoursinnowhere  Three lucky people will receive the book along with the best kind of bookmark: Your choice of a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card (Use in store and online) or a $25 Amazon gift card.

You can enter by commenting below for one entry and receive another entry by commenting next Monday for my MMGM post—a review of 24 HOURS IN NOWHERE. All are welcome to partake from those who have been with me since the beginning to the few who stumbled across here today by accident.

The winners will be announced the week of September 3rd.

Thanks to all who have visited, commented, and hopefully found one of my reviews or posts helpful. There will be more to come and I hope some day you can read one of my own stories.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Coming up next week is another…
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 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 Giveaways | 14 Comments

MIDDLE GRADE In The News 8/23/18

Posted on August 22, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

Here are a few news and special feature articles I’ve enjoyed recently (If you missed any of the previous posts click here to see them all):

  1. I’m just getting to the bottom of my stack of books to read when this shows up: The Most Anticipated Children’s and YA Books of Fall 2018. I’ve added all seven MG titles to my wish list.
  2. It’s been 20 years since Harry Potter first graced our bookshelves. Read how teachers are still connecting with students through the boy wizard.

That’s all for now. I’ll be back Friday with a huge celebration!

Posted in Middle Grade News | 5 Comments