MMGM for July 24, 2023

Summer is flying by! Add to your reading wish list with these recommendations from middle grade reviewers. Give each a click to reach a blogger’s post.

Brenda at Log Cabin Library reviews Jett Jamison and the Secret Storm by Kimberly Behre Kenna.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of Kelcie Murphy and the Hunt for the Heart of Danu by Erika Lewis.

Max at Completely Full Bookshelf recommends Smile by Raina Telgemeier.

Valinora Troy reviews THE STORM AND THE MINOTAUR by Lucy Strange.

Charlotte @ Charlotte’s Library reviews The Destiny of Minou Moonshine by Gita Ralleigh.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with Friday’s review of MIXED UP.

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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)
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Kelcie Murphy and the Hunt for the Heart of Danu

It’s hard having a father who’s an infamous traitor. It’s even harder having a mother who’s an omen of doom.

After a summer away, Kelcie Murphy is excited to be back at the Academy for the Unbreakable Arts. But she and her friends have barely settled in when they receive a visit from her mother—the war goddess, Nemain—with a warning of coming calamity.

The Heart of Danu, the legendary source of all light and warmth in the Lands of Summer, is going to be stolen. And only Kelcie and her mates can stop it. As they travel with the rest of the students to Summer City to take part in the glorious Ascension Ceremony, Kelcie has no time for the military parade, the lavish ball, or even to visit her father: she’s determined to protect the Heart and her new home.

But the Lands of Summer are still not a welcoming place for Kelcie. When disaster strikes, the Queen, the High Guard, and even some of her schoolmates suspect Kelcie is to blame.

As the world is plunged into darkness, Kelcie will have to decide: does she keep fighting for a place that may always see her as a traitor’s daughter, or for a future greater than the war to come.

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Kelcie Murphy and the Hunt for the Heart of Danu is the sequel to the first book I reviewed last year, Kelcie Murphy and the Academy for the Unbreakable Arts. This second story continues capturing readers with action, danger and mystery in a memorable fantasy world.

Kelcie is such a likeable heroine and when you throw in mythical creatures and villains, the story exceeds one’s expectations. It’s like a roller coaster ride full of ups, downs and thrilling turns. Solid readers will not be bothered by the length of over 400 pages, although this is one of those sequels where you’d benefit from reading the first book before diving into this one.

Themes of friendship and not fitting in will resonate with the MG audience. Yes, there will be a third book in the future given the enticing ending to book 2. Kelcie is one of my favorite characters and I’m looking forward to seeing her character ARC expand even further.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: KELCIE MURPHY AND THE HUNT FOR THE HEART OF DANU by Erika Lewis

  1. The lands of Summer and Winter and the characters in each bring many dynamic qualities to the tale.
  2. New character, Lexis, arrives undercover from the Land of Winter and has similar abilities to Kelcie, although more controlled. Her actions had me guessing the entire way as to what the end result would bring: whether it be allies or enemies with Kelcie.
  3. Celtic mythology once again is a wonderful backdrop to the the plot.
  4. Action, action, and more action. It made the small typeface and page length fly by in a hurry.
  5. The glossary is a fantastic addition, with all the new terminology and understanding how this world works. You might even start there to learn about the intricacies of what you will read.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Erika Lewis grew up in Alexandria, Virginia, spent summers with her grandparents in Worcester, Massachusetts, and currently lives in Los Angeles, California. With a passion for storytelling set in magical places, she spends as much time as she can traveling. When she’s not writing, she can generally be found scribbling notes in a blank book while wandering through abandoned buildings, all kinds of museums, and graveyards.

A graduate of Vanderbilt University, her list of credits straddles the comics and novel space, including the Kelcie Murphy Series from Starscape/Tor Teen, The Color of Dragons from HarperTeen, Game of Shadows from Tor Books, Firebrand and Acursian from Legendary Comics, #Guardian from Awesome Media & Entertainment, and The 49th Key from Heavy Metal Publishing.

(For more about Erika, give her author website a visit)

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW.

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

THE CURIOUS MYSTERIES OF ELI MARKS

The original Eli Marks series follows the magic and mystery solving of Eli Marks. Well-received by the intended audience of older readers, you can find all 8 books along with an extensive podcast collection at the Eli Marks Mysteries website.

Author, John Gaspard, was not about to leave out the younger crowd. This first book intended for middle grade readers focuses on how Eli became a magician. The Curious Mysteries of Eli Marks is an engaging and fun ride, perfect for young fans of magic and mystery.

Thirteen-year-old Eli arrives at his aunt and uncle’s home in South Minneapolis where he will live with them following the death of his parents. They are older than his parents “like, by a lot”.

Not too concerning because Uncle Harry is a famous magician and the magic shop he owns with Aunt Alice can be found below their apartment. Eli even gets is own small apartment on the third floor.

Young Eli begins 7th grade and makes a few friends who are also interested in magic. His first person narration flows smoothly. Each of the first ten chapters end with a mystery, challenging readers to solve on their own. Hopefully you will do better than me as I only guessed right on 3 of them. The problem solving mystery approach adds even more interest to a unique and entertaining tale.

Another plus can be found in the final pages where ten magical tricks from the story are given step by step instructions for doing them yourself. Classic tricks using coins, cards and even a banana will keep one occupied for hours.

THE CURIOUS MYSTERIES OF ELI MARKS will appeal to both boys and girls. It’s a great addition to the middle grade shelves.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR, John Gaspard

John is author of the Eli Marks mystery series and the Como Lake Players mystery series. He also has four other stand-alone novels: “The Greyhound of the Baskervilles,” “A Christmas Carl,” “The Sword & Mr. Stone” and “The Ripperologists.”

He hosts two podcasts: “Behind the Page: The Eli Marks Podcast,” and “The Occasional Film Podcast.”

In real life, John’s not a magician, but he has directed six low-budget features that cost very little and made even less – that’s no small trick. He’s also written multiple books on the subject of low-budget filmmaking. Ironically, those books made more than the films.

John lives in Minnesota and shares his home with his lovely wife, several greyhounds, a few cats and a handful of pet allergies.

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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 | 2 Comments

MMGM for July 17, 2023

Click on a blogger’s book stack to reach their post.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of THE LABORS OF HERCULES BEAL by Gary D. Schmidt.

Carol Baldwin welcomes back teen reviewer Elliott Kurta and his critique of FIND ME IN THE TIME BEFORE, a YA novel that has some appeal for upper MG readers.

Valinora Troy reviews The Wonder Brothers by Frank Cottrell-Boyce.

Max at Completely Full Bookshelf shares a review of Drama by Raina Telgemeier.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews ARTEMIS SPARKE AND THE SOUND SEEKERS BRIGADE. 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 Friday’s review of LIKE LAVA IN MY VEINS.

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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)
Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

THE LABORS OF HERCULES BEAL

Mastering a boy’s first person middle grade voice is not an easy task. Often the voice sounds either too young or too old making the story less believable.

That’s not the case with Gary D. Schmidt’s newest as Hercules Beal is a winner. His heartfelt and often hilarious narration is, well, “oh boy, oh boy.”

Cape Cod is the wonderful setting for this story. Hercules takes daily walks with his cat and dog to watch the sunrise each morning from a nearby dune. It’s there he says hello to his parents who were tragically killed in an auto accident. He’s still trying to cope with life after.

His older brother moved back to town to care for 12-year-old Hercules and they both have a huge job: taking care of the Beal Brothers Farm and Nursery. Of course Hercules also has school to deal with as a new 7th grader at the Cape Cod Academy for Environmental Sciences.

It’s there he meets his teacher, Lieutenant Colonel Hupfer (he was a supporting character in Schmidt’s 2007 THE WEDNESDAY WARS). His way of teaching is like a military commander: “It’s a tough world, Beal.” But the result is splendid. He gives each student an individualized eight month assignment called ‘A Classical Mythology Application Project.’ Hercules is given the task of referencing each of the twelve Labors of Hercules and finding the meaning in his own life. Little does he know that through the process he will become a hero, be laughed at, and through each step begin to find peace in his new life along with mental healing.

The book is a lengthy 352 pages which won’t be a problem for established readers. The Labors of Hercules Beal is an entertaining and memorable read.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: MAY 23, 2023

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT THE LABORS OF HERCULES BEAL by Gary D. Schmidt

  1. There are a fantastic set of supporting characters like the previously mentioned Lieutenant Colonel Hupfer. There’s Violet, his brother’s girlfriend who for sure must be a vampire according to Hercules; and several neighbors who provide timely help. Pirate Cat and Mindy are the two animal characters that do much the same in a quieter way.
  2. For the many kids who won’t pick up this book because of the size or the content, a read-aloud would be the remedy where discussion could take place about the many themes brought forth, especially about self discovery and healing.
  3. Cape Cod comes to life with all the special characteristics, especially the ever changing weather.
  4. The scene where the Beal Brothers must rescue a neighbor caught in a raging storm is a real page turning part of the story.
  5. For writers: A lesson in how to write meaningful character ARCS.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gary D. Schmidt is the best-selling author of many books for young readers, including Just Like That; National Book Award finalist Okay for NowPay Attention, Carter JonesOrbiting Jupiter; the Newbery Honor and Printz Honor Book Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy; and the Newbery Honor Book The Wednesday Wars. He is a professor of English at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW.

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

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THE GULLFATHER: BIRDSY SEAGULL

A little bird told me about THE GULLFATHER, a new middle grade graphic novel, and I just had to feature it today. The early bird did not catch the worm though in this case as the book hit the shelves on June 6th.

No problem, as I never let my eagle eye miss a fun book. Okay, enough with the bird idioms. Maybe one more… here’s my bird’s eye view of the story:

Birdsy Seagull is the Gullfather, leader of all the bird misfits. They are at war with a Shoretown board eatery where the owners had the nerve to erect a wooden security seahawk to scare them all away. You’ll have to read it yourself to find out whether bird or human rule the roost (whoops, sorry! I let another one slip through).

The graphics are excellent with each page displaying bold images. You can see the personality of each character come to life. Besides Birdsy, theirs Birdabella. Zeagull, Nonnabird, Quack-Quack, Gullseppe, and O’Gullahan. Here’s a sample page:

The story can be summed up in one word: FUN. There’s silliness abound that will appeal to reluctant readers after they see their not-so reluctant friends enjoying the tale. It’s also a short 98 pages with promises of more volumes in the future. Kids won’t get all the references to those famous mafia figures, but this adult caught them all.

THE GULLFATHER: BIRDSY SEAGULL allows parents to kill two birds with one stone (I promise, it’s the last bird idiom in my arsenal!): They’ll discover their kids reading and laughing at the same time.

THE AUTHORS

Jeff & Jake are a longtime creative duo. They’ve developed across media from television, feature documentary, original series, reality & children’s books as well as advertising campaigns for some of the worlds biggest brands and top ad agencies. Projects include the critically acclaimed Good God for Comedy Central and documentary, The And, which won an Emmy and World Press award for storytelling.

The Gullfather is their debut graphic novel and they have a number of other works in development.

But mostly, they don’t take themselves too seriously.

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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 , , , | 3 Comments

MMGM for July 10, 2023

Light up your July with some great middle grade reviews and features. Givea click below to reach a blogger’s post.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn by Sally J. Pla.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an interview with Refe Tuma with a GIVEAWAY of his MG contemporary fantasy Frances and the Monsters.

Max at Completely Full Bookshelf recommends Lucy in the Sky by Kiara Brinkman and Sean Chiki, and Best Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham.

Brenda at Log Cabin Library has a blog tour stop for 102 DAYS OF LYING ABOUT LAUREN by Maura Jortner with an excerpt and giveaway.  

Sue Heavenrich is over at Archimedes Notebook with a couple of bird books for younger middle-grade readers. 

Faith Hough reviews Back to the Bright Before, by Katherin Nolte. She also has a couple reviews of vintage MG books in previous posts if anyone wants to scroll back.

Valinora Troy reviews CROW by Nicola Skinner.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews THE INFINITE QUESTIONS OF DOTTIE BING by Molly B. Burnham. 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 Thursday’s review of THE MYSTERY OF RADCLIFFE RIDDLE.

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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)
Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

The Fire, The Water. and Maudie McGinn

Maudie’s brain works differently than most. She’s autistic and the only person she connects with is her dad. Things couldn’t be better because the summer has arrived and Maudie is going to live with him at the cabin she adores in northern California.

It’s far from her home in Texas where she lives during the school year with her mom and step-dad, Ron. The farther the better as Ron is an abusive parent.

Once arriving at the cabin, things deteriorate quickly. Maudie and her dad are forced to leave the cabin due to a forest fire. They eventually relocate to a trailer at Conwy Beach in Southern California where Maudie’s parents first met while in high school.

Maudie grows to love the place. New friends and surfing bring hope she can win the yearly beginner surfer contest. Etta, a veteran of the surfing community is her personal teacher. For the first time, autism is accepted and no one despises her.

Soon enough the summer will be over and Maudie will have to return to Texas. But she really wants to stay with her dad. Being brave enough to tell him that and reveal the abuse she’s been subjected to will determine her future.

The heartfelt first person narration leads to a climatic ending. No spoiler here but I couldn’t put it down, reading the tense final 60 pages in one sitting. This tale of self discovery will appeal to a wide audience, whether it be girls, boys, or adults. I’m putting this one on my 2023 favorites’ list.

Book Birthday: July 11, 2023

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FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn by Sally J. Pla

  1. So many of the secondary characters were strong helpers in Maudie’s life: Dad, new friend, Paddi, and Etta the famous senior surfer all demonstrate compassion and understanding for a girl who processes events in her life differently.
  2. Paddi’s mother, Dr, Shakti, heads a nearby school that focuses on neurodivergent kids. It’s the type of school Maudie would do well at if given the chance.
  3. Vividly displays how autism should be treated whether in an educational setting or at home.
  4. Though mostly a prose based novel, many of Maudie’s characteristics come forth in short verse like descriptions. A great window into autism.
  5. Starting over and finding one’s self worth were wonderful highlights to this engaging plot.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR, Sally J, Pla

People often ask how to pronounce my last name. It’s pronounced with an ahh sound. If you go to northeast Spain/Catalonia, you may hear the name Pla, because it’s quite common there. It means a flat, level area, as in a plaza or plateau.

I’ve thought of myself as a writer since I was in second grade at Mill Hill School in Southport, Connecticut, and my teacher said nice things and encouraged me. Really special teachers can change your whole life for the better. But I haven’t always been a writer. I’ve grown and changed and I’ve done lots of different things.

I’ve lived in lots of different places — New York, Connecticut, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, California, and Caracas, Venezuela, along with spending a lot of time in France, where my husband is from. I’ve found many things to love in every single one of those places. Right now, I live in San Diego, California. I love it here.

(for more about Sally visit her author web site and my favorite quote: “We are all stars shining with different lights.”)

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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, New Release | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments

WORLDWIDE CRUSH

Donny Osmond; David Cassidy; Kirk Cameron; Scott Baio; Leif Garrett; Matt Dillon; Joey Lawrence; Shaun Cassidy; Zac Efron; Elvis.

Teen Idols. Every generation has their favorites including a few female teen stars. My list only includes the boys since the focus of this new fictional novel is a girl’s devotion to the current heartthrob, Rory Calhoun.

Rory has messy hair and perfect teeth and is a global superstar. His hit WORLDWIDE CRUSH has 13 year old Millie wishing and hoping she is the one. Now that Rory has a concert scheduled in her hometown of Minneapolis, Millie just has to see him in person. Her mom promises to get tickets but comes up empty.

But Millie’s dream isn’t over thanks to her family. Still though, there is one roadblock after another. Millie narrates the story with emotion and humor, especially when best friend, Shauna, and little brother, Billy, are in a scene. The ending is perfect.

Worldwide Crush sides on the upper middle grade shelf. A mother and daughter reading this together would be a great comparison to their personal teen idols. Parents will ask and yes, there is some inappropriate language used or pretending to use on several of the pages.

Overall, a captivating read for the intended audience. Would that include boys? The jury is still out, but I don’t think so. I’m on a quest to get a boy to read this and have struck out so far with a 12, 13, and 14 year old. I’ll keep trying.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: July 11, 2023

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kristin Nilsen has been a children’s librarian, a bookseller, a perfume seller, a horse poop shoveler, a typist (on an actual typewriter), a storyteller, a seventh grader, and a mom to both humans and dogs. Today she is a self-proclaimed Pro Crushologist who talks about Gen X pop culture on The Pop Culture Preservation Society podcast. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, one of the only big cities in the world where you can look out your window and see a lake. Which she likes. A lot.

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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. All you have to do is email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , | 4 Comments

MMGM for July 3, 2023

Give JULY a click to reach a blogger’s post.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of THE GRIP by Marcus Stroman.

Brenda at LOG CABIN LIBRARY has a review of The Fire, The Water, and Maudie McGinn by Sally J. Pla.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has a post for this coming Wednesday: She’s interviewing Kacy Ritter with a giveaway of her MG contemporary fantasy The Great Texas Dragon Race.

Carol Baldwin reviews Growing Up Behind The Iron Curtain: A Graphic Novel.

Max at Completely Full Bookshelf shares a few thoughts about Parachute Kids by Betty C. Tang.

Susan Uhlig really enjoyed BOB written by NY Times bestselling authors Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead.

Valinora Troy reviews CITY OF STOLEN MAGIC.

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 GINNY OFF THE MAP.

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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)
Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 1 Comment