MAGICAL HISTORY TOUR: Marie Curie-A life in Science

Posted on October 27, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

The Magic History Tour’s newest graphic volume is a fascinating look at the life of Marie Curie. Led by modern day kids, Annie and Nico, readers are taken on journey looking at the important events in this scientist’s career.

The pages provide an eye opening read, connecting you to the successes and struggles in doing something women rarely did in the late 19th and early 20th century: pursuing a career in science and in Marie’s case, winning Nobel Prizes along the way.

The graphics are colorful and well done, giving each page a connection to the text. Annie takes the lead describing each event with Nico asking questions and commenting as to what they see. These two are there but not visible to anyone in the time period.

Marie Curie-A Life in Science is the 13th edition for this fun and educational series. You can view all of the MAGICAL HISTORY TOUR editions here. They each look at important people and events in our history.

A fun way to learn and one that will keep the pages turning for any young person interested in our past and its people.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR and ILLUSTRATOR

Fabrice Erre, born in 1973 in France, is an author and teacher of comics, as well as an accomplished historian. Through his comics, he seeks above all to parody human behavior, teasing out our little personal weaknesses and our vulnerability to manipulation by the masses. Most recently, putting his history background to good use, Erre has teamed up with artist Sylvain Savoia to create the series THE THREAD OF HISTORY, set on bringing the past to vivid life for younger readers.

Born in 1969, Sylvain Savoia grew up in France, and discovered comicbooks at a young age. In 1989, he registered at the Saint-Luc art school in Brussels. Savoia enjoys a prolific international career illustrating comics.

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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 Graphic Novels, Middle Grade Book Reviews, non fiction | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

MMGM for OCTOBER 23, 2023

Posted on October 23, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Your books shelves looking empty? Click on to reach a blogger’s middle grade review or feature.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of HIDDEN TRUTHS by Elly Swartz.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an interview with debut author Elisa Stone Leahy and a giveaway of her MG contemporary Tethered to Other Stars.

Kasey Girad at The Story Sanctuary has a review of Hollowthorn (Ravenfall #2) by Kalyn Josephson

Carol Baldwin shares a review and interview by her new teen guest blogger, Janelle Ekpo. It’s all about HOW BENJAMIN FRANKLIN BECAME a REVOLUTIONARY in SEVEN (Not-So-Easy) STEPS .

Valinora Troy reviews BITE RISK by S.J. WIlls

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with yesterday’s Green and Deephaven.

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(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

HIDDEN TRUTHS

Posted on October 22, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

If your reading preference is more toward the contemporary/ realistic fiction side then look no further than HIDDEN TRUTHS. Author Elly Schwartz took 22 years creating this engaging story before finally bringing it to middle grade readers.

Book Birthday: 10/31/2023 Page Count: 272

Friends since second grade, sixth graders Eric and Dani are very different, but always count on each other for support and understanding. They love donuts, comic books, and camping on the cape.

After a terrible accident that leaves Dani with a broken leg and nerve damage, their whole world turns upside down Eric blames himself as he just might have left the camper stove on overnight causing an explosion. His ADHD tendencies to forget always cause him trouble.

Unfortunately for Dani she had just made the middle school baseball team, the only girl to do so. Now her passion to ever play again is in jeopardy.

Told in alternating viewpoints, Eric and Dani’s voices are masterfully portrayed. Eric searches for the truth about the accident while Dani, stuck in the hospital, finds it difficult to forgive. Friendship and what it takes to keep the bond alive is embedded at every turn.

The truth is HIDDEN TRUTHS is my favorite realistic fiction read this year.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: HIDDEN TRUTHS by Elly Swartz

  1. I’ve worked with many kids labeled as ADHD and Eric’s thoughts, emotions, and actions were spot on. It was fantastic to see him discovering that he is more than a label and learns how to define himself in new ways.
  2. Friendships often reveal truths about what was and what is to become. Both Eric and Dani discover this revelation with their new friends. A helpful result for readers in their own friendships.
  3. Eric talks to God. He wishes for Dani to get better in exchange for keeping his room clean or being nice to his sister. A common and realistic action teens and preteens will often turn to when wanting something important. It fit perfectly in the plot.
  4. The parents were supportive, but it was the kids (both the main characters and others) who eventually came to the perfect resolutions and conclusions about being a friend.
  5. I know a book is good when I am carrying it with me wherever I go so I can enjoy one more chapter with each pause in my day.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elly Swartz grew up in Yardley, Pennsylvania. She studied psychology at Boston University and received her law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. Elly lives in Massachusetts and is happily married with two grown sons, a beagle named Lucy, and a pup named Baxter Bean. Finding Perfect, called “a clear, moving portrayal of obsessive-compulsive disorder” by Publishers Weekly, was her debut novel. She is also the author of Smart Cookie and Give and Take, novels for middle grade readers.

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW!

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

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, New Release | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

BITE, STING, KILL!

Posted on October 20, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE participated in the recent Book Blitz for BITE, STING, KILL! I tucked it away before finally having the chance to read this engaging and visual look at some real creepy looking creatures.

The four chapters include:

  1. REPTILES THAT STRIKE
  2. SERIOUS STINGERS
  3. STUNNING SEA CREATURES
  4. DEADLY ANIMALS

The photos alone are enough to add the book to your shelf. A Spitting Cobra (p. 23) and a Vampire Bat (p. 85) sure caught my attention. Making it even better are facts and background information arranged in easy to read rectangular and circular panels.

Perfect for ages 8 and up, BITE, STING, KILL! would make a great gift.

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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 OCTOBER 16, 2023

Posted on October 16, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Click on each to flip on a blogger’s review or feature.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of THE GHOST JOB by Greg Van Eekhout.

Susan Uhlig really enjoyed the first Plotting the Stars book: MOONGARDEN by Michelle A. Barry.

Maria Antonia has a post about about Top Story by Kelly Yang.

Valinora Troy reviews THE SECRET FILES OF FAIRDAY MORROW.

Kasey Giard at The Story Sanctuary reviews Plague-Busters!: Medicine’s Battles with History’s Deadliest Diseases.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with last Wednesday’s review of I AM KAVI.

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(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

THE GHOST JOB

Posted on October 15, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Life will never be the same for Zenith, Nicholas, Eddie, and Vanessa. They were all killed while doing a classroom science experiment. As ghosts, they are trying to figure out a way to reverse their current state and return to life as it used to be.

They hear about a machine that could help in their efforts to be a living human again. Unfortunately it won’t be easy getting access as the owner is a rich and dangerous necromancer.

The first person narration is done admirably by Zenith. She has a sense of humor (if that is possible with a ghost) and misses her family. She’s thankful though to have three friends by her side, with each having their own unique ghostly powers.

The story could have been a sad tale, but it is actually quite upbeat. The plot only briefly discusses the possibilities of what happens after death. The focus is on these 4 creative and insightful kids.

Their thievery of necessary items needed in their quest brings this ghostly adventure to an exciting conclusion. The ending of THE GHOST JOB also leaves the possibility of a sequel and these characters certainly deserve one.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE GHOST JOB by Greg Van Eekhout

  1. The bond among the four characters shows how beneficial it can be to have your own posse growing up. Everyone has strengths they can share with the others.
  2. A fast paced and easy to read story that tops out at just 208 pages, perfect for a variety of middle grade readers.
  3. A few chapters conveyed the plot with just a few words, a fun way to keep reading.
  4. Dogs are special and Zenith has a dog that recognizes her as a ghost. A heartwarming sidelight to the story and one that works.
  5. The author did a great job incorporating the unique behaviors of ghosts in a very intuitive way.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR, GREG VAN EEKHOUT

I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, in neighborhoods with hippies, criminals, working people, and movie studios.

Like many writers (and many people who aren’t writers, for that matter), I’ve done a number of things to put food on the table and keep a roof over my head. I’ve worked as an ice cream scooper (or dipper, as people who sell ice cream are sometimes called), a political fundraiser (or telemarketer), a comic book store clerk, a bookseller, a bookstore assistant manager, an educational multimedia developer, and a college teacher (of English and of multimedia development). Among other things.

I’ve lived my entire life in the Western half of the United States. I prefer beaches to deserts. I currently live in San Diego.

My parents were Dutch-Indonesian. If you know of a good Indonesian restaurant in San Diego, let me know, eh?

My name last name is pronounced like this: Van, as in the kind of thing you drive, eek, as in, “Eek, killer robots are stomping the rutabagas!” and hout, like “out” with an h in front of it. The emphasis is on the Eek. Say it with me: van EEKhout.

(For more about Greg and his books visit his author web page)

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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

DEAR REBEL,

Posted on October 13, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Here’s another fantastic addition to the Rebel Girls line-up of inspiring stories.

In Dear Rebel, readers take in the advice of 145 women who motivate girls age 8 and up with letters, poems, and essays. Each provide that often much needed push to dream big.

Words from each impressive individual are accompanied by photos and colorful backgrounds. The choice as to how you tackle this book is up to the individual reader. I went the traditional route reading each story in the order presented. You can also choose your favorites and begin with those using the handy “Content” listing at the front of the book.

Memorable ones for me include best selling Indian-American writer and advertising executive Alka Joshi who proclaims “All it takes is one person to believe in you…” Then there is adventurer Sally Kettle who urges you to keep trying despite your doubts and worries. One more: I smiled at young Cassidy Crowley’s Tips and Secrets for Starting Your Own Business.

Success is usually preceded by struggle and having these stories close by ensure that girls will be empowered to reach their goals.

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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 October 9, 2023

Posted on October 9, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Fall into some some great MG reviews and features. Click on to reach a blogger’s post.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of Coyote Queen by Jessica Vitalis.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an interview with Sean O’Brien and a GIVEAWAY of his MG historical/time travel White House Clubhouse .

Susan Uhlig loved FINALLY SEEN by Kelly Yang!

Brenda at Log Cabin Library reviews Meems & Feefs: Ferrets from Planet Ferretonia! by Liza N. Cooper, a cute graphic novel. 

Maria Antonia at Of Books, Photography, and Tea checks in with a review of The Big Sting by Rachelle Delaney.

Max at Completely Full Bookshelf shares his enthusiasm again for Beetle & the Hollowbones by Aliza Layne.

Valinora Troy reviews ICE CHILDREN by M.G. Leonard.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PLANTS, FUNGI, AND LICHENS: FOR YOUNG READERS. 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 this past Sunday’s review of SPY SCHOOL GOES NORTH.

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(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

COYOTE QUEEN

Posted on October 8, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Pictured on the cover is twelve-year-old Felicity Ulysses Dahlers, better known as Fud. She lives with her mom in a trailer somewhere in Wyoming. Unfortunately, Larry, Mom’s abusive, alcoholic boyfriend also lives there. The ex-boxer has an uncontrollable temper.

Fud can’t understand why her mother continues to make excuses for his behavior and worries when his next anger episode will occur. Fud’s worries increase when Larry brings home a run down houseboat he intends to fix up and use as a new home for the three of them, Fud is sure life will only get worse.

Hope arrives from Leigh, a new friend from a neighboring trailer. She is going to enter the Miss Black Gold beauty pageant and wants Fud to do the same. This sounds like a terrible idea until hearing about the $2000 prize money for the winner. That cash would hopefully convince Fud’s mom to break away from Larry.

A very contemporary story turns fantastical as Fud begins to see changes in herself that mirror what she sees and hears from the coyotes in the area. Is she slowly turning into one of these creatures to escape from Larry?

The often gut-wrenching first person narration engross readers with an intense look at domestic abuse and poverty. The choices made by the adults in Fud’s life were realistic though surprising in the end. Coyote Queen is a page turning tale thanks to the Fud’s spot on voice. She rings true at every turn. Excellent writing for sure.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: October 10, 2023

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: COYOTE QUEEN by Jessica Vitalis

  1. Rooting for the main character doesn’t happen in every book, but in Coyote Queen you will be in Fud’s corner the entire way hoping for the best outcome.
  2. Debates will begin if Fud turning into a coyote is really happening or just a part of her imagination. Either way it is a parallel to her scary life.
  3. Finding help and support are important takeaways. For Fud she finds the perfect friend in the talkative Leigh and her mom. A great supporting cast.
  4. The story leaves readers with the sense there is hope even in the most dire situation.
  5. The author’s heartfelt background as to why she wrote the story in an important read. Also included are resources as to where one can find help if in a similar situation.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JESSICA VITALIS is a Columbia MBA-wielding writer with Greenwillow / HarperCollins. She authored The Wolf’s Curse and The Rabbit’s Gift (which received two starred reviews and was named a Canadian Children’s Book Center Best Books for Kids and Teens 2023). Her next book, Coyote Queen, is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection and has already received a Kirkus starred review. A novel in verse, Unsinkable Cayenne, comes out in 2024. Her work has been translated into three languages, and she was named a 2021 Canada Council of the Arts Grant Recipient and featured on CBCs Here and Now and CTVs Your Morning. Jessica lives in Ontario with her husband and two daughters but speaks at conferences, festivals, and schools all over North America.

Jessica’s Social Media

Website: http://jessicavitalis.com

Instagram: @jessicavauthor https://www.instagram.com/jessicavauthor/

Facebook: @jessicavauthor https://www.facebook.com/jessicavauthor/

Twitter: @jessicavitalis https://twitter.com/jessicavitalis

Bluesky: @jessicavitalis https://bsky.app/profile/jessicavitalis.bsky.social

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW!

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

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

WHITE HOUSE CLUBHOUSE

Posted on October 6, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Marissa and Clara’s mom is the newly elected president of the United States, and they haven’t experienced much freedom lately. While exploring the White House they discover a hidden tunnel that leads to an underground clubhouse full of antique curiosities, doors heading in all directions—and a mysterious invitation to join the ranks of White House kids. So they sign the pledge.

Suddenly, the lights go out, and Marissa and Clara find themselves at the White House in 1903. There they meet Quentin, Ethel, Archie, and Alice, the irrepressible children of President Theodore Roosevelt. To get back home, Marissa and Clara must team up with the Roosevelt kids “to help the president” and “to make a difference.”

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My Thoughts

A fun adventure mixing the present with the past. It’s an eye-opening journey especially learning about the misguided environmental practices brought forth during Roosevelt’s term. We can never be reminded enough about the importance of preserving natural resources.

Marissa and Clara are both great characters leading the way. They are persistent in their goal to save a giant California Redwood from dam developers. This comes forth while traveling on President Roosevelt’s historic cross country train trip that inspired the creation of the National Park System. The 120th anniversary is actually this year which makes for perfect timing in the release of this book.

Learning about the President’s children (and the pets they brought to the White House) will urge young readers to find out more about the lives of these White House kids. I especially enjoyed the antics of the youngest, Quentin.

White House Clubhouse will appeal to boys and girls from 4th grade on up to about 6th grade. The occasional illustration helps one visualize the story even more. This unique, clever tale wraps up all the plot points by the last page and is the beginning of a series. The possibilities for where these characters are headed next will be a worthwhile wait.

(Hurry back this coming Monday when Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles interviews author Sean O’Brien. You can find the link on that day’s MMGM list. It is sure to be a very insightful interview ( I base this on Natalie’s previous excellent interviews with authors.)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sean O’Brien served as director of speechwriting to Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden, special assistant to President Barack Obama, and senior advisor to the Secretary of the Navy. He performed comedy with Chicago’s Second City and Annoyance theaters as well as DC’s Capital Fringe Festival while serving as a chief of staff in the US House of Representatives. He earned a BA with Honors in American Culture from Northwestern University and an MS in National Security and Strategic Studies from the US Naval War College.  Sean teaches at Georgetown University in Washington DC, where he lives with his family. 

Please visit him online at seanobrienbooks.com

Instagram: @seanobrienbooks

Facebook: @seanobrienbooks

Twitter: @SeanOBrienBooks

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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, New Release | Tagged , | 3 Comments