Love is in the air over these MG books. Click on a to reach a blogger’s review or feature.
At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of MIDDLE SCHOOL: WINTER BLUNDERLAND by James Patterson and Brian Sitts.
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles shares a guest post by Shawn Peters with a giveaway of The Unforgettable Logan Foster #1 or The Unforgettable Logan Foster and The Shadow of Doubt (#2):Winner’s choice!
Sue Heavenrich is over at Archimedes Notebook and she has a short review of Am I Made of Stardust?: Dr. Maggie Answers the Big Questions for Young Scientists plus some hands-on activities for space cadets.
Brenda at LOG CABIN LIBRARY has a review of Etta Invincible by Reese Eschmann.
Susan Uhlig enjoyed Orcas in the Salish Sea in A Whale of the Wild by Rosanne Parry.
Maria Antonia returns with a review about WE OWN THE SKY by Rodman Philbrick.
Faith Hough has an interview up with Claire Swinarski, author of What Happened to Rachel Riley?
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Merci Suárez Plays It Cool by Meg Medina, who is the 2023-2024 National Ambassador for Young People. This is the final book in her trilogy.
Mark Baker at Carstairs Considers reviews Bastille Vs. the Evil Librarians by Brandon Sanderson and Janci Patterson.
Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with Saturday’s THE WIN OVER.
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If you would like to join in the MMGM fun and get your own spot in the parade, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count–but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you’re featuring 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 please don’t forget to say what book 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.
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.
The Middle School series is back with book #15 (yes, FIFTEEN!). It has been twelve years since I read the first title-Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life. I never reviewed that story as I found the main character, Rafe Khatchadorian, to be unforgettable and annoying.
My feelings weren’t shared by the intended audience as new titles continued to be released. I finally succumbed to pressure and read 2013’s Middle School: How I Survived Bullies. Broccoli, and Snake Hill. I was quite surprised that Rafe had finally won me over. His internal dialog was hilarious and the fast paced summer camp setting was a great fit for any reader, reluctant or not.
Despite not having the time to read any of the other titles, I couldn’t resist WINTER BLUNDERLAND because of the Alaska setting. Rafe’s narration is laugh out loud as he spends winter break in the cold and barren landscape of our 49th state. How this happens is revealed in the first chapters.
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Things heat up at Hills Village Middle School when Rafe gets an invitation from Dr. Daria Deerwin to join a research study on polar bears. How many times in life do you get a chance to come face‑to‑face with a real polar bear in the wild? Rafe is ready to find out!
Alaska is pinkie‑freezing, hair‑freezing, snot‑freezing cold, but Rafe might be headed for a meltdown. He’s spending every waking moment with Penelope, who he definitely has a crush on, and a polar bear Dr. Deerwin is tracking goes missing…with poachers on the tundra. It’s up to Rafe, Penelope, and their new friends to save the day in Rafe’s coolest adventure yet.
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The short 46 chapters are perfect for those less than enthusiastic readers who hate long chapters. No problem here as they will race through this adventure in a matter of days. Rafe’s first person narration is never boring and had me smiling throughout. There’s one calamity after another from snowmobiles to Russian Freighters.
If you’ve never read any of the titles in the series (Here they are) it won’t be a problem reading Winter Blunderland first. It’s also a great read-aloud in those spare minutes before bedtime or recess. Fun scene illustrations are scattered throughout. With all the bad news in the world, take time to smile with Rafe as your guide.
PAGE COUNT: 256 RELEASE DATE: November 7, 2022
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: MIDDLE SCHOOL WINTER BLUNDERLAND By James Patterson and Brian Sitts
You learn about the outer reaches of Alaska where wildlife outnumber people. Felt like I was right beside Rafe as he deals with the elements.
I’ve known quite a few middle grade kids who have not missed reading a single title in the series. This one does not disappoint and Rafe’s character arc continues to expand.
Rafe’s first crush is handled splendidly. Those readers his same age will understand his awkward attempts at impressing Penelope, the daughter of Dr. Darian Deerwin, his adult guide on the trip.
Rafe gets homesick, missing his family and the holidays he normally spends with mom, sister, and grandmother. The resolution is a heartwarming moment.
Those who are “forced” to read every night have a friend in this series. It’s a win when a kid who hates to read will pick this one up and read it without asking.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
James Patterson is the world’s bestselling author, best known for his many enduring fictional characters and series, including Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Michael Bennett, Maximum Ride, Middle School, I Funny, and Jacky Ha-Ha. Patterson’s writing career is characterized by a single mission: to prove to everyone, from children to adults, that there is no such thing as a person who “doesn’t like to read,” only people who haven’t found the right book. He’s given over a million books to schoolkids and over forty million dollars to support education, and endowed over five thousand college scholarships for teachers. He writes full-time and lives in Florida with his family.
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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW. BE SURE TO ALSO VISIT THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!
Get ready to blast off on an illuminating journey to the farthest reaches of the universe as we celebrate the release of 1,000 Facts About Space (National Geographic Kids Books, ages 8-12). This week, five blogs across the web are featuring out-of-this world facts about mysterious black holes, daring space travel, groundbreaking missions, awe-inspiring stars and one of the giants of the solar system – Uranus! Looking to up your galactic IQ? Read on!
9 High-Flying Facts About Life in Space
In the 1960s, food was so yucky that John Young smuggled in a corn beef sandwich in his space suit.
Circling the Earth every 90 minutes, astronauts see 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets each day.
The livable space in the International Space Station (ISS) is about equal to that of a 747 airplane. But you share that space with only two to five people.
Spacecraft regularly fly to the ISS, bringing crews, food and supplies. Up to six spacecraft can visit at one time.
Due to the microgravity in space, most astronauts experience puffy faces, poofy hair, and clogged sinuses. Stuffed-up sinuses make food in space taste much blander than on Earth. Astronauts have found that hot sauce helps.
When British astronaut Tim Peake dialed a wrong number from the ISS phone, a woman on the line assumed it was a prank call.
Russian Valery Polyakov spent 438 days aboard the Mir space station, the longest stay by any person on a single flight.
Because the gravity on the moon is one-sixth that of Earth, the astronauts developed their own ways of walking, skipping, or hopping on the surface. They still fell down a lot.
As of 2022, more than 250 different people, representing 19 different countries, have spent time in the ISS.
If you’d like to learn 991 MORE facts about black holes, planets, astronomers, telescopes, space travel, pioneers of space travel, space weather and so much more, check out 1,000 Facts About Spaceby astronomer Dean Regas.
Did you know … that one of Saturn’s moons is so hollow it would float in water? That the largest known star is 3.69 billion times bigger than our sun? Or that Jupiter likely has diamonds floating in its clouds?
Explore dazzling facts about the vast expanse of space, from glowing stars billions of light-years away to supermassive exploding supernovas to rockets thundering into the unknown. This comprehensive book takes you on a mind-blowing tour of our unbelievable universe and is full of fascinating facts on topics such as space exploration, our solar system and galaxy, and beyond.
Expert astronomer Dean Regas ― former host of PBS’s Star Gazers and astronomer of the Cincinnati Observatory ― takes you on an incredible tour of facts about each planet in our solar system, dwarf planets, our sun and other stars, exoplanets, comets, asteroids, galaxies, space travel, and so much more. Hundreds of stunning photographs bring the facts to life.
About the Author
DEAN REGAS has been the astronomer for the Cincinnati Observatory since 2000. He is a renowned educator, author, national popularizer of astronomy, and an expert in observational astronomy.
From 2010–2019, Dean was the co-host of the PBS program Star Gazers. His books include Facts From Space!, 100 Things to See in the Night Sky, and 100 Things to See in the Night Sky, Expanded Edition. Dean is a contributing editor to Sky & Telescope magazine and a contributor to Astronomy magazine, where he won the 2008 Out-of-this-World Award for astronomy education. Dean has written more than 150 astronomy articles for the Cincinnati Enquirer, blogged for the Huffington Post, and is regularly featured on television and radio. Dean is a frequent guest on National Public Radio’s Science Friday and Here & Now. He also hosts an astronomy podcast with Anna Hehman called Looking Up.
At the Cincinnati Observatory, Dean has developed his skills as a dynamic writer and public speaker who brings the complicated field of astronomy down to Earth for students of all ages. You can find him online at https://www.cincinnatiobservatory.org/dean-regas/about-dean.
Additional Resources
For additional info on the wonders of outer space, check out the kid friendly games, articles and amazing images of our galaxy and beyond at National Geographic Kids’ Passport to Space. Educators, tap into to a wealth of resources focused on space exploration, including informative videos, articles and Kahoots at NG Education’s Resource Library.
GIVEAWAY
One (1) winner will receive a hardcover of 1,000 Facts About Space
US/Can only
Ends 2/19 at 11:59 pm ET
Enter via the Rafflecopter below
Visit the other stops on the tour for more chances to win!
We’ve flipped over to a new month. Click on to reach a blogger’s middle grade review or feature.
At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of THE NOT-SO-UNIFORM LIFE OF HOLLY-MEI by Christian Matula.
Linda Browne presents another Bookcase Bizarro: Children’s Book Reviews January, 2023. Included are an MG novel and an MG graphic novel.
Andrea Mack returns with a review of Hummingbird by Natalie Lloyd.
Suzanne Warr has a shoutout for Spark, by Sarah Beth Durst who’s written a book for dragon lovers in a story that promotes social awareness of how interconnected our world is.
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews I Survived: The Galveston Hurricane of 1900 by Lauren Tarshis.
Rosi Hollinbeck reviews and has a GIVEAWAY of DAISY WOODWORM CHANGES THE WORLD by Melissa Hart. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.
Faith Hough has a fun review of a middle grade mystery written by her great-grandmother-in-law in 1956: The Cocker Spaniel Mystery, by Hazel Langdale. She’s also am giving away a copy!
Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with yesterday’s THE PUTTERMANS ARE IN THE HOUSE.
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If you would like to join in the MMGM fun and get your own spot in the parade, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count–but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you’re featuring 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 please don’t forget to say what book 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.
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.
I had this one on my stacks of books to review last year, but it never made it to the top until 2023 rolled around. The wait was well worth it.
Holly-Mei lives with her younger sister and their parents in Toronto. Mom is Taiwanese and dad is white and originally from England. The story begins when the girls learn from their mother that she has a new job and they will be moving to Hong Kong for two years. After some initial worries Holly-Mei is excited about the move. Her new school is on the beach and an always best friend at her present school is on the outs after Holly-Mei’s honesty about a classmate was not well received. It seems like the perfect timing, except Ah-ma (Taiwanese for grandmother) is staying behind.
After the family’s arrival in Hong Kong, it doesn’t take long for Holly Mei to realize living in this new city brings many challenges with new rules and expectations. The most popular girl at her private school is giving her fits and Holly-Mei is beginning to miss Canada more and more. But adventure awaits in this ocean-side city and Holly-Mei is determined to make it work.
The setting is eyeopening and wonderful, especially for those like me who have never been to China. Readers will learn about the many features Kong Kong has to offer and the wide range of food choices. But the real tale are tweens dealing with friendships, possible first crushes, and cultural understanding. Holly-Mei’s first person narration brings it forth in a splendid way. Several nice illustrations also appear throughout.
A well paced plot and I’m glad this is the first in a series of Holly-Mei books. Book two will be out on April 4, 2023: THE NOT-SO-PERFECT PLAN.
You get a look how the ultra rich live with a few of the classmates and their families. Very eye opening.
A positive story about the Asian culture and how a bi-racial girl finds s few friends like her.
Doing the wrong thing is something middle school kids will relate to. Holly-Mei does her best and eventually learns to deal with the choices she makes.
Many more great characters from Millie, her one grade younger sister and of course all the new friends Holly Mei meets. It will be fun to see their character arcs grow deeper as new books in the series are released.
The back pages bring many welcome surprises. Beginning with the author’s note about how the story parallels her own to a glossary of Chinese words used in the book. I also can’t wait to try the two recipes: Ah-ma’s Dumplings and Millie’s Red Bean Creamsicles.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Christina Matula is from Ottawa, Canada and is of Taiwanese-Hungarian heritage. Being a child of immigrant parents, she has always been curious about other cultures and far-off places.
Moving to Hong Kong gave Christina the chance to explore her Chinese cultural roots (amazing food, fascinating festivals) and learn some Mandarin (constant uphill climb). She loves eating dumplings, playing field hockey, and hiking.
She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Hong Kong. She is also a former Board Member of Bring Me A Book Hong Kong, which advocates reading aloud with children and provides quality books to local underserved communities.
She now lives in Helsinki, Finland with her husband, two children, and puppy.
The world is full of surprises in every corner of this vast planet. The facts siding more on the weird side have been compiled in this inspiring and often jaw dropping edition of the Weird But True! series.
The cover of WORLD 2023 begs to be open. Inside are 9 chapters full of bold, spectacular pictures from places near and far. Journey across the seven continents and you will find weird, wacky, and amazing sights.
A sample of my favorites include HORSETAIL FALL’S FIREFALL in Yosemite, California; THE SWING AT THE END OF THE WORLD in Baños, Ecuador; and THE UNDERWATER WATERFALL on an island in the Indian Ocean.
If those don’t intrigue you there are hundreds more. The final bonus chapter even takes you into space where you’ll find what it’s like to live there along with the mysteries of the universe.
Fun personality quizzes reveal your likenesses (One of those reveals I’m more like a marine iguana!). Equally fun are the awards to the weirdest place, animal, and photo for 2023.
Weird But True! World 2023 is intended for kids, but even those of us a little older will find hours of eyeopening fun times seeing and reading this compilation. At 304 pages you will never get bored. Great job National Geographic Kids!
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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.
Click on to reach a blogger’s middle grade review or feature.
At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of ARTEMIS SPARKE AND THE SOUND SEEKERS BRIGADE by Kimberly Behre Kenna.
Brenda at Log Cabin Library reviews Kelcie Murphy and the Hunt for the Heart of Danu by Erika Lewis.
Carol Baldwin shares her journey to submitting her middle grade novel, Half Truths. It’s a fascinating look at how she got to this point in her writing career!
Sue Heavenrich has TWO nonfiction MG books for the week over at Archimedes Notebook.
Susan Uhlig found I, Cosmo to be a doggone good book.
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews The Healing Star by A. Kidd. A charming story about the bond between a girl and her grandmother.
Valinora Troy lets us know what she thinks about THE CARREFOUR CURSE by Dianne K. Salerni.
Rosi Hollinbeck reviews LOVE PUPPIES BEST FRIENDS FUREVER by JaNay Brown-Wood. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.
Faith Hough is back again this week with a review of The View from Pagoda Hill, by Michaela MacColl.
Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with last Friday’s SIMON SORT OF SAYS.
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If you would like to join in the MMGM fun and get your own spot in the parade, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count–but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you’re featuring 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 please don’t forget to say what book 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.
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.
When Artemis Sparke has had it with humans, she heads to the nearby salt marsh to hang out with the birds, plants and mollusks who don’t make a big deal of her stutter. The shoreline sanctuary is predictable, unlike her family and friends, and the data in her science journal proves it. But one day that data goes haywire, and her bird friend RT confirms it: the salt marsh is dying. Artemis discovers that the historic hotel where she lives with her mom may be part of the problem, but speaking up would mean confronting the cranky hotel owner who happens to be her mom’s boyfriend and boss. Artemis conjures up help from deceased ecologists, and as she works to untangle their clues, she finds family secrets that could be the key to saving the salt marsh but also may destroy her life as she knows it.
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The setting of Long Island Sound off the coast of Connecticut brings the issue of saving our environment to the forefront. The third person narration follows Artemis as she becomes more worried by what is happening.
The only other person that seems to care is a neighbor lady. Even Art’s best friend, Warren, is a bit skeptical. Also not always on Art’s side is a mom who is a maid at the hotel and is separated from the dad, He makes brief appearances when his busy writing schedule allows.
This leaves Artemis searching for solutions which she finds in the form of friendly ghosts at the hotel. The 152 pages move along at a nice pace and are a welcome break from today’s more typical 300 page MG novels. An epilogue ties together all the questions about what eventually occurs with the Sound Seekers Brigade’s efforts.
Artemis Sparke and the Sound Seekers Brigade is a welcome addition to the shelf of environmentally themed books for middle graders. The release date is Feb. 2nd which coincides with International Wetland’s Day.
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: ARTEMIS SPARKE AND THE SOUND SEEKERS BRIGADE
Artemis has a sweet personality readers will like. She is focused and passionate toward her quest while dealing with being a kid around adults who have opposing views.
Stuttering can be an overwhelming obstacle in growing up. Artemis’s stutter never overshadows the environmental aspect, but their is a hint of help in her future.
Warren has his own problems at home and that is often the reason he is not always behind his friend 100%. Thankfully, his story also gets a hopeful change in the final pages.
An inspiration to readers who want to push forth with conservation in their own communities.
A nice balance of realistic and speculative fiction.
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” was a finalist and received Honorable Mention in the 2019 Tassy Walden New Voices in Children’s Literature Competition. It will be published by Fitzroy Books 2/2/23. Another book in her Brave Girl Collection, “Jett Jamison and the Secret Storm” is forthcoming from Black Rose Publishing 8/3/23. A third in the collection, as yet unpublished, won second place in The Institute of Children’s Literature 2022 MG Mystery First Pages Contest. Her poems and short 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
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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW! BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON THIS WEEK’S EDITION OF MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!
A banjolele is a very unique four-stringed musical instrument. It has a body like a small banjo, and the neck similar to a ukulele.
This expanded picture book is the story of how artist Valerie June and a banjolele became best friends and together created the song, Somebody to Love.
It begins in her childhood when Valerie receives the banjolele as a gift. She plays the instrument but others call it a toy. For years it goes unused before she finds it again and they reconnect. Now these two perform all over the world.
Bold and beautiful pictures accompany the text. In the last few pages you’ll find a brief background on other believers like Oprah Winfrey, John Lennon, and Martin Luther King Jr.
Somebody to Love is one to share with anyone who has an interest in music and the power to believe.
Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Tennessee. Valerie has been published in the New York Times, which has hailed her as one of America’s “most intriguing, fully formed new talents.” She has recorded four critically acclaimed, best-selling solo albums and has also written songs for legendary artists such as Mavis Staples and The Blind Boys of Alabama. Valerie has performed on The Tonight Show, The Late Show,Austin City Limits, Rachael Ray, and CBS Saturday Morning, and graced some of the world’s most prestigious stages, from Carnegie Hall to the Kennedy Center. She’s part of the Turnaround Arts program originally started by First Lady Michelle Obama. Also a poet, her first collection, Maps for the Modern World was published in April 2021 by Andrews McMeel Publishing. When she’s not touring, June splits her time between Tennessee and New York.
Marcela Avelar is a Mexican-born artist based in New York City. She is the founder of a not-for-profit digital art collective called The Artruist. Her work can be seen in advertisements as well as album covers for musicians like Special K’s, Aloysius 3, Pete Remm, So Brown, Wes Hutchinson and 9 time Grammy Award winner Norah Jones. She also designed the stage for Norah Jones’ 2017 Day Breaks World Tour. In 2018, Marcela’s artwork was part of an exhibit in New Paltz, NY celebrating Mexican Women Artists, Artbath, a monthly performance series in NYC and she is working on her next solo exhibit. Currently, she is in collaboration with a Mexico based developer to create unique designs for tiles and textiles.
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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.
Click on to reach a blogger’s middle grade review or feature.
At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of SINCERELY SICILY by Tamika Burgess.
Brenda at Log Cabin Library reviews NeverLore: Journey to Mt. Smolder by Taya & Nathan Okerlund.
Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles is back with us again and has an interview with debut author Megan Reyes and a giveaway of her MG fantasy Heroes of Havensong: Dragonboy.
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Singing with Elephants by Margarita Engle, a charming novel in verse.
Maria Antonia at of books, photography, and tea has a post about MY LIFE BEGINS! by Patricia MacLachlan.
Valinora Troy shares her review about Winters Keep by Tamsin Mori, an exciting conclusion to the Storm Weaver trilogy.
Carol Baldwininterviews award-winning NF PB author, Margriet Ruurs, in conjunction with giving away one of Margriet’s books. Many middle-grade students enjoy learning from nonfiction picture books so this is worth a visit.
Rosi Hollinbeck reviews Vanderbeekers on the Road. 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 THE LOST YEAR.
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If you would like to join in the MMGM fun and get your own spot in the parade, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count–but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you’re featuring 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 please don’t forget to say what book 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.
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.
It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. Email me the title of the book or feature for any middle grade book, author or giveaway, and a link to your blog. Send it to: 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 that week’s MMGM.
*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.
Love is in the air over these MG books. Click on a 
to reach a blogger’s review or feature.
to reach a blogger’s middle grade review or feature.
to reach a blogger’s middle grade review or feature.
to reach a blogger’s middle grade review or feature.
Always in the Middle... 