ALL RISE FOR THE HONORABLE PERRY T. COOK for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Posted on May 30, 2016 by Greg Pattridge

Author Leslie Connor’s final comment in her author’s notes is that she hopes Perry T. Cook, his mom, and all the characters we meet will find a place in our heart. She should not worry. Her wish is fulfilled at the highest level. My heart openly welcomed the guests.all-rise-for-the-honorable-perry-t-cook-by-leslie-connor

Perry is one of those rare kids who sees the glass half full. His theme song should be HAPPY by Pharrel Wiliams. But even the happiest kids on this planet would find it difficult to keep that demeanor in the face of a painful transition.

Perry has spent his entire life living under the same roof as his mom at the Blue River Minimum Correctional facility in Surprise, Nebraska. It’s an unusual arrangement that seems to work for everyone, especially Perry and his devoted mother. Their lives change when a new district attorney learns of this arrangement and pulls Perry out of the only home he’s ever known.

Told mostly in Perry’s POV (his mom also gets several chapters), this is one of the longest contemporary MG stories I’ve ever picked up, but by the end I was wishing it could go on even longer. The length may turn off young readers use to the typical 35,000 to 50,000 word novels, but the chapters are short (83 in all), and each one pushes the story to what you hope is a happy conclusion.

Despite the topic and the tough issue of parent incarceration, I felt optimistic. There are good people in the world and happiness is achievable for even the most downtrodden. Look no further if you are looking for something to read this summer. One of my favorites of this or any year.

WORD COUNT: 80,817  READING LEVEL: 3.8 PUBLICATION YEAR: 2016

FULL PLOT (From Leslie’s Web Site) Eleven-year-old Perry has always been loved as much as any other kid his age. However, his home is a bit unusual; he has lived at the Blue River Co-ed Correctional Facility in tiny Surprise, Nebraska since his birth. His mom, Jessica, is a resident on Cell Block C, and she’s finally up for parole. Mom and son look forward to a new beginning on the outside…until the ambitious new district attorney, Thomas VanLeer, discovers that a boy has been living at the prison. He yanks Perry out and delays Jessica’s parole. Stuck in foster care, Perry feels desperate to be reunited with his mother and his Blue River family. Meanwhile, a school project launches him on a journey that makes him question the details of his mother’s crime. Jessica Cook has secrets. Perry resolves to uncover her true story. But can he do that without betraying her?

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: ALL RISE FOR THE HONORABLE PERRY T. COOK by Leslie Connor

  1. Every successful story has two elements: a winning protagonist and a love to hate antagonist.  For Perry that would be two individuals working against him – a boy at school who makes fun of his prison upbringing and the district attorney. You’ll despise both but hope they too will become a little more likeable by story end.
  2. Zoey is the perfect friend for Perry outside the walls of prison. Since the day they first met they’ve helped each other face the realities of life. She’s a secondary character that shines.
  3. We come to understand and feel compassion for Perry’s mom and her early life. It’s a great comparison to the growth she has had in 12 years.
  4. You could do entire books on the other characters. One would certainly be an adult book about Thomas Van Leer, D.A. He sees what he want to see and rarely looks at the big picture. Perry’s friends at the prison (Big Ed for one) could also be in their own stories. Strong writing when an author can make so many stories interesting.
  5. Perry. Period.

FAVORITE LINES:

It’s 6:23 a.m. I scoot forward and put my lips close to the microphone of the prison PA system. I always begin quietly. Warden Daugherty comes to wake me every day, and she is gentle about it. So I do the same for all the residents at Blue River.

“Good morning,” I say in my slow, low voice. “This is Perry at sunrise…”

MOTTOS FOR WRITERS (From Leslie’s web site) : 

  • Don’t keep anything in your manuscript that you don’t believe to be beautiful or useful. (Stolen and tweaked from designer William Morris, who gave people this advice about their homes.)
  • Shorten Your Sentences and Cut Your Adverbs. (This is a simple recipe for strengthening most manuscripts.)
  • Treat Everything You Write Like a Read Aloud. (Listen for your stories even when you are away from a pencil or the keyboard. Then get your first draft down. When you revise listen to the sound of the spoken word.)
  • Write What You Can’t Ignore. (My personal response to the advice to “Write what you know.” If an idea niggles endlessly at you, you can bet it will hold the fascination of a future reader too.)

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June is a great month to recommend even more great reads for summer. Next Thursday I’ll kick things off with a giveaway of Hatter Mattigan: Ghost in the H.A.T.B.O.X. This new release I previously reviewed is a great companion to the movie, ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS. No Alice in this book, but  you’ll get to know the very endearing, Hatter Mattigan.

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Make a comment below if you have time. I enjoy reading all of them.

Check the links to other Middle Grade novels over at Shannon Messenger’s Marvelous Middle Grade Monday post.

MMGM2

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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS MASTERMIND BLOG TOUR

Posted on May 27, 2016 by Greg Pattridge

I’m excited to be Stop #5 on the National Geographic Kids Mastermind Blog Tour!

NG - MastermindBlog Tour logo

This summer, National Geographic Kids Books is inviting kids to “Unleash Their Inner Genius” with the release of Mastermind (May 2016, ages 8-12).  6302110In this fun, interactive book, kids learn what type of thinker they are and are given the chance to exercise different parts of their brains with games, tests and puzzles.

Each stop on the National Geographic Kids Mastermind Blog Tour will bring you one step closer to becoming a Certified Mastermind. Be sure to stop by each stop on the tour (see schedule below) and challenge yourself to unleash your inner genius with fun quizzes, optical illusions, and brain teasers, and learn tips and tricks for improving brainpower and explanations for the science behind navigating your mental map.

Are you ready to put your left side of the brain to the test? Check out below and tweet a quick video of you attempting this experiment using #Mastermind! (Personal note: I have no video proof, but I did try this. Weird and fascinating!)

NG - MastermindStop5Confuse the Legs

About the book:

The cheeky narrator and self-proclaimed “Mastermind” Ima Genius and her talking dog, Atom, guide the reader through short and snappy explanations of the science behind why the brain does what it does and how it affects the senses, spatial reasoning, language, memory and problem solving. As kids work their way through the book completing experiments, brain teasers, mazes, quizzes and games, their efforts (and smarts!) are rewarded with a Certificate of Mental Achievement declaring them as a Certified Mastermind.  Or, in the words of Ima Genius:

“When I’m finished with you, your brain will be so huge that your average-size neck will no longer be able to support your massive noggin.  Ha!  I kid.  That’s only happened once.”

My Two Cents Worth

What a great non-fiction addition. Each page has a new surprise and will have young readers (and many older ones) saying, “I didn’t know that.”

How the brain works is often given a dry treatment of facts, but here you get to experience and learn what is going on with the command center of your body.

Amusing presentation, colorful pictures, and page turning format will be a hit with all kids including those reluctant readers.

Order your copy HERE.

Check out National Geographic on:  TWITTER    FACEBOOK

Stop by Mundie Kids next Tuesday to put your left side of the brain to the test!

Blog Tour Schedule:

5/23 – Reading is Better With Cupcakes

5/24 – Mother Daughter Book Reviews

5/25 – Geo Librarian

5/26 – Mrs. Mommy Book Nerd’s Book Reviews

5/27 – Always In The Middle

5/31 – Mundie Kids

6/1 – Unleashing Readers

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MAYDAY for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Posted on May 23, 2016 by Greg Pattridge

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this new novel except the main character sounded like a w204boy I would like to know more about. So when I received an advanced copy (Thanks Karen!), I sat down and began to read. The story made me laugh, made me tear up, and made me think how much harder it is growing up when the world won’t cooperate.

I closed the book for the last time while sitting on my front porch and sighed. Wayne Kovok was running off and our short time together was over. I looked up at the gray-blue skies and a plane flew overhead, making an approach to a nearby regional airport. 14A landed safely.

True Story.

Wayne has his own story to tell along with his love of facts. It’s necessary so he can process an awful turn of events in his life. Sad yes, but also hopeful that finding your voice, even when you don’t have one, is something we all hopefully discover. It’s the nasty bumps in the road that we have to learn to jump over and that can take some time.

MAYDAY is a distress signal for a boy’s future. I’m glad I spent the time finding out where Wayne is headed.

PUBLICATION DATE: 2016   PAGE COUNT: 352

FULL PLOT (From Karen Harrington’s Website) Seventh-grade Wayne Kovok lives in the world of AFTER. After his uncle was killed overseas while serving in the army. After Wayne and his mom survived a plane crash while coming back from the funeral. And after he lost his ability to speak. Now, how will he stand up to his super patriotic grandfather? And how will he speak the truth of his disappointments and dreams to his deadbeat dad?

It’s not until he loses his voice that Wayne realizes how much he doesn’t say out loud.

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: MAYDAY by Karen Harrington

  1. Wayne meets another boy, Denny, in the waiting room of a doctor who treats patients with voice problems. For Wayne he can’t speak and for Denny, he’s a stutterer whose  stuttering disappears when he sings. A heartfelt friendship develops between these two.
  2. You want nothing but the best for Wayne. He has a deadbeat father, the girl of his dreams would like to dump him, and his grandpa doesn’t understand his own grandson. Too many negatives for Wayne and you may find yourself mumbling unkind things to these other characters.
  3. Wayne’s quest to find his Uncle’s flag that disappeared in the crash is a believable journey. It’s a long process that helps him grow and understand.
  4. Humor strikes not only from his new friend, Denny, but also from his Mom’s new boyfriend. He’s a lawyer and his commercials appear on the local TV station. Wayne also has a few perceptive zingers to throw out along the way that had me smiling.
  5. DATA: This is my 50th MG book I’ve read this year and one of my favorites. Wayne has plenty of additional DATA to toss out to readers. You just might become hooked like I did.

FAVORITE LINES: 

“Rise and shine and pee. It’s the best part of waking up, honey,” someone said. “It means you’re alive. I’m Nurse Davis. You’re in the hospital. You’ve been in an accident. Your mother is okay. She will be here shortly. You should not try to speak. Your neck suffered a severe blow. Nod your head if you understand.”

I nodded. It was the moment I realized that I would have to learn a new language in the country of AFTER.

FROM Karen’s WEBSITE:
I generally like to write 500-1000 words per day. I find that is a comfortable pace for me. Often, I begin a story writing in a notebook. I like to write journal entries from a character’s point of view to learn the sound of his or her voice. I take breaks in my writing day to go for walks. If I’m procrastinating, I sometimes find the need to reorganize my spice cabinet. Sometimes, having a deadline makes a person want to clean out her closets before she can get writing done. Why this is so is a mystery!

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

Check the links to other Middle Grade novels over at Shannon Messenger’s Marvelous Middle Grade Monday post.

MMGM2

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HATTER MADIGAN: GHOST IN THE H.A.T.B.O.X. for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Posted on May 16, 2016 by Greg Pattridge

If the character’s name looks familiar then you have enjoyed the successful YA Hatter-Madigan-cover-e1433952843629trilogy, THE LOOKING GLASS WARS. Hatter Madigan returns as a 13-year-old in this MG prequel. I don’t recall a YA series that reverses direction and explores a main characters earlier years in a second series. I’m glad to see it happen here.

This will be fun for those familiar with Hatter Madigan, and a good lead-in for many young readers who won’t be ready for the older Hatter for a few years. Regardless, both groups can enjoy the fantasy filled introduction to Wonderland and the Millinery Academy.

It’s like a literary blender where Harry Potter, Ender’s Game, and Alice in Wonderland are thrown in the mix and, no wait, that would be a mess. In this case though it comes out fresh and appealing.

Hatter has inner doubts that often prevail with this age group, but he also has the potential to chase his fears away. And there are many in this fantastic introduction. Smart, exciting, and it will leave you breathless for more.

PUBLICATION DATE: 2016   PAGE COUNT: 408

FULL PLOT (From Automatic Publishing) Swordplay!  Newfound friendships!  School bullies!  Budding love!  Self-serving rivals!  Scheming adults and soulless rebel plotters!  Welcome, to the world of Cadet Hatter Madigan, who has just entered  Wonderland’s Millinery academy as one of the freshmen ‘Caps’. Those born to be Royal Bodyguards are trained at one of the four academies  (Heart, Clubs Diamond, Spade) linked to the royal houses.  Cadets will study the mystic and martial arts, as well as the sometimes more difficult art of successfully dealing with others. Once Hatter begins his training he is thrown into a competitive world of both boys and girls vying to be the best.  Arsenal cubes, blade chasers and Hat blocking 101 are all rites of passage the young milliners first take on together but must eventually perfect, separately.

As readers of The Looking Glass Wars already know, Hatter will grow up to one day serve as bodyguard to two queens and become Wonderland’s most famous traveler.  But in the Young Hatter series—each installment of which chronicles a single year of our hero’s education—readers can live through the experiences that shaped this extraordinary Wonderlander. They will share young Hatter’s joy as he forges new friendships at the Millinery; suffer his frustrations as he strives to maintain these friendships; come, and witness young Hatter struggle with the first stirrings of love; watch him defend himself against rival cadets and contend with the expectations of teachers all too familiar with his infamous older brother … and all while he tries to keep up with his studies.

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: HATTER MADIGAN: THE GHOST IN THE H.A.T.B.O.X. by Frank Beddor with Adrienne Kress

  1. Students create their own top hat that they’ll eventually learn to use as a weapon. I can just hear the MG audience croon, “Cool.”
  2. The issues and fears that Hatter has are the same you’d find in kids today. Changing friendships, popularity, hurt feelings, family trauma, and making the right choices to please everyone.
  3. There are several tense fight scenes that will have your heart racing. Some are with beasts (see cover), classmates, and holograms. They each serve to keep the pages turning and the plot fulfilled.
  4. Excellent supporting cast of characters, both male and female. Each with distinct personalities including Newton, his blind friend. Yes, there are bullies, but Hatter learns to control their immature behavior.
  5. The relationship Hatter has with his older brother, Dalton, is mysterious. They were both raised at the academy as orphans but seem to be nothing like each other in Hatter’s eyes. By the end of the book we discover the reasons why.

FAVORITE LINES: “You cannot pick and choose,” Orlage continued, “although through experience I know you all likely already have your preference. The decision will be made by the eeries. Remember, cadets at every level fail and leave the institution, but none more than Caps. You are not as smart as you think you are, talented as your parents have led you to believe, or brave as you will need to become if you are to graduate. If you get homesick, I don’t want to hear about it. I am not your mother.”

INTERESTING TIDBITS from Frank Beddor’s Website:  Beddor, who had been a high-level freestyle skier, broke into the business by producing the 1998 thriller “Wicked,” the first major role for Julia Stiles. He followed that with the comedy “There’s Something About Mary,” which grossed $360 million worldwide and starred Ben Stiller and Cameron Diaz.

Current projects include “Hatter Madigan,” which is being developed as an animated children’s show with former Marvel Head of Animation Eric Rollman; “The Looking Glass Wars,” which is in the works as a Broadway musical with composer Ryan Oliver Scott and playwright-TV writer Jon Caren; Eric Laster’s murder mystery “Static” is being developed with “Con Man” producer PJ Haarsma for digital; and “Spectrum,” the fictional TV show at the center of the “Con Man” series, will get its own TV show.

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

Check the links to other Middle Grade novels over at Shannon Messenger’s Marvelous Middle Grade Monday post.

MMGM2

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MIDDLE GRADE FAVORITE SITCOMS

Posted on May 12, 2016 by Greg Pattridge

A middle grade television script and a novel look very different, but they do share similar traits. A beginning, middle, and end for sure. There’s also a problem that must be solved in 30-60 minutes on TV and by the last page in a book.

I finish a ton of MG books every year. Well, at least a few hundred pounds worth. On the TV side not so much. So I was curious. Would watching these shows make me a better story teller?

I went right to MG students and asked them what their favorite sitcoms were with kids near their age as the stars. I wasn’t familiar with several of their choices so I tracked them down and watched an episode or two.

If you’re writing a novel, watching these programs can be a real eye opener. Some of the plots are downright dumb, but you can get a sense of facial expressions and movement from the characters. I haven’t found much from the dialog side that I can use, but there are certainly quite a few superb kid actors.

Want to watch? Here are a few clips of shows with MG characters recommended by a class of sixth graders:

HENRY DANGER (Nickelodeon)

KIRBY BUCKETS (Disney)

STUCK IN THE MIDDLE (Disney)

Also receiving votes: THE THUNDERMANS  and GIRL MEETS WORLD.

Okay. End of experiment. Watching middle grade problems come to life is making me a bit dizzy.  It’s time to return to the safety of writing books.

 

 

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DIEGO’S DRAGON BOOK 4 for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Posted on May 9, 2016 by Greg Pattridge

The full title wouldn’t quite fit so here’s the full scoop – DIEGO’S DRAGON BOOK FOUR: MAZES, MONSTERS AND MYTHICAL HEROES

Previously I reviewed DIEGO’S DRAGON Book One (SPIRITS OF THE SUN); Book Two (DRAGONS OF THE DARK RIFT); and Book Three (BATTLE AT TENOCHTITLAN).

Diego is at his most desperate point in any of the four books. 61BF61TkzbL._AC_UL320_SR214,320_He’s separated from his dragon, Magnifico, while families from his California community, including his own, have disappeared. Diego’s destiny is certain to be a final battle with the Dark Lord, Satadon. History will forever change and the dragon world destroyed if he cannot defeat this menacing enemy.

In my reviews of the previous books I mentioned you could jump right in if you had not read the entire series. I wouldn’t attempt that with Book 4. There is so much going on that relates to the previous stories you will likely be lost without the needed background. Read the first three then enjoy this one. It’s an epic tale told in 100 chapters (though many are only a page long).

If you enjoy intricate plotting with many settings both present and in the past this one is for you. A dragon tale like no other.

PUBLICATION DATE: 2015   Pages: 394

FULL PLOT (From Amazon):  For all Diego knows, his dragon has fallen for the last time. All that remains of the Aztec nation hides in the forests and caves beyond Tenochtitlan. If Satadon can find and destroy the Mexica people, Diego, Racquel, and their families will join those who disappeared two years ago. Jenna, Racquel’s conduit, gently touches symbols carved on the walls of her prison. If she can find the right sequence inside the temple, she might open an ancient door unknown even to the Dark Lord. Satadon and the ancients are returning to Tenochtitlan. The Aztec gods are choosing sides for the coming battle. Warriors from another dimension appear in the ancient Mexica lands. Sol soars through the stars on a journey to save his dragon. Misterioso, protecting his lord, becomes weaker every hour. He believes Magnifico is dead, and he will wait and die with him if that is Sol’s wish.

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT DIEGO’S DRAGON (BOOK FOUR): MAZES, MONSTERS, AND MYTHICAL HEROES  by Kevin Gerard

  1. A great tie in to the history of Mexico. Readers will be motivated to learn more about the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan. This is the setting for a significant chunk of the action. I was also curious about another location I had not heard of: Popocatépetl.
  2. Five full page illustrations by Benito Gallego are a powerful companion to the written words. You can view them here at the Book 4 Teaser page on the Diego’s Dragon site.
  3. I said in my last review of this series that Conor, the Irish boy with a mysterious background, would play a significant role in Diego’s quest… Oh my, did he ever!
  4. I’m always searching for books that will challenge advanced readers. Diego’s fourth episode fits perfectly into that mold.
  5. Spanish words are thrown in throughout. Most can be figured out in context but a handy 2-page translation guide is present in the last pages of the book. Diversity both in language and characters.

FAVORITE LINES: Every dragon in the assembly lifted their jaws straight up. After inhaling deeply, they blasted a widespread flame from their throats and nostrils, adding it to the fires of the sun. They recharged their bodies by allowing Sol’s fiery spirit to flow through them.

“For our families!” shouted Valiente.

The response nearly shattered the teenagers’ eardrums.

“Now, dragon,” said Lea. “Now is the time.”

AUTHOR BIO:
Kevin Gerard lives in San Diego, California, with his two feline buddies, Jesse the WonderCat and Little Man. He teaches statistics at Cal State San Marcos. When not writing or teaching, he enjoys walking the grounds at the San Diego Zoo, hitting the waves at Cardiff State Beach, and hanging with his brother, nieces and nephews at the local Pizza Port. He also enjoys playing Halo on the internet; look for him in the rocket games as one of the characters from the Diego’s Dragon or Conor and the Crossworlds fantasy adventure series.

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Check the links to other Middle Grade novels over at Shannon Messenger’s Marvelous Middle Grade Monday post.

Comments are always welcome! Just click on the comment link below.

MMGM2

 

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THE NOCTURNALS: THE MYSTERIOUS ABDUCTIONS for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Posted on May 2, 2016 by Greg Pattridge

Middle grade books with animals often have humans sharing the pages. Not so here. 27220549With this new story it’s all about the animals and specifically ones that choose nighttime to roam. The main characters are a fox, a sugar glider, and a pangolin. Wolves, bats, alligators and many more creatures of the night are also a part of this adventuresome undertaking.

THE MYSTERIOUS ABDUCTIONS is the first release of a planned series (Book two, THE OMINOUS EYE, is scheduled for September, 2016). What you will find tucked away on these pages is a huge mystery about animals vanishing, lots of humor, and a plot that zips its way to a satisfying conclusion. The short chapters (33 in all) would make a great read-aloud.

If you have an animal loving reader searching for a fun story, they won’t be disappointed by this unique tale.

PUBLICATION DATE: 2016   PAGE COUNT: 220

FULL PLOT (From THE NOCTURNALS WEBSITE ) The Nocturnals features three unlikely friends: Dawn, a serious fox, Tobin, a sweet pangolin and Bismark, the loud mouthed, pint sized sugar glider. The stories all play out in their nighttime world with teamwork, friendship and humor in every adventure.

In The Mysterious Abductions, the animals form a brigade of the night after a random encounter with a blood-thirsty snake, and just in time because something is threatening their night realm. Animals are disappearing without a trace. Together with the help of a wombat, a band of coyotes and many others, Dawn, Tobin and Bismark journey to the depths of the earth in a wacky, high stakes game that will determine all of their survival.

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE NOCTURNALS: THE MYSTERIOUS ABDUCTIONS by Tracey Hecht

  1. After reading the tale you will have learned many characteristics of animals and their unique behavior. It’s not a listing of facts but instead are woven into the story. I now feel like an expert on animal behavior.
  2. The importance of friendship and family is a super theme evident throughout.
  3. A strong core group of characters, each with distinct personalities, should keep this series interesting especially for the intended audience.
  4. The book jacket hides the cover with only ‘The’ carried over. An extra bit of fun that had me smiling at the creativity.
  5. Surprises pop up at unexpected times. You’ll find a nocturnal brigade and a life or death hockey match as an example. There’s also a fun twist when the animals speak short foreign phrases.

FAVORITE LINES: “Since I am the bravest soul of us all,” said the sugar glider, “I shall gallantly remain in this tree – in its precarious limbs, at its most perilous pinnacle – while the two of you resolve that, um, teensy trouble down below.” He cleared his throat and stood tall. “Farethewell!”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR and ILLUSTRATOR: 

Tracey Hecht Photo Credit Bailey Carr PhotographyTracey Hecht is a writer and entrepreneur who has written, directed and produced for film. Tracey currently splits her time between New York City and Oquossoc, Maine with her husband, four children and three pets—none of which are a sugar glider. This is her first middle grade series.

Illustrator KateLiebmanKate Liebman is an artist who lives and works in New York City. She graduated from Yale University, contributes to the Brooklyn Rail, and has shown her work at multiple galleries. She grew up in Santa Monica,  California. This is her first children’s book.

See more at THE NOCTURNALS website including some great resources for teachers.

TWITTER

FACEBOOK

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Make a comment if you have time. I enjoy reading all of them. Just click on the Comments word below.

Check the links to other Middle Grade novels over at Shannon Messenger’s Marvelous Middle Grade Monday post.

MMGM2

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CURIOSITY HOUSE GIVEAWAY WINNER

Posted on May 1, 2016 by Greg Pattridge

cover-the_screaming_statue     23277166

Congratulations to SUSAN OLSON. She is the winner of the Curiosity House prize package. I will be sending her book one and two along with a nifty set of character cards. Susan is an author and reviews time travel books on her blog, TIME TRAVEL TIMES TWO. Enjoy!

I’ll be back tomorrow with a review of THE NOCTURNALS.

Posted in Giveaways | 2 Comments

CURIOSITY HOUSE: THE SCREAMING STATUE for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday EXTRA!

Posted on April 26, 2016 by Greg Pattridge

This second book in the Curiosity House series is released next week. You can find my cover-the_screaming_statueinterview with one of the characters, Sam-Strongboy, and the two authors by clicking the link HERE. Comment either here or on that post (or both for a double entry) to have a chance to win a nifty deck of Curiosity House character cards and a hardback edition of  book one, CURIOSITY HOUSE: THE SHRUNKEN HEAD & book two, CURIOSITY HOUSE: THE SCREAMING STATUE.  I can’t wait to draw the lucky winner’s name on May 1st.

But first… on to the review of this welcome sequel.

All the favorite kid performers return: Pippa and her mind reading ability, Max the girl who throws an accurate knife, Thomas a boy who makes like Gumby and contorts into any small space. And of course Sam, the boy who is frightfully strong. All is not well at Dumfreys’s Dime Museum of Freaks, Oddities, and Wonders. The audiences have gotten way too small at their daily performance, and the place is in danger of closing.

New to the cast is a real head turner– Howie. He has more up his sleeve than being able to show off his owl like skills.

There’s humor and mystery at every turn and you will for sure be wanting more. Yes, one major escape ensures us book three can’t be far behind. In the mean time enjoy this unique and fun series by a pair of collaborators who know each other well.

FULL PLOT (From-THE CURIOSITY HOUSE WEBSITE)Four orphans with extraordinary abilities and questionable pasts—Pippa, Sam, Thomas, and Max—are happy to be out of harm’s way now that the notorious villain Nicholas Rattigan is halfway across the country in Chicago. But unfortunately their home, Dumfreys’s Dime Museum of Freaks, Oddities, and Wonders, is in danger of closing its doors forever.

But their troubles only get worse. The four friends are shocked when their beloved friend, famous sculptor Siegfried Eckleberger, is murdered. As they investigate, they find clues that his death may be tied to the murder of a rich and powerful New York heiress, as well as to their own pasts.

In this second book in the exceptional Curiosity House series by bestselling author Lauren Oliver and shadowy recluse H. C. Chester, the four extraordinary children must avenge their friend’s death, try to save their home, and unravel the secrets of their past . . . before their past unravels them.

This is the second book in the series and so boasts many wondrous and mysterious things inside, such as:

  • Howie, the “owl boy,” whose head turns just about all the way around
  • A mean but important house cat
  • Some perfectly ghastly wax sculptures
  • A very thin boy named Chubby
  • An awful mechanical leg

It continues not to have:

  • A cautionary tale about running with scissors
  • A list of time-consuming chores
  • Nutritious and decidedly not delicious vegetables
  • A perfectly sweet bedtime story about a wayward bunny
  • Two wet kisses on the cheek from your Aunt Mildred

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: CURIOSITY HOUSE: THE SCREAMING STATUE by Lauren Oliver and H.C. Chester

  1. The murder and mayhem is not too dark and perfect for middle grade eyes. The suspense and unique characters will have even the most reluctant readers curious.
  2. The setting is rich with historical references. Set almost 90 years ago in one of the most exciting cities then and now: New York City.
  3. The whimsical and unique drawings continue to amuse and inspire one to read on.
  4. The climatic scene caught me by surprise and as intended it had me furious but also itching to get my hands on book three.
  5. You may find yourself with a favorite character but for me they each had their own charm and likability. Each one grows in your understanding of their life as someone who doesn’t fit the mold.

FAVORITE LINES: 

Mr. Sadowski blinked rapidly, his eyes passing back and forth between all four children. “The funeral service–yes, yes. Of course. How very kind. But you see, I can’t let you inside. Not without consulting Aaron.”

To this, even Max had no immediate reply.

“But isn’t Aaron–oof.” Pippa elbowed Sam in the stomach before he could say “dead.”

A TEACHER RESOURCE (From the book’s website)  Curiosity House touches on themes of belonging, difference, and family, all while being set against a bustling 1930s backdrop that provides perfect opportunities for the study of American history. We hope you’ll consider working Curiosity House into your lessons using the following resources: (Click here for the two free downloads)

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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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CURIOSITY HOUSE: THE SCREAMING STATUE Blog Tour for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Posted on April 25, 2016 by Greg Pattridge

Welcome to a special blog tour stop for CURIOSITY HOUSE: THE SCREAMING STATUE. cover-the_screaming_statueOther tour stops this week include  MIDDLE GRADE MAFIA  (Tuesday); LITERARY HOOTS (Wednesday); UNLEASHING READERS (Thursday); and ME, MYSELF, AND I (Friday).

Last year I featured a review of the exciting first book, CURIOSITY HOUSE: THE SHRUNKEN HEAD.  I’m holding off my review of the second book until tomorrow, April 26th, because today I have two special interviews and a giveaway.

First up is a unique chat with Sam, the strongest twelve-and-three quarters-year-old in the country, possibly the world.  He once lifted a car–one-handed–to save a dog trapped beneath it, and in fact he loves animals and is desperate for a pet (preferably a dog, cat, or rabbit, but he would even be happy with a turtle).

Sam plays a key role in the CURIOSITY HOUSE Series as one of the young residents and performers at Dumfrey’s Dime Museum of Freaks, Oddities, and Horrors.He’s quite tall for his age and very polite. He extended his hand for us to shake, but quickly pulled back fearing he would crush my fingers. Thanks for the heads-up thinking, Sam. Now on to the interview:

CH_Illustrations_Sam

Your ability is astounding. When did you first realize you had unbelievable strength?

I’ve known since I was a kid–I mean, for as long as I can remember. When I was a toddler I used to play airplane with Mr. Dumfrey, except I was the one holding him up.

What is the most unusual thing (or person) you have ever lifted?

One time I had to lift a five-ton industrial mixer at a bakery in Queens to find a lady’s earring. I smelled like powdered sugar for days.

Are there drawbacks to being so strong?

Oh, yeah. To be honest, most of the time, I hate it. Mr. D says I can’t have a pet, not even a turtle, because he’s worried I might hurt it. I’m always breaking things. And forget hugs–I might squeeze the life out of someone without meaning to.

What tips do you have for your young readers who want to increase their own strength?

Get sleep! I sleep a lot.

If you could trade your ability with one of the other curious residents of Mr. Dumfrey’s Dime Museum, whose ability would you most like to have?

Definitely Pippa’s.  I’d love to know what Max was thinking. I mean, I’d love to know what lots of people are thinking, but Max too, for sure.

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Thanks Sam and good luck with figuring out Max. If you’re ever out my way in a blizzard, I’ll hire you to help with snow removal.

Exit Sam and right on cue are the inspiration behind this imaginative and fun series… Lauren Oliver and H.C. Chester.

CH_AuthorBioIllustrations

Welcome to ALWAYS in the MIDDLE. I enjoyed talking with Sam. What do you like about writing for a young audience?

I fell in love with reading when I was a “middle grade” reader, and to a certain extent writing for that age group feels like a joyful continuation of my first explorations into books and reading.

You have collaborated on two books in the Curiosity House Series, what approach did you take to ensure your ideas, writing style, and creativity were each represented?

We actually had a fairly regimented way of working. Mr. Chester did the research and structured the book, providing invaluable insights about the way the mystery should unfold, and I simply wrote under his direction. Then he edited, and reedited, and reedited….

How long did it take to write this sequel from inception to release?

The book took about 8-10 months to write. But as is typical in publishing, it took another year and a half to be released!

Which character’s ability at Mr. Dumfrey’s Dime Museum would you most like to have?

Hmmm. I think that being a knife thrower would be pretty cool, actually!

What advice do you have for kids (big or little) who want to be future published authors like yourselves?

Practice! And read as much as you can.

Thank you Lauren and H.C.! Be sure to visit their superb Curiosity House website.

Finally, I have an awesome giveaway – Hard back copies of THE STOLEN HEAD and THE SCREAMING STATUE… plus a nifty set of playing cards featuring the residents and curious items from the museum. Just comment below either today or on the review post tomorrow. I’ll announce the winner  May 2nd. Good luck!

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Check the links to other Middle Grade novels over at Shannon Messenger’s Marvelous Middle Grade Monday post.

MMGM2

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