THE LAKE OF FIRE

Posted on March 18, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

WELCOME TO MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

I missed out on the first four books in the MOGI FRANKLIN MYSTERIES, but had no problem jumping into the series with number five. Mogi has a knack for solving the unknown. It’s told in third person and begins in 1963 then flashes forward to present day.

Mogi is at a camp with his sister in northern New Mexico. He’s fourteen, which might be considered old for a main character in an MG book, but the tale has none of the expected extras you might find in YA. Also, most young readers enjoy reading about someone older.

The mystery is engaging (Just what did happen to the airplane filled with suitcases of plutonium?), and you’ll feel right in the middle of a dangerous fire interrupting the search for clues. There’s a lot of backstory to sift through but it is all written with a nice mix of present and past. The antagonist is Phil, an older teen who works as an assistant at the facility. He’s obnoxious and in real life would have been fired after his first infraction. Other than this minor objection, the story had me hooked and I’m sure it will do the same for other readers. Mogi is a winner.

PUBLICATION DATE: 2017   PAGE COUNT: 172

THE OFFICIAL WORD ON THE PLOT (From Terra Nova Books): 
Mogi Franklin and his sister Jennifer are delighted to be attending a high school science conference in New Mexico amidst a hundred thousand acres of meadows, mountains, rivers, and volcanoes far older than recorded time. But their focus quickly changes when they learn of the disappearance fifty years ago of a plane with two hundred pounds of plutonium—and of the terrorist nations vying today to find it in those same mountains.

Soon, they are engulfed in a complex web of Russian spies, government lies and deceit, an old box full of clues, and the real possibility that the shipment bound decades ago for nearby Los Alamos national laboratory is indeed hidden tantalizingly close to their conference center. Puzzling over the mystery, Mogi sets out with some friends on a backpacking trip to a remote lake. Too late they realize their mistake, as a minor forest fire suddenly explodes into the most dangerous blaze in the state’s history, trapping Mogi and the others right in its path.

They’re fighting for their lives in this fifth book of the Mogi Franklin Mysteries, and if he’s going to come up with a way out, he’d better do it fast!

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE LAKE OF FIRE

  1. The story will entice young readers to spend time at an environmental science camp. A lot of cool stuff to get brain cells moving.
  2. The New Mexico setting is one every person should visit at least once in their lifetime.
  3. The dangers of forest fires are told in a bold and exciting way, not only during but after the fire passes. I was fascinated how the lake plays such an important source of survival.
  4. Mogi’s love of figuring out puzzles is one that will attract many readers with the same interest.
  5. There was no cliffhanger ending. Every plot point comes to a satisfying end even with all that went on in the fast pace book. Well, everything except finding out what Phil’s problem was…

FAVORITE LINE:

Watching the scenery as it went by, he tried to recall more of the orientation talk, but his mind kept wandering back to the woman beside him.

The biggest theft of plutonium in history and I’m sitting next to the crook’s daughter.

Why did she think everyone was wrong?

AUTHOR Biography (From Don’s author website):
After earning a degree in physics from Midwestern State University in Texas and a master’s in computer science and electrical engineering from the University of New Mexico, he worked for Los Alamos National Laboratory for almost three decades. During his career there, Willerton was a supercomputer programmer for a number of years and a manager after that for “way too long,” and also worked on information policy and cyber-security.

He finds focusing on only one thing very difficult among such varied interests as home building, climbing Colorado’s tallest peaks, and rafting the rivers of the Southwest (including the Colorado through Grand Canyon). Willerton also has owned a handyman business for a number of years, rebuilt old cars, and made furniture in his woodshop.

He is a wanderer in both mind and body, fascinated with history and its landscape, varied peoples and their cultures, good mysteries, secrets, and seeking out treasure. Most of all, he loves the outdoors and the places he finds in the Southwest where spirits live and ghosts dance. Weaving it all together to share with readers has been the driving force of Willerton’s writing over the past twenty years.

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

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TRY THIS! EXTREME

Posted on March 15, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

Science lovers beware. You are going to have a blast with this book. Filled with 50 experiments you can try out at home or school, be prepared to learn in a fun hands-on way.

The experiments are grouped under seven categories:

  • SNOW AND ICE
  • SURVIVAL SKILL
  • FEEL THE FORCE
  • ANIMAL SUPERPOWERS
  • SPECIAL F/X
  • WATER WAY TO ACT
  • HOT STUFF

They each begin with a safety check (Simple, Tricky, or Difficult) and letting young scientist know who you need to assist with the experiment. Many of the experiments can be done without an adult hovering too close, but the author recommends adult supervision for all, especially with those marked with “Grab a Grown-Up.” Parents can begin by reading the Safety Tips and Guidelines in the front pages that sets the stage for safe practices throughout.

Clearly stated for each experiment are science concepts covered, how long it takes to complete, materials needed, and what to do. I tried out several (Ice Candle, Elephant Toothpaste, and Make a Groovy Lava Lamp). I was not always successful on the first try, but that’s how science works. The book was created with the help of three dozen kids, several adults, and one dog. You’ll see them trying out the experiments with the colorful pictures on each page.

Also included are STEM connections for every project and valuable advice for anyone pursuing a successful science fair project.

Whoops, that’s all for now. I have to get back to another experiment, p. 136, and my new biodegradable, edible water bottle!

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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) 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 New Release, non fiction | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

MMGM for 3/12/18

Posted on March 12, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

“Be Prepared” to celebrate National Girl Scouts Day!

The #MMGM LINKS for March 12, 2018

(Click on an image to visit their site)
I’m featuring SNOW LANE. You can scroll down to read (Also linked via the Girl Scouts emblem).
Author, June McCrary Jacobs is spotlighting two craft books aimed at middle-graders from Captsone Publishing’s ‘Dabble Lab’ Series.
Carl at Boys Read Boys Rule! has an update and reaction on his first reading of the fifth Harry Potter book. He’s already through the first 200 pages!
Completely Full Bookshelf is recommending The Boy on the Porch by Sharon Creech.
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal is reviewing a short MG novel, The River Boy by Jessica Brown.
Michael Gettel-Gilmartin aka The Middle Grade Mafioso is featuring The Pope’s Cat, by Jon M. Sweeney.
Rosi Hollinbeck at the Write Stuff is reviewing and giving away Saturdays with Hitchcock.
Jess at the Reading Nook Reviews has a review of  Are You Ready to Hatch an Unusual Chicken?
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!
*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 | 3 Comments

SNOW LANE

Posted on March 11, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

IT”S ANOTHER MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

Are more PG-13 type words creeping into Middle Grade books? I believe so. Except for the big F-bomb, I’ve seen just about ever other swear word in stories for 8-13 year-olds the past year. Is this something we should have concern over or is it a who cares?

Authors have several options when a cuss word pops up in their writing. The original method to insert a few punctuation marks (!?#!*!) is not too popular.

A second strategy is one used often in MG. A main character will say someone cussed or I’m thinking of a bad word. Another more interesting and often funny route is to disguise the inappropriate word with another less feared word (DEAD END IN NORVELT by Jack Gantos comes to mind—”Oh-cheeze-us-crust!”). We know what the real word is without seeing the actual word. There’s even a web site listing at least a hundred more like:

Oh Snap!

Bull Spit!

Son of a Biscuit!

Freaking Crazy!

The final writing strategy is to use the cuss word as is. Kids on the cusp of leaving their childhood will most likely have heard the so-called bad words, and some will begin to use them in their thoughts or with friends. Saying a zinger around teachers or parents is usually avoided. Authors who use the word in print feel their writing should mimic what occurs in real life with preteens so they include them.

I’m sure this could be a massive debate as to the direction swear words should have in MG literature.

Instead, let me dive into SNOW LANE where 10-year-old Annie uses cuss words in her thoughts and sometimes out loud with her friends. Damn, hell and crap are her favorites, though she sneaks in a few stronger ones. It’s not excessive, maybe a dozen occurrences. A Catholic upbringing has her assigning Hail Mary penance after using an offensive word.

I don’t want this sidelight to overshadow what the story is about: a heartbreaking tale of being the youngest of nine children. It’s 1985 and not much happens in the first half  of the book except you learn about each of the sisters and one brother. There are only tidbits of information about the parents. Annie is also dyslexic and has a trusted friend at school with the endearing, Jordan.

The secrets Annie and the rest of her family keep inside Snow Lane surface through events in the second half. The realities are handled in an appropriate way and would be fully understandable to middle graders. I wanted the story to continue but also felt fine with an ending that was more of a new beginning.

PUBLICATION DATE: 2018   PAGE COUNT: 208

THE PLOT (from AMAZON): 

Fifth grader Annie is just like every other girl in her small suburban town. Except she’s starting to realize that she isn’t.

Annie is the youngest of nine children. Instead of being condemned to the bottom of the pecking order, she wants to carve out place for herself in the world. But it’s hard to find your destiny when the only thing you’re good at is being cheerful. Annie is learning that it’s difficult to be Annie, period, and not just because her clothes are worn-out hand-me-downs, and she suffers from a crippling case of dyslexia, but also because there are secrets in her life no one in her family is willing to face.

In Snow Lane, Josie Angelini presents a story about a resilient girl who, in spite of many hardships, can still find light in the darkest of places.

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: SNOW LANE

  1. Readers take the same position as Annie’s friends—left to guess what is actually going on in this family. I had some, but not all of it figured out and was glad to be left in the dark for most of the book.
  2. A friend is someone who cares. Jordan is a boy you hope every school has. Kristen, too. They were the rocks in Annie’s world.
  3. The largest number of children in a family I’ve come across the past year is five. More common are one, two, or three kids to keep track of. Large families are unique and there’s always an interest from kids in what it would be like to be in one.
  4. Annie narrates the story and is about as spunky a protagonist as you’ll find. Her voice still rings in my head.
  5. I had compassion not only for Annie, the youngest of the nine, but also for Miriam the oldest. She made sacrifices to help this family grow until she couldn’t anymore.

FAVORITE LINE:

A couple of years ago my dad let us watch this special on PBS. Normally we don’t get to watch TV because the Solid Gold Dancers are pornographic, but my dad made an exception for Carl Sagan, probably because he doesn’t do any dancing at all on his show Cosmos.

AUTHOR QUOTE:

Snow Lane is a work a fiction. It didn’t happen this way. But it’s all true. This is the most honest book I’ve ever written, not because the plot is a faithful recounting of my childhood. But because if you read it you’ll understand why my sisters and I can laugh at tragedy.

For more visit Josie’s website.

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

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Dr. E’s SUPER STELLAR SOLAR SYSTEM

Posted on March 8, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

Whether you know a lot or a little about our solar system, this new title is sure to send you into an orbit of adventure and learning. Author Dr. Bethany Ehlmann changes into her alter superhero disguise, Dr. E, to present fascinating facts and journeys about the world beyond. Each of the ten chapters begin with a paneled cartoon where Dr. E and her six-wheel sidekick, Rover, prepare readers for what lies ahead.

Each of the chapter titles also give a hint of the content:

  1. Our Cosmic Neighbors
  2. Dwarf Planets, Meteors, Asteroids, and Comets
  3. Planets
  4. Frozen Worlds
  5. Erosion and Weathering
  6. Volcano Worlds
  7. Let’s Explore
  8. Craters
  9. Climate and the Importance of Water
  10. Only the Beginning

The facts will astound you, like…

  • We think of the sun as being huge, but it’s really just a medium-size star!
  • Neptune has winds stronger than 1200 miles an hour!
  • Olympus Mons, a volcano on Mars is more than three times the size of Mount Everest!

I’m barely scratching the surface as to what you will discover by reading the subtopics in each chapter. I also loved two other features: Real Scientist profiles are scattered throughout giving young readers a reason to say “I want to do that.” There are also frequent ‘Try This’ sections, taking you through how to set up simple experiments, giving a hands-on component kids will enjoy (Okay, I did too).

Perfect for research or to enjoy in your spare time. Dr. E delivers a well balanced and entertaining ride into the solar system.

For more information and to order your own copy, head on over to the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC STORE.

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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) 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 next day.

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 non fiction, Reviews | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

MMGM for 3/5/18

Posted on March 5, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

The #MMGM LINKS for March 5, 2018

(Click on a Star to visit their site)
Baseball season is near and I’m reviewing LUCKY ENOUGH. You can scroll down to read (Also linked via the red star).
Carl at Boys Read Boys Rule! is confronting his worst fear: Reading the fifth Harry Potter book. He’s also giving away special bookmarks.
Author June McCrary Jacobs is spotlighting and reviewing one of her all-time favorite books–‘Wolf Hollow‘ by Author Lauren Wolk.
Completely Full Bookshelf is back with another great recommendation: Tell Me by Joan Bauer.
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal is reviewing On the Spectrum by Jennifer Gold.
Mark Baker at Carstairs Considers returns with a review of The Dark Talent by Brandon Sanderson.
Sue Kooky at Kitty Cat at the Library is reviewing the book The Future of Us.
Dorine White at The Write Path has a review of Frederik Sandwich and the Earthquake that Couldn’t Possibly Be by Kevin John Scott.
Suzanne Warr is sharing favorite talking points from her attendance at WriteOnCon, an online kidlit writing conference.
Rosi Hollinbeck at The Write Stuff is reviewing and giving away Three Times Lucky.
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!
*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 | 4 Comments

LUCKY ENOUGH

Posted on March 4, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

It’s Another MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

March reminds me of two things: Spring Break and Baseball Spring Training. I’ll have to wait until the end of March for a little vacation, but the cable channels are already featuring Major League Baseball practice games as players prepare for another long season.

That’s what makes the release of another sport’s book by Fred Bowen so timely. If I counted right, LUCKY ENOUGH is his tenth baseball themed book! Visit his website for a listing of all the books he’s written for the 8 to 12 year old age group, including ones in Football, Basketball, and Soccer.

Trey Thomson is the main character in LUCKY ENOUGH. The focus is on how much does luck have in performing well on the baseball diamond, in particular a lucky charm or the same daily routine. Trey is superstitious. When he makes the highly touted 13 and under travel team, it reinforces his belief that luck is more important than hard work. But then he loses his prized lucky charm.

This book will appeal to boys who love the sport of baseball. The pages spend most of the time in either games or practices. Just perfect for those who are anxious to get their own little league season underway. Fast paced and thought provoking, not too heavy or light, and always a pleasure to slide safely into another chapter.

PUBLICATION DATE: 2018   PAGE COUNT: 128

THE OFFICIAL WORD ON THE PLOT (From Peachtree Press): When Trey’s good luck charm helps him make it onto the Ravens travel team, he is overjoyed. The stroke of good fortune reinforces his superstitious behavior—he never steps on the foul line, he obsessively taps the corners of home plate every time he’s at bat, and he always carries his lucky piece of blue sea glass in is uniform pocket. Then one day Trey can’t find his lucky charm. He searches everywhere—but it’s no use. His performance begins to slip, and he is convinced that his future with the Ravens is doomed. Will he ever get his “magic mojo” back?

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: LUCKY ENOUGH

  1. Trey lives with his Mom and rarely sees his Dad. He reminisces about the tender relationship he had with his grandmother. It’s a situation many will be familiar with in their own families.
  2. In the final pages after the story reaches THE END, there is a bonus chapter on the real story about baseball superstitions. A great way to make fiction meld with the truth.
  3. There are some life lessons that sneak in but not in an overwhelming way. Just enough for a youngster to consider in their own life.
  4. It goes to show you it takes a village…there is the coach, a groundskeeper, and his best friend’s parent’s who all spend time making Trey a better player and person.
  5. The shorter length is a bonus for read-alouds and for those who would rather play baseball than read about it.

A few minutes from Fred Bowen about his coaching and writing philosophy:

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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 , , , , | 5 Comments

ODDITY

Posted on March 2, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

This just in from the New Mexico Department of Tourism:

Oddity is a work of fiction. You will not find blurmonsters, zombie rabbits, or aliens in our fine state (well, that last one is up for debate). Mannequins are no threat to your future existence and you should not fear our trash dumpsters. New Mexico welcomes all to visit and enjoy the many safe cities, fun attractions, and modern roadways…

Okay, truth be told, I made that up.

But I can’t make up the fact that I had trouble getting into this one at first. I mean…it was just so odd. But about a third of the way through this weird tale had me in its grips. The heart of the story is about family and doing whatever to keep the unusual and weird forces in Oddity from breaking that up.

RELEASED: 2017    PAGE COUNT: 320 pages

Here’s the Odd behind Oddity (from Amazon):

Welcome to Oddity, New Mexico, where normal is odd and odd is normal.

Ada Roundtree is no stranger to dodging carnivorous dumpsters, distracting zombie rabbits with marshmallows, and instigating games of alien punkball. But things haven’t been the same since her twin sister, Pearl, won the town’s yearly Sweepstakes and disappeared . . .

Along with her best friend, Raymond, and new-kid-from-Chicago Cayden (whose inability to accept being locked in the gym with live leopards is honestly quite laughable), Ada leads a self-given quest to discover Oddity’s secrets, even evading the invisible Blurmonster terrorizing the outskirts of town.

But one of their missions goes sideways, revealing something hinky with the Sweepstakes . . . and Ada can’t let it go. Because, if the Sweepstakes is bad, then what happened to Pearl?

I especially enjoyed the secondary characters like Cayden who has no idea how this place got so different from Chicago. He starts out kind of timid but by the end he comes out of his shell to fight the evil that controls the town. Song, an adult friend to Ada, is another strong character.

Readers who like quirky fantasies and some rather challenging reading at times will dive right into this without stopping. The cover alone has you from the first look. Ada narrates the story in an often times hilarious manner, but I can see how some young readers may not be able to keep up with her rambles.

For me, I’m glad I stuck with it to the end… or is this just the beginning?

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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 , , | 3 Comments

MMGM for 2/26/18

Posted on February 26, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

HAPPY NATIONAL TELL A FAIRY TALE DAY!

The #MMGM LINKS for February 26, 2018

(Click on an image to visit their site)
I’m featuring JUST LIKE JACKIE. You can scroll down to read (Also linked via the magical frog).
Susan Uhlig shares her thoughts on the historical novel Lucky Broken Girl by Ruth Behar.
Double Take! Susan Uhlig has a second post this week with a review of Shadow Magic by Joshua Khan.
Author, June McCrary Jacobs has a spotlight and review on a cozy middle-grade mystery by author C. M. Surrisi entitled ‘The Maypop Kidnapping‘. 
Susan Olson at Time Travel Times Two is reviewing THE PAINTING, PLUS A BONUS REVIEW. (Two reviews with one click!)
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal has a review of  Natalie Lloyd’s new MG novel, The Problim Children.  It’s a lot of rip-roaring fun!
Completely Full Bookshelf is recommending Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin.
Michael Gettel-Gilmartin aka The Middle Grade Mafioso has a review of Ursula K. Le Guin’s The Tombs of Atuan (Please forgive me for putting you next to a princess).
Author Melissa Roske is back with another Ask The Author interview with MG author Lindsay Currie.
Author Dorine White at the Write Path has a review of RESTART by Gordon Korman.
Author Elizabeth Van Tassel returns with a review of Tesla’s Attic by Neal Shusterman and Eric Elfman.
Rosi Hollinbeck at the Write Stuff is reviewing and giving away Lily’s Mountain.
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!
*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 | 5 Comments

JUST LIKE JACKIE

Posted on February 25, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

IT’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY

The underpinning of this new novel is family and that’s a good thing. Life rarely gives us a perfect one and there are many families in this story to prove my point.

Tough to the core Robinson Hart (Robbie) is in fifth grade. She’s not afraid to pull out her fists if the schoolyard bully teases her. Robbie lives with her African-American grandfather but has no other details about the rest of her family. Jackie is white, and Grandpa either won’t talk about the past or has forgotten due to his deteriorating mental state. When her teacher gives the class a family tree assignment, she refuses to do it since there’s only one branch on her tree.

Written with quiet compassion and understanding, the story will find a place in your heart. It is sad but also hopeful for Robbie (named after Jackie Robinson), Grandpa, and friends new and old.

Spend some time in Vermont with this cast of characters. It’s like a warm bowl of oatmeal and maple syrup. One minor warning: There is some mild language from Grandpa and Robbie but nothing that should keep you from reading this tender story.

PUBLICATION DATE: 2018   PAGE COUNT: 256

THE PLOT (From Amazon): 

For as long as Robinson Hart can remember, it’s just been her and Grandpa. He taught her about cars, baseball, and everything else worth knowing. But Grandpa’s memory has been getting bad—so bad that he sometimes can’t even remember Robbie’s name.

She’s sure that she’s making things worse by getting in trouble at school, but she can’t resist using her fists when bullies like Alex Carter make fun of her for not having a mom.

Now she’s stuck in group guidance—and to make things even worse, Alex Carter is there too. There’s no way Robbie’s going to open up about her life to some therapy group, especially not with Alex in the room. Besides, if she told anyone how forgetful Grandpa’s been getting lately, they’d take her away from him. He’s the only family she has—and it’s up to her to keep them together, no matter what.

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: JUST LIKE JACKIE

  1. Each of Robbie’s friends and enemies have story all their own. So strong is each, I’d  enjoy reading their story in a future book.
  2. Robinson is Grandpa’s helper in his auto shop. She can change oil or brake pads like a pro. A great sidelight to her upbringing.
  3. Alzheimers. The impact it has on a family is both honest and heartfelt.
  4. Excellent lessons for children who may be thinking their family is not normal. Every family has successes and challenges.
  5. The special bond between a grandparent and grandchild is vividly portrayed. It’s one we don’t see enough of in MG contemporary stories these days.

FAVORITE LINES:

I almost wish I could take it back. Pull my fist out of Alex Carter’s face and count to ten instead, like Ms. Gloria taught me. Count to ten, take three deep breaths, or repeat baseball stats until that’s all I can think about—Career leaders. Batting average: Ty Cobb, .366. Hits: Pete Rose, 4,256—until I get calm again. Then maybe Grandpa wouldn’t have to shake his head and go to the principal’s office, and I wouldn’t be such a pain in the butt, like a trailer that’s too heavy for his small frame to tow.

AUTHOR QUOTE: They say that a writer is really writing her first book all her life. For me, that was certainly true. Little bits of Grandpa and Robbie and sugaring and small-town Vermont life have been collecting in me for as long as I can remember and before, and in Just Like Jackie, I really felt like I was writing my way home. I may write another Vermont novel in the future, but my next novel is set in the Hamilton Heights/Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City, where I live now and where I taught middle school English for 10 years. I’m excited to share more about it soon! (Read the rest of Lindsey’s thoughts from an interview at ABA).

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