NIC BLAKE AND THE REMARKABLES: THE MANIFESTOR PROPHECY

Posted on April 2, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Nic Blake is Remarkable in an Unremarkable World. It has its perks, like the pet hellhound she was given for her twelfth birthday, but it has its downfalls too – like not being trusted with magic because you might use it against an annoying neighbor. Nic wants to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a powerful Manifestor, but before she can convince him to show her how, he is being accused of crimes she refuses to believe he committed. Now, she must embark on a quest with two of her friends to find a magical tool she’s never heard of to save her father from imprisonment.

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Not only is Nic Blake remarkable but so is this first book in this new contemporary fantasy trilogy. Nic narrates her story that unfolds over 24 chapters. In the real world the engaging tale is set in Jackson, Mississippi with a side trip to New Orleans and a mysterious underground world.

Best friend JP and Alex (a possible new friend), join Nic as she searches for an unknown item called the Msaidixi. Dad has been arrested for allegedly stealing the artifact along with kidnapping Nic 10 years prior. Her only way of getting him released is finding the Msaidixi and returning it to the authorities.

It would have helped her quest if Dad had showed Nic how to use The Gift–something all Manifestors (the most powerful of the super natural Remarkables) have the ability to use. She could sure use it now as her life begins to unravel.

Tension filled, the writing is still full of timely humor and action throughout. The 368 pages zip by as readers are introduced to new creepy characters and a world like none other.

The ending leaves us wanting more as a few plot points tease with anticipation. It’s bound to be a series middle graders will love as much as this adult did.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT–NIC BLAKE AND THE REMARKABLES: THE MANIFESTOR PROPHECY

  1. A great bonus was having the history and present day treatment of Black Americans woven into the story. Great discussion starter.
  2. Nic, JP, and Alex are the same age but each have distinct personalities. They are the perfect threesome to make this plot believable and entertaining.
  3. Her Uncle Ty writes a popular series that kids are always reading and anticipating the next book.. The plot of that series parallels what happens to Nic and friends. It’s a nice surprise as to why it turns out this way.
  4. One would think Nic’s pet, known as a hellhound, would be a vicious creature, but one look at the creature on the cover hints that it will be a charming companion. Cocoa is all that and more.
  5. Everyone needs a friend like JP. His introspective character shined and it will be a pleasure seeing where it goes next.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR (from Angie’s website)

Angie Thomas was born and raised in Mississippi, but now calls Atlanta her home. A former teen rapper, she holds a BFA in creative writing from Belhaven University. Her award-winning, acclaimed debut novel, The Hate U Give, is a #1 New York Times bestseller and major motion picture from Fox 2000, starring Amandla Stenberg and directed by George Tillman, Jr. Her second novel, On the Come Up, is on sale now.

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Comment below then be sure to visit all the other bloggers participating in this week’s edition of Marvelous Middle Grade Monday.

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

JUST GUS

Posted on March 31, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

A big dog named Gus narrates this sweet and compelling tale of friendship. His main job is to guard the livestock from predators on a South Carolina farm where he lives. It’s the kind of work Gus loves.

Little does he know his life is about to change. The first event is the day Diego and his dad visit the farm. Diego suffers from social anxiety and just being around Gus helps him feel better.

What happens next brings them closer. Gus is injured by a bear while protecting his flock. He’s hurt bad enough that it will take time to heal his injured leg. Gus’s instincts are to protect, but it’s not possible in his condition. Diego proposes the perfect solution to have Gus come live with them so he can rest and heal at their North Carolina coastal home.

Gus loves the ocean sand and water. A deeper connection with Diego is also happening. The quiet times they spend together are his favorite. But the neighbor hates Gus, especially the barking, and is doing anything and everything to remove this large dog from the neighborhood.

Gus and his best friend are separated once more, but not if Gus has his way.

The heartfelt narration shines throughout this well thought out plot. Gus tries to understand human ways through his eyes and ears. The silly game of chess humans play will never make sense, but not so for his job of being the emotional support to Diego. They need each other.

The tale will resonate with dog lovers and will win over anyone else. You’ll learn about emotional support dogs and mental health along with what a dog goes through to heal from injuries. A handy set of discussion questions are included in the back pages. JUST GUS is a timeless story that will be hard to keep on the shelves for long.

ABOUT AUTHOR, McCall Hoyle (from her author website)

When I’m not reading or writing, I’m probably spending time with my husband and children. There’s almost always a pet around too. We have a precious golden retriever named Apple and an adorable three-and-a-half legged cat named Jim, who holds the key to our hearts and makes a cameo appearance in my second young adult novel, Meet the Sky. 

I come from a long line of strong women. I’m named for my grandmother, “Pinkie”, who was the first female editor of an Associated Press newspaper. Her sister, my great-aunt, was a physics professor at Auburn University. They were women way ahead of their times, which I think is pretty cool. 

And then’s there’s my day job as a middle school teacher librarian, which I think is pretty much the most awesome job on the face of the planet. I get to connect kids with books. Could life possibly get better than that? And my students are like my extended family. We read, write, think, talk, and laugh every day. Every once in a while, we cry. (Yes, we’re that close.)

Checkout mccallhoylebooks on Instagram for the most up-to-date information on my reading, writing, and dog training. 

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I hope you will join us next week! 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 participate. 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, New Release | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

MMGM for MARCH 27, 2023

Posted on March 27, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Take a break from Spring and Read! Click on to see a blogger’s middle grade review or feature.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of KYROSE TAKES A LEAP by Cicek Bricault.

Brenda at Log Cabin Library features a graphic novel– Global:  One Fragile World. An Epic Fight for Survival by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin illustrated by Giovanni Rigano.

Carol Baldwin welcomes back teen reviewer, Elliott Kurta, and his review of DOWN TO EARTH.

Sue Heavenrich has another bio for women’s history month over at Archimedes Notebook. This week you can read about– Never Give Up: Dr. Kati Karikó and the Race for the Future of Vaccines.

Maria Antonia shares some thoughts about MAYBE MAYBE MARISOL RAINEY by Erin Entrada Kelly

Valinora Troy is back with the MMGM family this week with a review of THE NOWHERE THIEF by Alice M. Ross.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews THE MAGICIAN’S ELEPHANT by Kate DiCamillo. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with yesterday’s THE DAVENPORTS

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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

KyROSE TAKES A LEAP

Posted on March 26, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

It’s the year 2030 and students at MakerX20 are building gadgets for astronauts about to land on Mars. But, twelve-year-old KyRose has a secret mission of her own. She’s a freak. Well, at least, that’s what her classmates say when they see her talk to animals. All KyRose wants is to be normal, like everyone else, and to win over Georgia, captain of the soccer team and most popular girl in school.

Meanwhile, a mysterious migration leaves a young dolphin stranded. Will KyRose help? Or, in her frenzy to fit in, will she shun her special gift—and her best friend Cora—to achieve the acceptance she so longs for?

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KyRose was not the kind of character I loved from the beginning. She cheats to be a better goalie by breaking the rules with some futuristic technology, lies at times, and doesn’t do a good job of being a friend. The cause of KyRose’s change to this personality comes from her infatuation with being a part of the popular girl’s inner circle.

As the 27 chapters progress, KyRose gradually become a lot more lovable. She learns from mistakes and readers discover her compassionate connection to animals and more of her backstory. The result is a magical, environmental tale.

Set in Venice, California, the magic centers around KyRose’s ability to have actual conversations with animals just as if two people were talking. This bodes well for both a dolphin and 2 eagles that need help.

KyRose Takes a Leap is the first in a trilogy. Book #2 will lead the young heroine to London with a new environmental focus. Let’s hope the theme of living with nature, environmental problems, and advances in technology will continue to be the focus of the series.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: KyROSE TAKES A LEAP by Cicek Bricault

  1. An in depth glossary is worth reading in the back pages. A full paragraph is given to such topics as Artificial Intelligence, Electromagnetic Spectrum, and Probiotics to name just a few. There’s also an 11-question discussion guide for reading groups that will help guide student thinking.
  2. Set just 7 years in the future the technology presented was fascinating, especially where we could be headed with virtual reality.
  3. Middle school insecurities abound and handled well. MakerX20 is a STEAM school but there’s always going to be drama when 12-year-olds are together.
  4. Family. There’s Mom, Dad, and an older brother who provide different levels of support to KyRose. Every kid should be as lucky.
  5. Challenges young readers to take charge when it comes to nature and animals. The book will inspire them to look at what might be happening in their own community.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Children’s book author Cicek Bricault (chee-check brie-co) came to recognize through her own young daughter that both boys and girls would benefit from a new and holistic female role model, one that is brave and vulnerable and connected to her own power, and in touch with her own voice, emotional intelligence, and purpose in the
world. This seed formed the main character of Cicek’s new middle grade novel, KyRose Takes a Leap, a story based in the near future that tackles STEAM themes, a love and respect for animals, coding, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, healthy ecosystems and more.


Having also been influenced by our world’s chronic environmental issues and the devastation and harm humans have caused – global warming, toxic chemicals, overfishing, and more – Cicek wanted to be part of a change for the better. She strove to reveal in her book the value of animals and habitats and how we, as part of the ecosystem, can live in balance and learn from nature.


An avid tech and science lover, Cicek’s mission is to inspire young people to use the STEAM elements to identify problems and work together to invent and implement solutions big and small to make our world a more loving, holistic place to live. She hopes to inspire others to act as stewards with a sense of curiosity
and purpose.

When she isn’t writing transformative and thought-provoking books for young readers, she enjoys tinkering in her workshop, fixing broken bits around the house, and designing wearables. She lives with her husband, two teenage children, mother, and dog Bogie, in Venice Beach, California, in a sustainably built eco-friendly house.

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW.

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

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

GRAVITY

Posted on March 24, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

This new title from Nomad Press will not have any effect on our gravity, but the engaging format is sure to raise one’s fascination with this natural phenomenon we take for granted.

Five chapters set the stage:

  1. GETTING TO KNOW GRAVITY
  2. GRAVITY BASICS: MATTER AND MASS
  3. DISCOVERING GRAVITY
  4. GRAVITY IN SPACE
  5. PUTTING GRAVITY TO WORK–AND PLAY!

Each chapter begins with an essential question and readers are encouraged to use a science journal as a record of their learning. Unfamiliar words are not only included in the back page glossary but also on the specific page where the topic is discussed. A great time saver. You can even create a Mad Lib with the glossary words which will provide lots of laughs.

There are also QR codes with links to online resources and videos. Another plus are the more than 20 STEAM activities with fun and informative results. Easy directions lead you to designing a cantilever, testing centrifugal force, or designing a gravity mobile and that’s just a sampling of what to expect.

Illustrations and photographs provide the perfect balance to the text. Teachers will appreciate the downloadable Classroom Guide.

Geared toward middle graders, GRAVITY, is a perfect choice for a unit of science whether it be in the classroom or at home. Highly recommended!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cindy Blobaum is the author of Explore Night Science! for Nomad Press, as well as Geology Rocks and Insectigations. She is a contributor to Highlights, Hopscotch for Girls, and Plays magazines and has designed science-based programs and teacher workshops for nature organizations throughout the United States. Cindy lives in Des Moines, Iowa.

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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 join 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 MARCH 20, 2023

Posted on March 20, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Spring is here! Click on to reach a blogger’s middle grade review or feature.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of HOW TO WRITE THE SOUNDTRACK TO YOUR LIFE by Fiona Hardy.

Brenda at Log Cabin Library reviews The Rabbit’s Gift by Jessica Vitalis.

Susan Uhlig fell in love with the award-winning WISH by Barbara O’Conner.

Sue Heavenrich is over at Archimedes Notebook with another one of her “women’s history month” posts. Check out these two picture books for older readers – the 7-10 crowd – in Women who Invent Solutions.

Max @ Completely Full Bookshelf reviews My Aunt Is a Monster by Reimena Yee. 

Beth Schmelzer returns to the MMGM lineup with a review of a Newbery winner: Freewater by Amina Luqman-Dawson.

Maria Antonia has a post about CONTROLLED BURN by Erin Soderberg Downing.

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews The Magician’s Elephant by Kate Di Camillo.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews Our Friend Hedgehog: A Place Called Home by Lauren Castillo. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

Faith Hough has a review of The Labors of Hercules Beal, by Gary D. Schmidt.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with last Friday’s GO PIG OR GO HOME.

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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

HOW TO WRITE THE SOUNDTRACK TO YOUR LIFE

Posted on March 19, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Murphy Parker is going to be a songwriter—if she can ever find the courage to let anyone hear her music. When Murphy dares to play one of her songs in a music class, she’s shocked by how much her classmates love it. And her. That is, until the next day, when they hear a suspiciously similar tune and accuse Murphy of stealing. Someone is playing Murphy’s music and claiming it as their own. But who? And why?

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Last month I reviewed the Australian author’s first title, How to Make a Movie in Twelve Days. This second title is set in the same school though it focuses on a different character. You can read them in any order since it’s not a series in the traditional sense.

Murphy is a quiet girl who finds it hard to make friends. She lives with her aunt and uncle’s family that includes two cousins. Murphy’s mom is not a part of her life and Dad can’t take care of her full time because of his mental illness. Her first person narration covers all the emotions of the person she is and wants to be, worrying about her dad’s health, and making music.

The story turns into a mystery of who is stealing her songs and the cast of secondary characters had me wishing for a scorecard just to keep them straight. There’s Taylor, Jock, Ngaire, Pilar, Henry, Haley, Jhyll, Marcie, Avery, Ava, Pip, Olivia J., Olivia R., Zara, Rissa, Willow, Homer, Noah, and Tom. Whew!

My guess as to the guilty party changed many times and I ultimately chose the wrong one. Getting there through 36 chapters (or tracks as they are called) was a journey I enjoyed as Murphy deals with her own mental health and Dad’s even more serious illness. Learning how to be a friend and connecting with others will be a theme 6th graders and up will have an instant connection.

The ending deserved an encore!

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: HOW TO WRITE THE SOUNDTRACK TO YOUR LIFE by Fiona Hardy

  1. The slow emerging bond that develops with Murphy and a quiet boy, Avery, was handled beautifully.
  2. The topic of parental depression is not often featured in MG books. The sensitive way it was handled here made the loving bond between parent and child even more special.
  3. Learning how friends should treat each other is a perfect lesson for young readers dealing with their own friendship struggles.
  4. The exchanges between Murphy and her cousins were spot on with humor and wicked comebacks.
  5. An appreciation for music can make a huge difference in finding connection and meaning in one’s own life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Fiona Hardy is a bookseller at Readings Books (and was in fact shortlisted for ABA Young Bookseller of the Year in 2017). She is a reviewer published in Books+Publishing, The Big Issue, and Readings Monthly, and a committee member of the Australian Crime Writers Association, which organizes the Ned Kelly Awards. She has also appeared in The Big Issue Fiction Edition 2017, with her short story “America’s Seventh Richest Musician”.

Her first book, ‘How to Make a Movie in Twelve Days’, was longlisted for the ABIA and Indie Book Awards, and was a CBCA Notable Book for 2020.

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After you comment below be sure to visit all the other bloggers participating in this week’s edition of Marvelous Middle Grade Monday.

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

Dr. Wangari Maathai Plants A Forest

Posted on March 17, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

This book is just one of many in this powerful series. Geared toward the 8-12 year old, other titles include:

You can get details on these and all the Rebel Girls collection right here.

These are all women you maybe have never heard of but they each had a huge impact in their chosen field.

For Dr. Wangari Maathai it was the environment of Kenya that she was so passionate about. She loved the trees and the streams full of mysterious creatures. But after going to school in Kansas she came home to a different place where farmers had chopped down trees and as a result the environment took a beating, The simple solution was to plant a forest by teaching the women of Kenya how to plant trees.

Dr. Wangari Maathai would go on to be the first African woman to win the Nobel Prize in 2004. Her voice was heard around the world and made a big difference. Sadly she passed away 7 years later but her efforts are still visible today.

The final pages of the book include a look at Dr. Wangari Maathai’s lasting legacy, as well as educational activities designed to encourage caring for the planet and believing in the power of one.

An inspiring read for all!

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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 join 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 MARCH 13, 2023

Posted on March 13, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

It’s your lucky week. Click on to reach a blogger’s middle grade review or feature.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of MY NOT-SO-GREAT FRENCH ESCAPE by Cliff Burke.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an agent/author guest post by Sara Crow and Maria Jose Fitzgerald and a giveaway of Maria’s MG contemporary mystery Turtles of the Midnight Moon and a query critique giveaway by Sara.

Brenda at Log Cabin Library reviews Dead Alley:  A Motley Education Book by S.A. Larsen.

Carol Baldwin gives us insights to her next MG work in progress with What’s Next?.

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Legends of Lotus Island: The Guardian Test by Christina Soontornvat, a new compelling fantasy series for readers just starting middle grade books. 

Max @ Completely Full Bookshelf recommends two books: Squished by Megan Wagner Lloyd and Michelle Mee Nutter, and Sylvie by Sylvie Kantorovitz.

Maria Antonia has a post about NEW KIDS AND UNDERDOGS by Margaret Finnegan.

Mark Baker at Carstairs Considers features The Shimmer by Ridley Pearson.

Faith Hough has a review of  Honey and Me, by Meira Drazin.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with last Saturday’s SQUISHED.

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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

MY NOT-SO-GREAT FRENCH ESCAPE

Posted on March 12, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

When I saw author Cliff Burke’s name on the cover of MY NOT-SO-GREAT FRENCH ESCAPE, I hoped for a story just as good as his debut novel, AN OCCASIONALLY HAPPY FAMILY reviewed here in 2021.

It didn’t take me long to find out. I began reading this contemporary novel one evening and couldn’t put it down. The heartwarming and at times heart wrenching tale turned out to be even better than Mr. Burke’s first.

The plot is unique:

Rylan O’Hare always had a best friend until Wilder decided it was time to move onto the cool kids. Wilder’s family is ultra rich, living in a huge house while Rylan and his mom live together in a much smaller home.

But then Wilder invites Rylan on an all-expenses paid trip to France for a summer camp experience at a farm. The opportunity is too good to pass up for Rylan and before leaving on the trip he begins to reconnect with Wilder.

Something else unexpected happens: Rylan’s father who disappeared when Rylan was 3 happens to live in France and he’d like to reconnect with his son.

Rylan is not so sure about seeing his dad but finally makes a decision he thinks is right. Once Rylan arrives at the camp there are goats to milk, a new language to learn, swarms of bees, and pigeon poop. Unfortunately, Wilder ditches him again in favor of the cool French kids. Rylan finds comfort in his own group that includes a German boy named Martin, Annie from Hong Kong, and Swiss born Lia who is the youngest.

There’s much more to the story I won’t ruin with spoilers. What I can share are the two components that endeared me to the plot. I’ve stayed in touch with three students who are now adults. Each of their dads also left before their sons reached school age and never contacted them again. Every moment of Rylan’s path reminded me of time spent actively listening to these three boys who struggled with the same emotions. It takes a village as they say. Thankfully all three are doing well in their lives.

The other connection was with German boy, Martin. He is an exact copy (including his name) of a boy I hosted in an exchange program. They talked and acted the same way. Thanks for bringing back the memories.

If you want an often funny and deeply moving story plan on spending some time with Rylan. One of my favorites so far in 2023.

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FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: MY NOT-SO-GREAT FRENCH ESCAPE by Cliff Burke

  1. Rylan’s first person narration is spot on. He’s compassionate, opinionated at times, and the epitome of a almost 13-year-old boy.
  2. Pierre is their French host on the farm. He’s a memorable adult character who is an endearing part of the story. He’d make a great dad.
  3. The voice mail Rylan sends to his mom.
  4. You learn about organic farming. I’ll be trying some of these tips in my own home garden.
  5. I have a book to share with all those kids who long to see a new light in their broken parent relationships.

About the Author

Cliff Burke grew up in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio. He worked as a house painter, a parking lot attendant, and a sign-twirling dancing banana before graduating from the College of William and Mary. For the past ten years, he has taught reading and writing in China, Hong Kong, and Texas. Currently, he teaches writing and humanities at a middle school in the San Francisco Bay Area. His first novel, An Occasionally Happy Family, was a 2022 Spirit of Texas Book and was selected for several state reading lists. His latest novel, My Not-So-Great French Escape, will be released in March 2023.

​Cliff is represented by Jim McCarthy at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret.

You can follow Cliff on Instagram or Goodreads, and be sure to visit his author website.

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW AND BE SURE TO SPEND TIME WITH ALL THE OTHER MMGM BLOGGERS.

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, New Release | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments