MMGM for APRIL 8, 2024

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has a review of Keeping Pace by Laurie Morrison.

Susan Uhlig enjoyed the first book in the fantasy trilogy AMARI AND THE NIGHT BROTHERS by B. B. Alston.

Brenda @ Log Cabin Library takes a look at The Not-So-Simple Question by Christina Matula.

Rebecca Douglass is back in the MMGM lineup with a review of Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World.

Maria Antonia has a list of books that are space themed. A perfect companion for today’s eclipse.

Max @ Completely Full Bookshelf recommends Yummy: A History of Desserts by Victoria Grace Elliott.

Jennifer Rummel also returns this week with a review of JUST KEEP WALKING.

Kasey Girard @ The Story Sanctuary reviews Nightmares in Paradise by Aden Polydoros.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has an MMGM book to share every day. Be sure to check out her MMGM selection along with last Wednesday’s SAFE PASSAGE.

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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

KEEPING PACE

KEEPING PACE is an upper middle grade book. The engaging plot is just right for those readers not quite ready for a full blown jump into YA.

Thirteen-year-old Grace is an achievement oriented girl who strives to become the top scholar in her final year of middle school. She wants to beat her former best friend Jonah, but at graduation she finds out he beat her my a fraction of point. So much for impressing her divorced dad who doesn’t spend as much time with Grace anymore.

Summer is next and she has no plans or goals, and it bothers Grace immensely. But then she signs up for a half marathon that she and Jonah always talked about doing. Maybe she can beat him in this race. They eventually train together and Grace soon wonders whether winning is all that important and who is most important in her life.

Grace’s first person narration is full of internal and external conflict. It’s the type of thoughts kids often have but can’t express. The supporting cast of characters shine including older sister Celia, their parents, cousin Avery, and Jonah. Each brings a different personality that is often helpful, but also confusing at times for Grace.

Training for a long distance race is a great centerpiece and runners of all types will feel bonded to the main character. The 34 chapters flow effortlessly, and as Grace turns 14 before High School begins, there is an innocent first kiss and some teasing about making out. It’s all handled appropriately for readers at middle school age.

KEEPING PACE is a heartfelt, winning addition to the MG shelves.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: APRIL 9, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 304

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FIVE MORE THINGS TOP LIKE ABOUT: KEEPING PACE by Laurie Morrison

  1. The past, present, and future come together in wonderful fashion. There’s a tree house, fulfilling a summer list of goals, and the soon beginning of High School.
  2. Kids will often choose books with older characters as kind of a window to their own future. Having Grace as an 8th grader provides a much needed age group for 6th and 7th graders to enjoy.
  3. Cross Country running gets full exposure for those already racing and for individuals considering this sport. The training needed is outlined in great detail.
  4. The trauma of divorce and the death of a parent are expertly portrayed by the effected characters.
  5. Middle school is full of not only frustrations but also times when you begin to figure things out. Having that light bulb come on is a necessary part of growing up and handled here beautifully.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Laurie Morrison is the coauthor of Every Shiny Thing and the author of Up for Air, Saint Ivy, and Coming Up Short.  Her next book, Keeping Pace, comes out from Abrams/Amulet Books on April 9, 2024. Laurie’s books have received starred reviews and been chosen as Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selections and finalists for state award lists. She holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, and she lives with her family in Philadelphia, PA, where she teaches middle school language arts.

(For more about Laurie, visit her author website)

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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 , , , , | 6 Comments

BASEBALL BUDDIES-BUILDING A TEAM

Baseball season has begun and what better way to get in the mood than this first title in the Baseball Buddies series. It’s about the effort it takes to play a better game by cooperating with teammates.

Luis is new to the team this year, but Coach Joe makes him team captain to the surprise of both Luis and most of his teammates. This group is more about goofing off than playing their best. The biggest distraction is loud and obnoxious Jimmie who just wants to hit homeruns.

The third person narration flows through 13 chapters. The layout is full of illustrations and the text is easy on the eyes. Perfect for new MG readers who aren’t ready for the more intense 300 page novel.

Luis is a character you will remember with his eagerness to do well and bring this team together. Being a leader is not easy but Luis figures out how to become a great one.

Girls and boys just starting out in little league will find BUILDING A TEAM to be a welcome teammate.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: APRIL 2, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 152

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aaron Derr is a writer based just outside of Dallas, Texas. He has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing magazines and books for kids of all ages for companies such as Red Chair Press, TIME For Kids, Sports Illustrated for Kids and the Boy Scouts of America. When he’s not reading or writing, Aaron enjoys watching and playing sports with his wife and two kids. He’s learned a lot from his home team about being a good sport and building teams.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Gary LaCoste started his career over 20 years ago working on game board and toy designs for clients including Hasbro, Nickelodeon, and LEGO. About 10 years ago his focus shifted to include children’s publishing. Gary has since illustrated more than 25 books and also is a regular contributor to many kids’ magazines including Highlights, Time for Kids, Jack and Jill, and Clubhouse Jr. He lives in Western Massachusetts with his wife and daughter.

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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, Sports book | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

MMGM for APRIL 1, 2024

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has a review of THE GIRL IN THE WINDOW by Lindsey Hobson.

Max @ Completely Full Bookshelf recommends Princess Princess Ever After by K. O’Neill. 

Susan Uhlig was fascinated by the unusual THE BEATRYCE PROPHECY by Kate DiCamillo and illustrated by Sophie Blackall.

LInda Browne is back with her March Bookcase Bizarro, featuring a review of THE FIRST STATE OF BEING by Erin Estrada Kelly.

Kasey Giard @ The Story Sanctuary reviews Trouble at the Tangerine by Gillian McDunn.

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 THE FIRST STATE OF BEING.

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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 GIRL IN THE WINDOW

Summer starts off the wrong way when baseball loving Izzy hits a high fly ball and breaks the neighbor’s window. Even worse, it’s where the mysterious Mr. Johnson lives. Rumors about how bad he is are the main topic of gossip in the town.

Izzy’s mom who doesn’t believe Mr. Johnson is an evil person makes Izzy offer to do work in the neighbor’s yard in exchange for paying for the broken window. That’s bad enough, but then she sees a ghost girl in the window with a HELP ME message. Izzy’s plan to play baseball all summer turns into a mystery of trying to solve the girls death.

Nothing too spooky here unless ghosts already creep you out. Eventually Izzy’s older sister, younger brother, and a best friend get involved. Izzy’s sleuthing skills will remind you of Nancy Drew.

Themes of friendship, family, and a first crush are carried out to perfection. Readers will enjoy each character’s distinct personality. The third person narration stays with Izzy the entire way and the ending couldn’t have been better. I’m not loving the cover, but THE GIRL IN THE WINDOW is a welcome addition to the middle grade shelves.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: April 2, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 168

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FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE GIRL IN THE WINDOW by Lindsey Hobson

  1. A Victorian mansion couldn’t be a better setting for the spooky proceedings. Secret staircases and hallways will have you guessing as to what will happen next.
  2. Changes in each character remind readers not to always judge others by first impression.
  3. An easy flowing read that lends itself to being an entertaining read aloud.
  4. Lizzie is a courageous, no-nonsense character that middle grade readers will enjoy and remember.
  5. A sequel is in the works and we’ll be anxiously awaiting the next Izzy Gordon Ghost Adventure.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lindsey is an award-winning author from Southwest Missouri, where she lives with her husband and daughter in a beautiful area known as the Ozarks. She is the author of two picture books and several short stories. Although Lindsey enjoys writing for all ages, she believes children’s books contain a special kind of magic.

(Be sure to visit Lindsey’s author web page)

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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 , , , , | 10 Comments

FRANKINSCHOOL#2: The Cupsnake Escape

I previously reviewed the first book in the series, Monster Match, last July. The Cupsnake Escape continues the fun format and story line.

Our MC, Fred, has a huge problem. He turns into Frankenstein’s monster every time he writes his “what if” assignments.

This time around the school’s dessert baking contest gets the unexpected surprise when Fred’s dessert turns into snakes and are loose in the school. With the help of Luisa and Drake, they come up with a plan to save the day.

With bold print and fun illustrations the story is perfect for those just entering the middle grade level of books. The engaging tale unfolds in a fast paced format. It’s more creepy than scary so young readers will have no problem with the content.

Book 3, GONE WITH THE DOGS, will be out next August.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Caryn Rivadeneira is the award-winning author of more than twenty-five books for both children and adults, including the Frankinschool Mystery Series (Red Chair Press, August 1, 2023), Edward and Annie: A Penguin Adventure (Tommy Nelson & the Shedd Aquarium, March 2022), Saints of Feather and Fang (Broadleaf, April 2022), and the eight-book Helper Hounds Series (Red Chair Press), Her work has appeared in Aleteia, Sojourners, Christianity Today, Relevant, FamilyLife,ThinkChristian, and Engineering and Mining Journal (yeah, you read that right). Caryn has spent nearly three decades in the publishing industry, serving as a magazine, blog, and book editor. Today, in addition to writing and taking on the occasional freelance editing client,  Caryn serves on staff at her church and is a proud member of INK: A Creative Collective and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She holds a BA in English from Calvin College (now University) and completes her MA in Worship from Northern Seminary in May 2022. Caryn lives in the near-west suburbs of Chicago with her husband, her three kids, and her three beloved rescue pit bulls. (Author website)

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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 , , | 2 Comments

MMGM for March 25, 2024

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has a review of TROUBLE AT THE TANGERINE by Gillian McDunn.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has a guest post by author Cathy Carr and her agent Rachel Orr and a giveaway of Cathy’s MG Lost Kites and Other Treasures.

Brenda at Log Cabin Library shares her review of  The Secret Library by Kekla Magoon.

Faith Hough shares a post about Mio, My Son, by Astrid Lindgren.

Carol Baldwin reviews a picture book for grades K-3. It’s not a middle grade book, but the subject matter might capture their interest: PUSH-PULL MORNING: Dog Powered Poems About Matter and Energy.

Stephanie at Fairday’s Blog features Deliverers 4: Sparkling Mist of Time by Gregory Slomba. 

Maria Antonia is back with another mystery this week: Harriet Spies by Elana K. Arnold.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews WHAT GOES ON INSIDE A BEAVER POND by Becky Cushing Gop . Also included are three links of interest for Rosi’s 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 Friday’s review of LISTEN TO THIS.

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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

TROUBLE AT THE TANGERINE

Simon is tired of moving. His move to Tangerine Pines Apartments is the 26th time he and his parents have ended up at a new place via the family van. Simon wants to stay in one location and the town of Rigsby seems like the perfect choice.

He has a plan but convincing his parents won’t be easy when on their first night a priceless ruby necklace is stolen from one of the residents. Not the best start to have a robber on the loose in this possible forever home. He hopes to crack the case with the help of new friend Amaya. They become detectives, trying to discover who is guilty, and hopefully putting his parents’ thoughts of moving again to rest.

The third person narration shines through 34 chapters. It’s an engaging whodunit that will have you guessing right to the end. Anyone who likes middle grade contemporary mysteries has a new companion with TROUBLE AT THE TANGERINE.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: TROUBLE AT THE TANGERINE by Gillian McDunn

  1. Living in an apartment building is portrayed memorably with the quirks and necessities of being a resident. Lots of middle grade readers who have never lived in one will be fascinated at the comparison to single family home life.
  2. The secondary characters are not just fillers but become an important part of the plot. This includes Oscar the doorman and Mrs. Kobayashi, an elderly lady and former detective who tends the community garden. Simon has quite the different interactions with each.
  3. Simon is not so sure about his parent’s social media presence on their “Hydes Go Seek” posts about the family travels. Simon has a believable and honest exchange with them about changing the site to being more of an honest portrayal rather than just showing the good parts.
  4. Friendship and family are the perfect pairing. The read-aloud and discussion possibilities lend this to be a great asset.
  5. The pacing is fantastic and you will keep turning the pages to read the next chapter.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gillian McDunn is the award-winning author of children’s books about friendship and family dynamics. She is a former technical writer, summer camp counselor, and boa constrictor handler, and she has never met a beach she didn’t love. She lives in North Carolina with her family. You’ll find free discussion guides, book trailers, and resources on her website at www.gillianmcdunn.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 Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

EXCLUSION and the CHINESE AMERICAN STORY

Not many of us know the history of Chinese people in America. EXCLUSION AND THE CHINESE AMERICAN STORY is a revealing look at the struggles against racism that Chinese people have faced in nearly 200 years of our past.

The thoroughly researched stories are an honest look at the hardships endured along with the promise for a better future. The tales are compelling, especially ones about Vincent Chan, Mabel Ping-Hua Lee, Anna May Wong, and Yee Ah Tye. All had a role in Chinese American history, each unique in their own way.

The titles of the 7 chapters hint at what is in store:

  • 1.BECOMING CHINESE AMERICAN
  • 2. RAILROADS
  • 3. HARD WORK
  • 4. A RACIAL HIERARCHY
  • 5. EXCLUSION
  • 6. ANGEL ISLAND
  • 7. BELONGING

Each chapter concludes with a set of excellent discussion questions for young readers. Perfect for thought provoking individuals and classrooms. The final page ends with a challenge as to how one can help make America more accepting for all people.

A Bibliography and more resources for young readers wrap up the book. EXCLUSION AND THE CHINESE AMERICAN STORY is a great addition to any school or home library.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah-SoonLing (she/her/hers) was born in Bangkok, Thailand into a mixed-race Malaysian Chinese and white American family. A classic “third culture kid,” she grew up moving between various East and Southeast Asian countries and the Washington DC area. Sarah moved to the Deep South in 2009, and she has now lived there longer than anywhere else. Her experiences first as a classroom teacher and later as a teacher educator inform her beliefs about the role that education can and must play in the realization of social justice.

She owes very much to her ancestors.

Sarah was first certified as a high school English teacher and later spent most of her years in the classroom teaching third and fourth grade. In 2011 she was named Teacher of the Year at Lakeside Upper Elementary School in Lake Village, Arkansas. As a professional trainer and coach, Sarah’s areas of focus have included workplace cultures, leadership skills, and diversity, equity and inclusion. Sarah is a LinkedIn Learning Instructor and the author of “Exclusion and the Chinese American Story,” now available for preorder.

Sarah has a B.A. from Haverford College, an M.A. in Social Justice and Education from University College London’s Institute of Education, and an Ed.D. from Johns Hopkins University. She is based out of Oxford, Mississippi.

(For more about the author 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 | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

MMGM for March 18, 2024

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has a review of Matt Sprouts and the Curse of the Ten Broken Toes by Matthew Eicheldinger.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles interviews Anne Rellihan and has a giveaway of her MG mystery, Not the Worst Friend in the World.

Brenda at Log Cabin Library has a review of  The Mystery of Locked Rooms by Lindsay Currie.

ET Charles shares Matt Phelan’s short, illustrated novel A Snow Day for Plum!

Carol Baldwin has THE HUMAN BODY: AN ALIEN’S GUIDE: A Graphic Novel Review by Guest Blogger Brooke Leela-Ann White.

Patricia Tilton @ Children’s Books Heal shares her review of a short nonfiction  book,  What Does Hate Look Like by Sameea Jimenez and Corinne Promislow.

Matt @ Completely Full Bookshelf has a review of Saving Sunshine by Saadia Faruqi and Shazleen Khan. 

Maria Antonia has a post about Super Puzzletastic Mysteries, a book of short stories by Chris Grabenstein (et al)

Rebecca Douglass joins us this week with a review of Will Taylor’s The Language of Seabirds.

Kasey Girard @ The Story Sanctuary has a review of The Deadlands: Survival by Skye Melki-Wegner.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews THE ENIGMA GIRLS: HOW TEN TEENAGERS BROKE CIPHERS, KEPT SECRETS, AND HELPED WIN WORLD WAR II . Also included are three links of interest for Rosi’s 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 Tuesday’s review of MILLIE.

———————————————————————

(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