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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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

MMGM for May 27, 2024

Posted on May 27, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has a review of BRAIDED by Leah Cypess.

Brenda @ Log Cabin Library also reviews BRAIDED (Sister’s Ever After #5) by Leah Cypess

Rebecca Douglass has a post about KEEPING PACE by Laurie Morrison.

Maria Antonia reviews The Vanderbeekers Ever After by Karina Yan Glaser

Carol Baldwin reviews THE NIGHT WAR by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, a historical fiction story set in WWII – 1942.

Kasey Girard @ The Story Sanctuary reviews Not If You Break Up with Me First by G. F. Miller, a middle grade rom-com (ish?).

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of UNSTUCK by Barbara Dee. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a book review to share every day. Be sure to check out her MMGM selection for this week along with last Friday’s review of THE STRANGE WONDER OF ROOTS.

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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

BRAIDED

Posted on May 26, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

The Sisters Ever After series adds a fifth book with the heartfelt and exciting story of Cinna and her older sister, Rapunzel. If you are new to the series, each book is a retelling of a fairy tale so you can dive into BRAIDED without having read the others.

Princess Cinna has never met her older sister, Rapunzel, who was kidnapped before Cinna was born. Eighteen of the 25 chapters begin with one of the letters Cinna wrote over the years to the sister she so dearly wants to have back in her life. It’s a good way for readers to gain an emotional attachment to the girls.

When Rapunzel finally does return after being rescued from a mysterious place known as the Realms, Cinna is beyond happy. Rapunzel can now take her rightful place as the next in line for the throne.

But Rapunzel is not quite what everyone expected. She has her own plan for how this re-connection will unfold and boldly speaks her mind to anyone in her way. The only thing the girls seem to have in common is their long braided magical hair, although Cinna cuts hers off to support Rapunzel. When magical creatures begin attacking both Cinna and Rapunzel it will be up to the sisters to unite.

Cinna narrates the tale in an engaging fashion. Her emotions are on display in every scene. The queen and several of her support staff provide even more conflict in their efforts to bring peace to the Borderlands. BRAIDED will keep you wrapped up right to the thrilling conclusion.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: May 28, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 304

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: BRAIDED by Leah Cypess

  1. Magic is in the braids. Different spells can be creating by braiding the hair in a unique way. A hair raising good twist.
  2. Telling a fairy tale through siblings point of view is a perfect way to make this story fun and engaging for readers.
  3. The dragon and several monsters are not to be messed with. They provided many moments of page turning thrills.
  4. The real meaning of sisterhood comes forth through two sisters who had gone 11 years without ever meeting.
  5. Rapunzel’s social skills need a lot of improvement, but many of her surprising comments had me smiling.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: LEAH CYPESS

I wrote my first story in first grade. The narrator was an ice-cream cone in the process of being eaten. In fourth grade, I wrote my first book, about a girl who gets shipwrecked on a desert island with her faithful and heroic dog (a rip-off of both The Black Stallion and all the Lassie movies, very impressive).

After selling my first story (Temple of Stone) while in high school, I gave in to my mother’s importuning to be practical and majored in biology at  Brooklyn College. I then went to Columbia Law School and practiced law for almost two years at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, a large law firm in New York City. I kept writing and submitting in my spare time, and finally, a mere 15 years after my first short story acceptance, I sold my first novel to Greenwillow Books (HarperCollins).

I live in Silver Spring, Maryland (right outside of Washington, D.C.) with my husband and four children.

(For more about Leah, visit her author web page, and follow her on Facebook or Twitter!

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

BEHIND MY DOORS-The Story of the World’s Oldest Library

Posted on May 24, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

Here’s a story about a library most people probably never knew existed (including me). Founded by a Muslim woman (Fatima Al-Fihri) in 859, the Al-Qarawiyyin Library is located in Fez, Morocco.

The library is the perfect narrator to tell its own story. In the early years visitors included those from Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and Al-Qarawiyyin University. Featured debates were held often in the reading rooms. It was a thriving, beautiful place.

Over the years though it fell into disrepair. Visitations declined. Thankfully this special place was finally restored in 2012.

Captivating illustrations are found throughout the 40 pages. It is a picture book, but one that younger middle grade kids would enjoy. You could even put in on a living room table and watch as very few could walk by without picking it up.

BEHIND MY DOORS is a quick memorable tribute to a special library.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hena Khan has been publishing books for children, including many that center Pakistani American and Muslim characters, for over two decades. She writes award-winning books in a multitude of formats, including picture books, middle grade fiction, pick-your-path adventures, and graphic novels. Her stories are often centered around her culture, community, friendship, and family, and draw from her own experiences. Hena’s bestselling novels include Amina’s Voice and More to the Story. She is also the author of the Zayd Saleem Chasing the Dream, Zara’s Rules, and Super You! series. Hena’s acclaimed picture books include Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns, Under My Hijab, and It’s Ramadan, Curious George. She holds an MA in International Affairs from The George Washington University, has served on the board of We Need Diverse Books, and is a member of the Children’s Book Guild of DC. Hena lives in her hometown of Rockville, Maryland.

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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 those 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 New Release, non fiction | Tagged , | 2 Comments

MMGM for MAY 20, 2024

Posted on May 20, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has a review of DRAWING DEENA by Hena Khan

Rebecca Douglass is featuring Nic Stone’s Clean Getaway.

Brenda @ Log Cabin Library reviews Mermedusa (The Legends of Eerie-on-Sea#5) by Thomas Taylor.

Sue Heavenrich has a fantastic book for kids! Over at Archimedes Notebook is her review of  One Long Line: Marching Caterpillars and the Scientists Who Followed Them, by Loree Griffin Burns.

Max @ Completely Full Bookshelf recommends Anya’s Ghost by Vera Brosgol, and also proposing a virtual Kidlit Lovers’ Meetup for book bloggers and readers! 

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Chasing Helicity: Force of Nature (Book One) by Ginger Zee. 

Maria Antonia has a post about Aggie Morton, Mystery Queen: The Body Under the Piano by Marthe Jocelyn. 

Rosi Hollinbeck has a Double Review & GIVEAWAY of GUT REACTION & HALF MOON SUMMER. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.

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 Friday’s LINUS AND ETTA COULD USE A WIN.

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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

DRAWING DEENA

Posted on May 19, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

Anxiety and depression can often be frequent visitors for those in the middle grades. Deena isn’t sure what to do about the knot in her stomach. It’s there when her parents argue about money or when facing the realities of school. She often can’t find the right words to say.

Deena does have good friends and artistic skills to make it through each day. What if she used her creative art work to help her parents out? She does exactly that by creating a logo and website for her mom’s home based business– selling beautiful clothes from Pakistan.

Business improves, but her nausea and feeling unsure of herself worsen. School and parental support are the outlets she must depend on.

Deena’s first person narration flows smoothly through 44 chapters. It’s a quiet story but one that could result in some great discussion about the effect anxiety can have on one’s life, and what you can do about it. For Deena it’s talking to a school psychologist and making sure her parents know what she has been going through emotionally.

DRAWING DEENA is a powerful story and deeply personal for the author. It will appeal mostly to girls but boys might also enjoy the tale, especially those interested in art.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: February 6, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 240

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: DRAWING DEENA by Hena Khan

  1. Deena’s parents learn from her that there is no shame in asking for help. An important reminder that “It takes a village to raise a child.”
  2. A nice sidelight was learning about Pakistani traditions, culture, and language embedded in the story.
  3. Deena is inspired by Salma, an artist she meets through her mother’s business. A mentor can play an important role in providing inspiration and a new voice to help process one’s thoughts.
  4. The use of social media showed a realistic look at how we are often controlled by its use. Another beneficial theme was the pressure girls often have about outward appearance.
  5. Deena’s voice came through loud and clear by book’s end. It will make you smile.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hena Khan has been publishing books for children, including many that center Pakistani American and Muslim characters, for over two decades. She writes award-winning books in a multitude of formats, including picture books, middle grade fiction, pick-your-path adventures, and graphic novels. Her stories are often centered around her culture, community, friendship, and family, and draw from her own experiences. Hena’s bestselling novels include Amina’s Voice and More to the Story. She is also the author of the Zayd Saleem Chasing the Dream, Zara’s Rules, and Super You! series. Hena’s acclaimed picture books include Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns, Under My Hijab, and It’s Ramadan, Curious George. She holds an MA in International Affairs from The George Washington University, has served on the board of We Need Diverse Books, and is a member of the Children’s Book Guild of DC. Hena lives in her hometown of Rockville, Maryland.

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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 , , , , , | 9 Comments

MOUNTAIN OF FIRE

Posted on May 17, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

My first look at the cover made me assume this was fiction– a story of two boys desperately trying to escape the devastation brought on by the Mount St. Helens volcano in 1980. Their tale is included but MOUNTAIN OF FIRE is a non-fiction account of the stories brought forth by citizens, scientists, politicians. and experts in the behavior of volcanoes… and quite a good one.

The 43 chapters lead us through the months before Mount St. Helens erupted. It was a guessing game as to when and if it would ever occur. But on on May 18, 1980, the disaster left 57 dead and many others barely escaping. Their stories are gripping to read.

A helpful map of key places and the location of individuals talked about within the pages are included. The author does an excellent job in the narrative detailing the emotions of that time period. This includes the blame game in the days following the eruption and calling out politician’s reactions.

The forty plus years that have passed have brought more understanding and technology in helping predict future occurrences and the lessons learned. The ending chapters cover this much needed information. Don’t miss the QR code link where you can view pictures of the people included in the story along with images of the eruption and aftermath.

A great addition to the non-fiction shelves. MOUNTAIN OF FIRE is perfect for middle graders interested in learning about disasters and science.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rebecca E. F. Barone is an engineer who has worked on a diverse array of projects: injury analysis for the National Football League, knee mechanics during car crashes, development of gait biometrics, and engine calibration of hybrid cars. Realizing her love for books in addition to numbers, she now describes the world with words rather than equations. Her first book, Race to the Bottom of the Earth: Surviving Antarctica, is now available and has received four starred reviews. Her second book, Unbreakable: The Spies Who Cracked the Nazis’ Secret Code, about the Enigma cipher of WWII, launched October 25, 2022 to four starred reviews. Mountain of Fire: The Eruption and Survivors of Mount St. Helens, her third book, will be published Spring, 2024.

For more about Rebecca and her other books, be sure to visit her author 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, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

MMGM for MAY 13, 2024

Posted on May 13, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has a review of LOUDER THAN HUNGER by John Schu.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles shares a guest post by Sandy Deutscher Green and a GIVEAWAY of her MG horror in verse Ghost Writers: The Haunting of Lake Lucy.

Brenda @ Log Cabin Library reviews The Swifts:  A Dictionary of Scoundrels by Beth Lincoln, illustrations by Claire Powell.

Jennifer Bohnhoff has  Meg Goes to America, an MG historical fiction about a missionary’s daughter in Japan at the start of WWII. Also included is a three copy GIVEAWAY of the book.

Sue Heavenrich has an adventure at sea over at Archimedes Notebook: A Window into the Ocean Twilight Zone: Twenty-Four Days of Science at Sea, by Michelle Cusolito.

Carol Baldwin reviews SALT TO THE SEA by Ruta Sepetys.

Linda Browne reviews THE STARS OF WHISTLING RIDGE, by Cindy Baldwin at Bookcase Bizarro.

Max @ Completely Full Bookshelf recommends Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol.

Patricia Tilton and Children’s Books Heal reviews “True or Fales? :The Science of Perception, Misinformation, and Disinformation” by Jacqueline B. Toner, PhD.

Maria Antonia has a post about a newly released novel in verse: Mari in the Margins by Rebecca J. Gomez. There’s also an interview with the author! 

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of KEEPING PACE by Laurie Morrison. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.

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 Friday’s THE TRUTH ABOUT TRIANGLES.

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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

LOUDER THAN HUNGER

Posted on May 12, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

Thirteen-year-old Jake has an eating disorder. The voice in his head seems to control every choice he makes in life. His condition get so bad that Jake’s parents place him in a residential treatment facility.

Louder Than Words is an emotional journey and there couldn’t be a better way than a novel-in-verse format for Jake to tell his story.

Heartbreaking. Challenging. Uplifting. Helpful.

Readers (10 to adult) will feel each one of those words as they follow Jake’s downward spiral. The basis for the story came from John Schu’s own experiences as a teen.

Jake is lonely, bullied, and has lost all confidence. He does have a few positives in his life, He volunteers at a nursing home, talking and reading to a blind resident. But the person he most connects with is Grandma. They have a special bond shared through their love of poetry and Broadway plays. But Jake’s anorexia is keeping him away from her.

Although the page count is large, the time to complete this important novel will be less than most MG novels. Louder Than Hunger brings you close to the heart of a boy struggling to escape the grip of an unwarranted fear. Highly recommended.

PAGE COUNT: 528 BOOK BIRTHDAY: March 19, 2024

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: LOUDER THAN HUNGER by John Schu

  1. Not only is the book an important read, but John Schu’s letter to readers in the back pages makes a perfect companion.
  2. The day trips Jake had away from the treatments center first with Mom and then Dad were an important part of Jake’s healing. The initial trip didn’t end very well but the next one brought a smile to my face.
  3. Jake’s friendship with Kella, another treatment center resident, helped bring both character arcs full circle.
  4. Readers struggling like Jake will come way with the realization that the negative voice inside does not have to ruin your life.
  5. The heart of of this novel is HOPE. An inspiring read that will encourage discussion for both those kids in need and their families.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John Schu has made a career out of advocating for the people and things he cares about most: kids, books, and the people that connect them. He was named a Library Journal Mover and Shaker for his dynamic interactions with students and his passionate adoption of new technologies as a means of connecting authors, illustrators, books, and readers. He is the children’s librarian for Bookelicious, a part-time lecturer at Rutgers University, and shares his love of reading with countless educators and students around the world. He is the author of Louder Than Hunger (Candlewick, 2024) This Is a School(Candlewick, 2022) illustrated by Veronica Miller Jamison, This Is a Story (Candlewick, 2023) illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist Lauren Castillo, and The Gift of Story: Exploring the Affective Side of the Reading Life (Stenhouse, 2022). John Schu lives in Naperville, Illinois.

(Be sure to visit John’s Author Web Site)

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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 , , , , | 10 Comments