BONE’S GIFT by Angie Smibert

Posted on April 13, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

Welcome to the fifth day for BONE’S GIFT Blog Tour!

The story is the first in a three book series. The setting pulls you in from the start—a Virginia coal-mining town in 1942, where the horrors and realities of World War II serve as a backdrop. Bone is a nickname for 12-year-old Laurel Grace Phillips. Her mom died years ago of influenza and Dad is about to head off to fulfill his duty of fighting in the war.

Bone is left in the care of her mother’s sister, an aunt she despises… and rightfully so. Aunt Mattie displays nothing but hate for her niece. But why?

This is where the gift part of the story weaves a magical tale. Many family members already know what Gift they have and Bone is slowly learning about her special ability: She can hold an object and see images or full scenes of what happened in the past with that object—good and bad. The most fearful one to hold is her mother’s knitted sweater.

When Bone receives an anonymous note—THE GIFT KILLED YOUR MOTHER—Bone is afraid her Gift will lead to the same result…but she needs to know and that means more of the past must be dug up.

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT BONE’S GIFT

  1. The third person POV brings forth the time period and life in a coal-mining town to each chapter. You’ll feel like you’re walking down a dirt road as the story unfolds.
  2. The support Bone has from other family members is touching and heart warming. From Uncle Ash and Junior to Mamaw. There’s also the quiet Will, who lost his father in a mining accident and at age 14 is also working there. He’s another solid rock in Bone’s life.
  3. Character arcs are a strong point in the story beginning with Bone. Cousin Ruby and even mean Aunt Mattie realize their own subtle changes.
  4. Storytelling becomes a subplot as we learn about writers who went throughout Virginia to collect stories to preserve the history of each area. They were a part of President Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration. Bone helps Miss Spencer collect stories and she also becomes a trusted friend.
  5. Straight historical fiction is often a hard sell for young readers. With the magic of the Gift becoming a focus, the sidelights of life in 1942 lift the level of curiosity for any of us lucky to read this story.

AUTHOR QUOTE (From Angie Smibert’s Blog. There’s much more so be sure to visit!)

…You see, I started thinking about this story, this world many, many years ago. I wrote different versions, never quite completing them, trying to get to the heart of what was calling to me about Bone’s world, the place my mother and her family grew up. But I wasn’t really ready to write the story. I wasn’t a good enough writer yet, among other things.

So I wrote some other stories–even got some of the published. In fact, I wrote a series of YA science fiction books. After that, I revisited Bone’s world, first with a short story, “The Jelly Jar.” That worked, so I started writing the novel. I felt like I was ready to write it finally. As I wrote, I had that feeling that there was something good there. I’ve learned to trust that little feeling. Excited, I sent the draft to my agent….um, my first agent.

She did not get the story at all! Admittedly, I was crushed–but I still believed I had something, even if it needed some work. So we parted ways. And then I had to go give a talk about taking risks in your writing life! Oy.

Long story short, I found an agent–and eventually an editor–who saw what I saw. (In the meantime, I also panicked a bit and went back to school to get a Masters in English so I could teach! ) Hopefully, the story is good, and readers will see what we saw, too.

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Coming up next Monday is another MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY
If you would like to join in the MMGM fun and get your own spot on the walkway, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count–but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you’re featuring and a link to your blog at gpcolo (at) gmail (dot) com
(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in Reviews | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

MIDDLE GRADE…IN THE NEWS 4/12/18

Posted on April 12, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

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

1. Kudos to the city of Denver for hosting the seventh annual YOUTH ONE BOOK, ONE DENVER. They choose one book, purchase thousands of copies, and give them out free to youth 9-12 years old. During the summer there are many activities associated with the book to bring readers together. This year’s choice is one I read and enjoyed for the CYBIL’s.

2. Book clubs can be a fun way to socialize and talk about a novel. The adult groups in my neighborhood usually pick an adult title with the occasional YA thrown in. This post makes a good case why Middle Grade books should be a part of an adult’s reading list. It also includes a link to a fantastic selection of 100 books to get you started.

I’ll be back tomorrow with a review of BONE’S GIFT.

Posted in Middle Grade News | 4 Comments

MMGM for 4/9/18

Posted on April 9, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

The #MMGM LINKS for APRIL 9, 2018

(Click the colored links to reach each site)
I have a review of Spamly Warthington: (Almost) Secret Agent. You can scroll down to read (Also linked via the blue chain links).
Author, June McCrary Jacobs has a great historical fiction post this week for a Newbery Honor Book, ‘The War That Saved My Life’.
Suzanne Warr at Tales from the Raven spotlights The Girl Who Drank the Moon, by Kelly Barnhill.
Welcome back to Completely Full Bookshelf and a review of The Magic Mirror by Susan Hill Long.
Ben Langhinrichs at My Comfy Chair joins us this week with a review of Sayantani’s excellent new book, THE SERPENT’S SECRET.
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal is reviewing Phoebe’s Heron by Winnie Anderson.
Mark Baker at Carstairs Considers gives 5 out of 5 stars to Worlds Apart, the fifth and final Story Thieves book by James Riley.
Rosi Hollinbeck at the Write Stuff is reviewing and giving away The Possibility of Whales by Karen Rivers.
Books 4 Learning has a review on The Girl Who Drank The Moon by Kelly Barnhill.
Dorine White is reviewing Victor Dowd and the World War II Ghost Army.
Karen Yingling always has great MMGM picks. Be sure to read her review today along with the many other choices she posted the past week.
If you would like to join in the MMGM fun and get your own spot on the walkway, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count–but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you’re featuring and a link to your blog at gpcolo (at) gmail (dot) com
(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.

 

Posted in MMGM Links | Tagged | 2 Comments

SPAMLY WARTHINGTON (ALMOST) SECRET AGENT

Posted on April 8, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

It’s another MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

I’ll be honest. I hate prologues. That made the first moments of my time with SPAMLY WARTHINGTON like I’d made a wrong turn. Thirteen pages in I finally reached chapter one and all was forgiven. The tale had me laughing out loud in numerous parts as spy-in-training, Spamly, is assigned his first mission: Find Mr. Jowls, the royal pig, who has been kidnapped from his comfy home inside the royal palace.

The adventure that ensues is fast paced and will keep you flipping the pages. Funny word play is a plus as are the small images that begin each chapter. You’ll cheer for this high tech ten-year-old. Spamly even has his own convertible he drives around town. Most of the plot points are solved by the end, but a SPAMLY WARTHINGTON sequel is not far behind. I’m looking forward to more   bow ties!

PUBLICATION DATE: 2017   PAGE COUNT: 202

FULL PLOT (From Amazon)

Sure, being a spy-in-training is cool, especially when your best friend Mortimer Goldpots is a genius inventor of gadgets and you get to cruise around town in your very own mini-convertible. Still, after all the training and study Spamly’s gone through, he’s itching to get out in the field and prove himself. You know that saying about being careful what you wish for? When the royal pig is swiped from the royal palace, the grown-ups who run the spy-in-training agency assign Spamly the task of retrieving it. Diving headfirst into the case, the pint-size hero soon finds himself in a battle of wits with his soon-to-be arch enemy. One thing’s for certain: it’ll take every last drop of what Spamly’s learned—and some of what he hasn’t—to save the pig’s royal bacon. A Royal Mystery delivers a roller coaster of adventure, excitement, laughs, twists, turns, and intrigue all without having to stand in line or sit in the seat recently vacated by a kid with bladder-control issues. Find your favorite reading spot and settle in—Spamly’s epic journey awaits. Just don’t turn the pages too fast—we’d hate for your fingers to catch on fire. Hey, it happens.

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT:

SPAMLY WARTHINGTON (ALMOST) SECRET AGENT

  1. The gadgets and there are plenty of them. From bow ties that can do all sorts of things to a very special watch not yet on the market.
  2. Spamly has a look alike robot who goes to school in his place. It’s a necessary training component, and makes Spamly even more nervous when he has to spend a day at school when Spambot needs a tune-up.
  3. There are so many things to make young readers envious of Spamly’s life: No school for starters, parents unaware of his training, and some nifty moves he’s learned.
  4. We need a lot more silliness in our current world and Spamly provides it.
  5. The vocabulary is challenging at times. Perfect for kids to learn new words, especially in context.

FAVORITE LINES

…Once satisfied with his brushing, he let the toothpaste slowly ooze out of his mouth and down onto his chin like some monster with an uncomfortable drooling problem. He amused himself for another moment by making monster grunts and gurgles before “shaving” the toothpaste off with his toothbrush, wiping his face with the back of his hand, and for no particular reason, striking a disco pose.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Kyle Schaberg and Jack Schaberg are son/father tag-team writing duo with several as-yet-unproduced screenplays to their credit who decided to try their hands at novel writing and are unable to stop…at least until they finish the Spamly saga.

EXTRAS

Check out Spamly’s Instagram! He gets around.

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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 Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

MONA LISA’S GHOST

Posted on April 6, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

Mona Lisa. The name alone brings images to mind of the iconic painting. This second story in the fantasy/sci-fi Lucy Nightingale Adventure Series capitalizes on the aura surrounding the artistic masterpiece. Book one, The Crystal Navigator,  (2014) also has a focus on art.

I jumped right in and read MONA LISA’S GHOST as my introduction to the series. There were pieces of the first story that I caught on to quickly and had no problem immersing myself in this newest adventure. The plot is perfect for lovers of science, time travel, and art history. Others who take a chance will become a fan after finishing the tale.

Lucy makes a strong female character while Sam, her partner stays behind and gives her encouragement through his superphone invention. It was nice to see the bulk of the plot falling mostly on Lucy. She has to deal with many action packed and tension filled situations as this sample shows:

Sweat stung her eyes and trickled down her back. Her hands grasped the sides of the ladder so tightly that they lost feeling. Something rattled, chunks of concrete crumbled, the screws holding the upper part of the ladder popped out and splashed into the water. Unsecured, the upper part of the ladder pulled out of the wall and snapped back, dangling Lucy over whatever sightless, evil thing swished in the water below.

The twenty-two chapters fly by and would be perfect for a read-aloud in the classroom or at home. There’s mystery and excitement along with imparting some interest in art history. Many extensions for further study of this painting will come about for readers. The science, both real an imagined, is never watered down, but always thought provoking. There are even doses of humor thanks to the many dialog exchanges among the characters.

I’m sure Leonardo would also give this one a thumbs-up.

THE OFFICIAL WORD ON THE PLOT: Lucy Nightingale and her genius friend, Sam Winter have formed SLARP, (Sam and Lucy’s Anomalies Research Project,) to investigate odd happenings in the universe. They find their first case while watching a class video about the newly-scanned Mona Lisa. The experiment to measure the paint layers with a Spectrographic Scanner has had terrible consequences. Lucy and Sam are horrified by what they see. The painting seems to be exploding before their eyes. Purple clouds swirl through the once-sunny landscape, Lisa is crying, and letters float in her right eyeball.  If that weren’t reason enough to investigate, one of their classmates, shy Melissa Blackwood, claims to be the reincarnation of Lisa Gherardini, the real Mona Lisa. She tells Lucy that she has come back to get the portrait her husband paid for, but which Leonardo never delivered to her. Then, the painting vanishes without a trace.

Like twenty-first century versions of 007 and Q in Ian Fleming’s James Bond Series, Lucy and Sam embark on a perilous adventure to find the painting before it self-destructs. Equipped with Sam’s superphone, the Quetzal, Lucy travels through the phantom-infested catacombs under Paris, down unexplored, underground rivers, and back to France in 1517 to meet with Leonardo da Vinci at Clos Luce where he is working for the French king. If the facts of the mystery they solve were ever made public, it would stun the world and change the face of Quantum Physics forever.

WHO IS NANCY KUNHARDT LODGE? I have a PhD in Renaissance Art History and taught at universities in the U.S. and Italy. My aim is to inspire children to read by bringing art and artists to life. I believe the best way to captivate a child’s interest is through humor. Therefore, I try to present art history and science, along with messages of empowerment and self-esteem, with as much wit as possible.

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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.
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 Reviews | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

MIDDLE GRADE IN THE NEWS—4/5/18

Posted on April 5, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

Here are a few news and special feature articles I’ve enjoyed the past week:

1. Kids grow up so fast and soon they are reading on their own. Here’s a Dad who didn’t want to lose that time reading with his daughter so he started a Book Club with his Tween.

2. I previously read and reviewed Richard Peck’s THE BEST MAN, s story about a boy looking for a role model. Other characters include an Uncle and teacher who are gay. When a parent asked that the book be banished from Avid Bookshop’s annual book fair in Athen’s Georgia, I never expected the store to respond in this way. Read about it here.

3. Middle school students arrive an hour early to school each day to discuss books. What’s going on here? Find out how B.O.B. is helping children connect to books and each other through a fun competition.

I’ll be back tomorrow with a review of MONA LISA’S GHOST.

Posted in Middle Grade News | 1 Comment

MMGM for 4/2/18

Posted on April 2, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

The #MMGM LINKS for APRIL 2, 2018

It’s National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day!

(Click on some P & J to visit their site)
I have a review of MICKEY MALLOY WONDER BOY!. You can scroll down to read (Also linked via the P & J sandwich boy).
Author, June McCrary Jacobs is featuring a S.T.E.A.M. education title by Author/Educator Kathy Ceceri, ‘Make:  Edible Inventions–Cooking Hacks and Yummy Recipes You Can Build, Mix, Bake, and Grow’.
Carl at Boys Read Boys Rule! has a triumphant post on completing Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. He also adds his thoughts about the book. (In honor of this grand achievement I’m adding a second post from Carl in the next entry…)
Carl at Boys Read Boys Rule! also presents several Cool Spring Break Reading titles. Just in time for those just starting their breaks.
Author Dorine White has a Book Review and Giveaway of Once Upon A Princess at The Write Path.
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Caterpillars Can’t Swim by Liane Shaw.
Reading Nook Reviews has a review of The 11:11 Wish!
Rosi Hollinbeck at the Write Stuff is reviewing and giving away Heartwood Hotel Book 3 Better Together. (You will also see her cool new website!)
Karen Yingling always has great MMGM picks. Be sure to read her review today along with the many other choices she posted the past week.
If you would like to join in the MMGM fun and get your own spot on the walkway, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count–but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you’re featuring and a link to your blog at gpcolo (at) gmail (dot) com
(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.

 

Posted in MMGM Links | Tagged | 2 Comments

MICKEY MALLOY WONDER BOY!

Posted on April 1, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

WELCOME TO MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

When author Laurisa White Reyes asked me to review her newest book, MICKEY MALLOY WONDER BOY!, I jumped at the chance. I knew Laura as the moderator of Middle Grade Mania and also as the former editor in chief of Middle Shelf Magazine. Having just finished reading a string of deadly serious MG novels, my emotions needed a little break. Mickey Malloy was the perfect remedy

Yes, this is a short chapter book intended for up to age 10, but the story will still pull you in with its fun plot. And with  such a fantastic cover, who could resist a read?  There are five more full-page illustrations inside by the talented Matt Easterbrook. Each one puts a smile on your face.

The book would make a great read-aloud in the classroom or at home. It’s also one of those stories that will have kids asking to read it themselves. One other sidelight: I began reading this while waiting for a haircut at my local shop.  Every time I looked up someone was staring at me with a broad smile. I smiled back and turned the page.

PUBLICATION DATE: 2018   PAGE COUNT: 88

THE PLOT (From Amazon): 

Mickey Malloy is just your average kid who loves comic books and superheroes. When a mysterious package arrives with his name on it, he finds a strange contraption inside. Urged on by his friend, Juanita, Mickey pushes the thing’s button and gets ZZZZZZAPPED! Suddenly, he isn’t a normal kid anymore, he’s Mickey Malloy, Wonder Boy! The human magnet! But what seems like an awesome superpower gets Mickey into more trouble than he could possibly imagine.

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: MICKEY MALLOY WONDER BOY!

  1. A human magnet can only bring the worst results and they’re all hilariously depicted. Watch out for that box of paper clips.
  2. There’s a hint of a sequel in the final scene and all I can say is bring it on!
  3. Juanita has a subtle charm all her own. It takes Mickey most of his lifetime and this adventure to truly see it.
  4. Mickey narrates the story and is pleasant voice to spend some time with. He’s both funny and perceptive.
  5. The classroom scene. You’ll have to read it yourself. No spoilers here.

FAVORITE LINES:

“Who wants to go to some girl’s party anyway?” I said, though if I had gotten an invitation, I would have gone. Linda Parker is the most popular girl in school. She’s smart. She’s pretty. And she smells good.

AUTHOR QUOTE:

I wrote Mickey Malloy about a decade ago when my oldest son (who is now 20) was a kid. My children have always gotten a kick out of the story, begging me to read it to them again and again. This year, when my youngest son turned ten, I realized that soon he’d be too old to enjoy Mickey’s story. So I decided this would be the year I’d finally get it published. I’m happy to say that Jarett got the first copy for Christmas. (Visit Laura’s Web Site for more)

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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 New Release, Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

KIDS AND PLEASURE READING

Posted on March 30, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

Are you frustrated with the lack of pleasure reading your tweens or teens are doing? Parents and teachers have all heard the excuses:

I have too much homework.

I’d rather play sports.

There aren’t any books I like.

I’ll just read what’s on my phone.

Battles ensue and no one wins. Thankfully, help has arrived in a 170 page guide written by Kaye Newton. She made it through the wars and found peace with her three children, age ten, eleven and fourteen.

Kaye covers all the whys of this reading problem and what to do about it in your own home. Part one covers Understanding Reading Motivations and Challenges. Part two is an in-depth look at Carrying Out a Reading Project.

Her suggestions are wide ranging depending on the child. Backed  by research and her own experience, the methods give you an excellent chance of turning kids into self motivated, independent readers. It wraps up with a chapter on how to get your schools to promote a reading culture.

Throughout, she answers questions from other concerned adults. This one has crossed my paths several times: I’ve read that boys’ reading-comprehension skills are dropping faster than girls’. Any advice about encouraging boys to read? Her answer is spot on and includes book choices for video gamers, humor loving kids, and sports fans to name a few.

Other book recommendations cover the ages from ten to sixteen. The key here is a broad selection of  books whether it’s for a sixteen year-old social media loving girl or a ten year old who will read nothing but graphic novels.

A helpful set of book and web resources are listed in the back pages and included one I have used often: Reading Rockets.

Another plus is a handy glossary of reading terms educators and publishers use. Understanding confusing words like Accelerated Reader Software, Lexile level, hi-lo books, and DEAR will put you on an even playing field.

Even if you already have a home of book loving kids, you’ll still find creative ways to increase their pleasure in reading through these inspired words.

View snippets of HOW TO GET YOUR SCREEN-LOVING KIDS TO READ BOOKS FOR PLEASURE @ Barnes and Noble or Amazon.

Happy Reading!

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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.

 

Posted in New Release, non fiction, Reading, Resources | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

MIDDLE GRADE in the NEWS 3/29/18

Posted on March 29, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

My weeks are filled with writing, reading, teaching and mentoring. I not only read MG books (36 already this year!), but I also read articles about the craft of writing and editing. Thanks to all the bloggers out there who alert me to great links.

The articles I often have to skim and hold onto for later, are ones focused on the business side of the MG publishing and stories about MG authors. Today marks a new feature at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE where I will share those industry articles with you. Now I won’t have to bookmark them!

  1. Middle Grade books remain a hot commodity as reported here from the Bologna Book Fair by Publisher’s Weekly.
  2. There’s a storm brewing over a recent MG release, P.S. I MISS YOU. This article is a response from the author, Jen Petro-Roy, and her reaction to schools refusing to have the book on their shelves.
  3. Gordon Korman. The name brings a smile to my face. I just finished reading his upcoming release, WHATSHISFACE, and will have a review in May. Check out this interview about his 40 year career!

Enjoy! Tomorrow I’ll have a review of a new non-fiction release: HOW TO GET YOUR SCREEN-LOVING KIDS TO READ BOOKS FOR PLEASURE

Posted in Middle Grade News | 5 Comments