Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for 4/21/2025

Posted on April 21, 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…

Valinora Troy shares her review of THE SECRET OF MOONRISE MANOR.

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE features a review of THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES by Kate Messner.

Jennifer Bohnhoff recommends books set during the Ice Age, including her own most recent title. There’s also a GIVEAWAY opportunity if you leave a comment.

Brenda @ Log Cabin Library reviews Vanishings: The Wythic Wood Mysteries Series by Catharina Steel.

Isabelle Knight has a review of Sophie Anderson’s ‘The Thief Who Sang Storms‘, a heartwarming, whimsical middle-grade book.

Jennifer Rummel features a review of Speak Up Santiago, a graphic novel about finding your voice.

Tonja Drecker has a review of a new release, The Barking Puppy by Lori Lobenstine.

Patricia Tilton @ Children’s Books Heal is back with a review of Take a Hike! by Kate Chynoweth.

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: GHOST SCOUT’S HONOR.

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Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES

Posted on April 20, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

This heartfelt story features a boy named Finn Connelly. His father was a firefighter and a hero who died two years ago. Finn is not a hero, given the fact he’s failing 7th grade.

Things only get worse when Finn is caught vandalizing a cemetery headstone that belonged to a legendary local woman who climbed the Adirondack mountains. The daughter says she won’t press charges if Finn will climb all 46 peaks during the upcoming summer. He also has to take Seymour with him, the deceased lady’s dog. Various adult volunteer hikers have agreed to accompany him.

Finn is skeptical about the hikes leading to anything other than tired legs. Then, each trail brings him closer to understanding his dad, how he died, and how his own grief can heal. He also learns more about being a hero.

This is a novel in verse, but strays away on occasion with letters to his teacher, progress reports, and recipes of the cookies Finn likes to make. The engaging style gives the story a classic and masterful feel. 9/11 is brought in as historical event as Finn’s dad was one of the key rescuers on site and faced PTSD aftereffects There’s also memories of how the recent COVID pandemic affected Finn.

I know THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES is destined for awards. It’s just that good. The many surprises in the plot will be left for you as a reader to experience yourself. I’ll have another one of Kate’s books featured tomorrow, but for now I feel the need to hike a mountain.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: APRIL 29, 2025 PAGES: 368

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES by Kate Messner

  1. The Adirondack peaks were the main setting for the story and I was fascinated by the differences and challenges each one brought forth. A special part of our country.
  2. The hike mentors were not just there for the walk. They were all interesting with different personalities. Annie the farmer, Sam the high school counselor, and one of his dad’s coaches all gave Finn the attention and helped him have a memorable character arc for readers.
  3. Finn doesn’t like Seymour the dog at first, but their growing connection made me smile.
  4. You will to want try out some of those cookie recipes. Each of them is a tribute to certain peaks. They sound delicious and also serve to help others in a special way.
  5. Finn’s often snarky teen behavior was perfectly entrenched into the story.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

New York Times bestselling author Kate Messner is passionately curious and has written over seventy books for kids who wonder, too. Her titles include award-winning picture books like Over and Under the Snow , The Next Scientist, and The Scariest Kitten in the World as well as novels for older readers like Breakout and The Trouble with Heroes. Kate also writes the popular History Smashers graphic nonfiction series and the Ranger in Time historical adventures, and she leads the multi-author team behind The Kids in Mrs. Z’s Class chapter books. Kate lives on Lake Champlain and is a proud Adirondack 46er. Learn more at www.katemessner.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 , , , , | 9 Comments

FANTASTIC FLORA

Posted on April 18, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

Beware! This is not magical realism or fantasy. No fiction here either. What you will find is an eye opening look at the many fascinating plants living in our world.

The book is divided into four sections, an engaging format to grab a reader’s attention:

THE BIG

THE BAD

THE SMELLY

THE EXCEPTIONALLY STRANGE

Many of the plants may be ones you have never heard of like the big Traveler’s Palm, the Deadly Nightshade, or the stinky Eastern Skunk Cabbage. There are even plants (the Living Stones) that look like a rock to camouflage itself.

Colorful illustrations compliment the text. An interesting backstory for a plant is often included and you’ll find scientific facts about every plant featured. The descriptions will for sure captivate the intended audience of middle grade readers. It sure did for me!

A handy Glossary, Bibliography, and Index are also included in the back pages. Fantastic Flora – The World’s BIGGEST, BADDEST, and SMELLIEST Plants is a great addition to the home or school library shelves.

PAGES: 144 BOOK BIRTHDAY: May 20, 2025

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ann McCallum Staats is the award-winning author of over a dozen children’s books. She’s also a former teacher who taught in three countries and at three different levels (elementary math, college English, high school English as a Second Language). Her very first teaching gig was in a one-room school in northern British Columbia, Canada (. Her book research brings her near and far. For “High Flyers: 15 Remarkable Women Aviators and Astronauts,” she interviewed a senator, astronauts, and jet and commercial pilots. Ann’s first book was “The Secret Life of Math,” which won ForeWord Review’s Gold Book of the Year. When she’s not writing, Ann travels, mentors, and loves to connect with audiences. Find out more at her website: Annmccallumbooks or on Instagram @Annmsbooks, Twitter @McCallumBooks, or other social media channels.

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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 Middle Grade Book Reviews, non fiction | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

THE RIGHT CALL

Posted on April 15, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

A compelling look at the pressures of youth baseball on players, parents, and umpires. The story unfolds not in the typical way but in a series of texts, articles, and emails. It works to perfection and will engage the reading audience right to the winning final page.

Cal Klondike is the 15-year-old main character. He is the best pitcher for the Walthorne Baseball Academy with an accurate throw that strikes out batters. He is destined for great things like possible scholarships and maybe a chance to some day turn pro.

The story begins with a police report before going back 5 months to fill in the previous events. Through texts with his friends, transcripts of conversations with a school guidance counselor, and his own inner thoughts you will see the game of baseball in a whole new way.

Not only do we experience the ups and downs for Cal (injuries, his dad pushing him too hard, and decisions about playing anymore), but there are also insights into the abuse umpires take from overzealous fans.

A great story for a little league player 10 and up to read with his/her parent. This one will stay with you for a long time and hopefully cause impactful discussions to help the game of baseball be a positive experience for all. I’ve given my copy of THE RIGHT CALL to a baseball loving kid and can’t wait until we have conversations about this all-star novel.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: TODAY! April 15, 2025 PAGE COUNT: 272

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tommy Greenwald is the author of Game Changer, Rivals, and Dinged, among many other books for children. Game Changer is on eighteen state lists, was an Amazon Best Book of the Month, a YALSA Top Ten pick, and a Junior Library Guild Premier selection. Rivals was also an Amazon Best Book of the Month, a Junior Library Guild selection, and a YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers. Greenwald is also the author of the Charlie Joe Jackson series and Crimebiters! series. Day job–wise, Tommy is the cofounder of Spotco Advertising, a theatrical and entertainment advertising agency in New York City, and the lyricist and co-bookwriter (with Andrew Lippa) of John & Jen, an off-Broadway musical that has been produced around the country and internationally. To read woefully outdated information about him, visit tommygreenwald.com.

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, New Release | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for 4/14/2025

Posted on April 14, 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…

Jennifer Rummel has a female hockey story, Bea Mullins Takes a Shot.

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE features a review of THE TROUBLE WITH SECRETS by Naomi Milliner.

Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles has an interview with Mia Araujo and a GIVEAWAY of her MG Afia and the Land of Wonders.

Isabelle Knight reviews A Spoonful of Murder by Robin Stevens, a thrilling middle-grade murder mystery. Isabelle also shares some of the middle-grade books she’s currently reading!

Tonja Drecker is reviewing The Zuzu Secret by Miriam Chernick

Jenni Enzor shares some of her favorite rabbit books: The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes by Du Bose Heyward, Mr. and Mrs. Bunny Detectives Extraordinaire by Polly Horvath, and Watership Down (The Graphic Novel) by Richard Adams and Joe Sutphin.

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: THE LIAR’S SOCIETY.

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Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

THE TROUBLE WITH SECRETS

Posted on April 13, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

But we’re not okay.

And I don’t see how we ever will be again.

Those are the last lines of the brief beginning pages of the story that lies ahead. This beginning section is titled NOW, and we see more NOW sections throughout the next 27 chapters, bringing readers up to date with what happened BEFORE. You know it’s something terribly sad, and the plot skillfully leads you up to the event that changed everything for this Jewish family.

Twelve-year-old Becky narrates the appealing tale. She lives with her mam and dad, a rabbi. She longs to be perfect like her older brother, Jon, and older sister, Sara. A younger brother completes the sibling foursome.

Becky loves to play the flute where she feels the best about herself. There’s also an upcoming bat mitzvah which she knows is important but hasn’t yet devoted enough preparation time. Becky chooses to keep a secret from her parents to pursue her passion. But the next secret comes from her sister and it is even more daring than her own. They promise to keep each other’s secret safe. It’s exciting at first but then guilt drops in for a lengthy visit. Becky begins to question whether she should say something to Mom and Dad.

I’ll let you discover on your own what those secrets are because you’ll feel a deeper engagement to the story. The loving family is the solid center of this emotional tale. Themes of trust, lies, and truths lead up to the tragedy that hits them all unexpectedly. Grief seems to never go away, but THE TROUBLE WITH SECRETS shows how it can eventually get better. Just have the tissue box close by.

Book Birthday: APRIL 8, 2025. Pages: 336

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE TROUBLE WITH SECRETS by Naomi Milliner

  1. The close and loving Jewish family was a highlight. You’ll feel their highs and lows throughout and remember the time spent with them. Perfect for the middle grade audience of young readers.
  2. Jewish traditions are brought forth and celebrated. They never overwhelm the story but having them included help show the close bond the family enjoys.
  3. An honest contemporary story is hard to depict. Here it is done with graceful ease.
  4. The Now and Before way of telling this story was a great choice, keeping readers fully interested the entire way.
  5. I had trouble being away from the story for long and read it in just a few days. A sign of a skillful writer who grabs a reader’s attention throughout.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Naomi Milliner is the author of Super Jake and the King of Chaos and coeditor and contributor to On All Other Nights, a Passover anthology for middle grade readers. She created the Authors Book Club for her SCBWI chapter and has served on the Women’s National Book Association’s Great Group Reads committee since 2009. Naomi enjoys mentoring children and adults, visiting schools (virtually or in-person), and reading everything she can get her hands on. She lives in Maryland with her family, countless books, and one very fuzzy cat. Visit her on Facebook and Twitter under Naomi Milliner and her blog at naomimilliner.wordpress.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, New Release | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

THE ADVENTURE TO THE ANCIENT ICEBERG

Posted on April 11, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

A flying bus, talking dogs, and an angry Yeti are enough to entice any reader. The main human characters, ten-year-old twins Axi and Brandon, add the perfect touch to this memorable adventure.

It all begins when a package arrives asking the twins for help in saving an ancient iceberg from the overly large and very evil white beast. All they have to do is board a flying bus and eventually meet some penguins.

That’s exactly what they do and of course joining them is their fun trio of canines. The task at hand is to return a magical scroll to the Ice Castle before the Yeti does any more harm.

The engaging, third person narration often provides too quick of a solution to the danger they face. This won’t bother the intended reading audience, especially those looking for a shorter fantasy (132 pages). THE ADVENTURE to the ANCIENT ICEBERG would make for a great read-aloud.

The enticing cover is also a winner. Be sure to read the Message from the Author with the heartfelt reasons for writing the book. I’m always glad to support young authors and with Axi Mok we have a good one. This story is only the beginning as more adventures are to follow.

About Axi Mok: Axi Mok is a young author from Los Angeles, where she lives with her parents, twin brother Brandon, two dogs, Jake and Kimchi, and three chickens. When she was eight, Axi was hospitalized and later diagnosed with the rare brain disease Hashimoto’s Encephalopathy (HE). The disease affected her memory, making her forget how to count, hold a pen, and even write her own name. Now 14 years old, Axi works hard every day to seize all opportunities to relearn what the disease has taken away. This included two things she loved the most before she got sick: reading and writing. Recently, through work with her healthcare team, she discovered writing her own stories was an empowering way to overcome her fears and challenges. This exercise led to the creation of her debut novel, The Adventure to the Ancient Iceberg. Axi’s debut book marks the beginning of many more magical adventures.

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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 MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for 4/7/2025

Posted on April 7, 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…

Susan Uhlig is sharing the heartwarming book WONDERLAND by Barbara O’Connor.

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE features a review of SURVIVE THIS SAFARI by Natalie D. Richards.

Brenda @ Log Cabin Library reviews The Right Call: A Game Changer Companion Novel by Tommy Greenwald

Jennifer Rummel features her review of How to Draw a Secret.

Isabelle Knight has an interview with Journey Bloomfield, a young author of YA fantasy to talk about worldbuilding, unruly characters, and of course, writing in general!

Tonja Drecker takes a look at The Village Beyond the Mist by Sachiko Kashiwaba (translated by Avery Fisher).

Kasey Giard @ The Story Sanctuary reviews Ollie in Between by Jess Callans.

Valinora Troy shares her review of Music Boxes by Tonja Drecker.

Rebecca Douglass has a review of The Secret of Honeycake, by Kimberly Newton Fusco.

Max @ Completely Full Bookshelf features Noodle & Bao by Shaina Lu.

Jenni Enzor has a post about The Carver and the Queen by Emma Fox.

NicoleHewitt at Middle Grade Escapades has a Q&A with Sarah Mendonca, author of the upcoming middle grade fantasy heist novel, AN ENCANTADORA’S GUIDE TO MONSTROS AND MAGIC.

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: THE BARKING PUPPY.

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Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

SURVIVE THIS SAFARI

Posted on April 6, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

If you enjoy solving puzzles, a longer contemporary read (361 pages), and animals then keep on reading. You are going to love this book!

Main character Lucy Spagnola has been invited to Wildlands Safari Escape Challenge. The challenge is at a nearby safari park where wild animals are given a large space to roam and are cared for by a dedicated staff.

Lucy’s older sister Alex is already an intern at the park, but she’s still a bit hesitant in attending given her frequent panic attacks. Alex convinces her to take on the experience. Lucy joins a team of 3 other invitees all about the same age (Jemma, Trey, and Harrison). Their task is to compete against the Park Ambassadors and one person deemed the best will get to join that prestigious group.

It’s an engaging set of tasks as they travel around the Wildlands solving various puzzles that will unlock gates to the next challenge. Readers are alerted to play along and solve the challenges on their own. Most will have you in deep thought as you try and unravel the clues.

A shift in the plot arrives when the group discovers a baby elephant has been separated from her mother and is in trouble. Some men have secretly entered the preserve and are trying to steal Tabora, the baby calf. Their mission takes on higher stakes and the exciting conclusion will have you flipping the pages to find out if they are successful.

The third person narration stays close to the group all the way to the end. SURVIVE THIS SAFARI is a unique and fun addition to the middle grade shelves.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: April 8, 2025

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: SURVIVE THIS SAFARI by Natalie Richards

  1. Each of the kids have distinct personalities that is essential to the story. Harrison’s ADHD, Jemma’s know it all attitude, and Trey who is smart, quiet, and helpful make a great set of characters you will enjoy (well, maybe not Jemma at first “End of Discussion.”).
  2. Over 100 footnotes are used and are quite helpful in learning about animal behaviors and further character insights. Footnotes usually distract me from enjoying the plot but here they worked.
  3. I’ve visited the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado several times and this reminded me of the fascinating and educational experience offered at the park. A great setting as is the one in this book.
  4. Lucy’s panic attacks are realistically portrayed.
  5. Loved the cover. This alone will sell a lot of copies.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Natalie D. Richards is the New York Times bestselling author of 49 Miles Alone, Four Found Dead, Seven Dirty Secrets, Five Total Strangers, Six Months Later, and One Was Lost, among other young adult thrillers. 15 Secrets to Survival was her middle-grade debut, and her latest middle-grade adventure story is Survive This Safari. Natalie lives in Ohio with her three children and a ridiculously furry dog named Wookiee. To learn more, visit: nataliedrichards.com.

Instagram

Natalie Richards: @natdrichards — Delacorte/Random House Children’s Books: @randomhousekids — Blue Slip Media: @blue_slip_media 

Facebook

Natalie Richards: N/A — Delacorte/Random House Children’s Books: Random House Children’s Books — Blue Slip Media: @blue-slip-media 

Twitter/X:

Natalie Richards: N/A — Random House Children’s Books: @randomhousekids — Blue Slip Media: @blueslipper & @barbfisch

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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 , , , , | 18 Comments

FIRES BURNING UNDERGROUND

Posted on April 4, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

The emotional ups and downs of the first year of middle school are captured in this new book by Nancy McCabe. I’ll have trouble getting any boys to read this one, but the plot’s drama will certainly appeal to girls already in middle school or getting ready for this important change in their next level of education.

Anny narrates the the 30 chapter story with deep emotion. It’s her first year attending public school as previously she was home-schooled. Added to the pressure are thoughts of a boy she knew from church who recently died in a house fire.

She at first struggles with making friends until she connects with Larissa who is fascinated with things like ESP, telepathy, and telekinesis. Then a girl named Tracy makes the jump to adolescence even harder by asking what sexual identity Anny follows.

Anny doesn’t even know who she is yet and still has thoughts of the house fire tragedy. When Larissa shows her how to use a Ouiji board she doesn’t know if the messages are coming from the deceased boy or if Larissa is just moving her hand to get answers.

Middle school is making life even more confusing for Anny, a place that revolves around crushes and changing friendships. Anny is close to her parents but is worried that she is moving toward not having the same beliefs as they do.

Many young readers will connect with Anny and her questions about sexual identity. The path taken by Anny to distinguish between her home-school upbringing and this new world of middle school leaves her with a new sense of bravery. FIRES BURNING UNDERGROUND is a heartfelt and honest portrayal of a girl trying to discover who she is and who she will become.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

An adoptive parent and former longtime gymnastics mom, Nancy McCabe is the author of six books for adults and has published articles in Newsweek, Salon, Writer’s Digest, The Brevity Blog, and the Los Angeles Review of Books, among many others. She’s a Pushcart winner and her work has been recognized nine times on Best American Notable Lists. She directs the writing program at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and teaches in the graduate program at the Naslund-Mann School of Writing at Spalding University.

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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 Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 3 Comments