EXTRA NORMAL

Posted on January 7, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

Welcome to 2024 where I’ll be featuring some of my favorites new middle grade books releasing this year. First though, there are a few titles to sneak in this month that I couldn’t quite squeeze into my 2023 review schedule. First up is the enticing and creepy, EXTRA NORMAL.

The Greer family is about as far from normal you could ever have in a family. Twelve-year-old Charlie is the only one who feels she isn’t special. That’s because of the abnormal nature of her adopted siblings (on the cover from left to right): Matty the werewolf; Gideon who has telekinetic powers after some weird experiments; and the ghostly 8-year-old Opal.

It’s a loving family with parents who work for the Division of Extranormal Investigations. Both Mom and Dad are exhausted and finally head off on a much needed vacation, leaving the kids with two other investigators. Charlie is determined to take good care of her brothers and sisters so she can prove she is special at something.

When the Weavers move in across the street, Charlie feels they are a bit on the strange side even though everyone else says otherwise. She is certain they are hiding something in their house, quite possibly the several neighbors who have disappeared. What happens next is a mystery uncovered and a thrilling ending. Charlie and family come together and show how important love and acceptance is even when you aren’t like a normal family.

Exciting, creepy, and heartfelt, EXTRA NORMAL will have you wishing for a sequel.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: EXTRA NORMAL by Kate Alice Marshall

  1. The very diverse cast will win you over. Matty is deaf, Gideon doesn’t believe in using his powers, and Opal is overly nervous about their plight. A memorable group trying to work together.
  2. Agent Baxter and Pendleton, the kids’ adult supervision while the parents were vacationing, are a funny twosome. They weren’t just sub-characters but an important part of the story.
  3. Charlie steals the show with a caring attitude about her siblings and trying to do her best for the parents she adores.
  4. When do you ask an adult for help was balanced perfectly and very believable.
  5. No spoilers, but what the Weavers are doing to stay alive will have you glad they aren’t your neighbors. Well done creepiness for the MG audience.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kate Alice Marshall is the author of young adult and middle grade novels, including I AM STILL ALIVE, RULES FOR VANISHING, and THIRTEENS.

She lives outside of Seattle with her husband, two dogs named Vonnegut and Octavia, and two kids. They all conspire to keep her on her toes.

(For more about Kate and her books visit the author’s web site)

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THE INVENTOR

Posted on January 5, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

This new graphic series is a real attention grabber both from the artwork and story synopsis:

Discover the vibrant island of Mata-Mata with long-time residents Cobalt Cogg and his grandfather, Alfred. Cobalt wants to grow up to be like his grandpa – an inventor! But when he and his friend, Linnea, get into an accident with one of Alfred’s inventions, all hopes for creating seem lost. Can Cobalt recover and move forward with his friends and family? Plus: learn about Alpha-Energy and all the ways it can help! And is there something more to this mysterious energy source? Process all this and grief, joy, health, and creativity, in this fantastical coming-of-age graphic novel.

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Cobalt is an endearing MC. His accident is heartbreaking but propels him to do more inventions. His relationship with his grandfather and the future it holds will for sure endear readers to stay with the series.

Each page is vibrant with colors jumping off the page. Even the backgrounds of each are worth a look.

The 152 pages fly by way too quick and will leave you anxious for the next volume. For now, DANGEROUS DISCOVERY will be released on January 23, You can pre-order the book through either of the previous links.

Writer/Artist – Lars Henrik Eriksen

Lars Henrik Eriksen (b. 1995) studied music at upper secondary school, and has further education as a civil engineer. He has always loved comics and has been drawing for as long as he can remember. Eriksen participated in Egmont’s comic book competition in 2018 and immediately received a book contract. This inspired him to continue with his comic book – which now sees the light of day.

“I find it incredibly exciting to know that children in the US soon will have the opportunity to read “The Inventor”, and get to know the aspiring inventor Cobalt, his friend and the mayor’s daughter, Linnea, and learn about all the colorful turtles and people of Mata-Mata.

I’m also very grateful to the team at Mad Cave who are making this release possible, and am very much looking forward to seeing the book out in English!” – Writer/Artist, Lars Henrik Eriksen (He/Him)

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Posted in Graphic Novels, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

MMGM for DECEMBER 18, 2023

Posted on December 18, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Enjoy the last MMGM for 2023 (NO MMGM on December 25th or January 1st). Thanks to all the visitors and a special thanks to those who contribute. MMGM will be back for another year on January 8, 2024! Happy Holidays!

Click on the twinkling lights to read a blogger’s middle grade review or feature.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of SIXTH GRADE SUPERSTAR by Brian Lynch.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has  an interview with Joanne Rossmassler Fritz and a giveaway of her MG novel in verse Ruptured.

Max at COMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF recommends Look on the Bright Side by Lily Williams and Karen Schneemann.

Brenda at Log Cabin Library returns with a review of Looking Up by Stephan Pastis.

Linda Browne presents her Bookcase Bizarro with a collection of reviews from the past month. You’ll find both MG and YA titles here.

Carol Baldwin welcomes back guest reviewer Mara Scudder and her review of TEARS TO DANCING.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of THE MONARCHS OF WINGHAVEN. Rosi also shares three links 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 LAST EXIT TO FERAL.

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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

SIXTH GRADE SUPERSTAR

Posted on December 17, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

My first year as a teacher was spent with 35 sixth graders. Back in those days sixth grade was at the top of the elementary school ladder. Kids had waited their whole lives to be leaders of the pack.

It was a fun year and I only made a few mistakes. I was learning right along with my students and probably learned more than I did in the degree program that bought me there.

But changes were coming. The next year sixth grade became a part of Junior High (later to be called Middle School). Sixth graders were now at the bottom of the ladder looking up at 7th and 8th graders. A scary proposition.

Sixth Grade Superstar is a fun look a that first year of Junior High as author Brian Lynch takes us back to 1986:

Sixth Grader Ty Bogart has a role in the school musical! It’s opening up a whole new world to him: He’s making new friends, talking to way older women (some of them as old as EIGHTH GRADE), and going to big kid parties (which go until 9 PM, if you can believe it). Ty is going to act. He’s going to dance. He’s going to sing. He’s going to kiss a girl right on the forehead in Act 2. There’s just one problem: Whenever Ty has to perform in front of people, he loses his voice. Can he find it before opening night?

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Ty narrates the tale and interspersed are innocent drawings of how he sees himself and others. It’s not a graphic novel but more text based with pictures added for increased enjoyment while reading about his plight.

Ty is shy and just trying to fit in. There’s a bully who makes Ty feel miserable, but then he tries out for the school musical and despite not being that strong of a singer he gains new friends and eventual confidence. Even though the story is set in the past, current middle graders will see many of the same awkward issues they face today.

Perfect as a read aloud, the character arcs for Ty and friend Bowen are crafted in superb fashion. SIXTH GRADE SUPERSTAR is an easy read that will have you smiling and laughing out loud at times. A great holiday gift for the sixth grader in your life.

PAGE COUNT: 261  BOOK BIRTHDAY: November 12, 2023

About the Author

Brian Michael Lynch (born June 21, 1973) is an American film and comic book writer. Lynch was the initial writer and co-creator with Joss Whedon of Angel: After the Fall for IDW Publishing, and is best known for writing the screenplays for the films Puss in Boots and Minions. He has also written an unproduced film adaptation of The Sims.

(Bio from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

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

THE PRESIDENTS DECODED

Posted on December 15, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

THE PRESIDENT’S DECODED is a detailed and revealing look at the 45 men who have spent time as the President of the United States. Presented in the order they took office, the information is never boring with insights into their lives before and during time as our presidential leader.

An illustration and background is first presented along with a DID YOU KNOW? piece. It’s here where you will discover both common and uncommon facts. There are fun ones like John Tyler (#10) being the first president to get married while in office; to the more serious as Andrew Jackson (#7) was the first president to face an assassination attempt.

After each first page, the person’s life before presidency is detailed followed by their time as Mr. President. Upon reflection of their successes and failures in office, the closing of each section is where you find their legacy.

THE PRESIDENTS DECODED is a must for any school or home library. It’s full of primary sources and ends with Suggestions for Further Reading. A readable and entertaining view of the 45 individuals who have led our country.

Page Count: 248 BOOK BIRTHDAY: October 17. 2023

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It’s almost time for our final Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in 2023. 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 DECEMBER 11, 2023

Posted on December 11, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Click on each ornament for today’s middle grade reviews and features.

(Note: Due to the upcoming Monday holidays, there will be NO MMGM on December 25th or January 1st)

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of GAME FACE by Shari Green.

Stephanie Robinson at Fairday’s Blog features The Deliverers Series by Gregory Slomba.  

Susan Uhlig was once again impressed by a Gary D. Schmidt book. This time around it’s Orbiting Jupiter.

Carol Baldwin is giving her teen reviewers the week off. Instead, she has has own review of THE DOUBLE CROSSING by Sylvia Patience.

Sue Heavenrich has a review of Our World Out of Balance: Understanding Climate Change and What We Can Do over at Archimedes Notebook.

Maria Antonia at of books, photography, and tea has a post about The Hope of Elephants by Amanda Rawson Hill

Faith Hough shares her review of Juniper’s Christmas, by Eoin Colfer.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of WHAT CAN I DO? INSPIRING ACTIVITIES FOR CREATIVE KIDS. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.

Max at COMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF came in a little late with his post for today, but given that he is finishing up his first semester of grad school I’ve added Max’s review of two graphic novels: ROSIE and THE DO-OVER.

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 HURRICANE GIRLS.

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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 , , | 3 Comments

Game Face

Posted on December 10, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Jonah is 13 and wants to succeed as a hockey goalie, maybe eventually going pro. His best buddy, Ty, is also pursuing this dream.

Jonah, though, has anxiety issues that have worsened since his mom was killed in a car accident. Dad also suffers from severe anxiety and won’t even attend his son’s games.

Things get even worse for Jonah when Ty has a medical emergency during an important game. Now Jonah tries to go it alone until he realizes their are people (classmate and next door neighbor, Rose, and a school counselor) who could help with the alien in his brain (A worried voice he calls Al).

The novel in verse flows from one crisis to the next in gripping fashion. It’s a hard to put down treasury of poetry and dialog.

I come across many kids with anxiety issues and GAME FACE will certainly be the book to recommend. The story is a hopeful companion on the road to feeling okay. Perfect starting point for thought and discussion.

PAGE COUNT: 376 BOOK BIRTHDAY: Sept. 5, 2023

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FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: GAME FACE by Shari Green

  1. Both Rose and the counselor shine as secondary characters. They are very convincing therapists.
  2. The relationship change between Jonah and his Dad comes forth as a strong component.
  3. One look at the cover makes this looks like a sport’s book. What you’ll find instead: hockey is there as a springboard towards helping one’s mental health.
  4. Ty and Jonah’s friendship takes many emotional directions. Heartbreaking and satisfying rolled into a great ending.
  5. Despite the page count, this novel in verse is a quick read and will appeal to many middle graders.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shari Green writes fiction and poetry for children and young adults. Her latest middle-grade novel in verse, GAME FACE, launched in Fall 2023 and is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection. Shari’s other books include ROOT BEER CANDY AND OTHER MIRACLES, an IYL White Ravens selection; MACY McMILLAN AND THE RAINBOW GODDESS, a Schneider Family Book Award winner, Junior Library Guild selection, IBBY Outstanding Books for Young People With Disabilities selection, and USBBY Outstanding International Books selection; and MISSING MIKE, an NCTE Notable Verse Novels selection and USBBY Outstanding International Books selection. Her next book, SONG OF FREEDOM, SONG OF DREAMS, is a Young Adult historical novel in verse, coming in March 2024. When she’s not writing or reading, Shari can often be found wandering the beaches or forest trails near her home on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada.

(For more about Shari and her books take a look at her author web page)

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW!

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

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SKIP!

Posted on December 8, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Jay is a poet and a budding musician. He has a hard time fitting in anywhere. There’s a promising change when he stumbles across a group of three girls who are practicing their Double Dutch jump roping routines with the team name of SKIP!

Jay is not very good at jump roping, but he enjoys finally having friends. This doesn’t last long when differences among group members (especially tough minded, Beah) cause a split. Broken friendships are not always repairable, but Jay and Beah hope otherwise.

The artwork is colorful and bold and the text flows nicely from one panel to the next. It often swirls across and down the page like a jump rope.

Although the story doesn’t delve deep enough into the character backgrounds, the tale will still please graphic novel enthusiasts. SKIP! is a quick read with themes of isolation and friendship. Double Dutch jump roping is a rare pursuit in MG books so it was fun to have it featured here. The sweet ending was worth the wait.

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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 | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

MMGM for DECEMBER 4, 2023

Posted on December 4, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

HAPPY ! (Due to the upcoming Monday holidays, there will be NO MMGM on December 25th or January 1st).

Click on each snowman for today’s middle grade reviews and features.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of Tethered to Other Stars by Elisa Stone Leahy.

Brenda @ Log Cabin Library features Just Harriet by Elana K. Arnold.

Natalie at LIterary Rambles has a guest post this Wednesday you won’t want to miss: It’s by debut author Dana VanderLugt and there’s a giveaway of her MG historical  Enemies in the Orchard.

Sue Heavenrich has a stem BOOK for MMGM over at Archimedes notebook, The universe in you, by Jason Chin.

Susan Uhlig is sharing the incredible THE RED PENCIL by Andrea Davis Pinkney and illustrated by Shane W. Evans.

Maria Antonia at of books, photography, and tea is back with us today and has a post about: The Laura Ingalls Wilder Companion by Annette Whipple.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of THE PUPPETS OF SPELHORST. 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 Wednesday’s review: THE SECRET OF THE RAVENS.

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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

TETHERED TO OTHER STARS

Posted on December 3, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

The stars were aligned when I won a copy of this engaging middle grade book at Literary Rambles. TETHERED TO OTHER STARS was already on my TBR list given the advanced buzz I had been coming across. I’m pleased to be able to share this contemporary title today right here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE.

Preteen Wendy has a passion for astronomy. If only life were more like the stars. Her Salvadoran-Guatemalan family (Mom, Dad, and older brother Tom) have just moved to Columbus, Ohio. Wendy knows her family is “legal” but everyone is on edge with the appearance of Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) agents.

They are keeping track of a lady named Luz who has taken sanctuary at a church next door to Wendy’s family. Meanwhile, Wendy is faced with bigotry and racist bullying at her new school. Fortunately she has a new group of diverse friends who support each other. Wendy chooses to stay away from any drama by building a telescope for the school’s science contest. She’s hoping to get noticed for her intelligence rather than her background or color.

The emotions build with unexpected twists in the plot both with school friends and family. The character arcs with Wendy, Tom, and parents are superbly crafted. The tale starts out with problems hovering over the family and grows even more so with each passing chapter. It’s a hard to put down drama. A great springboard for a deep discussion about bullying, middle school pressures, and accepting differences.

Tethered to Other Stars has its own gravitational pull that will please readers both young and old.

PAGE COUNT: 317 BOOK BIRTHDAY: October 3. 2023

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FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: TETHERED TO OTHER STARS by Elisa Stone Leahy

  1. The relationship between Tom and Wendy is a heartwarming and heartbreaking look at siblings. Such a memorable pairing.
  2. The concept of what is right in the world we live in will endure middle grade readers towards a compassionate viewpoint.
  3. A superb look at life in a middle school with crushes, academic stress, friendships, and a frustrated principal caught in the middle.
  4. The courage Wendy showed to finally come out of her shell and be noticed.
  5. There will be a companion book coming out next year. Can’t wait to see Wendy navigate more challenges in her life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elisa Stone Leahy is a Peruvian American documentary filmmaker and children’s author. She lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her long-suffering partner, brilliant children, lazy cats, and scruffy labradoodle. When she’s not writing or working at the library, Elisa spends her energy on spontaneous bursts of artistic chaos and immigration activism. Her work with Edith Espinal’s sanctuary team inspired her debut novel, Tethered to Other Stars, which Kirkus Reviews called “beautifully executed.”

(For more about the book and Elisa, visit her 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