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

TEAM CANTEEN ROCKY ROAD

Posted on November 3, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

One look at the cover and you would guess TEAM CANTEEN ROCKY ROAD is the newest YA novel from author Amalie Jahn. Her recent titles are all YA including NEXT TO LAST MISTAKE and AFTER CHECKMATE.

Upon a closer look though TEAM CANTEEN is a new series geared toward upper middle grade readers, perfect for ages 10-12. On the cover are 7th graders Claire, Billie, Raelynn, and Tasha. They met at summer camp and bonded over the fact that none of them fit into their life at home.

The story begins at the end of summer camp when they come to believe a pink feathered boa will bring them good luck. The four agree to share the boa by mailing it to each other while they are at home in different cities and schools.

Alternating chapters with the four main characters takes readers through the school year. Claire is having a hard time since her Dad lost his job and is afraid the kids at school will find out. Billie is trying to follow his dad’s wishes for him to be a hockey star, but he’d rather be a figure skater. Raelynn hides the fact she is an online gamer and is having a tough time with her twin sister as they are at odds with each other all the time. Finally there is Tasha who has two new adoptive members of the house that aren’t working out (one younger cousin and a destructive dog).

Middle school and all its drama is the focus. Our four tweens have their problems, but it seems though that the pink boa is helping each of them cope. The story may in fact help readers in this age group see the bright side of friendships and how they can help.

PAGE COUNT: 256 BOOK BIRTHDAY: September 3, 2024

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: TEAM CANTEEN ROCKY ROAD by Amalie Jahn

  1. Accepting who you are is a wonderful lesson for all to experience.
  2. Alternating viewpoints was the perfect choice to present this story. You have the chance to experience each character in a much more meaningful way.
  3. This one looks like it might be headed toward YA territory if future books in the series also take you through a full year. Readers will be able to grow right along with Claire, Billie, Raelynn, and Tasha.
  4. The challenges of middle school share the stage with those coming from siblings and parents at home. Both sides come across in a believable way.
  5. The feathered boa does not take this story into the fantasy realm. Instead it provides the change in each of these characters in a contemporary, realistic fashion.

About The Author

USA Today Bestselling author Amalie Jahn is the recipient of the Literary Classics Seal of Approval and the Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal for her debut YA novel, THE CLAY LION. Her first YA contemporary, THE NEXT TO LAST MISTAKE, won the prestigious IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award in 2020. She is a contributing blogger with the Huffington Post and Southern Writers Magazine, as well as a finalist in the 2015 Kindle Book Awards. A TED speaker, human rights advocate, and active promoter of kindness, she lives in the United States with her husband, two children, and three extremely overfed cats.

When she’s not at the computer coaxing characters into submission, you can find Amalie swimming laps, cycling, or running on the treadmill, probably training for her next triathlon. She hates pairing socks and loves avocados. She is also very happy time travel does not yet exist. Stalk her right here in the present day at these social media sites:

Website – www.amaliejahn.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AmalieJahn

Twitter – @AmalieJahn

Instagram – @amalie.jahn.official

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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 , , , , | 8 Comments

KAREEM BETWEEN

Posted on November 1, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

A novel in verse set during the 2016-17 school year will attract football fans, but the historical aspect will also be of interest to other readers.

Kareem lives in Chicago with his mom, dad, older sister and younger brother. He is a huge fan of the Chicago Bears. Kareem also loves to play football but has been cut from the team. The coach’s son promises to help him get back on the squad if Kareem does both of their homework assignments. Doing so only causes more conflict.

Family problems add even more tension and anxiety in Kareem’s life. He was born in the U.S. as a Syrian-American. Kareem feels stuck between the two worlds. When a new family arrives from Syria, Kareem is asked to be a friend to Fadi. Not wanting to stand out he fails this task in more ways than one.

Meanwhile, his grandparents are in Syria and Mom goes back there to bring them to America. She gets trapped and is unable to return home due to then-President Trump’s ban on travel from Muslim nations. Kareem feels it was his fault as his actions initially caused the trip to be delayed.

The tension Kareem faces parallels with the inclusion of NFL Facts and Rules. Each section of the story matches the football season. It works well combining Kareem’s passion with his own life right through overtime.

Another plus is Kareem loves to read and he relates to many middle grade classic characters of that time. Books like Holes, The Last Fifth Grade of Emerson Elementary, Wimpy Kid, and Hatchet help Kareem in his own life. These along with his family’s support lead Kareem to fight the injustice of having his family on different sides of the planet and finds the importance of being himself.

Social issues, language barriers, and an enduring main character make Kareem Between a special title.

PAGE COUNT: 336 BOOK BIRTHDAY: September 10, 2024

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SHIFA SALTAGI SAFADI is the author of Kareem Between and several picture books, including The Gift of Eid. She has a bachelor’s degree in English literature, teaches ELA at a local middle school, and reviews Muslim books on her blog, Muslim Mommy Blog. Shifa was born in Syria and immigrated to the US with her parents as a young girl. She lives near Chicago with her husband and four children.

Find her on Instagram @MuslimMommyBlog

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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 Historical fiction, Middle Grade Book Reviews, Novel in verse | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

MMGM for October 28, 2024

Posted on October 28, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE features a review of UNSINKABLE CAYENNE by Jessica Vitallis.

Carol Baldwin has an awesome book review by Lori Keating with A is For Asian American.

Stephanie Robinson at Fairday’s Blog features the book Scritch Scratch by Linday Currie.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has a guest post by author Abbi Lee and a giveaway of her MG Ghost Town Treasure Hunt.

Sue Heavenrich at Archimedes Notebook reviews The Meteor Shower (#2 in the Kaleidoscope Club series).

Valinora Troy shares her thoughts on LOLA AND LARCH FIX A FAIRY FOREST.

Kasey Giard @ The Story Sanctuary also reviews UNSINKABLE CAYENNE by Jessica Vitalis.

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviewsThe Night War by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.

Jennifer Rummel reviews MIA AND FRIENDS over at YA BOOK NERD.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews and has a GIVEAWAY of DEER RUN HOME. 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: HAPPY TOWN.

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

Unsinkable Cayenne

Posted on October 27, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

Set on 1985 Montana, Unsinkable Cayenne is a 12-year-old girl just entering 7th grade. Cayenne (she was named after the spice) has never lived anywhere except the van her parents use to drift from place to place. It’s a life that brings the family closer but is so much different from other families.

After her twin siblings are born the parents decide to settle down and rent a small house. Cayenne likes the idea of fitting in and maybe getting some friends her age. But it’s not easy.

Her social studies teacher has them learning about the Titanic disaster and Cayenne sees parallels to her own life, especially with the lowly third class passengers. Will she ever be accepted by the rich girls or the rich boy she secretly likes? She wonders and worries what normal is really like.

The writing flows smoothly and readers will bond with Cayenne. Novels in verse are not my preferred way of story telling, but in this case it was a good choice. I finished it a a few hours wrapped up in Cayenne’s world. A great starting point for discussion that also makes UNSINKABLE CAYENNE perfect for middle grade readers.

PAGE COUNT: 304 BOOK BIRTHDAY: October 29, 2024

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: UNSINKABLE CAYENNE by Jessica Vitalis

(in verse)

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History portrayed with the same problems facing today’s middle graders

Made possible by the relatable Cayenne and her internal conflict of being accepted

Titanic comparisons to the realities of poverty and class

Added to the reality

As did friends Dawn, Tiff and Beau

In the end being yourself matters most

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JESSICA VITALIS is an award-winning, Columbia MBA-wielding writer and presenter with Greenwillow / HarperCollins. With a mission to write entertaining and thought-provoking literature, she often uses magic and fantastical settings to explore topics such as death and grief, domestic violence, and socio-economic disparities. Her work has been translated into three languages, and she was a 2021 Canada Council of the Arts grant recipient and featured on CBC’s Here and Now and The Morning Edition, and CTV’s Your Morning. The Wolf’s Curse and The Rabbit’s Gift (which received starred reviews from the School Library Journal and CCBC and was named a Canadian Children’s Book Center Best Books for Kids and Teens 2023), are stand-alone companion novels. Her most recent novel, Coyote Queen, is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, on the Kirkus Best Books of 2023 list, a Crystal Kite and High Plains Book Awards finalist, and won the Reading the West Book Award as well as the Women Writing the West 2024 WILLA Literary Award in Children’s Fiction and Non-Fiction. A novel in free verse, Unsinkable Cayenne, is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection arriving October 29th, 2024. Jessica spent part of her childhood in Wyoming, where a giant, rusted-out boat sat in her backyard and howling coyotes kept her awake at night. Jessica has American and Canadian citizenship; she currently lives in Ontario with her husband and two daughters but presents at conferences, festivals, and schools all over North America.

Social Media

Website: http://jessicavitalis.com

Instagram: @jessicavauthor https://www.instagram.com/jessicavauthor/

Facebook: @jessicavauthor https://www.facebook.com/jessicavauthor/

Twitter: @jessicavitalis https://twitter.com/jessicavitalis

Bluesky: @jessicavitalis https://bsky.app/profile/jessicavitalis.bsky.social

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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, Novel in verse | Tagged , , , , , | 11 Comments

BOUNCE!

Posted on October 25, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

Although BOUNCE! A Scientific History of Rubber has the look of a picture book, the content inside will appeal to middle grade readers. In an easy to understand way, the various chemical properties of rubber are explained. The section titles hint at the more technical nature of the book: Why is rubber stretchy? Why does rubber melt in the heat and get brittle in the cold? and How can rubber be molded and shaped?

Vivid, color illustrations appear throughout. They add meaning to the text and are fun to look at again. The more serious side of rubber is covered in the Author’s Note.

Indigenous people were the first to be mistreated as they worked in areas where natural rubber grows. Present day brings long hours and low pay for people who harvest natural rubber. There is also the environmental impact of rubber as it is difficult to recycle, and latex balloons create other problems for animals.

The short 48 pages end with a detailed timeline and bibliography. BOUNCE! is the perfect choice as a read aloud and discussion starter. Kudos to the author and illustrator for such an appealing format.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: October 22, 2024

ABOUT THE AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR

Sarah Albee writes children’s books for many age groups and under a number of pseudonyms. She has had three of her books appear on the New York Times Bestseller list. Before she began her career as a children’s book writer and editor, Sarah was a newspaper cartoonist and a semiprofessional basketball player. These days she lives in Connecticut with her husband and three children.

Eileen Ryan Ewen is the illustrator of many books for children, including H is for Honey Bee, Jonas Hanway’s Scurrilous Scandalous Shockingly Sensational Umbrella, and Nature’s Friend: The Gwen Frostic Story. 

Instagram:

Sarah Albee: @sarahjalbee

Eileen Ryan Ewen: @eileenryanewen

Charlesbridge: @charlesbridgepublishing

Blue Slip Media: @blue_slip_media 

Facebook:

Sarah Albee: @sarah.albee

Eileen Ryan Ewen: Eileen Ryan Ewen

Charlesbridge: Charlesbridge Publishing

Blue Slip Media: @blue-slip-media 

Twitter/X:

Sarah Albee: @sarahalbee

Eileen Ryan Ewen: N/A

Charlesbridge: @Charlesbridge

Blue Slip Media: @blueslipper & @barbfisch

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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 non fiction | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

MMGM for October 21, 2024

Posted on October 21, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE features a review of THE SHAPE OF LOST THINGS by Sarah Everett.

Carol Baldwin welcomes a new young reviewer! Lucie B. reviews The Swamp of Doom.

Kasey Giard @ The Story Sanctuary reviews From the Desk of Lizzie Lazowski by Melody Bremen

Sue Heavenrich at Archimedes Notebook has a fun STEM nonfiction book for younger MG readers: Bounce! A Scientific History of Rubber.

Stephanie Robinson @ Fairday’s Blog reviews The Clackity by Lora Senf. 

Jennifer Rummel has a review of the pizza themed The Truth about Triangles.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of PLAGUES THIEVES. 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: SECOND TO NONE.

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

THE SHAPE OF LOST THINGS

Posted on October 20, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

Skye Nickson is 12 years old. She has the typical friend drama at school, but for the past four years she has been dealing with the aftermath of a terrible event in her family. Dad disappeared with her older brother and no one has been able to find them.

She misses Finn dearly including his jokes and the secrets they kept. She also misses her dad although there’s no answer as to why he would disconnect from the family with her brother along for the ride. Police have found very little trace of where they went, possibly out of the country.

Shortly after Finn’s 14th MIA birthday she and her mom always celebrate, they get a call that Finn has been found alone on an Arizona highway. He returns home and is a different brother. He’s taller and much quieter, seemingly not remembering any of the good times they shared. Skye doesn’t like the change and begins questioning whether this is the real Finn and just what change means.

The first person narration shines through 18 chapters. Just like Skye, readers will long for answers. Where did Finn and Dad go for 4 long years? Has Finn even been in school? Where is Dad now? Why is Finn acting so weird and distant?

Most of the questions are eventually answered in compelling ways. It’s through Skye’s changing relationship with Finn and changes taking place with her friends at school that Skye find the voice to face each of them. The story is hard to put down as the truth unfolds in gripping fashion. The plot for THE SHAPE OF LOST THINGS is a rare one featuring parental abduction that will have great interest for the intended middle grade audience.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: October 22. 2024. PAGE COUNT: 272

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE SHAPE OF LOST THINGS by Sarah Everett

  1. Skye has an old Polaroid camera she uses to take frequent photos of the life happening around her. It’s a perfect way to reveal what pictures are important to her and the ones that never got taken.
  2. Everything is honest and realistic both in the way Skye handles her brother’s reappearance and with the friend interaction at school. Nice doses of drama.
  3. The cover is a winner with Skye trying to connect the pieces as she stares at her lost brother. This book will be picked up by many just by the cover.
  4. The positive adult role models and the therapy sessions Skye must go through are coping strategies that are a must for this situation. Well done and thought out to include these.
  5. The wonderful lesson about accepting change in one’s life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah Everett is the author of several books for teens. Charlotte’s Web was the first book that ever made her cry, and while she despises spiders, she still has an abiding love of stories that move her. When she is not reading or writing, she is dreaming about summer, gearing up for her next travel adventure, perfecting her tree pose, or yodeling with her dog. She lives in western Canada. (For more about Sarah’s books visit her author webpage)

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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 , , , , | 6 Comments

KEYSTONE SPECIES

Posted on October 18, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

Nomad Press adds another impressive title to their lineup of ecology related books with KEYSTONE SPECIES. Featured are 9 animals species who if eliminated could lead to the collapse of their ecosystem. Included are SHARKS, GRAY WOLVES, BEAVERS, ALLIGATORS, BEES, FLYING FOXES, WILDEBEESTS, BISON, AND CORALS.

Each chapter begins with cartoon panels as young scientists are introduced to the specie. An essential question guides your reading. Sections on their role, threats, and conservation efforts give a clear view of the problems facing the animals. It’s essential reading as not all of these species are favorites of humans. Colored photographs throughout are excellent.

There are many new words as you are reading, but each one is defined in the handy WORDS TO KNOW box either on the page you are reading or the next one. A great time saver from having to look them up in the back page glossary.

As in all the ecology books by Nomad Press there are also QR codes that take you out to the internet for deeper learning via videos or graphics. Well worth your time exploring. There’s even a CLASSROOM GUIDE you can use.

The chapters end with science activities and critical thinking exercises. These are extensions of what was learned and would work great in a classroom or home school environment.

KEYSTONE SPECIES is a must have for anyone teaching or learning about our ecosystems.

PAGE COUNT: 128

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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 Uncategorized | Leave a comment

MMGM for October 14, 2024

Posted on October 14, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE features a review of MATT SPROUTS AND THE DAY NORA ATE THE SUN by Matt Eicheldinger.

Jemima Pett has a review of Awful Auntie by David Walliams. She calls it brilliant, scary, hilarious….

Susan Uhlig was inspired by GUT REACTION by Kirby Larson and Quinn Wyatt. Susan also reviewed Patricia Maclachlan’s final book in her gifted writing career, PAINTING THE GAME.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an interview with debut author Adrian So and a giveaway of his MG The Groundworld Heroes. Let’s give this young author our support at the start of his writing career!

Sue Heavenrich at Archimedes Notebook reviews Mary Anning and Paleontology for Kids: Her Life and Discoveries, with 21 Activities by Stephanie Bearce.

Valinora Troy shares her thoughts on TIMELIGHT by Faith Conlon.

Kasey Giard @ The Story Sanctuary reviews Squire & Knight: Wayward Travelers by Scott Chantler.

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Out of My Dreams by Sharon M. Draper.

Jennifer Rummel is talking about the Graphic novel: Sink or Swim.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews THE HOTEL BALZAAR by Kate DiCamillo. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.

Faith Hough has a review of Final Word (The Winterton Deception #1), by Janet Sumner Johnson.

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: TAKE THE SHOT.

Brenda @Log Cabin Library reviews Unsinkable Cayenne by Jessica Vitalis.

EXTRA! EXTRA! On Tuesday of this week you can read an interview featuring two of our regular MMGM reviewers. Valinora Troy interviews Maria Antonia about her new picture book release, THE CHRISTMAS ELEPHANT.

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