MOONPENNY ISLAND for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Posted on November 16, 2015 by Greg Pattridge

I wasn’t hooked at first… another story about the friendship of two girls. WceGgDUNlCA8RPHOz66AbHHs4RI12Vqg+OoBRGBrKx2plCphEkAr3aizNSRpuGHkIoDZcS4gLRs3LNNbucM2tx5Z0rf81yX+W0g6HD2rKD1Q5iDKyCBWtzAWMsmQ+7PK I sighed and by the end of the first chapter a single string kept tugging. Read more. So I did. The string continued to wrap itself around me until I couldn’t get away… It had me.

Not sure if there’s a tween boy who would pick up and finish this book, but this quiet, sad tale with a fantastic setting is one that tween girls will enjoy immensely. Told in third person, the story keeps close to 11-year-old sixth grader, Flor, the entire way. Regardless of the audience for the story, readers will find many good themes. Those of friendship lost and gained, accepting others no matter what they look like or act, and knowing every young person fits into this world somehow. They just have to discover it. The tale is not just about two girls, but goes deeper with family, community, and life.

The setting of a small island in the middle of a great lake in Ohio wonderfully materializes. You visualize each part of MoonPenny Island thanks to words the author skillfully weaves. It’s a place you’d want to visit. For me I’m glad I kept reading.

PUBLICATION DATE: 2015   WORD COUNT: 48,655   READING LEVEL: 4.2

FULL PLOT (From AMAZON) Moonpenny is a tiny island in a great lake. When the summer people leave and the ferries stop running, just the tried-and-true islanders are left behind. Flor and her best, her perfect friend, Sylvie, are the only eleven-year-olds for miles and miles—and Flor couldn’t be happier. But come the end of summer, unthinkable things begin to happen. Sylvie is suddenly, mysteriously, whisked away to school on the mainland. Flor’s mother leaves to take care of Flor’s sick grandmother and doesn’t come back. Her big sister has a secret, and Flor fears it’s a dangerous one.

Meanwhile, a geologist and his peculiar daughter arrive to excavate prehistoric trilobites, one of the first creatures to develop sight. Soon Flor is helping them. As her own ability to see her life on this little lump of limestone evolves, she faces truths about those she loves—and about herself—she never imagined.

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: MOONPENNY ISLAND by Tricia Springstubb

  1. The characters are richly portrayed. My favorite was Jasper, the honest new kid on the island who longs for friendship but doesn’t know how it works. There’s also older sister, Cecilia; tough exterior Perry Pinch; Sylvie; Joe Hawkins; and of course Flor. They all have secrets that make moving forward in life so difficult.
  2. The one classroom for all grades was an accurate depiction of how that would play out. Being the only sixth grader is something most young people will never face.
  3.  The adults all have problems of their own that only can be speculated from a child’s perspective. We don’t learn until the end exactly what those problems are but we have a good idea. It makes the young characters that much stronger in one’s eyes.
  4. Middle grade kids think and ponder a lot. They’ll find the characters in this story doing the same. A connection made.
  5. The inclusion of Charles Darwin and his life as a scientist. Flor learns to see things differently with her visits to Jasper and Dr. Fife, her dad. Many surprising tidbits are tossed as we learn about Darwin’s life and work.

FAVORITE LINES: Lauren is a disappointed person. For one, she dreams of being a famous singer, but her voice is sandpaper, and for another, she’s been in love with Perry Pinch since third grade. Ha! Guess who Perry is in love with? Himself. The one and only.

Author Quote: I’m a writer, so looking is my business. I try to see what’s in front of me, but what’s behind and underneath too. I try to work the hardest trick of all–seeing the world through someone else’s eyes. That’s where I discover the stories most worth telling. (From Tricia’s Website)

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Make a comment if you have time. I enjoy reading all of them. Just click on the Comments word above. You’ll find it right under the title of this post.

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

MMGM2

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THE WORST CLASS TRIP EVER for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Posted on November 9, 2015 by Greg Pattridge

Just by the title you know you’re heading into a story filled with bad decisions and unfortunate situations. I’ve actually done this trip, though I wouldn’t call mine “Worst.” On three occasions I  co-sponsored a Washington D.C. trip for students. The planning alone would send most to a different career.

In Dave Barry’s book, 47 8th graders, 2 teachers, and 8 parent chaperones fly off to Washington D.C. on the field trip sfp-book-review-the-worst-class-trip-ever-is-a-funny-wry-pageturner-for-tweens-20150608of a lifetime. Narrated by admitted nerd, Wyatt, the amusing plot will keep you entertained. The events though are quite implausible (not to give too much of the plot away, but a student is kidnapped from his hotel room in the middle of the night and the next day not one of the ten adults notices him missing).

The lead teacher is rather brainless, the food is terrible, and Wyatt keeps the adventure moving  with his teen snarkiness and crazy scenarios. You won’t get too many insights as to what is actually happening inside our nation’s historic buildings since the focus is on this fun story and the teen wanna-be heroes. There is a not-to-scale map in the inside back cover showing the locations so you can at least get an idea concerning the layout of the land.

One thing for sure, kids won’t be bored reading this tale and it would  sure make a great movie. I sense a sequel may be in the works, too.

PUBLICATION DATE: 2015   WORD COUNT: 40,710   READING LEVEL: 4.8

FULL PLOT (From AMAZON) In this hilarious novel, written in the voice of eighth-grader Wyatt Palmer, Dave Barry takes us on a class trip to Washington, DC. Wyatt, his best friend, Matt, and a few kids from Culver Middle School find themselves in a heap of trouble-not just with their teachers, who have long lost patience with them-but from several mysterious men they first meet on their flight to the nation’s capital. In a fast-paced adventure with the monuments as a backdrop, the kids try to stay out of danger and out of the doghouse while trying to save the president from attack-or maybe not.

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE WORST CLASS TRIP EVER by Dave Barry

  1. The voice is authentic. Dave must be hanging around 8th graders because he nailed their dialog on every page.
  2. A strong female character. Wyatt puts it best:  Suzana “is basically a Navy SEAL disguised as a hot eighth-grade girl.”
  3. Another great read-aloud. It’s one of those stories that will hit home for the target audience (9-12 years old), but likely not as much for Dave Barry’s older fans of his past columns or books.
  4. Wyatt’s thoughts on the culinary delights he avoids each day are hilarious. He must have eaten at different places than I ever did.
  5. No enormous family problems. Yea! After reading so many books with a downer type feel, it was nice to sit back and enjoy this amusing ride.

FAVORITE LINES: My mom hugged me really hard and told me she loved me very much, and she was going to miss me, and if I did anything stupid in Washington she would kill me.

DAVE BARRY ANSWERS QUESTIONS FROM TEENS: What message would you like to send to the teenagers of America? (Answer: Your hats are backward.)
For more visit Dave’s web site

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Make a comment if you have time. I enjoy reading all of them. Just click on the Comments word above. You’ll find it right under the title of this post.

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

MMGM2

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Reading is a Tough Sell for Kids in Today’s World

Posted on November 5, 2015 by Greg Pattridge

I always encourage parents to squeeze out time for their children to read something they enjoy. Reading for pleasure will not only make them better readers, but also propel them into adulthood as lovers of stories.

A new report by Common Sense Media shows what a difficult goal that is in our always-on world. Their scholarly study (MEDIA USE BY TWEENS AND TEENS) surveyed 2600 tweens (8-12 years) and teens (13-18). The full research report can be seen on their web site after sharing your email address.

The small slice I focused on was a comparison in enjoyment of four types of media use: Video games, Social media, Music, and Reading. The latter was defined as time spent reading “for your own enjoyment” and not for homework or a school assignment. The results are eye opening though for many of us not surprising:

Enjoy this activity a lot (tweens)     Enjoy this activity a lot (teens)

Video Games  (M=71%; F=34%)                       (M=62%; F= 20%)

Social Media   (M=7%; F=18%)                         (M=29%; F= 44%)

Music              (M=45%; F=64%)                       (M=66%; F= 80%)

Reading          (M=33%; F=50%)                       (M=19%; F= 41%)

There is a significant drop in the reading category from tweens to teens, whereas the opposite happens with Social Media and Music. The drop in the boy’s reading  from 1 out of 3 enjoying reading a lot to less than 1 out of 5 is especially troublesome.

The answer to why this happens is apparent from these two short videos from Common Sense Media.

Parents, teachers, and writers are up against a force that is not going to go away.

What do you think?

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EPIC ZERO for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Posted on November 2, 2015 by Greg Pattridge

If you have someone in your household or school in the 8-14 age group, you may be familiar with the Nickelodeon comedy called The Thundermans. It’s about a family of action heroes – two parents and five children who each have their own super power. On the big screen you’ll find another super family with The Incredibles and the planned Incredibles 2 movie franchise.

EPIC ZERO has a similar premise but it reaches a much more dramatic level. Twelve-year-old Elliott, older 26088116sister, Grace, and a mom and dad, make up this super powered family. Well almost… Elliott is the only one who doesn’t have a super power. He’s just a zero. The family lives deep in outer space, but their crime fighting and schooling occur right here on Earth with other Freedom Force members.

Elliott narrates the story with charm, several amusing moments, and always questioning his place in this family and beyond. It’s an enjoyable read with many exciting moments and a welcome sequel is in the works.

PUBLICATION DATE: 2015   PAGE COUNT: 186

FULL PLOT :

Elliott Harkness wants nothing more than to join his family as part of the Freedom Force, the world’s greatest super-hero team. There’s only one problem, he’s a “Zero,” that’s super-speak for powerless. Frequently abandoned by his crime-fighting family, teased by his older super-sister, and picked on at school, Elliott is miserably ordinary in his heroically extraordinary family.

All of that changes when a mysterious new girl comes to town. She believes Elliott is far from ordinary. In fact, she thinks Elliott is the only one capable of capturing a strange and powerful orb that crash-landed on Earth before it falls into the wrong hands. To succeed, Elliott will have to do more than just find the orb. He’ll have to fend off menacing supervillains, face globe-conquering aliens, and figure out who’s truly on his side. But when Elliott realizes he’s the planet’s last hope, will he find the power within himself to be the epic hero he’s always wanted to be? Or, will he always be just an Epic Zero?

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: EPIC ZERO by R.L.Ullman

  1. Scattered throughout the book are full page color profiles of the superheroes and villains. Fun to read about their physical and mental characteristics that make them super – whether it be for good or evil.
  2. Young people with an irritating older sibling will sympathize with Elliott and his older sister. It was nice to see change in their relationship as the story progressed.
  3. There’s a family dog who disappears. Not in the run away sense, but Dog-Gone can make himself invisible. He’ll do what you want but only if you bribe him with treats. A fun change of pace from the other superpowers.
  4. If you are a bit overwhelmed by the super powers, a good place to learn more is the addition at the end of the book. There’s a full glossary of all the Meta Power Classifications and Profile Characteristics. A great resource to prepare yourself for what lies ahead.
  5. The messages put forth in EPIC ZERO are perfect as they center on family, loyalty, and never giving up. We each have special talents that sometimes take a little longer to surface.

FAVORITE LINES:

See, I know my life probably sounds glamorous and all, but trust me, it’s not. Living with a bunch of do-gooders comes with some major drawbacks. At the top of the list is the fact that while superheroes are really great at the big things – like thwarting the forces of evil – they really stink at the little things.

Like, for example, remembering their kid’s birthday.

AUTHOR QUOTE:

“While Epic Zero certainly features crime-fighting adventure, at its heart is a story about growing up and searching for your place in the world. The reader reaction to Epic Zero has been so positive that I’ve locked myself in my new Fortress of Solitude (also known as my office) to pen a sequel, entitled Epic Chaos.”

For more insights see R.L.Ullman’s web site.

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Make a comment if you have time. I enjoy reading all of them. Just click on the Comments word above. You’ll find it right under the title of this post.

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

MMGM2

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What Makes A Good Story?

Posted on October 30, 2015 by Greg Pattridge

I first came across this question when I began my first classroom teaching job. The FullSizeRenderteacher I replaced left several copies of  a short manual for kids: What Makes A Good Story? (Unfortunately out of print). Inside are 13 short stories and a discussion of what truly make good stories. It motivates students to write better with the techniques explored.

Fast forward more than a few years and here I am writing my own stories and preparing to be a round 2 CYBILS judge in the middle grade fiction category. Last time I checked there were 108 nominees to be read by round 1 judges. My part doesn’t come in until January after they have whittled the list down to the top 5-7 best.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the question posed above and started to look through my notes. These are my own scribbles going back to my college writing classes, conferences attended, tons of books on how to write, and the numerous blogs providing helpful hints. My notes were scattered far and wide so I started a file to compile the list in one location. So… what does make a good story?

  • Conflict. There are seven kinds as noted in this linked article. You don’t have to use them all, but a story without conflict turns into a real yawner.
  • Characters you love or hate. There’s nothing better than feeling a part of the character’s emotions, decision making, along with their successes, failures and changes. This comes about by writing through the MC’s actions, words, thoughts, and opinions.
  • A theme or themes surfaces. The story should have meaning or make you think in a different way.
  • Using an effective point of view for your story.
  • Setting becomes vivid in a reader’s mind through the use of  the five senses.
  • A story that causes emotions from its readers. That could be tears, laughter, or sometimes both at the same time. Reactions are what hook readers.
  • A satisfying ending whether it be happy or sad.

All of this depends on the words a writer skillfully puts together to create the overall effect.

Now, what makes a great story? For me it’s the book or movie you’ve already read or watched and look forward to repeating the experience. I hope the CYBILS winner for 2015 will be that kind of story.

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THE THIEF OF ALWAYS for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Posted on October 26, 2015 by Greg Pattridge

Clive Barker. You may have heard his name from the many fantasy/horror books and movies for adults he’s either directed, produced, or written. I’m referring to titles like Hellraiser and Books of Blood. My first reaction when picking up this novel more than ten years ago was: Clive Barker wrote a book for kids? Hide it now before some poor child gets his hands on this nightmarish horror.

Curious to read for myself, I immediately fell in love with this fable about 10-year-old Harvey Swick. It 32638quickly became a classroom favorite read-aloud. Various images have graced the book jacket over the years, but the story inside is the same.

Harvey has the same problem many kids face during the time after the holidays when January slowly turns into February. It’s called boredom. He finds hope when invited to a magical place known as the Holiday House. He discovers a much different world than the one he left behind where two loving parents are wondering why Harvey never returned from school.

At the Holiday House, each season is experienced every day. That means Spring turns into the joys of summer, followed by Halloween (trick or treating every night!), and Christmas 81nRzp3PWrLtumblr_lp301ytA021qd7snko1_400at midnight. Some kids  have loads of gifts lining the wall of their rooms signalling they’ve been there more than just a day. Soon though Harvey discovers that a world lacking of boredom has hidden secrets and now he must find a way to escape and return to a life that might not seem so boring anymore.

The first paragraph introduces in a fine way what lies ahead: The great gray beast of February had eaten Harvey Swick alive. Here he was, buried in the belly of that smothering month, wondering if he would ever find his way out through the cold coils that lay between here and Easter.

Clive Barker never wrote another book for children. I guess why bother when you achieved perfection the first time out.

PUBLICATION DATE: 1992  WORD COUNT: 37,680  LEVEL: 4.8

FULL PLOT (From AMAZON)

Mr. Hood’s Holiday House has stood for a thousand years, welcoming countless children into its embrace. It is a place of miracles, a blissful rounds of treats and seasons, where every childhood whim may be satisfied…

There is a price to be paid, of course, but young Harvey Swick, bored with his life and beguiled by Mr. Hood’s wonders, does not stop to consider the consequences. It is only when the House shows it’s darker face — when Harvey discovers the pitiful creatures that dwell in its shadows — that he comes to doubt Mr. Hood’s philanthropy.

The House and its mysterious architect are not about to release their captive without a battle, however. Mr. Hood has ambitious for his new guest, for Harvey’s soul burns brighter than any soul he has encountered in a thousand years…

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE THIEF OF ALWAYS by Clive Barker

  1. The book will appeal not only to 8-12 year old children but also adults who remember those times of boredom. Those times we wish a little more of these days.
  2. This is one of those books that hooks readers from the start and you have to read on for the next surprising plot twist. Short chapters (26 in all) that are great read leading up to Halloween or other times of the year when you hear that familiar cry “I’m bored.”
  3. Some scenes are horrifying but far less than what you might see on early evening television these days. Mr. Barker has written a story that won’t be nightmare inducing but certainly thought provoking.
  4. After reading the first chapter out loud, I’ve had reluctant readers take it home and read the rest in one night. You can only imagine the shocked look on their parents’ faces.
  5. You’ll find lessons in plot structure here with perfectly refined climaxes, tension, suspicion, conflict, and heroism all rolled up into one fine story. No sequel needed here. THE THIEF OF ALWAYS covers all the bases.

FAVORITE SPOOKY LINES:

He tossed a few comics in Harvey’s direction. “Look through these. Find yourself a monster for tonight.”

“What’s happening tonight?”

“Halloween, of course,” Wendell said. “It happens every night.”

AUTHOR INSIGHTS: (from The Official Clive Barker Website)

The Thief of Always was Clive’s first published novel for all ages. He called it a fable and the story is very much a fairy tale, illustrated with Clive’s own pen and ink drawings.

In the years since it was first published, Thief has been used as a set text in schools in the UK and US, has been adapted into a graphic novel and promises to maybe be a film in the future…

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MORE MG SPOOKS AND SCARY READS

Posted on October 22, 2015 by Greg Pattridge

There are way too many October favorites to devote a full review so I’m presenting three more in this shortened format. Like the other recommended choices this month, they can be enjoyed any time of the year.

Goosebumps series by R.L. Stine51IQsleMG8L._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_

Scholastic has churned out 400 million of these over the past twenty-five years, and I must admit I don’t think I’ve read an entire Goosebumps story yet. It’s hard to grab one of those paperbacks when they get so much use from kids. I thought the interest was lessening a bit, but now with the first movie out, the books are all the rage once more.

The newest print release (just last month) is the one pictured, NIGHT OF THE PUPPET PEOPLE.  With quick, easy to read chapters, and just the right amount of spookiness, Goosebumps lives on.

Graveyard Book by Neil GaimanTheGraveyardBook_Hardcover

This Newbery winner has an unusual beginning for an MG story with a family being murdered. It’s in the background of the first pages as a toddle wanders away from the horror to a cemetery. A place where Nobody Owens (Bod) really begins his life.

Bod spends his youth raised by ghosts. They educate and raise him. There is so much here about growing up, about exploring boundaries, about making mistakes. If you want a ghost story, or a fantasy, or just a good book, this one fits every order. I should also mention it’s loads of fun to read after those first pages.

A TALE OF DARK AND GRIMM by Adam GIdwitz51rg-Zr1+AL

Hansel and Gretel leave their story and walk into other classic Grimm tales. Sounds like fun except I’d keep the real little ones away. This one is a lot more terrifying than expected. The narrator even warns you when these part are about to  happen. Age 10 and up will have fun with these warnings and read on with no lingering effects… except great story telling.

Our little fairy tale friends seek adults who are good, and in the process show devotion to each other, courage, and at times are quite clever. There are some deep thematic layers  in this coming of age tale and one where you will laugh one minute and wince the next. After reaching the end, you will realize it’s really a story abut parenting.

halloween-bat-4-halloween-bats-1200-x-1200YIKES! There’s only one more review next Monday to celebrate this Halloween season. I’ve saved my favorite until the final week. Tune back in to see the SURPRISING choice for my all time favorite Halloween story.

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ALWAYS OCTOBER for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Posted on October 19, 2015 by Greg Pattridge

The winner of the SCARY SCHOOL series by Derek the Ghost is…  Marilyn Metz. She lives in the deep south with her family and is positive her 10 year old will adore this series. Congratulations!

halloween-bat-4-halloween-bats-1200-x-1200halloween-bat-4-halloween-bats-1200-x-1200halloween-bat-4-halloween-bats-1200-x-1200halloween-bat-4-halloween-bats-1200-x-1200halloween-bat-4-halloween-bats-1200-x-1200

 

 

A celebration of spooks and goblins can’t be much of a celebration without author Bruce Coville. By my count he is up to 134 books and most cover the world of monsters, aliens, and other creepy topics. I could have gone the easy route and chosen his popular I WAS A SIXTH GRADE ALIEN, MY TEACHER IS AN ALIEN series, or one of a dozen anthologies available with topics like nightmares and ghosts.Always_October

Instead, I went for one of that came out three years ago, his 100th book and my personal favorite.  ALWAYS OCTOBER is a hefty MG story many may have been missed with its length. Inside is a thrilling tale of our own world and another that deals in monsters and nightmares. Perfect as a read aloud, the story is told with alternating viewpoints: main character, Jake, and his friend, Lily. Those authors who wish to write from two POV’s can learn to how to pull this off my reading the chapters in ALWAYS OCTOBER.

Thrilling to the end but never nightmare inducing, this tale will sure keep your attention. Fun and scary monsters will demand that from you.

PUBLICATION DATE: 2012   WORD COUNT: 69,515   READING LEVEL: 5.0

FULL PLOT : (from Bruce Coville’s web site)

No doubt about it, little brothers can be monsters. When sixth grader Jake Doolittle finds a baby on the doorstep and his mother decides to keep it, those words are more than just an expression. Instead, they perfectly describe the way his new little brother, LD, sprouts pointy ears, thick fur, and fangs in moonlight.

Not only is LD a monster… other monsters have plans for him. But together with his friend “Weird Lily” Carker, Jake isn’t about to let anything happen to the baby. The little guy is still his brother, even if it turns out that LD may be the key to saving the world—or destroying it.

Soon Jake and Lily are on a perilous quest through Always October, a world populated with monsters ranging from the venomous to the ridiculous. Master of comic suspense Bruce Coville presents a tale of ominous dangers and hairbreadth escapes, of the conflict between forces of dark and light, and of the lengths to which one boy will go to save his brother—monster or not.

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: ALWAYS OCTOBER by Bruce Coville

  1. The story twists and winds it way through Jake’s family tree. There’s an author grandfather who is responsible for creating the Always October world. Then there’s Jakes’ dad who mysteriously disappeared. The plot ties everything up by the end except for keeping the door open for a possible sequel.
  2. The way each cliffhanger chapter ends demands that you read on. It’s a great example of how to hook kids into reading more.
  3. The monster names are strange like they should be: Invisible Ed, Keegel Farzym, Dum Pling, and Squeak to name a few.
  4. First lines are always a problem maker in my own writing. I look to others to bring me inspiration and Mr. Coville comes through. Here’s the first line in ALWAYS OCTOBER and yes it grabs you from the start: We’ve only got two weeks before Jake turns into a monster for the first time. 
  5. Writing is all about visualizing new places for readers. The world of Always October comes to life with vivid descriptions and wild scenes. You’ll have a safe seat as you watch it unfold.

FAVORITE SCARY LINES:

I hardened myself against the sight. Who knew what the little monster might do if I picked it up? Part of me felt I should just turn and run, but the wretched thing continued to stare at me with those big, pleading eyes. It reached for me again.

AUTHOR QUOTE:

Talent is only part of what it takes to be a writer. Luck and courage and mostly just plain old sticking to it are just as important.

Here are a couple of other little tricks you can start using today.

When you’re trying to make a scene come alive, use more than one of the senses. By that I mean don’t just tell me what a place looks like; tell me what it smells like and what it sounds like.

To help make your characters more memorable, give them some little trait that is unusual, something to help them stick in the reader’s mind.

Read your writing out loud. This will help you when you are revising.

Oh, and in case I forgot to mention it—never give up.

Good luck. Happy reading—and writing!

For more insights see Bruce Coville’s web site.

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I’ll be back on Thursday with bonus mini-reviews of scary favorites admired by both kids and adults.

Next Monday is my last spooky post for the month where I will reveal my absolute favorite Halloween tale.  It’s a surprising choice!

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

MMGM2

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SCARY SCHOOL SERIES for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Posted on October 12, 2015 by Greg Pattridge

This month’s second recommended spooky read isn’t all that spooky, but it is hilarious times four. Yes, this series just had the release of the fourth book, ZILLIONS OF ZOMBIES. scaryI’ve got a review of all four books and if you scroll to the bottom of this post, you’ll find details how to enter and possibly win a great giveaway of the entire series.

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: SCARY SCHOOL SERIES by Derek the Ghost

  1. If you are in need of a laugh, you’ll find it jumping out at you on many of the pages. Having a bad day? Read a chapter and you’ll feel better. Silly is something we all need a larger dose of once in a while.
  2. Derek the Ghost is an entertaining story teller, or as he is described – a ghost writer.  You forget he’s a ghost with his humorous take on the daily events at Scary School. Derek’s story is also covered, but you’ll have to read all four to get the full story.
  3. A big WOW to Scott Fischer’s brilliant illustrations in the first three books and Revo Yanson in Book #4.  I’d decorate a kid’s room with many of their funny depictions.
  4. From the lunchroom to the classroom to the playground, the craziness of this place shines. Not only do you get inside Scary School but be prepared to head off to other mysterious places. So many inventive and creative happenings thanks to the author.
  5. The accompanying website is a great extension of the book with a Scary School theme song, quizzes,  and bonus chapters. SCARY SCHOOL website

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Are you new to this series like I was or missed one of the books? Have no fear! I’ll bring you up to date…

SCARY SCHOOL #1

PUBLICATION DATE: 2011  Word Count: 34,244  Reading Level: 6.1

The first book has a loose plot that serves to introduce readers to the students and staff of Scary School… and what a cast of characters!Final Cover Scott Book 1

Charles Nukid (He’s called new kid only because he is the new kid), Nurse Hairymoles, Frank (pronounced Rachel), Principal Headcrusher, and Dr. Dragonbreath to name a few. There are frequent deaths but the dearly departed are usually brought back in various ways.

Skillfully narrated by Derek the Ghost, the accompanying well drawn pictures are a fun reminder of the characters. The images, scattered across the chapters, often get full page treatment.

The story covers year one at Scary School that culminates with The Ghoulish Games.This story would make a great read aloud before lights out or in the classroom. It’s also a good choice for the reluctant reader in your life.


FAVORITE LINES: As you will see, there’s all sorts of ways a kid can come back from the dead and keep attending classes. In fact, losing your life is never an excuse for missing class. Plus through the act of dying, a dead student will ironically learn an important life lesson. It is such life lessons that will make Scary School probably the most wholesome book series to be published in the last twenty years.

SCARY SCHOOL #2: MONSTERS ON THE MARCH

PUBLICATION DATE: 2012  Word Count: 34,521  Reading Level: 5.5

Derek the Ghost continues his humorous narration in book #2 covering the first semester of sixth grade. FINAL COVER BOOK 2Back are students Charles Nukid, Penelope Possum, and an entire class who spent the three-month summer vacation trapped in a haunted house. New characters are also introduced in the form of Mr. Grump, the elephant man teacher; and Ms. Hydra, a rather scary hall monitor with seven heads.

The more plot driven sequel has the students of Scary School on a trip to the Monster Forest. They won this opportunity by their expert play in the Ghoulish games from Book #1. They meet a variety of fearsome monsters including King Zog whose daughter, Princess Zogette, follows her new love (Charles Nukid) back to Scary School. War then erupts between the monsters.

With this fantasy filled setting, laughs at every turn (some only adults will get), and more wild and spooky adventures, this second installment will grip even the most reluctant readers.

FAVORITE LINES: The mummy walked to the chalkboard and drew several pictures. He drew a circle, a bird, a snake, then another bird.

A blond-haired girl sitting in in the front row said, “Your name is Circle Bird Snake Bird?”

“No!” howled the mummy. “This is how you spell King Khufu in hieroglyphics. Don’t any of you know who I am?”

SCARY SCHOOL #3: THE NORTHERN FRIGHTS

PUBLICATION DATE: 2013  Word Count: 36,331  Reading Level: 5.6

The kids and staff of Scary School are back from Winter break in this third book. Lattie, a girl ninja, is aScary School 3 cover new character introduced. What she does to intercept a spit wad is simply amazing. She along with Charles Nukid and four other students are chosen to attend Scream Academy, the scariest of all schools. Principal Headcrusher is the only human to ever survive this place and it’s not looking as promising for this group. It will be humans against monsters (Like ogres, trolls, and yettis), and the Scary School students will need to work together to come out on top. An epic showdown with an ice dragon will determine their fate.

This installment is a bit more serious but will still keep the attention of readers with unique characters and a surprising finish.

FAVORITE LINES:

Mr. Grump handed Petunia the piece of paper.

“What does it say?” asked Wendy Crumkin, the smartest girl in the class. She pushed back her red hair and pushed up her glasses over her freckled nose

Petunia responded, “It’s a note from Principal Headcrusher. It says , Dear Mr. Grump. It has come to my attention that you know absolutely nothing and are therefore not qualified to be a teacher at this school. However, you are welcome to join your class as a student. As soon as you know something instead of nothing, I will consider rehiring you. Yours truly, Principal Meredith Headcrusher.

SCARY SCHOOL #4: ZILLIONS OF ZOMBIES

PUBLICATION DATE: 2015  Page Count: 224

The final book in the Scary School saga is a fun, exciting, zombie filled conclusion to this kid loving series. The tension is ramped up, but not at the expense of the humor in every chapter. CO-zcPxUwAA3qF4I found myself giggling and several times full out laughter escaped. It was hard not to with the crazy events as described by Derek the Ghost.

This plot is the most tension filled of the four with Charles Nukid becoming King of the monsters (AKA King Toothpick) while zombies are creating havoc both in Monster Kingdom and back at Scary School. Derek has a lot to cover as he describes the scary proceedings at each location.

It takes courage and some rather unusual new characters to bring readers to THE END. My favorites were the bog monster, Chunky the doll, and the worst unicorn magician one could imagine.

Despite the zillions of zombies, (don’t worry… nothing too gruesome to keep the middle grade crowd from sleeping), themes of friendship, accepting differences, and working together ring true. There’s even a bonus chapter that shows what happens 29 years after this story.

The series successfully wraps up every plot point and will live on to entertain many new fans. That also means I have a great source for the 8-11 year-old reluctant reader. How can they resist?

FAVORITE LINES: They reached the end of the corridor and stood before an ominous iron door. there was a skull and crossbones at the top. Written in blood on the wall beside it was: “Do Not Enter,” “Keep out,” and “I couldn’t find a marker.”

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MORE TIDBITS & A GREAT GIVEAWAY:

Click here for more information about the man behind Derek the Ghost (DEREK TAYLOR KENT)

To mark the recent release of SCARY SCHOOL #4: ZILLIONS OF ZOMBIES, I’m celebrating with a giveaway of all four books in the series (One hardcover and three paperbacks courtesy of the author). Just mention your favorite Halloween costume worn by you or a trick or treater in the comments and you’re in the drawing. One lucky winner will be drawn next Sunday evening (10/18/15) at 7 p.m. EDT so get your entry posted by then.

I’m not eligible of course, but I’ll share a picture of my favorite costume from the past. My teammate and I had it all worked out that we would parade the halls as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. I was ready to go, but Butch forgot his costume at home. We made quite the scary bad guys anyway:

Halloween

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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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MOTHMAN’S CURSE for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Posted on October 5, 2015 by Greg Pattridge

Before we begin this spooky month of reviews, I need to announce last week’s winner of CURIOSITY HOUSE: THE SHRUNKEN HEAD. It’s none other than Michael Gettel Gilmartin. Congratulations. You can find Michael on his own blog, THE MIDDLE GRADE MAFIOSO, or on his group blog, PROJECT MAYHEM- The manic minds of middle grade writers.

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Turn off the lamps and turn on the flashlight. I’m dedicating this month to all that is spooky in MG. I’ll recommend the best in ghosts, goblin, and creature type stories. The featured books are great for this time of the year, but they actually can bring goose bumps no matter what month you decide to read.

First up is this new title, MOTHMAN’S CURSE.51z6W1IQeWL._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_

Josie is our 12-year-old heroine and narrates the story. Combined with her two younger brothers, the trio are smart, adventurous, and for the most part get along. Their unique personalities set them up to have success. The pace is perfect as the kids deal with everyday life and this strange creature known as the Mothman. Spooky for sure and scary, too, but not enough to bother the majority of MG readers.

Although fairly hefty for a MG book, drawings of the key events in the story are interspersed every chapter. It’s an enjoyable ride all the way to its thrilling conclusion.

PUBLICATION DATE: 2015   WORD COUNT: 59,111

FULL PLOT (From AMAZON)

When Josie and her brothers uncover a haunted camera, the Mothman legend becomes a terrifying reality that threatens their entire town in this spooky and action-filled novel.

Josie may live in the most haunted town in America, but the only strange thing she ever sees is the parade of oddball customers that comes through her family’s auction house each week. But when she and her brothers discover a Polaroid camera that prints pictures of the ghost of local recluse John Goodrich, they are drawn into a mystery dating back over a hundred years. A desperate spirit, cursed jewelry, natural disasters, and the horrible specter of Mothman all weave in and out of the puzzle that Josie must solve to break the curse and save her own life.

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: MOTHMAN’S CURSE by Christine Hayes

  1. The family business is an auction house where curious items are auctioned every weekend. Such a unique sidelight, and one of the youngsters, Fox, is a an up and coming auctioneer. He even holds his own auctions just for other kids.
  2. It was great to see the opposite side of Josie and Fox’s personalities come through. Josie gains more confidence and Fox shows he can be more serious.
  3. The story is based on a real urban legend that I knew nothing about. The author provided links if readers want to learn more about Mothman.
  4. The ending is a fast paced conclusion and will keep readers flipping the pages.
  5. There’s a touch of time travel with Josie and they were some of my favorite scenes. She was able to see what happened in the past and figure out how to deal with the future.

FAVORITE SPOOKY LINE:

Fox kept staring, his breath rough. I pulled my sweatshirt sleeves down over my hands to slow the cold creeping into my limbs. Mason curled up against me. I could feel his heart racing in his chest.

AUTHOR QUOTE:

I grew up loving stories about the creatures that curl your toes and the legends that send a shiver down your spine. Now I love writing about them, too. I grew up in the northwest and now live in Utah with my family, our dog, Chewie, and a house full of vintage finds that I secretly hope might be haunted. (From Christine’s web site)

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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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