ERUPTIONS AND EXPLOSIONS

Posted on February 1, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

Sit tight—here’s another addition to the addicting Mystery & Mayhem series from NOMAD PRESS. You may have knowledge of these outbursts, but the stories before, during, and after each of these life-changing events drive this page-turner.

1815 Mount Tambora in Indonesia erupts. The after effects cause change to the climate and an author is also moved to create the plot for a new story. Mary Shelley pens the tale that would also become famous— Frankenstein.

1865 The riverboat Sultana explodes on the Mississippi near Memphis, killing an estimated 2,500—most of whom were freed prisoners from the Civil War. You’re not alone if you’ve never heard of this event. It is known as the forgotten tragedy.

1945 The United States explodes the first atomic bomb over Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. It’s a tough one to read as we follow 13-year-old Yoko who is an innocent victim, surviving the initial blast, but like so many, life ends for her a few days later.

1986 The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant has a nuclear accident effecting hundreds of thousands. Learn why it happened and the effects on those who lost everything.

2010 The Deepwater Horizon oil rig explodes in the gulf of Mexico. Eleven men were killed and millions of gallons of oil spilled into the gulf. The results effected wildlife, people, and the economy.

You can read these in any order and the format is perfect for reluctant readers. Maps and a few black and white photos also accompany each story. A glossary and resource page allow for further understanding.

Each of these events provides a window to the history of each time period. Kids and adults alike will learn something they whether they had previously read about the explosions or not. I especially liked the human side of each story—those who were there and experienced the tragedy.

There’s also an important tie-in to this place we call home—Earth. As the introduction states: Read these stories and heed their warning. Before it’s too late.

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Coming up next Monday is another:
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 non fiction, Reviews | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

MMGM for 1/29/18

Posted on January 29, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

Today is NATIONAL PUZZLE DAY

Before you disappear to work on a puzzle, check out all the MMGM links below…

The LINKS for January 29, 2018

(Click on a puzzle to take you to their site)
I’m featuring ELLIE, ENGINEER. You can scroll down to read (Also linked via the puzzle pieces).
Completely Full Bookshelf is recommending Horten’s Miraculous Mechanisms by Lissa Evans.
Elizabeth Van Tassel returns with a review of Cassie Beasley’s book Tumble & Blue.
Patricia Tilton at CHILDREN’S BOOKS HEAL is reviewing an MG historical fiction novel  Duck and Cover by Janet Smart about the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.
Andrea Mack at That’s Another Story has a feature on We Are Party People by Leslie Margolis.
Melissa Roske has an interview with PB author Josh Funk.
Dorine White at the Write Path has a review and giveaway of The Four-Fingered Man.
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 | 2 Comments

ELLIE, ENGINEER

Posted on January 28, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

Ellie is a tool belt wielding girl who is always planning her next project. She’s an engineer in the making and a great one, too. That career choice will for sure come later. For now Ellie wants to build a dog house for a best friend who’s positive a new furry canine will arrive on her birthday.

While Ellie sports a drill, the boy she befriends has a liking for tea parties. How’s that for a much needed role reversal? Filled with gender confrontations and misunderstandings, the story charms its way to a surprising conclusion. There are plenty of lessons learned about lying and stereotypes. Girls though will probably flock to this one more than boys, but even our young male friends could learn something if they take a look.

This would make a great series for younger MG readers.

PUBLICATION DATE: 2018   PAGE COUNT: 192

From BLOOMSBURY PUBLISHING: Ellie is an engineer. With a tool belt strapped over her favorite skirt (who says you can’t wear a dress and have two kinds of screwdrivers handy, just in case?), she invents and builds amazing creations in her backyard workshop. Together with her best friend Kit, Ellie can make anything. As Kit’s birthday nears, Ellie doesn’t know what gift to make until the girls overhear Kit’s mom talking about her present–the dog Kit always wanted! Ellie plans to make an amazing doghouse, but her plans grow so elaborate that she has to enlist help from the neighbor boys and crafty girls, even though the two groups don’t get along. Will Ellie be able to pull off her biggest project yet, all while keeping a secret from Kit?

Illustrated with Ellie’s sketches and plans, and including backmatter with a fun how-to guide to tools, this is a STEM- and friendship-powered story full of fun!

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: ELLIE, ENGINEER

  1. It’s okay for boys to do ‘girl’ stuff sometimes and vice versa. A perfect message for this new generation of readers.
  2. STEM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Math) is a popular acronym in education circles. It is books like this one that can increase the percentage of girls entering those careers.
  3. Ellie is a strong, persistent female character that is much needed in books these days.
  4. Not all of Ellie’s projects turn out winners, i.e. an automatic hair braiding device. Mistakes are fine as long as you don’t hurt someone.
  5. Black and white images detailing Ellie’s projects are scattered throughout. They’re like a window to the mind of a future architect or engineer.

FAVORITE LINES:

Ellie’s fingers got jittery, which happened a lot when she was getting an idea for a new project—it was like her fingers were just as excited as her heart.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR :
Jackson Pearce currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with a slightly cross-eyed cat and a lot of secondhand furniture. She auditioned for the circus once, but didn’t make it; other jobs she’s had include obituaries writer, biker bar waitress, and receptionist.
Jackson began writing when she got angry that the school librarian couldn’t tell her of a book that contained a smart girl, horses, baby animals, and magic. Her solution was to write the book herself when she was twelve. Her parents thought it was cute at first, but have grown steadily more concerned for her ever since. For more visit her online.

Posted in Reviews | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

HEROES OF BLACK HISTORY

Posted on January 26, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

TIME for KIDS of course has perfect timing with this new title and the arrival of Black History month in February. It must have been hard to choose just four great black Americans. If you don’t see your hero on the cover, perhaps you will find them via the added nineteen mini-biographies in the back pages.

Each of the four chapters takes you through the individual’s life and what makes them special. Many of the things learned will have you giving even more appreciation to the work these four have done. Each biography also ends with a two-page time line of important events in their life.

Here are a few highlights:

Harriet Tubman (1820-1913) She first escaped slavery at age 29 and it is estimated over her lifetime that she led 300 more slaves to freedom. She never had much money but always helped others. A true inspiration and she continues to inspire today.

Jackie Robinson (1919-1972) #42. And what a journey he had to reach the Brooklyn Dodgers as one of its prized players. Despite taunts from angry white fans and being treated differently, Jackie focused on his passion. As the chapter title proclaims: He was strong inside and out.

Rosa Parks (1913-2005) The act of not giving up her bus seat to a white man propelled this brave woman to the front as a civil rights pioneer. Her life was not easy and many pages will have you rooting for this lady. You’ll have a full understanding why she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Clinton in 1996.

Barack Obama (1961-      ) You may think you know all about our previous president. Give this a read and there will be many more surprises. Raised by his mother, Ann Dunham, Barack (Barry) grew up both in Hawaii an in Jakarta, Indonesia. In his teen years he lived with his grandparents in Hawaii. Each step of his life prepared him to become the first African-American president.

Colorful pictures accompany each biography. The text is also large and easy to read. Perfect for not only Black History Month but any month you want to learn about the struggles and triumphs of four great Americans.

If you are using this in the classroom, check out the curriculum guide by clicking on our young reader below:

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Coming up next Monday is another:
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 non fiction, Reviews | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

MMGM for 1/22/18

Posted on January 22, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

Tomorrow is National Pie Day—Enjoy a slice while you read through this week’s links.

The LINKS for January 22, 2018

(Click on a pie slice to take you to their site)
Today I’m reviewing THE CASTLE IN THE MIST. You can scroll down to read (Also linked via the apple pie).
Completely Full Bookshelf is reviewing Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech.
 Suzanne Warr at Tales from the Raven spotlights Brown Girl Dreaming, by Jacqueline Woodson.
Ashlyn at What Shall We Read Next? is featuring The Book Thief by Markus Zusak!
Patricia Tilton and Children’s Books Heal is reviewing Sled Dog School by Terry Lynn Johnson.
Books 4 Learning has OUT OF MY MIND by Sharon Draper.
Dorine White at the Write Path reviews History’s Mysteries by National Geographic Kids.
Rosi Hollinbeck at The Write Stuff is reviewing and giving away Confessions from the Principal’s Kid.
Sue Heavenrich over at Archimedes Notebook has a great non-fiction book—THE ELEPHANT WHISPERER.
Kitty Cat at the Library is hitting the slopes with SPY SKI SCHOOL.
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

THE CASTLE IN THE MIST for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Posted on January 21, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

For the past year this book was on my long list of MG novels I wanted to read. It made a jump to the top after winning a copy from COMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF, where you can find reviews of other MG books.

After reading four straight 350 plus page MG stories, I welcomed this much lighter weight offering. There are certainly many 8-12 year-old kids who devour books of any size, but there are more young readers that judge a book by its length and back away when seeing ones too big for their eyes. That makes THE CASTLE IN THE MIST a welcome addition for all types of readers (taking up just 167 pages of text).

Told in third person, it’s a tale woven with elements of magic as two siblings experience a strange world near their aunt’s home in England. They are far from their own home in Long Island but with their reporter father off to Afghanistan and their mother not in the best of health, this is not a bad place to end up.

They mystery of the castle pulls them into a world that seems to be from the past or could it be the future? You are left with guessing until the climatic end. Filled with interesting characters and a setting you can’t get enough of, the story weaves a bit of its own magic to make this one of the quickest and most satisfying reads of the past few months.

PUBLICATION DATE: 2017   PAGE COUNT: 192

FULL PLOT (From AMAZON) Tess and her brother, Max, are sent for the summer to their aunt’s sleepy village in the English countryside, where excitement is as rare as a good wifi signal. So when Tess stumbles upon an old brass key that unlocks an ornately carved gate, attached to a strangely invisible wall, she jumps at the chance for adventure. And the world beyond the gate doesn’t disappoint. She finds rose gardens, a maze made of hedges, and a boy named William who is just as lonely as she is.

But at William’s castle, strange things begin to happen. Carnival games are paid for in wishes, dreams seem to come alive, and then there’s William’s eerie warning: Beware of the hawthorn trees. A warning that chills Tess to the bone.

In a magical, fantasy world that blurs the line between reality and imagination, readers are left to wonder exactly what they’d wish for if wishes could come true. Perfect for fans of Half Magic and The Secret Garden—and for anyone who’s ever wondered if magic is real.

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE CASTLE IN THE MIST

  1. The relationship between Tess and Max is at times explosive and other times protective. It’s a perfect depiction of a sibling relationship.
  2. William is the heart of the mystery, a gentle soul who longs for his past and the future one brought to the gates of the castle.
  3. The setting is exquisite, and I found myself longing to spend a summer on the English countryside.
  4. There’s a hint of a sequel but thankfully the end neatly wraps up the current plot points.
  5. There’s a map at the beginning and a fun two-page illustrations at the end. In between are 26 quick chapters that will please everyone who loves a magical story.

FAVORITE LINES :

“Please come back,” he called in return as she reached the gate, which was still ajar, and ran out of it. And she heard him say, “Remember—” his voice seemed to echo softly across the moors “—stay away form the hawthorn trees.”

FROM THE AUTHOR, Amy Ephron:  

When I was little I thought of books as magical places I could get lost in. I thought Oz was real (I still do.). I thought Mary Poppins was certainly real, if we could only find her and that the Banks children never grew up. I thought the streets they lived on, their houses, their families were all real. I believed that The Secret Garden was possibly a work of non-fiction, I mean based on a real story. I loved Half Magic and A Wrinkle in Time.

And I wanted to try to write a book that I call ‘a modern day mash-up of an old-fashioned children’s novel,’ one that was accessible to modern-day kids but married the real world to magic, and not really knowing whether it was real or sometimes imagined….

I also wanted to write a book that taught kids to believe in themselves, to believe in wishes, but sometimes to be careful what you wish for. And, also, these children are on their own and sometimes, for a minute, running through their heads are tapes, really, of things their parents taught them along the way, amazing guides that you sometimes learn from your parents.

It’s also about siblings, and the complications thereof, and ultimately the extraordinary bond. It’s about believing in yourself and working together!

(For more visit Amy’s Web Site)

Posted in Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

COLORBLIND— A NOVEL

Posted on January 19, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

BACKGROUND: The time is 1968. The place is Montgomery, Alabama. The story is one of resilience in the face of discrimination and bullying. Using the racially charged word “Negro,” two Caucasian boys repeatedly bully Miss Annie Loomis–the first African-American teacher at the all-white Wyatt Elementary School. At the same time, using the hateful word “harelip,” the boys repeatedly bully Miss Loomis’s eleven-year-old Caucasian student, Lisa Parker, who was born with cleft palate and cleft lip. Who will best the bullies? Only Lisa’s mood ring knows for sure (From AMAZON).

The story is full of racism—from parents, students, and teachers alike. Told in third person, COLORBLIND—A NOVEL centers on Lisa Parker and the year of her awakening in sixth grade. Parts of the story also focus on her African-American teacher, Miss Loomis. I would have enjoyed the tale even more had it been a multiple viewpoint first person narrative with these characters, much like ARMSTRONG & CHARLIE from last year. Yes, many of the scenes are described rather than letting the reader experience the awareness of racism or bullying in the late 60s.

Regardless, the themes brought forth in the story beg to be discussed in this present day and time. You’ll be shocked at the attitudes of privileged Caucasian teachers and parents. Many of the students inherit those attitudes and their purpose in life is to make fun of anyone who is not ‘white and normal looking.’ Racism in the sixties meant you do everything possible to degrade those of a different color.

The people and terms you hear about in the story would be great research topics for a middle grade student: Klu Klux Klan, Governor George Wallace, and Martin Luther King Jr. to name a few. There’s also a much deeper debate that could be put forth as to how things have improved or not in the fifty years since the time period of the story.

Attitudes towards others start at an early age. Middle graders are ready to find a better understanding of these issues. They’re the ones who ask “I have a question…” and they won’t back down without an answer.

I’m glad books like this one are getting shelf space. It provides a bit of history to a problem that has gone on way too long.

The story is a reminder of several upcoming celebrations:

  • Jan. 20 National Day of Acceptance
  • Feb 12-18 Random Acts of Kindness Week
  • Feb. 11 Make a Friend Day

Also… There is an online quiz to accompany COLORBLIND. It’s called “What Kind of Friend are You? Take the Bully/Bestie Colorblind Quiz!” There are ten multiple choice questions and you can find it here.

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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

MMGM for 1/15/18

Posted on January 15, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day

MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY

The LINKS for January 15, 2018

(Click on a snowflake to take you to their site)
Today I’m reviewing THE DREADFUL TALE OF PROSPER REDDING. You can scroll down to read (Also linked via the snowflake).
Author Fleur Bradley joins the snowy MMGM walkway this week with a review of Spy on History: Victor Dowd and the WWII Ghost Army by Enigma Alberti & Tony Cliff.
Carl at Boys Read Boys Rule! has a review of a book he calls “terrifically cool”—The Last Jedi Visual Dictionary book.
Completely Full Bookshelf is helping you feel better if you’ve caught one of those nasty illnesses going around with 5 MG books to read when you’re sick!
What Shall We Read Next?  is telling you about The Fever Code by James Dashner!
Faith Hough also joins us this week with a review of Ghosts of Greenglass House, by Kate Milford.
Michael Gettel-Gilmartin at the Middle Grade Mafioso is featuring I SURVIVED THE ERUPTION OF MOUNT ST. HELENS, 1980 by Lauren Tarshis.
Rosi Hollinbeck at The Write Stuff is reviewing and giving away Spy on History: Victor Dowd and the World War II Ghost Army.
BOOKS 4 LEARNING is back with a review of BIRD by Zetta Elliott.
Dorine White at the Write Path has a fun Picture book parade.
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.
Melissa Roske has an interview with MG author Darcey Rosenblatt.
Andrea Mack at That’s Another Story has THE LIST by Patricia Forde
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 | 2 Comments

THE DREADFUL TALE OF PROSPER REDDING for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Posted on January 14, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

It’s Marvelous Middle Grade Monday!

This new fantasy adventure features a twelve-year-old boy with the most unusual name: Prosperity Oceanus Redding. He prefers to go by Prosper. What he really prefers is to get rid of the demon living inside his body and stay alive in the process. It won’t be easy given the Redding family history. Alastor is not a welcome guest.

The darkness is more in tune for upper middle with elements of terror and creepiness (Alastor often takes a walk at night while Prosper sleeps though it all). They can also talk to each other and along with Prosper’s relationship with Nell, a witch in training, this becomes the heart of the story.

Prosper is sarcastic at times and his favorite word is “crap” but you grow to like this kid. He’s openly honest with his thoughts. You’ll also have a deep sadness for his predicament.

If you like a story where the climax wraps everything up in a nice tidy fashion—don’t expect it here. What you will get is a thrilling ending with many loose ends that will have you clamoring for the next book in the Prosper Redding series.

PUBLICATION DATE: 2017   PAGE COUNT: 368

FULL PLOT (From AMAZON)

“I would say it’s a pleasure to meet thee, Prosperity Oceanus Redding, but truly, I only anticipate the delights of destroying thy happiness .”

Prosper is the only unexceptional Redding in his old and storied family history-that is, until he discovers the demon living inside him. Turns out Prosper’s great-great-great-great-great-something grandfather made-and then broke-a contract with a malefactor, a demon who exchanges fortune for eternal servitude. And, weirdly enough, eight-hundred-year-old Alastor isn’t exactly the forgiving type.

The fiend has reawakened with one purpose–to destroy the family whose success he ensured and who then betrayed him. With only days to break the curse and banish Alastor back to the demon realm, Prosper is playing unwilling host to the fiend, who delights in tormenting him with nasty insults and constant attempts to trick him into a contract. Yeah, Prosper will take his afterlife without a side of eternal servitude, thanks. But with the help of his long-lost uncle, Barnabas, and his daughter, Nell, a witch-in-training, it seems like Prosper has at least a fighting chance of ridding himself of Alastor before the demon escapes and wreaks havoc on his family.

Little does Prosper know, the malefactor’s control over his body grows stronger with each passing night and there’s a lot Alastor isn’t telling his dim-witted (but admittedly strong-willed) human host

From #1 New York Times best-selling author Alexandra Bracken comes a tale of betrayal and revenge, of old hurts passed down from generation to generation. Can you ever fully right a wrong, ever truly escape your history? Or will Prosper and Alastor be doomed to repeat it?

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT:

THE DREADFUL TALE OF PROSPER REDDING

  1. Prosper’s rocky friendship with his cousin Nell is a delight to follow. They live under the same roof and attend school together. Not the best set up for either of them.
  2. Alastor is often creepy but also has a somewhat offbeat witty banter: I smell of conquered kingdoms and doom and despair—unlike you paunchy, knotty-pated maggot pies. Most of the subtle humor comes out in his conversations with Prosper.
  3. The book is told from Propser’s first person POV, but it does switch for a few chapters to a third person look at what the demon is up to. It was a nice break from Prosper to see more of this nasty creature who has a mind of his own.
  4. Art in schools was woven into the story in a beautiful fashion.
  5. As much as I hate cliffhangers this one was a dandy.

FAVORITE LINES :

“Like I said, it’s a bit of a shock, but…” Uncle Barnanbas’s gaze flickered between his bony hands and my face. “Do you need something for your nerves? Tea? I have a little brandy—

“I’m twelve,” I reminded him.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alexandra Bracken was born and raised in Arizona. The daughter of a Star Wars collector, she grew up going to an endless string of Star Wars conventions and toy fairs, which helped spark her imagination and a deep love of reading. After graduating high school, she attended The College of William & Mary in Virginia, where she double majored in English and History. She sold her first book, Brightly Woven, as a senior in college, and later moved to New York City to work in children’s book publishing, first as an editorial assistant, then in marketing. After six years, she took the plunge and decided to write full time. She now lives in Arizona with her tiny pup, Tennyson, in a house that’s constantly overflowing with books.

Alex is a #1 New York Times bestselling and USA TODAY bestselling author. Her work is available across the world in over 15 languages.

(For more visit Ms. Bracken’s author website)

Posted in Reviews | Tagged , , , | 12 Comments

HISTORY’S MYSTERIES

Posted on January 12, 2018 by Greg Pattridge

I love a good mystery, especially when they’re real. This new title from National Geographic KIDS reveals many of the mysteries that still stump scientists and archaeologists. There were many I had not heard of before. You’ll find the mysteries in one of the seven chapter categories:

  1. Vanished Civilizations
  2. Unexplained Deaths and Disappearances
  3. Creatures of Myth and Legend
  4. Freaky Phenomena
  5. Mystifying Monuments
  6. Cryptic Codes and Lost Languages
  7. Treasure Troves

Each mystery starts off with Background and Details. Next come The Clues followed by The Theories as to what happened. You can agree or disagree with the experts or come up with your own explanation. No matter what, the mysteries get your brain cells moving. Each chapter ends with one mystery that has recent “New Evidence Revealed,” bringing you up to date with the research. Fascinating reading!

Wrapping up the book is a bonus chapter all about sounds that stump scientists. Lastly is an interview with an Archaeologist that will peak any young person’s interest in a mystery solving type career.

Great for ages 8 and up. Your first challenge will be to get the book out of a grown-up’s hands. Thank you NG KIDS for another fantastic title.

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Coming up next Monday is:
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 non fiction, Reviews | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments