MATT SPROUTS AND THE DAY NORA ATE THE SUN by Matt Eicheldinger

Posted on October 13, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

Matt Sprouts returns in his second book after the successful Matt Sprouts and the Curse of the Ten Broken Toes. There are references to the first story, but this one reads fine on its’ own.

Twelve-year-old Matt has a new challenge just as summer vacation is under way. Dad wants him to build character by getting a job. Matt finds one and it only involves taking care of a neighbor’s goat named Nora. Should work fine given Matt’s already busy schedule that includes soccer and cross country practice along with helping his bestie, Grace, with her science fair project.

Unfortunately for Matt, best laid plans go awry thanks to Nora. She frequently gets out of her pen and has some rather mysterious behaviors. There’s also a strange man named Jason who seems to be after Matt to even the score.

Matt’s first person narration is kid-like and his dealings with a younger brother and Nora are often hilarious and heartwarming. The idea that we all have a backpack that carries our true story was a perfect one to use as a way to see others more honestly. The 30 chapters move along at a nice pace with a perfect ending. An epilogue sets up book 3 which readers will anxiously be awaiting.

Matt Sprouts and The Day Nora Ate the Sun is a gift of great story telling for middle grade readers.

PAGE COUNT: 304 BOOK BIRTHDAY: September 3, 2024

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: MATT SPROUTS AND THE DAY NORA ATE THE SUN by Matt Eicheldinger

  1. B.J. is a new character and his inclusion added even more mystery to the tale. The lesson of don’t always judge until you have all the facts couldn’t be more true with B.J.
  2. Fun pencil like drawings often appear to break up the text. Many of them will make you smile or laugh.
  3. If you have never been around a goat, you will learn a lot about their unique behavior. Nora stole the show in this one.
  4. It’s a tough writing task to make all the characters memorable, but this endearing cast succeeded.
  5. Understanding and its importance was the perfect theme. A great lesson for kids and adults.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Matt Eicheldinger wasn’t always a writer. He spent most of his childhood playing soccer, reading comics, and trying his best to stay out of trouble. Little did he know those moments would ultimately help craft his first novel, Matt Sprouts and the Curse of Ten Broken Toes. 

Matt lives in Minnesota with his wife and two children, and tries to create new adventures with them whenever possible. When he’s not writing, you can find him telling students stories in his classroom, or trail running along the Minnesota River Bottoms.

Matt is represented by agent Dani Segelbaum of Arc Literary Management. He is set to release five books in 2024/2025.

(For more about Matt, visit his 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!

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SOPHIE

Posted on October 11, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

This new graphic novel series has enough charm and humor to entice even the most reluctant reader. Sophie, a lovable chocolate lab, is the star of the series. The first two volumes are set to be released next Tuesday, October 15th.

In the first book, Jurassic Bark, we meet Sophie who gets full attention from the man and lady of the house. That’s the way it is supposed to be for dogs. Right? Not so fast as suddenly a baby arrives, an attention grabbing little brother named Doug. Add to that are two scheming cats and a few irritating squirrels.

Sophie first tries to get rid of Doug but soon they become partners. With his active imagination, Sophie takes Doug on several fantasy adventures. They go searching for the Temple of the Lost Cookie, fight the bad guys disguised as The Canine Crusader and Cat Baby, and take a trip into outer space.

The brightly colored comic style panels will have you zipping through the 224 pages and leaving a satisfied smile on your face.

More fun can be had in Volume 2, Frankenstein’s Hound. Sophie has new challenges as the cats are seemingly trying to take over the world. There’s also a new litter of foster pups who are all adopted except Jack. He and Sophie team up for a battle against the Ninja Socks. By the final page you will be wishing for more Sophie and her fun way of dealing with adversity.

I know Sophie will be in high demand. Kids always pick up the colorful books first. They won’t be disappointed. Sophie will win them over in every scene.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Brian Anderson is the author of The Conjurers trilogy and several picture books. He is also an optioned screenwriter and the creator of the syndicated comic strip “Dog Eat Doug.” He lives in North Carolina with his family, which includes a herd of rescued dogs and cats. Find him at www.brianandersonwriter.com.

ABOUT MARBLE PRESS
Marble Press, an esteemed children’s book publisher, is dedicated to nurturing young minds through captivating storytelling. With a commitment to excellence, Marble Press crafts a diverse array of literature that inspires, educates, and entertains children and young adults worldwide. Our mission is to create books that will inspire your child, books that will challenge their imagination and ignite their curiosity.


Through our website, marblepress.com, readers can explore our collection of thoughtfully curated books, each designed to spark curiosity and foster a lifelong love of reading. Join us on a journey of imagination and discovery with Marble Press.

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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, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

MMGM for October 7, 2024

Posted on October 7, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE features a review of SYLVIA DOE AND THE 100-YEAR FLOOD by Robert Beatty.

Brenda at Log Cabin Library reviews The Shape of Lost Things by Sarah Everett .

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal is reviewing Undaunted Ursula Franklin: Activist, Educator, Scientist by Monica Franklin & Erin Della Mattia.  It is a wonderful story about an unknown Canadian woman, written by her daughter.

Jennifer Rummel has a graphic novel to share: Buckle Up.

Kasey Giard @ The Story Sanctuary reviews Wildflower Emily by Lydia Corry/

Linda Browne is back with the October edition of Bookcase Bizarro. She reviews Cherie Dimaline’s Into the Bright Open.

Stephanie Robinson at Fairday’s Blog features Unsinkable Cayenne by Jessica Vitalis.

Valinora Troy gives us a look at Ghostlines by Katya Balen.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews COYOTE LOST AND FOUND by Dan Gemeinhart. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends and there’s more news about her new dog, Mango.

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: THE KIDS IN MRS. Z’s CLASS.

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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

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

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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