MMGM for 11/12/18

Posted on November 12, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

                    

It’s National Young Readers Week! I kick off the celebration  at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE with a review of INKLING.  Click  the book loving kids to reach my post and each red book to connect with all the other celebrants below!
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles interviews debut author Melanie Sumrow with a GIVEAWAY of her MG contemporary THE PROPHET CALLS.
June McCrary Jacobs at ‘Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic continues her November theme of World War I & II books with one from the DK findout! series entitled, ‘World War I‘.
Beth Mitchell at Imaginary Friends has a review of The Once and Future Geek by Mari Mancusi.
Mark Baker at Carstairs Considers is back this week with a review of Spy School Goes South by Stuart Gibbs.
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal returns with a review of Hank Zipzer: The Cow Poop Treasure Hunt by Henry Winkler & Lin Oliver.
Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of THIS BOOK THINKS YOU’RE AN ARTIST. A bonus each week are Rosi’s helpful links for writers.
Sue Kooky at Kitty Cat at the Library has a review of FLASHBACK by our MMGM creator, Shannon Messenger.
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.
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 | 2 Comments

INKLING

Posted on November 11, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

IT’S ANOTHER MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

This was the fourth book I’d read in 2018 where a family grieves over a deceased parent. Here we go again is all I could think, but INKLING approaches a tough issue in Inkling.jpga very different and creative way.

In the beginning, young Ethan Rylance finds a ink blot loose in his room. The blot slipped off a drawing board in his Dad’s studio—a graphic artist and storyteller who has been in a a slump since his wife died. The blot appears dangerous at first, but Ethan soon finds out it is quite friendly and names the blob, Inkling. His new friend feeds off the print in books or magazines, erasing whatever he spreads across (at least everyone assumes Inkling is a he). Inkling can also change into any shape or word to communicate.

The secret doesn’t last as friends and family get a look at the creature. Some will use it for their own gain while Inkling knows his real purpose is to somehow heal this family. Readers will get attached to this sweet and often amusing tale. The fantasy tugs your heart and provides a smile at a time when most needed.

BRIEF SYNOPSIS from Penguin Random House

The Rylance family is stuck. Dad’s got writer’s block. Ethan promised to illustrate a group project at school–even though he can’t draw. Sarah’s still pining for a puppy. And they all miss Mom. So much more than they can say.

Enter Inkling. Inkling begins life in Mr. Rylance’s sketchbook. But one night the ink of his drawings runs together–and then leaps off the page! This small burst of creativity is about to change everything.

Ethan finds him first. Inkling has absorbed a couple chapters of his math book–not good–and the story he’s supposed to be illustrating for school–also not good. But Inkling’s also started drawing the pictures to go with the story–which is amazing! It’s just the help Ethan was looking for! Inkling helps the rest of the family too–for Sarah he’s a puppy. And for Dad he’s a spark of ideas for a new graphic novel. It’s exactly what they all want.

It’s not until Inkling goes missing that this family has to face the larger questions of what they–and Inkling–truly need.

PUBLICATION DATE: 2018   PAGE COUNT: 272

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT:

INKLING

  1. The pages of the book are ink blotted giving you the sense of truly being in the story.
  2. Ethan’s younger sister has Down’s Syndrome, but it is never portrayed as a disability. You just have to take more time with Sarah.
  3. Rickman, a cranky old cat who provides humor and serves as a feline menace to Inkling.
  4. A scene at the end hints at a sequel. I would welcome more time with this family.
  5. The story is fast paced with a thrilling conclusion. It will for sure become a favorite for teachers, parents, and kids.

HOW KENNETH OPPEL BEGAN HIS WRITING CAREER:

I was born in Port Alberni, a mill town on Vancouver Island, British Columbia but spent the bulk of my childhood in Victoria, B.C. and on the opposite coast, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. At around twelve I decided I wanted to be a writer. I started out writing sci-fi epics then went on to swords and sorcery tales and then, during the summer holiday when I was fourteen, started on a humorous story about a boy addicted to video games.

It turned out to be quite a long story, really a short novel, and I rewrote it the next summer. We had a family friend who knew Roald Dahl – one of my favourite authors – and this friend offered to show Dahl my story. I was paralysed with excitement. I never heard back from Roald Dahl directly, but he read my story, and liked it enough to pass on to his own literary agent. I got a letter from them, saying they wanted to take me on, and try to sell my story. And they did.

Colin’s Fantastic Video Adventure was published in 1985, in Britain and Canada and the U.S, and later in France. It was easily the most exciting thing that had ever happened to me — and it gave me the confidence to think I could make writing my career. For more visit Kenneth’s author web site)

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I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an 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

SOLVE THIS!

Posted on November 9, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

Attention! All budding engineers should get a copy of this book. It will confirm you are on the right career path. It might even entice those who had never even thought about a career in engineering to give it a go.ngogeokbstw_3b34631b-3659-4472-bc4f-6bfa1af793c8_1024x1024.jpg

Divided in to three sections, the first 35 pages are about the field of engineering. There are many different kinds of engineers but they all have the same purpose: to solve problems. You get a chance to practice with a build it project in the field of Mechanical, Acoustical, or Structural Engineering. You then learn about the eight steps used by engineers when tackling tough problems.

Sections two takes up the center of the book and is filled with 14 fun, wacky projects to test your engineering genius using the eight-step process. You are given 24 hours to complete each one. Afterwards you turn the page and discover how real engineers and explorers solved the same problem. My favorites were Sweet Security where the objective is to protect your candy stash; and Special Delivery (Transporting an object between two windows).

The final section looks back at past engineering successes and failure, along with what we will be working in the future. A handy Find Out More reference page and a bold, colorful glossary round out the fun learning.

SOLVE THIS! will appeal to both girls and boys and the only problem you’ll have is getting the book out of their hands.

All About the Author

Although making books since the age of nine, Joan Marie Galat wasn’t published until 12 years old, when she became a weekly newspaper columnist. Today she is the award-winning author of more than a dozen books, with new titles scheduled for release in 2018. She is the author of Day Trips From Edmonton and Give Yourself a Pep Talk, as well as the Dot to Dot in the Sky series. Her kid’s titles explore astronomy, mythology, light pollution, history, and nature. Joan’s books have taken her to many places, including Seoul, South Korea where she spoke at a United Nations event in 2016.
Joan operates MoonDot Media, a communications business offering writing, editing, and training solutions in broadcast, print, and multi-media. A keynote speaker and frequent presenter, Joan loves to share her passion for nonfiction, fiction, and storytelling.

(For more visit Joan’s web site)

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Coming up next week is another MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY.
If you would like to join in the MMGM fun, 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). Email me the title of the book you’re featuring and a link to your blog at gpcolo (at) gmail (dot) com by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
 (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).
Thank you so much for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and for spreading the middle grade love!
*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

Middle Grade in the News 11/8/18

Posted on November 7, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

Here are a few news and special feature articles I’ve enjoyed recently:INTHE NEWS

  1. Can diversity in children’s books tackle prejudice? Find out in this probing article from CNN.

  2. Publisher Weekly is out with their 14 best middle grade titles for 2018. I’ve only read half of these. There go the holidays!
  3. I bet you didn’t know today is National STEM Day. Here are five ways to celebrate with kids along with some equally fun resources.

That’s all for now. I’ll be back Friday with a review of SOLVE THIS!

Posted in Middle Grade News | Tagged | 2 Comments

MMGM for 11/5/18

Posted on November 5, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

                   

Election Day is tomorrow! ALWAYS in the MIDDLE approves that message and my review of CHILDREN OF JUBILEE. Click the ballot box to read and be sure to check out all the other sites below. They each get my vote!
June McCrary Jacobs at ‘Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic has the first of her November series on World War I, honoring the centennial of the Armistice. Today is a biography, The Poppy Lady:  Moina Bell Michael and Her Tribute to Veterans.
Suzanne Warr at Tales from the Raven joins the MMGM parade this week with a spotlight on Full Cicada Moon, by Marilyn Hilton.
Andrea Mack at That’s Another Story shares another good one this week—The Sweetest Sound by Sherri Winston.
Beth Mitchell at Imaginary Friends has a review of Front Desk by Kelly Yang.
Rosi Hollinbeck has a review & GIVEAWAY of Carnival of the Animals by Elizabeth Varadan. Be sure to also click on her links for writers as they are always very helpful.
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.
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 MMGM Links | Tagged | 1 Comment

CHILDREN OF JUBILEE

Posted on November 4, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

WELCOME TO ANOTHER MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

The Children of Exile series closes with this heart pounding finale.  Each book is narrated by one of the young characters. In book one, Children of Exile, twelve-year-old Rosi, led the charge. Her friend, Edwy, took over in book two, Children of Refuge. In Children of Jubilee the final book, (releasing tomorrow, November 6th), Edwy’s older sister—thirteen-year-old Kiandra gives us her narrative.

Jubilee-for-website.jpgThree viewpoints provided much depth to the series. It was interesting to read their first person reactions to the other characters. With Kiandra, she is the tech nerd, and finds her older brother Enu’s tough guy approach quite irritating. When all the kids are captured by the evil Enforcers and taken to another planet, the scenes are terrifying. It’s gut wrenching to experience the feeling of what they go through thanks to the top notch writing. The Enforcers mean business and you can’t resist.

This sci-fi thriller will appeal to both boys and girls and all three read well as a standalone. I in fact started with Book 2, before going back and reading Book 1, and then the final. The author does a great job filling in the blanks along the way in case you missed a plot point.

Surprises abound with new characters and settings. Nothing is quite what it seems. It made me glad to be a simple human on good old planet earth. Here I can enjoy the great ride present in each of the Children of Exile stories. It would be a perfect book for a parent and child to read at the same time—a thought provoking tale sure to bring about much discussion.

PUBLICATION DATE: 2018   PAGE COUNT: 320

FULL PLOT (From Margaret Peterson Haddix)

Since the Enforcers raided Refuge City, Rosi, Edwy, and the others are captured and forced to work as slave labor on an alien planet, digging up strange pearls. Weak and hungry, none of them are certain they will make it out of this alive.

But Edwy’s tech-savvy sister, Kiandra, has always been the one with all the answers, and so they turn to her. But Kiandra realizes that she can’t find her way out of this one on her own, and they all might need to rely on young Cana and her alien friend if they are going to survive.

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: CHILDREN OF JUBILEE

  1. This is my favorite cover of the three. It hints at a planet with two different sides. What you see is not always what you get.
  2. Kiandra is a problem solver. Her outward toughness and inner fears will remind you of many girls at this age.
  3. Alcibiades is the new creature/character and he brings a helpful hand (I mean tentacle) to the adventure.
  4. Little five-year-old Cana provides a soft spot and also bravery to the unthinkable situation she is in.
  5. The theme of seeing each other in different ways, but also understanding other’s actions is the full encompassing feeling you get after completing the series.

FROM THE AUTHOR, Margaret Peterson Haddix:  

When my daughter was in third grade, she brought home a list one day that described what everyone in her class wanted to be when they grew up. Most of the kids clearly picked the same jobs their parents held. But a few went for the fantastical. One kid said he wanted to be a spy; another was longing to be a professional dirt-biker; another saw himself as a future movie director. And I looked at that list and thought, “Yep, I’m with the dirt-biker and the spy.” (For the full story visit Margaret’s bio page).

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***I received a galley of this title in return for my review. Leave a  comment below. I enjoy reading all of them!***

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, New Release | Tagged , , , | 10 Comments

YOU DON’T KNOW EVERYTHING, JILLY P!

Posted on November 2, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

Racism… Shootings of black youth… Treatment of deaf and deafness… White privilege… First crush.

Wow… a lot of topics to throw into one story—perhaps too many.

JillyP.jpg

Jilly is a white middle school girl who reflects on the happenings in her life. She has a new baby sister who is deaf and Jilly has her own ideas about how to deal with the disability. Next she witnesses racism in her own family and through the eyes of the deaf community. She also has a liking for a deaf black boy she meets online via a chat room set up for a massively popular fantasy series.

What Jilly says will either match what young audience are thinking or make them realize they had never thought about it that way. This is where the power of Jilly P resides. The story is best read in a classroom or with family. Talking to others about these topics will give readers the chance to reflect and maybe begin to make change—just like Jilly’s family does in a bold way.

The Author notes were quite helpful in framing the reasons and connections as to why the story was written. It might be something you read before starting the first chapter.

The ending is not one I enjoy in books where there’s a sudden rush to push the story forward three months, then nine more months, three more months, and finally three more years. I’d much rather read a sequel.

Overall a great springboard for a discussion on these current topics in our communities.

Year Published: 2018   Page Count: 256

Summary (Via the author’s web site):

The way the world sees you changes how you see the world.

Jilly thinks she’s figured out how life works. But when her sister Emma is born Deaf, she realizes how much she still has to learn. The world is going to treat Jilly, who is white and hearing, differently from Emma, just as it will treat them both differently from their Black cousins.

A big fantasy reader, Jilly makes a connection online with another fantasy fan, Derek, who is a Deaf Black ASL user. She goes to Derek for help with Emma but doesn’t always know the best way or time to ask for it. As she and Derek meet in person, have some really fun conversations, and become friends, Jilly makes some mistakes . . . but comes to understand that it’s up to her, not Derek, to figure out how to do better next time — especially when she wants to be there for Derek the most.

Within a world where kids like Derek and Emma aren’t assured the same freedom or safety as kids like Jilly, Jilly is starting to learn all the things she doesn’t know – and by doing that, she’s also working to discover how to support her family and her friends.

All About Alex Gino

AlexGino_photocreditBlakeCAarens-768x838Alex Gino loves glitter, ice cream, gardening, awe-ful puns, and stories that reflect the diversity and complexity of being alive. They would take a quiet coffee date with a friend over a loud and crowded party any day. Alex is proud to have been an activist and advocate for LGBTQ+ communities since 1997. Born and raised on Staten Island, NY, they now enjoy living in Oakland, CA. Alex is author of middle grade novels You Don’t Know Everything, Jilly P! and the Stonewall Award-winning George.

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(I received a galley for my honest review)

Coming up next week is another MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY.
If you would like to join in the MMGM fun, 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.
Thank you so much for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and for spreading the middle grade love!
*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, New Release | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

SAM WU IS NOT AFRAID OF GHOSTS

Posted on October 31, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

SAM WU.jpgSam doesn’t want to be known as a Scaredy-Cat. Unfortunately, he gets off to a terrible start when his first attempt at showing his true bravery goes horribly wrong. But he has a second plan to turn the tide and rid himself of the  Scaredy-Cat label. All he has to do is chase away the ghost that lives in the walls of his house. He knows ghost hunters aren’t afraid of anything.

He gets help from two friends, fast and tall Zoe along with smart kid Bernard. And let’s not forget little sister Lucy. She’s braver than Sam wants to admit. There’s also a snake named Fang . A diverse cast of characters indeed!

Sam Wu is a likeable protagonist who tries hard to fit in. His Asian family supports him, although serving his friends Roast Duck and Turnip Cake might not be the best plan. They’re more used to pizza.

This crossover book to middle grade has a big kid feel to it with 200 plus pages. That might seem daunting to the emerging reader but plenty of amusing images and quips by Sam break up the text allowing for a fun, fast read. Nothing too scary here and young readers will be trying to figure out the ghost mystery themselves.

The best surprise comes at the end because Sam Wu is returning soon with SAM WU IS NOT AFRAID OF SHARKS. You even get to read a few sample chapters. It appears to be  another amusing, page turning story. Thanks you, Sam Wu. You are going to bring smiles to the faces of many new readers.

About the Authors

Katie and Kevin Tsang are Americans who met while studying at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Sam Wu Is Not Afraid of Ghosts is their first joint novel, and the second book in the series, Sam Wu Is Not Afraid of Sharks, is coming in March 2019!  Some of Sam Wu’s experiences are based on Kevin’s childhood!  Katie and Kevin live in London.

Posted in New Release, Reviews | Tagged , | 1 Comment

MMGM for 10/29/18

Posted on October 29, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

                   

Happy Halloween Week! Right here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE, I have a review of a scary new book, SMALL SPACES. Click the pirate pumpkin for my creepy review and be sure to check out all the other sites below. The ghoulish gourds will lead you to their site.
Susan Uhlig loves the touching SOMEWHERE AMONG, a novel written in verse.
June McCrary Jacobs at ‘Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic features the Sports Illustrated Kids book entitled, ‘Women Athletes Who Rule!‘. You can also still enter the GIVEAWAY for ‘Sewing Camp Quilts’ before it ends on October 31st.
Beth Mitchell at Imaginary Friends has Inkling by Kenneth Oppel. This one has a very interesting premise.
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal is reviewing Louisiana’s Way Home by Kate DiCamillo. 
Kara Armstrong at Scribbles of an Aspiring Author is reviewing  Catwoman: Soulstealer, by Sarah J. Maas.
Michael  Gettel-Gilmartin is back with a feature on Allison Varnes’ PROPERTY OF THE REBEL LIBRARIAN on Middle Grade Mafioso.
Dorine White at The Write Path reviews Dungeons & Dragons: To Catch a Thief.
Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of The Boy, The Bird, & The Coffin Maker by Matilda Woods. Be sure to also click on her links for writers as they’re always  helpful.
Sue Kooky from Kitty Cat at the Library reviews THE SNOW WITCH for this Halloween week’s post.
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.
Faith Elizabeth Hough is raving about The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden, by Karina Yan Glaser.
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 MMGM Links | Tagged , | 4 Comments

SMALL SPACES

Posted on October 28, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

Do not read this one before bedtime, or in a cornfield at sunset, or most definitely  not in SMALL SPACES.small spaces

This well spun tale begins as a mystery of sorts for about the first hundred pages. The rest of the way can only be described as TERRIFYING. A busload of sixth graders and their teacher are on a field trip to a farm. (By the way, I doubt the bus driver was ever employed by the school district.) For young Ollie, things seem eerily familiar to the book she’s been reading also called Small Spaces.

The bus gets stuck on a misty dark road. Ollie discovers the scarecrows are alive but can only get you at night. Yikes. The tension put forth is at an all time high. I’m talking Goosebumps to the tenth power. But what great writing! You’ll savor the twists and turns. The middle grade audience will enjoy every minute spent with Ollie and her creepy adventure. I for one will be reading this  again every Halloween.

PUBLICATION DATE: 2018   PAGE COUNT: 224

THE OFFICIAL BLURB (From Putnam and Penguin Young Readers Group)

After suffering a tragic loss, eleven-year-old Ollie only finds solace in books. So when she happens upon a crazed woman at the river threatening to throw a book into the water, Ollie doesn’t think–she just acts, stealing the book and running away. As she begins to read the slender volume, Ollie discovers a chilling story about a girl named Beth, the two brothers who both loved her, and a peculiar deal made with “the smiling man,” a sinister specter who grants your most tightly held wish, but only for the ultimate price.Ollie is captivated by the tale until her school trip the next day to Smoke Hollow, a local farm with a haunting history all its own. There she stumbles upon the graves of the very people she’s been reading about. Could it be the story about the smiling man is true? Ollie doesn’t have too long to think about the answer to that. On the way home, the school bus breaks down, sending their teacher back to the farm for help. But the strange bus driver has some advice for the kids left behind in his care: “Best get moving. At nightfall they’ll come for the rest of you.” Nightfall is, indeed, fast descending when Ollie’s previously broken digital wristwatch, a keepsake reminder of better times, begins a startling countdown and delivers a terrifying message: RUN.Only Ollie and two of her classmates heed the bus driver’s warning. As the trio head out into the woods–bordered by a field of scarecrows that seem to be watching them–the bus driver has just one final piece of advice for Ollie and her friends: “Avoid large places. Keep to small.”

And with that, a deliciously creepy and hair-raising adventure begins.

 

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT:

SMALL SPACES

  1. Ollie is a fantastic heroine. Her decisions and eventual understanding of classmates bring her character full circle.
  2. There may be a run on scarecrow costumes this Halloween, although the ones in
    Small Spaces aren’t looking to fill their bag with candy.
  3. You might get the chills reading this one, but it’s a good kind of chill knowing you’ve read a great story.
  4. Some may call this short, but at 224 pages it is just right for middle graders.
  5. The story matches the attention grabbing cover. So many elements to entice readers.

FAVORITE CREEPY LINE

The driver looked all around and then whispered so that she could barely hear, “They are strong at night, remember? They have clever, grabbing hands, but stiff. and they can’t grab you if they can’t reach you. At night!”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Born in Austin, Texas, Katherine Arden spent a year of high school in Rennes, France. Following her acceptance to Middlebury College in Vermont, she deferred enrollment for a year in order to live and study in Moscow. At Middlebury, she specialized in French and Russian literature. After receiving her BA, she moved to Maui, Hawaii, working every kind of odd job imaginable, from grant writing and making crêpes to guiding horse trips. Currently she lives in Vermont, but really, you never know.

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I received a copy of the book for my honest review. Today’s post is a part of Penguin Teen/Kids #wickedreads campaign. 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, New Release | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments