THE LITTLE BAD BOOK 3

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.

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

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

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.

———————————————————————

(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)
Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

THE HUNT FOR THE HOLLOWER

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.

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

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

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.

———————————————————————

(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)
Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

ELLIE ENGLE SAVES HERSELF!

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.

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

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)

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

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

GRIMWOOD

When Ted and Nancy arrive in Grimwood, instead of peace and quiet, they’re met with thieving eagles, dramatic ducks, riotous rabbits, and a whole host of unusual characters. Grimwood is . . . weird. But when Princess Buttons tracks them down, they must unite with the other animals of Grimwood in a mind-bending race against time!

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

Silliness abounds as two fox siblings escape the clutches of Princess Buttons (a pet cat out for revenge). They end up in Grimwood, a forest community filled with animals of all kinds. They encounter rabbits, an eagle, flying squirrels, and Titus, a male deer who is the mayor of this strange town.

The fun plot is only dampened by the quick deaths of a few animals. Otherwise, the tale will appeal to the new MG reader who is use to shorter chapter books. The text is spaced nicely on each page and frequent illustrations also add to the appeal. Readers will also love the heartfelt ending.

GRIMWOOD is an import from the UK and is the first in three-book series. Book two, Let the Fur Fly, comes out September 12, 2023.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nadia Shireen has won awards for her picture books including the UKLA Book Award for Good Little Wolf and most recently for Barbara Throws a Wobbler, which has been described as a ‘little doorway of joy’ by Caitlin Moran. She’s also been shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, and has been Writer-Illustrator in Residence for BookTrust. Grimwood is her first series for older readers.

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

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.

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

MMGM for May 29, 2023

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY! Click a blogger’s Memorial Day Emblem to find out what they have in store.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of FALLING OUT OF TIME by Margaret Peterson Haddix.

Susan Uhlig was fascinated by the medieval tale, The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog by Adam Gidwitz and illuminated by Hatem Aly.

Brenda at LOG CABIN LIBRARY is today’s Blog Tour stop for LOLO WEAVER SWIMS UPSTREAM by Polly Farquhar;  Excerpt + Giveaway!

Carol Baldwin welcomes a new teen reviewer, Mara Scudder. She gives us a critique of LIGHT COMES TO SHADOW MOUNTAIN.

Kim Aippersbach returns to MMGM this week with a review of THE GRACE OF WILD THINGS by Heather Fawcett.

Max @COMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF recommends The Moth Keeper by K. O’Neill, and reviews The Golden Hour by Niki Smith.

Valinora Troy features an interview with award winning children’s author H. S. Norup.

Kasey Giard at The Story Sanctuary shares 10 graphic novels coming out this year that she can’t wait to read.

Maria Antonia has a post about THE NOT-SO-PERFECT PLAN by Christina Matula.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of GOOD DIFFERENT by Meg Eden Kuyatt. 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 Thursday’s review of THE MUSEUM OF LOST AND FOUND.

———————————————————————

(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)
Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

FALLING OUT OF TIME

It has been 28 years since the first book (RUNNING OUT OF TIME) was released and became a hit with middle grade audiences. Margaret Peterson Haddix had never intended to write a sequel, as she notes in her “Acknowledgements” piece, but readers kept asking for one.

She’s finally delivered with a page turning story full of plot twists. Twelve-year-old Zola lives with her Mom in the year 2193 where everything is perfect. There’s no climate change, crime, or any other problem. It’s just perfect. Or is it?

Zola discovers she’s related to Jessie from the first book and a dark reality begins to set in and maybe it isn’t 2193 after all. The third person narration flows quickly across 47 chapters and an epilogue.

This adventurous mystery has so many unexpected turns, I don’t dare ruin anyone’s reading experience by revealing them. You can dive right into Falling out of Time, without having read the first book, though it will be hard to resist not to visit that first classic.

FALLING OUT OF TIME is a fantastic delayed sequel that will appeal to middle grade audiences both young and old. A great summertime addition to your reading pile.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: FALLING OUT OF TIME by Margaret Peterson Haddix

  1. Chapters more than often end with an eye-opening reveal. It urges you to read just one more page. A great writing technique to engage readers.
  2. The proposed overwhelming use of technology in the future is a perfect ground for debate in a classroom or at home.
  3. Puck, a boy Zola gains as a new friend, was a great character. He’s kind but also vocal and willing to disagree with other’s decisions. What happens to him brought a smile to my face.
  4. World building is essential to a novel of this type, and you will feel like it really is the future…at least until it isn’t.
  5. The mysterious cover and the author’s comments in the back pages- a nice connection as to why she finally wrote the sequel.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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

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

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

(For more visit her author web page)

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

COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW.

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

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

SERAFINA AND THE BLACK CLOAK (The Graphic Novel)

Eight years have passed since Serafina and the Black Cloak arrived on the bookshelves. The engaging plot centers around a young girl living in the basement of the Biltmore Mansion in Asheville, N C. The wealthy Vanderbilt’s who live there don’t even know she exists.

When children start disappearing, it’s up to Sarafina and her only friend, Braeden, to find out the true identity of the man in the black cloak. They hope to stop him from doing any more kidnapping of innocent kids.

The tale was a hit with the older MG crowd and three more books were written. With the popularity of graphic novels it’s not surprising to find the story recreated in this new format.

The art work is vivid and spot on as it depicts both day and nighttime scenes. The emotions of the characters can be seen on each page.

There seems to be more text than usual for a graphic novel, but you can still enjoy the accompanying colorful panels. If you’ve read the original novel or not, Serafina and the Black Cloak is an alluring addition to the series.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robert Beatty is the author of the #1 New York Times best-selling Serafina Series published by Disney-Hyperion, a spooky mystery-thriller about a brave and unusual girl who lives secretly in the basement of the grand Biltmore Estate, surrounded by the opulence of the Gilded Age and the rugged beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. He won the Southern Book Prize in 2016. He is also the author of the #1 New York Times best-selling Willa of the Wood Series, the story of a young forest girl with ancient magical powers who struggles for survival and understanding in the Great Smoky Mountains. Loved by both young readers and adults alike, the Serafina and Willa books are being taught in over a thousand classrooms nationwide, and have been translated into over 22 languages. (For more details visit Robert’s author website)

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

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.

Posted in Graphic Novels, MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

MMGM for May 22, 2023

May flowers are in full bloom and so are some great MG reviews and features. Click a blogger’s flower basket to see what they have planted.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of Time Traveling Through Yellowstone National Park: The Adventures of Bubba Jones by Jeff Alt and illustrations by Hannah Tuohy.

Brenda at LOG CABIN LIBRARY also reviews Time Traveling Through Yellowstone National Park: The Adventures of Bubba Jones.

Linda Browne presents her Bookcase Bizarro for April, a collection of reviews from picture books to middle grade.

Max at Completely Full Bookshelf shares two reviews today. First up is Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonzalez and Gabriela Epstein. Next is one of my all time favorites: Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead.

Susan Uhlig really enjoyed THE GIRL WHO COULD NOT DREAM, a fantasy by Sarah Beth Durst.

Maria Antonia has a post about SURELY SURELY MARISOL RAINEY by Erin Entrada Kelly.

Valinora Troy reviews Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell.

Faith Hough has a review up…it’s about Jacqueline Davies’ The International House of Dereliction.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of TENMILE by Sandra Dallas. 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 Saturday’s review of JOY TO THE WORLD.

———————————————————————

(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)
Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 3 Comments