A TRICKY KIND OF MAGIC

Posted on November 29, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

A heartfelt story about dealing with the loss of a loved one. The graphic novel format along with the magical elements will attract many young readers. Here’s what to expect:

Card tricks, clever illusions–Cooper can do them all. His dad, also known as the Great Eduardo, taught him the tricks of the magical trade before he passed away. When a talking rabbit appears from his dad’s old top hat, and reveals there is a place where Cooper might find his dad, he jumps at the chance. Magic is about believing the impossible, after all. But what–and who–is waiting for them in the land where magic goes wrong?

Cooper goes through many realistic emotions as he deals with the passing of his father. Magic is the only thing that keeps them connected. The fantasy aspect begins when the stuffed rabbit his dad used as a stage prop (better known as Rabbit De Niro) begins talking with Cooper. He has some of the best one-liners that add to the comic side of the tale.

The rabbit and Cooper end up in a different world controlled by Dimblechip, the President of Magic. From there it’s up Cooper to find the true meaning of moving forward after a terrible loss.

Gray scale images throughout are effective and keep the story moving at a nice pace. For any young person who has lost a parent, A TRICKY KIND OF MAGIC could be a helpful step toward feeling better.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nigel Baines is an experienced book designer who has worked for various trade publishing houses. He is a keen walker and would like to spend half the year living on top of the Andes. His other great loves are Grantham Town Football Club and any kind of travel.

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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. All you have to do is email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com


Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.


*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.

Posted in Graphic Novels, MG Fantasy | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

THE HUNT FOR THE NIGHTINGALE by Sarah Ann Juckes

Posted on November 24, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

The writing is magnificent as we follow the first person narration of 9-year-old Jasper Wilde. He’s searching for Rosie, his older sister who went off to college and never came back. Dad has only told him she “has gone to a Better Place.”

Set in England’s countryside, Jasper is sure Rosie’s Better Place is with the little song bird known as a nightingale. Birds are the main reason for the strong bond Jasper has with his sister. They wrote a journal style “Book of Birds,” full of facts about the birds they saw and listened to in parks and forests.

Jasper’s parents are so busy running their business they have ignored him for a long time. Even so, he writes them a note and takes off on his own. It’s a journey about grief and dealing with the loss of a loved one. It’s no secret that his sister has died tragically, but readers won’t know how until Jasper does.

The road toward understanding and dealing with grief is helped by the strangers Jasper meets along the way. Both old and young, they each provide much needed support. The story is sad but the depth of emotion also helps one understand the grieving process and how anxiety can effect a child.

THE HUNT FOR THE NIGHTINGALE is not an action packed tale young readers often look for, but the story will appeal to those who love nature and the gentle flow of powerful words.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: December 1, 2024 (U.S. Edition) PAGE COUNT: 272

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT HUNT FOR THE NIGHTINGALE by Sarah Ann Juckes

  1. You learn so much about various birds. Each chapter begins with a bird fact and much of the narrative is focused on birds. Interesting reveals throughout.
  2. The last chapter occurs a year later. Jasper reveals what has happened in his life and it is a fitting wrap to this tender story and we won’t have to endure the wait for a sequel to find out.
  3. Never talk to strangers but in Jasper’s situation he meets new friends like Madge, Ibrahim, and Gan. Great characters with memorable personalities that are there to help rather than harm.
  4. Illustrations of the birds are featured on many of the pages, adding a strong connection to the thoughtful story.
  5. The Author’s Note is a must read, She gives readers advice if they too are experiencing some of the same worries Jasper has gone through. An excellent wrap to the story.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah Ann Juckes is the author of five books for young people. THE NIGHT ANIMALS (Jan 2023) was awarded Waterstones Book of the Month and The Times Children’s Book of the Week. Her other books for this age group are, THE HUNT FOR THE NIGHTINGALE, and STORM SEAL. Her YA novels include OUTSIDE (nominated for the Carnegie Medal Awards 2020) and THE WORLD BETWEEN US.

Sarah is a writing tutor and also works for Oxford University. She lives opposite a graveyard on the edge of the Cotswolds with her partner and cat.

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THANKS FOR STOPPING BY TODAY. COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW.

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

THE NIGHT ANIMALS

Posted on November 22, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

Ten-year-old Nora lives with her mum who is suffering from PTSD. They are close but bad days outnumber the good.

Nora is sure the ghost animals she keeps seeing have answers to the challenges her family faces. The first one to appear is the ghost fox followed by a hare, raven and otter. They each have a rainbow type shine that Nora always tries to follow. Kwame, a new human friend, is there to help.

What Nora is looking for is the strength to be honest about her home life. To help both herself and mum. It’s a sad journey ending with a surprising boat trip to an island. It’s there that Nora finds someone who might help.

Nora is not the most likable character at first but her friendship with Kwame and the constant first person dialog in her head bring about sympathy and more endearing qualities. Her character arc bends and sways but ends in a perfect place.

There is an awful bully named Joel (which always seems to be a definite inclusion in middle grade books), but even he finds a way to be a better person after his true story is revealed thanks to Nora and Kwame. The scenes with those two friends are the strong point of the story, helping the plot move forward with each interaction.

THE NIGHT ANIMALS leaves you with a feeling that it is always okay to ask for help. Hope and healing is something attainable. A creative and memorable story.

PAGE COUNT: 270. U.S. BOOK BIRTHDAY: December 1, 2024

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah Ann Juckes is the author of five books for young people. THE NIGHT ANIMALS (Jan 2023) was awarded Waterstones Book of the Month and The Times Children’s Book of the Week. Her other books for this age group are, THE HUNT FOR THE NIGHTINGALE, and STORM SEAL. Her YA novels include OUTSIDE (nominated for the Carnegie Medal Awards 2020) and THE WORLD BETWEEN US.

Sarah is a writing tutor and also works for Oxford University. She lives opposite a graveyard on the edge of the Cotswolds with her partner and cat. (Author Website)

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NOTE: I’ll be back on Monday with a review of THE HUNT FOR THE NIGHTINGALE by Sarah Ann Juckes, but there will be no MMGM. I am supervising a field trip for high school juniors and won’t be able to break away to create the post.

Be assured that MMGM will return on December 2nd and the rest of that month including Christmas and New Year’s week. Happy Holidays!

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

MMGM for November 18, 2024

Posted on November 18, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

 

NOTE: There will be no MMGM next Monday, November 25th. Be assured that MMGM will return in two weeks on December 2nd and the rest of that month including Christmas and New Year’s week.

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE features a review of TAKE IT FROM THE TOP by Claire Swinarski.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has a guest post by Elisha Stone Leahy and a GIVEAWAY of her MG, Malory in Full Color.

Carol Baldwin says guest blogger Kate Lundeen’s review of CHILDREN OF THE ANCIENT HEROES is remarkable. There is also a GIVEAWAY offered.

Sue Heavenrich  has a wonderful MG nonfiction book this week over at Archimedes Notebook: How to Know a Crow.

Kim Aippersbach pops in with a Middle Grade novel that deserves more love! It’s called The Demon Sword Asperides, by Sarah Jean Horowitz.

Valinora Troy reviews The Time Waif & The Roman Road by Deborah Lyon.

Jemima Pett reviews a lovely book set in some remote islands called Hunting Gumnor.

Faith Hough reviews The Wonder Brothers, by Frank Cottrell Boyce.

Jennifer Rummel has a graphic novel review of UPSTAGED.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews THE LONG WAY AROUND by Anne Nesbet. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has an MMGM book to share every day. Check out her MMGM choice for this week and my favorite review from last week: HUNGRY BONES.

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Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

TAKE IT FROM THE TOP

Posted on November 17, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

Eowyn Becker and Jules Marrigan are 13-years-old spending their sixth summer at a performing arts camp. They’ve been best of friends ever since that first year at camp when they were 8-years-old. Something though has put an end to their companionship and they barely talk to each other anymore.

You find out what occurred to cause this change through a unique dual viewpoint approach. Euwyn’s first person, present day narration is the focus of her chapters and often occur with several in a row. In between we get a third person look at the past that stays close to Jules.

The camp is special to both of them. Eowyn is overshadowed by her older Tony Award winning brother. Her mom died and Dad seems more focused on his career as an MD and overseeing his son’s career. Jules has both parents, but Dad is without a job. The only reason she can attend this camp is through a scholarship.

Friendship drama is at its highest level and readers will be anxious to find out what happened with the girls’ relationship and whether they solve their differences. The musical theater backdrop will be a delight to those who love Broadway musicals as they are referred to often. Others might be wondering just what is an Evan Hansen or a Hello Dolly. It’s good that the final musical of this year’s camp is Wicked which is familiar to a much broader majority.

I was about halfway through the book when I couldn’t put it down. The anticipation of how this story would end kept me going along with a perfect flow of the writing. TAKE IT FROM THE TOP is a great story about family, friendship and understanding. Highly recommended especially for those musical theater fans.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: NOVEMBER 19, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 256

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: TAKE IT FROM THE TOP by Claire Swinarski

  1. The past is woven into the present in top notch fashion. These two strong minded girls make it happen to perfection as to who is right or wrong.
  2. Young readers will take sides with one of the characters but by the end they will be able to see both of them as their own friend. Great character arcs for each.
  3. There is also a smaller focus on a first crush. It’s handled in a believable and nice way for this age group.
  4. Each chapter title tells whether the following pages are in the past or present. The Summer number (from 1-6) and the age of the main characters keep you informed.
  5. This has a YA sequel possibilities as the Epilogue (Age 14) brings you up to day as to how the past year went and whether Year 7 at the camp will include both girls. A second book would certainly be welcome to those who have read this one.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Claire Swinarski is the Edgar Award-nominated author of multiple books for both kids and adults. Her writing has been featured in The Washington Post, Seventeen, Milwaukee Magazine, and many other publications. She lives in small town Wisconsin with her husband and three kids, where she writes books, wears babies, and wrangles bread dough. You can follow her on Instagram @claireswinarski.

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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 , , , , , | 7 Comments

JOY APPLEBLOOM SERIES

Posted on November 15, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

With a spunky and endearing main character named Joy, this import from England will certainly be welcome by new readers here in America. The three stories begin with A GIRL CALLED JOY.

Joy Applebloom is a positive thinking ten-year-old. She has a Mom, Dad, and an obnoxious 13-year-old sister. The life Joy has always had is traveling to exotic places around the world with her family. Things are changing though as the family has moved back to the UK to live with grumpy Thomas Blake, Joy’s granddad.

The first 4 chapters are a telling of what the family has been up to before this last move. Lots of backstory. Thankfully the rest of the way moves forward with Joy trying to find the good side of her granddad and enrolling in a real school for the first time. Despite her bright outlook, school does not go well.

Mrs. Hunter, is a no-nonsense terror. of a teacher. Joy can do nothing right and constantly clashes with this person. A new friend in Benny helps make things a little smoother. Together the two of them plan to save a big oak tree on school property that is scheduled to be cut down.

The first person narration sparkles and nicely done black and white images are scattered throughout. Joy is one you will be happy to have spent some time with and luckily this is just the beginning.

In book 2, LOVE FROM JOY, the characters personalities reveal even more details of their inner thoughts in each passing chapter. Joy is trying to figure out what she can do to help Grandad not be lonely. Benny has changed from a happy and bright boy to one who is being bullied by a classmate and neighbor. Joy can’t sit back and do nothing.

The pacing is perfect through 19 chapters. Joy’s relationship with her teacher takes an unexpected positive turn and writing a letter is the start. Joy keeps in touch with all of her friends around the world by writing a letter. Readers will be inspired to write their own letters with the extra chapter in the back pages: Letter Writing Tips from JOY.

Love from Joy could be read on its own, but you’d miss fully experiencing each character’s change in how they act and feel.

The series gets a heartfelt finish with PLANET JOY. Joy has a new teacher and and a new classmate. Mr. Suarez is fun and his teaching style is perfect for Joy. The new student though has a dark personality that confuses Joy. She reaches out to try and make friends with the girl.

The wrap up to the series has a memorable end and one can only hope for more stories with Joy. She certainly has a knack for putting joy in other characters and for readers.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jenny Valentine is an award-winning writer for Young Adults. Her first novel Finding Violet Park won the Guardian prize in 2007 and since then she has written six more, including Broken Soup and Fire Colour One, as well as Iggy and Me, a series for younger children. Her work has been published in 19 countries and Hello Now, her latest YA novel, was published in the UK and US in April 2020.  In 2017 she was the Hay Festival International Fellow, spending the year meeting and learning from teenagers all over the world. She works to empower and give a voice to young people. She lives all over the place and has two daughters.

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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. All you have to do is email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the

*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 , , , , , | 1 Comment

MMGM for November 11, 2024

Posted on November 11, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE features a review of THE BEST FRIEND BRACELET by Nicole D. Collier.

ET Charles shares Beth Anderson’s nonfiction picture book Thomas Jefferson’s Battle for Science: Bias, Truth and a Might Moose. With its unusual story, back matter and illustrations this book offers many entry points from upper elementary through middle grade and high school.

Valinora Troy reviews Spellstone by Ross Montgomery.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews and has a GIVEAWAY of FREE PERIOD. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends. 

Stephanie Robinson @ Fairday’s Blog is featuring the book  The Legend of Greyhallow by Summer Rachel Short.

Maria Antonia shares her post about All the Ways Home by Elsie Chapmans  

Brenda @ Log Cabin Library has a fun share with The Swifts:  A Gallery of Rogues by Beth Lincoln, and illustrations by Claire Powell .

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has an MMGM book to share every day. Check out her MMGM choice for this week and my favorite review from last week: UNSINKABLE CAYENNE.

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NOTE: There will be no MMGM on Monday, November 25th. I am supervising a field trip for high school juniors and won’t be able to break away to create the post.

Be assured that MMGM will be here next week on November 18, then again on December 2nd and the rest of that month including Christmas and New Year’s week.

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

THE BEST FRIEND BRACELET

Posted on November 10, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

This friendship story is unique especially with an amusing dose of magic thrown in. Budding entrepreneur, Zariah (Mariah with a Z), is in 7th grade and makes bracelets for others who want one for their forever friend. She has interested classmate customers fill out a form describing their friend, and then Zariah makes them a special friendship bracelet.

Deep down Zariah would like her own real friend but so far nothing has worked out. When she makes the perfect bracelet using beads given to her by the mysterious woman at the craft store, turns out is magic. Whoever wears it becomes her bestie.

It’s bracelet on and bracelet off as many girls don’t work out as the forever friend. Zariah is frustrated assuming she will never have that special person in her life.

THE BEST FRIEND BRACELET is a great middle grade story, especially for girls. There’s drama with sleepovers, various cliques at school, eating alone at lunch, and having to participate in the always challenging group project. 7th grade is not easy with the social and emotional highlights and lowlights.

The 49 short chapters are easy and fun to read. The story will challenge and help young readers see their friendships in a refreshing new way.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: October 15, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 272

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE BEST FRIEND BRACELET by Nicole D. Collier

  1. A realistic portrayal of the middle school experience. Not having a friend is at the top of worries for any 7th grader and is given the proper treatment here.
  2. Popcorn. I was wanting to make my own after Zariah cooked up her latest batch for an after school treat. The flavors she added were ingenious.
  3. Very realistic family situations. Zariah’s dad travels for his work but has many helpful conversations with his daughter. Theo, one of the potential friends lives with her grandmother, something many middle schoolers will relate to.
  4. There’s a Friendship Scale Zariah and Theo create that goes from a low of 1 (Strangers) to a 5 (Best friends). You’ll be ranking your own acquaintances after reading each selection.
  5. The best friend profile is what you fill out if you want to buy a bracelet. Many of these are shared with Zariah’s notes as to what she is planning for her next creation. Readers might be filling out their own to check on how much they really know about a friend.

About Nicole

Nicole D. Collier, PhD, grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, the child of an accountant and a public school librarian. She taught fourth grade before becoming an author and leadership coach. In all her endeavors, she enjoys helping people mine the creativity, wisdom, and courage for change. The author of Just Right Jillian and The Many Fortunes of Maya, her writing illuminates the challenges and rewards that come from learning to be true to yourself. A self-proclaimed ever-victorious woman, Nicole has been known to run, dance, and turn cartwheels from time to time. She currently resides in St. Petersburg, Florida, with her husband, Phillip. (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 MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

TALES OF ANCIENT EGYPT

Posted on November 8, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

Ancient Egypt evokes an image of a magical world full of greats stories. Ones about Gods and goddesses, tombs and mummies, Kings and Queens. You get all of this and more in the colorful TALES OF ANCIENT EGYPT.

The four chapters include not only the myths but also true stories about this special place and time. Starting with The Creation of the World myth, you will be smiling but also shocked at some of the wild and imaginative tales of how Ancient Egypt evolved. Fascinating facts are interspersed among the pages. Some of my favorites included ones about Hieroglyphs, Astronomy, Master Ship Builders, Pyramids, and Making a Mummy.

The amazing layout blends paragraphs and colorful illustrations in an appealing way. This approach encourages readers to pick this book up again and again. The final piece details THE END OF ANCIENT EGYPT. A helpful alphabetical layout of Gods and Goddesses are also included along with a helpful Glossary.

Kids and adults who have an interest in Ancient Egypt have a new friend in this fun book.

Page Count: 160 BOOK BIRTHDAY: October 1, 2024

ABOUT THE AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR

Hugo D. Cook is an Egyptologist and a classicist who studied at Oxford University and Cambridge University and knows six ancient languages to an advanced level. Hugo has an educational TikTok channel that teaches up to 4 million viewers per video about the history, culture, and writings of ancient Egypt. He currently works as a lecturer at the British Museum in London where he teaches the Egyptology and Hieroglyphs course.

Sona Avedikian is a Michigan-based illustrator. She received her BFA in illustration from College for Creative Studies in Detroit with a focus on children’s illustration. Her favourite things to draw revolve around magic, adventure, and non-fiction. You can probably spot her in the back of a library or taking long walks around her neighbourhood.

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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.
It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. All you have to do is email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com
Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, non fiction | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

MMGM for November 4, 2024

Posted on November 4, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE features a review of TEAM CANTEEN ROCKY ROAD by Amalie Jahn.

Welcome to Nicole Hewitt as she joins us to share two reviews. Accidental Demons by Clare Edge and Kareem Between by Shifa Saltagi Safadi/

Susan Uhlig really enjoyed DRAWING DEENA about a 13yo Muslim girl by Hena Khan.

Rebecca Douglass  shares a double review of The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise and Coyote Lost and Found, by Dan Gemeimhart.

Carol Baldwin has part 3 of her comments on a surprisingly influential book: BLUE WILLOW.

Sue Heavenrich at Archimedes Notebook has some beach reading:
Super Ocean Weekend: The Ultimate Underwater Adventure

Valinora Troy reviews Rivet Boy by Barbara Henderson

Maria Antonia is back after a month long celebration of her picture book release. Today she reviews A Season Most Unfair by J. Anderson Coats.

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Answers to Dog by Pete Hautman. 

Jennifer Rummel reviews the WWII novel PEARL.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews ELEPHANT TOUCH by Susan R. Greenway. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.

Brenda @ Log Cabin Library Reviews Take It From The Top by Claire Swinarski 

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has an MMGM book to share every day. Check out her MMGM choice for this week and my favorite review from last week: SAVING KENNY.

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NOTE: There will be no MMGM on Monday, November 25th. I am supervising a field trip for high school juniors and won’t be able to break away to create the post.

Be assured that MMGM will be here on November 11 and 18, then again on December 2nd and the rest of that month including Christmas and New Year’s week.

Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 2 Comments