MMGM for June 26, 2023

Posted on June 26, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Don’t let June end without enjoying these middle grade reviews and features. Give JUNE a click to reach a blogger’s post.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of HALF MOON SUMMER by Elaine Vickers.

Brenda at LOG CABIN LIBRARY has a review of Between Monsters and Marvels by Alysa Wishingrad.

Max at Completely Full Bookshelf recommends A-Okay by Jarad Greene and Twins by Varian Johnson and Shannon Wright.

Faith Hough is talking about Emily’s Runaway Imagination, by Beverly Cleary.

Stephanie Robinson at Fairday’s Blog is featuring the book The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. 

Valinora Troy reviews October, October by Katya Balen.

Maria Antonia has a post about MANATEE SUMMER by Evan Griffith.

Kasey Giard is  back for MMGM this week with a review of Greenwild: The World Behind the Door by Pari Thomson.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews THE PRINCE OF STEEL PIER by Stacy NockowitzRosi 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 CODE RED.

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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 , , | 2 Comments

HALF MOON SUMMER

Posted on June 25, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

The reality in families is that not everything is always going to be perfect. Life threatening illnesses, best friends moving away, and financial struggles are the key elements in HALF MOON SUMMER, an engaging contemporary story.

Twelve-year-old Drew narrates his chapters. He’s not looking forward to spending the summer in Half Moon Bay, CA without his best friend who moved to another city. They always hid a time capsule together and were inseparable. The next few months for Drew will be filled with caring for his younger sister and running at 6 am with his dad, a dad who is suffering from the beginnings of ALS.

Mia’s chapters are narrated in verse. She has moved back to Half Moon Bay with mom and younger twin brothers to live with her grandmother. Dad is a builder and they were getting close to having their own house in Sacramento. That was until Mia’s Dad headed to Alaska to take care of his sick mother. There’s also a problem with the financing for the new house and they may lose it to a shady developer.

Mia and Drew have a special connection. They share the same birthday and life for them started out in the same hospital. Now they are together again and helping each other cope with their family’s challenges.

The alternating viewpoints in each chapter shine with emotion. Mia and Drew begin running together to train for an upcoming half marathon. They are not girlfriend/boyfriend in the traditional sense but just friends helping each other. Sad at times, the story is more of a hopeful sad of better things to come. Spend some of your own time this summer with these two kids. You’ll enjoy a memorable read for sure.

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FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT HALF MOON SUMMER by Elaine Vickers

  1. Lean on Me and Perseverance are two components often missing in a child’s life. Seeing them portrayed so beautifully here will be an encouragement to young readers.
  2. The inclusion of distance running in the plot was a perfect addition. It’s a tough endeavor rarely visited in MG lit.
  3. This is one of those rare middle grade stories that even adults will enjoy.
  4. I’m not a frequent readers of novels in verse, but balancing this writing technique with the more traditional prose really worked here.
  5. It made me want to visit the small coastal town of Half Moon Bay just north of San Francisco. It sounds like a great place to live and raise a family.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: June 6, 2023

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elaine/E.B. Vickers is an award-winning author of picture books, middle grade, and young adult novels that aim to help readers of all ages find connection and belonging. She grew up in a small town in the Utah desert, where she spent her time reading, playing basketball, and exploring. Several years and one PhD later, she found her way back to her hometown, where she now spends her time writing, teaching college chemistry, and exploring with her husband and three kids.

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW.

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

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REBEL GIRLS LEVEL UP

Posted on June 23, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

This inspiring series continues with a look at how women are making a difference in our ever changing world of technology, video games, and the metaverse (the immersive virtual world). It’s likely their names won’t be familiar, but what they do in a men dominated field will endear readers to them.

Each accomplished individual is given a two page spread. On the left you will find their story of how they found success in their chosen area, and on the right is a full color illustration. Some of my favorites include game designer Anne Shoemaker, video game studio head Helen Chiang, and composer Manami Matsumae. The descriptions of each and their never give up attitude will be memorable lessons for young readers.

A bonus are a series of QR codes that you can scan and hear more about many of the women. These are longer audio versions that delve deeper into their life.

You can view a few samples of the book by going to the Rebel Girls website. Be sure to also take a look at the wide variety of other Rebel Girls books.

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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.

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MMGM for June 19, 2023

Posted on June 19, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Summer officially begins this Wednesday. Enjoy a bright head start with these middle grade reviews and features. Reach a blogger’s post by clicking on their cool, sunny icon.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of FOOD FIGHT by Linda B. Davis.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an interview with debut author Caroline Huntoon and a giveaway of their MG contemporary Skating on Mars.

Brenda at LOG CABIN LIBRARY has a review of Lolo Weaver Swims Upstream by Polly Farquhar.

Max at Completely Full Bookshelf shares s double recommendation: Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham and Borders by Thomas King and Natasha Donovan. 

Valinora Troy has details about her upcoming release, The Great Forest, which completes her middle grade fantasy trilogy.

Maria Antonia has three more books from the SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS by Arthur Ransome.

Carol Baldwin has a guest review by Mara and Sophia Scudder plus a GIVEAWAY of A SKY FULL OF SONG.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews WHERE THE WATER TAKES US by Alan Barillaro. 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 PUPPY LOVE.

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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 , , | 2 Comments

FOOD FIGHT

Posted on June 18, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

A first person narrative when done right can be a marvelous read with deep insights into the mind of the main character. Sixth grader Ben Snyder succeeds on all fronts as he deals with his eating troubles.

Those include a list of only ten foods he can eat and the struggles to keep it private:

Ben Snyder is ready for middle school. But his super picky eating, which has never been a big deal before, is about to take him down. Suddenly everybody’s on his case about what he’s eating and what he’s not—his old friends, his new friends, his weird lab partner, the girl he’s crushing on, and a bully—and Ben finds himself in social free fall, sliding toward the bottom of the middle school food chain. Even worse, there’s an upcoming three-day class trip to a colonial campsite. Knowing he can’t handle the gag-worthy menu, Ben prepares for the outing like it’s a survival mission. Armed with new and unexpected information about his eating habits that could change everything, he sets out with three tactical goals: impress the girl, outsmart the bully, and avoid every single meal. But when epic hunger threatens to push him over the edge, Ben must decide how far he will go to fit in and if he has the courage to stand out.

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Themes middle school readers will relate to include peer pressure, friendship issues, bullying, and creating a new mindset for how to deal with a problem. The 54 chapters progress at a perfect pace. Ben’s narration is often humorous and heartbreaking at the same time.

The story is truthful with off the charts realism. Main bully, Darren, is the perfect example of how bullying often takes place in a school setting. It’s subtle until it builds to something worse. Ben’s reactions with two different girls is also spot on. One he likes and the other is beyond irritating for him.

As for the overnight school trip to a unique colonial campsite, it too is accurate. I base this on spending many a night with students at outdoor education camps and week long trips to Washington D.C. It’s whole different set of challenges when you are not in the classroom.

Centering FOOD FIGHT on an eating disorder has paved the way for Linda B. Davis’s sparkling and important middle grade debut. I can’t wait to read more of her stories.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: FOOD FIGHT by Linda B. Davis

  1. Ben’s parents have contrasting reaction in dealing with his problem. Mom is sympathetic as she urges Ben to try counseling while Dad sides with the toughen up and deal with it mode. This brings tension and intensity to the plot.
  2. The way Ben is okay with his eating troubles but fears what others will think is carried out to the climatic conclusion. I hope for a sequel to follow more of Ben’s progress and setbacks.
  3. I’d never hear of ARFID (avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder) but the ramifications of such a problem were brilliantly on display here.
  4. Oliva is a nuisance to Ben, but they connect through her caring and working together on an orienteering competition. There’s more to everyone if you get to know them.
  5. Shows how elementary peer groups change during the first year of middle school. What worked before is now a new set of standards. Excellent portrayal here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR, LINDA B. DAVIS

Linda has always been curious about why we do the things we do. She holds master’s degrees in social work and developmental psychology. As a social worker in a community mental health setting, Linda became passionate about the need for accurate and accessible mental health information in children’s literature.

She is a member of SCBWI and is active in the Chicago writing community. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, gardening, buying more books than she can possibly read, and maintaining her Little Free Library. Food Fight is her first novel.

(For more about Linda, please visit her author web site)

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW.

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

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THE LITTLE BAD BOOK 3

Posted on June 16, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

An entertaining and colorful story first released in Germany. The three book series can be read in any order.

The interactive reading adventure in the newest Bad Book begins by inviting you to take part in a time travel experience. If you accept then you’ll have to complete a series of challenges to determine if you are up for the task.

The book will remind you of the Choose Your Own Adventure series. The difference here is you don’t choose from various plots. Instead you solve various puzzles that direct readers to points across the 170 pages based on their answers.

The illustrations are fantastic and show many of the unique characters and settings.

You can complete THE LITTLE BAD BOOK 3 in under 2 hours making it a great companion for summertime travel. You might end up trying them all.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Magnus Myst likes to create magic adventures. He started as a scriptwriter for Sesame Street and now lives in Cologne, Germany, where he runs the agency for time travel, magic, and adventure. Apart from that, he plays ukulele and is a totally normal person who unfortunately cannot stop being enthusiastic about the miracles of the universe.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Thomas Hussung is a freelance illustrator. His favorites are monsters, ghosts, and other fabulous creatures. Since the success of the Little Bad Book series, he has illustrated a number of children’s books.

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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 , , | 1 Comment

MMGM for June 12, 2023

Posted on June 12, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

America’s Flag Day is this Wednesday. Click on the young patriot to read a blogger’s review or middle grade feature.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of THE HUNT FOR THE HOLLOWER by Callie C. Miller.

Brenda at LOG CABIN LIBRARY reviews Food Fight by Linda Davis.

Carol Baldwin shares three mentor middle grade graphic novels.

Valinora Troy reviews THE SILVER ROAD by Sinead O’Hart.

Maria Antonia is looking at some favorite old books like the Swallows and Amazon series by Arthur Ransome.

Faith Hough continues with another summer selection, Mystery on Heron Shoals Island, by Augusta Huiell Seaman.

Kasey Giard at The Story Sanctuary shares her critique of The Gray by Chris Baron.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with last Saturday’s review of LO & BEHOLD.

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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 , , | Leave a comment

THE HUNT FOR THE HOLLOWER

Posted on June 11, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

A fantasy adventure with suspense and danger, one that will surely please fans of a magical world setting. At nearly 400 pages, new MG readers may not be ready for a novel of this depth. For others, be prepared for a journey full of twists and turns.

One look at the cover reveals the four major characters. Front and center is Merlynda. The great wizard Merlyn prophesized that his seventh descendant would be one with the ability to do miraculous magic. Known as the Septimum Genus, this honor was not something Merlynda ever expected as her magic has never been that good.

Upper right is her twin brother, Percy. He is a natural for magic and it was a surprise he was not chosen. He disappears from the story early on after vanishing through a portal and landing in the clutches of the magic stealing, mythical Hollower.

Merlynda takes off on a quest to save her brother. She is joined by best friend, Neci who longs to be a knight. They soon are reluctantly joined by Batu, a wandering musician, and is someone they don’t always trust. Both are pictured on the upper left of the cover.

Their mission takes them through many challenging worlds and quite the collection of magical characters. To defeat the ancient evil, Merlynda must face the fact she must learn the magic or forever lose her brother. The reveal in the latter third of the book will catch readers by surprise. Not all is at it seems.

The enticing debut dangles a few hints there may be a future sequel, one that fantasy readers would welcome. THE HUNT FOR THE HALLOWER is released this week and would be a perfect summertime escape.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE HUNT FOR THE HOLLOWER by Callie C. Miller

  1. The world building is marvelous. You’ll feel like you are there with the characters.
  2. Merlynda’s gains a familiar upon learning of her magical status. A familiar is a creature who becomes a partner. In this case we meet Iggy, a wormlike creature who has aspirations to be something greater. Iggy is quick with the comebacks and is always looking for a tasty funnel cake.
  3. The tale is interrupted several times by a brief explanation for some of the secondary characters’ backgrounds. It’s an unusual technique but works very well in this lengthy story.
  4. All of the main characters have character arcs that work to perfection.
  5. The themes are many and would make a great discussion starter for reading groups at home or at school.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Callie C. Miller is an animation writer, children’s book author, and a narrative writer at Riot Games. A lifelong purveyor of words, she delights in the quirky and is a sucker for black sheep stories. Callie wrote a Star Wars fanfiction novel when she was thirteen, and loves high fives and toast.

Callie received her MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts.

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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 MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

MMGM for June 5, 2023

Posted on June 5, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

HAPPY JUNE! I’m out of town this week helping chaperone a high school honors’ class to Universal Studios Hollywood. It may take me a little longer than usual to read all the great reviews and features from today’s lineup. Reach a bloggers’s post by clicking on the JUNE icon.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of ELLIE ENGLE SAVES HERSELF by Leah Johnson.

Brenda at LOG CABIN LIBRARY has a review of The Carrefour Curse by Dianne K. Salerni.

Sue Heavenrich is over at Archimedes Notebook with her review of Her Eyes on the Stars: Maria Mitchell, Astronomer , by Laurie Wallmark.

Carol Baldwin has a review and GIVEAWAY of BEHIND THESE HANDS by Linda Phillips.

Linda Browne is back with another BOOKCASE BIZARRO and her reviews from last month. Several middle grade titles are included.

Kasey Giard at the Story Sanctuary has a review of THE KINGDOM OVER THE SEA by Zohra Nabi.

Max at Completely Full Bookshelf recommends Living with Viola by Rosena Fung.

Susan Uhlig had fun with the middle grade adventure THE HIKE TO HOME by Jess Rinker.

Maria Antonia has a post about MY OWN LIGHTNING by Lauren Wolk

Valinora Troy reviews Into The Faerie Hill .

Faith Hough is spotlighting some vintage middle grade reads this summer and she kicks it off with Seacrow Island by Astrid Lindgren.

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 RUNNING OUT OF TIME and FALLING OUT OF TIME.

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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 , , | 2 Comments

ELLIE ENGLE SAVES HERSELF!

Posted on June 4, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Ellie Engle doesn’t stand out. Not at home, where she’s alone with her pet fish since her dad moved away and her mom has to work around the clock . Not at the bakery, where she helps out old Mr. Walker on the weekends. And definitely not at school, where her best friend Abby—the coolest, boldest, most talented girl in the world—drags Ellie along on her never-ending quest to “make her mark.” To someone else, a life in the shadows might seem boring, or lonely. But not to Ellie. As long as she has Abby by her side and a comic book in her hand, she’s quite content.

Too bad life didn’t bother checking in with Ellie. Because when a freak earthquake hits her small town, Ellie wakes up with fantastical powers that allow her to bring anything back to life with just her touch. And when a video of her using her powers suddenly goes viral, Ellie’s life goes somewhere she never imagined—or wanted: straight into the spotlight. 

Surviving middle school is hard enough. Surviving middle school when paparazzi are camped out on your front lawn and an international pop singer wants you to use your powers on live tv and you might be in love with your best friend but she doesn’t know it? Absolutely impossible.

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Ellie’s first person narration takes us through 30 chapters. It’s an eye opening account of being yourself and not always trusting what you see on the surface in others. Ellie is like many middle school kids who prefer to stay in the background and not bring any attention to themselves.

Ellie loves to read comics and hides the fact she has a crush on her best friend. She can’t understand other girls’ infatuation with the cute guys. It’s best to stay quiet and not reveal her true self.

A hands-on frog dissection lesson in a 7th grade science class changes everything. Yes, that dead frog comes back to life when Ellie accidentally uses her newly discovered powers. So much for staying in the shadows.

Friendship, family, and believing in yourself instead of what others think is the core of this fun and engaging tale. I could easily see a sequel as to how Ellie uses her powers in the future. There is in fact a sequel, but it will feature her new friend in BREONNA BOYD IS A LEGEND! Hopefully we will see more of Ellie in this next book.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: ELLIE ENGLE SAVES HERSELF by Leah Johnson

  1. Social media influence is something most middle grade kids will admit to, especially as they spend a good chunk of time looking at Tik Tok videos. It was a fun sidelight to see how being in the middle of a pop star’s request can change your perception of their world.
  2. Bree and Sammy were true heroes of the story as they see Ellie not as a freak of nature, but as a new friend.
  3. Mom is trying to do the best for her daughter, so it was great to see the struggles she has in an upended family. It’s not often revealed in MG lit how the parent is coping.
  4. Mr. Walker, Ellie’s grandfather’s best friend, was a surprising support. His baking skills go so much further than making delicious treats. He’s also a true friend To Ellie and they connect in a “didn’t see that coming” plot twist.
  5. A strong character is one where you see some of yourself in their personality. Ellie will for sure provide this to many in the intended audience.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Leah Johnson is an eternal midwesterner and author of award-winning books for children and young adults. Her bestselling debut YA novel, You Should See Me in a Crown, was a Stonewall Honor Book, and the inaugural Reese’s Book Club YA pick. In 2021, TIME named You Should See Me in a Crown one of the 100 Best Young Adult Books of All Time. Leah’s essays and cultural criticism can be found in Teen Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Cosmopolitan among others. Her debut middle grade, Ellie Engle Saves Herself is available now.

(For more about Leah Johnson be sure to visit her author website)

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW AND BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER MMGM BLOGGERS POSTING THIS WEEK.

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