THE GIRL WHO KEPT THE CASTLE

Posted on June 16, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

Wizard West was dead for nearly an entire day before he noticed.

That intriguing first line is a perfect jump start to this fantasy tale. The main character is Faye, a young maid and the groundskeeper daughter. She has been chosen to tell the wizard that he is indeed a ghost and has no magical powers left.

He responds by trying to transform Faye into a cat with disastrous results. The news gets even worse because Faye’s home, the enchanted castle of Celurdur, will fall apart soon if it’s foundation spells can’t be renewed.

Wizard West reluctantly accepts his death and hosts a competition to pick his successor. It doesn’t go well, and it’s up to Faye to work mostly behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly.

A bigger problem surfaces when she discovers a servant of the evil Shadow Queen has sabotaged the contest that will not only destroy the castle but the entire kingdom of Solum. Faye tests her bravery by doing anything to stop the imposter and save her home.

Faye is an endearing lead and must serve under the long standing rule that girls are never to become apprentices to the land’s four wizards (North, South, East, and the ghostly West). She proves everyone wrong with her leadership prowess throughout the story.

THE GIRL WHO KEPT THE CASTLE stands tall as the first book in a to-be-continued adventure. The plot wraps up nicely leaving hints that there may be future stories. Readers will anxiously be waiting its’ arrival.

Fantasy lovers have a new friend set in an enchanting, magical setting.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: June 18, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 336

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE GIRL WHO KEPT THE CASTLE by Ryan Graudin

  1. A great supporting cast including a talking cat. This feline has a few things on her mind and makes for a much needed friend for Faye.
  2. Kind, caring, and brave make Faye one of the best lead female, fantasy characters in recent memory.
  3. A dragon is always a draw and this story has a good one to entertain readers.
  4. The magic is often connected to food which provide many surprises.
  5. The potential apprentices vying for the chance to become the new wizard were surprisingly different and not all were your typical boy characters.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ryan Graudin is the award-winning author of eight novels, including the Carnegie nominated Wolf By Wolf duology, Invictus, The Walled City and the The World Between Blinks series. She resides near Charleston, South Carolina with her husband and two daughters. You can find her online at www.ryangraudin.com.

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Posted in MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews, New Release | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

THE CHAMBERED NAUTILUS

Posted on June 14, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

The SUMMER of L.U.C.K. trilogy comes to a close in a satisfying way with THE CHAMBERED NAUTILUS. I previously featured the first two books, SUMMER of L.U.C.K. and READY or NOT:

The final story is again set at the summer camp where Darby, Naz, and Justin first met. Their friendship continues to evolve as tensions mount. They are drifting apart with new interests and friends.

Chapters unfold utilizing the different viewpoints of the three characters. The title refers to a new ride at the carnival next to the camp. Readers also learn about a real chambered nautilus– a spiral-shaped cephalopod, part of the squid and octopus family. A fascinating creature and a challenging attraction.

When the ghostly Leroy Usher is trapped and asks for their help the meaning of friendship takes on a whole new course. This theme will be quite familiar to many middle grade kids. While Mr. Usher saved and guided Darby, Naz, and Justin in the first two books, it is now up to them to save him.

While The Chambered Nautilus stands well on its own, you will be motivated to go back and enjoy the full series. The reward will be a tale full of adventure, magic, and the power of never giving up. A great summer read.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Laura Segal Stegman is the author of Summer of L.U.C.K. (her debut), sequel Ready or Not (both Five-Star Readers’ Favorite Award winners), and The Chambered Nautilus, third in Young Dragons Press’s middle grade trilogy. She has been featured at the Orange County Children’s Book Festival, San Diego Writers Festival, and LitFest in the Dena, and she shares her author journey with students at virtual and in-person visits to schools and libraries. She also serves as a judge for Society of Young Inklings, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), and other writer competitions. As a publicity consultant, she owns Laura Segal Stegman Public Relations, LLC, which has represented a wide-ranging client list of businesses and arts organizations. Her PR Tips for Authors workshop, a step-by-step guide to building a digital author media kit, has been presented by The Writing Barn, SCBWI, and elsewhere. Non-fiction writing credits include collaboration on the travel book Only in New York. Her feature stories and guest posts have appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Magazine, Westways, and School Library Journal’s Teen Librarian Toolbox, among others. She is based in Los Angeles. www.LauraStegman.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.

*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 MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

MMGM for June 10, 2024

Posted on June 10, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has a review of THE THINGS WE MISS by Leah Stecher.

Maria Antonia gives us a look at Just Like Click by Sandy Grubb.

Sue Heavenrich has a wonderful NF book for young MG readers (the 7-10 crowd): Thomas Jefferson’s Battle for Science: Bias, Truth, and a Mighty Moose! over at Archimedes Notebook.

Max @ COMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF recommends Aquicorn Cove by K. O’Neill.

Michelle Isenhoff reviews Roller Girl, by Veronica Jameison.

Brenda @ Log Cabin Library shares her thoughts on THE COOKIE CRUMBLES by Tracy Badua and Alechia Dow.

Kasey Girard @ The Story Sanctuary reviews Camp Prodigy by Caroline Palmer.

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 A PLACE TO SHINE.

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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 THINGS WE MISS

Posted on June 9, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

7th Grade. Just those two words can conjure up memories both good and bad. For J.P. Green they are mostly bad.

She never feels comfortable in the clothes she wears, is embarrassed by her body shape, and seems to always say the wrong thing or nothing at all. She has one good friend in Kevin as they have grown up together.

J.P.’s escape from reality happens when she finds a strange door in her neighbor’s tree house. It’s a door painted on the wall until J.P. approaches and it turns into a real door. Stepping through it she soon finds that a pathway lets her skip the next 3 days, never remembering what happened. Repeat as necessary. Which is way too often.

The escape is perfect as no one knows she is gone. But mentally she can’t tell you what happened during her away time. There is no memory of PE fitness tests, oral reports, facing Miranda-her nemesis and personal bully, or conversations with Mom or Grandpa.

The first person narration is an emotional journey with heartbreaking scenes throughout. A strong voice taking us along for the journey. You’ll keep reading and hope better days are ahead for J.P. after she realizes being gone for so many important events are making her situation worse.

Issues of mental health, body shaming, and loss of loved ones will be familiar to many young readers. THE THINGS WE MISS is a dramatic, often hard to put down narrative that would make a great story for discussion.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: May 7, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 288

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE THINGS WE MISS by Leah Stecher

  1. Pop Pop was a memorable adult character, always there for J.P. His courageous bout with cancer was a tough reality to deal with for his granddaughter.
  2. The realization that coping skills come about by being present in one’s life.
  3. Kevin is the kind of friend everyone should have. He knows when to say the right thing and his connection with Leah was heartwarming…even with a few bumps along the way.
  4. The realities portrayed about life in 7th grade will help others dealing with some of the same issues.
  5. J.P. and her mom’s relationship had many tough moments. It was nice to see it come around in a more positive way.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Leah Stecher was born and raised in Southern California and currently lives in coastal Maine. By day, she edits policy papers for an environmental nonprofit; by night, she writes middle grade fiction. She has strong opinions on tea blends, chocolate chip cookie recipes, and action movies. (Author Website)

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Nate the Great and the Star-Spangled Parrot

Posted on June 7, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

I devote most of my reading time to middle grade books and reviews. Every year though I let a younger chapter book title slip in as a good choice to prepare young readers for the eventual jump to longer middle grade novels.

No better way to start than with NATE THE GREAT and the STAR-SPANGLED PARROT, a chapter book for ages 6-9.

There are over 2 dozen books in this series and this one continues with another mystery. Nate must use his detective skills to once again crack the case.

Nate and his dog Sludge are approached by friend, Pip. He has lost his parrot. Not a real one like he has on his shoulder, but a drone fancied up to look like a parrot. The 4th of July picnic celebration is in 2 days and Pip had planned a stunning rendition of the Star-Spangled-Banner with his real parrot and the parrot drone. Nate gladly takes on the case.

There’s also a pig involved who ends up helping Nate get closer to finding the drone. At only 64 pages with colorful illustrations throughout, the mystery format and story line will encourage readers to keep reading more books in the series and eventually make the jump to more challenging MG selections.

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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.



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MMGM for June 3, 2024

Posted on June 3, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has a review of HEROES by Alan Gratz.

Maria Antonia gives us a look at Only Only Marisol Rainey by Erin Entrada Kelly.

ET Charles reviews Everything Sad Is Untrue (a true story) by Daniel Nayeri.

Linda Browne reviews The Tale of Truthwater Lake, by Emma Carrol.

Michelle Isenhoff joins the lineup again with a review of  Echo, by Pam Muñoz Ryan. 

Patricia Tilton shares her thoughts on The One and Only Ruby by Katherine Applegate.

Kasey Girard @ The Story Sanctuary reviews Greenwild: The City Beyond the Sea by Pari Thomson.

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 yesterday’s review of THE NEW GIRL.

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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

HEROES by Alan Gratz

Posted on June 2, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

A gripping, historical look at the 1941 invasion of Pearl Harbor is brought to life by two boys. Young Frank McCoy narrates the tale. Dad is a Navy fighter pilot. Frank’s best friend is Stanley Summers whose dad is also stationed at Pearl Harbor.

Frank and Stanley love living in sunny Hawaii. Their favorite thing to do together is creating their own comic books. It’s a perfect pairing with Frank writing the story and Stanley illustrating. But everything changes on December 7, 1941.

They are in the worst place, touring a battleship when the Japanese airplanes start dropping bombs. It’s a frantic and terrifying race to safety.

This short book trailer gives readers a preview of how the story unfolds:

The author did take a few liberties with the historical aspects of Pearl Harbor, but it doesn’t detract from the absolute horror taking place that day. The theme of what it really means to be a hero is present throughout. Also significant is the growing prejudice directed toward Stanley and his mother along with other Japanese Americans after the attack.

HEROES is a page turning achievement, sure to please the MG audience. Another winner from Alan Gratz.

PAGE COUNT: 272 BOOK BIRTHDAY: 2/6/2024

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT HEROES by Alan Gratz

  1. A 10-page comic is included in the back pages. It’s the comic the boys hoped to write some day. A great way to bring closure to the story.
  2. The plot is presented in three parts: BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER the attack. The Author’s note gives even more background on Pearl Harbor.
  3. Frank and Stanley are two memorable characters. Their emotions come forth in every scene and their friendship is tested
  4. I have visited the Pearl Harbor site, but continued to learn more about the fateful day and its aftereffects reading this account.
  5. Action packed and hard to put down, this story will appeal to all those who enjoy historical fiction. HEROES may even hook other readers to give this genre a try.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alan Gratz is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty novels and graphic novels for young readers, including Heroes, Two Degrees, Captain America: The Ghost Army, Ground Zero, Refugee, Allies, Prisoner B-3087, and Ban This Book. A Knoxville, Tennessee native, Alan is now a full-time writer living in Portland, Oregon with his family. Learn more about him online at www.alangratz.com.

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Posted in Historical fiction, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Posted on May 31, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

This new science title from Nomad Press explores five renewable energies: Solar, Wind, Hydropower, Geothermal, and Bioenergy. You won’t find a boring narrative. It’s an interactive, easy to read journey beginning with an informative Introduction followed by 6 chapters:

  1. Sunlight, Sunlight, Is it Too Bright?
  2. Catching the Wind
  3. The Power of H2O
  4. Tapping Into Mother Earth
  5. Veggie Power
  6. Powering Our Future

Illustrations and photographs compliment the text. There are also handy WORDS TO KNOW boxes within each chapter so you don’t have to dig through a glossary to find the meaning of important words.

Essential questions guide a readers learning and a total of sixteen different hands-on projects bring understanding even deeper.. You might be creating a Light Box, experiencing Water Pressure, or setting up an experiment to witness Cellular Respiration. Great learning experiences throughout.

The book ends with 2 pages of actions we can all take to reduce climate change. The final Essential question bring the guide to a thoughtful close: “What’s the best approach to ensure as many people as possible are using renewable energy?”

I’m sure many worthwhile answers will emerge after experiencing this book in classrooms and at home.

Renewable Energy is available from Nomad Press along with other science related books. Future scientists will love this title along with anyone else who usually find science not to their liking.

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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 , , , , , | 1 Comment

MMGM for May 27, 2024

Posted on May 27, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has a review of BRAIDED by Leah Cypess.

Brenda @ Log Cabin Library also reviews BRAIDED (Sister’s Ever After #5) by Leah Cypess

Rebecca Douglass has a post about KEEPING PACE by Laurie Morrison.

Maria Antonia reviews The Vanderbeekers Ever After by Karina Yan Glaser

Carol Baldwin reviews THE NIGHT WAR by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, a historical fiction story set in WWII – 1942.

Kasey Girard @ The Story Sanctuary reviews Not If You Break Up with Me First by G. F. Miller, a middle grade rom-com (ish?).

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of UNSTUCK by Barbara Dee. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

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

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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

BRAIDED

Posted on May 26, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

The Sisters Ever After series adds a fifth book with the heartfelt and exciting story of Cinna and her older sister, Rapunzel. If you are new to the series, each book is a retelling of a fairy tale so you can dive into BRAIDED without having read the others.

Princess Cinna has never met her older sister, Rapunzel, who was kidnapped before Cinna was born. Eighteen of the 25 chapters begin with one of the letters Cinna wrote over the years to the sister she so dearly wants to have back in her life. It’s a good way for readers to gain an emotional attachment to the girls.

When Rapunzel finally does return after being rescued from a mysterious place known as the Realms, Cinna is beyond happy. Rapunzel can now take her rightful place as the next in line for the throne.

But Rapunzel is not quite what everyone expected. She has her own plan for how this re-connection will unfold and boldly speaks her mind to anyone in her way. The only thing the girls seem to have in common is their long braided magical hair, although Cinna cuts hers off to support Rapunzel. When magical creatures begin attacking both Cinna and Rapunzel it will be up to the sisters to unite.

Cinna narrates the tale in an engaging fashion. Her emotions are on display in every scene. The queen and several of her support staff provide even more conflict in their efforts to bring peace to the Borderlands. BRAIDED will keep you wrapped up right to the thrilling conclusion.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: May 28, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 304

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: BRAIDED by Leah Cypess

  1. Magic is in the braids. Different spells can be creating by braiding the hair in a unique way. A hair raising good twist.
  2. Telling a fairy tale through siblings point of view is a perfect way to make this story fun and engaging for readers.
  3. The dragon and several monsters are not to be messed with. They provided many moments of page turning thrills.
  4. The real meaning of sisterhood comes forth through two sisters who had gone 11 years without ever meeting.
  5. Rapunzel’s social skills need a lot of improvement, but many of her surprising comments had me smiling.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: LEAH CYPESS

I wrote my first story in first grade. The narrator was an ice-cream cone in the process of being eaten. In fourth grade, I wrote my first book, about a girl who gets shipwrecked on a desert island with her faithful and heroic dog (a rip-off of both The Black Stallion and all the Lassie movies, very impressive).

After selling my first story (Temple of Stone) while in high school, I gave in to my mother’s importuning to be practical and majored in biology at  Brooklyn College. I then went to Columbia Law School and practiced law for almost two years at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, a large law firm in New York City. I kept writing and submitting in my spare time, and finally, a mere 15 years after my first short story acceptance, I sold my first novel to Greenwillow Books (HarperCollins).

I live in Silver Spring, Maryland (right outside of Washington, D.C.) with my husband and four children.

(For more about Leah, visit her author web page, and follow her on Facebook or Twitter!

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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 , , , , , | 6 Comments