AMIR and the JINN PRINCESS

Posted on July 21, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

Amir is a privileged boy living in the lap of luxury as the youngest child in his overly rich family. He’s only twelve-years-old but is the heir to his father’s brick kiln business in Pakistan.

None of that matters to Amir as he cares more about his mother who has been missing for the past year. Amir is heartbroken when his baba announces plans to remarry and will soon stop searching for his wife, Amir’s mother. She’s the one person who allowed him to feel like himself.

Amir is determined to find her before his dad remarries. He partners with an other world jinn princess who he initially thought was a cat.

Her name is Shamsa and they make a deal: Shamsa will help Amir find his mother in the mysterious realm of jinn, while Amir agrees to help Shamsa win a tournament of heirs and put her on the throne. Their journey together is full of surprises and each of their character arcs evolve in a masterful way.

Topics of corporate greed, unkind labor practices, and buying people’s support make an excellent backdrop and neatly fit into plot. Amir’s first person narration carries readers though 31 chapters. AMIR and the JINN PRINCESS is sure to please readers who love magical stories set in a mysterious place. The writing alone will win you over.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: AMIR AND THE JINN PRINCESS by M.T. Khan

  1. Both Amir and Shamsa are likeable characters for different reasons. Amir is a genius who has only seen life from the rich side. Shamsa surprises with her range of emotions from being a trickster to a thoughtful companion. They make a great pair.
  2. The 3 part competition was the perfect subplot. It’s full of surprises as both characters bring confidence and hesitancy to a tense situation.
  3. The theme of the world run by rich people at other’s expense is a certain discussion topic for young readers. This may be the start of them making the world a better place for all in the future.
  4. I was not a fan of Amir at the beginning but that all changed, especially with his final line in the book.
  5. This is a story written for middle grade and it fits nicely into that level. But Amir will also appeal to adult readers of fantasy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

M.T. Khan is a speculative fiction author with a penchant for all things myth, science, and philosophy. She focuses on stories that combine all three, dreaming of evocative worlds and dark possibilities. 

When she’s not writing, M.T. Khan can be found travelling the world or cracking physics equations as she graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Born in Lahore, Pakistan, she currently resides in Toronto, Canada, with a hyperactive cat and an ever-increasing selection of tea. 

(Author Website)

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I AM NOT WHO YOU SEE

Posted on July 19, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

A teen writer tells the story of Veda who lives in India with her parents. It’s an engaging read and one ripe for discussion.

Using an effective diary type format, the first entry dated June 5, 2017 lets readers know that her dad has agreed to take on a new job in California. They will be moving there in July before Veda’s 5th grade year begins. Relocating during the summer is quite common, but a much smaller number of middle graders have moved to a new home in a different country.

Veda hates to leave her best friends. She balances that hurt by hoping for a new adventure in America. Veda soon finds prejudice as other kids avoid her at an American elementary school. The sixth grade year is even worse as she is constantly humiliated.

Veda has two choices and can either hide who she really is or face the hurt head on. November 25, 2019 is the final chapter that brings Veda to her courageous decision.

I AM NOT WHO YOU SEE moves along at a nice pace and will have you rooting for Veda. Included on many of the pages are illustrations emphasizing the emotional impact of her first two years in the U.S. A great debut that will appeal to not only the “New Kid” but also others who will benefit from seeing a different side to acceptance.

​About the Author
Krishnni Khanna was born in India in 2007 and moved to the United States with her parents in 2017. Krishnni is a high schooler, author and TEDx speaker who advocates for the inner well-being of youth. In 2022 she created Detoximind, a student-led movement through which Krishnni and her team bring peer-based support to teens and youth grappling with stress, shame, exclusion and isolation. She currently resides in Austin, Texas with her parents and their puppy Yuki.

Visit Krishnni at her website and on Instagram. You can also learn more about her by watching her TEDx Talk from earlier this year.

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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 | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

MMGM for July 15, 2024

Posted on July 15, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has a review of DARKNESS & DEMON SONG by M.R. Fournet.

Carol Baldwin reviews and has a giveaway of Wand by Landra Jennings.

Stephanie Robinson @ Fairday’s Blog is  featuring the book  Secret of the Shadow Beasts by Diane Magras.

Maria Antonia has a post about Hope in the Holler by Lisa Lewis Tyre.

Valinora Troy reviews THE PHOENIX AND THE FIREBIRD.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of MUMMIES UNWRAPPED. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

Kasey Giard at The Story Sancturary has a review of a graphic novel called Goblin 2: The Wolf and the Well by Eric Grissom and Will Perkins.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a MG book to share every day. Be sure to check out her MMGM selection for this week along with last Friday’s review of The Old Willis Place.

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(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 , , | 2 Comments

DARKNESS AND DEMON SONG

Posted on July 14, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

The second book in the series follows last year’s BRICK DUST AND BONES.

Anxious readers could jump right into DARKNESS AND DEMON SONG without reading the first. Just be prepared for some missing pieces as to how young Marius (an established monster hunter) returned his mother from the dead after she spent two years with the devil. Now the plot shifts because Mom is not doing well at all. She’s quite ill and has bouts of confusion as to what is going on.

Marius and his mother live in a mausoleum but he can transport himself to different cemeteries when needed. An interesting way to travel and one crucial to the story. With his mother getting worse, Marius vows to get back the mom he remembers with the help of friends. There’s a monster mermaid who adores Marius. Dialog between the two will either have you cringing or smiling like this exchange midway through the story:

"All right, so what do we do? Eat him or just drown him?"
"What?"
Marius gaped at his friend, but then realized, yet again, that she was a flesh eating mermaid.
"What? That's the only way my kind deal with stuff like this.You drown the dangerous thing and then, if they don't look too tough, you eat them."
"Rhia! We aren't eating Papa Harold."

Another friend is Lynna, a classmate with some helpful magic. She is there when needed and their friendship grows throughout the tale.

DARKNESS AND DEMON SONG takes place in New Orleans, a perfect setting for a bit of horror. The story is intended for middle grade. Just be ready for some demon chasing and a climatic visit to Hell. I’m not kidding.

PAGE COUNT: 352 BOOK BIRTHDAY: JUNE 18, 2024

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: DARKNESS AND DEMON SONG by M.R. Fournet

  1. Despite the length, the plot moves along at a quick pace. Those who love horror will be transfixed with the events unfolding.
  2. Marius captures monsters by opening up his monster book and reciting a spell. It’s unique in a fun, non violent way.
  3. Losing one’s mom is horrible for anyone. What Marius does in an attempt to get his back will have young readers solidly behind the difficult choices he makes.
  4. I was often re-reading superb pieces of writing as the author does her own bit of magic in the way she brings this tale to life. The world building is excellent.
  5. The ending is satisfying, but an epilogue hints there may be more story to come. A good thing indeed.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

M.R. Fournet’s ties to New Orleans are part of her own origin story. As a kid, she would go fishing in South Louisiana and eat crawfish with her family in Houma. Luckily, her cajun family forgives her Texas accent.

Even though M.R. Fournet grew up in West Texas, she has always been fascinated by the myths and legends of New Orleans. She fell in love with horror as a kid reading books like Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. What better way to pass on those interests along than to write new tales to scare everyone else?

When not writing, she is a professional artist, belly dancer, and autism mom. She now lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband, son, and ungrateful cats.

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

THE SCIENCE OF SEEDS

Posted on July 12, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

Author Carla Mooney explores what could be a droll, boring topic for kids and makes it into a fascinating journey about what we grow and eat. After an introduction describing how a seed grows and the prolific nature of seeds, the pages flow through 6 featured chapters:

  1. First Farmers, First Crops…
  2. Maize
  3. Wheat
  4. Rice
  5. Potatoes
  6. Endangered Seeds

Each chapter begins with an essential question to guide your learning. Also handy are a Words to Know panel included in each chapter and Hands-on science projects that ensure the information learned will not be forgotten. Taking a step further, there are enticing recipes to try out. Masa Dough. Flour Tortillas, and Nian Gao are ones I can’t resist adding to my kitchen.

A colorful 3-panel cartoon follows a farmer and his family. The cartoon appears often and weaves it’s own story. Like other books in the Nomad Press shelves, you can also scan QR codes within each chapter to learn even more about the topic.

THE SCIENCE OF SEEDS-Why we eat Maize, Wheat, Rice, and, Potatoes is a fantastic learning tool. Great for home use or in science classes.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR

Carla Mooney has written more than 70 books for children and young adults. Her work has appeared in many magazines including Highlights, Faces, and Learning Through History. Carla lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Website: carlamooney.com

Micah Rauch is a freelance graphic designer and illustrator from the beautiful state of Montana. He received a BFA in graphic design from Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana and has illustrated several books for Nomad Press, including Kitchen Chemistry, Fairground Physics, and Crazy Contraptions.
Website: micahrauch.com

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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 , , , , | Leave a comment

MMGM for July 8, 2024

Posted on July 8, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has a review of THE TENTH MISTAKE OF HANK HOOPERMAN by Gennifer Choldenko.

Carol Baldwin features The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones: A MG Review and Audiobook Giveaway.

Brenda at Log Cabin Library reviews Wicked Marigold by Caroline Carlson.

Maria Antonia shares a few thoughts about Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of HOW TO LOOK AT A BIRD. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.

Kasey Giard @ The Story Sanctuary reviews A WHISPER OF CURSES by J. Elle.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a MG book to share every day. Be sure to check out her MMGM selection for this week along with last Thursday’s review of KEEP IT LIKE A SECRET.

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(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

THE TENTH MISTAKE OF HANK HOOPERMAN

Posted on July 7, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

Hank Hooperman is no mistake. In fact he’s the best character in middle grade contemporary novels this year. His story is one you will never forget.

Hank’s first person voice is spot on for an 11-year-old. He’s been left home unsupervised with his little sister Boo for a week after their mom left and never returned. Hank will do anything to be the best big brother for the little sister he adores.

The first thing he finds is the name of an emergency contact. They take the bus to visit this person. Turns out Lou Ann Adler was friends with Hank’s Grandma Mae who previously passed away. Lou Ann takes the two kids into her home and the roller coaster of emotions never lets up through 61 short chapters.

Life certainly has taken a bad turn for Hank, but his natural good nature and helpfulness will hopefully convince Mrs. Adler let to let both stay until their mom comes back. At first it works. He makes friends with Ray, an old neighbor who shares Hank’s love of basketball and enrolls in a neighborhood school.

Not more can be said about the plot without revealing spoilers. Each step of the journey is engaging and believable. The ending was perfect and real. It’s a hard story to put down as you can’t wait to get back to the heart tugging scenes, hoping like Hank for a miracle.

THE TENTH MISTAKE OF HANK HOOPERMAN is a powerful read for all.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: June 11, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 320

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE TENTH MISTAKE OF HANK HOOPERMAN

  1. There were no school bullies. Hank’s diverse set of new classmates were supportive without knowing his true situation.
  2. The heartwarming relationship Hank and his 3-year-old sister have will make you smile. They are lucky to have each other. The tough decisions he makes are almost always with little Boo as the reason.
  3. Hank does make mistakes and the last one is the most hurtful. His reasons though are ones young readers will sit solidly on Hank’s side since it is about the most important person in his life: Mom.
  4. Everyone deserves a person like Ray in their life. He’s a listener and helps Hank through this difficult time.
  5. You get a good introduction as to how the foster care system works. It’s so needed but full of raw emotions for the affected kids and adults.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Gennifer Choldenko

With more than 2 and a half million books sold, Choldenko’s best known Tales from Alcatraz series, has been called “A cornerstone series in contemporary children’s literature.” Al Capone Does My Shirts — the first book in the series — was a Newbery Honor Book and the recipient of twenty other awards. All four books in the series were Junior Library Guild selections and garnered many starred reviews. Gennifer’s newest novel: The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman was released in June. Booklist wrote in a starred review, “From the first line of Hank‘s engaging first-person narrative to the last, he comes across as a reliable, sensible boy who is aware that his options are few and is determined to make the right choices. Choldenko speaks from the heart in this compelling story of Hank and Boo’s found family.” Gennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay area with her loyal husband and naughty dog.

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Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

Via LaVie and the SECRET KEY

Posted on July 5, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

Via returns in a story that began with 2022’s Via LaVie and the Friendship Code.

If you haven’t read the first book, no problem. This second story stands well on it’s own. The authors do a good job filling readers in on her past and the challenges she faces with the future. Although like all good series, after reading Via LaVie and the Secret Key, you will be motivated to go back and check out how it all began.

In the Secret Key, Via is in the summer before sixth grade and middle school begins. Secret friendships and a bitter enemy feud are just part of her worries. Via is also having secret conversations with a famous inventor who may know something about Via’s beloved Gran who has been missing for years and presumed dead.

Via’s biggest secret is how her brain processes information and worries how others would react if they had any clue as to what is going on. It’s a unique gift that isn’t very common but oh so real.

The first third of the plot has Via attending a invitation only science camp in Florida, near where where her Gran was last seen. The truth begins to unfold as Gran’s unknown past is discovered. Via returns home for a nervous start to middle school and her secrets eventually are revealed. It’s a satisfying ending that will engage readers right to the last page.

With loving parents, an irritating older brother, and friendship challenges, Via’s first person narration depicts the tween scene to perfection, including what middle school is like for sixth graders. Via’s personality is also a plus, she’s smart but like many girls and boys, doesn’t want to look too smart. I also liked the small picture included at the beginning of each of the 22 chapters, giving a visual hint as to what might lie ahead.

Via LaVie and the Secret Key is a fun, entertaining read sure to please middle grade readers.

(My only problem with the book was with the layout. Each of the 284 pages are filled with a small font, creating too many words per page. Might be a concern for readers new to MG stories.)

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Liv is a middle schooler who loves living life to the fullest. When not hanging out with her friends, Liv enjoys learning Chinese, swimming and playing volleyball, mastering coding, giving public speeches, tutoring her peers, and making art.  

She is a cancer thriver who gives back to kids currently fighting the disease as an Ambassador for Rady Children’s Hospital. Liv developed a passion for reading and writing at a young age and can often be found making the world a better place by sharing her many discoveries with others.

Scott Kyle is the Chief Investment Officer at Coastwise Capital Group, LLC, a high-end money management firm based in La Jolla, CA. He is the author of four books including The Compound Code: An Expert Guide to Trading Stocks &  Options (www.thecompoundcode.com).   

Scott is a graduate from Harvard Business School, a two-time world champion in sailing, a third degree blackbelt in Shaolin Kempo, and an Ironman triathlon finisher.  Scott inherited his love of writing from his parents, both authors and educators throughout their lives. He lives with his wife, Victoria, and his two children, Jet and Liv, a short bike ride away from the beach in San Diego.

Karyn Langhorne Folan is the author of 40 books of fiction and nonfiction, many of them for tweens and teens. Karyn is a lifelong reader and learner, who likes books about science and history, as well as anything with zombies! When she is not writing, she is probably reading!  She lives in Maryland with her husband and an unfriendly cat named Toka. Her grown-up daughters live nearby and she is hoping to become a grandmother soon! 

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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 | Tagged , | Leave a comment

MMGM for July 1, 2024

Posted on July 1, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has a review of A WHISPER OF CURSES by J. Elle.

Patricia Tilton @ Childrens Books Heal reviews Unicorn Island: Beyond the Portal (Book 3) by Donna Galanti

Kasey Giard at The Story Sancturary has a graphic novel called Goblin by Eric Grissom and Will Perkin.

Sue Heavenrich has another nonfiction MG @ Archimedes Notebook: Fire Escape: How Animals and Plants Survive Wildfires, by Jessica Stremer.

Valinora Troy reviews DELTA AND THE LOST CITY.

Jennifer Rummell @ YA Book Nerd features Spy Camp by Stuart Gibbs (The graphic novel).

Brenda at Log Cabin Library reviews Invisible Isabel by Sally J. Pla.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a MG book to share every day. Be sure to check out her MMGM selection for this week along with last Friday’s review of FAKER.

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(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 , , | 2 Comments

A WHISPER OF CURSES

Posted on June 30, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

The second book in the series follows the first story from 2022: A TASTE OF MAGIC. A question always comes to mind as to whether you can enjoy A WHISPER OF CURSES without having read the first? In this case you sure can as this is a continuing but separate story.

Kyana Turner is a witch and fresh off saving Park Row Magic Academy in book 1, she now faces a new challenge.

The Academy construction is underway, and Kyana is on school break. While looking for something to fill her time, she is grabbed by a spirit known as an Available. She escapes but now she can’t stop her uncontrollable laughing and crying.

Her friend, Ashley, thinks the cure is going to a camp for magical learning where the famous Dr. Minzey wil be there. He is the top magic scientist and should know how to fix the curse.

After they arrive at the secret camp the portal that got them there collapses trapping everyone attending inside this other world. Ash thinks the Availables are behind it all, but chooses to keep quiet and trust Dr. Minzy. That thinking doesn’t last long and together with her friends, they try and save everyone.

Kyana and Ashley narrate the story in dual perspectives through 34 chapters. The plot’s mystery, tension, and magic build right up to an exciting and page turning climatic ending. The door is left open for a third book, and the series is perfect for fans of magical schools.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: July 9, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 304

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: A WHISPER OF CURSES by J. Elle

  1. Russ is another young characterand is doing a podcast of the camp’s events. He provides a few laughs along the way and his growing friendship with the girls leads to much stronger possibilities in solving the mystery.
  2. The creative magic will have readers wishing the spells were actually real. Fun stuff.
  3. Each character had a unique ability. Kyana knows about potions while Ash has more knowledge about the Availables. Together with Russ, whose specialties are charms and social media, they make a memorable team.
  4. Baking was the backdrop for book one but not here. Even so, food plays an interesting role in both the magic and the changing offerings at the food hall.
  5. The diverse cast of characters were all great as was the growing changes in their personalities. Friendship helps anyone especially tween characters.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

J. ELLE is the New York Times bestselling author of young adult and middle-grade fantasy fiction and a 2022 NAACP Image Award Nominee for Outstanding Literary Work for Youth and Teens. Her work is translated and distributed in over sixteen countries. The former educator credits her nomadic lifestyle and humble inner-city beginnings as inspiration for her novels. When she’s not writing, Elle can be found on the hunt for desserts without chocolate, looking for any excuse to get dressed up, and road-tripping her way across the country with her family of six plus four pets in tow.

Learn more at www.authorjelle.com.

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Posted in MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments