MISCOMMUNICAMP!

Posted on June 21, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

It’s summer camp season and the CAMP HILLSIDE series is a perfect choice to get you in the mood.

MISCOMMUNICAMP! is the second story, following HURRICAMP! from 2022. All the characters are back and if you haven’t read the first book, no problem as Miscomunicamp! stands well on its own.

Almost twleve-year-old Laura “Noodle” Newman narrates the story. Noodle is known for her successful in-camp radio broadcasts. They don’t always of as planned but play a necessary part in the plot. She’s also happy to reconnect with friends from last year’s camp.

All the traditional camp like experiences are here including living in a cabin, meals, campfires, hiking, and fun physical activities in the water. Conflict arises when best friend Aries decides to put all of her efforts into a camp performance of the musical Peter Pan, leaving Noodle on her own.

You’ll find lots of laughs along the way in addition to the drama. Full page photographic like illustrations are scattered throughout and show the emotions of each scene through the girls’ faces. MISCOMMUNICAMP! is recommended for girls, especially those who ever dreamed of or have gone to summer camp. It even brought back memories for me during my camp experiences as a kid.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

In third grade, Steph Katzovi announced that she was going to be author when she grew up. Realizing that she might want to explore other career options first, Steph got her bachelor’s degree from Binghamton University before attending Brooklyn Law School. She spent the bulk of her 15+ year career at Deloitte as a speechwriter and strategic communications consultant. When the opportunity arose to raise her children and focus more fully on creative writing, Steph decided it was time to take her “When I Grow Up” essay from third grade a bit more seriously. If she’s not busy writing at her desk in New York City, Steph is a sports and exercise enthusiast. She also enjoys playing guitar and piano with her two sons, going out on date nights with her husband, and reading. Preferably poolside. Find her at www.StephKatzovi.com.

If you are curious why Steph decided to set her books at a summer camp, here’s why…

One of the main themes I explore in my books is adolescent independence.  The setting of sleepaway camp gives my characters a less supervised, but still controlled place to tackle the challenges of growing up. Counselors and peers act as the support network instead of parents, teachers, or relatives. In other words, the characters experience life without the safety net of “home.” By giving the characters a different lens for responding to various coming-of-age situations, it, of course, leads to plenty of drama and comedy!

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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 , , | 5 Comments

MMGM for June 17, 2024

Posted on June 17, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has a review of THE GIRL WHO KEPT THE CASTLE by Ryan Graudin.

Susan Uhlig loved revisiting characters and meeting new ones in the sequel Coyote Lost and Found.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an interview with debut author Leah Stecher and a giveaway of her MG The Things We Miss.

Jennifer Bohnhoff shares a mg graphic novel about Mamie Phipps Clark, whose work helped stop school segregation. She’ll also be giving a copy away to someone who comments on the blog.

Carol Baldwin features the THE GROUNDWORLD HEROES: A Chapter Book Review by Guest Blogger, Janelle Ekpo.

Jennifer Rummel reviews Medusa over at YA BOOK NERD.

Maria Antonia shares a post about Dust by Dusti Bowling.

Patricia Tilton @ Children’s Books Heal reviews Legends of Lotus Island: Into the Shadow Mist (book 2) by Christina Soontornvat. It is perfect for kids moving from chapter books into middle grade books.

Max @ COMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF shares a list of books that are gentle with readers’ feelings.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a MMGM book to share every day. Be sure to check out her MMGM selection for this week along with last Friday’s review of MID-AIR.

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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 , , | 4 Comments

THE GIRL WHO KEPT THE CASTLE

Posted on June 16, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

Wizard West was dead for nearly an entire day before he noticed.

That intriguing first line is a perfect jump start to this fantasy tale. The main character is Faye, a young maid and the groundskeeper daughter. She has been chosen to tell the wizard that he is indeed a ghost and has no magical powers left.

He responds by trying to transform Faye into a cat with disastrous results. The news gets even worse because Faye’s home, the enchanted castle of Celurdur, will fall apart soon if it’s foundation spells can’t be renewed.

Wizard West reluctantly accepts his death and hosts a competition to pick his successor. It doesn’t go well, and it’s up to Faye to work mostly behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly.

A bigger problem surfaces when she discovers a servant of the evil Shadow Queen has sabotaged the contest that will not only destroy the castle but the entire kingdom of Solum. Faye tests her bravery by doing anything to stop the imposter and save her home.

Faye is an endearing lead and must serve under the long standing rule that girls are never to become apprentices to the land’s four wizards (North, South, East, and the ghostly West). She proves everyone wrong with her leadership prowess throughout the story.

THE GIRL WHO KEPT THE CASTLE stands tall as the first book in a to-be-continued adventure. The plot wraps up nicely leaving hints that there may be future stories. Readers will anxiously be waiting its’ arrival.

Fantasy lovers have a new friend set in an enchanting, magical setting.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: June 18, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 336

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE GIRL WHO KEPT THE CASTLE by Ryan Graudin

  1. A great supporting cast including a talking cat. This feline has a few things on her mind and makes for a much needed friend for Faye.
  2. Kind, caring, and brave make Faye one of the best lead female, fantasy characters in recent memory.
  3. A dragon is always a draw and this story has a good one to entertain readers.
  4. The magic is often connected to food which provide many surprises.
  5. The potential apprentices vying for the chance to become the new wizard were surprisingly different and not all were your typical boy characters.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ryan Graudin is the award-winning author of eight novels, including the Carnegie nominated Wolf By Wolf duology, Invictus, The Walled City and the The World Between Blinks series. She resides near Charleston, South Carolina with her husband and two daughters. You can find her online at www.ryangraudin.com.

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW!

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Posted in MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews, New Release | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

THE CHAMBERED NAUTILUS

Posted on June 14, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

The SUMMER of L.U.C.K. trilogy comes to a close in a satisfying way with THE CHAMBERED NAUTILUS. I previously featured the first two books, SUMMER of L.U.C.K. and READY or NOT:

The final story is again set at the summer camp where Darby, Naz, and Justin first met. Their friendship continues to evolve as tensions mount. They are drifting apart with new interests and friends.

Chapters unfold utilizing the different viewpoints of the three characters. The title refers to a new ride at the carnival next to the camp. Readers also learn about a real chambered nautilus– a spiral-shaped cephalopod, part of the squid and octopus family. A fascinating creature and a challenging attraction.

When the ghostly Leroy Usher is trapped and asks for their help the meaning of friendship takes on a whole new course. This theme will be quite familiar to many middle grade kids. While Mr. Usher saved and guided Darby, Naz, and Justin in the first two books, it is now up to them to save him.

While The Chambered Nautilus stands well on its own, you will be motivated to go back and enjoy the full series. The reward will be a tale full of adventure, magic, and the power of never giving up. A great summer read.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Laura Segal Stegman is the author of Summer of L.U.C.K. (her debut), sequel Ready or Not (both Five-Star Readers’ Favorite Award winners), and The Chambered Nautilus, third in Young Dragons Press’s middle grade trilogy. She has been featured at the Orange County Children’s Book Festival, San Diego Writers Festival, and LitFest in the Dena, and she shares her author journey with students at virtual and in-person visits to schools and libraries. She also serves as a judge for Society of Young Inklings, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), and other writer competitions. As a publicity consultant, she owns Laura Segal Stegman Public Relations, LLC, which has represented a wide-ranging client list of businesses and arts organizations. Her PR Tips for Authors workshop, a step-by-step guide to building a digital author media kit, has been presented by The Writing Barn, SCBWI, and elsewhere. Non-fiction writing credits include collaboration on the travel book Only in New York. Her feature stories and guest posts have appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Magazine, Westways, and School Library Journal’s Teen Librarian Toolbox, among others. She is based in Los Angeles. 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 MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

MMGM for June 10, 2024

Posted on June 10, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has a review of THE THINGS WE MISS by Leah Stecher.

Maria Antonia gives us a look at Just Like Click by Sandy Grubb.

Sue Heavenrich has a wonderful NF book for young MG readers (the 7-10 crowd): Thomas Jefferson’s Battle for Science: Bias, Truth, and a Mighty Moose! over at Archimedes Notebook.

Max @ COMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF recommends Aquicorn Cove by K. O’Neill.

Michelle Isenhoff reviews Roller Girl, by Veronica Jameison.

Brenda @ Log Cabin Library shares her thoughts on THE COOKIE CRUMBLES by Tracy Badua and Alechia Dow.

Kasey Girard @ The Story Sanctuary reviews Camp Prodigy by Caroline Palmer.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has an MMGM book to share every day. Be sure to check out her MMGM selection for this week along with last Thursday’s review of A PLACE TO SHINE.

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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 THINGS WE MISS

Posted on June 9, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

7th Grade. Just those two words can conjure up memories both good and bad. For J.P. Green they are mostly bad.

She never feels comfortable in the clothes she wears, is embarrassed by her body shape, and seems to always say the wrong thing or nothing at all. She has one good friend in Kevin as they have grown up together.

J.P.’s escape from reality happens when she finds a strange door in her neighbor’s tree house. It’s a door painted on the wall until J.P. approaches and it turns into a real door. Stepping through it she soon finds that a pathway lets her skip the next 3 days, never remembering what happened. Repeat as necessary. Which is way too often.

The escape is perfect as no one knows she is gone. But mentally she can’t tell you what happened during her away time. There is no memory of PE fitness tests, oral reports, facing Miranda-her nemesis and personal bully, or conversations with Mom or Grandpa.

The first person narration is an emotional journey with heartbreaking scenes throughout. A strong voice taking us along for the journey. You’ll keep reading and hope better days are ahead for J.P. after she realizes being gone for so many important events are making her situation worse.

Issues of mental health, body shaming, and loss of loved ones will be familiar to many young readers. THE THINGS WE MISS is a dramatic, often hard to put down narrative that would make a great story for discussion.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: May 7, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 288

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE THINGS WE MISS by Leah Stecher

  1. Pop Pop was a memorable adult character, always there for J.P. His courageous bout with cancer was a tough reality to deal with for his granddaughter.
  2. The realization that coping skills come about by being present in one’s life.
  3. Kevin is the kind of friend everyone should have. He knows when to say the right thing and his connection with Leah was heartwarming…even with a few bumps along the way.
  4. The realities portrayed about life in 7th grade will help others dealing with some of the same issues.
  5. J.P. and her mom’s relationship had many tough moments. It was nice to see it come around in a more positive way.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Leah Stecher was born and raised in Southern California and currently lives in coastal Maine. By day, she edits policy papers for an environmental nonprofit; by night, she writes middle grade fiction. She has strong opinions on tea blends, chocolate chip cookie recipes, and action movies. (Author Website)

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW!

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

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

Nate the Great and the Star-Spangled Parrot

Posted on June 7, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

I devote most of my reading time to middle grade books and reviews. Every year though I let a younger chapter book title slip in as a good choice to prepare young readers for the eventual jump to longer middle grade novels.

No better way to start than with NATE THE GREAT and the STAR-SPANGLED PARROT, a chapter book for ages 6-9.

There are over 2 dozen books in this series and this one continues with another mystery. Nate must use his detective skills to once again crack the case.

Nate and his dog Sludge are approached by friend, Pip. He has lost his parrot. Not a real one like he has on his shoulder, but a drone fancied up to look like a parrot. The 4th of July picnic celebration is in 2 days and Pip had planned a stunning rendition of the Star-Spangled-Banner with his real parrot and the parrot drone. Nate gladly takes on the case.

There’s also a pig involved who ends up helping Nate get closer to finding the drone. At only 64 pages with colorful illustrations throughout, the mystery format and story line will encourage readers to keep reading more books in the series and eventually make the jump to more challenging MG selections.

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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 Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

MMGM for June 3, 2024

Posted on June 3, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has a review of HEROES by Alan Gratz.

Maria Antonia gives us a look at Only Only Marisol Rainey by Erin Entrada Kelly.

ET Charles reviews Everything Sad Is Untrue (a true story) by Daniel Nayeri.

Linda Browne reviews The Tale of Truthwater Lake, by Emma Carrol.

Michelle Isenhoff joins the lineup again with a review of  Echo, by Pam Muñoz Ryan. 

Patricia Tilton shares her thoughts on The One and Only Ruby by Katherine Applegate.

Kasey Girard @ The Story Sanctuary reviews Greenwild: The City Beyond the Sea by Pari Thomson.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has an MMGM book to share every day. Be sure to check out her MMGM selection for this week along with yesterday’s review of THE NEW GIRL.

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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 , , | 2 Comments

HEROES by Alan Gratz

Posted on June 2, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

A gripping, historical look at the 1941 invasion of Pearl Harbor is brought to life by two boys. Young Frank McCoy narrates the tale. Dad is a Navy fighter pilot. Frank’s best friend is Stanley Summers whose dad is also stationed at Pearl Harbor.

Frank and Stanley love living in sunny Hawaii. Their favorite thing to do together is creating their own comic books. It’s a perfect pairing with Frank writing the story and Stanley illustrating. But everything changes on December 7, 1941.

They are in the worst place, touring a battleship when the Japanese airplanes start dropping bombs. It’s a frantic and terrifying race to safety.

This short book trailer gives readers a preview of how the story unfolds:

The author did take a few liberties with the historical aspects of Pearl Harbor, but it doesn’t detract from the absolute horror taking place that day. The theme of what it really means to be a hero is present throughout. Also significant is the growing prejudice directed toward Stanley and his mother along with other Japanese Americans after the attack.

HEROES is a page turning achievement, sure to please the MG audience. Another winner from Alan Gratz.

PAGE COUNT: 272 BOOK BIRTHDAY: 2/6/2024

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT HEROES by Alan Gratz

  1. A 10-page comic is included in the back pages. It’s the comic the boys hoped to write some day. A great way to bring closure to the story.
  2. The plot is presented in three parts: BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER the attack. The Author’s note gives even more background on Pearl Harbor.
  3. Frank and Stanley are two memorable characters. Their emotions come forth in every scene and their friendship is tested
  4. I have visited the Pearl Harbor site, but continued to learn more about the fateful day and its aftereffects reading this account.
  5. Action packed and hard to put down, this story will appeal to all those who enjoy historical fiction. HEROES may even hook other readers to give this genre a try.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alan Gratz is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty novels and graphic novels for young readers, including Heroes, Two Degrees, Captain America: The Ghost Army, Ground Zero, Refugee, Allies, Prisoner B-3087, and Ban This Book. A Knoxville, Tennessee native, Alan is now a full-time writer living in Portland, Oregon with his family. Learn more about him online at www.alangratz.com.

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW!

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

Posted in Historical fiction, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Posted on May 31, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

This new science title from Nomad Press explores five renewable energies: Solar, Wind, Hydropower, Geothermal, and Bioenergy. You won’t find a boring narrative. It’s an interactive, easy to read journey beginning with an informative Introduction followed by 6 chapters:

  1. Sunlight, Sunlight, Is it Too Bright?
  2. Catching the Wind
  3. The Power of H2O
  4. Tapping Into Mother Earth
  5. Veggie Power
  6. Powering Our Future

Illustrations and photographs compliment the text. There are also handy WORDS TO KNOW boxes within each chapter so you don’t have to dig through a glossary to find the meaning of important words.

Essential questions guide a readers learning and a total of sixteen different hands-on projects bring understanding even deeper.. You might be creating a Light Box, experiencing Water Pressure, or setting up an experiment to witness Cellular Respiration. Great learning experiences throughout.

The book ends with 2 pages of actions we can all take to reduce climate change. The final Essential question bring the guide to a thoughtful close: “What’s the best approach to ensure as many people as possible are using renewable energy?”

I’m sure many worthwhile answers will emerge after experiencing this book in classrooms and at home.

Renewable Energy is available from Nomad Press along with other science related books. Future scientists will love this title along with anyone else who usually find science not to their liking.

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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