Game Face

Posted on December 10, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Jonah is 13 and wants to succeed as a hockey goalie, maybe eventually going pro. His best buddy, Ty, is also pursuing this dream.

Jonah, though, has anxiety issues that have worsened since his mom was killed in a car accident. Dad also suffers from severe anxiety and won’t even attend his son’s games.

Things get even worse for Jonah when Ty has a medical emergency during an important game. Now Jonah tries to go it alone until he realizes their are people (classmate and next door neighbor, Rose, and a school counselor) who could help with the alien in his brain (A worried voice he calls Al).

The novel in verse flows from one crisis to the next in gripping fashion. It’s a hard to put down treasury of poetry and dialog.

I come across many kids with anxiety issues and GAME FACE will certainly be the book to recommend. The story is a hopeful companion on the road to feeling okay. Perfect starting point for thought and discussion.

PAGE COUNT: 376 BOOK BIRTHDAY: Sept. 5, 2023

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: GAME FACE by Shari Green

  1. Both Rose and the counselor shine as secondary characters. They are very convincing therapists.
  2. The relationship change between Jonah and his Dad comes forth as a strong component.
  3. One look at the cover makes this looks like a sport’s book. What you’ll find instead: hockey is there as a springboard towards helping one’s mental health.
  4. Ty and Jonah’s friendship takes many emotional directions. Heartbreaking and satisfying rolled into a great ending.
  5. Despite the page count, this novel in verse is a quick read and will appeal to many middle graders.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shari Green writes fiction and poetry for children and young adults. Her latest middle-grade novel in verse, GAME FACE, launched in Fall 2023 and is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection. Shari’s other books include ROOT BEER CANDY AND OTHER MIRACLES, an IYL White Ravens selection; MACY McMILLAN AND THE RAINBOW GODDESS, a Schneider Family Book Award winner, Junior Library Guild selection, IBBY Outstanding Books for Young People With Disabilities selection, and USBBY Outstanding International Books selection; and MISSING MIKE, an NCTE Notable Verse Novels selection and USBBY Outstanding International Books selection. Her next book, SONG OF FREEDOM, SONG OF DREAMS, is a Young Adult historical novel in verse, coming in March 2024. When she’s not writing or reading, Shari can often be found wandering the beaches or forest trails near her home on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada.

(For more about Shari and her books take a look at her author web page)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW!

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

Posted in Uncategorized | 10 Comments

SKIP!

Posted on December 8, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Jay is a poet and a budding musician. He has a hard time fitting in anywhere. There’s a promising change when he stumbles across a group of three girls who are practicing their Double Dutch jump roping routines with the team name of SKIP!

Jay is not very good at jump roping, but he enjoys finally having friends. This doesn’t last long when differences among group members (especially tough minded, Beah) cause a split. Broken friendships are not always repairable, but Jay and Beah hope otherwise.

The artwork is colorful and bold and the text flows nicely from one panel to the next. It often swirls across and down the page like a jump rope.

Although the story doesn’t delve deep enough into the character backgrounds, the tale will still please graphic novel enthusiasts. SKIP! is a quick read with themes of isolation and friendship. Double Dutch jump roping is a rare pursuit in MG books so it was fun to have it featured here. The sweet ending was worth the wait.

*************************************

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, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

MMGM for DECEMBER 4, 2023

Posted on December 4, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

HAPPY ! (Due to the upcoming Monday holidays, there will be NO MMGM on December 25th or January 1st).

Click on each snowman for today’s middle grade reviews and features.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of Tethered to Other Stars by Elisa Stone Leahy.

Brenda @ Log Cabin Library features Just Harriet by Elana K. Arnold.

Natalie at LIterary Rambles has a guest post this Wednesday you won’t want to miss: It’s by debut author Dana VanderLugt and there’s a giveaway of her MG historical  Enemies in the Orchard.

Sue Heavenrich has a stem BOOK for MMGM over at Archimedes notebook, The universe in you, by Jason Chin.

Susan Uhlig is sharing the incredible THE RED PENCIL by Andrea Davis Pinkney and illustrated by Shane W. Evans.

Maria Antonia at of books, photography, and tea is back with us today and has a post about: The Laura Ingalls Wilder Companion by Annette Whipple.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of THE PUPPETS OF SPELHORST. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with Wednesday’s review: THE SECRET OF THE RAVENS.

———————————————————————

(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

TETHERED TO OTHER STARS

Posted on December 3, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

The stars were aligned when I won a copy of this engaging middle grade book at Literary Rambles. TETHERED TO OTHER STARS was already on my TBR list given the advanced buzz I had been coming across. I’m pleased to be able to share this contemporary title today right here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE.

Preteen Wendy has a passion for astronomy. If only life were more like the stars. Her Salvadoran-Guatemalan family (Mom, Dad, and older brother Tom) have just moved to Columbus, Ohio. Wendy knows her family is “legal” but everyone is on edge with the appearance of Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) agents.

They are keeping track of a lady named Luz who has taken sanctuary at a church next door to Wendy’s family. Meanwhile, Wendy is faced with bigotry and racist bullying at her new school. Fortunately she has a new group of diverse friends who support each other. Wendy chooses to stay away from any drama by building a telescope for the school’s science contest. She’s hoping to get noticed for her intelligence rather than her background or color.

The emotions build with unexpected twists in the plot both with school friends and family. The character arcs with Wendy, Tom, and parents are superbly crafted. The tale starts out with problems hovering over the family and grows even more so with each passing chapter. It’s a hard to put down drama. A great springboard for a deep discussion about bullying, middle school pressures, and accepting differences.

Tethered to Other Stars has its own gravitational pull that will please readers both young and old.

PAGE COUNT: 317 BOOK BIRTHDAY: October 3. 2023

*********************************************************

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: TETHERED TO OTHER STARS by Elisa Stone Leahy

  1. The relationship between Tom and Wendy is a heartwarming and heartbreaking look at siblings. Such a memorable pairing.
  2. The concept of what is right in the world we live in will endure middle grade readers towards a compassionate viewpoint.
  3. A superb look at life in a middle school with crushes, academic stress, friendships, and a frustrated principal caught in the middle.
  4. The courage Wendy showed to finally come out of her shell and be noticed.
  5. There will be a companion book coming out next year. Can’t wait to see Wendy navigate more challenges in her life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elisa Stone Leahy is a Peruvian American documentary filmmaker and children’s author. She lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her long-suffering partner, brilliant children, lazy cats, and scruffy labradoodle. When she’s not writing or working at the library, Elisa spends her energy on spontaneous bursts of artistic chaos and immigration activism. Her work with Edith Espinal’s sanctuary team inspired her debut novel, Tethered to Other Stars, which Kirkus Reviews called “beautifully executed.”

(For more about the book and Elisa, visit her author web page)

**********************************************************

COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW!

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

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

MAMMALS UNLOCKED

Posted on December 1, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Find all of what you didn’t know about mammals is this engaging and thought provoking new series. The chapters take you around the world visiting many of the over 6,631 mammal species (This number verified by the World Animal Foundation). The book is a fun exploration based on questions, 99 from cover to cover.

Questions are placed on the right side of the open book. Turn the page and you find the answer and an explanation. The format is a great way to think, learn, and remember what you read. A few examples include:

  • True or false? If a mammal is a predator, its eyes are set in the front of its head.
  • How long does a cow chew its food?
  • How many different colors can a dog see?
  • True or False? A female lion is a better hunter than a male lion.

Excellent art work compliments the text and give each page a nice balance.. The back of the book includes a helpful 4-page Mammals Chart, Glossary, and an Index to help you find your favorite mammal.

Mammals Unlocked is perfect for upper elementary and beyond. The level of curiosity is enhanced with each fact unlocked. A great gift for this upcoming holiday season.

***********************************************

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 non fiction | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

MMGM for November 27, 2023

Posted on November 27, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

It’s the last MMGM for November. Enjoy these middle grade reviews and features by clicking on each blogger’s star.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of FINNEY AND THE SECRET TUNNEL.

Susan Uhlig is head over heels about OPERATION: HAPPY a historical mg novel at the beginning of our involvement in WW2.

Brenda at Log Cabin Library shares her review of Festergrimm (Legends of Eerie-On-Sea #4) by Thomas Taylor Illustrations by Tom Booth.

Faith Hough reviews A Sky Full of Song, by Susan Lynn Meyer: 

Kasey Giard at The Story Sanctuary is back with a review of Learning to Fall by Sally Engelfried.

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 YOU OWE ME ONE, UNIVERSE

———————————————————————

(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 , , | Leave a comment

Finney And The Secret Tunnel

Posted on November 26, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Twelve-year-old Finney Brown is our heroine in this compelling adventure. It all begins when Finney’s sixth grade math teacher, Mrs. Swindell, goes into the classroom supply closet and doesn’t return.

When Finney follows her to see what happened, she discovers a mysterious door and a note left by the teacher asking for help. Finney convinces her friend, Erika, to go with her so they can explore further. This leads to discovering a passageway of secret tunnels and much more.

Their teacher is a member of a secret society known as the Mathmysterians. The group is in charge of guarding Albert Einstein’s hidden legacy and keeping it from an opposing group called the Order. Finney wants to help and is the perfect small size to navigate some of the narrower tunnels.

She has often struggled in school and this would be a way to have others like Mrs. Swindell see her in a different light. The third person narrations stays close to Finney the entire way.

Filled with puzzles to solve, FINNEY AND THE SECRET TUNNEL moves along at a nice pace with a “who do you trust?” vibe. There is a slight lull in the middle, but the climatic ending more than makes up for it. Math lovers will enjoy the puzzles whole others will hang on for the thrills.

PAGE COUNT: 236 pages BOOK BIRTHDAY: Nov. 14, 2023

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: FINNEY AND THE SECRET TUNNEL by Jamie Lane Barber

!. The short book trailer that is sure to entice readers (After clicking on the middle button you may have to click on the replay button in the lower left corner):

2. The setup occurs for the next book in this series on the final pages of this one. Readers will be hooked to continue following what’s next for Finney.

3. There is a interesting side plot with some information given about Finney’s divorced parents. Dad disappeared and doesn’t keep in touch so I’m sure we will be getting more background as the plot continues into Book 2 and 3.

4. The portrayal of Finney’s anxiety in her regular life and in the tunnels will endure this character to readers.

5. It was nice to read about a math geek as the main character. Her passion may help others struggling with math to see the subject in a different way.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR, Jamie Barber

Jamie’s debut novel is Finney and the Secret Tunnel which will be a three-book series. Her other various fiction works have been selected as contest finalists. Jamie has also ghost-written many blogs for companies over the years.

She now co-owns a digital marketing agency.When Jamie is not writing or working, she can be found shuffling her children between activities. Jamie enjoys her beach city, karaoke nights at home, musical theatre, a tasty red wine, and of course reading. 

(For more visit Jamie’s author website)

*******************************************

COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW!

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

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

THE GREAT PENCIL QUEST

Posted on November 24, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

This compilation of Wallace the Brave comic strip adventures is sure to please reluctant readers. Here’s a preview of what to expect:

For years, Wallace and his friend Spud have dreamed of sharpening the giant pencil known as “Big Betty.” With their teacher, Mrs. Macintosh, getting a new sharpener, this dream may finally come true—but not without some perilous twists and turns. Among many other adventures, Wallace and friends explore the caves of Snug Harbor in search of sea monsters, make a fort in a cornfield, and try to evade the school’s ban on pizza delivery during class.

The Great Pencil Quest, book 5 in the series has more superb color drawings by artist Will Henry. You’ll be smiling at all of the antics Wallace and Spud get into at school, on the baseball field, the beach, Snug Harbor, and other fun locations.

A great addition in the last pages are three special Wallace and Spud type things you can create from scratch. Each include detailed directions and include making Seed Bombs, Rock Candy, and Lava Lamps. Fun stuff!

THE GREAT PENCIL QUEST will make a great gift and provide lots of laughs for the explorer in your family..

To view some of the Wallace the Brave comics, be sure to visit https://www.gocomics.com/wallace-the-brave.

****************************************

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 Comic Strip Collections, Comics | Tagged , | 2 Comments

MMGM for November 20, 2023

Posted on November 20, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

It’s Thanksgiving week.You won’t find any turkeys in these Middle Grade Reviews and Features, but you will have to click on one to see a blogger’s POST.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of THE WILD JOURNEY OF JUNIPER BERRY by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an interview with author Natalie Richards and a giveaway of her MG thriller 13 Secrets to Survival.

Brenda @ LOG CABIN LIBRARY shares her post about The Impossible Girl by Ashley White.

Susan Uhlig really enjoyed THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM by Holly Goldberg Sloan.

Sue Heavenrich has two mg nonfiction books this week: Glow-in-the-Dark Animals and Inventions Inspired by Animals.

Carol Baldwin introduces us to a new tween reviewer who shows how much he loves Valinora Troy’s, THE LUCKY DIAMOND.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of THE SECRET LIBRARY. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.

Valinora Troy checks in with a review of Stitch by Pádraig Kenny.

Stephanie Robinson at Fairday’s Blog is featuring the book Bubba and Squirt: City of Bones by Sherry Ellis. 

Faith Hough has a review of  of The Golden Key, by George MacDonald:

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 TIME AFTER TIME (BEST WISHES #3)

———————————————————————

(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

THE WILD JOURNEY OF JUNIPER BERRY

Posted on November 19, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

I’ve been looking at this one in my review pile for several months. The cover always had me anxious to follow 11-year-old Juniper’s journey, wherever she was going. The wait was well worth it!

Juniper, her two siblings, and parents live in the wilderness. They are so off the grid that Juniper has never known anything else. No cars, no internet, no regular school. The family eats and lives off the land. Juniper loves this existence, especially with stories Mom has told her about how bad it would be living in a society full of hate and pressures.

When younger brother, Hawk, is stricken with a serious illness, the family has no other choice. They have to head back to civilization where doctors can hopefully heal Hawk.

Juniper and older sister, Skylark, end up living with cousins they never knew existed. At every turn there is something new to experience from appliances, elevators, and eventually public school. The latter being the most difficult adjustment.

Juniper is overwhelmed by so many kids and the talk that goes on about the new weird girl from the forest. She can’t follow the rules since she doesn’t understand them in the first place. Living with nature was so much easier than life in middle school. All Juniper cares about is trying to do the right thing so that Hawk will get better and they can go home. Cousin Alayna isn’t much help and wants no connection with her embarrassing cousin.

The 52 chapters flow smoothly thanks to the heartfelt narration by Juniper. It’s an appealing journey for sure and one that will have you thinking about relationships and how others in our world don’t always do a good job of accepting differences.

Perfect for girls and boys, THE WILD JOURNEY OF JUNIPER BERRY will be one you won’t soon forget.

***************************************

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE WILD JOURNEY OF JUNIPER BERRY

  1. Juniper’s determination and feistiness won me over. She’s just one of the heroes that emerges during this engaging plot.
  2. Connections can happen when your heart is open to them. This was vividly portrayed through the eventual kindness of classmates and an elderly neighbor lady.
  3. Middle school stories almost always include a bully, and Sophie wins that honor by being Juniper’s unkindly nemesis, but one Juniper will not back down to and instead confronts the behavior.
  4. Humor is also a part of the story. The sisters confrontation with a toilet for the first time had me giggling throughout.
  5. Themes of staying true to yourself, the importance of family, and seeing others in a positive way are great discussion topics. There are also truly good people in this world.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Shelly Brown was born in Portland Oregon but spent most of her growing up years in the San Francisco Bay Area. As a child you could usually find her wearing a swimsuit and bouncing between the pool, the beach, and her family’s ski boat.

She has always loved children and books so it made sense when she started writing books for children. In her spare time she helps her husband, author Chad Morris, write MORE children’s books. In her extra-extra spare time she loves the theater, history, kdramas, and traveling. She is also one of the worst tap dancers you will ever meet. But she does it anyway.

She has no regrets, one husband, three chickens, five children, and sixty-four Pez dispensers.

+++++++

Chad Morris coauthored The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry, Virtually Me, Mustaches for Maddie, Squint, and Willa and the Whale, with his wife, Shelly Brown. He is also the author of the Cragbridge Hall series (The Inventor’s Secret, The Avatar Battle, and The Impossible Race). He has won the Utah Book Award, the Buckeye Award, and the Nebraska Book Award, and the Silver Foreword INDIES award for Juvenile fiction. Chad also wrote one of the short stories in True Heroes: A Treasury of Modern-day Fairy Tales Written by Best-selling Authors. His story was based on JP Gibson, an amazing boy who faced cancer with courage, heart, and a basketball dream.

Chad grew up wanting to become a professional basketball player or a rock star. (Inspired by Animal from The Muppets, he has been banging on drums since he was eight years old.) Neither of those plans quite panned out. After high school, he left the Rocky Mountains to live in Brazil for a few years then returned home to write and perform sketch comedy while going to college. He graduated from BYU with a couple of degrees and became a teacher and a curriculum writer.

*****************************************

COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW!

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

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