THE NOT-SO-UNIFORM LIFE OF HOLLY-MEI

Posted on February 5, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

I had this one on my stacks of books to review last year, but it never made it to the top until 2023 rolled around. The wait was well worth it.

Holly-Mei lives with her younger sister and their parents in Toronto. Mom is Taiwanese and dad is white and originally from England. The story begins when the girls learn from their mother that she has a new job and they will be moving to Hong Kong for two years. After some initial worries Holly-Mei is excited about the move. Her new school is on the beach and an always best friend at her present school is on the outs after Holly-Mei’s honesty about a classmate was not well received. It seems like the perfect timing, except Ah-ma (Taiwanese for grandmother) is staying behind.

After the family’s arrival in Hong Kong, it doesn’t take long for Holly Mei to realize living in this new city brings many challenges with new rules and expectations. The most popular girl at her private school is giving her fits and Holly-Mei is beginning to miss Canada more and more. But adventure awaits in this ocean-side city and Holly-Mei is determined to make it work.

The setting is eyeopening and wonderful, especially for those like me who have never been to China. Readers will learn about the many features Kong Kong has to offer and the wide range of food choices. But the real tale are tweens dealing with friendships, possible first crushes, and cultural understanding. Holly-Mei’s first person narration brings it forth in a splendid way. Several nice illustrations also appear throughout.

A well paced plot and I’m glad this is the first in a series of Holly-Mei books. Book two will be out on April 4, 2023: THE NOT-SO-PERFECT PLAN.

Page Count: 288

FIVE (“ng” in Cantonese) MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE NOT-SO-UNIFORM LIFE OF HOLLY-MEI

  1. You get a look how the ultra rich live with a few of the classmates and their families. Very eye opening.
  2. A positive story about the Asian culture and how a bi-racial girl finds s few friends like her.
  3. Doing the wrong thing is something middle school kids will relate to. Holly-Mei does her best and eventually learns to deal with the choices she makes.
  4. Many more great characters from Millie, her one grade younger sister and of course all the new friends Holly Mei meets. It will be fun to see their character arcs grow deeper as new books in the series are released.
  5. The back pages bring many welcome surprises. Beginning with the author’s note about how the story parallels her own to a glossary of Chinese words used in the book. I also can’t wait to try the two recipes: Ah-ma’s Dumplings and Millie’s Red Bean Creamsicles.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christina Matula is from Ottawa, Canada and is of Taiwanese-Hungarian heritage. Being a child of immigrant parents, she has always been curious about other cultures and far-off places.

Moving to Hong Kong gave Christina the chance to explore her Chinese cultural roots (amazing food, fascinating festivals) and learn some Mandarin (constant uphill climb). She loves eating dumplings, playing field hockey, and hiking.

She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Hong Kong. She is also a former Board Member of Bring Me A Book Hong Kong, which advocates reading aloud with children and provides quality books to local underserved communities.

She now lives in Helsinki, Finland with her husband, two children, and puppy.

Christina is represented by Carrie Pestritto of Laura Dail Literary Agency.

For more about Christina be sure to visit her author website.

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW. ALSO BE SURE TO VISIT THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON THIS WEEK”S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY

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WEIRD BUT TRUE WORLD 2023

Posted on February 3, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

The world is full of surprises in every corner of this vast planet. The facts siding more on the weird side have been compiled in this inspiring and often jaw dropping edition of the Weird But True! series.

The cover of WORLD 2023 begs to be open. Inside are 9 chapters full of bold, spectacular pictures from places near and far. Journey across the seven continents and you will find weird, wacky, and amazing sights.

A sample of my favorites include HORSETAIL FALL’S FIREFALL in Yosemite, California; THE SWING AT THE END OF THE WORLD in Baños, Ecuador; and THE UNDERWATER WATERFALL on an island in the Indian Ocean.

If those don’t intrigue you there are hundreds more. The final bonus chapter even takes you into space where you’ll find what it’s like to live there along with the mysteries of the universe.

Fun personality quizzes reveal your likenesses (One of those reveals I’m more like a marine iguana!). Equally fun are the awards to the weirdest place, animal, and photo for 2023.

Weird But True! World 2023 is intended for kids, but even those of us a little older will find hours of eyeopening fun times seeing and reading this compilation. At 304 pages you will never get bored. Great job National Geographic Kids!

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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 join 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 , | 2 Comments

MMGM for JANUARY 30, 2023

Posted on January 30, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Click on to reach a blogger’s middle grade review or feature.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of ARTEMIS SPARKE AND THE SOUND SEEKERS BRIGADE by Kimberly Behre Kenna.

Brenda at Log Cabin Library reviews Kelcie Murphy and the Hunt for the Heart of Danu by Erika Lewis.

Carol Baldwin shares her journey to submitting her middle grade novel, Half Truths. It’s a fascinating look at how she got to this point in her writing career!

Sue Heavenrich has TWO nonfiction MG books for the week over at Archimedes Notebook.

Susan Uhlig found I, Cosmo to be a doggone good book. 

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews The Healing Star by A. Kidd. A charming story about the bond between a girl and her grandmother.

Valinora Troy lets us know what she thinks about THE CARREFOUR CURSE by Dianne K. Salerni.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews LOVE PUPPIES BEST FRIENDS FUREVER by JaNay Brown-Wood. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

Faith Hough is back again this week with a review of The View from Pagoda Hill, by Michaela MacColl.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with last Friday’s SIMON SORT OF SAYS.

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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

ARTEMIS SPARKE and the SOUND SEEKERS BRIGADE

Posted on January 29, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

When Artemis Sparke has had it with humans, she heads to the nearby salt marsh to hang out with the birds, plants and mollusks who don’t make a big deal of her stutter. The shoreline sanctuary is predictable, unlike her family and friends, and the data in her science journal proves it. But one day that data goes haywire, and her bird friend RT confirms it: the salt marsh is dying. Artemis discovers that the historic hotel where she lives with her mom may be part of the problem, but speaking up would mean confronting the cranky hotel owner who happens to be her mom’s boyfriend and boss. Artemis conjures up help from deceased ecologists, and as she works to untangle their clues, she finds family secrets that could be the key to saving the salt marsh but also may destroy her life as she knows it.

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The setting of Long Island Sound off the coast of Connecticut brings the issue of saving our environment to the forefront. The third person narration follows Artemis as she becomes more worried by what is happening.

The only other person that seems to care is a neighbor lady. Even Art’s best friend, Warren, is a bit skeptical. Also not always on Art’s side is a mom who is a maid at the hotel and is separated from the dad, He makes brief appearances when his busy writing schedule allows.

This leaves Artemis searching for solutions which she finds in the form of friendly ghosts at the hotel. The 152 pages move along at a nice pace and are a welcome break from today’s more typical 300 page MG novels. An epilogue ties together all the questions about what eventually occurs with the Sound Seekers Brigade’s efforts.

Artemis Sparke and the Sound Seekers Brigade is a welcome addition to the shelf of environmentally themed books for middle graders. The release date is Feb. 2nd which coincides with International Wetland’s Day.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: ARTEMIS SPARKE AND THE SOUND SEEKERS BRIGADE

  1. Artemis has a sweet personality readers will like. She is focused and passionate toward her quest while dealing with being a kid around adults who have opposing views.
  2. Stuttering can be an overwhelming obstacle in growing up. Artemis’s stutter never overshadows the environmental aspect, but their is a hint of help in her future.
  3. Warren has his own problems at home and that is often the reason he is not always behind his friend 100%. Thankfully, his story also gets a hopeful change in the final pages.
  4. An inspiration to readers who want to push forth with conservation in their own communities.
  5. A nice balance of realistic and speculative fiction.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kimberly Behre Kenna

After years as an adolescent and family counselor, and then as a fifth grade teacher of ecology and language arts, Kimberly returned to school for her MA in creative writing from Wilkes University. Her middle-grade novel, “Artemis Sparke and the Sound Seekers Brigade” was a finalist and received Honorable Mention in the 2019 Tassy Walden New Voices in Children’s Literature Competition. It will be published by Fitzroy Books 2/2/23. Another book in her Brave Girl Collection, “Jett Jamison and the Secret Storm” is forthcoming from Black Rose Publishing 8/3/23. A third in the collection, as yet unpublished, won second place in The Institute of Children’s Literature 2022 MG Mystery First Pages Contest. Her poems and short stories have been published in American Writers Review, Mused, Plumtree Tavern, and Rubbertop Review. Her full-length play, “Ana’s Hummingbird,” was given a staged reading at The Dramatists Guild in NYC. She’s a member of SCBWI and PEN America, and now devotes herself to writing full time

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW! BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON THIS WEEK’S EDITION OF MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

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SOMEBODY TO LOVE

Posted on January 27, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

A banjolele is a very unique four-stringed musical instrument. It has a body like a small banjo, and the neck similar to a ukulele.

This expanded picture book is the story of how artist Valerie June and a banjolele became best friends and together created the song, Somebody to Love.

It begins in her childhood when Valerie receives the banjolele as a gift. She plays the instrument but others call it a toy. For years it goes unused before she finds it again and they reconnect. Now these two perform all over the world.

Bold and beautiful pictures accompany the text. In the last few pages you’ll find a brief background on other believers like Oprah Winfrey, John Lennon, and Martin Luther King Jr.

Somebody to Love is one to share with anyone who has an interest in music and the power to believe.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Valerie June

Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Tennessee. Valerie has been published in the New York Times, which has hailed her as one of America’s “most intriguing, fully formed new talents.” She has recorded four critically acclaimed, best-selling solo albums and has also written songs for legendary artists such as Mavis Staples and The Blind Boys of Alabama. Valerie has performed on The Tonight Show, The Late Show, Austin City Limits, Rachael Ray, and CBS Saturday Morning, and graced some of the world’s most prestigious stages, from Carnegie Hall to the Kennedy Center. She’s part of the Turnaround Arts program originally started by First Lady Michelle Obama. Also a poet, her first collection, Maps for the Modern World was published in April 2021 by Andrews McMeel Publishing. When she’s not touring, June splits her time between Tennessee and New York.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR: Marcela Avelar

Marcela Avelar is a Mexican-born artist based in New York City. She is the founder of a not-for-profit digital art collective called The Artruist. Her work can be seen in advertisements as well as album covers for musicians like Special K’s, Aloysius 3, Pete Remm, So Brown, Wes Hutchinson and 9 time Grammy Award winner Norah Jones. She also designed the stage for Norah Jones’ 2017 Day Breaks World Tour. In 2018, Marcela’s artwork was part of an exhibit in New Paltz, NY celebrating Mexican Women Artists, Artbath, a monthly performance series in NYC and she is working on her next solo exhibit. Currently, she is in collaboration with a Mexico based developer to create unique designs for tiles and textiles.

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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 join 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 Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

MMGM for JANUARY 23, 2023

Posted on January 23, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Click on to reach a blogger’s middle grade review or feature.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of SINCERELY SICILY by Tamika Burgess.

Brenda at Log Cabin Library reviews NeverLore:  Journey to Mt. Smolder by Taya & Nathan Okerlund.

Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles is back with us again and has an interview with debut author Megan Reyes and a giveaway of her MG fantasy Heroes of Havensong: Dragonboy.

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Singing with Elephants by Margarita Engle, a charming novel in verse.

Maria Antonia at of books, photography, and tea has a post about MY LIFE BEGINS! by Patricia MacLachlan.

Valinora Troy shares her review about Winters Keep by Tamsin Mori, an exciting conclusion to the Storm Weaver trilogy.

Carol Baldwin interviews award-winning NF PB author, Margriet Ruurs, in conjunction with giving away one of Margriet’s books. Many middle-grade students enjoy learning from nonfiction picture books so this is worth a visit.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews Vanderbeekers on the Road. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with last Saturday’s THE LOST YEAR.

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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

Sincerely Sicily

Posted on January 22, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Sicily Jordan’s worst nightmare has come true! She’s been enrolled in a new school, with zero of her friends and stuck wearing a fashion catastrophe of a uniform. But however bad Sicily thought sixth grade was going to be, it only gets worse when she does her class presentation.

While all her classmates breezed through theirs, Sicily is bombarded with questions on how she can be both Black and Panamanian. She wants people to understand, but it doesn’t feel like anyone is ready to listen—first at school and then at home. Because when her abuela starts talking mess about her braids, Sicily’s the only one whose heart is being crumpled for a second time.

Staying quiet may no longer be an option, but that doesn’t mean Sicily has the words to show the world just what it means to be a proud Black Panamanian either. Even though she hasn’t written in her journal since her abuelo passed, it’s time to pick up her pen again—but will it be enough to prove to herself and everyone else exactly who she is?

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The first person narration through the eyes of Sicily is spot on. She has to deal with changing friendships, a possible first crush, missing her abuelo, and confusing questions about her color.

Those not interested in how hair braids are created or the fashion choices of girls might choose to skip this one, but they will miss out on much more important dealings. That would be the often confusing path to understanding cultural and racial differences. Conflict is also splendidly portrayed in Sicily’s life both at home and at school. Something all middle graders will understand.

Sincerely Sicily hits all the right notes as Sicily tries to find out who she is and the voice she wants to be in this world. This contemporary debut will have you hoping for more books about Sicily.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: SINCERELY SICILY by Tamika Burgess

  1. The hurtful comments about Sicily’s braids from her much adored abuela were heartbreakingly displayed in an early scene. Demonstrates the importance of using criticism in the right way.
  2. Sicily’s parents were a welcome and positive influence in her life even though Sicily might roll her eyes at some of their comments.
  3. I’ve been through the Panama Canal so the historical background as to the how and why it was built was a positive.
  4. Writing can be such a huge remedy when dealing with life’s road bumps. Sicily’s journal might inspire others her age to begin one of their own.
  5. A great classroom or at home discussion starter about culture, race, and finding your voice.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tamika Burgess (Ta-mee-Ka Bur-jess) is a storyteller with over a decade of novel, TV/film, and personal essay writing experience. Born to parents who migrated from Panamá, Tamika has always taken a particular interest in writing themes that explore her Black Latina identity. Because of her passion for spreading the knowledge of Black Panamanian culture, Tamika has been featured on various websites, podcasts, and panels. When she is not writing, Tamika is somewhere cozy online shopping and listening to a podcast. Tamika resides in sunny Southern California, where she is writing her second novel. Learn more about Tamika at TamikaBurgess.com

Tamika’s Website: https://www.tamikaburgess.com/

Tamika’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/TameeksB

Tamika’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tameeksb/

Tamika’s Goodreads Profile: https://bit.ly/3DtGeXZ

Tamika’s Newsletter: https://www.tamikaburgess.com/newsletter

Questions about Sincerely Sicily for Author Tamika Burgess

What inspired Sincerely Sicily?

Sincerely Sicily is loosely based on my experiences growing up and came out of a need for representation and understanding. As a child, I didn’t fully comprehend how to explain my Black Panamanian background when people asked, “What are you?” Being asked that question, coupled with the fact that I was growing up in a predominantly white community as a Black Latina, I often felt out of place. My peers were all the same, and not only was I of a different race, but my culture was something that was entirely out of their realm of understanding.

I always wished for a point of reference, someone I could point to and say, “I’m just like them.” But characters in books, movies, and TV shows didn’t look like me, nor did their experiences resemble mine. So I wrote the book I needed and would have loved to read as a child.


What do you hope readers will take away from your book?
I have so many hopes for Sincerely Sicily, but the main one is that when readers finish, they walk away from it with a clear understanding of the African diaspora. The diaspora is vast and spans worldwide. It is made up of people who descend from native Africans yet live outside Africa, predominantly in the Americas, therefore including Latin American countries.


What is your favorite quote from Sincerely Sicily? 

“Afro (short for African) comes before Panamanian to let people know I am of African ancestry… Panamanian or Latina, either way, I am Afro/Black first.”

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW! BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER MIDDLE GRADE BLOGGERS ON THIS WEEK’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY.

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

HOW TO SPEAK ANIMAL

Posted on January 20, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Last month I participated in the blog tour for HOW TO SPEAK ANIMAL, a new NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS title. Now that I have had a chance to actually read the 176 page book it’s time to share all the things that make it great.

The five chapters begin with a look at Communication Basics focusing on How Animals Communicate. Next you get a quick background on the senses important for animals (Hear, See, Touch, Smell).

The other four chapters cover over 60 animals arranged in categories where you would find them in the world:

  • ACROSS THE LAND
  • IN THE WATER
  • IN THE AIR
  • BY OUR SIDE

Each two page spread features stunning photographs along with several paragraphs as to how the animal communicates. A few of my favorites inlcude:

  • When playing, Lions make humming or puffing noises to show they are comfortable or friendly.
  • Every Dolphin has a signature whistle.
  • Gerbils are known to wink, which can mean a few different things, including “Thank you” or ” Hello.”

The book can be read in any page order and a good plan is to start with your favorite animal via the handy back pages index. There’s also a quiz to test your knowledge, a glossary, and further resources.

Whether you are the intended audience or a lot older you’ll be saying many times “I didn’t know that!” Perfect as a gift or for yourself. How To Speak Animal speaks a great language you will find hard to put down.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

DR. GABBY WILD earned her bachelor of science and doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) degrees at Cornell University. She completed her veterinary internship training at Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital in Akron, Ohio, and received her master’s of public health (MPH) from the University of Minnesota. She is a published genetics researcher and uses her research background to screen zoonotic disease transmission among wildlife, domestic animals, and people. To help maintain a healthy planet, she monitors herd and individual health for rising epidemics. Dr. Wild balances her Western medicine practices with traditional Chinese medicine in an effort to blend both methodologies. Acclaimed for her role as “the veterinarian” on Animal Jam, the world’s largest online “playground,” with 54 million players, she creates educational videos and teaches children internationally about wildlife conservation and medicine. When not in the wild, Gabby works as a Wildlife Health Program veterinarian for the Wildlife Conservation Society at the Bronx Zoo and is a training veterinary surgeon at the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island. She lives in New York City.

AUBRE ANDRUS is an award-winning children’s book author with dozens of books published by National Geographic, Lonely Planet, American Girl, Disney, Scholastic, and more. She has also ghostwritten books for young YouTube stars. She currently lives in Los Angeles with her family.

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Coming up next week is another edition of MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY! 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 join 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 , , | 4 Comments

MMGM for JANUARY 16, 2023

Posted on January 16, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

HAPPY MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY! Click on to reach a blogger’s middle grade review or feature.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of JOURNEY TO JUSTICE – The Adventures of Spider and Ruby.

Susan Uhlig really enjoyed the historical novel, The Star That Always Stays by Anna Rose Johnson, set shortly after the turn of the 20th century.

Brenda at Log Cabin Library has The War of the Woods the fourth book in The Crowns of Croswald series by D.E. Night.

Sue Heavenrich is over at Archimedes Notebook with a review of The Woman Who Split the Atom: The Life of Lise Meitner.

Carol Baldwin welcomes back her ace teen reviewer, Elliott, with his review of Omar Rising.

Maria Antonia at of books, photography, and tea has a post about FEATHERED by Deborah Kerbel.

Valinora Troy shares her review about The Time Tider by Sinead O’Hart.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews TALES OF THE PREHISTORIC WORLD. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with last Thursday’s WHAT HAPPENED TO RACHEL RILEY.

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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

JOURNEY TO JUSTICE – The Adventures of Spider and Ruby

Posted on January 15, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Imagine a world flooded with water. Most people are forced to work hard to survive while a powerful few enjoy lives of leisure and luxury on a mysterious, man-made island. It’s up to Spider and his newfound friend Ruby to change the fate of the AquaGrowers and HouseBoaters. But first they have to rescue Spider’s twin brother, Luke, who’s been imprisoned for attempting to organize an uprising against the powers that be.

Join the young heroes as they face down the ruthless Marauders and the all-powerful Chosen on their mission to unite humankind. The story invites readers to engage with an urgent question: What can happen to our planet if we don’t take proper care of it? With Spider and Ruby leading the way, readers explore the importance of friendship and discovering one’s true potential, the pitfalls of sibling rivalry, and, above all else, standing up for what’s right in the face of overwhelming odds – and that includes complacent adults.

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My usual rant of middle grade books becoming much too long (300-400 pages) doesn’t apply here. Journey to Justice-The Adventures of Spider and Ruby tips the scales at just 161 pages. In this case though I’m wishing this tale had been longer.

Many scenes ended too abruptly or readers are told what happened. Despite this little nitpick, I thoroughly enjoyed the ride I took with the main characters, Spider and Ruby. The third person narration covers 30 chapters ending with hints of a sequel.

Most books about climate change center around what we need to do to turn this problem around. That’s not the case here as the plot focuses on the after, the time in the future when humans have lost the battle with a climate disaster they caused.

Twelve-year-old Spider lives on a houseboat with his parents. Twin brother Luke is no longer there after being arrested and banished to a prison on The Island. Spider decides he must save his brother leading him to meet Ruby. She lives in an underwater greenhouse with her parents and a grandfather (who becomes a key to the story).

Spider and Ruby become instant friends and together they plan to rescue Luke and change the unfair caste system the world must follow. Adventurous and appealing to both boys and girls, the story will for sure cause more discussion about the potential effects of global warming.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT JOURNEY TO JUSTICE

  1. Despite being set in the future the settings felt real and not in the realm of a science fiction impossibility.
  2. Good versus Evil is exposed in marvelous fashion.
  3. Not one but two likeable heroes. Hopefully in a book two we will see some of their more flawed personality traits.
  4. The idea that no matter what happens there is always hope.
  5. It will get you thinking about how hard it would be to live on a planet made up mostly of water.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tanni Haas, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences, and Disorders at the City University of New York, Brooklyn College. He’s the author of three books and hundreds of academic and popular articles (including dozens of articles on parenting) and the editor of two books. His poems and short stories have appeared in many literary publications. His various writings have been translated into Chinese, Greek, Korean, Persian, Polish, Portuguese, and Spanish.

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW.

BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER MMGM POSTS FROM BLOGGERS AROUND THE WORLD.

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments