Author Wendy Mass has written many middle grade and young adult novels (11 BIRTHDAYS and BOB are my past favorites). With LO & BEHOLD she enters new writing territory with a graphic novel.
Here’s what to expect in this engaging story:
When you’re named after a 250-year-old tortoise, you grow up believing life is full of possibilities and wonder. But ever since Addie’s family got turned upside down, those things have been harder for her to see.
The last thing Addie wants to do is make a new friend, but when her dad’s summer job takes them across the country, she meets Mateo and finds herself caught up in an exciting project. With the help of a virtual reality headset, she’s suddenly scaling castle walls, dodging angry kittens, and seeing the world in whole new ways. Plus, she has an idea that could be bigger than anything she’s imagined before, but can she right some wrongs first . . . or is it too late?
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Dad has a summer job at a University and Addie has no choice but to join him. The story leaves you guessing as to what happened with the mom. Eventually we find out there was an accident followed by an addiction to pain killers. The plot keeps that in the background while Addie is introduced to the world of virtual reality. The university students are creating worthwhile explorations for the headsets that will help cancer patients and others in need.
The friendship between Addie and Mateo takes time to develop. They each have family secrets but soon their own virtual reality project brings them closer to being real friends. The ending will leave you smiling.
The style of artwork is both colorful and bold. Seeing what Addie saw while she had on the virtual headset made it evident why a graphic novel approach was chosen.
The heavy topics of parental separation and opioid addiction were realistic and handled well for a middle grade audience. LO & BEHOLD is full of compassion and heartwarming moments. Even if you don’t usually read graphic novels, this one is worthy of your time.
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: LO & BEHOLD by WENDY MASS
The dad is a nerdy and lovable guy. His character is always doing something to help his daughter like introducing her to his students and at one point taking her to a pet shelter. Every kid deserves a father like Addie’s dad.
Virtual Reality takes a positive spin on how it can be used help people cope with a crisis or find empathy rather than just for gaming purposes.
Addie and Mateo are memorable characters whose way of facing life when there are bumps in the road will help others.
Geocaching is not an activity seen very often in middle grade books. Finding out how much fun it is for Addie and Mateo will encourage young readers to give it a go in their own neighborhood.
WENDY MASS is the New York Times bestselling author of fourteen novels for young people (which have been translated into fourteen languages and nominated for sixty-eight state book awards), including A Mango-Shaped Space (which was awarded the Schneider Family Book Award by the American Library Association), the Twice Upon a Time fairy-tale series, 11 Birthdays, The Candymakers, and 13 Gifts. Her latest books are Space Taxi: Archie Takes Flight and Pi in the Sky. Wendy tells people her hobbies are hiking and photography, but really they’re collecting candy bar wrappers and searching for buried treasure with her metal detector. She lives with her family in New Jersey. Visit her at wendymass.com.
Liam, the endearing protagonist in WORLD’S WORST TIME MACHINE, is only trying to find a prop for his homework assignment at the neighbor’s garage sale. Instead he comes away with a not so reliable time machine.
Now that Liam has the time travel contraption he decides to summon the real Thomas Edison as the best find of all time for his school report. Instead he gets some kid named Tommy, a wanna be gangster from the 1930s. With help from best friend Elsa, they work together to find a way to get Tommy, a few other gangsters, and Liam’s parents back to where they belong.
The often laugh out loud, third person narration is accompanied by illustrations that add more fun to the story. The 26 chapters zip by with the characters and plot leading the way. A bonus in the back pages is a Meet the Cast section where you get the background on a few of the real life people from our history depicted in the book. There’s also a quick teaser as to where this story is headed next.
Those less excited about reading will find a partner in this story. It’s perfect for someone just getting into Middle Grade books. World’s Worst Time Machine is available now in paperback and hardback editions.
ABOUT THE CREATORS
Dustin Brady writes books for kids who think they hate reading. His Trapped in a Video Game series has sold over one million copies because— as it turns out—there are a lot of kids who think they hate reading. Dustin lives in Cleveland, Ohio with his wife, three kids, and a small dog named Nugget. He honestly can’t believe he gets to do this for a living. (Dustin’s Author Website)
Dave Bardin is a freelance illustrator and animator residing in Southern California who has worked on a variety of project with some of the biggest names in media. When Dave drew his very first comic book at the age of nine, he knew he had found what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. When he isn’t at the drawing board, Dave can be found riding his bike by the beach, going on driving adventures with his very cool wife, and spending time with his friends and family.
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Join us next week! 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.
Start piling up books for the summer . Find some great choices by clicking on each blogger’s book stack.
At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of MIGHT AS WELL BE DEAD by Mark Goldblatt.
Susan Uhlig enjoyed the adventures of the mice in JOURNEY BEYOND THE BURROW.
Maria Antonia has a post about THE SECRET LIFE OF LINCOLN JONES by Wendelin Van Draanen.
Valinora Troy reviews The Wildstorm Curse by Eve Wersocki Morris.
Rosi Hollinbeck returns with a review & GIVEAWAY of HOME AWAY FROM HOME by Cynthia Lord. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.
Andrea Mack features The Big Sting by Rachelle Delaney.
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 Ellie Engle Save Herself.
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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.
First off, I’m not a big fan of the title. But this new sort of fantasy by “Twerp” author Mark Goldblatt nicely captures the emotions of 13-year-old David Salmon as his family is falling apart.
Mom has left home and only talks to David on the phone. Dad is trying to be a good dad but is failing badly. The stench of alcohol hints at how he is facing the future.
David does have a best friend in Hector at his Flushing, Queens, New York middle school. Unfortunately, even a best friend can’t help David deal with his family crisis.
Enter Winston, a middle aged Englishman who must be a hallucination. For David though Winston is someone to talk with and seems to be around when needed. The man helps David with not only family issues but the trials and tribulations middle school brings. This includes a first girl friend and other confusing challenges.
When Winston eventually reveals the real reason why he has appeared, things get more confusing. Winston wants David to deliver a message to someone named The Walrus.
The first person narration shines as David hides the emotional turmoil that weighs him down. It’s been said “All You Need is Love” and with it David might be able to face the past for a new future.
Beatle fans will be the only ones to pick up on the references to the famed foursome. For the 12 and up intended audience, they will be treated to an engaging story about trauma and healing.
A school guidance counselor is portrayed as a positive presence for David. His brief appearance provide a glimpse at the good these people can bring to a school.
Coping with life for a boy gets all star treatment in a story with no chapters, only an image of those eyeglasses transitioning you to the next scene. It flowed beautifully.
The ending was rather abrupt, but the issues put forth would be great discussion topics for middle schoolers.
The setting of Flushing, Queens was a perfect backdrop for a story with heart and hope.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mark Goldblatt is the author of the best-selling middle grade novel Twerp and its sequel Finding the Worm, as well as many works of fiction and non-fiction for adults. His writing has appeared in popular and academic journals including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, New York Post, New York Observer, USA Today, Time, Reason, Commentary, National Review, Quillette, Philosophy Now, and the Sewanee Theological Review. He teaches developmental English and religious history at Fashion Institute of Technology of the State University of New York.
Kids of all ages always have questions. They usually begin with the word “What” or “Why”.
This new title, first released in France, arrives in America thanks to Chronicle Books. Sixteen questions are asked and each gets a cartoon type explanation of possible answers.
WHY DO WE GET JEALOUS?; WHY DO WE GO TO SCHOOL?; and DO WE ALWAYS HAVE TO SHARE? are three examples. The layout of illustrated answers provide a background to making it a perfect discussion topic with friends, teachers, and parents.
Intended for ages 7 and up, What About Philosophy is a quick read that will appeal to both boys and girls. Other titles available in the What About series include The Universe and Science.
AUTHOR BIOS
Anne-Sophie Chilard is the editor-in-chief of the children’s magazine J’aime lire. She is the co-author of several books of activities and recipes for children, and lives in Paris. Jean-Charles Pettier taught philosophy in high school, and is now a doctoral candidate in philosphy. He introduces the subject to young children through a column in the children’s magazine, Pomme d’api, He lives near Paris. Pascal Lemaitre is the illustrator of the numerous children’s books, including the bestselling picture books, Come with Me, Do Not Open This Book!, and many more. During the year, he splits his time between Brussels, Belgium, and Brooklyn, New York.
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Join us next week for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday! 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 join 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.
I’m excited to share the cover for a new book by one of our MMGM contributors: Valinora Troy! Before the big reveal takes place, here’s some information about the book:
“Everything here hates you. The trees long to consume you, the ground to swallow you, the plants to poison you, and as for the creatures who live here… Your only chance of survival is to do exactly as I say. Clear?”
Twins Cathy and Alan are thrilled to be asked by the king of the Diamonds to enter the Great Forest on their eleventh birthday to complete the cleansing of the land. After all, Queen Rose is dead and all darkness gone from the trees. But when their home is attacked by a horde of vicious boars, and Alan and Cathy unwillingly taken to the Great Forest, the twins realise that evil remains there. Now they are faced with a terrible choice: escape from their captors and take their chances at survival, or find out who is waiting for them in the centre of the forest, and why?
Cathy and Alan are about to face the deadliest battle of their lives, against the forest, the monsters, … and each other.
The exciting conclusion to The Lucky Diamond trilogy
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Yes, it does sound exciting. So… without further delay here is THE GREAT FOREST cover:
Cover art by Phan Duy
It’s stunning with the bold colors complimenting each other while layered in an enticing format. I’m sure the story will live up to the greatness of this cover.
The Great Forest will be published on 21st June 2023. The ebook is currently available here for pre-order at a special price of .99 cent/.99 pence
About the Author:
Valinora Troy has been writing since she was a child. Her first story popped into her head when she was 5 or 6, about a little girl who found a magic diamond. Recently she completed a M.A. in Creative Writing, specialising in Children & Young Adult fiction. Her short stories for adults have appeared in numerous venues. She has also served as a panellist for the CYBILS award, visits schools and libraries, and occasionally run writing classes for talented young authors. She hails from Blackrock, Co Louth, Ireland, and after living in Dublin for a number of years, recently returned to Louth to live in a magical writing cottage. Find out more at Valinora Troy – Children’s Fantasy Writer
It’s a new month! Click on a flower pot to read a fantastic MG review or feature.
At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of MIRROR TO MIRROR by Rajani LaRocca. You can also check out my review of THE ADVENTURES OF THE FLASH GANG from last Friday.
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an interview you won’t want to miss-but it will not be live until this Wednesday, May 3rd. It’s an interview with debut author Matt McMann and a giveaway of his MG monster mystery Escape From Grimstone Manor. Matt’s wife is Lisa McMann and his daughter is the star of the Nancy Drew series on CW.
Sue Heavenrich is over at Archimedes Notebook with a review of Climate Warriors: Fourteen Scientists and Fourteen Ways We Can Save Our Planet , by Laura Gehl.
Brenda at LOG CABIN LIBRARY reviews Might As Well Be Dead by Mark Goldblat
Kasey Giard at The Story Sanctuary has a review of Sarah Henning’s debut middle grade book, MONSTER CAMP.
Valinora Troy features a review of Clarity Jones and the Magical DetectiveAgency.
Maria Antonia has a post about Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl.
Susan Uhlig shares two novels that deal with antisemitic themes. A MG, LINKED by Gordon Korman, and a YA, THE ASSIGNMENT by Liza Wiemer.
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 SHANNON IN THE SPOTLIGHT.
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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.
Alternating first-person narration finds a perfect match with twins Maya and Chaya. This novel in verse explores what it is like when inseparable twins begin to go their own ways. Here’s the official preview:
Maya is the pragmatic twin, but her secret anxiety threatens to overwhelm her.
Chaya is the outgoing twin. When she sees her beloved sister suffering, she wants to tell their parents—which makes Maya feel completely betrayed. With Maya shutting her out, Chaya makes a dramatic change to give her twin the space she seems to need. But that’s the last thing Maya wants, and the girls just drift further apart.
The once-close sisters can’t seem to find their rhythm, so they make a bet: they’ll switch places at their summer camp, and whoever can keep the ruse going longer will get to decide where they both attend high school—the source of frequent arguments. But stepping into each other’s shoes comes with its own difficulties, and the girls don’t know how they’re going to make it.
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The flowing, verse style of writing is perfect to expose the deep emotions of each twin. There’s a younger brother they both care about and two loving parents who often don’t agree on the best way to raise these girls. Maya and Chaya have superb musical potential which also serves to separate them into different camps.
Lying, mental health, self harm, and the pursuit of one’s true identity are heavy topics brought forth in a superb way. The words bring understanding and compassion for what these twins face in their young life. The 352 pages flow by quickly with a unique layout of engaging chapter titles, text, and fonts.
Mirror to Mirror serves as a great read and also a great discussion starter for 11-13 year olds about hidden anxiety. Highly recommended.
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: MIRROR TO MIRROR by RAJANI LaROCCA.
Superstitions can truly overwhelm those who believe in their power. This is vividly brought forth with Maya and a broken mirror.
On the surface the family appears perfect, but the story deftly unwraps the anxiety present underneath.
Anyone into music will like when Maya and Chaya attend a music camp in the summer.
Parental disagreements don’t always have to end in divorce as this tale shows. There are arguments but also growth as these parents work things out.
Friends Jay and Anisa provide interesting subplots to this family story. They are not equally liked and seen the same way by each twin.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rajani LaRocca was born in India, raised in Kentucky, and now lives in the Boston area, where she practices medicine and writes award-winning books for young readers, including the Newbery Honor winning middle grade novel in verse, Red, White, and Whole. She’s always been an omnivorous reader, and now she is an omnivorous writer of fiction and nonfiction, novels and picture books, prose and poetry. She finds inspiration in her family, her childhood, the natural world, math, science, and just about everywhere she looks. Learn more about Rajani and her books at www.RajaniLaRocca.com and Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. She also co-hosts the STEM Women in KidLit Podcast.
I’m always on the lookout for exciting plots and endearing characters in books. It also helps if the setting and time period are captured beautifully without being over 300 pages long. THE ADVENTURES of the FLASH GANG is the winner on all accounts.
11-year-old Lewis Carter lives in 1935 Pittsburgh. He’s known as a streeter, a kid living on his own after his father disappeared. His home is currently an abandoned factory.
Lewis is the leader of the Flash Gang. That is a bit misleading since he is the only member, despite what the police and public believe. The Flash comes from a recipe his professor father created that causes a big distraction in the form of noise and light. He only uses it when in need of food that he steals while the commotion erupts. He is sure to donate some of that food to the local soup kitchen.
Some very shady adults are after Lewis so that they can get the Flash recipe. They intend to use it in a pro-Nazi plot. Enter one of the most unique characters in Pearl Alice Clavell dressed in her pick tutu. Together she and Lewis become an unusual team in an engaging mystery. Why hasn’t Lewis’s Father returned and how is he mixed up in the illegal dealings? Is the recipe even more powerful when in the wrong hands?
The action and danger flows in the third person narration through 26 chapters. You’ll be trying to figure out Pearl’s bizarre personality right alongside Lewis. He at first tries to get away from this girl but slowly they become a team in an entertaining read.
It will leave you wanting more and sure enough the second book in the trilogy (The Treacherous Tycoon) is due out January, 2024. For now enjoy this first book. Highly recommended.
About the Authors:
MM DOWNING & SJ WAUGH really intended to be secret agents disguised as flappers in the Roaring Twenties, if only to don beaded headbands and twirl long strands of pearls while solving delicious crimes involving gangsters. Or Scotland Yard detectives, wearing tailored, double-breasted suits, and sneaking up rickety fire escapes before pursuing criminals across the rooftops of Victorian London. Unfortunately, they were born in neither place, and without access to a time machine.
So they decided to write books.
If you too are a bit of a sleuth, you may uncover the other stories they’ve written separately and with (maybe) their full names—but here they are simply known as Downing & Waugh…which does sound just a bit like a detective agency…from another era.
Join us next week for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday! 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 join 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.
Welcome to the blog tour for Water! Why Every Drop Counts and How You Can Start Making Waves to Protect It. Did you know the water in your glass could be the same water the dinosaurs drank? Dive in for a week’s worth of interviews with fascinating “Water Warriors”, profiles on the latest H20-saving tech and learn incredible facts about Earth’s water, the challenges facing it, and how your actions can help defend this precious resource.
Inventing News Ways to Conserve
A Q & A with “Water Warriors” Calden Gounden and Kairan Chetty
The Stockholm Junior Water Prize is a prestigious youth award for a water-related science project. In 2019, Calden Gounden, 18, and Kairan Chetty, 18, were finalists in the competition. The teens traveled from their homes in South Africa to Sweden to demonstrate the water saving device they invented together, the Hydro Conservator.
At their school, part of the day is devoted to “guidance lessons,” a time when students can have informal discussions with their teachers. During one of these chats, Calden and Kairan’s teacher, Mr. Denli, brought up how water was becoming a scarce resource for many people and the importance of water conservation.
This got Kairan and Calden thinking. One morning, Calden noticed how much water flowed from the faucet while he was brushing his teeth. Similarly, as Kairan waited for the water in his shower to turn from cold to hot, he watched as the wasted water flowed down the drain.
They decided to put their heads together and work as a team to invent a device that would help reduce wasted water from bathroom showers and sinks.
The first part of the device is a three-way shower valve that conserves the cool water that would normally be wasted while someone waits for the water to get warm. This water is then heated, after which a valve opens, allowing it to flow out. The second part of the Hydro Conservator is a more affordable version of an automatic faucet that dispenses water only when your hand or toothbrush is underneath it.
“The automated tap has a sensor to reduce the amount of water wasted,” Calden says, “as often people leave the tap open whilst brushing their teeth, just like I did. Although there are automatic taps in use, they can be quite expensive, and we got it to be more cost effective by exploring cheaper parts.”
Here, Calden and Kairan talk more about why water conservation is so important—and their plans for changing the world.
Q: How did you develop the technology that you used for the Hydro Conservator?
Kairan: Once we fully identified what we wanted to achieve, it was a matter of finding the simplest combination of computer/microcontroller and electronic valves to build the proto‑ type. We had much heartache and many setbacks. In fact, we blew up two Raspberry Pi’s [a single-board computer], which actually worked in our favor, as we settled on a more cost-effective microcontroller. Then we had to develop the code to make everything work smoothly and control the relays to switch stuff off and on at the right times. We learned so much about what it takes to be an inventor.
Q: Why do you think it is important for people to conserve water?
Kairan: If we continue to waste and pollute the water we have, first, it will become scarce and expensive. Next, it will create conflict as each country tries to secure water for its citizens. This is not something we can leave for tomorrow; it is something we need to do right now. We did a brief assessment of the Hydro Conservator and found it has the potential to conserve more than 16 billion liters [4 billion gallons] of water per day in households that employ taps and showers throughout the world.
Q: What did you learn about yourselves and about water conservation during the process of creating the Hydro Conservator?
Calden: I have learned that if you put your mind to something, you can really create something amazing and also that hard work does pay off. I also learned that I am resilient and have the ability to make a difference. I learned that we need to collaborate across the world to share ideas and gain more insight into what we can do to conserve water—we are not alone. And I have learned that across the world, people waste large amounts of water and there is a lack of conservation and awareness, which is depleting our current limited water supply rapidly.
Kairan: I am determined more than ever to make a difference. I love looking at aspects of everyday life to see how they can be improved, and I will devote whatever skills I acquire to invent things to make the world a better place. Like every journey starts with a single step in the right direction, the Hydro Conservator for me is my first step.
Q: What would your advice be to other young people who would like to help create solutions to some of the environmental issues facing us today?
Kairan: It is important that you not leave your destiny in anyone else’s hands. Do not fear failure; it is a good way to learn new things. Be inquisitive and ask questions. Pursue your ideas with real energy. Research, dis‑ cuss, and build prototypes. Never be afraid to embrace differing points of view; readily collaborate to achieve success. Who knows? You may be sitting on an idea that is the next big invention, on the same scale as the wheel.
Calden: Look around you daily and find things you relate to, no matter where you live and your circum‑ stances. Find problems where you come from and that will help you to find the solutions needed. No idea is silly; we all can make a difference.
(ages 8-12, Paperback, National Geographic Kids Books)
Did you know the water in your glass could be the same water the dinosaurs drank? Discover more incredible facts about Earth’s water, the challenges facing it, and how your actions can help defend this precious resource.
No doubt about it, water is fascinating. It’s also essential. But our planet is facing some serious water problems: Drinkable water isn’t easily accessible to everyone, the demands for water around the globe are increasing while the supply is limited, and some human actions are causing disastrous ripple effects downstream for ecosystems and the animals that live in them.
Fortunately, there is hope! And that’s where this book comes in. By learning the ins and outs of important water issues and making small but powerful changes in our daily life, we can help protect the water that connects us all on our beautiful blue planet.
Features include:
· What kids can do right now to combat climate change · How to make a water filter at home and other fun activities · How small changes in your daily routine can equal big water savings · Q&A’s with “Water Warriors” from around the world · Special reports on “pulled-from-the-headlines” events that have recently impacted water and water supply, like the impact of war on water supply, the socio-economic implications of the water issues in Flint, MI, and how the residents of Cape Town South Africa pulled together to avoid “Day Zero.”
Water! is a fascinating look at Earth’s water and a call to action to young readers to help safeguard it.
About the Author:
Lisa M. Gerry is a writer and reporter who began her career as an intern at National Geographic Traveler magazine. She has since authored numerous books for National Geographic Kids, including Puppy Love and several installments of the 100 Things to . . . series. She has also worked as a writer for Time, Forbes, and Business Insider.
DR. SANDRA POSTEL (expert contributor) directs the Global Water Policy Project and is a National Geographic Explorer. She is a frequent lecturer, author, and consultant on global water issues, and in 2021, she won the prestigious Stockholm Water Prize, often described as the Nobel Prize for water. She is the author of Replenish: The Virtuous Cycle of Water and Prosperity;Pillar of Sand: Can the Irrigation Miracle Last?; and Last Oasis: Facing Water Scarcity, which appears in eight languages and was the basis for a PBS documentary.
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.
. Find some great choices by clicking on each blogger’s book stack.
Always in the Middle... 