SURVIVING SUMMER CAMP

It was snowing outside as I was reading SURVIVING SUMMER CAMP. I soon forgot about the cold as this heartwarming story took hold.

Eddy is the main character pictured on the cover. He’s a kid who just likes to stay home, read, and play video games. Eddy also likes to eat, especially junk food.

The upcoming summer is going to be perfect as Adam and Callum, his older and younger brother, are going to summer camp. Not so fast. Turns out Eddy is forced to join them thanks to the sudden decision his parents have made. Things couldn’t be worse attending a camp that doesn’t allow electronics.

Well, it does get worse. The counselor in his cabin is mean both to him and Adam.
Then an overnight hike ends up in near disaster as Eddy and his brothers get lost and separated from the main group. A cougar, bear, and an old man in a cabin make things very scary. Eddy has never been a hero but now it’s up to him to become one and save his brothers.

The 30 chapters zip by with the engaging narration by young Eddy. His thoughts and actions are exactly what you might expect from a pre-teen. His character arc is one of my favorite journeys this year with either a boy or girl character. He’s a kid you will remember.

Lots of boy humor here with a few scenes of stinky air if you know what I mean. Yes, I was giggling too. But the real highlight for readers will be the bravery it takes to believe in yourself and finding the strength to reach new goals. Fast paced with plenty of laughs that will appeal to the reluctant reader. SURVIVING SUMMER CAMP is a great read any time of the year.

PAGE COUNT: 220 BOOK BIRTHDAY: July 5, 2025

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Paul Breau is a middle grade chapter book author from Vancouver, British Columbia. He writes coming of age stories that feature smart, funny, and authentic characters dealing with challenging situations.

Paul’s books include Surviving Summer Camp, Friendship or Foul Play, Friendship or Fame, Jake Murphy: The Karate Choke, and Siarra Jones: Skating Into Trouble.

Paul lives with his wife, daughter, and a Chihuahua dog named Poppy.  He loves skating, karate, and lots of other sports. He is an avid reader and loves to draw. Paul completed a BA in English Literature from the University of British Columbia.

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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 and links from other bloggers 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.
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Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for 12/8/2025

 

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

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is where I review FOOLED by Susan and Lexi Haas.

••Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles has an interview with Sarvenaz Tash and a giveaway of her MG mystery, The Treasure of Ocean Parkway (FYI:  Natalie is traveling today and will visit blogs when she arrives home).

••Kasey Giard @ The Story Sanctuary reviews Graciela in the Abyss by Meg Medina.

••Jennifer Rummel @ YA Book Nerd has Secrets, Spells, and Chocolate: a book about magic, cooking, and mystery.

••Jenni Enzor is featuring Nutcracked by Susan Adrian.

••Brenda @ LOG CABIN LIBRARY reviews The Black Market by Jed Alexander.

••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of HOW THE GHOST ARMY HOODWINKED HITLER. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.

••New visitors to my site are always a plus especially when an author joins my subscriber list. This week author Michelle Massie is with us for the first time. Her fantasy trilogy for middle grade is detailed on her site. Welcome Michelle!

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

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FOOLED

I promise not to fool you. You should definitely read this heartwarming story. The tale is narrated by Lil Evers, pictured on the cover sitting in her wheelchair.

She wants to attend a real wizarding school rather than the worst junior high in the district where she is currently in a special ed classroom. Isolated from the rest of the school, Lil and her friends decide to make their own school of magic with wands and capes. The pretend magic isn’t real, but it helps pass the time.

Magic takes on a whole new meaning when their wands seem to scare away some bullies. Now the whole school thinks their magic is real. Dozens of kids want their wishes to come true with a good luck charm from Lil’s group. The ones they give out seem to be working and changing the whole atmosphere of the school in a positive direction.

Soon there are several warnings from an unknown person who is opposed to these good luck charms. They do discover the individual’s identity and now it is up to these exceptional children to find their voice. The goal is to stop this evil person and save Willow Springs Middle from closing.

Lil is a magical character. She has celebral palsy and uses an alternative communication device to speak when having to talk more than a few words. She learns the power it takes to be recognized and accepted by her regular classroom peers.

FOOLED shows a community where ableism is ever present and diverse learners are not fully accepted. I’m sure there are still schools in America who are this way despite the law that guarantees a free and appropriate education for students with disabilities. The story is full of opportunities for discussion and reflection. My only hesitation is the length which is a bit long for a more contemporary type plot. Regardless, this one is a great addition to the middle grade shelves.

PAGES: 288 BOOK BIRTHDAY: October 21, 2025

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT FOOLED by Susan and Lexi Haas

  1. You’ll find a handy discussion and activity guide at the end of the book. It’s the perfect way to engage one into learning more about friendships, disabilities, and the magic we each possess.
  2. The EC teacher was just the kind of support system these kids needed. Eva the popular class president was also a great character who provided her own unique way of supporting new friends.
  3. The information that hurtful terms like fool, idiot, and retard should neveer be used anywhere to describe another person.
  4. Lil’s Epilogue on the final page expresses her heartfelt feelings about what just happened in her life. Makes you want to meet this character in person.
  5. Never judge a character before you know the whole story. This was brought out beautifully with the reveals about the life of Mr. Riddick, the school janitor.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susan and Lexi Haas are a mother and daughter writing team focusing on disability education and advocacy and the authors of The Year of the Buttered Cat, a Junior Library Guild gold standard selection. Lexi has a rare and severe form of cerebral palsy. While she can’t walk or talk, she was reading by ten months old, has an impressive memory, a keen sense of humor, and an invincible spirit. Recognizing her young daughter’s gift for words, Susan began writing with Lexi to help foster independence and develop communication, but soon learned that Lexi’s fresh perspective needed to be shared with others. In addition to writing together, Susan and Lexi also enjoy presenting to schools and organizations around the world, helping others learn about disability from a first-person narrative. They live in Charlotte, NC.

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DOUBLE FEATURE FRIDAY

I’ve seen many positive reviews about RISK, RESILIENCE, and REDEMPTION so I was happy to finally see it at the top of my future read stack. It’s a short book at just 56 pages but packs a powerful message of understanding about the Holocaust. Written for middle grade readers, it’s the perfect audience to ensure this historical event is never forgotten.

The lives of Bluma Tishgarten’s and Felix Goldberg are told in separate stories beginning in childhood. They were both eventually captured and sent to a prison camp. Living in terrible conditions, timing was on their side as the war eventually came to an end. Bluma and Felix ended up in America where they met and were married. They lost their own family but were able to start a new one together.

The heartfelt story is filled with black and white images that enhance the reading experience. The book is a great start for readers who want to learn more. In the final pages you are encouraged to visit Stories of Survival website for additional information about the Goldbergs.

“After reading this book you must take away a new sense of urgency that lies in the forefront of your mind to eliminate the latest scourge of antisemitism that is sweeping the world.” Henry Goldberg, second-generation survivor 

RISK, RESILIENCE, and REDEMPTION is a book that belongs in every school library.

About the author

Frank W. Baker, a national media literacy educator, has conducted hundreds of professional development workshops for educators across the United States. He maintains the popular MEDIA LITERACY CLEARINGHOUSE web site (www.frankwbaker.com) and writes a regular blogpost on media literacy at WWW.MIDDLEWEB.COM.

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These next titles are new additions to the Nomad Press Science catalog. Both are easy ways to differentiate instruction in the classroom or at home that allow students to pursue topics not usually covered in a typical school day.

WACKY CONTRAPTIONS begins with a look at the Engineering Design Process. This is important because readers will be using this process to build their own contraptions. The remaining chapters show how tension, magnets, gears, water, motors, batteries, and electricity give devices their power and uniqueness.

There are plenty of detailed examples on what to make. How about a contraption to pop a balloon or launch a paper airplane? Not challenging enough? Then try the one on how to make Elephant Toothpaste, Apply a bandage, or Turn off a Light. Plenty more are detailed and dozens of other ideas are listed in the back pages, Don’t worry if you fail on your first try as like all great creators, you keep trying until it is right.

Most of the supplies to build these contraptions can be found around the home and are listed in the Resource section. I could say more but I’ve got to finish building my dog treat launcher.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Laura is a writing coach, presenter, former middle school teacher, and the author of The Fort (Page Street Kids, 2020) as well as dozens of nonfiction STEM books that focus on nature and the environment. This includes Biodiversity: Explore the Diversity of Life on Earth (Nomad Press, 2019) which is on the Booklist editors’ list of the Top 10 Books on the Environment & Sustainability for Youth 2020. She lives  in Boulder, Colorado where she spends as much time as possible outdoors, hiking and watching wildlife. (for more about Laura visit her author website)

ENGINEERING

The book starts with an introduction that takes a look at an engineering marvel from 4,000 years ago with The Great Egyptian Pyramids. Next come the essential six simple machines that we all use. They are highlighted in separate chapters: INCLINED PLANES, LEVERS, PULLEYS, SCREWS, WEDGES, and WHEELS AND AXLES. Details on how each machine works along with several Inquire and Investigate activities to try on your own.

Once you have the basic downs it’s time to create a compound machine using two or more of the simple machines. How to build a Rube Goldberg Machine is the final activity. Brainstorming and creativity at its best.

Each book also contains a detailed Glossary and frequent QR codes throughout. This allows young scientists to extend their learning even further. With the holidays arriving these will be the books to engage and excite the middle grader in your family.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carla Mooney has written more than 70 books for children and young adults. Her work has appeared in many magazines including Highlights, Faces, and Learning Through History. Carla lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (For more about Carla visit her author website)

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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights and links from other bloggers 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.
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Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for 12/1/2025

 

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

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is where I review ONE LAST RIDE by Dan Elish.

••Jennifer Rummel @ YA Book Nerd has a Graphic Novel about Reindeer: North for the Winter.

••ET Charles posts a one question interview with Megan E. Freeman and features her best selling novel Away.

••Brenda @ LOG CABIN LIBRARY reviews Love Wars: Clash of the Parents, A True Divorce Story by Matthew A. Tower, illustrated by  Tsuneo Sanda.

••Jennifer Bohnhoff has Spooky Fun for Middle grade readers with a review and GIVEAWAY of Halloween on the Butterfield Trail.

••Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles is participating in the Holly Jolly Giveaway Hop today where you will find all middle book choices, mostly from the first half of 2025.

••Kasey Giard @ The Story Sanctuary reviews Cast vs. Crew: Setting the Stage by Lindsay Champion.

••Susan Uhlig really loved Dusti Bowling’s HOLDING ON FOR DEAR LIFE.

••Tonja Drecker @ Bookworm for Kids has a review of The Hidden Sea, Wildsmith #3 by Liz Flanagan. 

••Maria Antonia shares a post about The Plot to Kill a Queen by Deborah Hopkinson.

••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of BUSTED by Dan Gemheinhart. Rosi also shares 3 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 today and all her reviews from this past week.

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ONE LAST RIDE

DIVORCE

A FIRST KISS

HORSEBACK RIDING

DEATH

FRIENDSHIPS

ONE LAST RIDE covers all those life events in an endearing and thoughtful way. The upper middle grade novel is narrated by 12-year-old Jackson Segal. He’s at a Vermont summer camp because his parents need time alone to figure out their future together.

Jackson worries what life will be like once camp is over. Will he be living with one parent or both? Camp has at least allowed Jackson to think about other things. This includes discovering a love for horses and being attracted to a girl.

I’ve read more MG books where a parent has passed away, but divorce is more common in today’s preteen world. I’ve worked with many kids both through teaching and mentoring in the Big Brother Big Sisters organization to know the hurt it brings to families. This story is a welcome addition that will be a helpful read for both boys and girls.

Jackson’s voice throughout is believable and heartfelt. There’s also humor and a terrible tragedy. We know Jackson’s character arc is not complete but moving in the right direction. ONE LAST RIDE would be a great story for a parent and child to read together. There are a few minor inappropriate words, frequent talk among the boys of “making out, and a comical first kiss.

Having gone through my own summer camp experience as a kid, it was a reflective experience reading this as an adult. My wish is for a sequel so that Jackson’s story can continue.

PAGES: 194 BOOK BIRTHDAY: 9/2/2025

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: ONE LAST RIDE by Dan Elish

  1. The author details in THE AFTERWORD how his own connection to summer camp helped create this story. It’s a nice backdrop that brings even more meaning to the story.
  2. The boys in Jackson’s cabin are very different. From best friend Matteo and mean know it all Oliver to Noah who says he is “Gay but currently inactive.” They all are a memorable part of the plot.
  3. Jackson’s relationship with the horses was a high point and one I’ve never seen in a horse type book unless the other character is a girl.
  4. The page length was perfect and appreciated in today’s 300+ page middle grade book world.
  5. Doug, the boy’s camp counselor, was insightful and knew exactly what Jackson needed. Bravo to both him and all the other Dougs out there who are there for kids when most needed.

ALL ABOUT DAN ELISH

Dan Elish is the author of eleven novels, including The Worldwide Dessert Contest (Orchard Books and Bantam, for kids), Nine Wives (St. Martins Press, for grown-up types), and Born Too Short (Simon & Schuster), which won a 2004 International Reading Association Students’ Choice Award for young adult literature.

Dan wrote the book to the musical 13 which played at the Mark Taper Forum and won the 2007 Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for best production; he was also nominated for best writing. 13 went on to play at the Jacobs Theater on Broadway is now a film streaming on Netflix. Dan is also the author of the book and co-lyrics for the Off-Broadway musical, The Evolution of Mann, produced at the Cell Theater in NYC in the fall of 2018 and now optioned by Concord Theatricals.

Dan has also written numerous scripts for TV (notably Cyberchase and The Wonder Pets) and has penned music and lyrics to many children’s musicals and works of non-fiction for younger readers. He has won scholarships and fellowships to The Bread Loaf and Sewanee Writers’ Conferences.

Dan grew up in Manhattan, attended The Collegiate School and Middlebury College. He lives in New York with his wife and two children where he continues to write and teach piano. (Dan’s website)

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

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DETECTIVE DOGS

Invasive species can lead to negative consequences for the environment, humans, and other living creatures. The non-fiction DETECTIVE DOGS highlights the amazing work that canines do to seek out invasive species before any damage can be done.

These potential enemies include PESKY PLANTS, MEDDLESOME MUSSELS, and IRRITATING INSECTS, with each focused in a separate chapter. You’ll meet. Fenton and Frost; Fagen and Dia; Hilo, Diesel, and Seuss along with their handlers.

Color photographs enhance the information about their work. The last few pages detail how a dog becomes a detective dog, what skills are needed to be a handler, and a final look at how to keep invasives under control despite the constant changes in the environment.

Further reading is provided with over a dozen sources in the ending Bibliography.

The hardback edition is only 64 pages but it’s a fascinating read, especially for readers like me who knew nothing about these hero canines. The writing is geared toward middle grade readers and is both informative and easy to understand.

Need a holiday gift for the dog loving 8-12 year old in your life? Look no further than DETECTIVE DOGS.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: ALISON PEARCE STEVENS

I bring the work of scientists to kids around the world through Highlights for Children, Science News Explores, ASK magazine, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Audubon Society, National Geographic Kids books, and more. And sometimes super-cool scientific discoveries spark fictional adventures. So I write those, too.

I am a former Regional Advisor for the Nebraska chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and a member of the National Association of Science Writers and Author’s Guild.

(FOR MORE ABOUT ALISON AND THE WORK SHE DOES BE SURE TO VISIT HER INFORMATIVE WEBSITE)

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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights and links from other bloggers 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.
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Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for 11/24/2025

 

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

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is where I participate in the blog tour for MAGIC IN THE MOUNTAINS: A CHRISTMAS TRILOGY by T.E. Milburn. Read my review and also enter a fantastic GIVEAWAY.

••Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles shares a guest post by R. M. Romero and a giveaway of her MG fantasy The Tear Collector.

••Carol Baldwin welcomes back guest reviewer Kate Lundeen and her review of Knights in Manhattan by Kay Dibianca. You can also enter for a chance to win the book.

••Jennifer Rummel @ YA Book Nerd has a review of The Hunt for the Silver Dragon.

••Tonja Drecker @ Bookworm for Kids is taking a look at a box set of traditional Christmas stories, The Essential Christmas Classics Collection, with works from Charles Dickens, E.T.A. Hoffmann, and more.

••Jenni Enzor has a unique post this week: How to Celebrate an Author’s Birthday: Ideas Inspired by L.M. Montgomery.

••Sue Heavenrich has a fun non-ficiton book over at Archimedes Notebook this week: Flick! The Truth About Lizards by Annette Whipple.

 ••Kasey Giard @ The Story Sanctuary reviews North for the Winter by Bobby Podesta:

••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of SPARK by Chris Baron. Rosi also shares 3 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 today and all her reviews from this past week.

Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

MAGIC IN THE MOUNTAINS: A CHRISTMAS TRILOGY

The holiday season is almost here and I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than by joining the blog tour for MAGIC IN THE MOUNTAINS: A CHRISTMAS TRILOGY. Included in the hardback are all 3 stories from the series.

After my review I’ll give you details about a very special giveaway.

Book one is A CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE. We first meet Alex and Noah James and their parents as they drive north to a Canadian ski resort for the Christmas holidays. When the weather turns bad they take a detour and wind up at another resort where they seem to the only guests.

The place is fantastic and the next day they head to the slopes. When the two brothers are off snowboarding by themselves an elf tricks them into a portal and they end up at the North Pole. It’s not a very happy place as Santa has been imprisoned by his own brother who vows to change everything about this happy time of the year. The only hope they have is a crystal that Noah found that has some powerful effects. Noah and Alex are the only ones who can save Christmas.

With family at its core, along with a pleasing holiday adventure, the story is perfect for reading out loud. This one ends on a cliffhanger of sorts and Book 2 takes over.

THE JEWEL OF THE YETI continues the adventure a year later. There has been no more contact from Santa. Everything seems back to normal until an elf turns up again and they are led to a magical world of underground gnomes, a Yeti village, and the North Pole. There’s a gem with mysterious powers and once again they must face the evil brother of Santa.

The fast paced read will have you longing for more and the wait isn’t long with Book 3, CURSE OF THE CRYSTAL. It’s a year later and the James family is spending Christmas in much warmer Costa Rica instead of their usual journey to a Canadian ski resort. A surprising new enemy arrives who turns out to be the real culprit toward ending Christmas and Santa Claus forever. The final tale wraps up the story in a pleasing way. Superb illustrations and tense moments of danger bring Magic in the Mountains to a memorable conclusion.

One you finish the series, you’ll look forward to pulling out the book again and visiting these characters on future Christmas holidays.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: MAGIC IN THE MOUNTAINS: A CHRISTMAS TRILOGY by T. E. Milburn

  1. A perfect balance of boy and girl characters.
  2. The story is action packed, imaginative, and never boring.
  3. You’ll be smiling at some of the corny jokes the boys tell.
  4. Included are full page illustrations that enhance the reading experience.
  5. The animal characters were also memorable like a sneaky monkey and a wise, helpful fox.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book to share my opinion.

GIVEAWAY

CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

T.E. Milburn is a children’s book author who weaves tales filled with adventure, whimsy, and a sprinkle of magic. Her books transport young readers to fantastical worlds where they can make friends with talking animals, embark on daring quests, and discover the beauty of friendship and the power of courage. With each story, T.E. Milburn hopes to inspire children to dream big and explore the limitless possibilities of their own imaginations.

For more information, visit https://temilburn.com.

To purchase the book for yourself or as a gift visit either AMAZON or BARNES & NOBLE

Be Sure to visit all the MAGIC IN THE MOUNTAINS: A CHRISTMAS TRILOGY TOUR STOPS

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DOUBLE FEATURE FRIDAY

I’m always on the lookout this time of the year to start my holiday shopping. These two books would make a great gift for the young reader in your family.

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First up is a realistic and informative look at successful individuals who are labeled as Neurodivergent. This wide encompassing label includes conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and Tourette syndrome.

Twenty-three separate stories are included. Read them in any order. A full page black and white illustration is followed by several pages about each person’s successes, struggles in life, and how they have dealt with their condition. Many of the names you will be familiar with like Simone Biles, Billie Eilish, Selena Gomez, David Beckham, and Daniel Radcliffe. Others won’t be so familiar. There’s Satoshi Tajiri the creator of Pokemon, Professor Jason Arday, and Magazine editor Atoosa Rubenstein to name a few.

Regardless of their level of recognition, each story in EVERYTHING BUT TYPICAL is compelling and heartfelt. You begin to understand the difficulties they faced and how they found success. The result is readers gain a deeper understanding of Neurodivergency,. The knowledge gained just may inspire them to face the roadblocks and find even greater success in their own life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Margeaux is an author and editor living in Louisiana. Her book, Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali:The Fatal Friendship, received a star review from the School Library Journal. The book is a young readers’ adaptation of Blood Brothers, an adult novel and inspiration for the Netflix biopic of the same name. She is the author of 20th Century African American History for Kids, co-author of We Are the United State, as well as several non-fiction books for young readers. Her most recent book, Everything But Typical (Bloomsbury), a middle grade book exploring influential neurodivergent people who have shaped the world, received a star review from the School Library Journal. 

​A budding horror writer, Margeaux’s Substack Original horror anthology, Haintland, has been in the Top 40 Rising Fiction category several times. 

​Margeaux is the former non-fiction editor of Hugo award-winning FIYAH literary magazine of Black Speculative fiction. She has also written for brands such as Ebony, Paste Magazine, and The ScriptLab. Margeaux enjoys Louisiana food and festivals, spending time with her family, and reading a great book. 

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Many non-readers changed their way after diving into The Choose Your Own Adventure series beginning back in 1979. A similar reading experience with a survival focus is the enjoyable CAN YOU SURVIVE THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ? This CHOOSE YOUR PATH book is a part of the Interactive Classic Literature series where readers interact with modern stories. It’s not a replacement for the original but a fun way to navigate through a familiar tale.

The journey begins with the arrival of the cyclone and after a few pages you are asked to make a decision based on two choices. Each one sends you to a different part of the story. I began making some poor choices and soon ended up at a dead end where I was encouraged to try again. The second time through was much better and I survived. It was an engaging way to navigate through the story and will appeal to 9-13 year old readers. CAN YOU SURVIVE THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ? is also a perfect gift to tuck away on those future car or plane trips.

Other books in the series include CAN YOU SURVIVE DRACULA?, CAN YOU SURVIVE THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES?, and CAN YOU SURVIVE THE CALL OF THE WILD?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ryan Jacobson is a successful author and presenter. He has written more than 50 children’s books–including picture books, graphic novels, chapter books, and choose-your-path books. He has presented at dozens of schools, organizations, and special events. Ryan lives in Minnesota with his wife and two sons.

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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 and links from other bloggers 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 Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment