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)

*************************

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

REBEL GIRLS- NOTES TO SHARE

Posted on August 25, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

I smiled when I opened this book because it reminded me of the written notes my mom sent to me at camp or ones she’d sneak into my lunch bag. Hers were in blue ink and often hard to read, but I appreciated every single one.

Mom would have loved this new title from Rebel Girls. It’s filled with inspiring quotes from female athletes, entertainers, and historical figures. Also included are jokes and uplifting thoughts to bring smiles and warmth to your own child.

Each of the more than 180 notes are illustrated and easy to tear out. Enough to get you through the entire school year! Perfect for girls, ages 7-12, I’m hoping Rebel Girls will plan on more NOTES TO SHARE.

*************************************

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 , , | 1 Comment

MMGM for August 21, 2023

Posted on August 21, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Give each a click to reach a blogger’s post and enjoy some great Middle Grade reviews and features,

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a Book Blitz and GIVEAWAY for National Geographic’s BITE,STING.KILL.

Carol Baldwin welcomes new teen reviewer, Georgie Bartlett, and her review of DISCONNECTED by Riley Cross.

Susan Uhlig thinks out of my heart by Sharon M. Draper (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2021) is an amazing book that EVERYONE should read! 

Max at Completely Full Bookshelf shares his favorite graphic novels for the summer.

Faith Hough reviews Hope in the Valley, by Mitali Perkins.

Valinora Troy reviews KEVIN THE VAMPIRE: A MOST MYSTERIOUS MONSTER.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews CALL THE PUFFINS by Cath Howe. 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 Sunday’s review of TIGER DAUGHTER.

———————————————————————

(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

BITE, STING, KILL (Book Blitz and Giveaway)

Posted on August 20, 2023 by Greg Pattridge
  Explore the animal kingdom like never before in this thrilling roundup of animals that bite, sting … and kill.A venomous lizard the size of a car. A snake that can take down an elephant. A stealthy scorpion ready to strike. Sound like the makings of the ultimate thriller movie? It’s real life. And that’s just the beginning.  

Buy | Goodreads

Discover how the bites and stings of black mambas, Komodo dragons, king cobras, black widow spiders, Gila monsters, pit vipers, rattlesnakes, scorpions, and more spell certain doom for their prey. Dig deeper into topics such as how fangs work, how antivenoms are developed, what snake milkers do, and the surprising ways venom can actually help humans.Unbelievable photography and lively text bring readers up close and personal to the spine-tingling action. You’ll never look at animals the same way again.

 

GIVEAWAY

  • Three (3) winners will receive a copy of Bite, Sting, Kill!
  • US/Canada only
  • Ends 08/25 at 11:59pm EST
  • Enter via the Rafflecopter below!
  a Rafflecopter giveaway  

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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

Posted in Blog Tour, Giveaways | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

TOO MUCH TRASH

Posted on August 18, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

I try and get a good early morning hike in before the rush of the day gets going. Coming across animals like rabbits and squirrels along with the occasional coyote are common, and last winter I had a stare down with this little guy…

Not only have I observed a variety of animals, but also the trash they have obtained. TOO MUCH TRASH – HOW LITTER IS HURTING ANIMALS highlights an unfortunate problem animals have to deal with and it’s human caused.

The book is arranged in four chapters, with the first three leading into the most important component of how we fix this situation:

  1. THE TROUBLE WITH LITTER
  2. WHERE LITTER IS BORN
  3. WASTE IN THE WILD
  4. LET’S FIX THIS PROBLEM

Each page includes colorful and often eye-opening photos that blend in well with the text. Perfect for discussion at home or in school reading groups. The back pages include Joan Marie Galat’s reason for writing the book, an extended resource page, and a glossary.

TOO MUCH TRASH provides the inspiration for readers to be aware and take action in their own community. Overall, a great resource.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Although she started making books at the age of nine, Joan Marie Galat wasn’t published until she was 12 years old, when she became a paid weekly newspaper columnist. Today she is the award-winning author of more than 25 books, with translations in eight languages. Recent titles include Mortimer: Rat Race to Space (DCB), Absolute Expert: Space (National Geographic Kids), Stars (Scholastic USA), and The Story of Malala Yousafzai (Rockridge Press).

Joan shares her love of the stars in the Dot to Dot in the Sky series which combines the science of the night sky with the ancient myths that give constellations and planets their names. Her first title, Dot to Dot in the Sky, Stories in the Stars, became a best seller within six weeks of its release. As well as astronomy and mythology, Joan’s books for children explore light pollution, ecology, nature, volcanoes, wildlife, engineering, printmaking, cultural traditions, and history. Her titles include both fiction and non-fiction, often with a focus on one or more STEM or STEAM topics (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math). Her titles for adults include a travel guide and motivational book.

A prolific writer and relentless promoter of reading, Joan loves to use storytelling to connect with audiences. Speaking engagements have taken Joan across Canada, as well as to international events such as the United Nations Environment Programme in Seoul, South Korea (2016); the International Dark-Sky Conference in Snowbird, USA (2018), and an international book fair in Seoul (2005), where she presented Korean translations of her books. In Australia (2019), Joan spoke to child, family, and adult audiences. Closer to home, she has been part of the Jasper Dark Sky Festival (2015) and toured at schools and libraries across Canada. She is the 2018 recipient of the Martha Weston Grant, awarded annually to one member (worldwide) of the USA based Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

Joan operates MoonDot Media, a communications business offering writing and editing solutions in broadcast, print, and multi-media. Her freelance jobs have encompassed writing radio and video scripts, a cartoon, magazine articles, exhibit text, speechwriting, grant applications, annual reports, and other projects. She also provides corporate training and public workshops, as well as consults for writers on query letters, manuscripts, and the submission process.

***************************

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, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

MMGM for August 14, 2023

Posted on August 14, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

It’s BACK TO SCHOOL this month for many young MG readers. Try these suggested books to give them a head start. Click a school bus to reach a blogger’s post.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of CLARITY OF SIGHT by Dani Resh.

Susan Uhlig was amazed by the debut Where the Watermelons Grow (Harper, 2018) by Cindy Baldwin.

Max at Completely Full Bookshelf recommends The Tea Dragon Society by K. O’Neill. 

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews KIDS CAN COOK ANYTHING. 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 Sunday’s review of FORGET ME NOT BLUE

———————————————————————

(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

CLARITY OF SIGHT

Posted on August 13, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

CLARITY OF SIGHT, the second book in the Magic Shoe Series, is out this week. I previously enjoyed the first story a few years back but never had room in my schedule for a featured review. To catch you up here’s the official story line for that first book, COMPASS TO VINLAND:

Wren Larkin has a lot of things working against him-too tall, too thin, and living in a house that looks like an old boot. His only friends are a group of noisy crows that are always bringing him random trinkets. Needless to say, he’s not the most popular kid in town.

But things change when a girl named Maria moves to town and instantly befriends Wren. She continues to do the unexpected when she defends Rusty, the resident bad boy, who might not be as rebellious as Wren thought. Wren learns that it isn’t just coincidence that brought the three of them together when he discovers a shoe workshop under the heel of his house that’s holding-or hiding–three pairs of magical shoes intended for each of them.

When strangers arrive on Wren’s doorstep looking for the shoes, Wren and his new companions have no choice but to flee to Underfoot, an underground settlement full of magical creatures. In just a matter of days, Wren is immersed into a whole new reality that’ll take him on an incredible journey and reveal a lineage that might be better left secret.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

A question I always get when presenting a series is “Can I read and understand the second book without having read the first?” I’m leaning toward a “Yes” answer. The author does a good job with introducing the setting and characters . Of course the story line is so good you will most likely be going back to see how it all started. Regardless, the plot of CLARITY OF SIGHT let’s you know what’s in store in this continuing adventure:

Maria is struggling in Underfoot. A hooded figure haunts her dreams, her mind-reading abilities have grown so powerful that even her closest friends avoid her touch, she’s seeing strange threads of light everywhere, and her parents are still nowhere to be found. Having been banned from returning to the surface for the time being, she anxiously awaits word from the search party that went looking for her parents and the other missing Vins. 

During what was supposed to be a joyous occasion, an evil entity strikes, creating chaos in the underground settlement, and Wren is captured by the Wrathful, along with Eyota. In order to escape the mayhem and rescue their friends, Maria, Rusty, and Pan must journey up top, find allies, and fight the enemy. Along the way, Maria finds answers to her never-ending questions and discovers fate is far more powerful than she realized.

+++++++++++++++++

Another helpful background addition no matter where you begin is the author’s excellent description of the the three main characters:

Wren Larkin  lives in a house that looks like shoe, has an unbelievable green thumb, and has no idea what to do with the magic shoes he found hidden under his house. But when others learn that the shoes lead Wren to a cloaked world called Vinland, he has no choice but to go on the run with his newfound friends. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Wren and his shoes are pivotal to the fate of a mythical land and a long-standing family legacy.
Maria Tovar  is the newest student at Lewisberry Middle School, granddaughter of the town’s number one baker, and most likely to know everything you’re thinking about. Since, ya know, she can read minds.
Especially now that she has put on the magic shoes that Wren’s grandfather made for her which have amplified her abilities. While we meet her in Compass to Vinland, get ready to delve into the truth behind her past, present, and future in the second installment in the Magic Shoes Series.
Rusty Whitaker is known as bad news in the small town he lives in, but he gets the chance to change his narrative when he finds a pair of magic shoes that give him insane fighting skills. Even though everyone in the magic world is confused that Wren’s grandfather made him a pair of shoes, considering he’s just an ordinary guy, Rusty is convinced his shoes were made for a reason and he intends to prove his worth with them on his feet. 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

All of this background leads me to my:

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: CLARITY OF SIGHT By Dani Resh

  1. Pan (no, not Peter Pan) takes a bigger role in book 2. He can only be seen out of the corner of one’s eye and his vanishing act is even more appealing since he can walk between two worlds. The author did a fantastic job of weaving him in the plot and making Pan a secondary character you won’t forget .
  2. The three main characters are so different and their interactions bring you closer to them. Maria especially stands her ground when dealing with Rusty and Wren.
  3. Top notch story and world building. Suspense and twists await readers, making the 260 pages fly by.
  4. A lot is learned in this second book and it ends on a cliff hanger. The anticipation for book three grows even more.
  5. Maria’s first person narration never sounds adult like and stays right in a 13-year-old mindset. Her ability to touch someone and read their thoughts had me glad this was a fantasy and not real life. A fascinating trait none the less.

**************************

ABOUT THE AUTHOR (WEBSITE—INSTAGRAM)

Dani Resh is a Michigan author and artist. She has a bachelor’s in fine arts from the College of Creative Studies, a bachelor’s in political science from Oakland University, and a master’s in fine arts from Pennsylvania State University. Dani has worked in a wide variety of fields, including a position as a prosthetic-eye painter and a legal aid paralegal for domestic-abuse victims, and is currently working in higher education. However, her true passion is storytelling. Whether it be through the written word or her artwork, she feels most alive when she is creating. 

*********************

COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW!

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

GIVEAWAY RESULTS: Last Friday’s Giveaway opportunity for a copy of National Geographic Kids Almanac 2024 goes to…

CAROL BALDWIN

Congratulations Carol!

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

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Kids ALMANAC 2024 (plus a GIVEAWAY)

Posted on August 11, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Buy | Goodreads

The New York Times best-selling Almanac is packed with incredible photos, tons of fun facts, National Geographic exclusives, games, activities, and fascinating features about animals, science, nature, technology, and more. 

This new edition features:  

  • EXCLUSIVE National Geographic Explorer interviews and features   
  • EXCLUSIVE Interactive Almanac Challenge 2024, plus the results of the Almanac Challenge 2023  
  • BONUS SECTION of sidesplitting jokes and riddles   
  • NEW fun-tastic things to see and do in 2024  
  • NEW cutest animal superlatives and animal rescue stories  
  • NEW science and dinosaur discoveries  
  • NEW fun games, quizzes, and activities  
  • NEW weird and wacky places around the world  
  • NEW experiments to do, places to explore, and ways to change the world  
  • UPDATED reference material, including fast facts and maps of every country  

Check out https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/books/article/almanac-2024 for more information and to take the 2024 Almanac Challenge, Elephant-Stagram! 

Praise:

“…this gathering of upbeat, vividly illustrated, browser-friendly dips into topics ranging from black holes to blue-footed boobies to Bolivian street food is hard to put down, and the pop quizzes and research guides at each chapter’s end will give studious sorts a leg up, too”.― Kirkus

GIVEAWAY

Thanks to Media Masters Publicity ALWAYS in THE MIDDLE was chosen to host their own special giveaway of ALMANAC 2024. No Rafflecopter!

  • One winner will receive a copy of National Geographic Kids Almanac 2024
  • US/Canada only
  • Ends 8/13 at 11:59pm ET
  • Enter by leaving a brief comment below (like “Count me in!”)

GOOD LUCK!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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 | 7 Comments

MMGM for August 7, 2023

Posted on August 7, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

It’s a new month for MMGM! Give AUGUST a click to reach a blogger’s post.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I review JETT JAMISON AND THE SECRET STORM by Kimberly Behre Kenna.

Brenda at LOG CABIN LIBRARY has a review of The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass.

Carol Baldwin features two JAPANESE INTERNMENT GRAPHIC NOVELS.

Max at Completely Full Bookshelf continues his excellent summer series of “more than one book review at a time” with Bad Sister by Charise Mericle Harper and Rory Lucey, Freestyle by Gale Galligan, and American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang.

Susan Uhlig adored THE REMARKABLE JOURNEY OF COYOTE SUNRISE by Dan Gemeinhart.

Valinora Troy reviews Wider Than The Sea by Irish author Serena Molloy.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews When Sea Becomes Sky by Gillian McDunn. 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 week’s review of THE GREAT TEXAS DRAGON RACE.

———————————————————————

(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 , , | 4 Comments

JETT JAMISON AND THE SECRET STORM

Posted on August 6, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Sixth-grader Jett Jamison can’t catch a break. Her home in small town Wisteria is noisy as a zoo, and her mind buzzes with bits of a traumatic memory she’d rather forget. She’s filled a shoebox with one hundred thirty-three to-do lists, her roadmaps to peace, but they only lead to dead ends. Sister Gia, master gardener and cat-whisperer extraordinaire, suggests a book by an anonymous author, but it’s disappeared from all local libraries, and nobody wants to talk about it. Enraged at the injustice, Jett continues to dig for answers and is drawn into a censorship battle with a high-profile radio host. Her peaceful protest backfires big time, and the town goes berserk. Now, for peace to be within reach, Jett must either face up to her past or remain forever bound by silence much more suffocating than the din in Wisteria.

****************************

A powerful story sure to help heal and provide understanding.

Jett narrates her heartfelt quest in trying to look forward and avoid reliving the past. Family includes both parents and twin younger brothers. She likes lists and schedules which don’t often jell with the way her family operates.

Jett’s favorite place is the library where the librarian is a friend. She also has two friends from school. Jett begins to see her inner self differently when she meets Sister Gia tending to the church garden. From then on Jett focuses on finding a censored book that sister recommends, RESURRECTING THE DRAGON.

She does find the book and discovers the author lives in her town. Jett Jamison and the Secret Storm handles the tough topics of abuse and book banning in an engaging and heartfelt way. A perfect selection for discussion at school and at home. Highly recommended for middle grade audiences.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: JETT JAMISON AND THE SECRET STORM by Kimberly Behre Kenna

  1. I often complain about the growing length of middle grade books. At 174 pages this story is the perfect length that is both impactful and complete.
  2. Anxiety is dealt with in a believable way. Jett hates certain noises and the voice in her head can’t seem to be silenced. The emotional turmoil it causes will bring readers a growing empathy with Jett.
  3. Jett’s character arc is one of my favorites from the past few years. I will be reading this again at some point in the future.
  4. Ralph Waldo Emerson sneaks into the plot and his advice to Jett is perfect. At the end of the story there is also space provided for readers to write their own story,
  5. Don’t miss the author’s notes in the back pages. Enlightening and memorable thoughts from this gifted author.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR, KIMBERLY BEHRE KENNA

After years as an adolescent and family counselor, and then as a fifth grade teacher of ecology and language arts, Kimberly returned to school for her MA in creative writing from Wilkes University. Her middle-grade novel, “Artemis Sparke and the Sound Seekers Brigade” (Regal House/Fitzroy) was a finalist and received Honorable Mention in the 2019 Tassy Walden New Voices in Children’s Literature Competition. “Jett Jamison and the Secret Storm” (Black Rose) is the second book in her Brave Girls Collection. A third in the collection, as yet unpublished, won second place in The Institute of Children’s Literature 2022 MG Mystery Contest. Her poems and stories have been published in American Writers Review, Mused, Plumtree Tavern, and Rubbertop Review. Her full-length play, “Ana’s Hummingbird,” was given a staged reading at The Dramatists Guild in NYC. She’s a member of SCBWI and PEN America, and now devotes herself to writing full time. Connect with her at www.kimberlybehrekenna.com

Follow Kimberly Behre Kenna on social media:

Twitter: @KimberlyBKenna | Instagram: @KimberlyBKenna 

Facebook: @KimberlyBehreKenna

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I hope you will return this Friday when ALWAYS in the MIDDLE will be giving away a copy of National Geographic’s Almanac 2024 (and you won’t need Rafflecopter to enter).

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 , , , | 8 Comments