BEHIND MY DOORS-The Story of the World’s Oldest Library

Here’s a story about a library most people probably never knew existed (including me). Founded by a Muslim woman (Fatima Al-Fihri) in 859, the Al-Qarawiyyin Library is located in Fez, Morocco.

The library is the perfect narrator to tell its own story. In the early years visitors included those from Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and Al-Qarawiyyin University. Featured debates were held often in the reading rooms. It was a thriving, beautiful place.

Over the years though it fell into disrepair. Visitations declined. Thankfully this special place was finally restored in 2012.

Captivating illustrations are found throughout the 40 pages. It is a picture book, but one that younger middle grade kids would enjoy. You could even put in on a living room table and watch as very few could walk by without picking it up.

BEHIND MY DOORS is a quick memorable tribute to a special library.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hena Khan has been publishing books for children, including many that center Pakistani American and Muslim characters, for over two decades. She writes award-winning books in a multitude of formats, including picture books, middle grade fiction, pick-your-path adventures, and graphic novels. Her stories are often centered around her culture, community, friendship, and family, and draw from her own experiences. Hena’s bestselling novels include Amina’s Voice and More to the Story. She is also the author of the Zayd Saleem Chasing the Dream, Zara’s Rules, and Super You! series. Hena’s acclaimed picture books include Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns, Under My Hijab, and It’s Ramadan, Curious George. She holds an MA in International Affairs from The George Washington University, has served on the board of We Need Diverse Books, and is a member of the Children’s Book Guild of DC. Hena lives in her hometown of Rockville, Maryland.

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

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

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

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

Posted in New Release, non fiction | Tagged , | 2 Comments

MMGM for MAY 20, 2024

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has a review of DRAWING DEENA by Hena Khan

Rebecca Douglass is featuring Nic Stone’s Clean Getaway.

Brenda @ Log Cabin Library reviews Mermedusa (The Legends of Eerie-on-Sea#5) by Thomas Taylor.

Sue Heavenrich has a fantastic book for kids! Over at Archimedes Notebook is her review of  One Long Line: Marching Caterpillars and the Scientists Who Followed Them, by Loree Griffin Burns.

Max @ Completely Full Bookshelf recommends Anya’s Ghost by Vera Brosgol, and also proposing a virtual Kidlit Lovers’ Meetup for book bloggers and readers! 

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Chasing Helicity: Force of Nature (Book One) by Ginger Zee

Maria Antonia has a post about Aggie Morton, Mystery Queen: The Body Under the Piano by Marthe Jocelyn. 

Rosi Hollinbeck has a Double Review & GIVEAWAY of GUT REACTION & HALF MOON SUMMER. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has an MMGM book to share every day. Be sure to check out her MMGM selection for this week along with last Friday’s LINUS AND ETTA COULD USE A WIN.

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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)
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DRAWING DEENA

Anxiety and depression can often be frequent visitors for those in the middle grades. Deena isn’t sure what to do about the knot in her stomach. It’s there when her parents argue about money or when facing the realities of school. She often can’t find the right words to say.

Deena does have good friends and artistic skills to make it through each day. What if she used her creative art work to help her parents out? She does exactly that by creating a logo and website for her mom’s home based business– selling beautiful clothes from Pakistan.

Business improves, but her nausea and feeling unsure of herself worsen. School and parental support are the outlets she must depend on.

Deena’s first person narration flows smoothly through 44 chapters. It’s a quiet story but one that could result in some great discussion about the effect anxiety can have on one’s life, and what you can do about it. For Deena it’s talking to a school psychologist and making sure her parents know what she has been going through emotionally.

DRAWING DEENA is a powerful story and deeply personal for the author. It will appeal mostly to girls but boys might also enjoy the tale, especially those interested in art.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: February 6, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 240

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: DRAWING DEENA by Hena Khan

  1. Deena’s parents learn from her that there is no shame in asking for help. An important reminder that “It takes a village to raise a child.”
  2. A nice sidelight was learning about Pakistani traditions, culture, and language embedded in the story.
  3. Deena is inspired by Salma, an artist she meets through her mother’s business. A mentor can play an important role in providing inspiration and a new voice to help process one’s thoughts.
  4. The use of social media showed a realistic look at how we are often controlled by its use. Another beneficial theme was the pressure girls often have about outward appearance.
  5. Deena’s voice came through loud and clear by book’s end. It will make you smile.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hena Khan has been publishing books for children, including many that center Pakistani American and Muslim characters, for over two decades. She writes award-winning books in a multitude of formats, including picture books, middle grade fiction, pick-your-path adventures, and graphic novels. Her stories are often centered around her culture, community, friendship, and family, and draw from her own experiences. Hena’s bestselling novels include Amina’s Voice and More to the Story. She is also the author of the Zayd Saleem Chasing the Dream, Zara’s Rules, and Super You! series. Hena’s acclaimed picture books include Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns, Under My Hijab, and It’s Ramadan, Curious George. She holds an MA in International Affairs from The George Washington University, has served on the board of We Need Diverse Books, and is a member of the Children’s Book Guild of DC. Hena lives in her hometown of Rockville, Maryland.

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW!

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

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MOUNTAIN OF FIRE

My first look at the cover made me assume this was fiction– a story of two boys desperately trying to escape the devastation brought on by the Mount St. Helens volcano in 1980. Their tale is included but MOUNTAIN OF FIRE is a non-fiction account of the stories brought forth by citizens, scientists, politicians. and experts in the behavior of volcanoes… and quite a good one.

The 43 chapters lead us through the months before Mount St. Helens erupted. It was a guessing game as to when and if it would ever occur. But on on May 18, 1980, the disaster left 57 dead and many others barely escaping. Their stories are gripping to read.

A helpful map of key places and the location of individuals talked about within the pages are included. The author does an excellent job in the narrative detailing the emotions of that time period. This includes the blame game in the days following the eruption and calling out politician’s reactions.

The forty plus years that have passed have brought more understanding and technology in helping predict future occurrences and the lessons learned. The ending chapters cover this much needed information. Don’t miss the QR code link where you can view pictures of the people included in the story along with images of the eruption and aftermath.

A great addition to the non-fiction shelves. MOUNTAIN OF FIRE is perfect for middle graders interested in learning about disasters and science.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rebecca E. F. Barone is an engineer who has worked on a diverse array of projects: injury analysis for the National Football League, knee mechanics during car crashes, development of gait biometrics, and engine calibration of hybrid cars. Realizing her love for books in addition to numbers, she now describes the world with words rather than equations. Her first book, Race to the Bottom of the Earth: Surviving Antarctica, is now available and has received four starred reviews. Her second book, Unbreakable: The Spies Who Cracked the Nazis’ Secret Code, about the Enigma cipher of WWII, launched October 25, 2022 to four starred reviews. Mountain of Fire: The Eruption and Survivors of Mount St. Helens, her third book, will be published Spring, 2024.

For more about Rebecca and her other books, be sure to visit her author website.

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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from 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, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

MMGM for MAY 13, 2024

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has a review of LOUDER THAN HUNGER by John Schu.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles shares a guest post by Sandy Deutscher Green and a GIVEAWAY of her MG horror in verse Ghost Writers: The Haunting of Lake Lucy.

Brenda @ Log Cabin Library reviews The Swifts:  A Dictionary of Scoundrels by Beth Lincoln, illustrations by Claire Powell.

Jennifer Bohnhoff has  Meg Goes to America, an MG historical fiction about a missionary’s daughter in Japan at the start of WWII. Also included is a three copy GIVEAWAY of the book.

Sue Heavenrich has an adventure at sea over at Archimedes Notebook: A Window into the Ocean Twilight Zone: Twenty-Four Days of Science at Sea, by Michelle Cusolito.

Carol Baldwin reviews SALT TO THE SEA by Ruta Sepetys.

Linda Browne reviews THE STARS OF WHISTLING RIDGE, by Cindy Baldwin at Bookcase Bizarro.

Max @ Completely Full Bookshelf recommends Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol.

Patricia Tilton and Children’s Books Heal reviews “True or Fales? :The Science of Perception, Misinformation, and Disinformation” by Jacqueline B. Toner, PhD.

Maria Antonia has a post about a newly released novel in verse: Mari in the Margins by Rebecca J. Gomez. There’s also an interview with the author! 

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of KEEPING PACE by Laurie Morrison. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.

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

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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

LOUDER THAN HUNGER

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

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

Heartbreaking. Challenging. Uplifting. Helpful.

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

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

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

PAGE COUNT: 528 BOOK BIRTHDAY: March 19, 2024

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

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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

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

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BOOK BIRTHDAY: March 5, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 214

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

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

So they decided to write books. 

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

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

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

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

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

Posted in Historical fiction, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

MMGM for May 6, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

Max @ COMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF recommends Mexikid  by Pedro Martín.

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

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

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

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

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

Fortune Tellers

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

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

Friendship over.

Or maybe not.

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

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

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

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

BOOK BIRTHDAY: May 7, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 240

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

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW!

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

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

MAKE YOUR MARK, MAKE A DIFFERNCE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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