TIME TRAVELING THROUGH YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK – The Adventures of Bubba Jones

Posted on May 21, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

The summer travel season is upon us once again. If your family is planning a trip to this iconic destination then the fifth book in The Adventures of Bubba Jones series is a must. The characters are fiction. but the story is loaded with true facts about the park. Previous titles include visits to The Great Smoky Mountains, then onto Shenandoah, Acadia, and Grand Canyon National Park:

In this new story the author fills you in along the way as to what has previously happened. The main characters include Tommy “Bubba Jones” and his sister, Jenny “Hug-A-Bug,” as they try to solve a park mystery. They are part of a legendary time travel family who serve to protect and preserve our national parks

Although the mystery is not that compelling, what makes this shine are the amazing facts you will learn as they time travel back meeting members of early park expeditions and Native Americans, along with many park secrets. I hadn’t been to the park since a family trip to Old Faithful Lodge back when I was about 10 years old, but my mind is already planning another trip.

Bubba Jones provides the first person narration and is a key family member making time travel possible. The author did extensive research on Yellowstone’s past, present, and future. Enrich your trip there by reading this newest volume together with your family.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT TIME TRAVELING THROUGH YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK– The Adventures of Bubba Jones by Jeff Alt

  1. The trip to Yellowstone centers around a family reunion. Having relatives like Grandfather Papa Lewis, Cousin Colter, and other well informed family experts on everything Yellowstone gives readers fun insights both in the present and the past.
  2. Cypher code messages appear throughout to help solve the mystery. It would have been fun and engaging for young readers to solve these, but seeing how they work will motivate them to create their own.
  3. Full page illustrations precede each chapter. They are detailed and compliment the story well.
  4. No changing clothes when the family time travels to historic periods–they are automatically dressed like others from the time upon arrival! You’ll be guessing and anticipating the next wardrobe change with each trip backwards in time.
  5. Included are some great back pages’ material like discussion questions, a map of places visited, and a through bibliography.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeff Alt is a talented speaker, hiking and camping expert, and an award-winning author of seven books. He is a member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA). He has shared his transformational “Lessons from the Trail” with thousands. He filmed a Tedx Talk about his Appalachian Trail journey. Alt holds a business/ marketing degree from the University of Toledo and a master’s degree from Miami University in Speech Language Pathology with a minor (thematic sequence) in environmental science.  Jeff’s career spans several industries as an award-winning sales and marketing professional, a speech language pathologist, an educator, professional speaker and outdoor author/ writer. For over 20 years he has hosted the annual Sunshine Walk, 5k Run and Roll, inspired from his Appalachian Trail journey, which has raised over a half of a million dollars to support people with developmental disabilities. Alt has been hiking since his youth. He has walked the entire 2,160-mile Appalachian Trail, the 218-mile John Muir Trail with his wife, and he carried his 21-month old daughter along the coast of Ireland on a family hike. His son was on the Appalachian Trail at 6 weeks of age.

(For more visit Jeff’s web site)

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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 , , | 7 Comments

PECULIAR WOODS

Posted on May 19, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Take a cute blanket, a yoga chair, and two royal chess pieces. Add in nine-year-old Iggie who discovers he can talk with them and you have the start of a fun graphic series.

The story begins with Iggie on his way to live with his biological mother for the first time in a town called Peculiar Woods. Iggie had previously lived with his aunt who has always been a loving substitute mother.

It doesn’t take long for Iggie to discover the town is anything but normal. Talking with inanimate objects is weird enough, but now the chess pieces want help in finding their kingdom in an ancient underwater city.

There are humorous moments, especially when Boris the Yoga chair is in a scene. The graphics are colorful and bold, bringing out the emotions and action on every page. You can see several of the panels by visiting the publisher’s site.

Peculiar Woods is available in paperback or hardcover and would be the perfect choice for a young reader transitioning to middle grade books.

ABOUT THE CREATOR

Andrés J. Colmenares is a cartoonist and illustrator from Bogota, Colombia, and the creator of the beloved Wawawiwa Comics. With more than 3.5 million social fans, his work is a sweet and sincere space for these anxious times. He lives with his wife and two children, who inspire him to create empathetic and endearing content for his fans.

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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 Graphic Novels, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

MMGM for May 15, 2023

Posted on May 15, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

May is half over. Time to switch on more MG reviews and features. Click a blogger’s light switch to find out what they have in store.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of LO & BEHOLD by Wendy Mass.

Brenda at LOG CABIN LIBRARY reviews Mace and Hammer (Del Toro Tales #3) by Darby Karchut. It’s got warhorses, and a young boy and his family who are fighting monsters.  Lots of fun!  

Carol Baldwin has ETHEL’S SONG: Ethel Rosenberg’s Life in Poems: A Review and Giveaway!

Kasey Giard at The Story Sanctuary shares her thoughts on a graphic novel called Squire & Knight by Scott Chantler.

Maria Antonia has a post about the graphic novel: SQUISHED by Megan Wagner Lloyd & Michelle Mee Nutter.

Valinora Troy reviews THE NIGHT RAVEN by Johan Rundberg.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of DOGS WHO WORK: THE CANINES WE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

Max at Completely Full Bookshelf has a review of one of my favorites, When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead.

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 THE GREATEST KID IN THE WORLD.

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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

LO & BEHOLD

Posted on May 14, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Author Wendy Mass has written many middle grade and young adult novels (11 BIRTHDAYS and BOB are my past favorites). With LO & BEHOLD she enters new writing territory with a graphic novel.

Here’s what to expect in this engaging story:

When you’re named after a 250-year-old tortoise, you grow up believing life is full of possibilities and wonder. But ever since Addie’s family got turned upside down, those things have been harder for her to see.

The last thing Addie wants to do is make a new friend, but when her dad’s summer job takes them across the country, she meets Mateo and finds herself caught up in an exciting project. With the help of a virtual reality headset, she’s suddenly scaling castle walls, dodging angry kittens, and seeing the world in whole new ways. Plus, she has an idea that could be bigger than anything she’s imagined before, but can she right some wrongs first . . . or is it too late?

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Dad has a summer job at a University and Addie has no choice but to join him. The story leaves you guessing as to what happened with the mom. Eventually we find out there was an accident followed by an addiction to pain killers. The plot keeps that in the background while Addie is introduced to the world of virtual reality. The university students are creating worthwhile explorations for the headsets that will help cancer patients and others in need.

The friendship between Addie and Mateo takes time to develop. They each have family secrets but soon their own virtual reality project brings them closer to being real friends. The ending will leave you smiling.

The style of artwork is both colorful and bold. Seeing what Addie saw while she had on the virtual headset made it evident why a graphic novel approach was chosen.

The heavy topics of parental separation and opioid addiction were realistic and handled well for a middle grade audience. LO & BEHOLD is full of compassion and heartwarming moments. Even if you don’t usually read graphic novels, this one is worthy of your time.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: LO & BEHOLD by WENDY MASS

  1. The dad is a nerdy and lovable guy. His character is always doing something to help his daughter like introducing her to his students and at one point taking her to a pet shelter. Every kid deserves a father like Addie’s dad.
  2. Virtual Reality takes a positive spin on how it can be used help people cope with a crisis or find empathy rather than just for gaming purposes.
  3. Addie and Mateo are memorable characters whose way of facing life when there are bumps in the road will help others.
  4. Geocaching is not an activity seen very often in middle grade books. Finding out how much fun it is for Addie and Mateo will encourage young readers to give it a go in their own neighborhood.
  5. The author’s website has additional augmented reality activities you can use with the book. There’s one on moon seeds and more will be coming.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

WENDY MASS is the New York Times bestselling author of fourteen novels for young people (which have been translated into fourteen languages and nominated for sixty-eight state book awards), including A Mango-Shaped Space (which was awarded the Schneider Family Book Award by the American Library Association), the Twice Upon a Time fairy-tale series, 11 Birthdays, The Candymakers, and 13 Gifts. Her latest books are Space Taxi: Archie Takes Flight and Pi in the Sky. Wendy tells people her hobbies are hiking and photography, but really they’re collecting candy bar wrappers and searching for buried treasure with her metal detector. She lives with her family in New Jersey. Visit her at wendymass.com.

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

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

WORLD’S WORST TIME MACHINE

Posted on May 12, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Liam, the endearing protagonist in WORLD’S WORST TIME MACHINE, is only trying to find a prop for his homework assignment at the neighbor’s garage sale. Instead he comes away with a not so reliable time machine.

Now that Liam has the time travel contraption he decides to summon the real Thomas Edison as the best find of all time for his school report. Instead he gets some kid named Tommy, a wanna be gangster from the 1930s. With help from best friend Elsa, they work together to find a way to get Tommy, a few other gangsters, and Liam’s parents back to where they belong.

The often laugh out loud, third person narration is accompanied by illustrations that add more fun to the story. The 26 chapters zip by with the characters and plot leading the way. A bonus in the back pages is a Meet the Cast section where you get the background on a few of the real life people from our history depicted in the book. There’s also a quick teaser as to where this story is headed next.

Those less excited about reading will find a partner in this story. It’s perfect for someone just getting into Middle Grade books. World’s Worst Time Machine is available now in paperback and hardback editions.

ABOUT THE CREATORS

Dustin Brady writes books for kids who think they hate reading. His Trapped in a Video Game series has sold over one million copies because— as it turns out—there are a lot of kids who think they hate reading. Dustin lives in Cleveland, Ohio with his wife, three kids, and a small dog named Nugget. He honestly can’t believe he gets to do this for a living. (Dustin’s Author Website)

Dave Bardin is a freelance illustrator and animator residing in Southern California who has worked on a variety of project with some of the biggest names in media. When Dave drew his very first comic book at the age of nine, he knew he had found what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. When he isn’t at the drawing board, Dave can be found riding his bike by the beach, going on driving adventures with his very cool wife, and spending time with his friends and family.

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Join us next week! I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. All you have to do is email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

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

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

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

MMGM for MAY 8, 2023

Posted on May 8, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Start piling up books for the summer . Find some great choices by clicking on each blogger’s book stack.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of MIGHT AS WELL BE DEAD by Mark Goldblatt.

Susan Uhlig enjoyed the adventures of the mice in JOURNEY BEYOND THE BURROW.

Maria Antonia has a post about THE SECRET LIFE OF LINCOLN JONES by Wendelin Van Draanen.

Valinora Troy reviews The Wildstorm Curse by Eve Wersocki Morris.

Rosi Hollinbeck returns with a review & GIVEAWAY of HOME AWAY FROM HOME by Cynthia Lord. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

Andrea Mack features The Big Sting by Rachelle Delaney.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with yesterday’s review of Ellie Engle Save Herself.

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(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

MIGHT AS WELL BE DEAD

Posted on May 7, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

First off, I’m not a big fan of the title. But this new sort of fantasy by “Twerp” author Mark Goldblatt nicely captures the emotions of 13-year-old David Salmon as his family is falling apart.

Mom has left home and only talks to David on the phone. Dad is trying to be a good dad but is failing badly. The stench of alcohol hints at how he is facing the future.

David does have a best friend in Hector at his Flushing, Queens, New York middle school. Unfortunately, even a best friend can’t help David deal with his family crisis.

Enter Winston, a middle aged Englishman who must be a hallucination. For David though Winston is someone to talk with and seems to be around when needed. The man helps David with not only family issues but the trials and tribulations middle school brings. This includes a first girl friend and other confusing challenges.

When Winston eventually reveals the real reason why he has appeared, things get more confusing. Winston wants David to deliver a message to someone named The Walrus.

The first person narration shines as David hides the emotional turmoil that weighs him down. It’s been said “All You Need is Love” and with it David might be able to face the past for a new future.

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: MIGHT AS WELL BE DEAD by Mark GoldBlatt

  1. Beatle fans will be the only ones to pick up on the references to the famed foursome. For the 12 and up intended audience, they will be treated to an engaging story about trauma and healing.
  2. A school guidance counselor is portrayed as a positive presence for David. His brief appearance provide a glimpse at the good these people can bring to a school.
  3. Coping with life for a boy gets all star treatment in a story with no chapters, only an image of those eyeglasses transitioning you to the next scene. It flowed beautifully.
  4. The ending was rather abrupt, but the issues put forth would be great discussion topics for middle schoolers.
  5. The setting of Flushing, Queens was a perfect backdrop for a story with heart and hope.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mark Goldblatt is the author of the best-selling middle grade novel Twerp and its sequel Finding the Worm, as well as many works of fiction and non-fiction for adults. His writing has appeared in popular and academic journals including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, New York Post, New York Observer, USA Today, Time, Reason, Commentary, National Review, Quillette, Philosophy Now, and the Sewanee Theological Review. He teaches developmental English and religious history at Fashion Institute of Technology of the State University of New York.

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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!

Posted in MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

WHAT ABOUT PHILOSOPHY

Posted on May 5, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Kids of all ages always have questions. They usually begin with the word “What” or “Why”.

This new title, first released in France, arrives in America thanks to Chronicle Books. Sixteen questions are asked and each gets a cartoon type explanation of possible answers.

WHY DO WE GET JEALOUS?; WHY DO WE GO TO SCHOOL?; and DO WE ALWAYS HAVE TO SHARE? are three examples. The layout of illustrated answers provide a background to making it a perfect discussion topic with friends, teachers, and parents.

Intended for ages 7 and up, What About Philosophy is a quick read that will appeal to both boys and girls. Other titles available in the What About series include The Universe and Science.

AUTHOR BIOS

Anne-Sophie Chilard is the editor-in-chief of the children’s magazine J’aime lire. She is the co-author of several books of activities and recipes for children, and lives in Paris. Jean-Charles Pettier taught philosophy in high school, and is now a doctoral candidate in philosphy. He introduces the subject to young children through a column in the children’s magazine, Pomme d’api, He lives near Paris. Pascal Lemaitre is the illustrator of the numerous children’s books, including the bestselling picture books, Come with Me, Do Not Open This Book!, and many more. During the year, he splits his time between Brussels, Belgium, and Brooklyn, New York.

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Join us next week for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday! It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to join the lineup. All you have to do is email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

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

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

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, non fiction | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

THE GREAT FOREST Cover Reveal

Posted on May 4, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

I’m excited to share the cover for a new book by one of our MMGM contributors: Valinora Troy! Before the big reveal takes place, here’s some information about the book:

“Everything here hates you. The trees long to consume you, the ground to swallow you, the plants to poison you, and as for the creatures who live here… Your only chance of survival is to do exactly as I say. Clear?”

Twins Cathy and Alan are thrilled to be asked by the king of the Diamonds to enter the Great Forest on their eleventh birthday to complete the cleansing of the land. After all, Queen Rose is dead and all darkness gone from the trees. But when their home is attacked by a horde of vicious boars, and Alan and Cathy unwillingly taken to the Great Forest, the twins realise that evil remains there. Now they are faced with a terrible choice: escape from their captors and take their chances at survival, or find out who is waiting for them in the centre of the forest, and why?

Cathy and Alan are about to face the deadliest battle of their lives, against the forest, the monsters, … and each other.

The exciting conclusion to The Lucky Diamond trilogy

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Yes, it does sound exciting. So… without further delay here is THE GREAT FOREST cover:

Cover art by Phan Duy

It’s stunning with the bold colors complimenting each other while layered in an enticing format. I’m sure the story will live up to the greatness of this cover.

The Great Forest will be published on 21st June 2023. The ebook is currently available here for pre-order at a special price of .99 cent/.99 pence 

About the Author:

Valinora Troy has been writing since she was a child. Her first story popped into her head when she was 5 or 6, about a little girl who found a magic diamond. Recently she completed a M.A. in Creative Writing, specialising in Children & Young Adult fiction. Her short stories for adults have appeared in numerous venues. She has also served as a panellist for the CYBILS award, visits schools and libraries, and occasionally run writing classes for talented young authors. She hails from Blackrock, Co Louth, Ireland, and after living in Dublin for a number of years, recently returned to Louth to live in a magical writing cottage. Find out more at Valinora Troy – Children’s Fantasy Writer

Posted in MG Fantasy, Middle Grade News | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

MMGM for May 1, 2023

Posted on May 1, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

It’s a new month! Click on a flower pot to read a fantastic MG review or feature.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of MIRROR TO MIRROR by Rajani LaRocca. You can also check out my review of THE ADVENTURES OF THE FLASH GANG from last Friday.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an interview you won’t want to miss-but it will not be live until this Wednesday, May 3rd. It’s an interview with  debut author Matt McMann and a giveaway of his MG monster mystery Escape From Grimstone Manor. Matt’s wife is Lisa McMann and his daughter is the star of the Nancy Drew series on CW. 

Sue Heavenrich is over at Archimedes Notebook with a review of Climate Warriors: Fourteen Scientists and Fourteen Ways We Can Save Our Planet , by Laura Gehl.

Brenda at LOG CABIN LIBRARY reviews Might As Well Be Dead by Mark Goldblat

Kasey Giard at The Story Sanctuary has a review of Sarah Henning’s debut middle grade book, MONSTER CAMP.

Valinora Troy features a review of Clarity Jones and the Magical Detective Agency.

Maria Antonia has a post about Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl.

Susan Uhlig shares two novels that deal with antisemitic themes. A MG, LINKED by Gordon Korman, and  a YA, THE ASSIGNMENT by Liza Wiemer.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with Sunday’s review of SHANNON IN THE SPOTLIGHT.

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(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