THE BUG BANDITS

Posted on February 9, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

I was hoping to feature this new middle grade contemporary closer to the release date in May. But…I have so many books to share that month I moved this one up to give you an advanced look.

THE BUG BANDITS is an engaging story full of great characters. If that’s not convincing enough, the story is a mystery set in a museum and is currently my top MG contemporary read this year.

Liberty Jacobs lives with her Dad on the top floor of at Walnut Street Insectorium, the museum he owns in Philadelphia. Liberty loves it there as she is surrounded by butterflies, geckos, and other unique insects.

The not so good parts of her life include no mom, her best friend Emma moved to Florida, and the kids at school call her “Bug Girl.” The worst might be that Dad is afraid of losing the museum since financially it is not doing well. He has an upcoming meeting with some investors who could help turns it around.

Liberty believes a burglar is going to steal many of the rare insects. If that happens the investors will likely decline to help. When the police don’t believer her and Dad is out of town, Liberty, distant Emma, and new friend Cam come up with a “Home Alone” type plan to stop the bad guys or gals.

The first person narration is spot on and relates not only to Liberty’s anxiety about what may happen, but also dives deeper into her personality. The writing flows and you can’t put it down given the mystery of who the burglars might be. I kept guessing and re-guessing. The other character, Cam, is a popular athlete at school but connects with the museum when he agrees to do some artwork, his secret passion.

Insect lovers will love THE BUG BANDITS as will anyone else looking for a memorable MG read. Highly recommended!

PAGE COUNT: 224 TO BE RELEASED: May 6, 2025

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE BUG BANDITS by Jenni L. Walsh

  1. Having a distant friend is quite common so there are daily phone calls and sadness about not being close together anymore. The depiction works as does the help Emma provides via long distant calls to help thwart the robbery. You’ll visualize everything as it happens.
  2. Home Alone is such a long standing holiday favorite for families. Kevin’s plan from that movie helps Liberty and Cam come up with their own defense and it has some amusing results. Even if you haven’t see the movie, you will be searching for it after reading The Bug Bandits.
  3. It was nice to see track star Cam and his popularity connect with Liberty, who seems the exact opposite. Their friendship was a highlight of the story.
  4. The opening pages has a guide to what animals visitors will find at the museum. Details within the text of the plot reveal many interesting facts that will have you saying “I didn’t know that!”
  5. The author based the concept on a real bug heist in Philly that brings even more believability to the plot.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jenni L. Walsh is a USA Today bestselling author of over twelve books. Her passion lies in transporting readers to another world, be it in historical or contemporary settings. She is a proud member of the Tall Poppy writers, a graduate of Villanova University, and lives in the Philadelphia suburbs with her husband, daughter, son, and various pets.

For children, Jenni has written the She Dared nonfiction series and novels Hettie and the London Blitz, I Am Defiance, By the Light of Fireflies, Over and Out, Operation: Happy, and the forthcoming The Bug Bandits. She also writes historical novels for adults, including Becoming Bonnie, Side by Side, A Betting Woman, The Call of the Wrens, Unsinkable, and Ace, Marvel Spy. To learn more about Jenni and her books, please visit jennilwalsh.com or @jennilwalsh on social media. (Jenni’s Author Website)

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Be sure to check out all the other great features and reviews on today’s Marvelous Middle Grade Monday!

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INTERRUPTED LIVES

Posted on February 7, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

The 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz happened last week on January 27th. The memories shared by these survivors will make sure we never forget. The stories are sad, but the lessons learned are valuable for upper middle grade readers and older teens. Each of these 9 brave individuals recount what they experienced as children while their families faced the hatred brought forth to them.

Although set during the same time period of the Holocaust, each story is unique and begins in countries across Europe. The faces on the front cover don’t reveal the trauma they went through, but their heartbreaking testimony relay the truth.

The authors added several more additions to bring further understanding. You’ll find separate panels of WHAT WAS? information for terms and places needing further explanation. A great resource by itself. At the end of each of the stories is a summary of the lesson learned by the survivor that may indeed be helpful to current day readers. The book also includes a handy glossary.

INTERRUPTED LIVES is a much needed resource for home and classroom bookshelves.

BOOK RELEASE DATE: March 4, 2025 PAGE COUNT: 72

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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 2/3/25

Posted on February 3, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE features a review of ALL THE BLUES IN THE SKY by Renée Watson.

Brenda @ LOG CABIN LIBRARY features Werewolf Hamlet by Kerry Madden-Lunsford .

Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles has an interview with Rosanne Parry and a giveaway of her MG “A Wolf Called Fire”.

Linda Browne reviews The School Between Winter and Fairyland.

Susan Uhlig shares about the amazing THE SHAPE OF LOST THINGS by Sarah Everett. 

Valinora Troy reviews The Haunting of Fortune Farm by Sophie Kirtley.

Carol Baldwin shares a Cover Reveal and Giveaway for Stacey Bartlett’s New Middle-Grade Novel, MONSTER MOUNTAIN.

Isabelle Knight, a young author, joins MMGM for the first time with a review of When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller.

ET Charles shares Avi’s Ragweed & Poppy.

Kasey Girard @ The Story Sanctuary also reviews All the Blues in the Sky by the incredible Renée Watson.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of THE GIRL WHO FOUGHT BACK: VLADKA MEED AND THE WARSAW GHETTO UPRISING. Rosi also shares three links 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 review from last week: THE STOLEN KEY.

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ALL THE BLUES IN THE SKY

Posted on February 2, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

A novel in verse for upper middle grade readers. ALL THE BLUES IN THE SKY is a helpful resource to those trying to understand the loss of a loved one.

Sage waits for a best friend to arrive for the planned celebration of Sage’s 13th birthday. The happy time turns into her worst day ever with news that her best friend died on the way to Sage’s house. Life will never be the same without her best friend.

Sage joins a counseling group at school that deals with grief. Her loss was unexpected while a few others in the group knew that death of a person they cared deeply about would eventually happen. How will this group even help when they don’t understand how Sage truly feels. It’s a tough road dealing with all the emotions grief brings about. Sadness, loneliness, anxiety, guilt, pain, and love are the ones mentioned on the book jacket. Will Sage ever arrive at the point of forgiving herself and find solace from others?

The writing flows and although it is a tough story to read, the book had me unable to put it down. Heartbreaking throughout but also a hopeful longing that by the last page Sage will come to understand why grief is such a difficult journey.

The setting of Harlem was a perfect backdrop and the honesty exhibited comes from an author who knows. That counseling group in the story or anyone else in need now has this novel as a discussion starter.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: February 4, 2025 PAGE COUNT: 208

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: ALL THE BLUES IN THE SKY by Renée Watson

  1. The family situation for Sage was well depicted, living with Dad while Mom lives a short distance away. Her go to person though is her aunt and she helps in a comforting way.
  2. New friend, Kofi, is also a plus as he is a great listener. Everyone needs a friend like him.
  3. The relationship of joy and grief in the healing process is great part of the plot that will be beneficial to many.
  4. The author’s note in the back pages is a must read as you will find out what led her to write this novel.
  5. Although a tough topic to address for readers, the end result leaves one in a good place.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

When Renée Watson was seven years old, she wrote a 21-page story and her teacher told her, “I think you’re going to be a writer one day!” And she was right. Renée’s been writing ever since: poetry, plays, and books. Some of Renée’s books include The Ryan Hart series, Some Places More Than Others, and Love is a Revolution. Her novel Piecing Me Together won two very special awards, the Coretta Scott King Award and the Newbery Honor. 

Renée Watson grew up in Portland, Oregon. Many of her books are inspired by the neighborhood she lived in. When Renée is working on a new book, she makes a playlist of songs she thinks her main character would like and listens to it while she writes. She does most of her writing in her writing nook, surrounded by inspiring quotes, photos of loved ones, and art. All because of her books, Renée has traveled around the world. Of all the places Renée has traveled to, her two favorite places are Oregon and New York. She loves them so much, she lives in both places—Portland and Harlem. Renée believes that words are powerful and she wants to use her words to inspire, heal, and change the world.

(For more about Renée and her books visit her author web page)

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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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BLUE

Posted on January 31, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

A story full of endearing characters and an urgent message about how we are treating Mother Earth. Multiple viewpoints allow readers to get a deep understanding of the fears and strengths each character brings forth.

BLUE is the huge tree partially pictured on the cover. The stately Douglas fir mentally communicates with a human friend, Maisie-Grace. It also can express understanding with other trees and humans.

MAISIE-GRACE is an eleven-year-old troubled by what her mind can do. It causes her to be quiet. If she dreams or visualizes an event, it comes true. The most current one is that loggers are coming to cut down the forest including her beloved friend, Blue. Maisie Grace has always been homeschooled, but is pulled to enroll in the local middle school for reasons she’s not sure about. Adjusting to this world of rules is not easy, though she does make two sort of friends,

JAX is a paraplegic artist and blames Maisie for the terrible accident that took the life of her mother and left JAX in a wheelchair. She’s not happy with herself or just about anything else. Her feelings come alive in her artwork.

MACON is a farm girl and a helper to both Maisie and JAX. She hates when farm animals are slaughtered, especially when seeing them on the table. Life and death has never been so hard.

The girls are assigned a project of action by their teacher and it leads them to camping out next to BLUE, surrounded by the forest. Their time together is not without its problems, but leads them to a better understanding of each other and the forest they truly want to save. In order to do that Maisie-Grace will have to find her voice and speak up to the people who doubt her the most.

BLUE is a memorable story that will awaken emotions in readers. They will be sad for Maisie’s family situation and angry at the fate of the forest. The writing flows and has you reflecting on the plot and your relationship with our natural world. Perfect for middle grade kids ages 11 and up.

About the Author 

Caroline Allen was an international newsroom journalist when a sudden call to give it up left her reeling. She’d spent years giving voice to the voiceless, and now she was being called to find her own authentic creative voice. With the narrative and characters closely intertwined with nature and climate change, her first four award-winning novels follow one mystic protagonist around the world in search of self-acceptance and purpose. How can she stop running from her gifts and use them to help a world in crisis? She lives in Estacada, OR.

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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. All you have to do is 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 the coming Monday.

*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 1/27/25

Posted on January 27, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE features a review of OPERATION SISTERHOOD-STEALING THE SHOW! by OLUGBEMISOLA RHUDAY-PERKOVICH.

Susan Uhlig enjoyed THE LEGENDARY MO SETO by A.Y. Chan.

Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles has an interview with debut author Nicole C. Hewitt–a member of our MMGM group–and a giveaway of her MG The Song of Orphan’s Garden.

Jennifer Rummel has a review of AWAY by Megan E. Freeman.

Carol Baldwin features guest reviewer Lori Keating with a look at a lower MG title (for ages 6-9), JUST ONE GIRL by Trinka Hakes Noble. There is also a GIVEAWAY opportunity.

Valinora Troy reviews The World Between the Rain by Susan Cahill.

Brenda @ LOG CABIN LIBRARY features Skylar and the K-Pop Principal by Luan Goldie, illustrations by Amy Nguyen 

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of THE WITCHING WIND by Natalie Lloyd. Rosi also shares three links 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 review from last week: Danilo Was Here.

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OPERATION SISTERHOOD – STEALING THE SHOW!

Posted on January 26, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

The second installment in the Operation Sisterhood series centers around the creative sister, Sunday. You can read this one without having read the first book as Stealing the Show! stands well on it’s own. You might wonder how these four sisters came to be living together with two sets of parents. Just go back and read book one after enjoying Sunday’s side of the story.

Sunday, Bo, and the twins, Lee and Lil love music. They even have a band called Operation Sisterhood and they use their skills to make some money on the side. Now Sunday announces she wants to stage an original musical. She’ll do it all: write the script and music and the sisters will perform for the whole neighborhood in an nearby neighborhood garden space. Easier said than done.

Even big ideas need a plan. Sunday is more of a let’s just do it type and doesn’t have any idea how to make it happen. Talitha Thomas, a popular young stage and screen star, is a new neighbor who just might be able to help. Unfortunately, Talitha lives in a different world of celebrities and performing commitments. Turns out this pro is not much help.

This show was going to be Sunday’s way of proving her sisters wrong and showing them she can pull this off. The Harlem backdrop is the perfect setting for the plot to unfold. The satisfying ending more than makes up for the time spent hoping Sunday will find success and start believing in what she can do. It’s definitely Operation Sisterhood to the rescue.

PAGE COUNT: 272 BOOK BIRTHDAY: 1-14-25

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: OPERATION SISTERHOOD – STEALING THE SHOW! by OLUGBEMISOLA RHUDAY-PERKOVICH

  1. The 11-year-old sisters are in “Free Schooling” for their education. It’s like home school, but with numerous projects exploring the history of their town. A great hands-on way to learn.
  2. Marcus is a secondary character who rarely calls Sunday by her real name. He just yells out other days of the week. Turns out there’s more to Marcus than just being annoying. His friendship with Sunday turns out to be the sweetest part of the story.
  3. The adult characters also shine. There’s Papa Charles, Mama Hope, Ms. Tyler, and Auntie Sunflower who owns the brownstone where the family lives. They all add their own personalities in bringing the neighborhood together.
  4. The back pages after the end of the story provide a nice wrap up: There are lyrics to Sunday and her sister’s song, SHINE. Then we get SUNDAY SAUNDER’S TIPS FOR KEEPING AN IDEA NOTEBOOK. Helpful hints for young readers!
  5. My research led me to discover Operation Sisterhood is headed to the stage in real life. There is also a reveal at the end of book 2 that will certainly provide a spark for a book 3. Fans of the series will be jumping for joy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

OLUGBEMISOLA RHUDAY-PERKOVICH is the award-winning author of several children’s books, a member of The Brown Bookshelf, and former Board member of We Need Diverse Books(WNDB). She is a two-time African American Literature Book Club bestseller and edited the WNDBanthology The Hero Next Door. She’s contributed to several collections, including We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices, Open Mic: Riffs on Life Between Cultures in Ten Voices, On the Block, and Imagine it Better: Visions of What School Might Be.

She was recently commissioned to write the Operation Sisterhood stage adaptation, and has written for various outlets, including PBS Parents, Read Brightly, American Baby, Healthy Kids, and classic hip hop fanzines, like the iconic Right On! and Word Up!. Olugbemisola has worked extensively in youth development; she was twice awarded a public service fellowship from the Echoing Green Foundation for her work with girls and was the 2024 Writer-In-Residence at Bank Street School for Children. Olugbemisola lives with her family in New York City where she writes, makes things, and needs to get more sleep. (author website)

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Be sure to check out all the other great features and reviews on today’s Marvelous Middle Grade Monday!

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THE BIG BOOK OF BARF: A SPEWNAMI OF SICK SCIENCE, HURLED HISTORY, and BODY ODDITIES

Posted on January 24, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

THE MOST DISGUSTING BOOK I’VE EVER READ! (But one kids are going to love). I learned more about barf than I thought possible. The entertaining way the topic is presented won’t have you blowing chunks, but instead smiling and learning about the body along the way.

Your journey is spewed forth by three capable characters. There’s Chuck as in UpChuck; his stomach sidekick, Queezy; and an expert on all things heading upward, Professor Anita Puke.

The science is hurled forth alphabetically through 26 chapters. Each one begins with a list of vomit vocabulary for the featured letter, meant more to give you a light beginning to what lies ahead. The three main characters are featured next with questions answered by the Professor pertaining to that letter.

Other parts that keep the chapters moving are CHUCK’S SICK SCIENCE, with explanations of science-related terms; EPICS OF EMESIS, folklore type stories from around the world; and RALPH-WORTHY RECIPES where you can make edible treats with some barf inspired names like GREAT GREEN GAG GUMBO, SPLATACAKES, and PUKE PARFEIT. The recipes actually sound quite good with nothing reappearing.

The approach in THE BIG BOOK OF BARF is lighthearted and the colorful illustrations add to fun layout. You can dive into the book from any section or read it in order. The BACK SPLATTER end of the book includes LOO LANGUAGE from around the world; a GLOPPY GLOSSARY; and a full list of CHUCK’S SICK SCIENCE TERMS.

A great gift for any young scientist that will keep them entertained for hours.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vicky Lorencen has been in healthcare communication for 15 years, writing about everything from allergies to Zika virus. Her previous writing-related roles include college writing instructor, freelance reporter, and associate editor for Kids in Common, a family resource magazine. Vicky’s work for young readers has appeared in Highlights for Children, Ladybug and Girls’ Life. Vicky and her husband live in Michigan with their feline proprietor Finn.

(For more visit Vicky’s author web page)

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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 Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for 1/20/25

Posted on January 20, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE features a review of THE SECRET OF HONEYCAKE by Kimberly Newton Fusco.

Jemima Pett is back with us this week reviewing The Ship-Thief by Stephen Potts, a sort of companion to Hunting Gumnor, which she reviewed in November.

The Middle Grade Escapades group has a Q & A with Jess Callans about her upcoming MG book OLLIE IN BETWEEN. 

Nicole Hewitt @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction reviews As You Wish by Nashae Jones & Nashae’s Top Ten Addictions.

Carol Baldwin features guest blogger Kate Lundeen and her review of ANGELS IN THE SAND by Lori Keating. There is also a GIVEAWAY opportunity.

Patricia Tilton @ Children’s Books Heal has a review of our MMGM founder’s new book, Keeper of the Lost Cities: Undaunted by Shannon Messenger.

Patricia Tilton also shares a previous post from 2020 about Kate Messner’s “The Next President.” Quite timely for this week.

Valinora Troy reviews Murder Most Unladylike by Robin Stevens.

Jennifer Rummel has a review of the middle grade graphic novel, Chickenpox.

Rebecca Douglass review of Katherine Rundell’s Cartwheeling in Thunderstorms. 

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of OFF THE MAP by Meika Hashimoto. Rosi also shares three links 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 review from last week: Spy School Goes Wild (#12).

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THE SECRET OF HONEYCAKE

Posted on January 19, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

THE SECRET OF HONEYCAKE is set in Maine during the 1930’s depression era. Hurricane (pictured on the cover) is an 11-year-old living with her older sister (Bronte) in a tall house on the coast. Dad died in World War I and then mom passed away after contracting tuberculosis.

The bad news gets even worse when Bronte is also diagnosed with tuberculosis. Hurricane is taken away to live with Aunt Claire, leaving behind her beloved dog, Brody-Bear with neighbors. This turn of events is upsetting to Hurricane. but she is externally a very quiet girl and can never seem to get the words out as to how she feels.

The very judgemental Aunt Claire is not helping, always pointing out things Hurricane is doing wrong. Fortunately there is the kind man who serves as the aunt’s cook and chauffeur by the name of Mr. Keats. His attitude is very encouraging and it helps bring change for both Hurricane and Aunt Claire.

There are 123 chapters ranging from less than a half page to 3 pages. They are more like separate scenes as Hurricane narrates her strong desire to get back home and run through the sand with her big cuddly dog. A stray cat and Theo, a new friend help Hurricane stay optimistic about what the future holds. For Aunt Claire that is dealing with a depleted financial state and trying to remember the Honeycake recipe she grew up loving.

THE SECRET OF HONEYCAKE is a journey filled with emotion that will leave readers with a warm feeling. You will also learn about the Great Depression’s impact. The quiet ending will leave you satisfied to have spent time with this memorable story.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: January 21, 2025 PAGE COUNT: 368

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE SECRET OF HONEYCAKE by Kimberly Newton Fusco

  1. The change in all the characters by the last page is heartwarming. It’s all positive with Hurricane and Aunt Claire leading the way.
  2. Theo who sells his grandfather’s fish, does so by pushing a cart through the streets. He’s the friend everyone should have, always focused on the positive and becoming a vet so he can care for animals. What a great character!
  3. The depiction of this era is obviously well researched by the author. From M. Keats suffering from the aftereffects of WWI to the additional suffering for those who lived during this time.
  4. You’ll be wanting to try some of your own Honeycake. This recipe might get you started; https://www.recipetineats.com/honey-cake/
  5. Hurricane had a terrible teacher, but not everyone teaches in such a forceful way. Hurricane is given hope for better days ahead with a new teacher who seems more open to helping.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kimberly Newton Fusco is the author of five novels for young readers, all published by Knopf Books for Young Readers/Penguin Random House.

Her books have received multiple awards, including the American Library Association’s Schneider Family Book Award, the Parents’ Choice Silver Medal, the ALA Best Book for Young Adults, the New York Public Library Best Books for Teens, the International Reading Association’s Notable Book list, and Bank Street College’s Best Books of the Year list. Her books were twice named Rhode Island Book of the Year by The Alliance for the Study and Teaching of Adolescent Literature at Rhode Island College – ASTAL, and she was a finalist for the Julia Ward Howe Young Readers Award by the Boston Authors Club.

She was a national award-winning education writer for the Worcester (MA) Telegram before becoming a novelist.  She is a graduate of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

Raised in Massachusetts, she now lives with her family in Rhode Island, the Ocean State. (Visit Kimberly’s author web page)

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Be sure to check out all the other great features and reviews on today’s Marvelous Middle Grade Monday!

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments