ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING

Posted on October 26, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

everything.jpgWell, not quite everything. Even best selling author, Christopher Lloyd, realized there is only so much you can squeeze into 336 pages. I read this from cover to cover, but most sixth, seventh, and eighth graders will use the handy index to find what they need. It’s a great source to start research on topics that otherwise would have to be found in different books or web sites.

The history is divided into time periods. Chapter one begins the journey 13.8 billion years ago and the narrative continues all the way to 2018 in Chapter 15. The book even has a particularly helpful attached red ribbon book mark. Illustrations and photos add to the understanding of each event. You’ll get to know many of civilizations and the people who created them. Nature, technology, and inventions are also added to the mix. One thing for sure—our Earth has had too much conflict from natural ones to wars.

ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING is an absolute must for every middle school library. It can serve as a springboard for more learning on any topic. It might also inspire all of us to make our world an even better place in the future.

About the Author: Christopher Lloyd graduated with a double-first class degree in history from Cambridge University. He was Science Correspondent with The Sunday Times newspaper in London and is now a bestselling author of more than 15 books, including What on Earth Happened? The Complete Story of the Planet, Life and People from the Big Bang to the Present Day (Bloomsbury) and the Big History Timeline Wallbook series from What on Earth Books. A TEDx speaker, he is in great demand throughout the world at conferences, educational seminars, museums, festivals, and schools.

(I received a copy of ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING from the publisher in return for my honest review)

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Coming up this Monday is another edition of…

If you would like to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book on a Monday (contests, author interviews 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 , , , , | 4 Comments

ACADIA FILES, BOOK 2, AUTUMN SCIENCE

Posted on October 25, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

This smart new series began last June with Summer Science.

the-acadia-files.w300

The second book, AUTUMN SCIENCE, explores the current season through the daily life of Acadia Greene. She’s an inquiring, science loving girl who explores different topics with family and friends. She questions and learns in five chapters:Acadia .jpg

  • THE FROG POND
  • WHY LEAVES CHANGE COLOR
  • DRINKING DINOSAUR PEE
  • WHAT TIME IS IT?
  • THE GERM WAR

A story begins each chapter and follows with an experiment or a set of observations. You’ll also find visuals and a page of new science words. Wrapping up the chapter is a Things I Still Wonder page of questions Acadia still has about the world—thought provoking possibilities for readers to take on. A handy set of links are provided on the final pages to help you explore further.

The hard back is the perfect size (about 6 by 8 inches) to tuck away in the backpack or hold onto as you do your own neighborhood explorations. Most importantly, it’s books like Acadia Files that keeps kids, especially girls, talking and exploring science.

We can look forward to Winter and Spring, a new set of Acadia Files coming out next year. An all out fun way to learn about science and the scientific method.

Publisher Description:

Acadia Greene wants answers. What happened to the frogs she used to see at her favorite local pond? Why do leaves change color in the fall, and why don’t evergreen needles do the same? What is the water cycle, and what is transpiration? How do time zones work, and why does the sun set at different times in different places within a single zone? How do germs infect us? Acadia doesn’t mean to do science, but she has questions and her parents refuse to simply give her the answers. “Conduct an experiment,” they tell her. “Use the scientific method.” So Acadia makes hypotheses, designs experiments, analyzes data, and draws conclusions. Acadia does science.
The author, Katie Coppens writes a recurring column for NSTA’s middle school magazine Science Scope on science and literacy called “The Integrated Classroom.”
Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

TWO NEW FREAKY & CREEPY TITLES FROM NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

Posted on October 24, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

Get your costume ready and the candy bowl filled, then sit back and read these two thought provoking and at times scary non-fiction books. 61rtAMuYwpL._SX388_BO1,204,203,200_.jpgFirst up is HISTORIES MYSTERIES FREAKY PHENOMENA.

Seven chapters cover mysterious events and discoveries in our world—ones still being debated today:

  1. Creepy Creatures
  2. Vanishing Acts
  3. Unexplained Occurrences
  4. Strange Sights
  5. Unusual Objects
  6. Curious Curses
  7. Unnatural Nature

Within each chapter several mysteries are explored. A background is given first, followed by details, clues and theories. You are left with making your own decision with the evidence presented. My favorite mind-blowing pieces included the beastly Chupacabra, the lost city of Turquoise Mountain, Tarim Mummies, and Predator X.

A final chapter addition is called NEW EVIDENCE REVEALED and describes recent science and archaeological findings that either agree or overturn past thoughts on a particular phenomenon. I do need to visit Blood Falls some day!

Filled with pictures and illustrations, these would make great independent study topics for the classroom and fun dinner table discussions. It says National Geographic KIDS on the cover, but these mysteries are just as much fun to ponder for us bigger kids.

History’s Mysteries Freaky Phenomena: Curious Clues, Cold Cases and Puzzles from the Past (ages 9-12) by KItson Jazynka – Fans of Night at the Museum and the Indiana Jones saga will be fascinated by these real-life mysteries: Is there any truth to the legend of Bigfoot? Why have planes and ships suddenly disappeared in the Bermuda Triangle? Is there really a lost city of gold in the jungle of Central America? The second book in this critically praised new series covers even more of history’s most fascinating head-scratching conundrums, including the curse of the Hope Diamond, King Tut’s tomb, black holes, the puzzling disappearance of ancient civilizations, cryptic creatures of myth and legend, long-lost treasure, and so much more. Kids can dig into these spooky mysteries, uncover clues, and ponder leading scientific theories to help decipher what really happened. 

The second title is one you will want to read with the lights on!51H3JzCBI+L._SX418_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

The pictures are unbelievable and what these real creatures can do will make any spook coming to your door on Halloween seem tame. I’m glad someone wasn’t filming my face while reading. It was twisting and turning in every direction. One look at the chapter headings will give you a clue at what lies ahead:

  1. THE LIVING DEAD
  2. BLOODSUCKERS
  3. CREEPS FROM THE DEEP
  4. ANIMAL ALIENS
  5. ANIMAL MONSTER MASH

The facts on what these creatures do to survive will gross you out at times but will also fill you with awe at the amazing world we rarely see. A welcome addition in each chapter are two page spreads on a MAD SCIENTIST (no zombies here) who study these animals. A handy glossary and reference section give readers the support they need for delving into the topic even further.

ANIMAL ZOMBIES! is perfect choice for those future scientists and the rest of us curious enough to take a look.

You’ll be glad you did. And that goes for the squeamish ones, too.

Animal Zombies! (ages 8-12) – Who says monsters aren’t real? Author Chana Stiefel introduces readers to the real-life monsters of the animal kingdom as she explores the gory, gross, and ghastly behaviors these blood-sucking beasts and creepy creatures have honed in order to survive. Featuring some real-life wonders of nature like zombifying parasites, bloodsucking vampires, slithering creeps from the deep and animal aliens, this books has more than 50 howlers, prowlers and foul flesh-eaters with unusual talents. Featuring eye-popping photography, spine-tingling scientific info, the most up-to-date research, and fun facts for extra knowledge, readers also meet the “Mad Scientist” experts who study these creatures.

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

MMGM for 10/22/18

Posted on October 22, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

                      

Fall into some great MG reviews and features this week.  ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has DACTYL HILL SQUAD by Daniel José Older.  Click the falling leaf to reach today’s review and be sure to check out all the other sites below.
Elizabeth Van Tassel at Thorn & Vine has a Happy Birthday Narnia post, celebrating the 68th birthday of The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe and C.S. Lewis. She shares some memories from her study abroad program in England (including photos of his church) and neat Narnia-themed ideas.
June McCrary Jacobs at ‘Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic features a sewing book published by Storey Publishing entitled, ‘Sewing School Quilts: 15 Projects Kids Will Love to Make‘. Included is a GIVEAWAY!
Suzanne Warr at Tales from the Raven spotlights Circus Mirandus, by Cassie Beasley. Be ready for a little circus magic both in the book and in Suzanne’s review.
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has another fun and informative interview. This week Sherry Ellis joins her and is giving away a hardback of her MG BUBBA AND SQUIRT’S BIG DIG TO CHINA.
Beth Mitchell at Imaginary Friends has a review of The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty. This book has been getting a lot of notice the past few months.
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal is reviewing Patricia MacLachlan’s new MG novel, “My Father’s Words.” A story about loss and healing. Dog lovers will love this one.
Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of DRIVE by Joyce Moyer Hostetter. Be sure to also click on her links for writers as they are always very helpful.
Completely Full Bookshelf is recommending a very intriguing sounding title —The Secrets of Eastcliff-by-the-Sea by Eileen Beha.
Andrea Mack at That’s Another Story is featuring Explorer Academy: The Nebula Secret. The first book in a new series that will appeal to science and technology loving readers.
Sue Kooky at Kitty Cat at the Library returns to the MMGM parade with a review of Music Boxes AND an author interview as well! Be sure to check it out.
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 , , | 2 Comments

DACTYL HILL SQUAD

Posted on October 21, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

WELCOME TO ANOTHER MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

I give out yearly reading surveys to find out what types of books kids like. The past few years has brought the same answers: Fantasy, Humor, and Contemporary. A response for historical fiction is almost unheard of, though it does surface about 10% of the time.

We live in an always on world and kids want to laugh, escape, and learn how others deal with problems of growing up. Learning about the past is often delayed until they are older. But now this interesting new series combines fantasy and real life events for readers. It’s a visit to New York City in 1863 at the timedactylhillsquad.jpg of the Civil War.

Main character, Magdalys, is a orphan girl stuck in the Colored Orphan Asylum when the New York draft riots break out. Much of the violence is directed at black New Yorkers. The orphanage is burned to the ground and Magdalys flees along with other orphans. She longs to find out what happened to an older brother who left to fight for the North in the war. She also wants to reunite with the rest of her family in Cuba. She can’t do that unless she first rescues the captured orphans before they are sent South.

That alone would cause me to read, but what if we add dinosaurs to the mix. They are common place on the streets and rooftops. Magdalys discovers she can communicate with them. What results is an exciting adventure with history as the backdrop. You learn what it was like to live during this time period including the slave trade and hints at the sufferings of war. No, there weren’t really dinosaurs during this time, but I’m not complaining if it gets a few more kids interested in history.

The short 39 chapters keeps everything moving at a good pace. The end of this story gives a good sendoff for the next one in the series. Hang on tight. It’s a ride worth waiting for.

PUBLICATION DATE: September 11, 2018   PAGE COUNT: 277

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT:

DACTYL HILL SQUAD

  1. The author added pages of historical information in the back of the book. He comments on what is real and the connection each of the characters had to someone living at the time. There’s also a background on each of the dinos featured.
  2. There are many side characters and although we don’t get to know them in depth, I’m sure it will come in future installments. My favorites were Two-Step and Redd.
  3. Magdalys is a great central character. She learns to work with others and her character arc will continue to evolve.
  4. Some might complain the dialog is too modern and more typical of present day. I liked it as the minimal use of slang will help young readers identify with the characters.
  5. Class and prejudice are woven into the story and make for comparisons with today’s struggles.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Daniel José Older is the New York Times bestselling author of the Middle Grade historical fantasy series Dactyl Hill Squad, the Bone Street Rumba urban fantasy series, Star Wars: Last Shot, and the award winning Young Adult series the Shadowshaper Cypher, which won the International Latino Book Award and was shortlisted for the Kirkus Prize in Young Readers’ Literature, the Andre Norton Award, the Locus, the Mythopoeic Award, and named one of Esquire’s 80 Books Every Person Should Read.

Learn more about Daniel and his books by checking out his web site.

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

Posted in Uncategorized | 6 Comments

FAKE BLOOD

Posted on October 19, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

fakeblood.png

AJ has a big problem a lot of kids go through about the time sixth grade and middle school rolls around. His classmates are getting taller and spreading the news about their big summer adventures. That is, everyone except AJ who spent his summer reading and staying the same size. That doesn’t help to resolve a lingering crush on a girl who pays no attention to him.

His solution is to find out what she likes and become that person. It’s a typical response at that age (Did I actually buy white jeans back in the day?). What makes this graphic novel fun is the girl, Nia Winters, seems to be obsessed with vampires. When the two of them get paired for a project this is AJ’s chance to use eye shadow, plastic fangs, and fake blood to win her over. Turns out she’d rather slay vampires than hook up with them.

The fast paced plot is perfect for Halloween or any any other time of the year. A subtle twist also has a real vampire making a climatic appearance. Hints are tossed in throughout as to who it might be. Other characters make for a diverse group with friends Hunter and Ivy.

Full color spreads are creative and often laugh out loud hilarious. FAKE BLOOD will be one of those books that gets passed around and enjoyed again and again.

RELEASE DATE: 9/4/2018    PAGES: 336

THE OFFICIAL PLOT

In Fake Blood a middle schooler comes head-to-head with his vampire slayer crush in this laugh-out-loud funny graphic novel that’s a perfect coming-of-age story for anyone who’s ever felt too young, too small, or too average. It’s the beginning of the new school year and AJ feels like everyone is changing but him. He hasn’t grown or had any exciting summer adventures like his best friends have. He even has the same crush he’s harbored for years. So AJ decides to take matters into his own hands. But how could a girl like Nia Winters ever like plain vanilla AJ when she only has eyes for vampires? When AJ and Nia are paired up for a group project on Transylvania, it may be AJ’s chance to win over Nia’s affection by dressing up like the vamp of her dreams. And soon enough he’s got more of Nia’s attention than he bargained for when he learns she’s a slayer. Now AJ has to worry about self-preservation while also trying to save everyone he cares about from a real-life threat lurking in the shadows of Spoons Middle School.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Whitney Gardner is an author, illustrator, and coffee addict. Originally from New York, she studied design and worked as an art teacher and school librarian before moving to Victoria, British Columbia, where she lives by the Salish Sea with her husband and two pugs. In the rare moment Whitney isn’t writing or drawing, she’s likely to be reading comics, knitting, or roasting coffee.

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Coming up this Monday is another edition of…

If you would like to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book on a Monday (contests, author interviews 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 Graphic Novels, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

MIDDLE GRADE in the NEWS 10/18/18

Posted on October 17, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

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

  1. I was happy to see my CYBILS nomination for Middle Grade Fiction, THE TRUTH AS TOLD BY MASON BUTTLE, was also recognized as a finalist for The National Book Awards. Find all the National Book Finalists here. It’s their 69th Annual Awards!
  2. BNKIDS Blog is an extension of Barnes & Noble. They come up with some interesting features on books. Here’s a recent one on 8 Great Middle Grade Coming of Age Novels.
  3. A fun article on Kate DiCamillo celebrating the release of her newest, LOUISIANA’S WAY HOME.

That’s all for now. I’ll be back Friday with a review of FAKE BLOOD..

Posted in Middle Grade News | Tagged | 3 Comments

MMGM for 10/15/18

Posted on October 15, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

                   

A big smile this week to all the MG posts. ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has SKULDUGGERY PLEASANT—the first of many reviews I’ll have on a variety of creepy and scary books. Come back for more in the next two weeks. Click the smiley to reach today’s review and be sure to check out all the other sites below.
Joanne Fritz at My Brain on Books is featuring IN YOUR SHOES by Donna Gephart.
Dorine White at The Write Path returns with a review of Rosetown by Cynthia Rylant.
June McCrary Jacobs at ‘Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic has a nonfiction history book, ‘The Sinking of the Vasa’— ‘A Shipwreck of Titanic Proportions‘—about a 1628 Swedish ship that sunk on its maiden voyage soon after it launched.
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal is reviewing  Just Under the Clouds by Melissa Sarno, a story about homelessness.
Mark Baker at Carstairs Considers returns to the MMGM parade with a review of A Dastardly Plot by Christopher Healy.
Kara Armstrong at Scribbles of and Aspiring Author also returns with with a review of an upper middle-grade book called Tell Me Three Things, by Julie Buxbaum.
Rosi Hollinbeck has a review & GIVEAWAY of SPEECHLESS. Be sure to also click on her links for writers as they are always very helpful.
The list of returnees isn’t over yet. Violet Tiger at Reading Violet has a review of Resistance by Jennifer A. Nielsen. 
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 Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Skulduggery Pleasant

Posted on October 14, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

Ever hear of it?

Me neither, until Harpers 360 suggested this was a must read. A little research led to the reasons this novel published eleven years ago had a less than stellar start in the United States.

Irish Author, Derek Landy,  initially landed a three book deal for the series and they were released both in the UK and the US. On this side of the Atlantic, the books received praise but little interest from readers (Just guessing, it might have been the original creepy cover with a skeleton and the ball of fire in his hand. A bit much to give as a gift to your favorite young reader). The series was quietly retired here.

But guess what? The books became wildly popular in the UK, garnering awards and additional books in the series. No less than number twelve in the series will be released in June, 2019!

Harpers 360 made an excellent decision to try this series again in the U.S. It began with the re-release of the first three books last May, booksx400.jpg four, five, and six last month, seven, eight, and nine in January 2019, and finally ten through twelve in June, 2019.

I didn’t dare start in the middle of this epic magical series and instead began with volume one pictured here. Same story, and thankfully a different cover, focusing on Stephanie, the spunky protagonist. You don’t even know the shadowy figure in the background is the rather endearing skeleton known as Skulduggery.

The action comes in large doses as a fantasy world right before us is revealed. Stephanie makes the unlikely sidekick to Skulduggery (or vice-versa), though she soon learns why they’ve been thrown together. It’s fast, creepy at times, but what story telling! It will have you on the edge of your seat. If you enjoy a fast paced adventure with some often humorous dialog look no further. I recommend it highly. Even if you aren’t ready for the entire series, the first book wraps up nicely and hints at what is ahead. Even those who don’t like to read might get hooked and that alone is gold.

PUBLICATION DATE: 2008/(2018 Re-released in the U.S.)             PAGE COUNT: 361

THE OFFICIAL STORY BLURB (From Skulduggerypleasant.com)

Stephanie’s uncle Gordon is famous for writing horror stories. But when he dies and leaves her his estate, Stephanie learns that while he may have written horror, it certainly wasn’t fiction. Pursued by evil forces, Stephanie finds help from an unusual source—the wisecracking skeleton of a dead sorcerer.

The two of them soon realize that Gordon knew a lot more than he had ever let on and that his death might not have been so accidental after all. Legend has it that the very first sorcerers used a weapon called the Sceptre of the Ancients to banish and defeat their tyrannical gods. If the Sceptre is real, and if Gordon had it, then it’s up to Stephanie and Skulduggery to find it and make sure it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.

She’s twelve. He’s dead. But together they’re going to save the world.

Hopefully.

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT:

SKULDUGGERY PLEASANT by Derek Landy

  1. Skulduggery is not a character I expected to like, but his sense of humor and plot dropping hints had me hooked. He foretells what is ahead with lines like “Doors are for people with no imagination.” He’s a walking, talking, good guy skeleton. No typecasting here.
  2. Stephanie is full of brave thoughts and actions. She is just the type of heroine both girls and boys will enjoy.
  3. The dialog among the characters is a fast volley that will have you smiling and rereading many of the exchanges.
  4. What fun the author must have had creating the other character names. China Sorrows, Ghastly Bespoke, and Tanith Low were my favorites.
  5. The new cover. This is Stephanie’s new beginning and she should be front and center

FAVORITE LINES :

She turned. When his hat came off, his hair had come off too. In the confusion all she had seen was a chalk-white scalp, so she turned expecting to see a bald albino maybe. But no. With his sunglasses gone and his scarf hanging down, there was no denying the fact he had no flesh, he had no skin, he had no eyes and he had no face.

All he had was a skull for a head.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Derek Landy is far too modest to talk about any awards or accolades his books may have won. He will not, for instance, mention the fact that his first book, Skulduggery Pleasant, won the Red House Children’s Book Award, or that his second, Playing With Fire, won an Irish Book Award for Children’s Book of the Year, or that his third, The Faceless Ones, is his mother’s personal favourite.

He lives in Ireland with a variety of cats, a German Shepherd, and two geriatric Staffordshire Bull Terriers who keep peeing on his kitchen floor because they think it’s funny.

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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 , , , , | 8 Comments

FOOD FIGHT!

Posted on October 12, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

The fight might be more about who gets to first read this new book from National Geographic Kids. Food industry leader Tanya Steel has put together a five star look at the history of food and also a peek into the future. Fifteen chapters are each centered around a time period. The colorful and in-depth look begins with the prehistoric era and takes you all the way to what imagined life on Mars will be like.

ngogeokbfdft_647ed8c2-da10-4308-8f62-e4f96425f655_1024x1024.jpg

Here are my eight delicious, delectable, and delightfully favorite morsels of what you’ll find in every chapter. It’s a feast fit for young and old.

  1. Each chapter begins with a history of what was happening at the time. It’s not so much about the food, but a look at the major events that impacted life. You’ll get a real sense of how far we have come and how much more work we have to do.
  2. What was it like for a child’s typical day? A Day in the Life breaks it all down from rise and shine to bedtime. Included is how they learned, worked, played, and ate. Read how life was much different during those times. I was fascinated by  the Renaissance and World War I to name a few.
  3. Common foods eaten at the time is a list that will have you surprised at some of the commonalities to our food today and at the differences. There’s nothing like a woolly mammoth to get your taste buds going!
  4. Spicing Things Up! and Table Manners are all about how food effected life and how you behaved at mealtime. How times have changed!
  5. A feature called Kitchen Tools gives you a peek at what was used to prepare the food. Images are included and will have you comparing to what we use today. Fun stuff. A cast iron pan goes all the way back to Mongolian times in 1210!
  6. In Menus of the Rich and Famished readers get a taste of what the well-to-do did for meals.
  7. Each chapter is followed by two kid friendly recipes from the period (thirty total). Some are modified to fit today’s healthy lifestyle, but you will want to try them all. I loved the kid comments from teens and tweens who made and tasted the recipes. Grant (age 9) loved the UNCRUEL GRUEL from the Renaissance period, calling it “Amazing! It tastes just like a cinnamon roll.”
  8. A fun multiple choice POPCORNY Quiz completes each chapter. Test your memory on what you’ve read.

For more features on the book and to order visit the Food Fight! page at National Geographic Kids.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

TANYA STEEL is a global food industry leader. She initiated the Healthy Lunchtime Challenge & Kids’ “State Dinner” with former First Lady Michelle Obama, an annual event that was held at the White House. Steel is the former editorial director of Clean Plates, Epicurious.com, Gourmet Live, and Gourmet.com; she was an editor at Bon Appétit and Food & Wine, and wrote for the New York Times for four years. She co-wrote the award-winning Real Food for Healthy Kids, and The Epicurious Cookbook, a New York Times best seller.

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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.
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