Nine Best Baseball Books for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Posted on March 2, 2014 by Greg Pattridge

Baseball spring training is in full swing this week in places like Arizona and Florida. If you or your baseball loving middle grader can’t wait for the season to start, here are nine books about our nation’s pastime that never strikeout.

9780380800841_p0_v1_s260x420I’ll give my regular review to the last one I read ( JACKIE AND ME) followed by a short blurb on the others. This was the second book in the soon to be 12 book Baseball Card Adventure series and the only book I had time to read for MIDDLE GRADE MARCH this past weekend. Enjoy and start loosening up that arm. Let’s play ball.

PUBLICATION DATE:1999 LEVEL: 4.3  WORD COUNT: 28,887

FULL PLOT (From Amazon): Like every other kid in his class, Joe Stoshack has to write a report on an African American who’s made an important contribution to society. Unlike every other kid in his class, Joe has a special talent: with the help of old baseball cards, he can travel through time. So for his report, Joe decides to go back to meet one of the greatest baseball players ever, Jackie Robinson, to find out what it was like to be the man who broke baseball’s color barrier. Joe plans on writing a prize-winning report. But he doesn’t plan on a trip that will for a short time change the color of his skin–and forever change his view of history and his definition of courage.

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT JACKIE AND ME

  1. The story was deemed good enough to be adapted into a stage play. It may pop up in your area. Currently it’s playing through March 16th at the Rose Theater in Omaha.
  2. Kids may know about the unfair treatment of African Americans, but they will understand it in a much deeper way after reading this story.
  3. This is historical fiction and it caught me several times thinking “Did this really happen?” Mr. Gutman answered my question with an interesting addendum that explains the truth and what was added in from the author’s mind.
  4. Baseball loving reluctant readers have a book they won’t put down.
  5. The black and white photos throughout, including one of a note given to Jackie on what would happen if he crossed the foul line.

FAVORITE LINE:  I held the card with both hands against my chest and thought of the year 1947. The Brooklyn Dodgers. New York.

OTHER BASEBALL GREATS ( In alphabetical order with images linked to Amazon)

9780061973246_p0_v1_s260x420HONUS AND ME by Dan Gutman (1997) The book that started the Baseball Card Adventure series. Joe Stoshack is a boy who can time travel by using baseball cards as his time machine. He goes back to 1909 and has an adventure with Honus Wagner. It’s a fantasy, so if you play along with the gimmick, you’ll enjoy a fun ride to be along side Joe and learn some baseball history.

7416336MUDVILLE by Kurtis Scaletta (2009) 12-year-old Roy McGuire loves baseball but it’s a tough sport to play when it has been raining non-stop in his hometown for the past 22 years. He also has to deal with sharing his bedroom with a foster child his age. Very unique characterizations and filled with baseball genius. It’s a hard to put down book that is very entertaining.

6040420ONE-HANDED CATCH by MJ Auc (2009)  Sixth grader Norm loses his hand in an accident at the family store and fears not making the baseball team. Set in the post World War II, the story is heartwarming and humorous, while the accident is handled in a calm way. It’s the reaction to Norm’s plight from his father, mother, younger sister, quirky friend Leon, and other adults that provide the lead-up to a baseball game conclusion. Very uplifting.

LittleLeaguePlayBallPB_lgPLAY BALL (LITTLE LEAGUE) by Matt Christopher (2013) Though the author died in 1997, his legacy lives on thanks to his sons, Duane and Dale. In this modern story, Eleven-year-old cousins Liam (the catcher) and Carter (the pitcher) have made it all the way to the famous Little League World Series. Making it to the final game will just be one of many challenges. Reserve this one for your most ardent little leaguer.

9780142414606_p0_v2_s260x420SAFE AT HOME by Mike Lupica (2009) Seventh grader Nick Crandall has a few stressors occupying his life. He doesn’t fit in with his new foster parents. Next, he finds out he’ll be playing on the varsity baseball tam when their catcher gets injured. The older kids make sure Nick feels unwelcome. He’ll only have a few weeks to connect with his dad and hopefully show his skills in the big game. Rapid pace with a lot of tension and exciting scenes.

book_batboyTHE BATBOY by Mike Lupica (2011) Brian is living out his dream as a batboy for the Detroit Tigers. Things aren’t perfect though as his Dad is coaching in Japan and doesn’t respond to Brian. Things aren’t any better when Brian reaches out to his favorite big league player, Hank, who is near the end of his career. At first he is hostile, but finally a friendship forms. Divorce, steroid use, reaching for excellence, and the love for a father are explored. Great behind the scenes look at Pro Baseball.

TBWSB-bookcover-pb-bigTHE BOY WHO SAVED BASEBALL by John H. Ritter (2003) Twelve-year-old Tom Gallagher rides the bench for his little league Dillontown team. One game is to decide whether their only baseball field will be used for future development. Tom’s hope for a win lies in a boy who literally rides into town and a former major league player who was the town’s best hitter. Filled with turn paging action, Tom is forced to come off the bench in the big game when his new friend disappears. A loveable ending.

9780060872427THE PRINCE OF FENWAY PARK by Julianna Baggott (2009) 12-year-old Oscar believes he is cursed just like his favorite team, The Boston Red Sox. His adopted Mom leaves him with his sickly Dad, and Oscar begins to believe he is the one who will break the curse. This leads to a world underneath Fenway Park populated by cursed creatures. The tale is about racism and includes a baseball game between greats when they were 12. Fantastic characters and dialog.

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

MMGM2

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Middle Grade March is this Weekend

Posted on February 26, 2014 by Greg Pattridge

You can click on the image to get all the details. It starts midnight on March 1st. Find a middle grade title you have wanted to read and dig in! I’m signed up, though time may only allow me to get through one book. middlegrademarchbuttonAlso, if you missed the twitter fest today #MSWL (ManuScript Wish List), you can see the results here for Middle Grade. Fun to see what direction agents and editors interests and tastes are currently swaying.

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THE 7th LEVEL for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Posted on February 23, 2014 by Greg Pattridge

SeventhLevelPBCover-202x300seventh_level-redOne goal I had for this year was to shorten my list of middle grade books to read, and so far I’ve been doing a fairly good job. THE SEVENTH LEVEL has been on the list for some time – all the way through its hardcover and soft cover release. It’s finally off my list, and I highly recommend it to those who like a contemporary mystery of sorts. Jody Feldman’s previous middle grade book is THE GOLLYWHOPPER GAMES, which might also be worth a future look.

PUBLICATION DATE:2010    LEVEL: 3.9          WORD COUNT: 50,839

FULL PLOT (FromAmazon): So there’s this kid named Travis, and it’s like he has magnets burrowed under his skin. Not normal magnets, but ones marked Trouble. Problems race toward him and stick.

Then there’s this secret society at his school. The Legend. Every kid wants to be in it, but no one knows how you get there. The Legend even sent a group of kids to the last Olympics. All the way there. Paid for it and everything.

Now, there’s a blue envelope in Travis’s locker. The message inside looks like, maybe, it’s from The Legend, and they may have chosen him. Really? Is that possible? Only one way to find out. Do what that message – all the messages – say.

But some of the messages could get Travis into even more trouble. Are these really from The Legend? Or is Travis being played

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT THE SEVENTH LEVEL

  1. Travis Raines, the main character. What a great kid – trying to do better when his past is far from spotless. He faces his decisions while trying to balance what is right and wrong.
  2. The puzzles Travis has to solve to be considered for the secret club were different and fun. I found myself trying to figure each one out before the answer was revealed. They were not easy. I solved only about three of them and wracked my brain doing so.
  3. The improvement in the book covers from the drab blue one for the hardback (looks like an ad for a not so good video game) to the intriguing orange colored choice for the soft cover. It begs to be picked up and explored. A puzzling mystery for sure. There’s even a subtle change in the wording of the title from cover to cover.
  4. A great fast paced read that both boys and girls would enjoy. Themes of friendship, camaraderie, problem solving, and keeping secrets hit home no matter who is reading.
  5. The change in relationship Travis has with two characters, an adult administrator and Randall, his “oaf” of an enemy. Things do not always appear as they seem.

FAVORITE LINES:

In the time it takes her to tear open a Band-Aid, her face changes from Nurse Mom to Judge Mom.

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

MMGM2

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THE YEAR THE SWALLOWS CAME EARLY for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Posted on February 16, 2014 by Greg Pattridge

I have read many stories recently with young male protagonists. I decided it was time to balance that out. After a lengthy online search to come up with a few female heroines, DESTINY REWRITTEN by Kathryn Fitzmaurice surfaced. I liked the cover and had never heard of the author. One problem: Her third novel’s release date was posted as February 19th and by the time I figured out that was 2013 and not 2014…Well, I had tracked down 3559470her debut novel, THE YEAR THE SWALLOWS CAME EARLY and got an introduction to her story telling prowess. It turned out to be a very good decision.

PUBLICATION DATE:2009    LEVEL: 4.8          WORD COUNT: 40,790

FULL PLOT (From Amazon): “Expect the unexpected.”

That’s what Eleanor “Groovy” Robinson’s horoscope says the morning everything begins to change. Suddenly, her father is in jail, her plans to attend culinary school when she grows up fall apart, and it feels like maybe nothing will ever be right again. But the swallows that return to her coastal town every year bring a message of hope with them that even Groovy can’t ignore. Can she forgive the failings of someone she loves in order to bring her family back together again?

Kathryn Fitzmaurice’s tender debut novel about food, family, friendship, and forgiveness is as full of promise as the swallows that return home to San Juan Capistrano every spring.

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT THE YEAR THE SWALLOWS CAME EARLY

  1. The main character with a great name, Eleanor “Groovy” Robinson. She’s determined and knows what she wants– to cook and eventually attend a prestigious cooking school. Her charming innocence is challenged throughout the book, but Groovy holds on to her faith and love to make the world the best it can be in her eyes.
  2. The pacing is perfect with short chapters that keep you pushing to the end.
  3. The metaphor of a dandelion is expertly woven into the story. I’ll  be reminded of this book whenever I see the seeds of a dandelion blowing across a peaceful summer sky.
  4. How friendship can happen in unexpected ways. Groovy connects with another character when she initially thought they had nothing in common to share.
  5. The setting. Kathyrn’s descriptions made me feel I was standing in the middle of San Juan Capistrano, California watching those swallows come home. Very poetic.

FAVORITE LINES:

But it wasn’t the dandelion that made me so sad. It was how I was like the dandelion, minding my own business, waiting to grow and be something. And he hadn’t seen me waiting.

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

MMGM2

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THE PET WAR for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Posted on February 9, 2014 by Greg Pattridge

9780545513197_p0_v1_s260x420First off, I have a love/hate reaction with the cover. Scholastic knows their marketing in that kids (and many big kids) love a good story about animals. The dog and cat are cute, (that’s why I picked it off the shelf) and there’s a similar cute image on the back. The problem I have is that  the obvious ploy to sell this book slightly misrepresents what the book is about.

Stare at the cover and see if you agree. My first reaction:  It’s a tale of two pets in one house or in a neighborhood fighting for dominance. Maybe even told from the dog and cat’s view point. I’m not much for talking animals so I started to put the book back on the shelf. Before it got there I decided to read the first page and discovered it was about Otto, an eleven-year-old dog lover, and the sibling rivalry with his 12-year-old sister, Lexi, a cat lover. They have no pets in their house so the slightly overwhelmed mom decides to accept Lexi’s idea for a contest–whoever first earns $500 in one month, is rewarded with the pet of their choosing. I would have put the two main characters on the cover with one eye on each other and the other on the prize–a dog or cat staring at them through the pet shelter’s window. It’s a story about sibling rivalry, responsibility, and goal setting rather than two animals in a face-off… Okay, I’m done ranting about cute covers, especially since this one caused me to read the book in the first place. Besides, I actually love Alan Woodrow’s tale, though it would have been just as good, maybe better, at 45,000 words.

PUBLICATION DATE:2013    LEVEL: 3.8  WORD COUNT: 54,663

FULL PLOT (From Amazon): THE PET WAR is a hilarious story about the timeless battles of dog vs. cat, brother vs. sister, know-it-all vs. know-nothing.

Eleven-year-old Otto wants a dog. His twelve-year-old perfect sister, Lexi, wants a cat. Their mother, who works very long hours as a nurse, wants neither. Pets are expensive so who’s going to pay for everything? And what happens to the pet when the siblings are at their dad’s for the weekend?

Otto has an idea. What if he got a job and earned enough money to pay for the dog? Then Lexi has to open her big mouth. She proposes that whichever sibling can raise enough money first will decide which pet they get. Oddly enough, their mom and dad agree.
With Otto and Lexi each out to defeat the other, their business plans become more elaborate and involved. As the competition gets fiercer, the stakes get higher, and the battle lines have been drawn, so let the Pet War begin. . . .

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT THE PET WAR

  1. The story is told by Otto and each chapter heading begins with his summary of the amount of money he has earned toward the $500 goal. These snippets tell a story all their own.
  2. The way Otto goes about thinking up new schemes to earn money. Most end in hilarious ways.
  3. Boys will especially love the inventive name calling and the “I can top that one” mentality that goes on between Otto and his best friend, and Otto and his sister: “You’re a mulch-breathing hamster-eating vomit brain swimming in stink!” puts one such argument to an end, and you’ll never read that line in any other book.
  4. The subtle way divorce is handled in this family. It’s a way of life for Otto and Lexi who stay connected to both their mom and dad. They aren’t crazy about the set-up, but accept the situation like so many other kids their age.
  5. Otto’s continuous narrative about the world: Lunch room pizza, his own safety, baking cookies, handicap spaces, and much more all get his kid’s view of why things turn out the way they are. I could see a companion booklet coming out called, Otto’s Realistic Take on the World.

FAVORITE LINE:

It’s hard to pretend you’re twenty-two when you’re walking a bike and you’re about eight years away from shaving.

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

MMGM2

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Quick Reads for the Reluctant Reader

Posted on February 7, 2014 by Greg Pattridge

I’ve worked with quite a few kids who would rather be dragged by a fast moving snowmobile with their teeth attached to a rope than actually read a book. When I hand them one of these word filled wonders they evaluate the situation very quickly:

  1. Thickness? (If the number of pages exceed the width of their index finger, then it has to be boring)
  2. How many pictures? (Equal to or more than a Wimpy Kid book, please)

I’m currently working with several of these type of readers who have not discovered the joys of reading despite frustrating attempts by parents and teachers. I have had some success tossing them a few short stories. The length is perfect for them and I often find these fiction or non-fiction stories will increase their interest in eventually reading something of greater length on the same topic.

Here are sites with free short stories for ages 9-12 that can be read online or printed out in 1-2 pages. Try a few to get your reluctant reader reading.

Highlights Magazine – Yes, you can subscribe to the magazine, but they also offer a selection of free stories. Motivating topics and short interesting tales.

North Carolina State University – A selection of fiction and nonfiction, most only one page. Selection for 3rd-5th grade. The link directs you to the PDF files for fifth grade. Comprehension questions are also included.

Polk Brothers Foundation Education Network – A good variety of one page fiction stories at a 2nd – 10th grade reading level.

Happy weekend! I’ve got a review of THE PET WAR coming in for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday.

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33 MINUTES… for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Posted on February 2, 2014 by Greg Pattridge

Looking for a heartwarming story of lifelong friendship between two boys? How about  a plot that shows how forgiveness is the cornerstone of two best friend’s relationship? Well, you won’t find it in 33 13260675-198x300MINUTES… UNTIL MORGAN STURTZ KICKS MY BUTT by Todd Hasak-Lowy

What you will find is a book with an epic school cafeteria food fight and a schoolyard brawl that should appeal to most middle grade boys. It’s a funny look at what one boy goes through to understand a broken friendship.

PUBLICATION DATE:2013    LEVEL: 5.8  WORD COUNT: 31,552

FULL PLOT (from book jacket):

 In exactly thirty-three minutes Sam Lewis is going to get his butt kicked by his former best friend, Morgan Sturtz.
 
But Sam’s not really sure how this happened. It’s just a year after TAMADE (The Absolutely Most Amazing Day Ever), when he and Morgan became the greatest Alien Wars video game team in the history of great Alien Wars teams. Maybe it was the new kid Chris, who showed up and suddenly made Morgan think dropping a bowling ball on someone was fun? Or was it that Morgan joined the football team while Same became a star ArithmeTitan?
 
And wait – who even cares about that stuff? Sam’s more worried about whether he’s going to get his butt kicked in thirty-three minutes. And if his friendship with Morgan is done for good.

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT 33 minutes…

  1. Takes on a real life problem faced by most middle grade kids: Losing the friends you grew up with.
  2. Illustrations appear throughout and are fun, though not as plentiful compared to a Wimpy Kid approach to story telling.
  3. The impetus for the plot is staring back at us on the bright yellow cover. Well done.
  4. The humor and fast-paced action. Yes, it does extend beyond the 33 minutes but the timed,  journal style of writing was a good choice as Sam tells his own story in a very believable middle grade voice.
  5. The connection Sam has with a few of his favorite teachers.

I personally was hoping for a different ending, but the one Mr. Hasak-Lowy chose is probably more realistic. I’m just a sucker for perfect endings. Anyhow, find a middle school boy and get a copy of 33 MINUTES… in his hands. You’ll be able to see the smile as he reads about young Sam and his tumultuous middle school day.

FAVORITE LINE:

Because is there really any way you can explain to someone how me and Morgan went from the guys who won our first-grade field day competition together to the guys who are going to fight in eight minutes?

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

MMGM2

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Phineas L. MacGuire Series for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Posted on January 26, 2014 by Greg Pattridge

I accidentally ran into this book series, otherwise Phineas L. MacGuire would have remained an unknown for me. While at the local library, lost in the shelves of children’s novel section, I rounded the corner and my knee connected with shelf #2. Down to the ground went six books. With the lady at the front desk craning her head to see what I was up to, my eyes looked down to see 51WN0j8jUFLPhineas L. MacGuire staring up at me in three different poses. …Erupts! from 2007; …Gets Slimed! from 2010; and …Blasts Off! from 2011. I decided this was fate and checked them out – due back in three weeks.

Once home and before I had time to begin reading, I checked out the author’s web site (Frances O’Roark Dowell) and also found Phineas has his own web site. Phineas is a fourth grade scientist – he thinks like one, acts like one, and loves doing experiments. His website is completely science based and well worth your time.

The lower word count found in each book, nice large type, and a few tidy plot points certainly make it feel like a third or fourth grader may want to pick up these books. The series is very much for lower middle grade in every way but one. Phineas narrates the stories himself and often uses long sentences and large words to get his point across – just what you would expect from a budding scientist. This makes the readability level higher (5.0-5.3) than many recent Newbery winners. Not a concern, just a caution.

PUBLICATION DATE:2007-14    LEVEL: 5+  WORD COUNT: under 20,000 each

PLOT (From Renaissance Learning): Each of the books centers around a science theme. For …Erupts! it’s building a volcano for a science fair. Fourth-grade science whiz Phineas MacGuire is forced to team up with the new boy in class on a science fair project, but the boy’s quirky personality causes Phineas to wonder if they have any chance of winning.

…Gets Slimed! When his new best friend, Ben, decides to run for class president, fourth-grade science whiz Phineas MacGuire reluctantly agrees to be his campaign manager in exchange for help with his latest experiment, cultivating exhibits for a mold museum.

…Blasts Off Hoping to earn money to attend Space Camp, fourth-grade science whiz Phineas MacGuire gets a job as a dog walker and then enlists the aid of his friends Ben and Aretha to help with experiments using the dog’s “slobber.”

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT Phineas L. Macguire

  1. If you love science, you’ll love Mac (Phineas’s preferred name) and his scientific methods. Directions for the experiments described in each story are included in the back pages for you to replicate.
  2. The penciled illustrations scattered throughout the books are charming and complement the story.
  3. The words are there for a purpose and include life lessons like cooperation, second chances, and goal setting.
  4. The humor and the decision making of a fourth grade mind is beautifully brought forth. In one scene Mac decides getting his shirt dirty is worth the five minute lecture he’ll get from his Mom.
  5. Reluctant readers may find this the perfect series to begin opening up to more reading.

The above stated release dates of this series is not a typo because the fourth Phineas L MacGuire book will be arriving this year. Phineas L. MacGuire… Gets Cooking will take a unique route to the bookshelf. It will be released in three parts first through Cheerios Spoonfuls of Stories Program, then later in the year as a full blown hardback.

If you have a new middle grade reader, this series is sure to please and get them started off on the right foot.

FAVORITE LINES:

I am allergic to fifteen things. My Mom says this is not true, that I’m only allergic to two things, peanuts and car hair. But I am a scientist, and she’s not.

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

MMGM2

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FREAKY FAST FRANKIE JOE for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Posted on January 19, 2014 by Greg Pattridge

13551662The sign of a good book for me is after finishing the last word, I want to read more. What does happen to Frankie Joe, a most endearing character, as he takes on the next chapter in his life? I’d welcome a sequel.

I’ve come across kids like Frankie Joe many times – uprooted from the family they know and placed in a situation that is foreign and uncomfortable. After reading Frankie Joe’s story, I have a better understanding of the emotions going through a blended child’s mind, thanks to author Lutricia Clifton.

PUBLICATION DATE:2013    LEVEL: 3.8  WORD COUNT: 48,840

FULL PLOT (From Amazon): When twelve-year-old Frankie Joe’s mother is sent to jail, he is uprooted from his home in Texas to live with the father he has never met, his father’s wife, and his father’s four “legitimate” sons in Illinois. Frankie Joe is miserable. Trying to adjust to his blended family proves too much to bear, so Frankie Joe hatches a plot to escape on his bike back home to Texas. For that he needs money, and so Frankie Joe’s Freaky Fast Delivery Service is born. His deliveries win new friends, a place in the rural Illinois community, and a sense of achievement. But his planned escape is destroyed by a heartbreaking betrayal, and Frankie Joe needs all of his incredible resilience and the loving support of his new family to survive the devastating loss

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT FREAKY FAST FRANKIE JOE

  1. The internal struggles Frankie Joe goes through are brought forth in an understandable fashion and written in a way that gets you attached emotionally to this young protagonist. The ending is not perfect, but in today’s world it is most likely the ending that would happen – not necessarily the one we want.
  2. The cast of supporting characters in Frankie’s new small town are brought to life and fleshed out with their own distinct personalities. They aren’t just names on the page.
  3. Best friends for kids in books are usually other kids. Not so for Frankie Joe as his friends are older adults. Yes, there are children like Frankie Joe in the real world.
  4. Frankie’s is getting to know the Dad he never knew and a step mom he doesn’t want to accept. They are taking on a tremendous responsibility adding another child to their already crowded house. Their way of making Frankie Joe slowly be accepted is heartwarming.
  5. The conflict between Frankie Joe and  his new step brothers is realistic and expected, especially with the oldest. When you suddenly get knocked down to number two, sparks are going to fly.

FAVORITE LINE:

I cry because Mom sold her remembrance of me.

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

MMGM2

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Becoming a Writer

Posted on January 15, 2014 by Greg Pattridge

In 2010 while sitting in the Atlanta airport, I started my writing career.

Did I know what I was doing? A little

Was I starting a journey of discovery? For sure.

The first discovery was that I was going to need help. Sure, I had written published journal articles, taught creative writing to sixth graders, and even completed a technical dissertation on the topic of labeling children. But this was different.

After completing my first story, having it critiqued by unsuspecting volunteers, and stepping back to view it myself – the evidence was exposed. I had pieces of great writing, but too often got bogged down with characterizations speed bumps, plot potholes, and a lack of “grab the reader and keep them there” type writing.

I searched bookstores and online for help and in the process have become a more competent writer. Here are the websites/blogs that continue to help and challenge me to do better. I hope they will do the same for you:

  • WRITER’S DIGEST – Yes, they will push you to purchase their established resources, but you can also read many free articles and helpful ideas. I’ve found many gems since first stumbling across their page a few years back.
  • THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STORY BLOG – Janice Hardy is an established author. Her site is filled with tips and suggestions. She doesn’t just TELL you what makes a story shine, she SHOWS you how. I visit her often and my writing shows the result.
  • CHILDREN’S BOOK INSIDER – I write for a middle grade audience so I searched for experts in the field. The free resources here are plentiful and a subscription gets you access to their monthly newsletter and freebies.
  • FROM THE MIXED-UP FILES OF … MIDDLE GRADE WRITERS – If you are a YA, Adult, or fit your self into another genre, don’t be shut down by the title here. The writing help is cataloged and immensely valuable.

Have a great year of writing!

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