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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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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!
MMGM for July 29, 2024
ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has a review of INVISIBLE ISABEL by Sally J. Pla.
Rebecca Douglass reviews Red Fox Road by Frances Greenslade.
Valinora Troy shares her insights on STARSPILL by Catherine Fisher.
Kasey Giard @ The Story Sanctuary reviews HOW TO WRITE THE SOUNDTRACK TO YOUR LIFE by Fiona Hardy.
Rosi Hollinbeck reviews BE A SCRIBE! Working for a Better Life in Ancient Egypt. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.
Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has Middle Grade books to share every day. Be sure to check out her MMGM selection for this week along with last Thursday’s review of IT CAME FROM THE TREES.
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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.
INVISIBLE ISABEL
Anxiety.
At some point in life most of us have experienced that awful feeling deep inside, one of worry and concern. It’s tough to cope with especially when you’re growing up.
Isabel Beane lives in a house with 5 siblings, two younger and three older. She doesn’t like how the house is always noisy and chaotic. Her shyness often makes Isabel feel invisible.
Monica, a popular girl at school, has chosen Isabel to be the one person she treats badly. Quiet and confused, Isabel is shunned by classmates who only care about Monica. This event increases Isabel’s fears. Standardized testing only makes it worse by a teacher who seems to enjoy these exams.
Isabel describes her internal hurt as worry moths causing real pain in her stomach. Mom tells her it’s all in her head. When Isabel has a real emergency room crisis, it helps her understand her anxiety and autism.
The verse format for Invisible Isabel is quite effective as the story telling technique. The worry moths parallel was also a good analogy kids will understand. Perfect for 3rd – 5th graders and a great starting point for discussion both at home and at school.
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT INVISIBLE ISABEL by Sally Pla
- The doctor’s explanation to Isabel about anxiety was both excellent and understandable. Also nicely thought out was the list of 10 strategies Isabel and counselor Wanda came up with to help Isabel’s thinking in the future.
- The discussion about get well cards by Isabel’s classmates brought insights into their previously clouded perceptions. A perfect way to uncover true feelings.
- Excellent illustrations are scattered throughout. They all helped provide an even more memorable reading experience.
- Neurodiversity and autism are terms often misunderstood. The story makes these terms very clear and the author provides helpful links for those who want to know more about anxiety in childhood.
- The 200 pages flew by and will work well with both those experiencing anxiety along with parents and teachers wanting a deeper understanding.
Thanks to the author for kindly sending this worry moth replica which I have attached to a window. Brings a smile to my face every time I see it peeking in at me.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR
Sally J. Pla is the ALA Schneider Award-winning author of THE FIRE, THE WATER, AND MAUDIE McGINN, as well as the Dolly Gray Award-winning THE SOMEDAY BIRDS and several other popular novels and picture books. Her books have starred reviews and appear on many state awards lists and “best books” roundups. Sally, who is neurodivergent, has appeared on television and radio as an author and autism advocate. She also runs the website resource A Novel Mind (anovelmind.com). Sally believes in kindness, respect, and the beauty of different brains. We are all stars shining with different lights! Visit her at www.sallyjpla.com.
Tania de Regil is an author and illustrator from Mexico City. She is the creator of the ALA Notable Children’s Book A New Home as well as Something About Grandma, and she is the illustrator of Welcome to the Big Kids Club, written by Chelsea Clinton. She studied fashion design at Parsons School of Design in New York City and finished her studies in her home country of Mexico. She lives in Mexico City with her filmmaker husband, her son, and her two cats. For more information, visit: taniaderegil.com.
Instagram: Sally Pla: @sallyjpla
Tania de Regil: @taniaderegil.books
Quill Tree Books/Harper: @harperkids
Blue Slip Media: @blue_slip_media
Facebook: Sally Pla: Sally Pla
Tania de Regil: Tania de Regil Books
Quill Tree Books/Harper: HarperKidsBooks
Blue Slip Media: @Blue Slip Media
Twitter/X: Sally Pla: @sallyjpla
Tania de Regil: @taniaderegil
Quill Tree Books/Harper: HarperKids
Blue Slip Media: @blueslipper & @barbfisch
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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW and BE SURE BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!
MMGM for July 22, 2024
ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has a review of Amir and the Jinn Princess by M.T. Khan.
Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles has an interview with Sally Pla and a giveaway of Invisible Isabel.
Kasey Giard at The Story Sancturary reviews Grow Up, Luchy Zapata by Alexandra Alessandri.
Brenda @Log Cabin Library shares her review of Meesh the Bad Demon: The Secret of the Fang #2 by Michelle Lam .
Patricia Tilton @ Children’s Books Heal reviews Legends of Lotus Island: City of Wishes (Book 3) by Christina Soontornvat.
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 ONCE UPON A FEVER.
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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.
AMIR and the JINN PRINCESS
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
- 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.
- The 3 part competition was the perfect subplot. It’s full of surprises as both characters bring confidence and hesitancy to a tense situation.
- 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.
- I was not a fan of Amir at the beginning but that all changed, especially with his final line in the book.
- 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.
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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW!
BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!
I AM NOT WHO YOU SEE
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.
MMGM for July 15, 2024
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.
——————————————
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.
DARKNESS AND DEMON SONG
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
- Despite the length, the plot moves along at a quick pace. Those who love horror will be transfixed with the events unfolding.
- Marius captures monsters by opening up his monster book and reciting a spell. It’s unique in a fun, non violent way.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW!
BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!
THE SCIENCE OF SEEDS
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:
- First Farmers, First Crops…
- Maize
- Wheat
- Rice
- Potatoes
- 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.
Always in the Middle... 