MISGUIDED

Posted on September 17, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

This one came recommended to me not through the publisher or a publicist, but from an almost 13-year-old who had just finished a Kindle version of the book.

The tale is set in a fictional town of Braxton, a tourist town with a year round Christmas theme. It’s the perfect place to buy souvenirs and just be in a happy mood.

If you like alternating viewpoints then look no further as there are plenty. The four middle school main characters take the lead in the majority of the chapters:

DANIEL FORD When not in school he is one of the town’s tour guides, leading tourists through the many wonders Braxton offers,. He loves his job, the town, and idolizes the original founder.

KEELEY FILTON She loves nature, but has grown tired of the everyday holiday theme the town promotes. Keeley is also quite athletic.

CINDY BLOOM Her Christian faith drives her personality as does a sense of fashion.

ADRIAN POMLER The obnoxious one of the bunch, He’s a bully and never calls the other three by their real names, instead choosing Tourist Trap, Nature-Nut, and Goodie-Goodie.

The plot takes off when Daniel finds an old scroll that makes him reluctantly question whether Braxton is really such a great place. He sets out to prove the scroll wrong with the help of Keeley and Cindy. A trail of clues lead them to a long-lost artifact that supposedly can grant one’s deepest wish. Whoever touches it and accepts the consequences will be the victor. Or will they?

Bully Adrian is also after it along with Trent Braxton, the wealthy current leader of Braxton, and his hit man. The fast pace will appeal to readers as will the mystery. A nice stepping stone to a discussion about teamwork, idols, and understanding yourself. I’m glad to have received the recommendation to read MISGUIDED. Well worth my time.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: MISGUIDED by David Meyer

  1. Adrian is not at all likeable at first, but his character arc brings a little bit of redemption and compassion.
  2. Daniel was my favorite as he was forced to question his entire existence. The true hero of the story.
  3. I’m not a big fan of more than 2 alternating viewpoints, but this way of story telling worked quite well here.
  4. Daniel’s dad makes a yearly appearance as Santa Claus and does he ever make a memorable entrance!
  5. Cindy has to be perfect while keeping her faith private. Having to lie so many times was so against her beliefs, and her dialog perfectly captured each moment.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: David Meyer

I love Christ and seek to glorify Him. I also love to create. Besides writing, I enjoy journaling, drawing, building playsets and marble mazes, and coming up with funny voices for my kids. Regardless, my faith flows through everything I do, often in ways I don’t recognize until long after the fact.

I love my family and togetherness. And I do everything I can to resist the spirit of atomization that animates our age. Every day, I count myself blessed to call Julie my wife. We have two wonderful children, Ryden and Ember, and make our home in the second largest city in northern New England (i.e. the very small city of Nashua, New Hampshire!).

For more about David and his books visit his website.

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Posted in MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

READY OR NOT

Posted on September 15, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

It has been almost three years since I reviewed SUMMER OF L.U.C.K., a fun and engaging story centered on three friends at summer camp. Naz struggles to learn English, Justin has chosen to be silent after the death of his father, and Darby faces challenges with her stutter. A carnival and it’s ghostly owner, Leroy Usher, helps the kids find their voices in exchange for them helping him revive the carnival back to its former glory.

In READY OR NOT it’s a year later and the three friends have returned to camp.

With his second summer at Camp Inch headed downhill fast, thirteen-year-old Justin faces a tricky choice: stand up to bigotry or let fear hold him back. When he’s targeted by a bully, and a good friend stops speaking to him, Justin counts on help from Leroy Usher, the ghost whose magical carnival helped transform Justin’s life after his father died last year. So this should be a breeze, right? His expectations rise further when a mysterious message from Mr. Usher invites him and pals Darby and Naz for a midnight visit. Instead of a reunion, though, the kids find themselves transported through time to unravel a mystery that tore Mr. Usher’s family apart. As Justin digs for the truth, he discovers that Mr. Usher faced challenges during his lifetime with courage – and without magic. But if courage is what it takes, Justin must learn to do what’s right when everything’s wrong.

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The third person narration stays close to Justin as he faces how to react to bullying and racism, great topics that bring the tale close to the hearts of readers. There are also friendship issues and staying true to oneself. Justin is a believable 13-year-old with the many thoughts flooding his brain. He’s one you will not forget.

Even thought the author does a good job in bridging the two stories, you will find it helpful to first read SUMMER OF L.U.C.K. The story line in READY OR NOT stays mostly at the summer camp with a few time travel trips to the past as they try and uncover the truth about Leroy Usher’s family.

The 21 chapters flow at a perfect pace leading to an epilogue that opens the door to a final book in the L.U.C.K. trilogy, The Chambered Nautilus, due out next year.

Even though summer is winding down, you are in L.U.C.K. to have this series and the compelling characters to warm your heart on the colder days ahead.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Laura Segal Stegman is a Los Angeles-based author whose middle grade debut novel, Summer of L.U.C.K., and its sequel, Ready or Not (both from Young Dragons Press), are available wherever books are sold. The Chambered Nautilus, third in the L.U.C.K. trilogy, will follow. She serves as a judge for kidlit writer competitions and shares her author journey in engaging visits to schools and libraries. Her popular PR Tips for Authors workshop features a step-by-step guide to building a digital author media kit. Non-fiction credits include collaboration on the travel book Only in New York. A long-time publicity consultant, she owns Laura Segal Stegman Public Relations, LLC. www.LauraStegman.com

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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 , | 3 Comments

MMGM for September 11, 2023

Posted on September 11, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Reach a blogger’s post by clicking on the happy group of middle grade readers.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of THE GHOSTLY PHOTOS by Margaret Peterson Haddix.

Brenda at LOG CABIN LIBRARY returns to the MMGM lineup after brief absence with a review of The Fall of the House of Tatterly by Shanna Miles.

Max at Completely Full Bookshelf recommends The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass. 

Sue Heavenrich has a fun book for the younger MG readers (8-10) – all about sloths: The Upside-Down Book of Sloths, by Elizabeth Shreeve over at Archimedes Notebook.

Valinora Troy shares her review of THE WHISTLERS IN THE DARK by Victoria Williamson, as a part of the blog tour for the book.

Maria Antonia has a post about SISTERHOOD OF SLEUTHS by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews UP FOR GRABS by Michelle Mulder. 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 Tuesday’s review of IT FOUND US along with Lots o’ Fantasy.

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(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

THE GHOSTLY PHOTOS

Posted on September 10, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

The second book in the Mysteries Of Trash & Treasure series continues with a new mystery: THE GHOSTLY PHOTOS . The story can be enjoyed without having read book one that I reviewed last year, THE SECRET LETTERS.

In THE GHOSTLY PHTOOS, best friends Colin and Nevaeh are back as they attempt to solve a mystery that had its beginnings in a time known as The Great Depression. They meet a girl named Ree who lives in a funeral home with her family. Ree shows them some spooky old photos, one of a boy in a coffin.

Who is this boy? Colin and Nevaeh investigate and discover Ree isn’t telling them everything. Is the boy a ghost and how will they ever know unless answers come from Ree’s grandmother, who is often often confused and suffering from dementia.

The third person narration stays close to Colin and Nevaeh through the 42 chapters. Their parents are no longer rivals in the junk hauling business as they have reluctantly begun working together. This is just a sidelight to the main story and it’s the young sleuths who take center stage in the plot.

Although their are scenes in a funeral home and a dark cemetery, none of the scenes are too scary. It’s the mystery that will intrigue and keep the pages turning.

Solid story telling and an engaging plot.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE GHOSTLY PHOTOS by Margaret Peterson Haddix.

  1. The author’s note in the back pages adds more information about The Great Depression, Dementia, and Funeral Customs. The advice to young readers to seek out their own family stories is a great one.
  2. The news about Colin’s dad brings many emotional scenes and sets up an enticing future story line.
  3. Opposites often do attract as the friendship of shy Colin and the more outgoing Nevaeh continues. They are two characters sure to please the reading audience.
  4. Chapters often end on a new discovery which makes one more than eager to keep reading.
  5. A revealing look at the difference of living in a single parent home to one with a large family.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Margaret Peterson Haddix grew up on a farm near Washington Court House, Ohio. She graduated from Miami University (of Ohio) with degrees in English/journalism, English/creative writing and history. Before her first book was published, she worked as a newspaper copy editor in Fort Wayne, Indiana; a newspaper reporter in Indianapolis; and a community college instructor and freelance writer in Danville, Illinois.

She has since written more than 40 books for kids and teens, including Running Out of Time; Double Identity; Uprising; The Always War; the Greystone Secrets series; the Shadow Children series; the Missing series; the Children of Exile series; the Under Their Skin duology; and The Palace Chronicles. She also wrote Into the Gauntlet, the tenth book in the 39 Clues series.  Her books have been honored with New York Times bestseller status, the International Reading Association’s Children’s Book Award; American Library Association Best Book and Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers notations; and numerous state reader’s choice awards. They have also been translated into more than twenty different languages.

Haddix and her husband, Doug, now live in Columbus, Ohio. They are the parents of two grown kids.

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HISPANIC STAR: SONIA SOTOMAYOR

Posted on September 8, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

A fascinating and revealing journey following Sonia Sotomayor’s rise in becoming a Supreme Court Justice. It’s an engaging read that will appeal to young readers not only for the content but also for the length at just 112 pages.

Six chapter titles give a hint at what you will learn about this amazing woman’s life:

  • Chapter One DEEP ROOTS
  • Chapter Two DESPAIR AND HOPE
  • Chapter Three FINDING HER VOICE
  • Chapter Four FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE
  • Chapter Five A JUDGE AT LAST
  • Chapter Six THE HIGHEST COURT IN THE LAND

Filled with black and white illustrations that blend in well with the text, there are many memorable moments. Fighting discrimination, how her diabetes effected her both in childhood and as an adult, and the many jobs she had before becoming a Supreme Court Justice.

Sonia Sotomayor is a great addition to the Hispanic Star series that also include biographies on Roberto Clemente, Ellen Ochoa, Celia Cruz, Selena Gomez, and Sylvia Revera.

About the Author

Claudia Romo Edelman is the Founder of the We Are All Human Foundation. Claudia has worked for 25 years with internationally recognized institutions including the United Nations, UNICEF, the Global Fund and the World Economic Forum. She has a track record in launching global campaigns, and she’s a master of agenda setting. She has been in the driver’s seat of some of the most successful global campaigns in the last decade including: the launch of the SDG’s, Product (RED), the creation of the SDG Lions and rebranding of the UN Refugee Agency.

Nathalie Alonso is a bilingual writer and journalist based in New York City. She began her career in 2006 as a contributor to local newspapers in her home borough of Queens. Her writing has appeared in National Geographic, Outside, AFAR, Well + Good and Refinery29. Nathalie is also a children’s author with experience writing for juvenile magazines and the educational market.

Nathalie received a B.A. in American studies from Columbia University.

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

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

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

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

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MMGM for September 4, 2023

Posted on September 4, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Give the happy workers a click to reach a blogger’s post.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I take a look back and a look forward…

Valinora Troy reviews WAR OF THE WIND by Victoria Williamson.

Kasey Giard returns to the MMGM lineup with a review of Deephaven by Ethan M. Aldridge.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews THE RED PENCIL by Andrea Davis Pinkney. 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 JAYSON GOES FOR IT.

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(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

A LOOK BACK & A LOOK FORWARD

Posted on September 3, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

HAPPY LABOR DAY! I had a title scheduled for today until the publisher delayed its release until early 2024. They asked that I do the same with my review. I could have shuffled the lineup for this month, but decided instead to take a breather to reflect on this summer gone by and take a look at the three new MG titles I’m most looking forward to reading this school year.

I had a great summer although way too fast. I’m still going through the many pictures I took along the way and each one reminds me of a book cover. But what would the story be about? I have some ideas…

1. This painted mural is on a bike/walking trail that goes underneath a busy highway. Artists Jay and Jerry Jaramillo call it “Spring Pollination.” I see something else…

A book loving boy discovers a Little Free Library in his neighborhood, but when he opens a book the story characters suddenly appear. Frantic, he returns the books and is confronted by the owner of the library. What he is told could change his life forever and not in a good way.

2. This second image has to be a picture book…

Henry the Hydrant and his best friend Juliet the Firewoman save a house and much more.

3. When a small town is sucked up into a giant cloud, the residents find a peaceful life with no politics, hate, or class structure. But now the cloud is breaking up and they must find a way to keep in intact. A young girl’s voice brings them hope that the future does not have to be like the past.

Time will tell if I ever develop these plots further, but for now let me present plots that are already complete. Here are the three books I’m most looking forward to reading this school year in no particular order:

It’s been almost a year since Coyote and her dad left the road behind and settled down in a small Oregon town. . . time spent grieving the loss of her mom and sisters and trying to fit in at school. But just as life is becoming a new version of normal, Coyote discovers a box containing her mom’s ashes. And she thinks she might finally be ready to say goodbye.

So Coyote and her dad gear up for an epic cross-country road trip to scatter the ashes at her mom’s chosen resting place. The only problem? Coyote has no idea where that resting place is—and the secret’s hidden in a book that Coyote mistakenly sold last year, somewhere in the country. Now, it’s up to Coyote to track down the treasured book . . . without her dad ever finding out that it’s lost.

It’s time to fire up their trusty bus, Yager, pick up some old friends, discover some new ones, and hit the road on another unforgettable adventure.

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Lily, Maddie, and Sasha have always been the perfect friendship sandwich—they tell one another everything and each one is vital to making the whole. But this year everything is changing. Everyone seems to be keeping secrets from the others. And Maddie and Sasha made the elite soccer team and Lily didn’t. Now they’re carpooling and practicing and competing all the time, and Lily’s always left behind. They even can’t go to the first big middle school dance—the one that Lily’s been excited about for weeks—because of a tournament. Will she have to go alone? Or miss it entirely? Or . . . is she forming an unexpected brand-new friendship of her own, thanks to popular girl Sienna?

Will tends to keep to himself. After all, his life is already out there for anyone to hear about, thanks to his dad’s super-popular parenting podcast, Dr. Dad. He doesn’t really want to have to talk more about that time he wet the bed when he was small, or any of the other embarrassing stories his dad likes sharing with the whole world. He’d rather focus on becoming a better climber, after school at Philly Rocks. But his path keeps crossing with Lily’s, and his nosy former best friend, Sienna, takes notice. And then Will’s dad finally crosses a line that Will’s not sure he can forgive.

Between disastrous sleepovers, vicious rumors, secret crushes, old and new friends, and parents who just don’t get it, how does anyone make it through the tumult of seventh grade? Told from dual perspectives, Listen to This captures two weeks that just might change everything for Lily and Will, with Jennifer Blecher’s signature pitch-perfect dialogue and nuanced understanding of the emotional rollercoaster that is being a tween. 

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Everyone knows the two Sophies are best friends. One is in elementary school, and one is . . . well . . . in a little trouble of late. She’s elderly, sure, but she’s always been on her game, the best friend any girl struggling to fit in could ever have. The Sophies drink tea, have strong opinions about pretty much everything, and love each other dearly. Now it seems the elder Sophie is having memory problems, burning teakettles, and forgetting just about everything. It looks like her son is going to come and get her and steal her away forever. Young Sophie isn’t having that. Not one bit. So she sets out to help elder Sophie’s memory, with the aid of her neighborhood friends Ralphie and Oliver. But when she opens the floodgates of elder Sophie’s memories, she winds up listening to stories that will illustrate just how much there is to know about her dear friend, stories of war, hunger, cruelty, and ultimately love.

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That’s all for now. I’ll be back later this week with an actual review!

Posted in Uncategorized | 7 Comments

SCIENCE SURPRISES

Posted on September 1, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

A fantastic resource to get kids excited about science. Included are ten experiments using easily obtainable materials around the house. Titles like BUILD THE BEST BIG-BUBBLE WAND and MAKE YOUR OWN MAGIC DOUGH will motivate young scientists to learn how to carry out experiments.

Each of the ten focus on chemistry and are detailed in an easy to understand way. The title and image are colorfully displayed along with Project Time, Key Concepts and Background. Next come Materials users will need to gather, followed by Preparation, and Procedure.

Once the task is completed there are suggestions for Extra experiments along with a discussion of Observations and Results. Parents will appreciate the handy paragraph titled “Cleanup”.

I tried several of the experiments and found them to be not only fun, but they also provide a great framework for discussions about scientific principles.

In the back pages readers will find an excellent background on the Scientific Procedure, a Glossary, and Additional Resources. SCIENCE SURPRISES is the 7th title in this series and well worth your time. View all the the science based titles from Rosen Publishing and start your youngster out on a path to science understanding.

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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 , , | 3 Comments

MMGM for August 28, 2023

Posted on August 28, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Don’t let AUGUST end without enjoying these middle grade reviews and features. Give each book loving girl a click to reach a blogger’s post.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of A HORSE NAMED SKY by Rosanne Parry.

Carol Baldwin has a review, author interview, and GIVEAWAY of Bountiful Red Acres by Eileen Heyes.

Faith Hough joins us again this week with a look at Nothing Else But Miracles, by Kate Albus.

Stephanie Robinson at Fairday’s Blog features the book, American as Paneer Pie by Supriya Kelkar.

Valinora Troy reviews IMPOSSIBLE CREATURES by Katherine Rundell.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews SOUTHPAW SULLY by Steven Carman. 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 ZEUS: WATER RESCUE.

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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

A HORSE NAMED SKY

Posted on August 27, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

The compelling story of a wild mustang colt named Sky is set during the Pony Express era.

Sky’s passion is to run but also be free. He loves the land but not what humans are doing to destroy it. So…Sky leaves his family to search for a better place, hopefully full of resources to survive. His plan is to return one day and lead the herd.

Unfortunately for Sky, life by himself is not easy and he’s captured and forced to run with the Pony Express. His sole purpose now is to escape and return to his life of freedom.

The first person narration by Sky follows the same format as Parry’s previous A WOLF CALLED WANDER and A WHALE OF THE WILD.

Horse lovers will be first in line to check this new book out. I can also see a read aloud as an excellent springboard for a discussion about family, loyalty, and environmental issues.

More than 100 black and white illustrations appear throughout. A HORSE NAMED SKY is a revealing, fast moving story sure to please those who give this one a go.

PAGE COUNT: 272 BOOK BIRTHDAY: AUGUST 29, 2023

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: A HORSE NAMED SKY by Rosanne Parry

  1. Superb resources can be found in the back pages. A map and extensive information about wild horses and their habitat are included. Great to see wild horses today are often being provided with their own protected habitat.
  2. Sky sees humans as strange creatures, even calling their hands “grippers.” His viewpoint is understandable once you get into his way of seeing things. Eye opening from this perspective and one that enriches the reading experience.
  3. I can’t think of another middle grade title set in mid 19th century Nevada. It will motivate readers to learn more about this time period.
  4. Not all humans are bad as Sky has a touching relationship with an enslaved Paiute boy.
  5. The plot comes full circle and leaves readers with a good feeling. Sky is one to root for in his journey to freedom.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rosanne Parry grew up in Oregon loving its rainy days, wild places, and many libraries.  She is the author of eight novels for young readers, including the NY Times best sellers A Wolf Called Wander and A Whale of the Wild which have been translated into more than 14 languages. Her next novel will be A Horse Named Sky–another Voice of the Wilderness book. Look for it August 29th, 2023. Rosanne is a bookseller at legendary independentbookstore, Annie Blooms. She lives with her family in an old farmhouse in Portland and writes in a treehouse in her backyard. 

(For more visit Rosanne’s 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!

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