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.

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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

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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

BATU AND THE SEARCH FOR THE GOLDEN CUP

Posted on August 4, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

An impressive cover introduces readers to an adventure like none other. As a part of Blue Slip Media’s tour for this new title, ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is your host for today’s stop.

THE PLOT

A warrior’s power lies not in his weapons but in his heart.

Batu is just an ordinary kid in present-day Almaty, worried about bullies, school, and his mom’s new baby…until the day he meets Aspara, the Golden Warrior. Aspara steps straight out of Batu’s notebook cover―and out of Kazakhstan’s past. Aspara has been waiting hundreds of years to be summoned to the human world and to finally get his chance to search for the Golden Cup, a magical talisman sent down from the heavens. When the Golden Cup was lost, Aspara watched as many of his friends and family were killed or disappeared.

Craving adventure and a sense of purpose, Batu sets out with Aspara and his own friends to find the Golden Cup, plunging them into an adventure through a world where myths come alive. But there are others looking for the Cup, and they’ll do anything to make sure the kids fail. Will Batu and his friends make it out alive (and make it home in time for dinner)?

ADVANCED REVIEWS

“A promising series opener that journeys into a thrilling world.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Fans of fantasy adventures such as the Pandava series and Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond will enjoy the easy-to-root-for characters and familiar tropes that populate this action-packed tale.” ―Publishers Weekly

AUTHORS/TRANSLATOR

Zira Nauryzbai is a writer and cultural anthropologist. She is the author of multiple books and of more than three hundred articles, all written in Russian. She is also a translator from Kazakh into Russian. She is the coauthor, with Lilya Kalaus, of Batu and the Search for the Golden Cup (and its sequels), which was a bestseller in Kazakhstan. Links to her publications can be found at www.otuken.kz. She is currently based in Astana, Kazakhstan. In her free time, Zira volunteers in the search for petroglyphs, rides horses, and practices shooting from a traditional Turkic bow.


Lilya Kalaus is a philologist, author, literary editor, scriptwriter, radio presenter, visual artist, and creative writing teacher from Almaty, Kazakhstan. Her stories and narratives have been published in various magazines and online periodicals in Kazakhstan, Russia, Uzbekistan, Germany, Ukraine, and the US. Lilya is the author of seven books, both for kids (together with Zira Nauryzbai) and for adults. Batu and the Search for the Golden Cup was a bestseller in Kazakhstan and became a series that now includes three books. Lilya is a member of the Writers’ Union of Kazakhstan and the Kazakh PEN Club, and she runs her own publishing company. Learn more at www.kalaus.tilda.ws.


Shelley Fairweather-Vega is a translator who works from Russian and Uzbek into English. She has translated for attorneys, academics, authors, and activists around the world. Her translated works have been published in the US and UK, and in the Critical Flame, Translation Review, Words Without Borders, the Brooklyn Rail, and more. Shelley is a past president of the Northwest Translators and Interpreters Society and a cofounder of the Northwest Literary Translators. She lives in Seattle, where she also plays the French horn and is helping raise two kids and a cat. Learn more at www.fairvega.com.

MY REVIEW

Batu and the Search for the Golden Cup, the first title in the series, is based on the culture of Kazakhstan (A country south of Russia). The setting will not be familiar with many middle graders which adds to its appeal.

Kazakh words used throughout may confuse readers. A handy 11 page glossary helps ease the transition and might be a good place to start before reading this adventure. One thing for sure: you’ll long for one of those fried dough treats known as a bauyrsaq.

Batu’s emotions are all over the place (and rightly so) as he confronts not only the bullies but Aspara, the Golden Warrior, who befriends him after popping out of a book. At times you’ll hate the way Batu acts, but by the end he’s a character you won’t soon forget as his bravery wins out.

Adventure and thrills come to a head in a story that mixes common elements in a middle grader’s daily life to the unknown mythical world. Many questions remain by the end which will hopefully be answered in future stories.

An engaging start to a unique story line.

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MMGM for July 31, 2023

Posted on July 31, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

It’s the last day of July! Don’t let this month end without enjoying these middle grade reviews and features. Give a click to reach a blogger’s post.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of THE GREAT TEXAS DRAGON RACE by Kacy Ritter.

Brenda at LOG CABIN LIBRARY has a review of A VANISHING OF GRIFFINS (Songs of Magic #2) by S.A. Patrick.

Max at Completely Full Bookshelf sets a MMGM review record with a quadruple feature of: Isla to Island by Alexis Castellanos, Scout Is Not a Band Kid by Jade Armstrong, The Wondrous Wonders by Camille Jourdy, and Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega and Rose Bousamra.

Carol Baldwin welcomes back teen reviewer, Mara Scudder, and her review of SOUTHPAW SULLY by Steven Carman. 

Valinora Troy reviews ELSETIME by Eve McDonnell.

Maria Antonia pops back into the lineup with a review of Best Friends, Bikinis, and Other Summer Catastrophes by Kristi Wientge.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews two fun books: BEHOLD OUR MAGICAL GARDEN: POEMS FRESH FROM A SCHOOL GARDEN and COUNTING IN DOG YEARS AND OTHER SASSY MATH POEMS. 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 Saturday’s review of DON’T TRUST THE CAT.

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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 GREAT TEXAS DRAGON RACE

Posted on July 30, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Texas has dragons?

They sure do in this this exciting tale with 13-year-old Cassidy Drake and her dragon, Ranga in the middle of it all. Cassidy plan is to save their family’s dragon ranch. The huge energy company, FireCorp, is a potential buyer and they have a past full of cheating to get their way.

Cassidy’s late mother was a famous dragon rider and winning the Great Texas Dragon Race brings a winner’s prize of 250 grand. Her dad is against it as the race is quite dangerous. But grandma who is in the hospital fighting some unknown illness, signs the permission slip (without dad knowing) for Cassidy to enter the race.

She’s up against 50 other riders, including a nasty contingent of FireCorp riders who have decided advantage with the drug they are giving their dragons. It’s winner takes all with surprising twists and turns throughout.

A strong cast of characters led by headstrong Cassidy will appeal to both boys and girls. THE GREAT TEXAS DRAGON RACE is a dragon fantasy bigger than the state of Texas that packs an appealing finish.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: August 1, 2023 PAGE COUNT: 400

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT THE GREAT TEXAS DRAGON RACE by Kacy Ritter

  1. Even though this fantasy is set in the present, it was very believable with top notch world building.
  2. Economic hardship and corporate greed are modern day themes embedded in the story. They will further have you cheering for Cassidy to succeed.
  3. The first person narration by Cassidy was the perfect choice to endear this character to readers. She’s stubborn and fearless, but her love of dragons wins out.
  4. Cassidy and the other non-FireCorp riders are each in the race as an individual wanting to win. It was nice to see them eventually unify and see each other differently.
  5. The last leg of the race is a can’t stop reading finale. A page turning joy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR, Kacy Ritter

I’m a behavioral health professional by day and MG fantasy writer by night. I’m also a member of SCBWI Houston. In between writing and meetings, I imagine taking off on a Texas BBQ and taco tour with my rescue dog and cats.

I hold degrees from the University of Texas and the University of North Texas.

(For more about Kacy, visit her author web site; There is also a great interview of Kacy earlier this month on Natalie Aguirre’s Literary Rambles.

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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 , , , , | 9 Comments

Double Header: THE BEACH DILEMMA and MONSTER MATCH

Posted on July 28, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

These two books from Red Chair Press are perfect for those anticipating a move up from chapter books to middle grade lit.. THE BEACH DILEMMA, the first in the EMMA JUST MEDIUM series, is only 72 pages, but the story will be familiar to many who find themselves as the middle child.

Emma is in the middle of two brothers who are nicknamed Big and Little. Big is 10 and avoids his younger sister, unless of course the perfect prank presents itself. Adorable Little (at least that’s what everyone except Emma calls her 3-year-old brother), always gets away with his outbursts and mispronunciations because, well, he’s only 3.

During a beach vacation with another family, Emma is frustrated and decides to act more like a Big. The outcome is not so good. Neither is it when she decides to try being a Little in the family. Emma eventually finds a new direction with help from her dad.

Nine chapters are accompanied by black and white illustrations that emphasize the emotions on each face. A fun collection by award-winning artist Marta Kissi.

The story flows smoothly from one scene to the next. The Beach Dilemma is a great beginning to this new series perfect for 3rd and 4th graders.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Laura Wiltse Prior went from creating tales starring “Laura the Great” in her dad’s studio office, to crafting short stories when she was supposed to be working in a business office, to writing books for kids in her very own office (well, one she shares with her son’s Xbox). She loves reading anything and everything, sneaking cookie dough from the mixing bowl and playing tennis. When she isn’t writing, Laura’s ferrying her kids around, hiking with her dog Cody, or hanging with Casper the cat. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and three kids, the inspiration for her stories.

(For more about Laura and her writing be sure to visit her author web page)

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Monster Match is the first book in the FRANKINSCHOOL series. Geared toward 8-12 year olds, the plot centers around Fred who turns into a young version of Frankenstein’s monster. This surprising turn of events occurs after an author signs Fred’s book “To Frank.”

Annoying classmate Luisa suggests that Fred is actually “Frank in school.” This gives Fred an idea for his creative writing assignment. After penning a ‘What If’ poem Fred suddenly ends up as the monster and his classmates, except Luisa, fall asleep at their desks. They both head to the attic to see if they can save the school.

The characters are a fun twosome with witty dialog throughout. I liked how they see each other differently by the last page. The bold black and white illustrations are a pleasing visual addition.

The plot unfolds in page turning style and you will be wanting more. An engaging and not too scary story, Monster Match will be a favorite classroom read aloud.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

When Caryn Rivadeneira was a kid, she dreamed of two things: being a writer and having lots of dogs. Both came true! Well, almost true. Caryn is a writer. She’s written lots of books for both kids and grown ups. And Caryn has had lots of dogs. However, right now, she only has one: a rescued pit bull who prefers the company of people to dogs. Caryn and her pup live in the near-west suburbs of Chicago with Caryn’s husband, three kids, three rescued guinea pigs, two parakeets, and too many fish.

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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 July 24, 2023

Posted on July 24, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Summer is flying by! Add to your reading wish list with these recommendations from middle grade reviewers. Give each a click to reach a blogger’s post.

Brenda at Log Cabin Library reviews Jett Jamison and the Secret Storm by Kimberly Behre Kenna.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of Kelcie Murphy and the Hunt for the Heart of Danu by Erika Lewis.

Max at Completely Full Bookshelf recommends Smile by Raina Telgemeier.

Valinora Troy reviews THE STORM AND THE MINOTAUR by Lucy Strange.

Charlotte @ Charlotte’s Library reviews The Destiny of Minou Moonshine by Gita Ralleigh.

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 MIXED UP.

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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

Kelcie Murphy and the Hunt for the Heart of Danu

Posted on July 23, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

It’s hard having a father who’s an infamous traitor. It’s even harder having a mother who’s an omen of doom.

After a summer away, Kelcie Murphy is excited to be back at the Academy for the Unbreakable Arts. But she and her friends have barely settled in when they receive a visit from her mother—the war goddess, Nemain—with a warning of coming calamity.

The Heart of Danu, the legendary source of all light and warmth in the Lands of Summer, is going to be stolen. And only Kelcie and her mates can stop it. As they travel with the rest of the students to Summer City to take part in the glorious Ascension Ceremony, Kelcie has no time for the military parade, the lavish ball, or even to visit her father: she’s determined to protect the Heart and her new home.

But the Lands of Summer are still not a welcoming place for Kelcie. When disaster strikes, the Queen, the High Guard, and even some of her schoolmates suspect Kelcie is to blame.

As the world is plunged into darkness, Kelcie will have to decide: does she keep fighting for a place that may always see her as a traitor’s daughter, or for a future greater than the war to come.

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Kelcie Murphy and the Hunt for the Heart of Danu is the sequel to the first book I reviewed last year, Kelcie Murphy and the Academy for the Unbreakable Arts. This second story continues capturing readers with action, danger and mystery in a memorable fantasy world.

Kelcie is such a likeable heroine and when you throw in mythical creatures and villains, the story exceeds one’s expectations. It’s like a roller coaster ride full of ups, downs and thrilling turns. Solid readers will not be bothered by the length of over 400 pages, although this is one of those sequels where you’d benefit from reading the first book before diving into this one.

Themes of friendship and not fitting in will resonate with the MG audience. Yes, there will be a third book in the future given the enticing ending to book 2. Kelcie is one of my favorite characters and I’m looking forward to seeing her character ARC expand even further.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: KELCIE MURPHY AND THE HUNT FOR THE HEART OF DANU by Erika Lewis

  1. The lands of Summer and Winter and the characters in each bring many dynamic qualities to the tale.
  2. New character, Lexis, arrives undercover from the Land of Winter and has similar abilities to Kelcie, although more controlled. Her actions had me guessing the entire way as to what the end result would bring: whether it be allies or enemies with Kelcie.
  3. Celtic mythology once again is a wonderful backdrop to the the plot.
  4. Action, action, and more action. It made the small typeface and page length fly by in a hurry.
  5. The glossary is a fantastic addition, with all the new terminology and understanding how this world works. You might even start there to learn about the intricacies of what you will read.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Erika Lewis grew up in Alexandria, Virginia, spent summers with her grandparents in Worcester, Massachusetts, and currently lives in Los Angeles, California. With a passion for storytelling set in magical places, she spends as much time as she can traveling. When she’s not writing, she can generally be found scribbling notes in a blank book while wandering through abandoned buildings, all kinds of museums, and graveyards.

A graduate of Vanderbilt University, her list of credits straddles the comics and novel space, including the Kelcie Murphy Series from Starscape/Tor Teen, The Color of Dragons from HarperTeen, Game of Shadows from Tor Books, Firebrand and Acursian from Legendary Comics, #Guardian from Awesome Media & Entertainment, and The 49th Key from Heavy Metal Publishing.

(For more about Erika, give her author website a visit)

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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 , , , , , | 5 Comments

THE CURIOUS MYSTERIES OF ELI MARKS

Posted on July 21, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

The original Eli Marks series follows the magic and mystery solving of Eli Marks. Well-received by the intended audience of older readers, you can find all 8 books along with an extensive podcast collection at the Eli Marks Mysteries website.

Author, John Gaspard, was not about to leave out the younger crowd. This first book intended for middle grade readers focuses on how Eli became a magician. The Curious Mysteries of Eli Marks is an engaging and fun ride, perfect for young fans of magic and mystery.

Thirteen-year-old Eli arrives at his aunt and uncle’s home in South Minneapolis where he will live with them following the death of his parents. They are older than his parents “like, by a lot”.

Not too concerning because Uncle Harry is a famous magician and the magic shop he owns with Aunt Alice can be found below their apartment. Eli even gets is own small apartment on the third floor.

Young Eli begins 7th grade and makes a few friends who are also interested in magic. His first person narration flows smoothly. Each of the first ten chapters end with a mystery, challenging readers to solve on their own. Hopefully you will do better than me as I only guessed right on 3 of them. The problem solving mystery approach adds even more interest to a unique and entertaining tale.

Another plus can be found in the final pages where ten magical tricks from the story are given step by step instructions for doing them yourself. Classic tricks using coins, cards and even a banana will keep one occupied for hours.

THE CURIOUS MYSTERIES OF ELI MARKS will appeal to both boys and girls. It’s a great addition to the middle grade shelves.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR, John Gaspard

John is author of the Eli Marks mystery series and the Como Lake Players mystery series. He also has four other stand-alone novels: “The Greyhound of the Baskervilles,” “A Christmas Carl,” “The Sword & Mr. Stone” and “The Ripperologists.”

He hosts two podcasts: “Behind the Page: The Eli Marks Podcast,” and “The Occasional Film Podcast.”

In real life, John’s not a magician, but he has directed six low-budget features that cost very little and made even less – that’s no small trick. He’s also written multiple books on the subject of low-budget filmmaking. Ironically, those books made more than the films.

John lives in Minnesota and shares his home with his lovely wife, several greyhounds, a few cats and a handful of pet allergies.

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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 Uncategorized | 2 Comments

MMGM for July 17, 2023

Posted on July 17, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Click on a blogger’s book stack to reach their post.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of THE LABORS OF HERCULES BEAL by Gary D. Schmidt.

Carol Baldwin welcomes back teen reviewer Elliott Kurta and his critique of FIND ME IN THE TIME BEFORE, a YA novel that has some appeal for upper MG readers.

Valinora Troy reviews The Wonder Brothers by Frank Cottrell-Boyce.

Max at Completely Full Bookshelf shares a review of Drama by Raina Telgemeier.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews ARTEMIS SPARKE AND THE SOUND SEEKERS BRIGADE. 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 LIKE LAVA IN MY VEINS.

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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

THE LABORS OF HERCULES BEAL

Posted on July 16, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Mastering a boy’s first person middle grade voice is not an easy task. Often the voice sounds either too young or too old making the story less believable.

That’s not the case with Gary D. Schmidt’s newest as Hercules Beal is a winner. His heartfelt and often hilarious narration is, well, “oh boy, oh boy.”

Cape Cod is the wonderful setting for this story. Hercules takes daily walks with his cat and dog to watch the sunrise each morning from a nearby dune. It’s there he says hello to his parents who were tragically killed in an auto accident. He’s still trying to cope with life after.

His older brother moved back to town to care for 12-year-old Hercules and they both have a huge job: taking care of the Beal Brothers Farm and Nursery. Of course Hercules also has school to deal with as a new 7th grader at the Cape Cod Academy for Environmental Sciences.

It’s there he meets his teacher, Lieutenant Colonel Hupfer (he was a supporting character in Schmidt’s 2007 THE WEDNESDAY WARS). His way of teaching is like a military commander: “It’s a tough world, Beal.” But the result is splendid. He gives each student an individualized eight month assignment called ‘A Classical Mythology Application Project.’ Hercules is given the task of referencing each of the twelve Labors of Hercules and finding the meaning in his own life. Little does he know that through the process he will become a hero, be laughed at, and through each step begin to find peace in his new life along with mental healing.

The book is a lengthy 352 pages which won’t be a problem for established readers. The Labors of Hercules Beal is an entertaining and memorable read.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: MAY 23, 2023

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT THE LABORS OF HERCULES BEAL by Gary D. Schmidt

  1. There are a fantastic set of supporting characters like the previously mentioned Lieutenant Colonel Hupfer. There’s Violet, his brother’s girlfriend who for sure must be a vampire according to Hercules; and several neighbors who provide timely help. Pirate Cat and Mindy are the two animal characters that do much the same in a quieter way.
  2. For the many kids who won’t pick up this book because of the size or the content, a read-aloud would be the remedy where discussion could take place about the many themes brought forth, especially about self discovery and healing.
  3. Cape Cod comes to life with all the special characteristics, especially the ever changing weather.
  4. The scene where the Beal Brothers must rescue a neighbor caught in a raging storm is a real page turning part of the story.
  5. For writers: A lesson in how to write meaningful character ARCS.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gary D. Schmidt is the best-selling author of many books for young readers, including Just Like That; National Book Award finalist Okay for Now; Pay Attention, Carter Jones; Orbiting Jupiter; the Newbery Honor and Printz Honor Book Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy; and the Newbery Honor Book The Wednesday Wars. He is a professor of English at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

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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 , , , , , | 8 Comments