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

MMGM for FEBRUARY 13, 2023

Posted on February 13, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

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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(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

MIDDLE SCHOOL: WINTER BLUNDERLAND

Posted on February 12, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Rafe gets homesick, missing his family and the holidays he normally spends with mom, sister, and grandmother. The resolution is a heartwarming moment.
  5. 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!

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

1,000 Facts About Space Blog Tour

Posted on February 10, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

Welcome to the

1,000 Facts About Space

Blog Tour & Giveaway!

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 Space by astronomer Dean Regas.

Buy | Buy on IBookshop.org | Add to GoodReads

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!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Blog Tour Schedule:

February 6th — From the Mixed-Up Files of Middle Grade Authors

February 7th  — Imagination Soup

February 8th – Daddy Mojo

February 9th  – YA Books Central

February 10th  — Always in the Middle

Posted in Giveaways, Middle Grade News, non fiction | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

MMGM for FEBRUARY 6, 2023

Posted on February 6, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

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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(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

THE NOT-SO-UNIFORM LIFE OF HOLLY-MEI

Posted on February 5, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

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.

Page Count: 288

FIVE (“ng” in Cantonese) MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE NOT-SO-UNIFORM LIFE OF HOLLY-MEI

  1. You get a look how the ultra rich live with a few of the classmates and their families. Very eye opening.
  2. A positive story about the Asian culture and how a bi-racial girl finds s few friends like her.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

Christina is represented by Carrie Pestritto of Laura Dail Literary Agency.

For more about Christina be sure to visit her author website.

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW. ALSO BE SURE TO VISIT THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON THIS WEEK”S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY

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