SHARK NIGHT

Posted on August 9, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

R.L. Stine continues his tradition of delivering scary stories. With his newest title, Shark Night, reading the story will not keep you up at night. It is though a fast paced adventure with twists and turns along the way.

Liam’s mom makes documentaries and her newest creation is about sharks. Once filming is completed the finished product will be broadcast on the Danger Channel.

When the original actor/diver is injured just before the shoot, a reluctant Liam is chosen as the replacement. This means getting into a tank with a hammerhead shark- one of the safest shark species and this old girl has no teeth. But when the shark is lowered into the water Liam realizes this is not a Hammerhead but a real man (boy?) eating shark.

That scene occurs about 30% of the way through the story. No more spoilers here as each of the 51 chapters sends readers to the ocean, an island resort, and a boat captained by two suspicious looking characters, Sully and Ernie. Also along for the adventure is Liam’s rather irritating little sister who is constantly urging her brother into challenges he does not want.

Shark Night is more goof ball fun than scary, but Liam makes for a great main character, one that young readers will enjoy. He just can’t figure out what is going on and why his mom is not rescuing him. Frequent illustrations add to the appeal. Shark Night is an entertaining read with appeal to boys and girls.

A Few Questions for R.L. Stine

Why did you decide to write scary books? Was there a certain movie or show that inspired you?

I always liked scary movies and books. When I was about eight or nine, I started reading scary horror comic books. They were called VAULT OF HORROR and TALES FROM THE CRYPT. My brother and I went to every scary movie. We didn’t get scared– we always LAUGHED!

How many books have you written in total?

It sounds crazy, but I’ve written over 330 books so far. (Maybe I AM crazy!) Right now, I’ working on new Goosebumps titles, new Fear Street titles, I’m writing comic books for Marvel, and I’m writing picture books for little kids with my friend Marc Brown (of Arthur fame).

Do you ever get writer’s block and if so, what do you do to get rid of it?

I never get writer’s block. Mainly because I do so much work before I start to write. I do complete chapter-by-chapter outlines of every book. And I make a list of all the characters– what they look like and their personalities. And I always figure out the ending BEFORE I start the book. That’s a big head-start and keeps me from having writers block.

(For more about R.L. Stine be sure to visit his author web page.)

##########################################

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

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

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

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged | 1 Comment

THE GROUNDWORLD HEROES

Posted on August 6, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

Teen Adrian So has done something most writers wait much later in life to achieve: Having his first book published!

Here’s the synopsis:

When Benjamin, a junior mole digger, witnesses a human invasion of his homeland, he must find his long-lost courage and unite two culturally distinct realms to fight the intruders and save his kind from extinction. What perils lie before him as he ventures into the unknown? Can Benjamin go up against a rough bunch of illegal animal trappers before it’s too late?

Meet the Groundworld heroes as they defend their country’s sovereignty and save their fellow citizens from capture and extinction.

It’s release day for this fun and imaginative title. The characters are memorable, especially Benjamin Mole our timid hero, Mr. Hare (president of the underground world known as Soiland), and the Queen of Puddleland herself who prefers to be called Your Cheesy Goodness.

Twenty-five chapters leave the impression young Adrian knows how to write well. His fun play on words and excellent world building really add to the professional approach taken with the story. Conflict happens throughout beginning with the human intruders and continuing when the two underground animal groups must come together to fight these men.

Perfect for 8-12 year olds, THE GROUNDWORLD HEROES is a great read and here’s hoping there will be more to come from this emerging gifted writer.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Adrian So is a young writer who lives in Canada. In his free time, he likes to read, write, hang out with his gang of crazy friends, and play soccer. He is currently a high school student.

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

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

MMGM for August 5, 2024

Posted on August 5, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has a review of MAMA’S CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS by Dionna L. Mann.

Carol Baldwin features a review by Guest Blooger Mara Scudder of KEEPING PACE by Laurie Morrison. There’s also a chance for readers to win a  Giveaway of the book.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of EXTINCTOPEDIA .Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.

Kasey Giard @ The Story Sanctuary has  mini reviews of each volume in the Winnie-the-Pooh story collection.

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

——————————————

(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

MAMA’S CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS

Posted on August 4, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

In 1935, Vinegar Hill was an African American community, located in Charlottesville, Virginia. The main character and narrator of the story is 10-year-old Alexander Lewis (Allie).

She’s a spunky girl with a lot of passion, especially when it comes to fixing her broken life. Her dad left the family and eventually died. Now Allie has a plan to find a new husband for Mama, one that will adore Mama’s cooking like her delicious Chicken and Dumplings. If her plan works she will finally have the complete family she’s always wanted.

Allie finds the perfect match in kindly Mr. Johnson, but Mama has eyes on Allie’s band teacher, Mr. Coles. This connection will never work because her in-school enemy, Gwen, happens to be the niece of of this man. Allie will just have to push her Mama a little harder to make her see she is making the wrong choice.

The 26 chapters flow smoothly through many humorous and memorable scenes. You get a peak at the segregation and the town’s history. MAMA’s CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS would make a great read-aloud and be perfect for any young readers (ages 8-11) just beginning their journey through middle grade books.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: August 6, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 208

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: MAMA’S CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS by Dionna L. Mann

  1. Such a strong set of supporting characters- both adults and kids. They each have distinct personalities that meld together to lift the story up even higher.
  2. The principal’s solution for bringing peace between Allie and Gwen would even be useful in today’s schools.
  3. When Allie’s best friend moves away, it vividly shows how hard it was to keep in touch. No cell phones or the internet to stay connected. Snail mail was your only hope.
  4. Having visited Charlottesville myself many times, I was captivated by how this part of town used to be almost 90 years ago.
  5. Mann’s author note is a must read giving you insights as to how this story might have been a non fiction look at the Vinegar Hill in 1935. Also included are extended resources and a link to a recipe for Mama’s Chicken and Dumplings.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR, Dionna L. Mann

I was born in Chicago, but grew up in its suburbs where my imagination placed me onto my bike and into the woods on all-day-make-believe adventures. I attended Bloom High School where I enjoyed learning the ropes of journalism as the features’ editor of The Broadcaster, an award-winning student newspaper.

As a teen, I dreamed of becoming a trainer of dolphins or a journalist or a special ed. teacher or a speech pathologist, but gave up my four-year academic scholarship to pursue a Bible educational work. As a young woman, I called South Bend, Indiana, my home, and it was on the lawn of the University of Notre Dame where my husband proposed.
​
Since 1989 I have lived in rural Virginia with my family, and was blessed to have raised my three (most-talented!) children surrounded by Blue Ridge Mountains, friendly smiles, and howdy-dos.

For nearly twenty-five years, I worked within my children’s school system first as a parent volunteer, then as substitute teacher, a high school office secretary, and as a special ed. instructional assistant. I was known as the oxymoron Mrs. Mann who got kids involved in creative writing.

My kidlit writing journey has included being a work-for-hire author who’s published both fiction and nonfiction books with Scholastic Press, Lerner, Capstone, Little, Brown, and other educational publishers. My work has appeared inside Cricket, Ladybug, and Spider, children’s magazines.

As an independent researcher, I especially love uncovering uplifting human-interest stories hidden within African American history in order to share their inspiration with children from all backgrounds. 

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

COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW and BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

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

MMGM for July 29, 2024

Posted on July 29, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has a review of INVISIBLE ISABEL by Sally J. Pla.

Rebecca Douglass reviews Red Fox Road by Frances Greenslade.

Valinora Troy shares her insights on STARSPILL by Catherine Fisher.

Kasey Giard @ The Story Sanctuary reviews HOW TO WRITE THE SOUNDTRACK TO YOUR LIFE by Fiona Hardy.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews BE A SCRIBE! Working for a Better Life in Ancient Egypt. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has Middle Grade books to share every day. Be sure to check out her MMGM selection for this week along with last Thursday’s review of IT CAME FROM THE TREES.

——————————————

(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

INVISIBLE ISABEL

Posted on July 28, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

Anxiety.

At some point in life most of us have experienced that awful feeling deep inside, one of worry and concern. It’s tough to cope with especially when you’re growing up.

Isabel Beane lives in a house with 5 siblings, two younger and three older. She doesn’t like how the house is always noisy and chaotic. Her shyness often makes Isabel feel invisible.

Monica, a popular girl at school, has chosen Isabel to be the one person she treats badly. Quiet and confused, Isabel is shunned by classmates who only care about Monica. This event increases Isabel’s fears. Standardized testing only makes it worse by a teacher who seems to enjoy these exams.

Isabel describes her internal hurt as worry moths causing real pain in her stomach. Mom tells her it’s all in her head. When Isabel has a real emergency room crisis, it helps her understand her anxiety and autism.

The verse format for Invisible Isabel is quite effective as the story telling technique. The worry moths parallel was also a good analogy kids will understand. Perfect for 3rd – 5th graders and a great starting point for discussion both at home and at school.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT INVISIBLE ISABEL by Sally Pla

  1. The doctor’s explanation to Isabel about anxiety was both excellent and understandable. Also nicely thought out was the list of 10 strategies Isabel and counselor Wanda came up with to help Isabel’s thinking in the future.
  2. The discussion about get well cards by Isabel’s classmates brought insights into their previously clouded perceptions. A perfect way to uncover true feelings.
  3. Excellent illustrations are scattered throughout. They all helped provide an even more memorable reading experience.
  4. Neurodiversity and autism are terms often misunderstood. The story makes these terms very clear and the author provides helpful links for those who want to know more about anxiety in childhood.
  5. The 200 pages flew by and will work well with both those experiencing anxiety along with parents and teachers wanting a deeper understanding.

Thanks to the author for kindly sending this worry moth replica which I have attached to a window. Brings a smile to my face every time I see it peeking in at me.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR

Sally J. Pla is the ALA Schneider Award-winning author of THE FIRE, THE WATER, AND MAUDIE McGINN, as well as the Dolly Gray Award-winning THE SOMEDAY BIRDS and several other popular novels and picture books. Her books have starred reviews and appear on many state awards lists and “best books” roundups. Sally, who is neurodivergent, has appeared on television and radio as an author and autism advocate. She also runs the website resource A Novel Mind (anovelmind.com). Sally believes in kindness, respect, and the beauty of different brains. We are all stars shining with different lights! Visit her at www.sallyjpla.com.

Tania de Regil is an author and illustrator from Mexico City. She is the creator of the ALA Notable Children’s Book A New Home as well as Something About Grandma, and she is the illustrator of Welcome to the Big Kids Club, written by Chelsea Clinton. She studied fashion design at Parsons School of Design in New York City and finished her studies in her home country of Mexico. She lives in Mexico City with her filmmaker husband, her son, and her two cats.  For more information, visit:  taniaderegil.com.

Instagram: Sally Pla: @sallyjpla

Tania de Regil: @taniaderegil.books

Quill Tree Books/Harper: @harperkids

Blue Slip Media: @blue_slip_media 

Facebook: Sally Pla: Sally Pla

Tania de Regil: Tania de Regil Books

Quill Tree Books/Harper: HarperKidsBooks

Blue Slip Media: @Blue Slip Media

Twitter/X: Sally Pla: @sallyjpla

Tania de Regil: @taniaderegil

Quill Tree Books/Harper: HarperKids

Blue Slip Media: @blueslipper & @barbfisch

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

COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW and BE SURE BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

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

MMGM for July 22, 2024

Posted on July 22, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has a review of Amir and the Jinn Princess by M.T. Khan.

Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles has an interview with Sally Pla and a giveaway of Invisible Isabel.

Kasey Giard at The Story Sancturary reviews Grow Up, Luchy Zapata by Alexandra Alessandri.

Brenda @Log Cabin Library shares her review of Meesh the Bad Demon:  The Secret of the Fang #2 by Michelle Lam .

Patricia Tilton @ Children’s Books Heal reviews Legends of Lotus Island: City of Wishes (Book 3) by Christina Soontornvat.

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

——————————————

(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

AMIR and the JINN PRINCESS

Posted on July 21, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

Amir is a privileged boy living in the lap of luxury as the youngest child in his overly rich family. He’s only twelve-years-old but is the heir to his father’s brick kiln business in Pakistan.

None of that matters to Amir as he cares more about his mother who has been missing for the past year. Amir is heartbroken when his baba announces plans to remarry and will soon stop searching for his wife, Amir’s mother. She’s the one person who allowed him to feel like himself.

Amir is determined to find her before his dad remarries. He partners with an other world jinn princess who he initially thought was a cat.

Her name is Shamsa and they make a deal: Shamsa will help Amir find his mother in the mysterious realm of jinn, while Amir agrees to help Shamsa win a tournament of heirs and put her on the throne. Their journey together is full of surprises and each of their character arcs evolve in a masterful way.

Topics of corporate greed, unkind labor practices, and buying people’s support make an excellent backdrop and neatly fit into plot. Amir’s first person narration carries readers though 31 chapters. AMIR and the JINN PRINCESS is sure to please readers who love magical stories set in a mysterious place. The writing alone will win you over.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: AMIR AND THE JINN PRINCESS by M.T. Khan

  1. Both Amir and Shamsa are likeable characters for different reasons. Amir is a genius who has only seen life from the rich side. Shamsa surprises with her range of emotions from being a trickster to a thoughtful companion. They make a great pair.
  2. The 3 part competition was the perfect subplot. It’s full of surprises as both characters bring confidence and hesitancy to a tense situation.
  3. The theme of the world run by rich people at other’s expense is a certain discussion topic for young readers. This may be the start of them making the world a better place for all in the future.
  4. I was not a fan of Amir at the beginning but that all changed, especially with his final line in the book.
  5. This is a story written for middle grade and it fits nicely into that level. But Amir will also appeal to adult readers of fantasy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

M.T. Khan is a speculative fiction author with a penchant for all things myth, science, and philosophy. She focuses on stories that combine all three, dreaming of evocative worlds and dark possibilities. 

When she’s not writing, M.T. Khan can be found travelling the world or cracking physics equations as she graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Born in Lahore, Pakistan, she currently resides in Toronto, Canada, with a hyperactive cat and an ever-increasing selection of tea. 

(Author Website)

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

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 , , , , | 9 Comments

I AM NOT WHO YOU SEE

Posted on July 19, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

A teen writer tells the story of Veda who lives in India with her parents. It’s an engaging read and one ripe for discussion.

Using an effective diary type format, the first entry dated June 5, 2017 lets readers know that her dad has agreed to take on a new job in California. They will be moving there in July before Veda’s 5th grade year begins. Relocating during the summer is quite common, but a much smaller number of middle graders have moved to a new home in a different country.

Veda hates to leave her best friends. She balances that hurt by hoping for a new adventure in America. Veda soon finds prejudice as other kids avoid her at an American elementary school. The sixth grade year is even worse as she is constantly humiliated.

Veda has two choices and can either hide who she really is or face the hurt head on. November 25, 2019 is the final chapter that brings Veda to her courageous decision.

I AM NOT WHO YOU SEE moves along at a nice pace and will have you rooting for Veda. Included on many of the pages are illustrations emphasizing the emotional impact of her first two years in the U.S. A great debut that will appeal to not only the “New Kid” but also others who will benefit from seeing a different side to acceptance.

​About the Author
Krishnni Khanna was born in India in 2007 and moved to the United States with her parents in 2017. Krishnni is a high schooler, author and TEDx speaker who advocates for the inner well-being of youth. In 2022 she created Detoximind, a student-led movement through which Krishnni and her team bring peer-based support to teens and youth grappling with stress, shame, exclusion and isolation. She currently resides in Austin, Texas with her parents and their puppy Yuki.

Visit Krishnni at her website and on Instagram. You can also learn more about her by watching her TEDx Talk from earlier this year.

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

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

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

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

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

MMGM for July 15, 2024

Posted on July 15, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has a review of DARKNESS & DEMON SONG by M.R. Fournet.

Carol Baldwin reviews and has a giveaway of Wand by Landra Jennings.

Stephanie Robinson @ Fairday’s Blog is  featuring the book  Secret of the Shadow Beasts by Diane Magras.

Maria Antonia has a post about Hope in the Holler by Lisa Lewis Tyre.

Valinora Troy reviews THE PHOENIX AND THE FIREBIRD.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of MUMMIES UNWRAPPED. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

Kasey Giard at The Story Sancturary has a review of a graphic novel called Goblin 2: The Wolf and the Well by Eric Grissom and Will Perkins.

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

——————————————

(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