A WOLF CALLED FIRE

Posted on March 23, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

Inspired by a real Yellowstone wolf known as Wolf 8, this engaging novel proves no matter how lowly one thinks of themselves compared to their peers, you still can eventually achieve great things.

Narrated by Warm, a young wolf, the story is a companion to the very successful A Wolf Called Wander from 2019. No worries if you haven’t had the chance to read that one as A WOLF CALLED FIRE is a different story and stands well on its’ own.

Warm knows he is the smallest pup in the pack. Siblings Sharp, Swift, Pounce, and Wag are much better at what seems like everything. Warm begins to see himself in a better light, but then a terrible event happens when enemy wolves bring havoc to their pack. Warm is left alone with the newest litter of 4 pups. He must somehow turn himself into a leader which means leading them away from danger, being the main defender against future attacks, and finding food. He can’t be aggressive like his father and brothers so Warm seeks out a better way.

Twenty-two page turning chapters give readers an insider look at what being a wolf entails. There are some animal deaths but nothing graphic. Wolves kill deer and elk for food which is often their only choice. Beautifully drawn black and white illustrations mix in well with the text. You will be rooting for Warm as he deals with his inadequacies but also finding strength is being the best observer. You also learn a lot about the behaviors of wildlife.

What does the title A WOLF CALLED FIRE mean? No spoilers here as the final chapters reveal the reason. The best part though is when Warm begins to understand the meaning of this thought from another wolf, “…Fierce and harsh are not the only ways to lead.” A WOLF CALLED FIRE is perfect for animal lovers, especially reading one from an animal’s point of view.

PAGE COUNT: 256 BOOK BIRTHDAY: February 4, 2025

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: A WOLF CALLED FIRE by Rosanne Parry

  1. You can succeed by being different. A great lesson for those always following the crowd.
  2. I’m always looking for a book that would make a nice read aloud in the classroom or just before a child’s bedtime. This is another one to add to my stack.
  3. I felt a strong connection to how important it is keep taking care of our Earth.
  4. The maximum enjoyment in reading a book comes from caring about the main character. Warm will truly warm your heart.
  5. The excellent back pages include even more information about wolf behaviors and their future and other animals in the Eagle Cap Wilderness of northeastern Oregon. There are also a few pages of animal track illustrations.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ROSANNE PARRY is always searching for the perfect wind in her sailboat, the Selkie, the perfect word in her tree house writing studio, and the perfect book for patrons at Annie Bloom’s Books. She lives with her family in Portland, Oregon. She is the author of many books for children including A Wolf Called Wander. Visit her at RosanneParry.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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WHO’S THAT SMURF?

Posted on March 21, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

The Smurfs began as comic characters way back in 1958 by Belgian artist, Peyo. Young readers who have been obsessed with everything Smurfs including comic books, TV series, movies, and theme parks have a new friend with the first book in THE SMURFS middle grade graphic novel series.

Who’s that Smurf? begins when a new Smurf unexpectedly drops in who doesn’t even speak Smurf and has never even heard of a Smurf. Thankfully there is help with the likes of Smurfette, Brainy Smurf, Hefty Smurf and Papa Smurf. A dangerous journey ensues that hopefully will lead to answers about the past of this strange smurf.

As one can tell from the cover, this will be a story full of colorful, bold illustrations. Here’s an opening sample page to convince you even more…

More colorful panels follow with understandable dialog perfect for readers 7-12. Who’s That Smurf? is available in paperback or hardback. Visit the Papercutz site to grab a copy for yourself.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: March 25, 2025 PAGE COUNT: 64

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Born in Caen, France, in 1972, Frédéric Thébault (Tebo) was discovered in 1997, thanks to the only comics competition he ever took part in. Jean-Claude Camano, former editorial director at Glénat, was seeking young talents to start a new magazine called TCHÔ!, and Tebo was just what he was looking for. Tebo began with Samson et Néon (Glénat, 1999), followed by Captain Biceps, along with author Zep. In 2011, Lewis Trondheim and his group from L’Atelier Mastodonte (Alfred, Bianco, Julien Neel, Pedrosa, and Yoann) invited Tebo to join them and they published their first volume in 2013 (Dupuis). His most recent work is the rollicking adventure series Raowl (Dupuis; Europe Comics in English), which turns classic fairy tales on their head.

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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 3/17/2025

Posted on March 17, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

 

It’s time to celebrate our fantastic contributors! Each week I will randomly draw the name of a devoted MMGM blogger and reward them with the top spot in the lineup. The MMGM all-star for today is…

Brenda @ Log Cabin Library reviews The Isle of Ever by Jen Calonita.

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE features a review of The EXTRA TERRESTRIAL ZOO by Samantha van Leer.

Welcome to Tonja Drecker at Bookworm for Kids and her review of Monster Mountain by Stacey Bartlett.

Susan Uhlig liked the compelling historical novel, STAY, GIRL set in a small northern California town in 1953.

Isabelle Knight reviews The Stone Girl’s Story by Sarah Beth Durst.

Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles has an interview with Carol Baldwin and GIVEAWAY of Half-Truths, her new novel.

Jemima Pett is back with a review of Time Travelling with a Hamster by Ross Welford. 

Carol Baldwin welcomes a new young reviewer in Isabelle Knight (already an MMGM regular!) and her thoughts on THE POTION EXPERIMENT by Elle McFadzean.

Jennifer Rummel has a short list of middle grade books set in Ireland.

Valinora Troy shares her review of Tide Magic: The Many Faces of Isla Flit by Clare Harlow.

Middle Grade Escapades has a post about Shana Targosz’s upcoming book, RIVER OF SPIRITS.

Nicole Hewitt is at Feed Your Fiction Addiction with a review of BEA MULLINS TAKES A SHOT (along with Emily Deibert’s Top Ten Addictions).

Kasey Giard at The Story Sanctuary has a review of Whale Eyes by James Robinson.

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews The Hotel Balzaar (Boo k2) by Kate DiCamillo in the Norendy Tale series.

Jenni Enzor is featuring some Irish-themed reads: Megan’s Year (Gloria Whelan), Breda’s Island (Jessie Ann Foley), and Sophie Steps Up (Nancy Rue).

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of IN THE SHADOW OF SUNRISE by Jennifer Bohnhoff. 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: LAST CHANCE ACADEMY-A STUDY IN SECRETS.

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THE EXTRATERRESTRIAL ZOO

Posted on March 16, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

A mystery for upper middle graders (ages 10-14) who enjoy a unique sci-fi plot. Thirteen-year-old Ava narrates the story and it’s pretty unbelievable.

Ava lives with her Uncle Pete at the Extraterrestrial Zoo. Many years ago extraterrestrials arrived on Earth. Her parents helped hatch the aliens and the government agreed to let them be cared for and put on the display at their new idea for a zoo. The unique creatures have always been a part of Ava’s life.

Unfortunately, Mom died in a car accident and Dad disappeared shortly thereafter. Taking care of the 32 ELB’s (Extraterrestrial Living Beings) has become a huge task for for Ava and her uncle so he hires an intern to help out, 14-year-old Harley.

Ava is furious and disrespects Harley every chance she gets, feeling this clueless boy has no place at their alien zoo. A place she knows best. What comes next is a terrible storm that destroys the zoo, sending the extraterrestrials loose in the woods of Maine. Ava must find them all as they can’t survive on their own.

Harley becomes a bit more likeable to Ava since he knows about hiking in the woods and is willing to help. The surprise twists and turns in this engaging plot keep the plot moving forward at a rapid pace. No spoilers here but there are a few deaths and injuries including the worst during a climatic ending.

THE EXTRATERRESTRIAL ZOO is escapist fare at its best. The story wraps up nicely and leaves the door wide open for a sequel.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: March 4, 2025 PAGE COUNT: 240

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: The Extraterrestrial Zoo by Samantha van Leer

  1. The full background about the Ava’s Mom, Dad, Harley, and Uncle Pete is revealed over the course of the story and helps change reader’s perception of each character. A great technique to keep the surprises coming.
  2. I found Ava rather obnoxious at first but was solidly in her corner by the end of the story. A very believable MC and one readers will admire.
  3. Young readers who enjoy science will like the science related terms used throughout the story.
  4. A heartwarming sense of friendship and family is a strong remembrance after closing the book for the last time.
  5. The ELB’s are all unique in their appearance and behaviors. Their abilities can be used for good or bad in a life saving way and were a fun part of the story.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SAMANTHA VAN LEER is the co-author of the New York Time’s best-selling novels Between the Lines and Off the Page, which she recently helped adapt into an off-Broadway musical that premiered in 2022.  A graduate of Vassar College, she also holds a Masters in Education and was previously a fourth grade teacher.  She now writes full time in San Antonio, Texas with her husband, Frankie, their daughter, Stevie, and their chaotic puppy, Obi Juan Kenobi, who is most likely up to no good. (for more visit Samantha’s 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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STEVE L. McEVIL and the TWISTED SISTER

Posted on March 14, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

The final book in this graphic novel series follows STEVE L. McEVIL (2022), and STEVE L. McEVIL and the SECOND WIND (2023). You can get by reading this third book without having read the first two, but you’ll find a deeper connection to the story line by reading all three.

Like the previous books, STEVE L. McEVIL and the TWISTED SISTER is filled with bold, colorful images. The plot has humor, friendships, and a very unusual family featuring Steve and his sister, Eve. Here’s what to expect:

After being sucked into a wormhole, supervillain-in training Steve L. McEvil and his friends find themselves stranded in space! But with their new alien friend Lux, they might just find a way to stop the evil Perses from destroying Earth. If they manage to get home first.

Back on Earth, Eve is ready to enact her evil plans and finally be seen as the real supervillain in her family. When Gramps comes to her for help, Eve’s first instinct is to say no. But the glory of rubbing it in Steve’s face might just be enough for Eve to help bring him home in time to stop Perses.

The 20 chapters stay close to either Steve on an alien planet or Eve as she deals with a persistent grandpa back on earth. The story will keep even the most reluctant reader engaged. It’s a book perfect to bring on a family vacation where getting there can be overly boring, but not so with this series in hand.

STEVE L. McEVIL and the TWISTED SISTER debuted this week. A great gift for the supervillain in your family.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR

Lucas Turnbloom is an award-winning cartoonist best known for his viral comic, HOW to CAT. He is the author and illustrator of Crown’s STEVE L. McEVIL graphic novel series, as well as co-creator, co-writer and illustrator of Scholastic’s DREAM JUMPER graphic novel series. Lucas currently resides in San Diego with his wife and two sons.

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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 , , | 3 Comments

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for 3/10/25

Posted on March 10, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

 

It’s time to celebrate our fantastic contributors! Each week I will randomly draw the name of a devoted MMGM blogger and reward them with the top spot in the lineup. The MMGM all-star for today is…

Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles has an interview with author Allie Millington and a GIVEAWAY of her MG Once for Yes.

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE features a review of I KNOW WHAT UFO DID LAST SUMMER by Kevin Garone.

Brenda @ Log Cabin Library gives us a look at Paper Dragons #2: The Rise of the Sand Spirits by Siobhan McDermott.

Isabelle Knight reviews Finally Seen by Kelly Yang, an Asian middle grade contemporary novel.

Rebecca Douglass has a post about about Carry Me Home, by Janet Fox.

Carol Baldwin shares a review by Kathryn Dover of Bowers and Shady, a post civil war middle grade story,

Jenni Enzor is featuring the Larklight Series and No Such Thing as Dragons by Philip Reeve.

Jennifer Rummel reviews the graphic novel, WIRES CROSSED.

Valinora Troy shares her review of Fairday Morrow and the Talking Library by Jessica Haight and Stephanie Robinson.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of ELSETIME by Eve McDonnell. 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: AWAY.

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I KNOW WHAT UFO DID LAST SUMMER

Posted on March 9, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

This new science fiction story features three 12-year-olds who are the highlight of the tale. The author nailed it perfectly in capturing each of their personalities.

Front and center is Marv (code name: Gold Leader) who narrates. He is obsessed (and I mean OBSESSED) with being ready before aliens take over our world, or at least his hometown in suburban Delaware. What drives Marv to this belief is a favorite book he always has close by, How to Survive an Alien Invasion: Your Guidebook to an Inevitable Future.

Best friend Jace (code name: Baller One) tags along with helping Marv. He’s not really into aliens existing, being more interested in playing one-on-one basketball and talking about his devotion to the Philadelphia 76ers basketball team.

Finally we have Nora (code name: Space Cadet) who Marv thinks is an alien. She calls his way of thinking “weird” and makes a great nemesis and partner for Marv and Jace in their adventure.

The journey for this trio begins when Nora and her Dad move next door. Seeing them unload boxes of electronic equipment from their moving truck follows what Marv’s book says is sign number four that aliens have An unusually high quantity of electronic equipment. Seems far-fetched to Jace until an overnight sleep-over in their nearby hideout. A flash of light leads them to an alien spacecraft that has landed nearby.

Turns out the craft might be something other than an alien ship. No more spoilers here so you can enjoy the surprises unleashed in the 30 chapters. The 210 pages are a welcome amount in the world of 300+ page MG novels. There are some adult deaths in story but are depicted in the best way for the intended 10-12 year-old reader. The three main characters avoid seeing any of these unfortunate results.

I KNOW WHAT UFO DID LAST SUMMER is a fun tale that will have you laughing at many of the kid-like interactions with each other and the adults. Saving the world is a tough business, but doable in the hands of Marv, Jace, and Nora.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: March 11, 2025

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: I KNOW WHAT UFO DID LAST SUMMER by Kevin Garone

  1. The plot stays with the kid trio, leaving adult intrusions to a minimum. Just what young readers like in a story.
  2. Friendship takes time and it’s no different when Nora arrives. It’s handled in a great kid-like fashion here.
  3. The adult reactions to Marv’s obsession are often hilarious with lines like “What’s wrong with this kid? when he asks one of his questions about an adult being an alien. Marv is just carrying out what he believes to be true.
  4. Even adults who are tired of the world news would find this to be a nice escape.
  5. A final scene hints at a continuation to maybe a series. Something the intended readers will be cheering to happen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

From the time he was in elementary school writing Pokemon fan fiction and stories about dinosaurs, Kevin Garone wanted to be an author. But of course, it takes time before the dream of writing and publishing one’s own books becomes a reality.

Some of Kevin’s past adventures include youth soccer referee, serving a 2-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, doing deliveries and cleanup for a port-a-potty company, and playing and singing in an alternative/folk band and a satirical hip hop group.

After graduating college and trying (and failing) to write fantasy, Kevin finally discovered his passion for writing middle grade horror. Drawing inspiration from his favorites like the Universal Classic Monster movies, B-movies from the 1950s and 60s, Stranger Things, and more, Kevin writes stories that combine horror and adventure as kids face their fears and overcome the odds to save the day. (Kevin’s 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!

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, Science Fiction | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

ONE LITTLE GOAT

Posted on March 7, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

The Jewish holiday of Passover occurs this year after sundown on April 12th and continues for 8 days. This festive event celebrates the exodus of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery.

Although not Jewish myself, I learned about the tradition throughout the pages of this graphic novel. It’s a wild journey led by a small goat and a boy. Here’s what to expect:

At the Passover seder, an out-of-control family cannot find their afikoman — the hidden matzah required for the seder’s ending — and as a result, they are trapped at a seder that cannot end. Six months in, a wisecracking talking goat shows up at their door with bad news: Thousands of years of previous seders have accumulated underneath their seder, and their afikoman is stuck in one of them. Now the family’s ​“wise child” must travel down with the goat through centuries of previous Passovers to find it– and to discover the questions he needs to start asking.

Black and white illustrations effectively depict historical events the unlikely twosome visit along the way. They include the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, Spanish Inquisition, and the Jewish Roman Wars. The “wise child” narrator has that teenage charm for saying whatever is on his mind. You’ll feel his angst right from the start…

If you’ve ever been to a Passover seder, you know that they feel like they last forever. It’s a holiday celebrating freedom, but you are stuck at that table for a very long time.

The goat, or scapegoat as he refers to himself, leads the way through time. The boy eventually finds the way to ask questions and get answers in a surreal way. ONE LITTLE GOAT is certainly not a definitive guide to Jewish history, but rather a magical celebration. An enjoyable ride that encourages readers to learn more.

INTRODUCING THE AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR

About Dara Horn

Dara Horn is the award-winning author of six books. One of Granta magazine’s Best Young American Novelists (2007), she is the recipient of three National Jewish Book Awards and was a finalist for the Kirkus Prize, the Wingate Prize, the Simpson Family Literary Prize, and the Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction.

Her books have been selected as New York Times Notable Books, Booklist’s 25 Best Books of the Decade, and San Francisco Chronicle’s Best Books of the Year, and have been translated into twelve languages. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, and Smithsonian, among many other publications.

About Theo Ellsworth

Theo Ellsworth is a self-taught artist and comics creator best known for his graphic novels Capacity and Sleeper Car. In 2010, he was a recipient of the Best Art Vinyl award for the Flying Lotus EP album Pattern + Grid World. He lives with his wife and son in Missoula, Montana.

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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 , , , | Leave a comment

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!

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