150 HAPPY FACTS

Posted on March 10, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

The world is full of bad news. Television and the internet provide a constant stream of gut wrenching stories that only make your day sadder.

Author, Mauro Gatti, decided to do something about that back in 2018 when he created The Happy Broadcast, which aims to inspire positive change, improve mental health, and improve the world through collective action.

Gatti and business partner Keith Bonnici hand-picked this collection of 150 HAPPY FACTS to help young readers (and old) take on their mission for a happier world.

The facts are labeled in categories ranging from the Environment to People, Technology, and Animals. Each fact is given 1-3 paragraphs of background. You can’t help but feel happier with each turn of the page leading to the next fact. A few of my favorites:

60. Big news for the big cats! In a major move, South Africa will finally ban the breeding of lions in captivity for trophy hunting or for tourists to pet.

76. A New Zealand couple gifted land worth millions to the nation for “the benefit and enjoyment of all New Zealanders.”

107. A popular sandwich and burger condiment may also help us in the fight against climate change!

The book could be used as an inspirational read-aloud in classrooms or at home, followed by a discussion of making their own community better and more positive. Brightly colored illustrations appear throughout.

150 HAPPY FACTS is the perfect antidote for a down day and for putting that smile back on your face.

ABOUT THE CREATORS

Mauro Gatti is an Italian illustrator and creative director based in Los Angeles, California. He has worked for many years on illustrations, branding, games, apps, videos and installations for an amazing range of clients, from MTV, Nike and Disney to JibJab, Line, Redbull, Vans, as well as many local businesses and community organizations. Mauro also co-founded Illustri, the biggest association of illustrators in Italy. Together with his business partner and friend Keith Bonnici, an entrepreneur and accomplished business executive, the pair have launched The Happy Broadcast as a mental health-focused initiative that sprinkles positivity into people’s lives to help improve their overall happiness. The Happy Broadcast is followed by over 1 million people across various social channels as well as through their mental health and wellness mobile app, WHOLE. Their team believes that a positive outlook can greatly improve the mental well-being of society and they are on a mission to spread information about the many positive things in our world to all.

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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, non fiction | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

MMGM for March 6, 2023

Posted on March 6, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

It’s a new month! Time to through these fantastic MG reviews or features. Click on MARCH to visit a blogger’s site.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of THE FLYING HORSE by Sarah Maslin Nir.

Linda Browne presents her Bookcase Bizarro for February, a compilation of her reviews of children’s books, including THE LAST, LAST DAY OF SUMMER.

Maria Antonia has a post about WHO KILLED DARIUS DRAKE? by Rodman Philbrick.

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Hummingbird by Natalie Lloyd, a story about a girl with brittle bone disease.

Faith Hough has an interview with Anna Rose Johnson, author of The Star That Always Stays.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of MEET ME HALFWAY by Anika Fajardo. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with Sunday’s NO MATTER THE DISTANCE.

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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 FLYING HORSE

Posted on March 5, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

The intriguing cover introduces the two main characters of this pleasing tale of discovery.

Trendsetter, born in the Netherlands, shows a lot of promise as a young colt. His ability to jump is what brings him attention. He eventually ends up in Austria at a riding school where the famous Lippizaner stallions are trained. All does not go well when Trendy doesn’t bond with his young handler, Charles-Isaac. The boy can be cruel and impatient.

On the other side of the Atlantic Ocean is Sarah, a seventh grader at a private school in New York City. Her love of horses is overshadowed by an embarrassing problem she hides: Sarah struggles with spelling.

The third person narration over 13 chapters parallels each of their struggles. You just know somehow these two will find each other. How that happens makes for a wonderful story, especially for horse lovers.

THE FLYING HORSE is a quick read that will leave you wanting more.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE FLYING HORSE by Sarah Maslin Nir

  1. I grew up around horses but learned so much more about them in this story. Great details about their personality and how they differ from human physiology and anatomy. Did you know horses can’t throw up?
  2. Each of the chapters stays with either Trendsetter or Sarah. It’s a perfect way to tell each of their stories and heritage.
  3. The lyrical and often poetic narrative had me going back more than once to read some of the beautifully composed lines.
  4. The compelling authors note should not be missed. Here you will find that Trendsetter really does exist as does his owner.
  5. This is the beginning of a series about horses. Next up is The Jockey and Her Horse, inspired by Cheryl White, the first Black female jockey.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah Maslin Nir is a staff reporter for The New York Times. Nir was a Finalist for the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for “Unvarnished,” her more than yearlong investigation into New York City’s nail salon industry that documented the exploitative labor practices and health issues manicurists face. Before becoming a staff reporter, Nir freelanced for eleven sections of the paper, traveling to the Alaskan wilderness in search of people who prefer to live in isolation, and to post-earthquake Haiti. She began as the New York Times’s nightlife columnist, covering 252 parties in 18 months, and continued on to a career that has taken her from covering kidnappings by terrorists in Benin, West Africa, to wildfires in California, and everything in between. A born and raised Manhattanite, Nir earned a masters at the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism, and graduated from Columbia University, where she studied politics and philosophy. She is the author of Horse Crazy. She loves horses.

You can find more about Sarah on her Twitter page.

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Comments are welcome below…

Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers on today’s edition of Marvelous Middle Grade Monday!

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

BIG NATE-NAILED IT!

Posted on March 3, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

If you need a break from those 300 + page middle grade novels, look no further than the 28th edition of Lincoln Peirce’s Big Nate series-NAILED IT! Over 170 full-color comics are included.

Sixth grade is never boring when Nate is around. He’s the all-time leader in detentions at P.S. 38. When Nate finds a good luck charm it begins to payoff with better grades and a date with the cheer team captain. He even has some success on the baseball field.

His good fortune doesn’t last long especially when nemesis Gina is around.

Nate also has a side business as a couple’s counselor. I wouldn’t recommend his services for anyone having boy-girl troubles. It does though provide quite a few laughs.

There are brief appearances by Nate’s father and lazy Uncle Ted, but the focus is always on Nate. His misguided ways of dealing with daily tasks will provide hours of laughter from his reading audience.

The book would be a nice gift for the comic loving kid in your life.

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I hope you will join us next week! 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 participate. All you have to do is email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, non fiction | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

MMGM for FEBRUARY 27, 2023

Posted on February 27, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Click on each to reach a blogger’s review or feature.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of HOW TO MAKE A MOVIE IN 12 DAYS by Fiona Hardy.

Maria Antonia shares a few thoughts about BAD KITTY GOES ON VACATION by Nick Bruel.

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Sardines by Sashi Kaufman, a perfect novel for sixth graders about identity and friendship.

Mark Baker at Carstairs Considers reviews City of the Dead by James Ponti.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of Haven: A Small Cat’s Big Adventure. Rosi also shares 3 links for her writing friends.

Kim Aippersbach has two more Cybils speculative fiction shortlisted titles: Fenris & Mott, by Greg Van Eekhout, and Freddy vs the Family Curse, by Tracy Badua.

Andrea Mack has Alice Fleck’s Recipes for Disaster 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 last Saturday’s THE HOUSE SWAP.

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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

HOW TO MAKE A MOVIE IN 12 DAYS

Posted on February 26, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

When movie-loving Hayley’s beloved grandma dies, so does her dream of making the horror movie they were writing together. Then she inherits the money to buy a professional camera, and becomes determined to see the project through, with only three weeks to do so. But someone is sabotaging Hayley’s movie! Who? And why?

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HOW TO MAKE A MOVIE in 12 DAYS will appeal to the upper MG crowd, especially those fascinated with film making. Although there are references to movies from the past that kids will have probably never heard about, it will entice them to watch them in the future.

The book tops out at 275 pages and the number of words per page is another reason to save this one for the more accomplished reader.

Eleven year old Hayley’s first person narration centers on her passion to make a movie, to be a director. The quick time frame to complete the film occurs because the family is having a tribute party for the person they truly miss: Iris, the grandmother who passed away. The film will be the centerpiece of the gathering if Hayley can finish it in time.

Hayley is making the film with a group of school friends. Her ambition is second to none, but the mystery of who is sabotaging her efforts was truly a surprise. Supporting her (or not) are her older brother Lucas, a hilarious younger sister Jennifer, and two devoted parents.

Family dynamics, healing over a relative’s passing, and the importance of friends are the strong themes throughout in this Australian import. You’ll be on Hayley’s side the whole way and hoping her film truly does make a difference. I smiled at the ending and that’s a wrap…okay not quite…

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: HOW TO MAKE A MOVIE IN 12 DAYS by Fiona Hardy

  1. Theo, an elderly neighbor, allows the young filmmakers to use his yard for some of the key scenes in the movie. He’s quite the character with a few plot twists of his own.
  2. Little sister Jennifer always has the perfect voice for a 5-year-old. She loves oranges so much she actually talks to them:”It’s okay, no one will find you. We’ll get married someday. I promise.”
  3. The modern take on parenting: Mom works full time while Dad stays home with the family.
  4. The cast of friends each have a distinct personality. Henry, Pilar, Samson, and Rissa’s characters were written beautifully.
  5. Follow your dreams never meant more than in this unique story.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Fiona Hardy is a kids-book writer, crime-book reviewer, and all-books bookseller. From the wide-eyed work experience days at her local bookshop, she has stayed in the industry for nearly twenty years, and now works as one of the managers at Readings. Since a much-praised four-sentence retelling of Alice in Wonderland in grade one lit her writing flame, she has written for publications such as The Big Issue, Books+Publishing, Verity La, and Gargouille. She joined the Australian Crime Writers Association, the team behind the Ned Kelly Awards, in 2013, and in 2016 she was shortlisted for the Text Prize. Fiona lives in Melbourne with her partner and daughter.

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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 , , , , | 6 Comments

Superpower? The Wearable-Tech Revolution

Posted on February 24, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

I won a copy of this book at Natalie Aguirre’s Literary Rambles a few months ago. The link above will take you to an excellent interview there with author Elaine Kachala. Take a look after reading my review below.

Superpower? The Wearable-Tech Revolution provides an eye opening discussion at how the world has changed and will continue to change when technology is attached to our bodies.

Not only are the innovations presented, but there are also cautions as to how we use them. Five chapters dig deep into a world of wearables:

  1. OUR WEARABLE WORLD
  2. WEARABLES ARE CHANGING HOW WE LIVE
  3. WE’RE AUGMENTING OUR HUMANNESS
  4. ARE WE CROSSING THE LINE?
  5. HOW DO WE DESIGN RESPONSIBLE TECHNOLOGY?

I enjoyed reading how this technology is changing the lives of kids. From devices letting children walk and climb to Brain-Computer Interfaces that are helping young Brody play computer games with his thoughts.

The many photographs and drawings balance well with the text. Also included are great discussion questions scattered throughout in a side panel feature: MOVE SLOW + THINK HUMAN. These push young readers to evaluate and critically think about what’s ahead for their generation. A final page challenges those who might want to create their own wearable idea.

SUPERPOWER? The Wearable Tech Revolution is a well rounded, fascinating presentation about wearable technology. Perfect for home and school libraries.

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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, non fiction | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

MMGM for FEBRUARY 20, 2023

Posted on February 20, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

It’s President’s Day here in the USA. Click on to reach a blogger’s review or feature.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of THE CALL OF JEREMIAH McGILL by Joseph Moore.

Brenda at LOG CABIN LIBRARY has a review of Big Nate: Nailed It! by Lincoln Peirce.

Jennifer Bohnhoff interviews MG author Caroline Starr Rose about Miraculous, her latest release, and it includes a giveaway of a copy. 

Carol Baldwin has a review of JEFFERSON’S SONS by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.

Maria Antonia posts about KEY PLAYER by Kelly Yang.

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews “My Life Begins!” by Patricia MacLachlan. A sweet story for families to read together.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of Detector Dogs, Dynamite Dolphins, and More Animals with Sensory Powers. Rosi also shares three links 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 yesterday’s DAYS OF INFAMY.

Kim Aippersbach returns to the MMGM lineup with a review of CHILDREN OF THE QUICKSANDS.

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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 , , | 3 Comments

THE CALL OF JEREMIAH McGILL

Posted on February 19, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

When I saw that THE CALL OF JEREMIAH MCGILL was set in the early 1970s, I jumped at the chance to read this title. Not many MG books are set in a decade that shares similar problems to what we have in the present. Jeremiah narrates his coming of age story set in Cape Creek, Missouri:

Eleven-year-old Jeremiah McGill is at a cusp in his young life. It’s 1971 and America is in a historical transition with sons in the Vietnam War, fundamental changes in civil rights, protests, and political tumult. As the young boy wants only to pass his time reading comic books and galivanting with his friends, his preacher father has a different divine destiny in mind for him. Feeling removed and uncertain about his connection to his faith, Jeremiah’s not sure where he fits in.

As Jeremiah begins his discovery of who he is, the boy has a whirlwind of questions troubling him: confusion about his new friendship with a white boy at school, navigating the relationships that he has with some of his questionable friends, and defining his place within his faith-driven family. Jeremiah is at a crossroads, trying to figure out his place in the world. And though it may be evident to others in his life, it’s something the boy must do on his own.

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Jeremiah’s inner thoughts cover everything from being the Pastor’s kid (his father makes him carry a bible to school) to thinking about how he will ever approach Christine, his first crush. The Vietnam War also comes in to play when a friend’s brother returns from fighting in the war and has trouble readjusting. But the heart of the novel lies in Jeremiah’s faith, dealing with racial tension among friends, and trying to figure out the person he will become. It’s a heartfelt look at a boy’s spiritual journey at being recognized in a confusing world.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE CALL OF JEREMIAH McGILL by Joseph Moore

  1. With religion the backdrop to this engaging story, some may stay clear, but I found it to be reminiscent of my own childhood where I grew up in a strong religious family. Always being good and trying to understanding the teachings of God are not easy when you’re 11 years old.
  2. Family connections are so important both 50 years ago and today. Jeremiah’s loving parents and an older brother are always there to give him advice–Although that brother charges him 50 cents for each pearl of wisdom!
  3. Colton, the only white boy in Jeremiah’s group of friends, has to deal with racial hate directed at him and it is handled beautifully.
  4. The cover will draw new readers in as Jeremiah contemplates his life. Looming in the background is the church that is trying to pull him closer to God.
  5. Although the ending wrapped up all the crucial plot points, it begged to be continued. The sign of a writer who knows his craft.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MG author Joseph L. Moore has been a storyteller since childhood. His inspiration comes from listening to his parents and their friends on Sunday evenings talk about their times growing up in the church as young kids, their joy reminiscing, and the adventures they had. Joseph wanted to share their rich history and has woven that into his new coming of age novel, The Call of Jeremiah McGill, a historical fiction story with a Christian backdrop.

Joseph believes a good book is one with honesty, that shares the truth of a situation whether good or bad, and one where the reader can find themselves in the story. In The Call of Jeremiah McGill, a young boy is discovering who he is called to be in life. Joseph hopes his young readers come away from his book learning a bit about history and asking questions about Jesus and their own spirituality, and that it starts a conversation that lasts long after the book is closed.

When he isn’t writing spiritual and enlightening books for young adults, Joseph is a musician and singer and enjoys listening to soft worship music as he writes. Having grown up in the church and in faith, Joseph currently serves as a minister of music of House of Prayer, World Outreach Mission. An educator for nine years, Joseph lives in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, south of St. Louis. The Call of Jeremiah McGill is his debut novel.

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW and BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER MG BLOGGERS IN THIS WEEK”S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY LINEUP.

Posted in Historical fiction, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

THE POWER OF ARCHITECTURE

Posted on February 17, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Architectural masterpieces from around the world are presented in this unique book. Of the 25, I’d only visited one in person: The TWA Flight Center in New York City; a few others viewed in pictures and videos (Sydney Opera House; Munich Olympic Stadium). Most though were new to me. Ever heard of the Gosplan Garaged in Russia? I sure hadn’t.

Each of the 25 beautiful buildings have their own two-page spread. A colorful illustration accompanies the background information on each structure. They are a quick read that will inspire readers to some day visit on their own. These true works of art could also lead to one thinking about maybe becoming an architect themselves.

A well done timeline is included in the final pages with information about the architect. It starts in 1911 with Walter Gropius’s Fargus Factory and ends in 2018 with Mariam Kamara’s Regional Market in Niger. One could even start with the timeline before diving into the rest of the book.

These amazing structures allow young readers to get a glimpse of architectural masterpieces and the people who designed them. The perfect gift for the art lover in your family.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR

Annette Roeder, born in Munich in 1968, is an author, illustrator and architect. She has been writing picture books and children’s books, as well as novels for adults for over 20 years. Her 10-book series Die Krumpflinge (‘The Crumplings’) is much loved by children aged 6+, and she won the Kalbacher Klapperschlange prize for her book Vacations in the Closet.

Pamela Baron dedicates her time to translating the world around her through art making. When she is not making watercolours do her bidding, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, nurturing her love of blowing glass, and finding weird things in vintage shops. She highly recommends that you take the time to be dazzled by the baby southern pudu – an animal so cute that it practically defies translation. Pamela happily makes her home in a breezy town just outside of San Francisco with her husband, 21 miniature fruit trees, and 64 houseplants. She shows in a variety of local galleries and holds a BFA in Illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design.

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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, non fiction | Tagged , , | 1 Comment