MMGM for MARCH 13, 2023

Posted on March 13, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

It’s your lucky week. Click on to reach a blogger’s middle grade review or feature.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of MY NOT-SO-GREAT FRENCH ESCAPE by Cliff Burke.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an agent/author guest post by Sara Crow and Maria Jose Fitzgerald and a giveaway of Maria’s MG contemporary mystery Turtles of the Midnight Moon and a query critique giveaway by Sara.

Brenda at Log Cabin Library reviews Dead Alley:  A Motley Education Book by S.A. Larsen.

Carol Baldwin gives us insights to her next MG work in progress with What’s Next?.

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Legends of Lotus Island: The Guardian Test by Christina Soontornvat, a new compelling fantasy series for readers just starting middle grade books. 

Max @ Completely Full Bookshelf recommends two books: Squished by Megan Wagner Lloyd and Michelle Mee Nutter, and Sylvie by Sylvie Kantorovitz.

Maria Antonia has a post about NEW KIDS AND UNDERDOGS by Margaret Finnegan.

Mark Baker at Carstairs Considers features The Shimmer by Ridley Pearson.

Faith Hough has a review of  Honey and Me, by Meira Drazin.

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 SQUISHED.

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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

MY NOT-SO-GREAT FRENCH ESCAPE

Posted on March 12, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

When I saw author Cliff Burke’s name on the cover of MY NOT-SO-GREAT FRENCH ESCAPE, I hoped for a story just as good as his debut novel, AN OCCASIONALLY HAPPY FAMILY reviewed here in 2021.

It didn’t take me long to find out. I began reading this contemporary novel one evening and couldn’t put it down. The heartwarming and at times heart wrenching tale turned out to be even better than Mr. Burke’s first.

The plot is unique:

Rylan O’Hare always had a best friend until Wilder decided it was time to move onto the cool kids. Wilder’s family is ultra rich, living in a huge house while Rylan and his mom live together in a much smaller home.

But then Wilder invites Rylan on an all-expenses paid trip to France for a summer camp experience at a farm. The opportunity is too good to pass up for Rylan and before leaving on the trip he begins to reconnect with Wilder.

Something else unexpected happens: Rylan’s father who disappeared when Rylan was 3 happens to live in France and he’d like to reconnect with his son.

Rylan is not so sure about seeing his dad but finally makes a decision he thinks is right. Once Rylan arrives at the camp there are goats to milk, a new language to learn, swarms of bees, and pigeon poop. Unfortunately, Wilder ditches him again in favor of the cool French kids. Rylan finds comfort in his own group that includes a German boy named Martin, Annie from Hong Kong, and Swiss born Lia who is the youngest.

There’s much more to the story I won’t ruin with spoilers. What I can share are the two components that endeared me to the plot. I’ve stayed in touch with three students who are now adults. Each of their dads also left before their sons reached school age and never contacted them again. Every moment of Rylan’s path reminded me of time spent actively listening to these three boys who struggled with the same emotions. It takes a village as they say. Thankfully all three are doing well in their lives.

The other connection was with German boy, Martin. He is an exact copy (including his name) of a boy I hosted in an exchange program. They talked and acted the same way. Thanks for bringing back the memories.

If you want an often funny and deeply moving story plan on spending some time with Rylan. One of my favorites so far in 2023.

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FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: MY NOT-SO-GREAT FRENCH ESCAPE by Cliff Burke

  1. Rylan’s first person narration is spot on. He’s compassionate, opinionated at times, and the epitome of a almost 13-year-old boy.
  2. Pierre is their French host on the farm. He’s a memorable adult character who is an endearing part of the story. He’d make a great dad.
  3. The voice mail Rylan sends to his mom.
  4. You learn about organic farming. I’ll be trying some of these tips in my own home garden.
  5. I have a book to share with all those kids who long to see a new light in their broken parent relationships.

About the Author

Cliff Burke grew up in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio. He worked as a house painter, a parking lot attendant, and a sign-twirling dancing banana before graduating from the College of William and Mary. For the past ten years, he has taught reading and writing in China, Hong Kong, and Texas. Currently, he teaches writing and humanities at a middle school in the San Francisco Bay Area. His first novel, An Occasionally Happy Family, was a 2022 Spirit of Texas Book and was selected for several state reading lists. His latest novel, My Not-So-Great French Escape, will be released in March 2023.

​Cliff is represented by Jim McCarthy at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret.

You can follow Cliff on Instagram or Goodreads, and be sure to visit his author website.

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

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, New Release | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

150 HAPPY FACTS

Posted on March 10, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ABOUT THE CREATORS

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

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It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

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

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

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

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

MMGM for March 6, 2023

Posted on March 6, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

THE FLYING HORSE

Posted on March 5, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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

You can find more about Sarah on her Twitter page.

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Comments are welcome below…

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

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

BIG NATE-NAILED IT!

Posted on March 3, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MMGM for FEBRUARY 27, 2023

Posted on February 27, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Andrea Mack has Alice Fleck’s Recipes for Disaster by Rachelle Delaney.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with last Saturday’s THE HOUSE SWAP.

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(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

HOW TO MAKE A MOVIE IN 12 DAYS

Posted on February 26, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW.

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

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

Superpower? The Wearable-Tech Revolution

Posted on February 24, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

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

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

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

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

MMGM for FEBRUARY 20, 2023

Posted on February 20, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

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

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

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

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

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

Maria Antonia posts about KEY PLAYER by Kelly Yang.

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

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of Detector Dogs, Dynamite Dolphins, and More Animals with Sensory Powers. Rosi also shares three links for her writing friends.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with yesterday’s DAYS OF INFAMY.

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

———————————————————————

(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