You gained an hour this past weekend, so now you have extra time to view our compilation of middle grade reviews and features. Click on each clock to get started.
At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of Wand by Landra Jennings
Brenda at Log Cabin Library reviews The Song of the Swan by Karah Sutton, illustrated by Pauliina Hannuniemi.
Sue Heavenrich has Jen Swanson’s new book, Spacecare: A Kid’s Guide to Surviving Space over at Archimedes Notebook this week. And also a space book for teens…
Rosi Hollinbeck review and has a GIVEAWAY of TISH by Edwina Wyatt. 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 yesterday’s WAYS TO BUILD DREAMS.
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If you would like to join in the MMGM fun and get your own spot in the parade, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count–but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you’re featuring 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 please don’t forget to say what book 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.
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.
There’s nothing new about a plot with wishes. Plenty of books use this familiar strategy to entice readers. The difficult part is making it unique and engaging.
WAND has accomplished that feat with a story full of surprising twists and turns. At its core is a girl wanting to feel a part of a family. Something she lost when her dad died.
Eleven-year-old Mira has had to change schools and give up gymnastics. She lives with her two younger stepsisters and Val, a stepmom who only seems to care that Mira does the cleaning and cooking. There’s also the unforgivable thing that Val did, keeping Mira from ever calling her Mom.
The wishes enter the story when Mira meets a mysterious girl named Lyndame, who appears out the woods in this Georgia setting. She has a wand that will grant Mira three wishes.
From there it turns into a page turning, magic filled ride where the unexpected unfolds in each chapter. I can’t give away any more so that readers can experience the enchanting tale on their own.
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: WAND by Landra Jennings
Ten-year-old Sara and four-year-old Beans are not just background characters. They surprisingly stick with Mira and provide the needed support she always hoped for in a family.
Mira’s plight of not having a biological connection to any living person is heartbreaking, but the resolution mends that wound.
Val doesn’t seem like the best step-mom until Mira disappears in the mysterious Glass Pond. A perfect character arc.
Sometimes you find the love of family and belonging in the most unexpected ways. It comes to light in the adventurous second half of the novel.
The other worlds were marvelously crafted. You could visualize exactly what they looked like from the written word.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Landra Jennings is a Greenville, South Carolina-based writer, author of middle-grade fantasy novels The Whispering Fog and the forthcoming Wand (October 2023) published by HarperCollins Clarion Books. She holds an MBA from Northwestern University and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Hamline University in Minneapolis where she won the Anne Tews Schwab Scholarship for Excellence in Critical Writing and the Walden Pond Press Scholarship in Middle Grade Fiction and Non-Fiction. She is passionate about encouraging a love of reading and writing in children. Connect with her on www.landrajennings.com or on Instagram @landrajennings.
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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW!
BE SURE TO VISIT OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY
Punxsutawney Phil emerges from his burrow each year on February 2nd. As legend goes, if he sees his shadow then get ready for 6 more weeks of winter. Most of us have heard of about this famous groundhog, but now Phil’s fictional story as to how he achieved such status arrives on the bookshelves.
Philip Rodington IX aka “Junior” is a young groundhog with the power to predict and control the weather, but he’s still learning and sometimes his abilities get the better of him. When his hometown is devastated by a flood, he sets out to find the Guardians, legendary superpowered animals who help his home when they need it. Pursued by the evil raven overlord, Callidus, Junior must save his town, uncover the mysteries of his powers, and discover the truth about his family’s history and their role in the balance of nature. With the help of his new friend Jill, a brilliant hedgehog, Junior must decide whether he is willing to risk everything to save his home and restore harmony to the natural world.
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Environmental issues are at the core of THE GREAT WEATHER DIVINER but never overshadow themes of family and friendships. The enticing cover is a winning start and will have many readers admiring the artwork before they begin reading.
Third person narration stays close to Junior through most of the chapters, a likable protagonist who has lofty goals. His character arc is the best part of the plot.
The adventurous and action packed tale would also work well as a thought provoking read-aloud followed by discussions of how we should work alongside nature instead of against it.
The ending leaves it open for a sequel. THE GREAT WEATHER DIVINER is an imaginative story that will appeal to both middle graders and parents.
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.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN! CLICK ON THE YOUNG WITCHES AND BE WHISKED AWAY TO AN MG REVIEW OR FEATURE.
At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review for the blog tour stop of THE NIGHT RAVEN by Johan Rundberg.
Sue Heavenrich has one for the younger side of MG, a non-fiction science title MOLE and TELL.
Brenda at Log Cabin Library reviews New Girl (Ella at Eden #1) by Laura Sieveking, illustrations by Danielle McDonald
Carol Baldwin welcomes a new young reviewer, Brooke White. She shares her opinion of HIDDEN TRUTHS by Elly Swarz
Faith Hough has another review to share—The Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate DiCamillo.
Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of FORGET-ME-NOT BLUE. 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 yesterday’s review of SIXTEEN SOULS.
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If you would like to join in the MMGM fun and get your own spot in the parade, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count–but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you’re featuring 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 please don’t forget to say what book 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.
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.
ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is today’s stop for THE NIGHT RAVEN blog tour!
Originally published in Sweden, the tale has been translated into English and is the perfect murder mystery for upper middle grade readers. Here’s the book jacket lead-in:
It’s 1880, and in the frigid city of Stockholm, death lurks around every corner. Twelve-year-old Mika knows that everyone in her orphanage will struggle to survive this winter. But at least the notorious serial killer the Night Raven is finally off the streets…or is he?
Mika is shocked when a newborn baby is left at the orphanage in the middle of the night, by a boy with a cryptic message. Who is he? And who is this “Dark Angel” he speaks of? When a detective shows up, Mika senses something even more sinister is going on.
Drawn in by Mika’s unique ability to notice small details―a skill Mika has always used to survive―the gruff Detective Hoff unwittingly recruits her to help him with his investigation into a gruesome murder. Mika knows she should stay far, far away, and yet…with such little hope for her future, could this be an opportunity? Maybe, just maybe, this is Mika’s chance to be someone who matters.
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The time period brings forth the plight of many children left in orphanages during that time. Mika is a brave and endearing protagonist. Her connection with the less than friendly Detective Huff is a unique paring. It’s one that shines as the character arcs come full circle from distrust to a special bond between these two.
The mystery is not easy to figure out which makes this even better. The 33 mostly short chapters in less than 200 pages gives the story an urgent, can’t put down feeling. Many of the chapters provide a new reveal helping to push you into the next chapter.
The third person present tense is one you don’t find in many MG books, but it does work here. THE NIGHT RAVEN is a creepy addition to the shelves of any young reader who like mysteries set in the past. A sequel, THE QUEEN OF THIEVES, is due out next year.
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE NIGHT RAVEN by JOHAN RUNDBERG
The cover depicts the story to perfection: two dark figures with the city of Stockholm in the background.
A girl stuck between being a youth and having to make adult like decisions will be an instant draw for young readers.
Mika takes the role of a motherly figure in the orphanage and shows her compassion with a newborn and young Edvin.
Mika’s sense for details was fun to observe. She’s insightful and already a detective in training.
Portrayed as a dark time period for Mika and those around her, the grittiness is often wiped away to show hope for the future.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR/TRANSLATOR
Johan Rundberg is an award-winning author of children’s books who lives in Stockholm. He has written picture books, early readers, and middle grade, including Kärlekspizzan, Knockad Romeo, and the series Häxknuten. In 2021, he was awarded Sweden’s most prestigious literary prize, the August Prize, in the children’s and YA category for Nattkorpen, the original edition of The Night Raven, which was first written in Swedish. Nattkorpen was also the winner of a Swedish Crimetime Award in the children’s and YA category. There are now four books in this series published in Sweden.
A. A. Prime (Annie Prime) is an award-winning translator of Swedish literature. She was born in London and traveled the world studying a number of languages before settling in the English coastal town of Hastings. She now works full-time as a translator, specializing in the weird, witty, and wonderful world of children’s and young adult fiction. She holds an MA in translation from University College London and has published more than twenty books in the UK and US. In her free time, she can be found belly dancing, folk singing, horse riding, and sea swimming.
The Magic History Tour’s newest graphic volume is a fascinating look at the life of Marie Curie. Led by modern day kids, Annie and Nico, readers are taken on journey looking at the important events in this scientist’s career.
The pages provide an eye opening read, connecting you to the successes and struggles in doing something women rarely did in the late 19th and early 20th century: pursuing a career in science and in Marie’s case, winning Nobel Prizes along the way.
The graphics are colorful and well done, giving each page a connection to the text. Annie takes the lead describing each event with Nico asking questions and commenting as to what they see. These two are there but not visible to anyone in the time period.
Marie Curie-A Life in Science is the 13th edition for this fun and educational series. You can view all of the MAGICAL HISTORY TOUR editions here. They each look at important people and events in our history.
A fun way to learn and one that will keep the pages turning for any young person interested in our past and its people.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR and ILLUSTRATOR
Fabrice Erre, born in 1973 in France, is an author and teacher of comics, as well as an accomplished historian. Through his comics, he seeks above all to parody human behavior, teasing out our little personal weaknesses and our vulnerability to manipulation by the masses. Most recently, putting his history background to good use, Erre has teamed up with artist Sylvain Savoia to create the series THE THREAD OF HISTORY, set on bringing the past to vivid life for younger readers.
Born in 1969, Sylvain Savoia grew up in France, and discovered comicbooks at a young age. In 1989, he registered at the Saint-Luc art school in Brussels. Savoia enjoys a prolific international career illustrating comics.
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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.
Your books shelves looking empty? Click on to reach a blogger’s middle grade review or feature.
At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of HIDDEN TRUTHS by Elly Swartz.
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an interview with debut author Elisa Stone Leahy and a giveaway of her MG contemporary Tethered to Other Stars.
Kasey Girad at The Story Sanctuary has a review of Hollowthorn (Ravenfall #2) by Kalyn Josephson
Carol Baldwin shares a review and interview by her new teen guest blogger, Janelle Ekpo. It’s all about HOW BENJAMIN FRANKLIN BECAME a REVOLUTIONARY in SEVEN (Not-So-Easy) STEPS .
Valinora Troy reviews BITE RISK by S.J. WIlls
Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with yesterday’s Green and Deephaven.
———————————————————————
If you would like to join in the MMGM fun and get your own spot in the parade, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count–but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you’re featuring 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 please don’t forget to say what book 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.
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.
If your reading preference is more toward the contemporary/ realistic fiction side then look no further than HIDDEN TRUTHS. Author Elly Schwartz took 22 years creating this engaging story before finally bringing it to middle grade readers.
Book Birthday: 10/31/2023 Page Count: 272
Friends since second grade, sixth graders Eric and Dani are very different, but always count on each other for support and understanding. They love donuts, comic books, and camping on the cape.
After a terrible accident that leaves Dani with a broken leg and nerve damage, their whole world turns upside down Eric blames himself as he just might have left the camper stove on overnight causing an explosion. His ADHD tendencies to forget always cause him trouble.
Unfortunately for Dani she had just made the middle school baseball team, the only girl to do so. Now her passion to ever play again is in jeopardy.
Told in alternating viewpoints, Eric and Dani’s voices are masterfully portrayed. Eric searches for the truth about the accident while Dani, stuck in the hospital, finds it difficult to forgive. Friendship and what it takes to keep the bond alive is embedded at every turn.
The truth is HIDDEN TRUTHS is my favorite realistic fiction read this year.
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: HIDDEN TRUTHS by Elly Swartz
I’ve worked with many kids labeled as ADHD and Eric’s thoughts, emotions, and actions were spot on. It was fantastic to see him discovering that he is more than a label and learns how to define himself in new ways.
Friendships often reveal truths about what was and what is to become. Both Eric and Dani discover this revelation with their new friends. A helpful result for readers in their own friendships.
Eric talks to God. He wishes for Dani to get better in exchange for keeping his room clean or being nice to his sister. A common and realistic action teens and preteens will often turn to when wanting something important. It fit perfectly in the plot.
The parents were supportive, but it was the kids (both the main characters and others) who eventually came to the perfect resolutions and conclusions about being a friend.
I know a book is good when I am carrying it with me wherever I go so I can enjoy one more chapter with each pause in my day.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Elly Swartz grew up in Yardley, Pennsylvania. She studied psychology at Boston University and received her law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. Elly lives in Massachusetts and is happily married with two grown sons, a beagle named Lucy, and a pup named Baxter Bean. Finding Perfect, called “a clear, moving portrayal of obsessive-compulsive disorder” by Publishers Weekly, was her debut novel. She is also the author of Smart Cookie and Give and Take, novels for middle grade readers.
ALWAYS in the MIDDLE participated in the recent Book Blitz for BITE, STING, KILL! I tucked it away before finally having the chance to read this engaging and visual look at some real creepy looking creatures.
The four chapters include:
REPTILES THAT STRIKE
SERIOUS STINGERS
STUNNING SEA CREATURES
DEADLY ANIMALS
The photos alone are enough to add the book to your shelf. A Spitting Cobra (p. 23) and a Vampire Bat (p. 85) sure caught my attention. Making it even better are facts and background information arranged in easy to read rectangular and circular panels.
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.
Click on each to flip on a blogger’s review or feature.
At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of THE GHOST JOB by Greg Van Eekhout.
Susan Uhlig really enjoyed the first Plotting the Stars book: MOONGARDEN by Michelle A. Barry.
Maria Antonia has a post about about Top Story by Kelly Yang.
Valinora Troy reviews THE SECRET FILES OF FAIRDAY MORROW.
Kasey Giard at The Story Sanctuary reviews Plague-Busters!: Medicine’s Battles with History’s Deadliest Diseases.
Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with last Wednesday’s review of I AM KAVI.
———————————————————————
If you would like to join in the MMGM fun and get your own spot in the parade, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count–but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you’re featuring 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 please don’t forget to say what book 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.
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.
It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. Email me the title of the book or feature for any middle grade book, author or giveaway, and a link to your blog. Send it to: 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 that week’s MMGM.
*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.
You gained an hour this past weekend, so now you have extra time to view our compilation of middle grade reviews and features. Click on each clock to get started.
At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of Wand by Landra Jennings
to reach a blogger’s middle grade review or feature.
to flip on a blogger’s review or feature.
Always in the Middle... 