LOUDER THAN HUNGER

Posted on May 12, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

Thirteen-year-old Jake has an eating disorder. The voice in his head seems to control every choice he makes in life. His condition get so bad that Jake’s parents place him in a residential treatment facility.

Louder Than Words is an emotional journey and there couldn’t be a better way than a novel-in-verse format for Jake to tell his story.

Heartbreaking. Challenging. Uplifting. Helpful.

Readers (10 to adult) will feel each one of those words as they follow Jake’s downward spiral. The basis for the story came from John Schu’s own experiences as a teen.

Jake is lonely, bullied, and has lost all confidence. He does have a few positives in his life, He volunteers at a nursing home, talking and reading to a blind resident. But the person he most connects with is Grandma. They have a special bond shared through their love of poetry and Broadway plays. But Jake’s anorexia is keeping him away from her.

Although the page count is large, the time to complete this important novel will be less than most MG novels. Louder Than Hunger brings you close to the heart of a boy struggling to escape the grip of an unwarranted fear. Highly recommended.

PAGE COUNT: 528 BOOK BIRTHDAY: March 19, 2024

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: LOUDER THAN HUNGER by John Schu

  1. Not only is the book an important read, but John Schu’s letter to readers in the back pages makes a perfect companion.
  2. The day trips Jake had away from the treatments center first with Mom and then Dad were an important part of Jake’s healing. The initial trip didn’t end very well but the next one brought a smile to my face.
  3. Jake’s friendship with Kella, another treatment center resident, helped bring both character arcs full circle.
  4. Readers struggling like Jake will come way with the realization that the negative voice inside does not have to ruin your life.
  5. The heart of of this novel is HOPE. An inspiring read that will encourage discussion for both those kids in need and their families.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John Schu has made a career out of advocating for the people and things he cares about most: kids, books, and the people that connect them. He was named a Library Journal Mover and Shaker for his dynamic interactions with students and his passionate adoption of new technologies as a means of connecting authors, illustrators, books, and readers. He is the children’s librarian for Bookelicious, a part-time lecturer at Rutgers University, and shares his love of reading with countless educators and students around the world. He is the author of Louder Than Hunger (Candlewick, 2024) This Is a School(Candlewick, 2022) illustrated by Veronica Miller Jamison, This Is a Story (Candlewick, 2023) illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist Lauren Castillo, and The Gift of Story: Exploring the Affective Side of the Reading Life (Stenhouse, 2022). John Schu lives in Naperville, Illinois.

(Be sure to visit John’s Author Web Site)

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THE ADVENTURES OF THE FLASH GANG-Episode Two: Treasonous Tycoon

Posted on May 10, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

Streeters Pearl and Lewis are back despite their untimely death in Episode One-Exploding Experiment (See my review here). Okay, they really didn’t die, but that’s not what the bad guys believed.

Set in Pittsburgh, 1935, it’s a time of fear and disdain for Hitler who seems ready to overtake the world. Flash refers to a recipe his professor father created that causes a big distraction in the form of noise and light. It comes in handy when food is needed for Pearl and Lewis along with their friends Duck and Mac. Home is an abandoned building.

When one of them goes missing it leads to their enemy #1- a Steel tycoon who killed Lewis’s father and looks to be pro Hitler. Although fiction, the realities of that time period are woven in nicely. There was a devastating flood in 1935 and Hitler youth camps were being set up to increase his presence and undermine the United States government.

Episode Two of the Flash Gang series stands well on its own though you will be motivated to check out the first book. The cover above depicts part of the thrilling and climatic scene you will discover in this second episode. I had 100 more pages left and was reluctant to take a break. A real page turner!

The ending sends readers away with good news: The plot revealed there will be a book 3 next year as Pearl and Lewis head off to Berlin.

The Adventures of the Flash Gang is perfect for ages ten and up. The characters and story line are captivating.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: March 5, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 214

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

MM DOWNING & SJ WAUGH really intended to be secret agents disguised as flappers in the Roaring Twenties, if only to don beaded headbands and twirl long strands of pearls while solving delicious crimes involving gangsters. Or Scotland Yard detectives, wearing tailored, double-breasted suits, and sneaking up rickety fire escapes before pursuing criminals across the rooftops of Victorian London. Unfortunately, they were born in neither place, and without access to a time machine. 

So they decided to write books. 

If you too are a bit of a sleuth, you may uncover the other stories they’ve written separately and with (maybe) their full names—but here they are simply known as Downing & Waugh…which does sound just a bit like a detective agency…from another era. (from the authors’ 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 those 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 Historical fiction, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

MMGM for May 6, 2024

Posted on May 6, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has a review of Fortune Tellers by Lisa Greenwald.

Brenda @ Log Cabin Library also reviews Fortune Tellers by Lisa Greenwald.

Susan Uhlig enjoyed THE FIRST STATE OF BEING by  Erin Entrada Kelly. 

Carol Baldwin has Ghost Writers: The Haunting of Lake Lucy– A Review by Guest Blogger, Helen Wheeler, and a Giveaway!

Valinora Troy has an interview with Victoria Williamson, award winning writer, and author of a number of wonderful middle grade, teen and YA reads!

Max @ COMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF recommends Mexikid  by Pedro Martín.

Maria Antonia reviews Sunny Makes Her Case, a new graphic novel by Jennifer and Matthew Holm.

Kasey Girard @ The Story Sanctuary has another graphic novel to share, Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol.

Rosi Holinbeck reviews STONES AND BONES: FOSSILS AND THE STORIES THEY TELL. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has an MMGM book to share every day. Be sure to check out her MMGM selection for this week along with last Thursday’s review of THE THINGS WE MISS.

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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

Fortune Tellers

Posted on May 5, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

Best friends Bea, Millie, and Nora live in Manhattan and do everything together. This includes slumber parties, exploring the neighborhood, and making those hand-held paper fortune tellers to fill their time.

That is until they stopped talking to each after a squabble over who was invited to a birthday party. Then came the pandemic and the girls moved away.

Friendship over.

Or maybe not.

It’s the summer before seventh grade and although they occasionally check each other’s social media accounts, it has been over a year since they’ve talked. Without warning their paper fortune tellers they were so obsessed with begin to reappear for each girl. The advice on each written message brings them closer to getting back together.

Told in multiple viewpoints featuring each girl and several flashback chapters, Fortune Tellers is a look at how elementary school friendships often don’t stay that way. Middle school with its focus on popularity often changes the dynamics of best friends.

The chosen format of various viewpoints might be a bit challenging for new readers, but most advanced readers should have no problem. The secondary characters brought added interest to the story although Sam and Rodge’s problems never were fully explored or solved.

Fortune Tellers is a nice choice for upper elementary readers (especially girls) and by the end you might be hoping for a sequel.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: May 7, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 240

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: FORTUNE TELLERS by Lisa Greenwald

  1. The magical appearance of the paper fortune tellers makes for a wide open discussion as to how they kept reappearing. My guess was their former teacher planted them, but the answer is left up to the readers.
  2. The story demonstrates how social media has becomes a way to follow others even for upcoming middle school kids.
  3. Although the girls are brought back together it takes more than magic to reconnect in a positive way when hurt feelings are a part of the equation.
  4. Rodge is worried that his family’s reliance on donated food will have him targeted in middle school. Millie helps him see otherwise in a nice exchange of feelings.
  5. Many kids adore previous Lisa Greenwald books so Fortune Tellers will be a popular addition to school libraries.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

LISA GREENWALD is the author of the Pink & Green series, Reel Life Starring Us, and Sweet Treats & Secret Crushes. She works in the library at the Birch Wathen Lenox School in Manhattan. She is a graduate of the New School’s MFA program in writing for children and lives in Manhattan. Visit her online at lisagreenwald.com. Follow her on Twitter at @lisagreenwald and on Instagram at @lisanngreenwald. (Learn more about Lisa in this interesting self-question interview format)

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MAKE YOUR MARK, MAKE A DIFFERNCE

Posted on May 3, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

All of us including kids are bombarded with the many problems facing our society and world. Young people are often passionate about certain issues but don’t know how to help make things better.

MAKE YOUR MARK, MAKE A DIFFERENCE is an easy to follow guide that will empower kids to become problem solvers and activists for the issues effecting us all. These include justice for animals, safeguarding our environment, bringing peace to our world, equity among all people and poverty issues.

It doesn’t matter whether your voice is loud or quiet, this guide will lead the way in choosing an issue (there’s a handy quiz to get you started). Readers will find various ways to become active.

The layout is perfect for ages 10 and up. I was so impressed with what this guide offers I agreed to endorse the book in the opening pages:

A comprehensive look at how kids can be confident leaders while pursuing change within a variety of important worldly issues. Joan Marie Galat provides readers with an abundance of excellent ideas for activism along with positive and thoughtful steps to achieve their goals.

What more can I say except that this would make an excellent gift for any budding activist!

For more about Joan and her more than 25 books, be sure to visit her 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.

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, non fiction | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

MMGM for APRIL 29, 2024

Posted on April 29, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has a review of THE SECRETS OF THE KELIMUTU VOLCANO: THE RISE OF GOLDEN GARUDA by Hamsa Buvaraghan; Riya and Eesha Saniay.

Brenda @ Log Cabin Library reviews Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol – a graphic novel.

Sue Heavenrich has a STEAM story for middle grade readers over at Archimedes Notebook this week: The Unlikely Hero: The Story of Wolf 8 (A Young Readers’ Edition) by Rick McIntyre

Valinora Troy shares her thoughts on Gargoyles: Guardians of the Source, book 1 in a new trilogy from Tamsin Mori.

Jennifer Rummel reviews  Mystery of the Locked Rooms.

Max @ COMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF recommends Puzzled: A Memoir about Growing Up with OCD  by Pan Cooke.

Kasey Girard @ The Story Sanctuary reviews a graphic novel, The Dark Times by Tim Probert, book three in the Lightfall series.

Rosi Holinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of WALTER STEPS UP TO THE PLATE by Sue Houser. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

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

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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 SECRET OF THE KELIMUTU VOLCANO

Posted on April 28, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

An engaging fantasy set in Indonesia’s Flores Island. Young Aisha is a cursed child. The Kelimutu Volcano erupted when she was born and destroyed her hometown of Muni on the island of Flores. Prophecy claims it will happen again when she turns ten, just one month away.

Aisha and younger sister, Liya, bravely try and save their town. This includes a dangerous journey up the slopes of Kelimutu and gathering evidence from the towns residents and a temporary tent camp.

The thrilling ending has Aisha attempting the impossible by stopping the flow of lava before it is too late. Will she be able to find the magic that others in her family already have to put a happy end to her fears?

Ten stunningly beautiful full page illustrations are interspersed among the 34 chapters. The ending sets up an enticing continuation of the story set in the 1950s. Perfect as a read-aloud, THE SECRET OF THE KELIMUTU VOLCANO-The Rise of the Golden Garuda, is the first book in the series. It’s a welcome tale about family and finding your calling.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: March 5, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 184

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT THE SECRETS OF THE KELIMUTU VOLCANO by Hamsa Buvaraghan, Riya & Eesha Sanjay

  1. The connection between the three generations of grandmother, mom, and daughters, all powerful healers, were my favorite parts of the story.
  2. The beautiful island in Indonesian provided a unique setting for a MG book. Adding in the fantasy element made it an even more enjoyable read.
  3. The third person narration and short chapters will appeal to new middle grade readers.
  4. Aisha’s jealousy of her younger sister’s magical ability was a great inner-conflict added to the story line.
  5. What a perfect and memorable connection for Hamsa and her daughters to write this book together. A loving family for sure.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR AND CO-AUTHORS

Hamsa Buvaraghan is an Indo-Canadian residing in Bay Area, California, with her husband and two daughters, Riya and Eesha. The idea for her book spawned from her experiences with Indonesian children when she volunteered with a nonprofit called Indonesia Street Children Organization. She writes multicultural fantasy novels that explore themes of racial diversity, courage, family, and friendship. Hamsa is a technology leader at Google and also writes business technology books. She holds a Master of Business Administration with honors in global management and a Bachelor of Engineering in computer science.

Connect with Hamsa at hamsabuvaraghan.com.

Riya Sanjay is a sixth grader residing in Bay Area, California. Her interests include creative writing, piano (level 7), karate, and basketball. In her free time, she tinkers with STEM projects.

Eesha Sanjay is a junior high school student residing in Bay Area, California, currently studying for her IB Diploma.
She holds a black belt in martial arts. Her other interests include music (piano, level 10), creative writing, and theatre. She is interested in pursuing biomedical engineering and pre- medicine.

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

MIA MADISON, CEO

Posted on April 26, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

The HOPSCOTCH GIRLS enterprise was started by a mom frustrated by what gifts were available for girls. The company presented their first product, I Am Confident, Brave & Beautiful: A Coloring Book for Girls, back in 2017 that has now sold over 1.3 million copies.

Now we have a fiction series starring the endearing Mia Madison:

Mia has made a name for herself at her school as an entrepreneur after launching not one, but two, successful businesses. Now her classmates need her help with their own ventures, and Mia must put her problem-solving skills to the test. Whether she’s helping them get their business off the ground, work with customers, or invent new problem-solving products, Mia is sure to teach them all something new.

However, Mia soon finds that juggling her businesses, schoolwork, and friends can be a challenge. With the help of her CEO mom, Mia tackles her friends’ problems (and her own) head-on and teaches them, and readers, the ins-and-outs of running a successful kid business.

The 20 chapters are narrated by Mia in an entertaining and thought provoking fashion. Her first two businesses, PACK SOME PUNCH Not Just Lemonade stand and HAVE A NICE VACATION PET SITTING SERVICES have been going great. Mia’s newest, KidBizTips, has encountered a few bumps in the road. Her multiple jobs along with school work are overwhelming and causing problems both with family and friends.

Mia Madison, CEO will mostly appeal to girls though I wouldn’t totally exclude boys as potential readers. Two male characters provide both positive and negative conflict. Girls though will be empowered to start their own business and at the least be given the confidence that they can do anything in life given the opportunity.

Hopscotch Girls presents Mia Madison, CEO is a much needed addition to the bookshelves both at home and at school. A fun and inspiring read for sure.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR, ILLUSTRATOR

Kathryn Holmes grew up in Maryville, Tennessee, and now lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband, daughter, and piles upon piles of books. A graduate of The New School’s MFA in Creative Writing program, she works as a freelance dance journalist, among other writing gigs.

Luna Valentine is a Polish children’s book illustrator. She has been drawing her whole life and began sharing her passion with the world in 2019. When she’s not illustrating her next book, she spends all her time with her 3 rabbits: Donatello, Mosser, and Peach, who often steal and hide her pencils.

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Get ready 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 APRIL 22, 2024

Posted on April 22, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has a review of SUNNY PARKER IS HERE TO STAY by Margaret Finnegan.

Brenda @ Log Cabin Library reviews The Climate Diaries Book One:  The Academy by Aaron Arsenault.

Kim Aippersbach is with us again, featuring DUET by Elise Broach.

Sue Heavenrich has a cool MG nonfiction STEM adventure…The Lost Forest: An Unexpected Discovery beneath the Waves,  by Jennifer Swanson.

Jennifer Rummel reviews Something Like Home by Andrea Beatriz Arango.

Susan Uhlig loved BENEATH THE SWIRLING SKY by Carolyn Leiloglou and illustrated by Vivienne To and is really looking forward to the sequels! 

Maria Antonia found a book about a solar eclipse: Now You Say Yes by Bill Harley

Kasey Girard @ The Story Sanctuary is excited to share the MG graphic novel called Fake Chinese Sounds by Jing Jing Tsong. 

Rosi Holinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of THE BATBOY AND THE UNBREAKABLE BAT. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has an MMGM book to share every day. Be sure to check out her MMGM selection for this week along with last Wednesday’s selection of a few realistic fiction titles.

And a few more:

Valinora Troy has The Haunting of Lake Lucy by Sandy Deutscher Green (MG Horror in verse).

Max @Completely Full Bookshelf spotlights three indie bookstores in Texas.

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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

SUNNY PARKER IS HERE TO STAY

Posted on April 21, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

Sunny Parker and her dad live at the Del Mar Apartments, an affordable housing option for low income residents. Dad is the manager and fix- it-man, although it might take him some time to complete a repair request with three floors of apartments.

Sunny loves the Del Mar and helps her dad by cleaning up areas like the laundry room. Her best friend Haley also lives there and many of the other apartment dwellers are some of her favorite people. That wouldn’t include old Sourpuss Scanlon. Sunny believes the tale that if you talk to her you are cursed.

When the city proposes building another affordable housing unit at the site of an abandoned school, Sunny begins to realize rich people living in big houses nearby don’t like the idea. Having more poor people is not a good thing for their town and brings down the values of their own homes.

Sunny never thought of herself as poor and worries about going to middle school and being labeled that way. With the help of Haley and a few other of her Del Mar friends, Sunny is determined to change the way others feel. Dad wants her to stay low and not bring attention to their apartment complex. Let the conflict begin!

Sunny narrates the tale and although it is not intended to be a fast moving, full of action type story, Sunny is a winning main character that you will remember. She brings her sunny personality to every conflict, always trying to understand others. The diverse cast of characters is also a plus.

Be sure to not miss the authors note as she details her own experience growing up at an affordable housing unit. SUNNY PARKER IS HERE TO STAY serves as a perfect starting point for reflection and discussion about different income levels.

PAGE COUNT: 288 BOOK BIRTHDAY: April 23, 2024

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT SUNNY PARKER IS HERE TO STAY by Margaret Finnegan

  1. The change in each character was portrayed nicely. That includes an abused female resident, Sunny’s Dad, and Sourpuss Scanlon who turns out to be not such a sourpuss.
  2. Seeing a neighborhood quite different from their own will enlighten readers. Although I was too young to remember, my parents managed an affordable apartment complex before moving to a small house. They had many wonderful and scary stories to tell.
  3. The thoughts Sunny has about her Dad being a coward were heartbreaking, but the end result brought hope to the situation.
  4. Standing up for what you believe in and having your voice heard is an important and memorable part of the plot.
  5. This will appeal to an upper elementary school audience and the issues brought forth are a great starting point towards openness and understanding towards others.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Margaret Finnegan is the author of the Junior Library Guild Selections New Kids and Underdogs, We Could Be Heroes, and Susie B. Won’t Back Down. Her other work has appeared in FamilyFun, the Los Angeles Times, Salon, and other publications. She lives in South Pasadena, California, where she enjoys spending time with her family, walking her dog, and baking really good chocolate cakes. Visit her online at MargaretFinnegan.com.

Instagram:

Margaret Finnegan: @finneganbegin

Atheneum/S&S: @simonKIDS

Blue Slip Media: @blue_slip_media 

Facebook:

Margaret Finnegan: @Margaret Finnegan

Atheneum/S&S: @SimonKIDS

Blue Slip Media: @blue-slip-media 

Twitter/X:

Margaret Finnegan: N/A

Little Simon/S&S: @SimonKIDS

Blue Slip Media: @blueslipper & @barbfisch

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW!

BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

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