Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for 3/3/25

Posted on March 3, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE features a review of RACING THE CLOUDS by Sydney Dunlap.

Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles is participating in the Lady Luck Giveaway Hop with a lot of middle grade giveaway choices.

Sue Heavenrich is over at Archimedes Notebook talking about two middle grade novels that have bird watching at their core: The Secret Language of Birds, by Lynne Kelly and Bird Nerd, by Jennifer Ann Richter.

Isabelle Knight has an interview with Deva Fagan, author of ‘Nightingale‘. 

ET Charles reviews Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi.

Linda Browne has her March edition of Bookcase Bizarro featuring a review of Hazel Bly and the Deep Blue Sea, by Ashley Herring Blake.

Middle Grade Escapades has a post about Angela Hsieh’s upcoming graphic novel, LU AND REN’S GUIDE TO GEOZOOLOGY. 

Jennifer Rummel reviews the graphic novel, RIBBON SKIRT.

Valinora Troy shares her review of The House on Hawthorn Road by Megan Wynne.

Kasey Girard @ The Story Sanctuary reviews Cousins in the Time of Magic by Emma Otheguy.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of SAFE HARBOR by Padma Venkatraman. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a book to share every day. Check out her MMGM choice for this week and my favorite post from last week: RIGHT BACK AT YOU.

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RACING THE CLOUDS

Posted on March 2, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

A contemporary family drama sure to tug at your heartstrings. Thirteen-year-old Sage is an endearing main character with a lot of emotion to deal with in her life.

Sage is upset about what she did last November and wishes she could change it, hoping the nagging feeling of blaming herself will disappear. After what happened, Sage and her Dad abruptly left Philadelphia and now live in Virginia in a much less desirable trailer park home. Sage is sure her actions caused the sudden move.

Summer vacation is about to start when Sage hears from the grandparents she’s never met, her mom’s parents. They’d like to finally meet her and invite Sage for a week long visit to Ohio. This could be her chance to make everything right between her dad and these in-laws so they can truly be a family for the first time.

She takes her first airplane ride and once there feels it was a big mistake. Grandma Marion is a bit controlling and they don’t exactly hit it off. Grandpa is more likeable and seems like he is trying to connect with her more. Sage also has a new friend and she rescues a stray dog. These new friendships give her the courage to face both Dad and grandparents and say what’s been bothering her since the day Mom left.

Racing the Clouds is an inspiring story about addiction and how it effects everyone in a family. The first person narration by Sage through 26 chapters is spot-on for a 13-year-old dealing with the emotional roller coaster of a family who refuses to forgive. It’s a page turning and hard to put down story, one that had me finishing it in quick fashion.

Racing the Clouds will for sure touch your heart and I highly recommended it, especially for those age 10 and up.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: February 18, 2025 PAGE COUNT: 252

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: RACING THE CLOUDS by Sydney Dunlap

  1. Having friends you can talk with shows how important they can be in the healing process. This includes new friend Marla who she met on the plane and her good friend back in Virginia, Alejandro.
  2. Sage had a heart condition at birth but still loves to run, something she used to do with her mother. Running also helps her deal with the rising tensions in her family.
  3. The dog she names Nicky is adorable and the connection with Sage will be familiar to other dog owners who have their own special bond with a canine friend.
  4. The events in this story will be all too real for way too many young readers. By the end though they will find hope.
  5. The back page material is not to be missed. That includes the Author’s Note, an interview with Sydney Dunlap about addiction, and a Discussion Guide. A great resource by itself.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sydney Dunlap is an award-winning author and former elementary school teacher who has worked extensively with youth facing challenging circumstances. She enjoys reading and writing heartfelt, hopeful books that explore tough topics that aren’t often addressed in middle grade literature. Her 2023 debut novel, It Happened on Saturday, has received several medals and was named a 2024 OLA Masterlist selection and Crystal Kite Honor Book. Her next book, Racing the Clouds, releases 2/18/25. A lifelong animal lover, Sydney lives with her family in a home where the dogs and cats outnumber the people. You can find her online at www.sydneydunlap.com.

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW! AND BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

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NAT A CHANCE

Posted on February 28, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

It all began with NAT ENOUGH, the graphic novel about Natalie and the beginning of her middle school years. She learns to focus on who she is rather than who she isn’t.

Now comes the sixth installment of the series with the inspiring NAT A CHANCE. Here’s what to expect:

You don’t know until you try…

Nat doesn’t think she’s an athlete, but after a series of painfully embarrassing moments, she’s determined to build her confidence and signs up for a triathlon with her best friend, Zoe. As training begins, Nat realizes she’s in way over her head, facing so many setbacks and challenges that she wonders why she ever signed up! Can Nat get out of her own way and complete the triathlon, or will she convince herself that she’s not cut out for it and quit?

You can read this one even if you haven’t read the others. Colorful drawings throughout begin with Natalie sharing ways she is not an athlete. Many readers will understand her struggles. The training for the triathlon is a joy to follow. Especially interesting were the station setups as racers transition from swimming to biking then running. Another highlight were Natalie’s dog and cat opening up each chapter with some of their daily habits. Fun stuff!

Despite getting injured during her training, Natalie’s coach motivates her to not give up. With her confidence growing she inspires another friend to not give up on his climate change coalition project. NAT A CHANCE is a fast read and one that is hard to put down. Keeping a positive attitude in the face of failure is a great message for middle grade kids. Highly recommended.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: March 4, 2025 PAGE COUNT: 240

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Maria Scrivan is a New York Times bestselling author and award-winning syndicated cartoonist.

The first book in her graphic novel series, Nat Enough (Scholastic/Graphix), launched on April 7th, 2020, became an instant New York Times bestseller. It was followed by: Forget Me Nat, Absolutely Nat, Definitely Nat, Nat for Nothing, and All is Nat Lost. Nat a Chance will be available in Spring 2025. She is also a contributor to Marvel’s Super Storieswhich released in October 2023. Her books have been translated into Italian, French, German, Spanish, Catalan, Hebrew, Korean, Russian, Turkish, and Greek. Maria’s comic, Half Full, is syndicated by Andrews McMeel and available on GoComics.com/half-full, and it appeared daily in newspapers nationwide including the LA Times for the last ten years.

Her cartoons have appeared in many publications including MAD Magazine, Highlights, American Bystander, Prospect Magazine, Parade Magazine, and Wired, and licenses her work for hundreds of greeting cards.

Maria lives in Connecticut, close to New York City.

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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. Email me the title of the book or feature 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 don’t forget to say what 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 that week’s MMGM.

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in Graphic Novels, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for 2/24/25

Posted on February 24, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE features a review of TEAR THIS DOWN by Barbara Dee.

Jennifer Rummel reviews the graphic novel, FRESH START.

Susan Uhlig was blown away by the wonderful near future novel in verse, ALONE, by Megan E. Freeman.

Brenda @ Log Cabin Library reviews Heidi: A Graphic Novel by Mariah Marsden, illustrated by Ofride.

Isabelle Knight has a rare MMGM triple feature. First up is a review of Linda Joan Smith’s ‘The Peach Thief‘.

Isabelle follows with a review of Paper Dragons: The Fight for the Hidden Realm by Siobhan McDermott

Isabelle wraps up her triple feature: It’s an author interview with Siobhan McDermott.

Jenni Enzor shares how the popularity of All Creatures Great and Small proves quiet stories are still popular and tells us about her favorite quiet MG reads.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of MYSTERY AT THE BILTMORE: THE VANDERHOFF HEIST Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a book to share every day. Check out her MMGM choice for this week and my favorite post from last week: THE RIPPLE EFFECT

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TEAR THIS DOWN

Posted on February 23, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

Freya is a 7th grader in the small town of Wellstone. She’s a girl with a lot of questions, especially when something doesn’t seem right. After choosing Benjamin Wellstone, the town’s namesake for a school project, Freya discovers that Mr. Wellstone didn’t think of women as equals. He thought they shouldn’t be able to vote. Their place was in the home.

Freya is upset this man has a statue in the middle of main street, along with yearly festivals celebrating this historical hero. She decides to convince others in Wellstone to tear the statue down and replace it with local suffragette Octavia Padgett.

Her great idea causes friction with the town’s leaders and her parents. With the help of an equal minded grandma and friends at school, Freya discovers much about herself and also a better way to bring awareness to these outdated views.

Freya’s first person narration is perfect. She’s often too loud when she speaks but doing what is right is her calling. Mom is an artist and dad a scientist. They are there for her but also have to discipline Freya when she sneaks out with a friend and posts TEAR THIS DOWN signs on Wellstone’s statue. The chapters are a nice length and move the story forward.

Freya is one readers will cheer for and be hopeful for her success. The plot brings forth the importance of research skills along with highlighting gender stereotypes, activism, and standing up for women’s rights. Realistic and powerful, TEAR THIS DOWN is thought provoking and provides a great backdrop for discussion.

PAGE COUNT: 304 BOOK BIRTHDAY: February 25, 2025

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: TEAR THIS DOWN by Barbara Dee

  1. The adults are also realistically portrayed including an understanding social studies teacher, a town librarian, and her grandmother Nan.
  2. Students must visit the public library and find actual documents to support their research. This was a refreshing change from using a computer’s search engine.
  3. I laughed at younger sister Elsie who at times pokes in with her own hilarious opinion. She may remind you of someone in your family.
  4. Friendship. There are ups and downs, but Freya’s new and old friends combine in a heartfelt and thoughtful way.
  5. Using the idea of an O-question (a combination of an opinion inside a question) will bring many middle school age users to begin asking their own and in the end hopefully pave the path for a better future.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Barbara Dee is the award-winning author of fourteen middle grade novels, all published by Simon & Schuster. Her books have earned several starred reviews and have been named to many best-of lists, including The Washington Post’s Best Children’s Books, ALA Notable Children’s Books, ALA Rise: A Feminist Book Project List, School Library Journal’s Best Middle Grade Books, and the ALA Rainbow List Top Ten. Her books appear on numerous state awards lists as well.

Barbara graduated magna cum laude from Yale with honors in English. She has a MA degree from Middlebury College’s Bread Loaf School of English and a JD degree from the University of Chicago Law School, where she was an associate editor of the law review. She has taught high school English and has practiced law. Barbara is one of the founders and a former board member of the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival, now the largest children’s book festival in the country.

Today Barbara and her husband, Chris, live in Westchester County, New York with their sweet rescue dog, Ripley and their naughty cat, Luna. When Barbara isn’t reading or writing, she roots for her favorite baseball team, the New York Yankees, and listens to her favorite band, Radiohead.

(FOR MORE ABOUT BARBARA AND HER BOOKS VISIT HER AUTHOR WEBSITE)

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW! AND BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

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CAREFUL WHAT YOU HEAR

Posted on February 21, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

The second book in this series follows 2022’s DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR? You don’t need to have read the first story to enjoy this new one as details as to what happened are scattered throughout the plot. Still though, you will likely be searching for that first book if CAREFUL WHAT YOU HEAR appeals to you. Here’s what to expect…

Thirteen-year old Noah survived a tragic car accident that left him deaf. He wears an experimental cochlear implant that restored his hearing. You might not know that over 65,000 children in the United States have a cochlear implant, and 2-3 children out of every 1,000 born here has some form of hearing loss.

Noah’s implant does quite a bit more than help his hearing. He can hear people’s thoughts when it is turned on. In the first book he was recruited by the government for a top-secret mission. Lena, a slow to like character who also has physical challenges of her own, was also recruited.

In CAREFUL WHAT YOU HEAR, they have been under a lot of pressure participating in these missions. Their bosses reward them with a stay at Space Camp in Alabama with other kids across the nation. It starts out to be fun participating in the activities and finding new friends. Not so much after Noah begins to suspect not all is right when he overhears a man’s thoughts about stealing top secret plans from the close-by Redstone Arsenal.

The third person narration takes readers through 36 chapters. The relationship between Noah and Lena is the best part of the story. She is highly intelligent, loves computer science, and has a near perfect memory. Lena is also quick to point out Noah’s weaknesses and doesn’t like to be the target of jokes. Despite their disagreements, the two really care about each other and readers will see a gentler side of Lena.

The real life scenario of protecting the kids from any harm is carried out here. They are away from the action as the adults take over and keep them informed about the bad guys. I kept expecting Noah and Lena to get more involved rather than be on the sidelines. Despite that, the suspense of what is going to happen carries itself right to the last page. There’s even a hint this series might continue with a book 3.

CAREFUL WHAT YOU HEAR has great success showcasing friendship between characters with disabilities and makes for a fun read.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: February 18, 2025 PAGE COUNT: 214

About the author

Helen Dunlap Newton, a veteran middle grade language arts teacher, has been a serious writer for children since she became involved in the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). Her debut middle grade novel, NIGHT OF THE AMBER MOON, was published in 2021 by Yorkshire Publishing and was a 2022 finalist for the Oklahoma Book Award. The novel received the Creative Women of Oklahoma Award from Delta Kappa Gamma in 2023. Her second middle grade novel was published by Yorkshire Publishing in 2022 and was also a finalist in the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award. In addition to writing, she enjoys reading, music, and helping her husband care for their plants, backyard chickens, and rowdy Australian shepherd in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

(Be sure to visit the author’s website)

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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. Email me the title of the book or feature 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 don’t forget to say what 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 that week’s MMGM.

*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 MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for 2/17/25

Posted on February 17, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE features a review of WEREWOLF HAMLET by Kerry Madden-Lunsford.

Sue Heavenrich has a great bit of narrative nonfiction titled A Dangerous Idea: The Scopes Trial, the Original Fight over Science in Schools, by Debbie Levy.

Susan Uhlig liked this middle grade alternate history WESTFALLEN by Ann Brashares and Ben Brashares.

Isabelle Knight reviews Nightingale by Deva Fagan, an AMAZING middle-grade fantasy book that she thinks everyone should read! 

Jenni Enzor features 2 books set in the 90s: The First State of Being (Erin Entrada Kelly) and The Kid Who Ran for President (Dan Gutman).

Jennifer Rummel reviews Same Page, which tackles the important subject of book banning and censorship.

Carol Baldwin, a frequent MMGM contributor, has a post about how she is marketing her soon to be released new book, Half-Truths.

Max at Completely Full Bookshelf is back with us again sharing a review of Hazel Bly and the Deep Blue Sea by Ashley Herring Blake.

Faith Hough has a review of Caroline Starr Rose’s The Burning Season.

Kasey Girard @ The Story Sanctuary reviews The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny and the Fight for Civil Rights by Steve Sheinkin.

Valinora Troy shares some thoughts about Cluedle The Case of the Dumpleton Diamond by Hartegan Browne.

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews The Temple of Secrets (Legends of Lotus Island) Book 4 by Christina Soontornvat.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of The Trail by Meika Hashimoto. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a book to share every day. Check out her MMGM choice for this week and my favorite post from last week: Rick Kotani’s 400 Million Dollar Summer.

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WEREWOLF HAMLET

Posted on February 16, 2025 by Greg Pattridge
Screenshot

That’s 10-year-old Angus Gettlefinger on the cover. He lives with his parents and 3 siblings in an L.A. suburb.

Angus loves theater and old Hollywood movie stars. He often has pretend talks in his head with the likes of Lon Chaney, Harry Houdini, Charlie Chaplin, and Buster Keaton. Young readers will likely be saying “Who are they?”, but I’d suggest reading the one page back material first: WHO ARE THESE GUYS ANYWAY?

Angus plans to perform in a production of Hamlet, but with werewolves for a fifth grade legacy project. His teacher is less than thrilled with the idea, but Angus hopes the message from his play will bring back the close relationship he once had with his brother, Liam.

Liam is 17 and has been sneaking out at night, smoking, drinking, and doing drugs. Angus thinks his obnoxious brother is acting like a werewolf. Meanwhile, his parents are struggling financially and may have to give up their home. Older sister Hannah wishes she could move to Maine and innocent little sister Sidney can’t really grasp what is happening to the family.

The first person narration by Angus is heartfelt. When Liam goes missing Angus knows he has to find him. Chapters often end with Angus relating conversations he has had with Liam. An effective way to bring forth the emotions this young boy is dealing with. It’s a gut wrenching portrayal but one that also includes some comedic moments, especially with his two friends at school.

Werewolf Hamlet is an honest portrayal of a family dealing with a child’s addiction. One that might be helpful to readers in the same situation and a great addition to the Middle Grade shelves.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: Feb. 18, 2025 PAGE COUNT: 256

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: WEREWOLF HAMLET by Kerry Madden-Lunsford

  1. The publisher, Charlesbridge, has created a fun webpage for the book: https://www.charlesbridge.com/pages/werewolf-hamlet.
  2. Zora and Connor are the helpful friends Angus needs. Zora always follows the rules and Connor is an Alabama transplant who doesn’t like living in L.A. The perfect twosome when they join Angus, leaving school without permission to try and find Liam in Hollywood.
  3. Instead of being a predictable ending where the family troubles are solved, we get a more realistic one as Angus finally gets his chance to perform his short production of Werewolf Hamlet with help from his wonderful dog, Renfield, along with friends, and sisters.
  4. The author’s letter to readers is a must read. It’s there she explains how she came to write this book along with a list of free resources for families who are trying to cope with some of the same issues as the Gettlefinger family.
  5. Angus often quotes Shakespeare when he needs a snappy comeback. It’s a fun way to begin learning about this playwright and actor.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kerry Madden-Lunsford has been a regular contributor to the LA Times OpEd page. For several years, she directed the creative writing program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she is still a professor, and she taught in Antioch University’s MFA program in Los Angeles for a decade. She is the author of the picture book Ernestine’s Milky Way. She also wrote the Maggie Valley Trilogy, which includesGentle’s Holler, Louisiana’s Song, and Jessie’s Mountain. Her book, Up Close Harper Lee, was one Booklist’s Ten Top Biographies for Youth. Her first novel, Offsides, was a New York Public Library Pick for the Teen Age. Kerry is the mother of three adult children, and she now lives full-time in Birmingham, Alabama. Visit her at kerrymadden.com.

Check out Kerry Madden-Lunsford on social!

Bluesky Threads: @kerrymadden27. Substack

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW! AND BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

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EINSTEIN THE PENGUIN

Posted on February 14, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

This UK title originally debuted in 2021. Now American audiences can enjoy this fun story with the simultaneous release of both hardback and paperback editions thanks to Kane Miller Books.

Einstein is a rockhopper penguin who is not only smart but seems to understand human language. He shows up on the Stewart family doorstep one day complete with a back pack. They’d previously seen Einstein at the zoo but never expected this to happen. The parents know he must be returned but their kids, 9-year-old Imogen and shy younger brother Arthur strongly believe he should stay.

Turns out Einstein has a reason for being there and the family decides to help. The amusing turn of events will have you smiling and cheering for a successful conclusion. The third person narration is great for a read aloud or reading on your own. Included throughout the 14 chapters are some rather quirky black and white illustrations.

Kids of all ages who love penguins will also love this fast paced story. Young readers are often searching for higher level books with a bit of mystery. Einstein the Penguin is the perfect choice full of amusing scenes, friendship, and family.

PAGE COUNT: 224 U.S Edition: 2025

All About the Author: Iona Rangeley

I grew up in Norfolk with two parents who were often going off to various corners of the house and writing, so it always felt like I ought to be doing the same. I produced such works as ‘Sam and the Pig’, ‘Adventures at Spider School’ and a diary in which I lied about being able to speak to the house’s ghosts. 

Eventually I went to Oxford to study English and kept on writing with the intention of “never having to get a real job”. I wrote Einstein the Penguin in my third year. Since then, I have written two further Einstein books and am now working on a trilogy of spy books. The first book, Cecily Sawyer: How to Be A Spy, will launch in June 2025.

(Iona’s Author Website)

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In no way did the fact that I have been crazy about penguins most of my life have any bearing on this review. It all began when I dressed up as a very tall penguin on Halloween…

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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. Email me the title of the book or feature 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 don’t forget to say what 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 that week’s MMGM.

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
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Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for 2/10/25

Posted on February 10, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE features a review of THE BUG BANDITS. by Jenni L. Walsh.

Isabelle Knight reviews Moon Rising, the sixth book in the Wings of Fire series by Tui T. Sutherland. 

Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles has an  an interview with Elly Swartz and a giveaway of her MG, Same Page.

Sue Heavenrich is over at Archimedes Notebook with a middle grade NF in poetry: Up, Up High: The Secret Poetry of Earth’s Atmosphere, by Lydia Lukidis

Susan Uhlig thinks BAN THIS BOOK by Alan Gratz is about such a timely and important subject.

Rebecca Douglass reviews Katherine Lundell’s ROOFTOPPERS.

Jenni Enzor is back with us again with a “Sweet Reads” feature of two books with love themes: Not Exactly Love by Devin Brown and Peony Watercolor’s Wish for Sun and Moon by Robyn Field

Jennifer Rummel recaps her visit to an author event with James Ponti and Alyson Gerber.

Patricia Tilton @ Children’s Books Heal reviews a middle grade series, I Survived the Black Death, 1348 by Lauren Tarshis.

Kasey Girard @ The Story Sanctuary reviews Away by Megan E. Freeman:

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a book to share every day. Check out her MMGM choice for this week and my favorite post from last week: 18th BLOGIVERSARY!

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