SYLVIA DOE AND THE 100-YEAR FLOOD

Posted on October 6, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

Sylvia Doe is 13 and her favorite place is the home she has known for 9 years: The Highground Home for Children in North Carolina. She especially loves the horses and helping Mason, the caretaker of the property. Most kids stay a short time at the home, always getting fostered out. Sylvia does too, but she always runs away and returns. The Highground Home is her special place.

When a powerful hurricane causes massive flooding in the valley, she rides Kitty Hawk in hopes of finding missing horses from the stable. Sylvia sees a lot of strange things that don’t belong, including an unconscious boy floating down the river. She immediately takes off into the river and pulls the boy out. This is just the beginning of their adventure.

It’s gripping start and one you can’t stop reading. The movie-like book trailer does a fantastic job of setting up the plot.

The third person narration takes readers through 36 chapters and an epilogue. The rest of the story focuses on discovering just where her new friend Jorna came from. I won’t mention any of the surprising twists and turns so as to not spoil the reading experience for others who give this book a go. It’s a real page turner.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: October 8, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 320

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: SYLVIA DOE AND THE 100-YEAR FLO0D by Robert Beatty

  1. The changing environment in this area of North Carolina is an excellent support for the story’s ecology aspects. Also featured are many of Sylvia entries from her field guide she created about the animals she has encountered. A very visual learning tool.
  2. The ending is heartwarming and perfect. I did figure out many pages ahead of where this was heading, but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of seeing the plot end this way.
  3. A strong female protagonist was not only welcome, but a great way to get girls and boys reading.
  4. Sylvia and Jorna have a bond that grows with each passing scene. It’s a special relationship, one you will remember. There is an innocent kiss handled with ease for a middle grade audience.
  5. Adventure, Friendship, and a fast paced story are just what young readers ask for- Look no further than SYLVIA DOE and the 100-Year Flood.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robert Beatty is the #1 New York Times best-selling author of the Serafina
Series, the Willa Series, and Sylvia Doe — all published by Disney-Hyperion.

Loved by both young readers and adults alike, his books are being taught in over
a thousand classrooms nationwide and have been translated into over twenty
languages across the world. Over ONE MILLION of his books have been sold.

The award-winning Serafina Series is a spooky mystery-thriller about a brave
and unusual cat-like girl who lives secretly in the basement of the grand Biltmore Estate, surrounded by the opulence of the Gilded Age and the rugged beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Serafina and the Black Cloak, the first book in the series, won the Southern Book Prize in 2016. All four books in the series became New York Times bestsellers.

Mr. Beatty’s second project was the #1 New York Times best-selling Willa of the
Wood Series, the story of a young forest girl with ancient magical powers who
struggles for survival and understanding in the Great Smoky Mountains. The
Willa books are in the early stages of being developed into a live action television
series by Lionsgate.

His latest book, Sylvia Doe and the 100-Year Flood, is the tale of a lonely 13-
year-old girl and a powerful, magical storm that forever changes her life. The
award-winning author Kwame Alexander called it, “Magical realism at its best.”
Both Kirkus and Publishers Weekly awarded Sylvia Doe with a prestigious
STARRED REVIEW.

Robert Beatty lives in the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina with his wife and
place. He writes full-time now, but in his past lives, Mr. Beatty was one of the
early pioneers of cloud computing, the founder/CEO of Plex Systems, the co-
founder of Beatty Robotics, and the chairman/CTO of Narrative Magazine. In
2007, he was named an Entrepreneur of the Year.

When asked about the inspiration for his writing, Robert said, “My books are
inspired by my desire to write about heroic young girls for my three daughters.”

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Poppy and Marigold

Posted on October 4, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

Blue citizens are absolutely superior to all others, especially ignorant, uncivilized Orange. Poppy has been taught this relentlessly for twelve years. But when she accidentally crosses the forbidden border and is befriended by Marigold—a tangerine-skinned girl—and her kind-but-quirky family, Poppy is forced to rethink everything. Questioning that Blue is Best or the rest of the 50 Rules governing Poppy’s world would get her sent to a dangerous Detention Center. Or worse. But how can she return to her blindly obedient, anti-Orange life now that she knows the truth?

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The setting is a place separated by history and color. Red, orange, yellow and blue mark the separate areas. Citizens’ skin color match their particular area.

Poppy is blue and Marigold is orange. When these 12-year-olds first meet it’s only the beginning of an unlikely friendship. In Poppy’s land it is illegal and life threatening to cross the border and interact with another color.

The third person narration shines through twenty-five chapters. Friendship and discovering deep rooted misconceptions form the backdrop. The ending is gripping as people from the colored coded lands face-off with devastating results. Thankfully there is still hope.

Poppy and Marigold is a good choice for a read-aloud in a classroom. The story would also make a great starting point for discussion. The author includes 14 questions to get you started following the perceptive Acknowledgment page.

Fantasy lovers have a unique story to add to their reading list and one even adults would enjoy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

(For more visit Meg’s author website)

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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 MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

MMGM for September 30, 2024

Posted on September 30, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE features a review of THE SERPENT RIDER by Yxavel Magno Diño.

Susan Uhlig loved the duel timeline in Code Name Kingfisher.

Brenda at Log Cabin Library reviews Thea and the Mischief Makers by Tracy Badua.

Sue Heavenrich at Archimedes Notebook shares another non-fiction winner with The Oddball Book of Armadillos, by Elizabeth Shreeve.

Jennifer Bohnhoff has a list of Middle Grade Civil War books. She has written four of the books and is giving away copies of each of them to celebrate the upcoming publication of her most recent title.

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal The Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate DiCamillo, the first book in her Norendy Tale’s series.

Jennifer Rummel features a review of Capital Chase: Book 1 in the National Archive Hunters series.

Kasey Giard @ The Story Sanctuary reviews Monster Locker by Jorge Aguirre and Andrés Vera Martínez.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews TRASHED by Martha Freeman. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends and there’s an update about a new little friend for Rosi.

Faith Hough has a review of The Mythmakers: The Remarkable Fellowship of C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien, by John Hendrix.

Valinora Troy shares her review about The Fabian File by David Aro.

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: STAGE FRIGHT.

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If you would like to join in the MMGM fun and get your own spot in the parade, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count–but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you’re featuring 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 please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)

Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)

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

THE SERPENT RIDER

Posted on September 29, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

Tani is the main character, a brave girl readers will enjoy. She dreams of becoming a Serpent Rider to defend her village from monsters. The main one is Great Bakunawa, a sea serpent feared by all. Six of the world’s seven moons have been devoured by this beast. If they lose the last one life will cease to exist.

Tani doesn’t always make the right decisions but will do anything to save Ligaya, her sister. It was in fact her fault that Ligaya is headed for certain doom after Tani’s gamble went horribly wrong. Her only way to save Ligaya is to find her and hope the Great Bakunawa doesn’t surface from the sea and cause even more havoc.

THE SERPENT RIDER is an engaging fantasy adventure narrated by Tani. The story is fast paced and full of exciting challenges. No sooner does Tani escape from one scary situation, she faces even more. The backdrop of Filipino folklore added to its uniqueness. It was also nice to have all plot points wrapped up by the final page.

If you love fantasy, look no further than The Serpent Rider for your next read.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: September 10, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 272

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE SERPENT RIDER by Yxavel Magno Diño

  1. Tani’s character arc was superbly crafted. She truly did end up seeing the world and herself differently.
  2. You are never sure how the story will end and the surprise was a good one.
  3. The other kids inside the plot are Kiri and Bato. They each have distinct personalities and even the obnoxious Bato comes around by the end.
  4. The twists and turns in every chapter made it a hard to put down experience. This would me a great movie.
  5. The book cover is a winner!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Yxavel Magno Diño was born in the Philippines before moving to Australia at a young age, where she soon discovered that almost nobody there knew how to say her name. To make up for it, she spent her time daydreaming about fantasy worlds filled with characters who had more unusual names than she did.Now, she writes stories about her Filipino heritage and its fantastical folklore. When she’s not writing, you can find her drinking copious amounts of black tea, or getting lost in the pages of a book.Pronunciation: Is·a·vel

(Web site: https://ymdino.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 MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

THE STAR HORSE

Posted on September 27, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

The third book in the engaging ONCE UPON A HORSE series is on the shelves this month . The first two were released last year including THE FLYING HORSE and THE JOCKEY AND HER HORSE.

They each can be read on their own and highlight the special bond horses and their riders share. That bond is never more evident than in THE STAR HORSE with Billy, a Norwegian Fjord Horse and Lori, a shy 7th grader who is Billy’s best friend.

That makes the decision even harder when Lori reluctantly agrees to sell Billy to a kid movie actor and his dad as the star of their new film. Doing so will allow Lori and her mother to keep the horse stables they run. But now Lori is far away from the horse she loves as filming is being done near the Mojave Desert, much too far from the town she lives in near New York City.

The separation is not easy and worsens when Billy is stalked by a mountain lion and runs off into the desert. Lori is heartbroken and sneaks away to buy a bus ticket for a fifty-eight hour ride to find Billy. She has help after meeting another cow girl and Marlowe, the famous boy actor in the film. They each see a new version of themselves as they also get lost in the dessert.

The third person viewpoint is the perfect choice and allows the plot to shift to the various locations. It’s fast moving and certainly a story you won’t soon forget. The incredible connection Lori has with Billy is one horse lovers will understand fully. Billy is in fact based on a real therapeutic riding horse and the author has been promoting the book by visiting dozens of therapeutic riding facilities. What a great connection!

One thing for sure is you will never look at a horse the same way after learning about their unique behavior. THE STAR HORSE deserves a lot of stars.

For more about author and New York Times reporter, Sarah Maslin Nir, be sure to visit her New York Times page

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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 September 23, 2024

Posted on September 23, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE features a review of HANNAH EDWARDS SECRETS OF RIVERWAY by Ashley Hards.

Brenda at Log Cabin Library reviews Answers to Dog by Pete Hautman.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an interview with debut author Dionna Mann and a giveaway of her MG Mama’s Chicken and Dumplings.

Susan Uhlig shares a fun fantasy, THE GIRL WHO KEPT THE CASTLE.

Sue Heavenrich has  a fun NF MG book over at Archimedes Notebook: The Observologist: A Handbook for Mounting Very Small Scientific Expeditions by Giselle Clarkson.

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews The Trickster in the Vase by Sophia Ezomoghene (Book 1 in The Osagie Twins series). It is a chapter book series about Nigerian mythology. Perfect for ages 7-10.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews and has a GIVEAWAY of THE HAUNTING OF LAKE LUCY. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.

Faith Hough reviews Take it from the Top, by Claire Swinarski.

Valinora Troy shares her review about Mallory Vayle & the Curse of Maggotty Skull by Martin Howard

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has an MMGM book to share every day. Check out her MMGM choice for today and my favorite review from last week with LIBRARY GIRL.

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If you would like to join in the MMGM fun and get your own spot in the parade, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count–but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you’re featuring 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 please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)

Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)

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

HANNAH EDWARDS SECRETS OF RIVERWAY

Posted on September 22, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

A detective ghost story featuring a girl challenged by her ADHD. Hannah uses a journal to write down her thoughts about what is going on in her life. The short answer is “A lot!”

Her father has been missing for 120 days and people in the town seem to be forgetting about him. School brings even more challenges as a guidance counselor is only making matters worse.

There’s still her mother providing support and irritating Uncle Fergus who has been hanging around their house way too much. Hannah decides she will solve the mystery and find her father. Help comes in the form of best friend Sam and Tim, a respected school Hall Monitor.

The ghostly turn in the story happens when Hannah meets a ghost who claims to be her father. She pursues more answers as to whether the ghost is real and in turn lines up a few suspects who may have been involved in a murder coverup.

The strength of the story is the mystery and what occurs in the classroom as Hannah struggles with her neurodiversity. Hannah’s first person narration tells more than shows, but the last 50-75 pages will have readers anxious to find out what happens. Perfect for fans of contemporary stories with the added bonus of a friendly ghost. It would be nice to see the endearing Hannah in a sequel.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: September 10, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 268

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: HANNAH EDWARDS SECRETS OF RIVERWAY by Ashley Hards

  1. Students often need someone other than a parent to help them through learning challenges. Hannah finally connects with that person with the kindly Mr. Roseband, a school counselor.
  2. Kids will often hide what they consider the bad stuff in the way they process so that they will appear “normal.” Reading about Hannah will change their perception in a good way about being perfect.
  3. Sam and eventually Tim are friends everyone should have. “If you need us, just tell us! We’re a team!”
  4. The journal style writing will appeal to the younger audience.
  5. Although the intended audience will miss the plot’s parallel to Shakespeare’s Hamlet, for me it was a pleasant surprise.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR/PUBLISHER

Ashley Hards was declared to be “gifted” at age 8 and was diagnosed with ADHD at age 22. When forced to sit still in class, she found books and writing to be the most engaging subjects, especially Shakespeare. She received both her BA and MA in English Literature from McGill University, where she now teaches writing and continues her research on Shakespeare and ritual.

Always the adrenaline lover, Ashley enjoys skiing, mountain biking, and opera. (Hey, it’s exciting.) She spent many weekends driving across Alberta and hanging out at a ski hill near Pincher Creek, and the vision for Riverway developed over many dark, stormy nights. Like Hannah, she enjoys journaling. Unlike Hannah, she has not solved any mysteries (yet). This is her first book. Find her on Instagram @ashleyrhards. 

About Fabled Films Press LLC

Fabled Films Press creates original content for young readers and middle-grade audiences that combines strong literary properties with high-quality production values to connect books with generations of parents and their children. Each property is supported by websites, educator guides, and activities for bookstores, educators, and librarians, as well as videos and social media content. Fabled Films Press has published two critically acclaimed children’s book series: Pippa Park by Erin Yun and The Nocturnals by Tracey Hecht. Find them online at fabledfilms.com, on Facebook at @Fabled.Films.Press, and on Instagram at @fabled.films.

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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

THE GHOST RULES

Posted on September 20, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

It’s the season for ghost books and there have been plenty of them this year. Thankfully they are all different. THE GHOST RULES is a captivating story that will keep middle grade readers tuned in.

Twelve-year-old Elwood P. McGee knows ghosts so well that he has compiled a list of ghost rules. You can find them printed on the back cover of the book jacket. Elwwod created the list because he is one of the rare humans who has ghost-sight, the ability to communicate and see ghosts.

Elwood along with his mom and Dad have moved to a small Tennessee town. They previously lived in Nashville but are trying to recover from the the trauma of losing Elwood’s older brother in an accident. Elwood thinks it was his fault.

Soon after Elwood arrives in Long Hollow he discovers being able to see and communicate with ghosts, ones like his grandfather, Pops, who lived in the house they are trying to call home. There are many other spooks which gives Elwood the idea of using his new power to see and talk with his older brother one more time. His two new friends, Tabitha and Sydney (pictured on the front cover) just might help.

Even though grief is the backdrop there is also humor when Elwood is dealing with the bossy Sydney along with ghosts popping out of walls and ceilings (none of the ghosts are especially scary so no worries about nightmares). His voice carries the story superbly. Elwood often chooses the wrong way to deal with his loss, but by the final page readers will appreciate and understand the healing that can eventually happen when grieving for a loved one.

This is a debut novel and I hope the author has plans for more middle grade stories.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Adam Rosenbaum has operated a sawmill in Kentucky, stocked groceries in Los Angeles, and was a student draftsman at his local power company growing up in the suburbs of Nashville, where he currently lives with his wife and kids.

When he’s not writing things or reading things, you’ll probably find him running down a trail or trying to find the perfect blueberry donut. (AUTHOR WEBSITE)

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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 , , , | 2 Comments

MMGM for September 16, 2024

Posted on September 16, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE features a review of ELEPHANT TOUCH by Susan R. Greenway.

Susan Uhlig, like many of our MMGM reviewers, is recommending HALF MOON SUMMER by Elaine Vickers.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles interviews author Callie Miller with a GIVEAWAY of her MG The Hunt For the Hollower and The Search for the Shadowsoul.

Jacky Pett is reviewing indie author Geoffrey Simpson’s The Three Hares: Bloodline, an exciting kids against the industrialists story.

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews The Witching Wind by Natalie Lloyd.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews and has a GIVEAWAY of WILD WAVE by Rodman Philbrick. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.

Faith Hough reviews Olivetti, by Allie Millington.

Valinora Troy gives us a look at The Stitchwort Curse by Alexandra Dawe .

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has an MMGM book to share every day. Check out her MMGM choice for today and my favorite review from last week with KAREEM BETWEEN.

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If you would like to join in the MMGM fun and get your own spot in the parade, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count–but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you’re featuring 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 please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)

Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)

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

ELEPHANT TOUCH

Posted on September 15, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

The engaging story of loss and recovery is told through the eyes Quinn, a young girl who recently lost her mother. The tale will touch your heart, especially if you are an animal lover.

The setting is Thailand where Quinn and her aunt are volunteering at an animal sanctuary. Aunt Lizzie hopes the experience will be healing, but initially Quinn feels even worse when discovering many of the elephants were abused.

Then something special happens as Quinn develops a connection with an adult elephant who seems to understand Quinn’s feeling of loss. A bigger challenge awaits when an orphaned baby elephant arrives at the sanctuary. Quinn knows that she and the elephant are both grieving over a similar tragedy in their lives. Quinn tries to find the courage to make a difference before this young animal dies.

The 28 chapters are a real page turner. Humor helps break the tension of whether the ending will bring resolution. The journey is also emotional with the backdrop of healing after a traumatic event. You’ll understand Asian Elephants in a much deeper way. Elephant Touch will for sure touch many with one of the best debuts this year.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: September 17, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 160

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: ELEPHANT TOUCH by Susan R. Greenway

  1. Hunter is the only other kid participant at the camp. He and Quinn become fast friends and their friendship continues to strengthen as the story nears the end. An innocent and realistic portrayal.
  2. How Quinn comes to understand her feelings of losing her mother is brought forth in perfect fashion.
  3. Not to be missed: The Afterword by the author follows the story and relays to readers what they can do to save and protect elephants.
  4. Quinn’s up and down emotions are evident through the voice the author developed with care and realism.
  5. The short chapters make this novel a good one to read-aloud. Not only do you learn about elephant behavior but discussion time would be a natural way to understand the feelings of losing someone special.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susan R. Greenway is a former elementary school teacher and reading specialist. She is a longtime member of SCBWI (Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators) and a graduate of the University of Washington Writing for Children Program. Elephant Touch is her debut novel, inspired by an extraordinary experience she had with an elephant in Thailand. 

Susan is an outdoor and dog enthusiast and lives with her husband and their sweet dog, Willow, in Washington. 



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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW! AND BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

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