MMGM for July 8, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

THE TENTH MISTAKE OF HANK HOOPERMAN

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

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

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

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

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

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

BOOK BIRTHDAY: June 11, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 320

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

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Gennifer Choldenko

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

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW!

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Via LaVie and the SECRET KEY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

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

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

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

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

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

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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. All you have to do is email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.

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

MMGM for July 1, 2024

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

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

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

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

Valinora Troy reviews DELTA AND THE LOST CITY.

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

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

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

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(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

A WHISPER OF CURSES

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

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

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

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

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

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

BOOK BIRTHDAY: July 9, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 304

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

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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

Learn more at www.authorjelle.com.

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW!

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

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

AMBER BROWN IS NOT A CRAYON –The Graphic Novel

The first Paula Danziger book I read was THE CAT ATE MY GYM SUIT. It quickly became one of my favorites. When I finally became a teacher it was the first book I shared with students. Copies of other Danziger classics like Can you Sue Your Parents for Malpractice? and This Place Has No Atmosphere also found a home on my classroom bookshelf.

The Amber Brown series leaned more toward younger chapter book readers, but many students would cling to their copies from earlier grades. Amber Brown was that special. Twelve books in the series confirmed her popularity.

Out now is a new graphic novel format for the first book, AMBER BROWN IS NOT A CRAYON. It’s the touching story of losing a best friend when Amber must come to grips when her pal Justin and his family plan on moving to another state. This illustrated version is colorful and boldly show the emotions of each character. It also stays true to the original plot.

While not a book I would normally review given it is for chapter book readers up to about age 10, I couldn’t resist as I have never featured a Paula Danzinger book.

There’s no better way to get kids reading than with Amber Brown. She will also push them forward to the other more middle grade titles in the Danziger collection. Although Paula passed away many years ago, her love of writing will be forever infused to young audiences for generations to come.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: May 21, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 112

About Paula Danziger:

Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in New York, Paula Danziger knew since second grade that she wanted to be a writer. Beginning her career as a teacher, Danziger taught at the junior high, high school, college levels. She received her Masters Degree in reading and during that time she wrote her first bestselling novel, The Cat Ate My Gymsuit. She returned to teaching, but the success of her book encouraged her to become a full-time writer. It was non-stop for Danziger since then. Among her titles are: the enormously popular Amber Brown books as well as Remember Me To Harold SquareThe Divorce Express, and Can You Sue Your Parents For Malpractice?

Danziger received numerous honors, including: Parent’s Choice Awards, International Reading Association – Children’s Book Council Awards, a IRA-CBC Children’s Choice Award and many nominations for state reading and library association awards.

Known as a flamboyantly funny and deeply honest writer and speaker, Paula Danziger knew how to relate to young readers at their level. She was vital, funny, and compassionate. She knew how kids felt, what made them laugh, what they wore, collected, read, and played with. From collecting novelty toys that would make any teacher cringe, to wearing jangly earrings, funky glasses and shoes covered with beads and sequins, Paula Danziger had a direct line into kids’ hearts and funnybones. She will be missed always.

In Paula’s memory, The Amber Brown Fund has been established to bring authors and illustrators to schools and libraries which otherwise could not afford them. Donations may be sent to The Amber Brown Fund/ SCBWI Museum of Children’s Books, 8271 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048.

About Victoria Ying:

Raised in California, Victoria Ying is an author and illustrator of beloved children’s books. She realized that she had a true eye for detail when she fell in loves with comic books when she was a teenager. This interest in comics led her to a successful career in animation. Her credits include Tangled, Wreck it Ralph, Frozen, Paperman, Big Hero 6, and Moana.

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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 Graphic Novels, Reviews | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

MMGM for June 24, 2024

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has a review of THE COOKIE CRUMBLES by Tracy Badua and Alechia Dow.

Continental Drifter, a graphic novel, by Kathy MacLeod tugged on Susan Uhlig’s heartstrings. The story is set in Thailand and Maine.

Michelle Isenhoff has The War that Saved My Life, by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has a guest post by M.R. Fournet and a giveaway of her MG horror Brick Dust and Bones or Darkness and Demon Song, winner’s choice. 

Jennifer Bohnhoff shares 4 MG books that won or were finalists for Western Writers of America’s Spur award. Jennifer also has copies to give away of all four of the books mentioned in the post.

Rebecca Douglass has a review of Chasing Helicity, by Ginger Zee.

Carol Baldwin features Meg Goes to America: A Middle Grade Review by Guest Teen Blogger, Pearl Burningham.

Sue Heavenrich has a MG nonfiction written through the lens of an Indigenous knowledge carrier: THE BEE MOTHER.

Valinora Troy is back this week with a review of Dungeon Runners: Hero Trial by Kieran Larwood.

Jennifer Rummell @ YA Book Nerd is talking about Perfect Revenge from Jessica Burhart.

Brenda at Log Cabin Library hosts the blog tour stop for SPELLBINDERS: BREAK THE GAME by Andrew Auseon with a Review and Giveaway!

Rosi Hollinbeck is back this week with a double review: FREAK THE MIGHTY & THE BIG DARK. Included is a giveaway. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends and a fun summary from a successful tour of baseball stadiums.

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 RATTY.

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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)
Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

THE COOKIE CRUMBLES

Not your ordinary baking competition when the recipe includes an attempted murder mixed into the plot. THE COOKIE CRUMBLES will have readers on the edge of their seats figuring out whodunit among the seven suspects.

Laila and Lucy have been best friends since kindergarten. Laila’s passion is cooking while Lucy hopes to become a famous news writer and broadcaster. They both have a chance to attend the prestigious Sunderland Boarding School when they start high school in a year. Laila must win the cookie bake-off competition while Lucy has to impress the board with her journalism skills to get the coveted scholarship.

One of the judges is the world renowned Chef Remi who unfortunately gags on one of Laila’s cookie creations and ends up in the hospital with a life threatening diagnosis. The competition continues with accusations sent one way and the other. A bad storm has also closed roads leaving the group isolated from the outside world.

Both girls investigate the attempted murder with some surprising results. Their friendship is tested but also becomes stronger as the pages turn toward the exciting end. Mystery lovers and those who like a competitive bake off will be rewarded with a the perfect recipe for an engaging story.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: June 11, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 320

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE COOKIE CRUMBLES by Tracy Badua & Alechia Dow

  1. The story unfolds with alternating viewpoints from Laila and Lucy. This allows a much deeper view into their friendship and each of their strengths and weaknesses.
  2. The clues keep coming about who the guilty party might be and it had me changing my guess many times. That’s the way a mystery should be written.
  3. You have to love a first line like this: Generally speaking, cookies don’t kill people.
  4. Chef Remi is one of the most obnoxious characters, but he also might remind you of some real life TV chefs. His comments to the young bakers provided many cringe worthy reactions from the kids.
  5. Well thought out character arcs for all the characters, not just Laila and Lucy.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Tracy Badua is an award-winning Filipino American author of books about young people with sunny hearts in a sometimes stormy world. By day, she is an attorney who works in national housing policy and programs, and by night, she squeezes in writing, family time, and bites of her secret candy stash. She lives in San Diego, California, with her family.

Alechia Dow is a former pastry chef, a librarian, and an award-winning author of acclaimed young adult sci-fi fantasies, several short anthology pieces, and magical (sometimes mysterious) middle grade stories. When not writing, you can find her having epic dance parties with her family, baking, reading, taking teeny adventures, and exploring her local food scene.

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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, New Release | Tagged , , , | 11 Comments

MISCOMMUNICAMP!

It’s summer camp season and the CAMP HILLSIDE series is a perfect choice to get you in the mood.

MISCOMMUNICAMP! is the second story, following HURRICAMP! from 2022. All the characters are back and if you haven’t read the first book, no problem as Miscomunicamp! stands well on its own.

Almost twleve-year-old Laura “Noodle” Newman narrates the story. Noodle is known for her successful in-camp radio broadcasts. They don’t always of as planned but play a necessary part in the plot. She’s also happy to reconnect with friends from last year’s camp.

All the traditional camp like experiences are here including living in a cabin, meals, campfires, hiking, and fun physical activities in the water. Conflict arises when best friend Aries decides to put all of her efforts into a camp performance of the musical Peter Pan, leaving Noodle on her own.

You’ll find lots of laughs along the way in addition to the drama. Full page photographic like illustrations are scattered throughout and show the emotions of each scene through the girls’ faces. MISCOMMUNICAMP! is recommended for girls, especially those who ever dreamed of or have gone to summer camp. It even brought back memories for me during my camp experiences as a kid.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

In third grade, Steph Katzovi announced that she was going to be author when she grew up. Realizing that she might want to explore other career options first, Steph got her bachelor’s degree from Binghamton University before attending Brooklyn Law School. She spent the bulk of her 15+ year career at Deloitte as a speechwriter and strategic communications consultant. When the opportunity arose to raise her children and focus more fully on creative writing, Steph decided it was time to take her “When I Grow Up” essay from third grade a bit more seriously. If she’s not busy writing at her desk in New York City, Steph is a sports and exercise enthusiast. She also enjoys playing guitar and piano with her two sons, going out on date nights with her husband, and reading. Preferably poolside. Find her at www.StephKatzovi.com.

If you are curious why Steph decided to set her books at a summer camp, here’s why…

One of the main themes I explore in my books is adolescent independence.  The setting of sleepaway camp gives my characters a less supervised, but still controlled place to tackle the challenges of growing up. Counselors and peers act as the support network instead of parents, teachers, or relatives. In other words, the characters experience life without the safety net of “home.” By giving the characters a different lens for responding to various coming-of-age situations, it, of course, leads to plenty of drama and comedy!

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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. All you have to do is email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.

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

MMGM for June 17, 2024

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has a review of THE GIRL WHO KEPT THE CASTLE by Ryan Graudin.

Susan Uhlig loved revisiting characters and meeting new ones in the sequel Coyote Lost and Found.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an interview with debut author Leah Stecher and a giveaway of her MG The Things We Miss.

Jennifer Bohnhoff shares a mg graphic novel about Mamie Phipps Clark, whose work helped stop school segregation. She’ll also be giving a copy away to someone who comments on the blog.

Carol Baldwin features the THE GROUNDWORLD HEROES: A Chapter Book Review by Guest Blogger, Janelle Ekpo.

Jennifer Rummel reviews Medusa over at YA BOOK NERD.

Maria Antonia shares a post about Dust by Dusti Bowling.

Patricia Tilton @ Children’s Books Heal reviews Legends of Lotus Island: Into the Shadow Mist (book 2) by Christina Soontornvat. It is perfect for kids moving from chapter books into middle grade books.

Max @ COMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF shares a list of books that are gentle with readers’ feelings.

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

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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)
Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 4 Comments