MMGM for October 9, 2023

Fall into some some great MG reviews and features. Click on to reach a blogger’s post.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of Coyote Queen by Jessica Vitalis.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an interview with Sean O’Brien and a GIVEAWAY of his MG historical/time travel White House Clubhouse .

Susan Uhlig loved FINALLY SEEN by Kelly Yang!

Brenda at Log Cabin Library reviews Meems & Feefs: Ferrets from Planet Ferretonia! by Liza N. Cooper, a cute graphic novel. 

Maria Antonia at Of Books, Photography, and Tea checks in with a review of The Big Sting by Rachelle Delaney.

Max at Completely Full Bookshelf shares his enthusiasm again for Beetle & the Hollowbones by Aliza Layne.

Valinora Troy reviews ICE CHILDREN by M.G. Leonard.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PLANTS, FUNGI, AND LICHENS: FOR YOUNG READERS. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with this past Sunday’s review of SPY SCHOOL GOES NORTH.

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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 , , | 5 Comments

COYOTE QUEEN

Pictured on the cover is twelve-year-old Felicity Ulysses Dahlers, better known as Fud. She lives with her mom in a trailer somewhere in Wyoming. Unfortunately, Larry, Mom’s abusive, alcoholic boyfriend also lives there. The ex-boxer has an uncontrollable temper.

Fud can’t understand why her mother continues to make excuses for his behavior and worries when his next anger episode will occur. Fud’s worries increase when Larry brings home a run down houseboat he intends to fix up and use as a new home for the three of them, Fud is sure life will only get worse.

Hope arrives from Leigh, a new friend from a neighboring trailer. She is going to enter the Miss Black Gold beauty pageant and wants Fud to do the same. This sounds like a terrible idea until hearing about the $2000 prize money for the winner. That cash would hopefully convince Fud’s mom to break away from Larry.

A very contemporary story turns fantastical as Fud begins to see changes in herself that mirror what she sees and hears from the coyotes in the area. Is she slowly turning into one of these creatures to escape from Larry?

The often gut-wrenching first person narration engross readers with an intense look at domestic abuse and poverty. The choices made by the adults in Fud’s life were realistic though surprising in the end. Coyote Queen is a page turning tale thanks to the Fud’s spot on voice. She rings true at every turn. Excellent writing for sure.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: October 10, 2023

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: COYOTE QUEEN by Jessica Vitalis

  1. Rooting for the main character doesn’t happen in every book, but in Coyote Queen you will be in Fud’s corner the entire way hoping for the best outcome.
  2. Debates will begin if Fud turning into a coyote is really happening or just a part of her imagination. Either way it is a parallel to her scary life.
  3. Finding help and support are important takeaways. For Fud she finds the perfect friend in the talkative Leigh and her mom. A great supporting cast.
  4. The story leaves readers with the sense there is hope even in the most dire situation.
  5. The author’s heartfelt background as to why she wrote the story in an important read. Also included are resources as to where one can find help if in a similar situation.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JESSICA VITALIS is a Columbia MBA-wielding writer with Greenwillow / HarperCollins. She authored The Wolf’s Curse and The Rabbit’s Gift (which received two starred reviews and was named a Canadian Children’s Book Center Best Books for Kids and Teens 2023). Her next book, Coyote Queen, is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection and has already received a Kirkus starred review. A novel in verse, Unsinkable Cayenne, comes out in 2024. Her work has been translated into three languages, and she was named a 2021 Canada Council of the Arts Grant Recipient and featured on CBCs Here and Now and CTVs Your Morning. Jessica lives in Ontario with her husband and two daughters but speaks at conferences, festivals, and schools all over North America.

Jessica’s Social Media

Website: http://jessicavitalis.com

Instagram: @jessicavauthor https://www.instagram.com/jessicavauthor/

Facebook: @jessicavauthor https://www.facebook.com/jessicavauthor/

Twitter: @jessicavitalis https://twitter.com/jessicavitalis

Bluesky: @jessicavitalis https://bsky.app/profile/jessicavitalis.bsky.social

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WHITE HOUSE CLUBHOUSE

Marissa and Clara’s mom is the newly elected president of the United States, and they haven’t experienced much freedom lately. While exploring the White House they discover a hidden tunnel that leads to an underground clubhouse full of antique curiosities, doors heading in all directions—and a mysterious invitation to join the ranks of White House kids. So they sign the pledge.

Suddenly, the lights go out, and Marissa and Clara find themselves at the White House in 1903. There they meet Quentin, Ethel, Archie, and Alice, the irrepressible children of President Theodore Roosevelt. To get back home, Marissa and Clara must team up with the Roosevelt kids “to help the president” and “to make a difference.”

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My Thoughts

A fun adventure mixing the present with the past. It’s an eye-opening journey especially learning about the misguided environmental practices brought forth during Roosevelt’s term. We can never be reminded enough about the importance of preserving natural resources.

Marissa and Clara are both great characters leading the way. They are persistent in their goal to save a giant California Redwood from dam developers. This comes forth while traveling on President Roosevelt’s historic cross country train trip that inspired the creation of the National Park System. The 120th anniversary is actually this year which makes for perfect timing in the release of this book.

Learning about the President’s children (and the pets they brought to the White House) will urge young readers to find out more about the lives of these White House kids. I especially enjoyed the antics of the youngest, Quentin.

White House Clubhouse will appeal to boys and girls from 4th grade on up to about 6th grade. The occasional illustration helps one visualize the story even more. This unique, clever tale wraps up all the plot points by the last page and is the beginning of a series. The possibilities for where these characters are headed next will be a worthwhile wait.

(Hurry back this coming Monday when Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles interviews author Sean O’Brien. You can find the link on that day’s MMGM list. It is sure to be a very insightful interview ( I base this on Natalie’s previous excellent interviews with authors.)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sean O’Brien served as director of speechwriting to Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden, special assistant to President Barack Obama, and senior advisor to the Secretary of the Navy. He performed comedy with Chicago’s Second City and Annoyance theaters as well as DC’s Capital Fringe Festival while serving as a chief of staff in the US House of Representatives. He earned a BA with Honors in American Culture from Northwestern University and an MS in National Security and Strategic Studies from the US Naval War College.  Sean teaches at Georgetown University in Washington DC, where he lives with his family. 

Please visit him online at seanobrienbooks.com

Instagram: @seanobrienbooks

Facebook: @seanobrienbooks

Twitter: @SeanOBrienBooks

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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, New Release | Tagged , | 3 Comments

MMGM for October 2, 2023

A new month of MMGM’S. Click on OCTOBER to reach a blogger’s post.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of RACE FOR THE RUBY TURTLE by Stephen Bramucci.

Brenda at Log Cabin Library reviews Coyote Queen by Jessica Vitalis.

Susan Uhlig adored the mg mystery SMACK DAB IN THE MIDDLE OF MAYBE by Jo Watson Hackl.

Sue Heavenrich at Archimedes Notebook has an MG nonfiction book in poetry: Galápagos: Islands of Change, by Leslie Bulionat.

Valinora Troy interviews  children’s middle grade author Sinead O’Hart.

Maria Antonia @ of books, photography, and tea reviews Music for Tigers by Michelle Kadarusman.

Linda Browne presents her latest Bookcase Bizarro filled with recent book reviews.

Kasey Giard at the Story Sanctuary has a review of White House Clubhouse by Sean O’Brien.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of A Walk Through the RAINFOREST. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.

Carol Baldwin has an interview with a young author in It’s Never Too Early To Start.

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 review of FARTHER THAN THE MOON.

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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

RACE FOR THE RUBY TURTLE

Jake Rizzi has a new label adding to the challenges of growing up: ADHD. His parents and caring educators at school are helping him cope, but it still bothers him he is seen as different.

The story begins in the summer as Jake is dropped off at an aunt’s home in rural Oregon so his parents can take a much anticipated week long vacation. Jake doesn’t want to stay with a relative he barely knows.

Upon learning of Aunt Hettle’s passion to save the environment, Jake’s attitude changes . She also relates a story of a turtle with a ruby colored shell and an upcoming festival where people search for this supposedly mythical creature.

Social media has given the legend a new life and now people from all over the world will be attending in hopes of finding the turtle. Aunt Hettle is fearful that the masses will cause undoable damage to the precious land in the area.

Jake and his new friend Mia take on the responsibility to foil those looking for the turtle, especially after Jake discovers the turtle actually exists. It’s vital to keep the secret so the species is protected and not used for profit.

The third person narration stays close to Jake with several teasing chapters from the bad guy’s perspective. Insights into Jake’s way of thinking will bring understanding to both those living with the label of ADHD and others. It’s a fast paced adventure as it moves to a climatic ending and one that is certainly sequel worthy.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: RACE FOR THE RUBY TURTLE by Stephen Bramucci

  1. The author speaks from experience from his own journey in dealing with ADHD. His heartfelt “Dear Reader” letter before the story begins is a must read.
  2. The many points focusing on the environment and how digital misunderstandings lead to dead ends will bring about many beneficial discussions.
  3. Jake’s italicized inner thoughts bring readers inside with what he deals with on a daily basis. Each thought adds more knowledge as to how ADHD effects the mind along with coping strategies.
  4. The secondary characters aren’t just fill-ins to add pages to the story. They are all important from Mia (who not only tries to understand Jake but also has family troubles of her own) to the Swedish Adventure Brothers and the shady Texas Ranger.
  5. Making space for unique and endangered creatures is a constant reminder we all need.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Steve Bramucci is a novelist, travel/food writer, adventurer, teacher, and storyteller. He’s rowed down the Mekong River in a traditional Vietnamese x’ampan, ventured into the Outback with Aboriginal elders, and spent four months driving a rickety Nissan Patrol through East Africa. His first novel, The Danger Gang & the Pirates of Borneo!, was published by Bloomsbury on August 1st, 2017.

Steve’s story of exploring a long-forgotten pirate graveyard in Madagascar won the $10K Trazzler Oasis prize and his trip across Australia in a car fueled with French fry oil was turned into a TV show. He’s written for National Geographic Books, Afar, Outside, the Orange County Register Magazine, and dozens of other outlets. He’s the founding editor of the LIFE section at Uproxx.com – a website that gets more than 20 million unique visitors each month – and has published stories in The Expeditioner’s Guide to the World, I Learned Ku Fu From a Bear Cub, Never Trust a Smiling Bear, and Eminem: Rap, Poetry, and Race.

For more about Steve visit his author website.

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

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TROUBLEMAKERS and SUPERPOWERS

Trauma

ADHD

OCD

Anxiety

Dyslexia

Children with these types of labels often don’t fit into the regular classroom routine. They can be disruptive and feel like succeeding in life is a waste of time.

Motivation to change their mind can come from reading stories of others whose childhood didn’t stop them from becoming super adults.

TROUBLEMAKERS AND SUPERPOWERS is a compilation of 29 stories about individuals who struggled in their youth only to become accomplished adults in their own field. Familiar names like Trevor Noah, Howie Mandel, Simone Biles, and Greta Thunberg join others like author John Green and artist Frida Kahlo. They all faced huge odds and rose to the top.

The book begins with a forward by the author and an in depth glossary of the key words. A great background before you dive into the stories. Each person is given a few pages and an illustration of the individual. They are truly inspiring. Perfect as a read aloud and as a basis for a classroom or home discussion. Highly recommended!

Listen to Author Keely Grand’s podcast as she gives insights into her own life.

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

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

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

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

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, non fiction | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

MMGM for September 25, 2023

Don’t let September get away before grabbing some of these great Middle Grade books. Reach a blogger’s post by clicking on .

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of NUGLY by M.C. Ross.

Susan Uhlig is shouting out another historical novel, THAT SMUDGE OF SMOKE, a story mostly set on a steamboat in 1929.

Brenda at LOG CABIN LIBRARY has a review of The Worry Knot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl

Sue Heavenrich has a  a couple of books about how people are helping species survive – over at Archimedes Notebook.

Valinora Troy has a review of Dragon Force-Infinity’s Secret by Katie and Kevin Tsang.

Maria Antonia features Summer of June by Jamie Sumneron.

Kasey Giard at the Story Sanctuary gives us a sneak peek at 20 Fabulous Middle Grade Books Coming Fall 2023.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews MERCY WATSON IS MISSING 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 last Thursday’s review of FINCH HOUSE.

Also, Carol Baldwin has a post outside the MMGM sphere, but it might be of interest to many readers: The roles a picture book author had to take as a self-publisher.

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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

NUGLY

There’s no denying this pup is cute. But looks don’t often get one the life they deserve.

Nugget starts out living with his mom, brothers and sisters in the kindly home of the Vandyck family. It’s a prefect fit until the family has to move and find adoptive homes for the puppies. Nugget panics and runs away. He is soon lost on the streets of Boston.

Alone for the first time, Nugget ends up at a zoo and befriends a porcupine who somewhat reluctantly helps Nugget survive. Zoos aren’t the best place for a lost puppy especially when Nugget has a terrible encounter with another animal. His injuries leave him not so cute in the eyes of others. Some even call him Ugly.

Soon enough Nugget is adopted by Linh Trần and her daughter, a troubled girl who is often bullied by her field hockey teammates. This bullying leads to Nugget running away once more. Next stop is another, much larger family who takes him in, scars and all.

The third person narration makes the ride an enjoyable journey. The sadness of Nugget running away and not finding the love he deserves is softened by the narrator’s optimism. The voice is reflective and makes you want to read more.

This memorable story confirmed why so many families make dogs a part of their lives. NUGLY has 48 short chapters and makes for a nice read aloud. Perfect for the dog lover in your family.

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FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT NUGLY by M.C. Ross

  1. You’ll be lost on the streets of Boston right alongside Nugget. An eye opening journey the entire way.
  2. The three kids who are a brief part of Nugget’s journey bring their own struggles. Eventually they are better by the presence of this little pup.
  3. The subject of trust plays out in wonderful fashion.
  4. The Franklin Park Zoo made a likeable setting for part of the book. So many interesting scenes with the other animals.
  5. Love has many meanings and Nugget’s circle of understanding the concept is the core of this heartfelt story.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Originally from Apple Valley, Minnesota, M.C. Ross knew that he wanted to be a writer from the time he was in first grade. He went to Harvard University, got a degree in English, moved to New York, and started writing books for kids. Well, there were some other steps in the middle – he wore a funny hat and worked as a tour guide; he went door to door around Minnesota raising money for Sesame Street; and he spent two years as a babysitter to a family of three Siberian Huskies, all of whom were insane. Overall, he feels very fortunate.

(For more about M.C. and his books visit his author website)

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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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FUN WITH OCEANS & SEAS

You can find many books about the oceans, but most are text based with accompanying images. For early middle grade kids the approach author Emily Greenhalgh takes is a much better one.

IN FUN WITH OCEANS AND SEAS you learn about the five oceans and the many seas contained within their borders. Text based informational background pieces lead readers into engaging activities. A great technique for remembering what you’ve read.

Included are code puzzles, visual challenges, crossword puzzles, connect the dot, and word searches. They truly are fun and engaging. An answer key is also provided in the back pages. Even this adult learned a thing or two about our oceans.

A perfect choice for young ocean enthusiasts or for those wanting to start their journey learning about this vast body of water.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

EMILY GREENHALGH is an award-winning marine biologist-turned-science communicator at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, MA.  Her work has been featured in USA Today, the Boston Globe, Gizmodo, the World Meteorological Organization, and in science textbooks. She grew up in Rhode Island, staring into tide pools and dreaming about becoming a mermaid. Realizing that wasn’t an actual job, she trained to become a marine biologist and then a science journalist.

​Emily has a master’s in Science Journalism from Boston University and a bachelor’s degree in marine biology from the University of Rhode Island. She has worked on commercial fishing boats, for federal and nonprofit institutions, and has led multiple cross-agency social media efforts. She also thinks you should know that both “octopi” and “octopuses” are technically correct.  

She loves discovering what makes research exciting, turning complex science into easy-to-understand stories, and helping scientists share their passions.

(For more you can visit Emily’s Website)

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

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

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

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

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, non fiction | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

MMGM for September 18, 2023

Get ready for Fall later this week with some great Middle Grade books. Reach a blogger’s post by clicking on .

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of MISGUIDED by David Meyer.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an interview with debut author Emi Pinto and a giveaway of her MG fairy tale retelling, Bee Bakshi and the Gingerbread Sisters.

Brenda at LOG CABIN LIBRARY has a review of White House Clubhouse by Sean O’Brien .

Susan Uhlig really liked the historical and Newbery winner: WE DREAM OF SPACE.

Sue Heavenrich has a book for the younger middle grade readers (8 & 9 yr olds) ~The Queen of Chess: How Judit Polgár Changed the Game, by Laurie Wallmark.

Valinora Troy has today’s blog tour stop for the spooky Scareground by Angela Kecojevic.

Maria Antonia features The Greatest Kid in the World by John David Anderson

Carol Baldwin has THE IMPOSSIBLE GIRL, a MG fantasy reviewed by Georgie Bartlett. 

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews ALL THE SMALL WONDERFUL THINGS BY Kate Foster. 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 Friday’s review of NUGLY.

———————————————————————

(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