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It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. Email me the title of the book or feature for any middle grade book, author or giveaway, and a link to your blog. Send it to: 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.
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JADEN POWERS AND THE INHERITANCE MAGIC
A story about a boy discovering his magical powers is not a new one. In this version though we have enough uniqueness and charm to capture the interest of young readers. They won’t be disappointed.
Jaden and Elijah have always been best friends. It’s bad enough that they go to separate schools, but now Elijah has disappeared leaving Jaden a note that he needs help.
The next day, a mysterious man invites Jaden to attend the Five Emergences School of Magic. Turns out this was Elijah’s school where he trained to become a Sorcerer. Now Jaden has inherited some of Elijah’s magic (something that wasn’t supposed to be possible) and will also become a student at this boarding school. He’ll attempt to unravel the mystery of his missing friend while learning how to use his new powers.
Two new friends are at his side to help clear Elijah’s name because everyone thinks he is the one responsible for siphoning magic and increasing the power of a world ending force known as the Ruin. Most of the other students think Jaden might also have evil intentions even though he just wants to find out what happened to Elijah.
The first person narrative flows smoothly through 25 chapters. Jaden is an endearing character who is brave but also fearful of what he is uncovering. The classes he must take are fun, scary, and fascinating. I figured out early who was really behind the disappearance of Elijah and smiled at my right guess in the closing pages. The ending of JADEN POWERS and the INHERITANCE MAGIC leaves it wide open for a Book 2 as this series will for sure be gaining a devoted set of fans.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: AUGUST 27, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 320
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT JADEN POWERS AND THE INHERITANCE MAGIC by Jamar J. Perry.
- An appealing cast of characters. It begins with Jaden but continues with friends Mikael and Scion but also main nemesis Silas. The faculty at the school also had some uniqueness to their teaching that was quite surprising and memorable.
- Excellent world building as you could easily visualize the surroundings in each scene.
- The strong bond between Jaden and Elijah was a plus. They truly are best friends.
- Diversity in the characters and some added bits of humor make this story even more unique.
- The book cover is a real draw. It’s one you are instantly drawn to.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Jamar J. Perry is the middle grade fantasy author of the Cameron Battle series and its sequel. Jamar attended Berea College in Berea, KY, studying psychology. Understanding that this field was not his true calling after a year of study, Jamar switched his major to English Literature with a concentration in Education, where he studied the structure and power of contemporary literature while learning how to teach it to middle and high school students. After graduation, Jamar became a middle school teacher in the Washington, D.C. area, hoping to instruct the next generation of scholars, thinkers, and writers.
After four years of teaching and finishing his Master’s degree, he decided to enroll into a PhD program at the University of Maryland, College Park, hoping that he could continue his love for literature and education.
While at the University of Maryland, College Park, Jamar’s research focused on Black boys, the history of traditional and Black masculinity in America, and racial literacy. With this renewed research focus, he began to write again, writing stories for the type of reader he always wanted to engage: reluctant readers, Black boys who needed to understand that they were magic, that they could also have joy, that they could be vulnerable and emotional, that they could be the hero in their own stories.
Jamar understands the value of connection as he finishes his stories that center Black boys. Please reach out to him at any time on his website or on his Twitter @jamarperry and Instagram @jamarjperry.
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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW and BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!
BORDERLANDS AND THE MEXICAN AMERICAN STORY
The newest book in the RACE TO THE TRUTH series is available beginning next Tuesday, August 20th. Other titles include:
- EXCLUSION AND THE CHINESE AMERICAN STORY (reviewed here earlier this year)
- COLONIZATION AND THE WAMPANOAG STORY
- SLAVERY AND THE AFRICAN AMERICAN STORY
- THIS LAND (A children’s picture book)
BORDERLANDS AND THE MEXICAN AMERICAN STORY is an upper middle grade title that presents a historical and truthful picture about the border separating the U.S. and Mexico. The revealing narrative would also be of interest to adults.
The story begins 23,000 years ago and takes readers up to the present covering 352 pages. The history of both countries is interwoven and reveals many misconceptions and omissions often present in history books. Numerous men and women on the forefront of the battle are featured, but also brave teens who spoke up over the years to the unfairness, prejudices, and cruel treatment.
Each chapter ends with a LET”S THINK ABOUT THIS section where questions encourage readers to give deeper thought to what they have read. Also included are a list of RESOURCES FOR YOUNG READERS and a thorough BIBLIOGRAPHY.
Our borders continue to be a complex issue, but gaining accurate knowledge about the past will hopefully lead to a promise of a solution for tomorrow.
BORDERLANDS AND THE MEXICAN AMERICAN STORY is a perfect place to start.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
David Dorado Romo is a writer, translator, musician, and historian from the American southwest. He is a “fronterizo,” a person who grew up and lived on the border between the United States and Mexico. Steeped in the fronterizo spirit that strongly defines the attitudes of the U.S.-Mexico border region, Romo conducted a four-year search to document the important history of the area. The book that resulted from his work, Ringside Seat to a Revolution: An Underground Cultural History of El Paso and Juarez, 1893-1923, “is a vital historical work for the Southwest,” commented Sergio Troncoso in the El Paso Times.
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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.
MMGM for AUGUST 12, 2024
ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has a review of THE OWL PROWL MYSTERY by Diana Renn.
Linda Browne returns with an essay titled Wrinkled: The Entwined Legacies of Madeleine L’Engle and Meg Murry‘ where she tackles the messy issue of what to do as a reader when a favorite author seriously messes up their life, and ask whether there’s a different solution to boycotting their work.
ET Charles at Beth’s Biblio reviews Peter Brown’s The Wild Robot and The Wild Robot Escapes.
Susan Uhlig wonders how Rob Harrell did such a good balance of seriousness and humor in his book Wink.
Carol Baldwin gives us MEATBALL MAN HEAD DETECTIVE: A Review by Guest Bloggers, Janelle Ekpo and Eleanor Edgar PLUS a Giveaway!
Valinora Troy takes a look at The Night Mother by Jeremy Lambert and illustrated by Alexa Sharpe (a graphic novel).
Rosi Hollinbeck reviews THE SECRET LIFE OF THE FOREST. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.
Kasey Girard @ The Story Sanctuary reviews Mama’s Chicken and Dumplings by Dionna L. Mann.
Stephanie Robinson @ Fairday’s Blog features the book The Lucky Diamond by Valinora Troy.
Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has an MMGM book to share every day. Check out her MMGM choice for this week and don’t miss the 100 books she is recommending to teachers at her school.
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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)
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.
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.
THE OWL PROWL MYSTERY
This new story follows Trouble at Turtle Pond, where Miles and his crew of Backyard Rangers saved turtles in the town. Now he is faced with adjusting to a new school and his ADHD isn’t making things any easier.
There’s also a new wildlife mystery in the town of Marsh Hollow. Crowds of people, both amateurs and professionals, are arriving in the town to see Bella, the horned owl. With the extra human interaction a problem becomes evident: the delicate ecosystem for the owls is being disturbed providing deadly results.
Miles and his friends launch a campaign to protect their feathery friends. This soon leads to Miles discovering someone is baiting and trapping owls. The mystery deepens and the suspect list grows focusing on other kids, wildlife photographers, birders, and neighbors,
The first person narration by Miles lets readers experience his way of thinking and learn how frustrating it can me at times dealing with his parents and certain teachers. Tensions also grow within his friend group. The 43 chapters will have you guessing the guilty party along with finding many authentic kid like situations. Each of the following will be familiar and are resolved in a believable way: assuming too much about others, lying, and doing something you shouldn’t be doing .
THE OWL PROWL MYSTERY will encourage both those already into birding to continue their quest and at the same time bring new birders into the fold. You can also read this one if you haven’t read the first. Friendships, problems solving, and great characters make this environmentally themed plot a good choice for your middle grade shelves
BOOK BIRTHDAY: August 13, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 282
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE OWL PROWL MYSTERY by Diana Renn
- The interactions Miles has with adults and classmates are realistically portrayed. His frustrations often surface at the wrong time and misunderstandings eventually lead to seeing things differently.
- You learn a lot about owls and ways to keep them safe. What they eat and their feeding habits are also included and you’ll be understanding owls at a much deeper level. Fascinating birds!
- The characters go right into detective mode to solve the mystery including linking a group of suspects with their reasons for possibly trapping the birds. Sounds like they may have seen a few detective shows!
- It was fascinating how they used owl pellets to deepen their knowledge about what was possibly happening to the birds.
- ADHD characters are often labeled as such in literature but that’s as far as it goes. Here we get a deeper understanding with strategies that help those who process in this way.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Diana Renn is the author of two middle grade eco-mysteries: Trouble at Turtle Pond (Fitzroy Books/Regal House, 2022) and The Owl Prowl Mystery (coming from Fitzroy Books in 2024). Trouble at Turtle Pond was named a 2023 Green Earth Book Awards Honor Book and has been longlisted for the Massachusetts Book Award. She is also the author of three young adult mysteries, Tokyo Heist, Latitude Zero, and Blue Voyage, all published by Viking / Penguin Random House. In addition, Diana writes nonfiction; she is the recipient of a 2022 Massachusetts Cultural Council Fellowship Award for creative nonfiction, and her essays have appeared in Flyway Journal of Writing and Environment, Pangyrus, WBUR’s Cognoscenti, Publishers Weekly, The Huffington Post, Mindful, Brain Child, Literary Mama, Writer’s Digest, and The Writer. Originally from Seattle, Diana now lives outside of Boston with her family, where she feels fortunate to count turtles and owls among her neighbors. You can learn more about Diana at www.dianarennbooks.com or connect with her on Twitter (@dianarenn) or on Instagram (@dianarennbooks).
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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW! AND BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!
SHARK NIGHT
R.L. Stine continues his tradition of delivering scary stories. With his newest title, Shark Night, reading the story will not keep you up at night. It is though a fast paced adventure with twists and turns along the way.
Liam’s mom makes documentaries and her newest creation is about sharks. Once filming is completed the finished product will be broadcast on the Danger Channel.
When the original actor/diver is injured just before the shoot, a reluctant Liam is chosen as the replacement. This means getting into a tank with a hammerhead shark- one of the safest shark species and this old girl has no teeth. But when the shark is lowered into the water Liam realizes this is not a Hammerhead but a real man (boy?) eating shark.
That scene occurs about 30% of the way through the story. No more spoilers here as each of the 51 chapters sends readers to the ocean, an island resort, and a boat captained by two suspicious looking characters, Sully and Ernie. Also along for the adventure is Liam’s rather irritating little sister who is constantly urging her brother into challenges he does not want.
Shark Night is more goof ball fun than scary, but Liam makes for a great main character, one that young readers will enjoy. He just can’t figure out what is going on and why his mom is not rescuing him. Frequent illustrations add to the appeal. Shark Night is an entertaining read with appeal to boys and girls.
A Few Questions for R.L. Stine
Why did you decide to write scary books? Was there a certain movie or show that inspired you?
I always liked scary movies and books. When I was about eight or nine, I started reading scary horror comic books. They were called VAULT OF HORROR and TALES FROM THE CRYPT. My brother and I went to every scary movie. We didn’t get scared– we always LAUGHED!
How many books have you written in total?
It sounds crazy, but I’ve written over 330 books so far. (Maybe I AM crazy!) Right now, I’ working on new Goosebumps titles, new Fear Street titles, I’m writing comic books for Marvel, and I’m writing picture books for little kids with my friend Marc Brown (of Arthur fame).
Do you ever get writer’s block and if so, what do you do to get rid of it?
I never get writer’s block. Mainly because I do so much work before I start to write. I do complete chapter-by-chapter outlines of every book. And I make a list of all the characters– what they look like and their personalities. And I always figure out the ending BEFORE I start the book. That’s a big head-start and keeps me from having writers block.
(For more about R.L. Stine be sure to visit his author web 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 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.
THE GROUNDWORLD HEROES
Teen Adrian So has done something most writers wait much later in life to achieve: Having his first book published!
Here’s the synopsis:
When Benjamin, a junior mole digger, witnesses a human invasion of his homeland, he must find his long-lost courage and unite two culturally distinct realms to fight the intruders and save his kind from extinction. What perils lie before him as he ventures into the unknown? Can Benjamin go up against a rough bunch of illegal animal trappers before it’s too late?
Meet the Groundworld heroes as they defend their country’s sovereignty and save their fellow citizens from capture and extinction.
It’s release day for this fun and imaginative title. The characters are memorable, especially Benjamin Mole our timid hero, Mr. Hare (president of the underground world known as Soiland), and the Queen of Puddleland herself who prefers to be called Your Cheesy Goodness.
Twenty-five chapters leave the impression young Adrian knows how to write well. His fun play on words and excellent world building really add to the professional approach taken with the story. Conflict happens throughout beginning with the human intruders and continuing when the two underground animal groups must come together to fight these men.
Perfect for 8-12 year olds, THE GROUNDWORLD HEROES is a great read and here’s hoping there will be more to come from this emerging gifted writer.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Adrian So is a young writer who lives in Canada. In his free time, he likes to read, write, hang out with his gang of crazy friends, and play soccer. He is currently a high school student.
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MMGM for August 5, 2024
ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has a review of MAMA’S CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS by Dionna L. Mann.
Carol Baldwin features a review by Guest Blooger Mara Scudder of KEEPING PACE by Laurie Morrison. There’s also a chance for readers to win a Giveaway of the book.
Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of EXTINCTOPEDIA .Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.
Kasey Giard @ The Story Sanctuary has mini reviews of each volume in the Winnie-the-Pooh story collection.
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 THE DARK SKIES MYSTERY.
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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)
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.
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.
MAMA’S CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS
In 1935, Vinegar Hill was an African American community, located in Charlottesville, Virginia. The main character and narrator of the story is 10-year-old Alexander Lewis (Allie).
She’s a spunky girl with a lot of passion, especially when it comes to fixing her broken life. Her dad left the family and eventually died. Now Allie has a plan to find a new husband for Mama, one that will adore Mama’s cooking like her delicious Chicken and Dumplings. If her plan works she will finally have the complete family she’s always wanted.
Allie finds the perfect match in kindly Mr. Johnson, but Mama has eyes on Allie’s band teacher, Mr. Coles. This connection will never work because her in-school enemy, Gwen, happens to be the niece of of this man. Allie will just have to push her Mama a little harder to make her see she is making the wrong choice.
The 26 chapters flow smoothly through many humorous and memorable scenes. You get a peak at the segregation and the town’s history. MAMA’s CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS would make a great read-aloud and be perfect for any young readers (ages 8-11) just beginning their journey through middle grade books.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: August 6, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 208
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: MAMA’S CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS by Dionna L. Mann
- Such a strong set of supporting characters- both adults and kids. They each have distinct personalities that meld together to lift the story up even higher.
- The principal’s solution for bringing peace between Allie and Gwen would even be useful in today’s schools.
- When Allie’s best friend moves away, it vividly shows how hard it was to keep in touch. No cell phones or the internet to stay connected. Snail mail was your only hope.
- Having visited Charlottesville myself many times, I was captivated by how this part of town used to be almost 90 years ago.
- Mann’s author note is a must read giving you insights as to how this story might have been a non fiction look at the Vinegar Hill in 1935. Also included are extended resources and a link to a recipe for Mama’s Chicken and Dumplings.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR, Dionna L. Mann
I was born in Chicago, but grew up in its suburbs where my imagination placed me onto my bike and into the woods on all-day-make-believe adventures. I attended Bloom High School where I enjoyed learning the ropes of journalism as the features’ editor of The Broadcaster, an award-winning student newspaper.
As a teen, I dreamed of becoming a trainer of dolphins or a journalist or a special ed. teacher or a speech pathologist, but gave up my four-year academic scholarship to pursue a Bible educational work. As a young woman, I called South Bend, Indiana, my home, and it was on the lawn of the University of Notre Dame where my husband proposed.
Since 1989 I have lived in rural Virginia with my family, and was blessed to have raised my three (most-talented!) children surrounded by Blue Ridge Mountains, friendly smiles, and howdy-dos.
For nearly twenty-five years, I worked within my children’s school system first as a parent volunteer, then as substitute teacher, a high school office secretary, and as a special ed. instructional assistant. I was known as the oxymoron Mrs. Mann who got kids involved in creative writing.
My kidlit writing journey has included being a work-for-hire author who’s published both fiction and nonfiction books with Scholastic Press, Lerner, Capstone, Little, Brown, and other educational publishers. My work has appeared inside Cricket, Ladybug, and Spider, children’s magazines.
As an independent researcher, I especially love uncovering uplifting human-interest stories hidden within African American history in order to share their inspiration with children from all backgrounds.
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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW and BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!
Always in the Middle... 