MMGM for October 2, 2023

A new month of MMGM’S. Click on OCTOBER to reach a blogger’s post.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of RACE FOR THE RUBY TURTLE by Stephen Bramucci.

Brenda at Log Cabin Library reviews Coyote Queen by Jessica Vitalis.

Susan Uhlig adored the mg mystery SMACK DAB IN THE MIDDLE OF MAYBE by Jo Watson Hackl.

Sue Heavenrich at Archimedes Notebook has an MG nonfiction book in poetry: Galápagos: Islands of Change, by Leslie Bulionat.

Valinora Troy interviews  children’s middle grade author Sinead O’Hart.

Maria Antonia @ of books, photography, and tea reviews Music for Tigers by Michelle Kadarusman.

Linda Browne presents her latest Bookcase Bizarro filled with recent book reviews.

Kasey Giard at the Story Sanctuary has a review of White House Clubhouse by Sean O’Brien.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of A Walk Through the RAINFOREST. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.

Carol Baldwin has an interview with a young author in It’s Never Too Early To Start.

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 FARTHER THAN THE MOON.

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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

RACE FOR THE RUBY TURTLE

Jake Rizzi has a new label adding to the challenges of growing up: ADHD. His parents and caring educators at school are helping him cope, but it still bothers him he is seen as different.

The story begins in the summer as Jake is dropped off at an aunt’s home in rural Oregon so his parents can take a much anticipated week long vacation. Jake doesn’t want to stay with a relative he barely knows.

Upon learning of Aunt Hettle’s passion to save the environment, Jake’s attitude changes . She also relates a story of a turtle with a ruby colored shell and an upcoming festival where people search for this supposedly mythical creature.

Social media has given the legend a new life and now people from all over the world will be attending in hopes of finding the turtle. Aunt Hettle is fearful that the masses will cause undoable damage to the precious land in the area.

Jake and his new friend Mia take on the responsibility to foil those looking for the turtle, especially after Jake discovers the turtle actually exists. It’s vital to keep the secret so the species is protected and not used for profit.

The third person narration stays close to Jake with several teasing chapters from the bad guy’s perspective. Insights into Jake’s way of thinking will bring understanding to both those living with the label of ADHD and others. It’s a fast paced adventure as it moves to a climatic ending and one that is certainly sequel worthy.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: RACE FOR THE RUBY TURTLE by Stephen Bramucci

  1. The author speaks from experience from his own journey in dealing with ADHD. His heartfelt “Dear Reader” letter before the story begins is a must read.
  2. The many points focusing on the environment and how digital misunderstandings lead to dead ends will bring about many beneficial discussions.
  3. Jake’s italicized inner thoughts bring readers inside with what he deals with on a daily basis. Each thought adds more knowledge as to how ADHD effects the mind along with coping strategies.
  4. The secondary characters aren’t just fill-ins to add pages to the story. They are all important from Mia (who not only tries to understand Jake but also has family troubles of her own) to the Swedish Adventure Brothers and the shady Texas Ranger.
  5. Making space for unique and endangered creatures is a constant reminder we all need.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Steve Bramucci is a novelist, travel/food writer, adventurer, teacher, and storyteller. He’s rowed down the Mekong River in a traditional Vietnamese x’ampan, ventured into the Outback with Aboriginal elders, and spent four months driving a rickety Nissan Patrol through East Africa. His first novel, The Danger Gang & the Pirates of Borneo!, was published by Bloomsbury on August 1st, 2017.

Steve’s story of exploring a long-forgotten pirate graveyard in Madagascar won the $10K Trazzler Oasis prize and his trip across Australia in a car fueled with French fry oil was turned into a TV show. He’s written for National Geographic Books, Afar, Outside, the Orange County Register Magazine, and dozens of other outlets. He’s the founding editor of the LIFE section at Uproxx.com – a website that gets more than 20 million unique visitors each month – and has published stories in The Expeditioner’s Guide to the World, I Learned Ku Fu From a Bear Cub, Never Trust a Smiling Bear, and Eminem: Rap, Poetry, and Race.

For more about Steve visit his author website.

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Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, New Release | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

TROUBLEMAKERS and SUPERPOWERS

Trauma

ADHD

OCD

Anxiety

Dyslexia

Children with these types of labels often don’t fit into the regular classroom routine. They can be disruptive and feel like succeeding in life is a waste of time.

Motivation to change their mind can come from reading stories of others whose childhood didn’t stop them from becoming super adults.

TROUBLEMAKERS AND SUPERPOWERS is a compilation of 29 stories about individuals who struggled in their youth only to become accomplished adults in their own field. Familiar names like Trevor Noah, Howie Mandel, Simone Biles, and Greta Thunberg join others like author John Green and artist Frida Kahlo. They all faced huge odds and rose to the top.

The book begins with a forward by the author and an in depth glossary of the key words. A great background before you dive into the stories. Each person is given a few pages and an illustration of the individual. They are truly inspiring. Perfect as a read aloud and as a basis for a classroom or home discussion. Highly recommended!

Listen to Author Keely Grand’s podcast as she gives insights into her own life.

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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 September 25, 2023

Don’t let September get away before grabbing some of these great Middle Grade books. Reach a blogger’s post by clicking on .

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of NUGLY by M.C. Ross.

Susan Uhlig is shouting out another historical novel, THAT SMUDGE OF SMOKE, a story mostly set on a steamboat in 1929.

Brenda at LOG CABIN LIBRARY has a review of The Worry Knot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl

Sue Heavenrich has a  a couple of books about how people are helping species survive – over at Archimedes Notebook.

Valinora Troy has a review of Dragon Force-Infinity’s Secret by Katie and Kevin Tsang.

Maria Antonia features Summer of June by Jamie Sumneron.

Kasey Giard at the Story Sanctuary gives us a sneak peek at 20 Fabulous Middle Grade Books Coming Fall 2023.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews MERCY WATSON IS MISSING BY Kate DiCamillo. Rosi also shares three 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 last Thursday’s review of FINCH HOUSE.

Also, Carol Baldwin has a post outside the MMGM sphere, but it might be of interest to many readers: The roles a picture book author had to take as a self-publisher.

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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

NUGLY

There’s no denying this pup is cute. But looks don’t often get one the life they deserve.

Nugget starts out living with his mom, brothers and sisters in the kindly home of the Vandyck family. It’s a prefect fit until the family has to move and find adoptive homes for the puppies. Nugget panics and runs away. He is soon lost on the streets of Boston.

Alone for the first time, Nugget ends up at a zoo and befriends a porcupine who somewhat reluctantly helps Nugget survive. Zoos aren’t the best place for a lost puppy especially when Nugget has a terrible encounter with another animal. His injuries leave him not so cute in the eyes of others. Some even call him Ugly.

Soon enough Nugget is adopted by Linh Trần and her daughter, a troubled girl who is often bullied by her field hockey teammates. This bullying leads to Nugget running away once more. Next stop is another, much larger family who takes him in, scars and all.

The third person narration makes the ride an enjoyable journey. The sadness of Nugget running away and not finding the love he deserves is softened by the narrator’s optimism. The voice is reflective and makes you want to read more.

This memorable story confirmed why so many families make dogs a part of their lives. NUGLY has 48 short chapters and makes for a nice read aloud. Perfect for the dog lover in your family.

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FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT NUGLY by M.C. Ross

  1. You’ll be lost on the streets of Boston right alongside Nugget. An eye opening journey the entire way.
  2. The three kids who are a brief part of Nugget’s journey bring their own struggles. Eventually they are better by the presence of this little pup.
  3. The subject of trust plays out in wonderful fashion.
  4. The Franklin Park Zoo made a likeable setting for part of the book. So many interesting scenes with the other animals.
  5. Love has many meanings and Nugget’s circle of understanding the concept is the core of this heartfelt story.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Originally from Apple Valley, Minnesota, M.C. Ross knew that he wanted to be a writer from the time he was in first grade. He went to Harvard University, got a degree in English, moved to New York, and started writing books for kids. Well, there were some other steps in the middle – he wore a funny hat and worked as a tour guide; he went door to door around Minnesota raising money for Sesame Street; and he spent two years as a babysitter to a family of three Siberian Huskies, all of whom were insane. Overall, he feels very fortunate.

(For more about M.C. and his books visit his author website)

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW!

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

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 13 Comments

FUN WITH OCEANS & SEAS

You can find many books about the oceans, but most are text based with accompanying images. For early middle grade kids the approach author Emily Greenhalgh takes is a much better one.

IN FUN WITH OCEANS AND SEAS you learn about the five oceans and the many seas contained within their borders. Text based informational background pieces lead readers into engaging activities. A great technique for remembering what you’ve read.

Included are code puzzles, visual challenges, crossword puzzles, connect the dot, and word searches. They truly are fun and engaging. An answer key is also provided in the back pages. Even this adult learned a thing or two about our oceans.

A perfect choice for young ocean enthusiasts or for those wanting to start their journey learning about this vast body of water.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

EMILY GREENHALGH is an award-winning marine biologist-turned-science communicator at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, MA.  Her work has been featured in USA Today, the Boston Globe, Gizmodo, the World Meteorological Organization, and in science textbooks. She grew up in Rhode Island, staring into tide pools and dreaming about becoming a mermaid. Realizing that wasn’t an actual job, she trained to become a marine biologist and then a science journalist.

​Emily has a master’s in Science Journalism from Boston University and a bachelor’s degree in marine biology from the University of Rhode Island. She has worked on commercial fishing boats, for federal and nonprofit institutions, and has led multiple cross-agency social media efforts. She also thinks you should know that both “octopi” and “octopuses” are technically correct.  

She loves discovering what makes research exciting, turning complex science into easy-to-understand stories, and helping scientists share their passions.

(For more you can visit Emily’s 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 , , | Leave a comment

MMGM for September 18, 2023

Get ready for Fall later this week with some great Middle Grade books. Reach a blogger’s post by clicking on .

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of MISGUIDED by David Meyer.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an interview with debut author Emi Pinto and a giveaway of her MG fairy tale retelling, Bee Bakshi and the Gingerbread Sisters.

Brenda at LOG CABIN LIBRARY has a review of White House Clubhouse by Sean O’Brien .

Susan Uhlig really liked the historical and Newbery winner: WE DREAM OF SPACE.

Sue Heavenrich has a book for the younger middle grade readers (8 & 9 yr olds) ~The Queen of Chess: How Judit Polgár Changed the Game, by Laurie Wallmark.

Valinora Troy has today’s blog tour stop for the spooky Scareground by Angela Kecojevic.

Maria Antonia features The Greatest Kid in the World by John David Anderson

Carol Baldwin has THE IMPOSSIBLE GIRL, a MG fantasy reviewed by Georgie Bartlett. 

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews ALL THE SMALL WONDERFUL THINGS BY Kate Foster. Rosi also shares three 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 last Friday’s review of NUGLY.

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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

MISGUIDED

This one came recommended to me not through the publisher or a publicist, but from an almost 13-year-old who had just finished a Kindle version of the book.

The tale is set in a fictional town of Braxton, a tourist town with a year round Christmas theme. It’s the perfect place to buy souvenirs and just be in a happy mood.

If you like alternating viewpoints then look no further as there are plenty. The four middle school main characters take the lead in the majority of the chapters:

DANIEL FORD When not in school he is one of the town’s tour guides, leading tourists through the many wonders Braxton offers,. He loves his job, the town, and idolizes the original founder.

KEELEY FILTON She loves nature, but has grown tired of the everyday holiday theme the town promotes. Keeley is also quite athletic.

CINDY BLOOM Her Christian faith drives her personality as does a sense of fashion.

ADRIAN POMLER The obnoxious one of the bunch, He’s a bully and never calls the other three by their real names, instead choosing Tourist Trap, Nature-Nut, and Goodie-Goodie.

The plot takes off when Daniel finds an old scroll that makes him reluctantly question whether Braxton is really such a great place. He sets out to prove the scroll wrong with the help of Keeley and Cindy. A trail of clues lead them to a long-lost artifact that supposedly can grant one’s deepest wish. Whoever touches it and accepts the consequences will be the victor. Or will they?

Bully Adrian is also after it along with Trent Braxton, the wealthy current leader of Braxton, and his hit man. The fast pace will appeal to readers as will the mystery. A nice stepping stone to a discussion about teamwork, idols, and understanding yourself. I’m glad to have received the recommendation to read MISGUIDED. Well worth my time.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: MISGUIDED by David Meyer

  1. Adrian is not at all likeable at first, but his character arc brings a little bit of redemption and compassion.
  2. Daniel was my favorite as he was forced to question his entire existence. The true hero of the story.
  3. I’m not a big fan of more than 2 alternating viewpoints, but this way of story telling worked quite well here.
  4. Daniel’s dad makes a yearly appearance as Santa Claus and does he ever make a memorable entrance!
  5. Cindy has to be perfect while keeping her faith private. Having to lie so many times was so against her beliefs, and her dialog perfectly captured each moment.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: David Meyer

I love Christ and seek to glorify Him. I also love to create. Besides writing, I enjoy journaling, drawing, building playsets and marble mazes, and coming up with funny voices for my kids. Regardless, my faith flows through everything I do, often in ways I don’t recognize until long after the fact.

I love my family and togetherness. And I do everything I can to resist the spirit of atomization that animates our age. Every day, I count myself blessed to call Julie my wife. We have two wonderful children, Ryden and Ember, and make our home in the second largest city in northern New England (i.e. the very small city of Nashua, New Hampshire!).

For more about David and his books visit his website.

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW!

BE SURE TO ALSO VISIT THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE

Posted in MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

READY OR NOT

It has been almost three years since I reviewed SUMMER OF L.U.C.K., a fun and engaging story centered on three friends at summer camp. Naz struggles to learn English, Justin has chosen to be silent after the death of his father, and Darby faces challenges with her stutter. A carnival and it’s ghostly owner, Leroy Usher, helps the kids find their voices in exchange for them helping him revive the carnival back to its former glory.

In READY OR NOT it’s a year later and the three friends have returned to camp.

With his second summer at Camp Inch headed downhill fast, thirteen-year-old Justin faces a tricky choice: stand up to bigotry or let fear hold him back. When he’s targeted by a bully, and a good friend stops speaking to him, Justin counts on help from Leroy Usher, the ghost whose magical carnival helped transform Justin’s life after his father died last year. So this should be a breeze, right? His expectations rise further when a mysterious message from Mr. Usher invites him and pals Darby and Naz for a midnight visit. Instead of a reunion, though, the kids find themselves transported through time to unravel a mystery that tore Mr. Usher’s family apart. As Justin digs for the truth, he discovers that Mr. Usher faced challenges during his lifetime with courage – and without magic. But if courage is what it takes, Justin must learn to do what’s right when everything’s wrong.

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The third person narration stays close to Justin as he faces how to react to bullying and racism, great topics that bring the tale close to the hearts of readers. There are also friendship issues and staying true to oneself. Justin is a believable 13-year-old with the many thoughts flooding his brain. He’s one you will not forget.

Even thought the author does a good job in bridging the two stories, you will find it helpful to first read SUMMER OF L.U.C.K. The story line in READY OR NOT stays mostly at the summer camp with a few time travel trips to the past as they try and uncover the truth about Leroy Usher’s family.

The 21 chapters flow at a perfect pace leading to an epilogue that opens the door to a final book in the L.U.C.K. trilogy, The Chambered Nautilus, due out next year.

Even though summer is winding down, you are in L.U.C.K. to have this series and the compelling characters to warm your heart on the colder days ahead.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Laura Segal Stegman is a Los Angeles-based author whose middle grade debut novel, Summer of L.U.C.K., and its sequel, Ready or Not (both from Young Dragons Press), are available wherever books are sold. The Chambered Nautilus, third in the L.U.C.K. trilogy, will follow. She serves as a judge for kidlit writer competitions and shares her author journey in engaging visits to schools and libraries. Her popular PR Tips for Authors workshop features a step-by-step guide to building a digital author media kit. Non-fiction credits include collaboration on the travel book Only in New York. A long-time publicity consultant, she owns Laura Segal Stegman Public Relations, LLC. www.LauraStegman.com

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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 | Tagged , | 3 Comments

MMGM for September 11, 2023

Reach a blogger’s post by clicking on the happy group of middle grade readers.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of THE GHOSTLY PHOTOS by Margaret Peterson Haddix.

Brenda at LOG CABIN LIBRARY returns to the MMGM lineup after brief absence with a review of The Fall of the House of Tatterly by Shanna Miles.

Max at Completely Full Bookshelf recommends The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass. 

Sue Heavenrich has a fun book for the younger MG readers (8-10) – all about sloths: The Upside-Down Book of Sloths, by Elizabeth Shreeve over at Archimedes Notebook.

Valinora Troy shares her review of THE WHISTLERS IN THE DARK by Victoria Williamson, as a part of the blog tour for the book.

Maria Antonia has a post about SISTERHOOD OF SLEUTHS by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews UP FOR GRABS by Michelle Mulder. Rosi also shares three 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 last Tuesday’s review of IT FOUND US along with Lots o’ Fantasy.

———————————————————————

(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