This heartfelt and enjoyable read debuted last year, but I never had the opportunity to feature a review. Now with the paperback releasing this month, it’s a perfect time to take care of that omission.
Linus became interested in art thanks to his dad. He developed a love of drawing with charcoal but the past year has given it up because his father died. Linus and his mom moved hoping that would lessen the hurt of losing a loved one. Maybe the change would get Linus back to being an artist.
The story takes an unexpected twist with what is going on with their neighbor Maude and her ugly backyard tree. It’s not a normal tree. Linus sees it through his bedroom window at night, watching the tree grow and change. He finds claw marks on his bedroom door, neighborhood pets are missing, and strange, threatening creatures have been seen. Maude is definitely up to no good.
Luckily, Linus has help with his amusing best friend, Spencer, and Abby who is visiting her grandmother. They hope to uncover the truth and stop Maude’s wicked monster-filled tree from harming anyone or anything.
MONSTER TREE pairs the honest portrayal and healing of grief with the scary horror aspects of the plot. It works with page-turning perfection. The characters are memorable with real individual challenges of their own like Linus’s colorblindness and Abby’s hearing aids. Their friendship is honest and real. It’s one readers will understand and enjoy. My favorite takeaway was how Linus found a way to move forward from the grips holding him back after the unfortunate passing of his father.
If you like a dose of horror mixed in with real life challenges look no further than this engaging reading experience.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sarah Allen is an award winning author whose books are filled with quirky, neurodiverse characters, STEAM elements, and a sense of finding Joy in the weirdest and most unlikely of places. Her books have been Jr. Library Guild selections, Whitney Award winners, A Mighty Girl Best Of pick, and state award winners. Sarah received her MFA in creative writing from BYU and regularly teaches at writing conferences and presents at schools across the country. She lives in Florida with her two fluffy black cats! (For more about Sarah and her books visit https://www.sarahallenbooks.com/.
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.
••Jennifer Rummel @ YA Book Nerd reviews Dream On by Shannon Hale, a graphic novel about growing up, friendship drama, and worrying what other people think.
••Jenni Enzor has a post about Vanished and Trapped by James Ponti.
••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of SECRETS OF THE DEAD. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.
••Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has abook to share every day. Check out Karen’s MMGM choice for this week and all her reviews from this past week.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been creeping into our lives for longer than you might guess. There are positives and negatives surfacing in news sources across the globe. Now we have the entertaining and engaging middle grade story with the unassuming name: THE VALE.
Bran Lee is 13-years-old and his parents are coders. They program computer code to create new devices and worlds. Mom’s best work: Maisy Maid, is a robot who takes care of you while at home. Dad’s passion is geared toward the Vale, a virtual world full of elves like the endearing Gnomly, pictured on the cover with Bran. The setting is a beautiful forest and castle. Bran has been helping his parents create this enchanting place since he was 6-years-old. Bran loves to put on the helmet and jacket that allow a user to fully experience the AI-generated Vale.
All of the inventions the family created are fantastic and unlike anything ever done. Sadly, there has been nothing but rejection in launching the products. The family can’t pay their bills and are frustrated. Bran would rather spend his spare time in the Vale with Gnomly than deal with reality of the present.
He decides to secretly enter the Vale in a multi-million dollar competition that would solve all of the family’s problems. Unfortunately, as the presentation day gets closer the Vale is going through some unexpected and damaging looks. There’s been no change to the code but now sunlight is becoming darker, a new girl character emerges, and a wizard is stealing things with the intention of becoming the most powerful. Bran and Gnomly try and uncover the truth to save the Vale and to save Bran’s family.
Chapters feature either the real world or the virtual one titled “The Book of Elf”. The third person narration in both is perfect, bringing out the emotions and changes in the characters. It’s a fast paced story and the climatic ending scene had me gripping the book tighter and tighter, hoping but not believing there would be a satisfying end. Sorry, no spoilers so you can enjoy THE VALE for yourself, a truly adventurous and magical tale.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: 9/16/2025. PAGES: 304
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE VALE by Abigail Hing Wen
Other characters include Uncle Roy and Piper, a girl he meets at an early competition. They aren’t just secondary parts of the story line. Each in their own way provide many of the surprises in the plot. You’ll be saying “I never saw that one coming!”
Full page illustrations, though few in number are detailed and add visual accompaniment to this unique story.
Bran is portrayed accurately as a 13-year-old trying to make sense of everything happening. He has a soft heart and desires the best for his family. Uncle Roy provides him with mentorship and friendship. Bran is one you will remember as is the fun charming elf, Gnomly.
The use of AI will bring about much needed discussion and debate about its’ use. AI is not going to disappear so the more we understand it the better.
Financial stress on a family is accurately portrayed. There’s changes in personalities and tough decisions sure to be familiar with many young readers.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Abigail Hing Wen is an author, film producer and director, as well as former tech executive. She is the New York Times best selling author of multiple novels for young people, including Loveboat, Taipei, which has been adapted as the movie Love in Taipei, now on Netflix. Abigail served as an executive producer and on set during production. Her novel Kisses, Codes and Conspiracies, a thriller and romantic comedy novel featuring three teens on the run through the Bay Area, is an instant national bestseller, USA Today bestseller and Amazon Editor’s Pick for YA Book of the Month. Abigail is directing her first short film starring Lea Salonga, a prequel to her middle grade debut The Vale, coming September 2025, and featuring an inventor family that builds an AI generated virtual world. She serves on the board of Harvardwood and is a member of Dan Lin’s Rideback Rise Circle. In 2025, she served as a judge for the Golden Trailer Awards, recognizing the industry’s most outstanding film trailers.
Abigail is a frequent keynote speaker for young people, including Y’Allfest, US Presidential Scholars, and the Los Altos High Writer’s Week, as well as libraries, colleges, high schools and bookstores around the country. She’s also given keynotes and fireside chats for the National Conference of State Legislatures, Meta, Google, Paramount, Paypal and other tech and entertainment companies, and spoken on panels at venues such as SDCC, LACC, LA Times Festival of Books and ALA. For more, visit AbigailHingWen.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!
The lunch lady is an alien and Earth is about to be invaded with eminent destruction as the goal. That’s not all: these invaders think humans are a tasty treat once cooked to the right temperature. What better choice than 10-year-old Matt to save the world in this laugh out loud adventure.
It all begins when Matt finds a cellphone on the sidewalk. His parents have yet to let him have one so Matt decides to secretly keep this unexpected gift. Not such a good idea especially when Matt goes to take a picture and the crossing guard appears as a monster alien. With help from Mrs. MacGillicuddy, that alien lunch lady, and friend Marcella, they “cook” up their own plan to hopefully send General Guggenheim and his giant spaceship far away to another galaxy.
Matt narrates the story with kid like humor and decision making. The plot moves along at a fast pace with frequent challenges for the characters. There are some scary moments but all are solved quickly.
With mostly short chapters (59 of them), PRESS 1 FOR INVASION is a great choice for a read-aloud. I’d also welcome a sequel. Bravo to the author for a perfectly entertaining middle grade debut.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: Sept. 9, 2025 PAGES: 320
J. A. Dauber is a professor of Jewish literature and American studies at Columbia University, where he has also served as director of its Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies. He lives right near there, with his family, so that he can walk to work and see if anyone has dropped anything. Like a phone. After all, you never know. He also wrote a YA novel about a teenage supervillain named Mayhem which won an award from the Children’s Book Council. Dauber received his undergraduate degree summa cum laude from Harvard and his doctorate from the University of Oxford, which he attended as a Rhodes Scholar.
Dauber has published many adult nonfiction and humor books—including Jewish Comedy and The Worlds of Sholem Aleichem, both finalists for the National Jewish Book Award. More recently he is the author of Mel Brooks: Disobedient Jew, American Comics: A History, and American Scary: A History of Horror, from Salem to Stephen King and Beyond.
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GIVEAWAY NEWS! The winning names have been drawn for my LUCKY 13 Giveaway. Congratulations to these three lucky readers:
DAY 1 Rosie Hollinbeck won the 3-book hardback set of the FRAMED series
Day 2 Melanie Delaney won Books 1-3 in the CITY SPIES series
Day 3 Danielle Hammelef won books 4-6 in the CITY SPIES series and the new novel, HURRICANE HEIST
I will get those books to you in the next week. Thanks to all who entered and more giveaways will be coming soon.
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.
••Valinora Troy shares an update on her writing and features A WOLF CALLED FIRE by Rosanne Parry.
••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of THE HONEST TRUTH by Dan Gemeinhart. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.
••Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has abook to share every day. Check out Karen’s MMGM choice for this week and all her reviews from this past week.
The second book in the series features more detective work undertaken by the four memorable characters of The Sherlock Society. There’s 12-year-old Alex Sherlock, his older sister Zoe, best friend Yadi, and blue-haired Lina. Grandpa Pete is the adult character with a journalism background who helps keep the group focused.
Book one had them trying to discover where Al Capone hid a large amount of money in the vibrant setting of Miami, Florida. You don’t have to read this first as each story has its’ own plot.
In Hurricane Heist they revisit a closed case where a large amount of jewelry and art work were stolen during 1964’s Hurricane Cleo. Grandpa was a twelve at the time helping his father deliver materials from their family’s hardware store. He was actually at the crime scene that week and later spent many years as a newspaper writer trying to uncover the truth.
Like the first book, the story starts at the climatic ending scene This opening has the five running through the woods while being chased by security dogs and an escaped rhino. It’s a great way to reveal the plot with the group’s sleuthing skills eventually filling in what happened beforehand.
It’s a mystery since the body of person believed to be guilty at the time is found after a present day hurricane reveals his location in an unexpected place. The scenes in the present are narrated by Alex and the flashback chapters are all in third person. The history of Miami comes to life in many of the chapters.
Hurricane Heist is an engaging and fun tale perfect for middle grade readers who enjoy detective style mysteries.
PAGES: 320 BOOK BIRTHDAY: September 2, 2025
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE SHERLOCK SOCIETY HURRICANE HEIST by James Ponti
The facts about hurricanes and 1960’s Miami were fascinating. Now if I could just get the Bee Gees song “Stayin’ Alive” out of my head as I go down a bumpy road near my home…
Grandpa Pete at 73 is such a wonderful mentor to these kids. Having the generational connection in the plot added to the levels of enjoyment and many memorable scenes.
The kids are all very different but except for a little drama between Zoe and Lina, they work together each using their strengths to break the case open.
The story involves a murder mystery but that never drags down the fun aspect of these kids trying to figure out who-dunnit.
You know you are in good hands when an author has you wishing for more books in the series.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
James Ponti is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of four middle grade book series, including City Spies and The Sherlock Society. His novels have been named to forty-five state award lists, optioned by Hollywood, and translated into fifteen languages. He’s a two-time Edgar Award-nominee, winning in 2018 for Vanished. He lives with his family in Orlando, Florida.
!!!!!!!GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!
This is the third day of my Lucky 13 Giveaway. You can find the other GIVEAWAYS by visiting the first post to find out why it is my Lucky 13, and the second post with 10 TRUTHS ABOUT JAMES PONTI.
Leave a comment today to be entered to win a copy of THE SHERLOCK SOCIETY HURRICANE HEIST and Books 4-6 in the CITY SPIES series (U.S. Addresses only). That’s 4 brand new hard backs to add to your collection! Leave a comment on each of the three days and your entries will be doubled. The deadline to enter is 11pm EDT on Sept. 4th. Good luck and Happy MMGM!
In the Sherlock Society Series the main characters play a game called the 5 W’s to determine if a statement is true or false. You can read the books to be entertained by this thinking type game, but for today just enjoy these real truths about James Ponti.
Wrote his first story as a student at Atlantic Beach Elementary in Florida.
The characters in the Dead City books are named after his sons, Alex and Grayson.
He was born in Pisa, Italy.
One of his jobs was as a writer on the Mickey Mouse Club.
He did not like to read as a kid.
Has always had rescue dogs.
As a kid, his favorite fictional characters were Indiana Jones, James Bond, and Encyclopedia Brown.
Author and MMGM founder, Shannon Messenger, is a member of Mr. Ponti’s Sherlock Society Hall of Fame.
His wife teaches high school American History.
Favorite food is spaghetti.
You can find even more about James Ponti on his author website.
GIVEAWAY DETAILS: Leave a comment with your favorite of the truths I listed. You will have a chance to win Book 1-3 in the CITY SPIES series. (U.S Addresses only) The deadline to enter is 11pm EDT on Sept. 4th.
(This is the second of three days of James Ponti Giveaways. Visit yesterday’s LUCKY 13 post to also enter in that special giveaway.)
Thirteen years ago, I was going through all the middle grade books I had read and made a decision. Parents, students, and relatives often asked me for recommendations of books to buy as gifts or to read themselves. I’d respond with some of my favorites, but what if I could reach a larger audience with a book review blog?
ALWAYS in the MIDDLE was born and I remember getting about 10 views that first month. Not exactly what I expected, but it was a start. I soon connected with Shannon Messenger and her genius idea to give middle grade books more recognition with the creation of Marvelous Middle Grade Monday (MMGM). Each week she posted a list of bloggers who had a review of an MG book or anything connected to this level of story telling. My views instantly increased and I faithfully posted a review every week to share.
Fast forward 5 years to 2017 and Shannon asked me if I would take over MMGM as her writing career had taken off. I said yes and I’m still here 8 years later.
Now it is time to celebrate my 13-year blogging anniversary and my 8-year MMGM anniversary with a huge 3-day GIVEAWAY.
James Ponti is one of authors I have followed and am a devoted fan of his work. There will be three days of James Ponti books I’m giving away to lucky readers. A different set of books for each day.
To enter today all you have to do is leave a comment and you could win this 3-book hardback set of the FRAMED series! The deadline to enter is 11 pm EDT on September 4th. (U.S. Addresses only)
Tomorrow I will share 10 truths about James Ponti with a chance to win Books 1-3 in the City Spies series and on Monday I have a review of his newest middle grade release: ” THE SHERLOCK SOCIETY – HURRICANE HEIST.” There will be a Giveaway of this book and books 4-6 in the City Spies series.
Thanks to everyone who visits my site and good luck in the GIVEAWAYS!
••Maria Antonia has a post about The Trouble with Heroes by Kate Messner.
••Valinora Troy has a review of Caught Dead by S.J.Wills, book 2 in the Bite Risk series.
••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of THE BURNING SEASON by Caroline Starr Rose. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.
••Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has abook to share every day. Check out Karen’s MMGM choice for this week and all her reviews from this past week.
The story is narrated by 9-year-old Jess Jezowski who strongly believes she’s more like a boy than the girl everyone expects her to be. This includes three siblings, her parents, and other girls at school. Set in Michigan, the first chapter begins Christmas eve, 1972 and the end of the book brings us to October 1, 1973.
Jess hates the dresses her mother makes her wear and isn’t happy having long hair. She stays quiet until receiving a Christmas gift- A toy doll. Jess cuts the doll’s hair off and name’s him Mickey. Using a voice for Mickey when talking to the family, Jess can finally express the way she feels about her true identity. Mickey is expressive and funny, but is this toy doll really going to help or will she have to find her own voice?
Empathy for Jess rings true in every one of the 58 chapters. You’ll understand her confused feelings. She doesn’t resolve everything, which is perfectly portrayed for a 4th-5th grader either at that time or today. It takes time to figure our who you are.
NORTH OF TOMBOY is a bit long for this type of novel, but reading it with a parent or adult would add even more benefit to the experience.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: 9/2/25. PAGES: 376
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: NORTH OF TOMBOY by Julie A. Swanson
The time period with Watergate and the Vietnam War going on gives readers a eye opening look at life in the early 1970s.
So true to the way boys and girls treated each other. You did boy sports and activities only if you were a boy. Girls were expected to be girls. A great portrayal of that time.
The illustrations that begin many of the chapters have some insights of their own. They don’t detract from the story telling but many made me smile.
Jess and her family are Catholic and the story demonstrates how impactful the faith has on decision making. Jess is always concerned about the way she acts and feels.
True to form as the story is based on the author’s own feelings growing up during this time in Michigan.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Julie Swanson grew up in Michigan’s “Little Finger,” the Leelanau Peninsula, where many of her stories are set, but has lived in Wisconsin, Iowa, New Hampshire, California, and Virginia. For the past twenty-five years she’s lived in Charlottesville, VA. Julie writes middle grade and young adult novels and enjoys sports, the outdoors, “making things” (almost any type of art or craft, woodworking), reading, writing, eating, planting trees, and spending time with family. (Julie’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!
It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. Email me the title of the book or feature for any middle grade book, author or giveaway, and a link to your blog. Send it to: 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.
