TOO MUCH TRASH

Posted on August 18, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

I try and get a good early morning hike in before the rush of the day gets going. Coming across animals like rabbits and squirrels along with the occasional coyote are common, and last winter I had a stare down with this little guy…

Not only have I observed a variety of animals, but also the trash they have obtained. TOO MUCH TRASH – HOW LITTER IS HURTING ANIMALS highlights an unfortunate problem animals have to deal with and it’s human caused.

The book is arranged in four chapters, with the first three leading into the most important component of how we fix this situation:

  1. THE TROUBLE WITH LITTER
  2. WHERE LITTER IS BORN
  3. WASTE IN THE WILD
  4. LET’S FIX THIS PROBLEM

Each page includes colorful and often eye-opening photos that blend in well with the text. Perfect for discussion at home or in school reading groups. The back pages include Joan Marie Galat’s reason for writing the book, an extended resource page, and a glossary.

TOO MUCH TRASH provides the inspiration for readers to be aware and take action in their own community. Overall, a great resource.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Although she started making books at the age of nine, Joan Marie Galat wasn’t published until she was 12 years old, when she became a paid weekly newspaper columnist. Today she is the award-winning author of more than 25 books, with translations in eight languages. Recent titles include Mortimer: Rat Race to Space (DCB), Absolute Expert: Space (National Geographic Kids), Stars (Scholastic USA), and The Story of Malala Yousafzai (Rockridge Press).

Joan shares her love of the stars in the Dot to Dot in the Sky series which combines the science of the night sky with the ancient myths that give constellations and planets their names. Her first title, Dot to Dot in the Sky, Stories in the Stars, became a best seller within six weeks of its release. As well as astronomy and mythology, Joan’s books for children explore light pollution, ecology, nature, volcanoes, wildlife, engineering, printmaking, cultural traditions, and history. Her titles include both fiction and non-fiction, often with a focus on one or more STEM or STEAM topics (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math). Her titles for adults include a travel guide and motivational book.

A prolific writer and relentless promoter of reading, Joan loves to use storytelling to connect with audiences. Speaking engagements have taken Joan across Canada, as well as to international events such as the United Nations Environment Programme in Seoul, South Korea (2016); the International Dark-Sky Conference in Snowbird, USA (2018), and an international book fair in Seoul (2005), where she presented Korean translations of her books. In Australia (2019), Joan spoke to child, family, and adult audiences. Closer to home, she has been part of the Jasper Dark Sky Festival (2015) and toured at schools and libraries across Canada. She is the 2018 recipient of the Martha Weston Grant, awarded annually to one member (worldwide) of the USA based Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

Joan operates MoonDot Media, a communications business offering writing and editing solutions in broadcast, print, and multi-media. Her freelance jobs have encompassed writing radio and video scripts, a cartoon, magazine articles, exhibit text, speechwriting, grant applications, annual reports, and other projects. She also provides corporate training and public workshops, as well as consults for writers on query letters, manuscripts, and the submission process.

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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 , , | 3 Comments

MMGM for August 14, 2023

Posted on August 14, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

It’s BACK TO SCHOOL this month for many young MG readers. Try these suggested books to give them a head start. Click a school bus to reach a blogger’s post.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of CLARITY OF SIGHT by Dani Resh.

Susan Uhlig was amazed by the debut Where the Watermelons Grow (Harper, 2018) by Cindy Baldwin.

Max at Completely Full Bookshelf recommends The Tea Dragon Society by K. O’Neill. 

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews KIDS CAN COOK ANYTHING. 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 Sunday’s review of FORGET ME NOT BLUE

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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

CLARITY OF SIGHT

Posted on August 13, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

CLARITY OF SIGHT, the second book in the Magic Shoe Series, is out this week. I previously enjoyed the first story a few years back but never had room in my schedule for a featured review. To catch you up here’s the official story line for that first book, COMPASS TO VINLAND:

Wren Larkin has a lot of things working against him-too tall, too thin, and living in a house that looks like an old boot. His only friends are a group of noisy crows that are always bringing him random trinkets. Needless to say, he’s not the most popular kid in town.

But things change when a girl named Maria moves to town and instantly befriends Wren. She continues to do the unexpected when she defends Rusty, the resident bad boy, who might not be as rebellious as Wren thought. Wren learns that it isn’t just coincidence that brought the three of them together when he discovers a shoe workshop under the heel of his house that’s holding-or hiding–three pairs of magical shoes intended for each of them.

When strangers arrive on Wren’s doorstep looking for the shoes, Wren and his new companions have no choice but to flee to Underfoot, an underground settlement full of magical creatures. In just a matter of days, Wren is immersed into a whole new reality that’ll take him on an incredible journey and reveal a lineage that might be better left secret.

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A question I always get when presenting a series is “Can I read and understand the second book without having read the first?” I’m leaning toward a “Yes” answer. The author does a good job with introducing the setting and characters . Of course the story line is so good you will most likely be going back to see how it all started. Regardless, the plot of CLARITY OF SIGHT let’s you know what’s in store in this continuing adventure:

Maria is struggling in Underfoot. A hooded figure haunts her dreams, her mind-reading abilities have grown so powerful that even her closest friends avoid her touch, she’s seeing strange threads of light everywhere, and her parents are still nowhere to be found. Having been banned from returning to the surface for the time being, she anxiously awaits word from the search party that went looking for her parents and the other missing Vins. 

During what was supposed to be a joyous occasion, an evil entity strikes, creating chaos in the underground settlement, and Wren is captured by the Wrathful, along with Eyota. In order to escape the mayhem and rescue their friends, Maria, Rusty, and Pan must journey up top, find allies, and fight the enemy. Along the way, Maria finds answers to her never-ending questions and discovers fate is far more powerful than she realized.

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Another helpful background addition no matter where you begin is the author’s excellent description of the the three main characters:

Wren Larkin  lives in a house that looks like shoe, has an unbelievable green thumb, and has no idea what to do with the magic shoes he found hidden under his house. But when others learn that the shoes lead Wren to a cloaked world called Vinland, he has no choice but to go on the run with his newfound friends. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Wren and his shoes are pivotal to the fate of a mythical land and a long-standing family legacy.
Maria Tovar  is the newest student at Lewisberry Middle School, granddaughter of the town’s number one baker, and most likely to know everything you’re thinking about. Since, ya know, she can read minds.
Especially now that she has put on the magic shoes that Wren’s grandfather made for her which have amplified her abilities. While we meet her in Compass to Vinland, get ready to delve into the truth behind her past, present, and future in the second installment in the Magic Shoes Series.
Rusty Whitaker is known as bad news in the small town he lives in, but he gets the chance to change his narrative when he finds a pair of magic shoes that give him insane fighting skills. Even though everyone in the magic world is confused that Wren’s grandfather made him a pair of shoes, considering he’s just an ordinary guy, Rusty is convinced his shoes were made for a reason and he intends to prove his worth with them on his feet. 

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All of this background leads me to my:

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: CLARITY OF SIGHT By Dani Resh

  1. Pan (no, not Peter Pan) takes a bigger role in book 2. He can only be seen out of the corner of one’s eye and his vanishing act is even more appealing since he can walk between two worlds. The author did a fantastic job of weaving him in the plot and making Pan a secondary character you won’t forget .
  2. The three main characters are so different and their interactions bring you closer to them. Maria especially stands her ground when dealing with Rusty and Wren.
  3. Top notch story and world building. Suspense and twists await readers, making the 260 pages fly by.
  4. A lot is learned in this second book and it ends on a cliff hanger. The anticipation for book three grows even more.
  5. Maria’s first person narration never sounds adult like and stays right in a 13-year-old mindset. Her ability to touch someone and read their thoughts had me glad this was a fantasy and not real life. A fascinating trait none the less.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR (WEBSITE—INSTAGRAM)

Dani Resh is a Michigan author and artist. She has a bachelor’s in fine arts from the College of Creative Studies, a bachelor’s in political science from Oakland University, and a master’s in fine arts from Pennsylvania State University. Dani has worked in a wide variety of fields, including a position as a prosthetic-eye painter and a legal aid paralegal for domestic-abuse victims, and is currently working in higher education. However, her true passion is storytelling. Whether it be through the written word or her artwork, she feels most alive when she is creating. 

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW!

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

GIVEAWAY RESULTS: Last Friday’s Giveaway opportunity for a copy of National Geographic Kids Almanac 2024 goes to…

CAROL BALDWIN

Congratulations Carol!

Posted in MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Kids ALMANAC 2024 (plus a GIVEAWAY)

Posted on August 11, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Buy | Goodreads

The New York Times best-selling Almanac is packed with incredible photos, tons of fun facts, National Geographic exclusives, games, activities, and fascinating features about animals, science, nature, technology, and more. 

This new edition features:  

  • EXCLUSIVE National Geographic Explorer interviews and features   
  • EXCLUSIVE Interactive Almanac Challenge 2024, plus the results of the Almanac Challenge 2023  
  • BONUS SECTION of sidesplitting jokes and riddles   
  • NEW fun-tastic things to see and do in 2024  
  • NEW cutest animal superlatives and animal rescue stories  
  • NEW science and dinosaur discoveries  
  • NEW fun games, quizzes, and activities  
  • NEW weird and wacky places around the world  
  • NEW experiments to do, places to explore, and ways to change the world  
  • UPDATED reference material, including fast facts and maps of every country  

Check out https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/books/article/almanac-2024 for more information and to take the 2024 Almanac Challenge, Elephant-Stagram! 

Praise:

“…this gathering of upbeat, vividly illustrated, browser-friendly dips into topics ranging from black holes to blue-footed boobies to Bolivian street food is hard to put down, and the pop quizzes and research guides at each chapter’s end will give studious sorts a leg up, too”.― Kirkus

GIVEAWAY

Thanks to Media Masters Publicity ALWAYS in THE MIDDLE was chosen to host their own special giveaway of ALMANAC 2024. No Rafflecopter!

  • One winner will receive a copy of National Geographic Kids Almanac 2024
  • US/Canada only
  • Ends 8/13 at 11:59pm ET
  • Enter by leaving a brief comment below (like “Count me in!”)

GOOD LUCK!

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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 | 7 Comments

MMGM for August 7, 2023

Posted on August 7, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

It’s a new month for MMGM! Give AUGUST a click to reach a blogger’s post.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I review JETT JAMISON AND THE SECRET STORM by Kimberly Behre Kenna.

Brenda at LOG CABIN LIBRARY has a review of The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass.

Carol Baldwin features two JAPANESE INTERNMENT GRAPHIC NOVELS.

Max at Completely Full Bookshelf continues his excellent summer series of “more than one book review at a time” with Bad Sister by Charise Mericle Harper and Rory Lucey, Freestyle by Gale Galligan, and American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang.

Susan Uhlig adored THE REMARKABLE JOURNEY OF COYOTE SUNRISE by Dan Gemeinhart.

Valinora Troy reviews Wider Than The Sea by Irish author Serena Molloy.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews When Sea Becomes Sky by Gillian McDunn. 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 week’s review of THE GREAT TEXAS DRAGON RACE.

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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

JETT JAMISON AND THE SECRET STORM

Posted on August 6, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Sixth-grader Jett Jamison can’t catch a break. Her home in small town Wisteria is noisy as a zoo, and her mind buzzes with bits of a traumatic memory she’d rather forget. She’s filled a shoebox with one hundred thirty-three to-do lists, her roadmaps to peace, but they only lead to dead ends. Sister Gia, master gardener and cat-whisperer extraordinaire, suggests a book by an anonymous author, but it’s disappeared from all local libraries, and nobody wants to talk about it. Enraged at the injustice, Jett continues to dig for answers and is drawn into a censorship battle with a high-profile radio host. Her peaceful protest backfires big time, and the town goes berserk. Now, for peace to be within reach, Jett must either face up to her past or remain forever bound by silence much more suffocating than the din in Wisteria.

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A powerful story sure to help heal and provide understanding.

Jett narrates her heartfelt quest in trying to look forward and avoid reliving the past. Family includes both parents and twin younger brothers. She likes lists and schedules which don’t often jell with the way her family operates.

Jett’s favorite place is the library where the librarian is a friend. She also has two friends from school. Jett begins to see her inner self differently when she meets Sister Gia tending to the church garden. From then on Jett focuses on finding a censored book that sister recommends, RESURRECTING THE DRAGON.

She does find the book and discovers the author lives in her town. Jett Jamison and the Secret Storm handles the tough topics of abuse and book banning in an engaging and heartfelt way. A perfect selection for discussion at school and at home. Highly recommended for middle grade audiences.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: JETT JAMISON AND THE SECRET STORM by Kimberly Behre Kenna

  1. I often complain about the growing length of middle grade books. At 174 pages this story is the perfect length that is both impactful and complete.
  2. Anxiety is dealt with in a believable way. Jett hates certain noises and the voice in her head can’t seem to be silenced. The emotional turmoil it causes will bring readers a growing empathy with Jett.
  3. Jett’s character arc is one of my favorites from the past few years. I will be reading this again at some point in the future.
  4. Ralph Waldo Emerson sneaks into the plot and his advice to Jett is perfect. At the end of the story there is also space provided for readers to write their own story,
  5. Don’t miss the author’s notes in the back pages. Enlightening and memorable thoughts from this gifted author.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR, KIMBERLY BEHRE KENNA

After years as an adolescent and family counselor, and then as a fifth grade teacher of ecology and language arts, Kimberly returned to school for her MA in creative writing from Wilkes University. Her middle-grade novel, “Artemis Sparke and the Sound Seekers Brigade” (Regal House/Fitzroy) was a finalist and received Honorable Mention in the 2019 Tassy Walden New Voices in Children’s Literature Competition. “Jett Jamison and the Secret Storm” (Black Rose) is the second book in her Brave Girls Collection. A third in the collection, as yet unpublished, won second place in The Institute of Children’s Literature 2022 MG Mystery Contest. Her poems and stories have been published in American Writers Review, Mused, Plumtree Tavern, and Rubbertop Review. Her full-length play, “Ana’s Hummingbird,” was given a staged reading at The Dramatists Guild in NYC. She’s a member of SCBWI and PEN America, and now devotes herself to writing full time. Connect with her at www.kimberlybehrekenna.com

Follow Kimberly Behre Kenna on social media:

Twitter: @KimberlyBKenna | Instagram: @KimberlyBKenna 

Facebook: @KimberlyBehreKenna

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I hope you will return this Friday when ALWAYS in the MIDDLE will be giving away a copy of National Geographic’s Almanac 2024 (and you won’t need Rafflecopter to enter).

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, New Release | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

BATU AND THE SEARCH FOR THE GOLDEN CUP

Posted on August 4, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

An impressive cover introduces readers to an adventure like none other. As a part of Blue Slip Media’s tour for this new title, ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is your host for today’s stop.

THE PLOT

A warrior’s power lies not in his weapons but in his heart.

Batu is just an ordinary kid in present-day Almaty, worried about bullies, school, and his mom’s new baby…until the day he meets Aspara, the Golden Warrior. Aspara steps straight out of Batu’s notebook cover―and out of Kazakhstan’s past. Aspara has been waiting hundreds of years to be summoned to the human world and to finally get his chance to search for the Golden Cup, a magical talisman sent down from the heavens. When the Golden Cup was lost, Aspara watched as many of his friends and family were killed or disappeared.

Craving adventure and a sense of purpose, Batu sets out with Aspara and his own friends to find the Golden Cup, plunging them into an adventure through a world where myths come alive. But there are others looking for the Cup, and they’ll do anything to make sure the kids fail. Will Batu and his friends make it out alive (and make it home in time for dinner)?

ADVANCED REVIEWS

“A promising series opener that journeys into a thrilling world.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Fans of fantasy adventures such as the Pandava series and Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond will enjoy the easy-to-root-for characters and familiar tropes that populate this action-packed tale.” ―Publishers Weekly

AUTHORS/TRANSLATOR

Zira Nauryzbai is a writer and cultural anthropologist. She is the author of multiple books and of more than three hundred articles, all written in Russian. She is also a translator from Kazakh into Russian. She is the coauthor, with Lilya Kalaus, of Batu and the Search for the Golden Cup (and its sequels), which was a bestseller in Kazakhstan. Links to her publications can be found at www.otuken.kz. She is currently based in Astana, Kazakhstan. In her free time, Zira volunteers in the search for petroglyphs, rides horses, and practices shooting from a traditional Turkic bow.


Lilya Kalaus is a philologist, author, literary editor, scriptwriter, radio presenter, visual artist, and creative writing teacher from Almaty, Kazakhstan. Her stories and narratives have been published in various magazines and online periodicals in Kazakhstan, Russia, Uzbekistan, Germany, Ukraine, and the US. Lilya is the author of seven books, both for kids (together with Zira Nauryzbai) and for adults. Batu and the Search for the Golden Cup was a bestseller in Kazakhstan and became a series that now includes three books. Lilya is a member of the Writers’ Union of Kazakhstan and the Kazakh PEN Club, and she runs her own publishing company. Learn more at www.kalaus.tilda.ws.


Shelley Fairweather-Vega is a translator who works from Russian and Uzbek into English. She has translated for attorneys, academics, authors, and activists around the world. Her translated works have been published in the US and UK, and in the Critical Flame, Translation Review, Words Without Borders, the Brooklyn Rail, and more. Shelley is a past president of the Northwest Translators and Interpreters Society and a cofounder of the Northwest Literary Translators. She lives in Seattle, where she also plays the French horn and is helping raise two kids and a cat. Learn more at www.fairvega.com.

MY REVIEW

Batu and the Search for the Golden Cup, the first title in the series, is based on the culture of Kazakhstan (A country south of Russia). The setting will not be familiar with many middle graders which adds to its appeal.

Kazakh words used throughout may confuse readers. A handy 11 page glossary helps ease the transition and might be a good place to start before reading this adventure. One thing for sure: you’ll long for one of those fried dough treats known as a bauyrsaq.

Batu’s emotions are all over the place (and rightly so) as he confronts not only the bullies but Aspara, the Golden Warrior, who befriends him after popping out of a book. At times you’ll hate the way Batu acts, but by the end he’s a character you won’t soon forget as his bravery wins out.

Adventure and thrills come to a head in a story that mixes common elements in a middle grader’s daily life to the unknown mythical world. Many questions remain by the end which will hopefully be answered in future stories.

An engaging start to a unique story line.

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Instagram:

Blue Slip Media: @blue_slip_media 

Amazon Crossing Kids: @amazonpublishing 

Facebook:

Blue Slip Media: @blue-slip-media 

Amazon Crossing Kids: @amazonpublishing

Twitter:

Blue Slip Media: @blueslipper & @barbfisch

Amazon Crossing Kids: @AmazonPub

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Posted in Blog Tour, MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

MMGM for July 31, 2023

Posted on July 31, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

It’s the last day of July! Don’t let this month end without enjoying these middle grade reviews and features. Give a click to reach a blogger’s post.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of THE GREAT TEXAS DRAGON RACE by Kacy Ritter.

Brenda at LOG CABIN LIBRARY has a review of A VANISHING OF GRIFFINS (Songs of Magic #2) by S.A. Patrick.

Max at Completely Full Bookshelf sets a MMGM review record with a quadruple feature of: Isla to Island by Alexis Castellanos, Scout Is Not a Band Kid by Jade Armstrong, The Wondrous Wonders by Camille Jourdy, and Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega and Rose Bousamra.

Carol Baldwin welcomes back teen reviewer, Mara Scudder, and her review of SOUTHPAW SULLY by Steven Carman. 

Valinora Troy reviews ELSETIME by Eve McDonnell.

Maria Antonia pops back into the lineup with a review of Best Friends, Bikinis, and Other Summer Catastrophes by Kristi Wientge.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews two fun books: BEHOLD OUR MAGICAL GARDEN: POEMS FRESH FROM A SCHOOL GARDEN and COUNTING IN DOG YEARS AND OTHER SASSY MATH POEMS. 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 Saturday’s review of DON’T TRUST THE CAT.

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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 GREAT TEXAS DRAGON RACE

Posted on July 30, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Texas has dragons?

They sure do in this this exciting tale with 13-year-old Cassidy Drake and her dragon, Ranga in the middle of it all. Cassidy plan is to save their family’s dragon ranch. The huge energy company, FireCorp, is a potential buyer and they have a past full of cheating to get their way.

Cassidy’s late mother was a famous dragon rider and winning the Great Texas Dragon Race brings a winner’s prize of 250 grand. Her dad is against it as the race is quite dangerous. But grandma who is in the hospital fighting some unknown illness, signs the permission slip (without dad knowing) for Cassidy to enter the race.

She’s up against 50 other riders, including a nasty contingent of FireCorp riders who have decided advantage with the drug they are giving their dragons. It’s winner takes all with surprising twists and turns throughout.

A strong cast of characters led by headstrong Cassidy will appeal to both boys and girls. THE GREAT TEXAS DRAGON RACE is a dragon fantasy bigger than the state of Texas that packs an appealing finish.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: August 1, 2023 PAGE COUNT: 400

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT THE GREAT TEXAS DRAGON RACE by Kacy Ritter

  1. Even though this fantasy is set in the present, it was very believable with top notch world building.
  2. Economic hardship and corporate greed are modern day themes embedded in the story. They will further have you cheering for Cassidy to succeed.
  3. The first person narration by Cassidy was the perfect choice to endear this character to readers. She’s stubborn and fearless, but her love of dragons wins out.
  4. Cassidy and the other non-FireCorp riders are each in the race as an individual wanting to win. It was nice to see them eventually unify and see each other differently.
  5. The last leg of the race is a can’t stop reading finale. A page turning joy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR, Kacy Ritter

I’m a behavioral health professional by day and MG fantasy writer by night. I’m also a member of SCBWI Houston. In between writing and meetings, I imagine taking off on a Texas BBQ and taco tour with my rescue dog and cats.

I hold degrees from the University of Texas and the University of North Texas.

(For more about Kacy, visit her author web site; There is also a great interview of Kacy earlier this month on Natalie Aguirre’s Literary Rambles.

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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 MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

Double Header: THE BEACH DILEMMA and MONSTER MATCH

Posted on July 28, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

These two books from Red Chair Press are perfect for those anticipating a move up from chapter books to middle grade lit.. THE BEACH DILEMMA, the first in the EMMA JUST MEDIUM series, is only 72 pages, but the story will be familiar to many who find themselves as the middle child.

Emma is in the middle of two brothers who are nicknamed Big and Little. Big is 10 and avoids his younger sister, unless of course the perfect prank presents itself. Adorable Little (at least that’s what everyone except Emma calls her 3-year-old brother), always gets away with his outbursts and mispronunciations because, well, he’s only 3.

During a beach vacation with another family, Emma is frustrated and decides to act more like a Big. The outcome is not so good. Neither is it when she decides to try being a Little in the family. Emma eventually finds a new direction with help from her dad.

Nine chapters are accompanied by black and white illustrations that emphasize the emotions on each face. A fun collection by award-winning artist Marta Kissi.

The story flows smoothly from one scene to the next. The Beach Dilemma is a great beginning to this new series perfect for 3rd and 4th graders.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Laura Wiltse Prior went from creating tales starring “Laura the Great” in her dad’s studio office, to crafting short stories when she was supposed to be working in a business office, to writing books for kids in her very own office (well, one she shares with her son’s Xbox). She loves reading anything and everything, sneaking cookie dough from the mixing bowl and playing tennis. When she isn’t writing, Laura’s ferrying her kids around, hiking with her dog Cody, or hanging with Casper the cat. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and three kids, the inspiration for her stories.

(For more about Laura and her writing be sure to visit her author web page)

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Monster Match is the first book in the FRANKINSCHOOL series. Geared toward 8-12 year olds, the plot centers around Fred who turns into a young version of Frankenstein’s monster. This surprising turn of events occurs after an author signs Fred’s book “To Frank.”

Annoying classmate Luisa suggests that Fred is actually “Frank in school.” This gives Fred an idea for his creative writing assignment. After penning a ‘What If’ poem Fred suddenly ends up as the monster and his classmates, except Luisa, fall asleep at their desks. They both head to the attic to see if they can save the school.

The characters are a fun twosome with witty dialog throughout. I liked how they see each other differently by the last page. The bold black and white illustrations are a pleasing visual addition.

The plot unfolds in page turning style and you will be wanting more. An engaging and not too scary story, Monster Match will be a favorite classroom read aloud.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

When Caryn Rivadeneira was a kid, she dreamed of two things: being a writer and having lots of dogs. Both came true! Well, almost true. Caryn is a writer. She’s written lots of books for both kids and grown ups. And Caryn has had lots of dogs. However, right now, she only has one: a rescued pit bull who prefers the company of people to dogs. Caryn and her pup live in the near-west suburbs of Chicago with Caryn’s husband, three kids, three rescued guinea pigs, two parakeets, and too many fish.

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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.

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