It’s time to carve those pumpkins, but first check out this selection of MG reviews and features. Click on a PUMPKIN to reach a blogger’s post.
At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of DRAWING OUTSIDE THE LINES by Susan J. Austin.
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has a guest post by debut author George Jreije and a giveaway of his MG contemporary fantasy Shad Hadid and the Alchemists of Alexandria.
Faith Hough returns to MMGM with a new web site! Today she reviews The Pursuit of the Pilfered Cheese, by Haley Stewart.
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews an outstanding new story, Two Degrees by Alan Gratz.
Valinora Troy reviews A PINCH OF MAGIC by Michelle Harrison.
Andrea Mack is back with a review of Like a Duck by Deborah Kerbel.
Maria Antonia at “of books, photography, and tea” has a post about WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS, MAKE PEACH PIE by Erin Soderberg Downing.
Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of ETHEL’S SONG. Rosi also shares 3 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 Saturday’s review of the graphic novel, BOOKED.
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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.
Esteemed architect Julia Morgan was born 150 years ago and grew up in Oakland, California. She battled gender discrimination through most of her life as women were meant to marry and raise a family. Julia pushed forth and became a success in her field, designing over 700 buildings including the famed Hearst Castle.
The story here is about Julia Morgan’s life from birth through college graduation. Julia was the second of five children and wasn’t anything like her siblings. She saw the world in different eyes, always looking at detail and design.
Julia’s story is a fascinating read, especially since the author had little to go on in writing this first person narrative.
DRAWING OUTSIDE THE LINES makes for a great addition to the MG historical shelves. From the first page (as you join Julia on a train trip to Brooklyn), readers are transported back to a different time. It’s a joyous and revealing ride the whole way.
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PUBLISHER SYNOPSIS
Growing up in horse-and-buggy Oakland, Julia enjoys daring fence walks, climbing the tallest trees, and constantly testing her mother’s patience with her lack of interest in domestic duties and social events. At a time when “brainy” girls are the object of ridicule, Julia excels in school and consistently outsmarts her ornery brothers—but she has an even greater battle ahead. When she enrolls at university to study engineering, the male students taunt her, and the professors belittle her. Through it all, however, Julia holds on to her dream of becoming an architect. She faces each challenge head-on, firmly standing up to those who believe a woman’s place is in the home. Fortunately, the world has yet to meet anyone like the indomitable Miss Morgan.
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BOOK BIRTHDAY: October 18, 2022 PAGE COUNT: 256
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT DRAWING OUTSIDE THE LINES by Susan J. Austin
How does an author write about individuals from the 1800’s when not much is known about their early lives? The Author’s Note in the final pages reveals the background story of how it was done and it’s not to be missed.
Even young girls today will be inspired to never give up your dream no matter what anyone else says.
The mix of real historical events and fiction never makes you stop and wonder if it really did happen this way. A masterful job of research and writing by Susan Austin.
Thirty-one chapters are each centered around a moment in Julia’s life. They events would be good discussion material for a class reading this novel.
You will be very aware of the discrimination facing young women of the era. It’s front and center, revealing how tough the road has been for women interested in a science career.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Susan Austin As an educator, Susan J. Austin knows the minds of young readers. Her first novel, The Bamboo Garden, is set in Berkeley, California, 1923, and describes an unlikely friendship between two girls that is tested by a fierce fire that threatens to destroy their town. Currently, she is writing about 12-year-old Goldie, a whiz kid in the kitchen who hopes that her culinary magic can help her family’s delicatessen out of a pickle in 1928 Hollywood. Her characters are always brave, strong-willed, risk-takers. Writing historical fiction offers her a way to educate and excite her readers about the past. She and her husband live in Northern California, surrounded by family, their splendid, but fussy rose bushes, and a lifetime collection of books. Learn more atwww.susanjaustin.com
I’m more than pleased to be today’s tour stop for Piece By Piece with my featured review of this new title, but first a big thank you to Blue Slip Media (Instagram; Facebook) and Amazon Publishing (Instagram; Twitter) for including me in the lineup. A GIVEAWAY of the book is also offered with details below how to enter after my review.
Piece By Piece is the touching story of David Aguilar who was born without a forearm. His narrative takes you from birth to the present. David might as well have been sitting next to me telling his story as his words brought me closer to his life each step of the way. He often gets sidetracked and remembers a detail he should have included. A realistic and often humorous way to narrate his amazing accomplishments.
David has always loved LEGOS and they were the key to giving him the strength to be himself. He struggled with that first day of school when he couldn’t find a friend, later on a bully who treated him with disrespect, and the failures he had as a student. He also dealt with the pity people threw his way. But building his first model of the arm at age nine was the beginning of change for this young man.
David’s wonderful family (Mom. Dad, and a Sister) have been supportive since day one. His journey led him to create even better replacement arms and he has worked with both LEGO and NASA. You’ll have a good feeling after reading this book knowing that his story is the perfect prescription for so many who may be faced with a similar challenge.
David and his father are true heroes for having the courage to bring this story to the world.
The book is available in both Hardcover and Paperback and is best for ages 11 and up.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
David Aguilar and his father, Ferran Aguilar, are from Andorra, in Europe. David was born missing part of one arm. At the age of nine, he designed his first prosthesis with LEGO bricks, and in high school he built the next generation, which he named the MK-1. David’s father encouraged him to make a video about his prosthesis and the huge role that LEGOs played in his life, and posted it on social media, where it went viral and changed both of their lives. In addition to telling his story in this book, David is also the protagonist of the Spanish documentary Mr. Hand Solo, which won the award for best documentary at the Boston Science Fiction Film festival. David is currently developing his own brand, Hand Solo, which will aim to benefit various organizations for the disabled and fight against the stigma of “diff-ability,” as he calls it. Follow David and Ferran on Twitter @Handsolooficial and @AguilarFerran. Instagram: @handsoloofficial
Lawrence Schimel is a bilingual author who writes in both Spanish and English, with more than one hundred books to his credit. He is also a prolific literary translator, into English and into Spanish. His translated books include Wanda Gág’s Millions of Cats; George Takei’s graphic novel They Called Us Enemy; and Some Days, written and illustrated by María Wernicke; among many others. He lives in Madrid, Spain. Follow him on Twitter @lawrenceschimel.
Giveaway!
One lucky winner will receive a copy of Piece by Piece: How I Built My Life (No Instructions Required), courtesy of Amazon Crossing Kids (U.S. and Canada addresses). Leave a comment (or send me an email at gpcolo at gmail dot com to be entered and the Giveaway is open through October 27
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Blogging about middle grade books or authors next week? Join the celebration.
All you have to do is blog about a middle grade book on a Monday (contests, author interviews, or anything middle grade related also count). 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 please don’t forget to say what book or author 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.
Follow along as we celebrate the release of The Tiltersmithwith behind-the-scenes looks from author Amy Herrick, plus 10 chances to win a copy!
Two Truths and a Lie – Can You Guess Which is Which? by Amy Herrick
1. Three Stories About Amy Herrick, author of The Tiltersmith, and Her Dog in Prospect Park– Two Truths, One Lie
1. One morning my dog, Autumn and I, were out walking on the lonely path that goes around Lookout Hill in Prospect Park. We hadn’t gone far when I noticed that Autumn had stopped and was staring alertly at something in the trees. I followed her gaze and saw a large, solitary mastiff dog staring back at us. I searched the area, but there was no other human in sight, so I called to the dog, worried that he was lost, but he turned and loped off into the trees. After that we would run into him from time to time, but he never let us get near him. When I asked around, I discovered other people had seen this fellow, too, and that he was something of a legend in Prospect Park and was often referred to as The Ghost Dog. I soon started thinking of him as an enchanted guardian of the woods and it was he who first led me into the story of The Tiltersmith.
2. At one point in the novel, the character, Danton, drinks out of a magical water fountain in Prospect Park. There is an actual fountain in the park that looks exactly like the one described in the book: “it had a wide dark metal bowl, and around its rim metal birds and dragonflies peeked out from bronze leaves.” I have often (and my dog, too, when she was alive) taken drinks from this fountain, although, as far as I know, it never gave us any magical powers.
3. Two of the important scenes in The Tiltersmith take place in a hidden, overgrown garden place. Brigit and Feenix both come upon this place accidentally while walking in the park at different times. It seems to disappear behind them when they leave it. This garden also actually exists in “real life.” Autumn and I discovered it one morning when we went exploring in the woods. We had happened upon a crumbling brick path and followed it through an opening in the trees. Eventually, we came upon a half empty pond, overgrown with lily pads and weeds. In its middle was a little island. All around it were overgrown shrubberies and hedges and flowers grown wild. You could see that it had all once been carefully tended, but no longer, which somehow, made it all the more enchanting. It’s still not easy to find, but it’s definitely there.
2. On Amy Herrick’s Writing Process of The Tiltersmith— Two Truths, One Lie
1. In its final published form, The Tiltersmith is 308 pages long. If the book had been published in its original draft length, it would have been closer to 425 pages.
2. It took me seven years to complete the writing of this novel.
3. I believe it’s very helpful for a writer to share their work and ask for opinions and responses as they go along. I’m always reading bits of what I’m doing out loud to my husband, and sharing chapters with my sons and several trusted friends.
3. On Creating the Characters in The Time Fetch and The Tiltersmith— Two Truths and One Lie
1. Although there were eventually four main characters in The Time Fetch (same characters in The Tiltersmith), I started with only one—Brigit. The other three showed up, without anybody’s permission, one by one, as I was writing the book. I think Brigit was the first because she is the one most like me as a teenager—in school, very shy and prone to blushing.
2. The character of Feenix is often in trouble at home and in school. For instance, she puts peanut butter in the toes of the French teacher’s shoes. She persists in face-painting small figures next to one of her eyes every morning before school. She addresses Mr. Armand (the school security guard) as Mr. Armpit. The character of Feenix is loosely based on my darling firecracker of a son, who spent much of his high school years in detention.
3. I had a real roller coaster of a ride creating the character of the Tiltersmith. Should he come across as a Being of pure gleeful destruction or a powerful spirit of a more mixed nature? There are so many figures in mythology and folklore to model him upon, how to choose? In the end, I decided he needed to be pretty bad, but that he, too could fall in love and that none of us could be here without him.
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1 – # 2 is the Lie: There are many water fountains in Prospect Park. They are all delicious, but they are pretty basic looking–no metal birds and dragonflies peeking out from bronze leaves.
2 – #3 is the lie. Although I actually do believe it can be really helpful to share one’s work while in process, I’m intensely private with my writing. I can’t help myself. I pretty much never show it to anybody until I think it’s finished.
3 – #1 is the Lie: Although I definitely drew on aspects of myself in creating Brigit, Edward was the first character to show up in The Time Fetch. I had written quite a ways into the first draft of the book before I even knew the others existed.
Myths and monsters collide with climate chaos in a thrilling fantasy adventure.
Spring has arrived in Brooklyn, New York, but winter refuses to let go. Sleet, snow, and even a tornado batter the city. Mr. Ross, the science teacher, believes climate change is the cause, but classmates Edward, Feenix, Danton, and Brigit suspect older, magical forces are at work. When a peculiar character calling himself Superintendent Tiltersmith appears with a keen interest in the foursome, their suspicions are confirmed, and they’re swept up in a battle of wits and courage.
The friends must protect a set of mysterious tools belonging to the Lady of Spring. If they can free her from her underground prison, winter will end. But if the Tiltersmith steals the tools, he will keep the Lady in his power and upset the balance of nature forever.
Perfect for readers of Madeleine L’Engle and Susan Cooper, The Tiltersmith returns to the world of Amy Herrick’s acclaimed Time Fetch in a timely, exciting stand-alone adventure.
Praise:
“Herrick combines vivid descriptions of climate events, school-set science lessons, and weather-related stories from various cultures around the globe . . . resonates with current events and fits tonally alongside children’s fantasy classics.” —Publishers Weekly
“Vacillating between scientific reasoning and lore from worldwide cultures, the descriptions of beautiful legends of seasons and the sobering study of climate change are so rich.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Despite the contemporary setting, a diversified cast, and topical themes, events take on ritualistic elements that readers up on their Greek mythology will recognize. American fans of Susan Cooper’s The Dark Is Rising sequence will find themselves on familiar footing, albeit a bit closer to home.” —Booklist
“The author proves to have a keen eye for developing wonderfully dastardly villains. Tiltersmith is a fantastic bad guy who oozes disarming charm while also being deeply unsettling … cleverly handled … a compelling tale.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“It’s a great combination of the mystical and the scientific! A bit of gentle romance shouldn’t deter younger readers . . . The writing style is craftily literary, with warm incisive forays into each character’s inner life.” —Youth Services Book Review
Amy Herrick grew up in Queens, New York, and attended SUNY Binghamton and the University of Iowa. She lives in Brooklyn, where she has raised two sons, taught pre-K and grade school, written books, and kept company with her husband and numerous pets. A retired teacher, she loves traveling, learning Spanish, and above all reducing her carbon footprint.
GIVEAWAY
Ten (10) winners will receive a hardcover of The Tiltersmith
US/Canada only
Ends 11/6 at 11:59pm ET
Enter via the Rafflecopter below
Visit the other stops on the tour for more chances to win!
Fall into some some great MG reviews and features. Click on to reach a blogger’s post.
At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of NEW KIDS AND UNDERDOGS by Margaret Finnegan.
Mark Baker at Carstair’s Considers is back with a second MMGM entry this month – Tall Tales by James Riley.
Maria Antonia at Of Books, Photography, and Tea checks in with a review of THE LAST IN A LONG LINE OF REBELS by Lisa Lewis Tyre.
Valinora Troy reviews The Verdigris Pawn by Alysa Wishingrad.
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Amanda in Paris: Fire in the Cathedral, by Darlene Foster, who writes the Amanda Travel series. A great adventure and always a mystery to solve for middle graders.
Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of ALWAYS, CLEMENTINE Rosi also shares 3 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 Friday’s review of TWO DEGREES by Allan Gratz.
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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.
Learning about friendship and a dog agility class drives this new title.
Robyn spends school years with her mom and summers with Dad. Mom is always moving so it’s been a new school and being the new kid six times. Fifth grade brings Mom, Robyn, and her beloved two dogs, Sundae and Fudge to San Luis Obispo, CA.
Robyn doesn’t want any of her past failed starts to occur again so she creates a list of rules to follow at her new school. They revolve around blending in and staying away from trouble.
Mom has a different plan when she asks Robyn to get involved in an after-school activity. Instead of something her mom suggests, Robyn finds a dog agility class more to her liking.. She is immediately turned away by the trainer. One dog per person doesn’t work since Fudge is deaf and blind and always has Sundae by her side as a trusted companion.
Coming to the rescue is the instructor’s grandson, Nestor, who offers a deal. He’ll train the dogs if Robyn will tutor him in math. Nice plan but Robyn isn’t very good at math herself so she recruits a classmate to help. Soon enough more kids are involved and her plan to blend in is not working. Sticking to her rules has new challenges and she must adapt. Through it all she finds parallels to the dog training and her own life and begins to see people not by their cover, but by their full story.
The third person narration covers 24 chapters and 288 pages. I would have preferred a first person narration and a shorter length as it could have had a deeper emotional output. Nevertheless, NEW KIDS & UNDERDOGS has some good lessons about fitting in and being true to yourself. Best fit would be in a fourth or fifth grade classroom as the MC is 10 years old.
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT NEW KIDS AND UNDERDOGS by Margaret Finnegan
The other students all have stories in their past and each are eventually revealed. The background on Nestor who had cancer, and Alejandra who always wears purple were two of the best.
Sometimes a parent is not the one who gives you healing type advice. In this case, it’s Robyn’s college age sitter, Nivien. Her wisdom has Robyn thinking about her plight differently.
The agility class for dogs was fascinating. It certainly is a lifesaver for both animal and owner. I never knew how much was involved in this undertaking.
MG books often have one parent missing.so it was nice to see both parents involved in Robyn’s life.
The problems Robyn faces in agreeing to new friendships will be familiar to young readers. They might just pick op a few pointers here about how to deal with a new setting.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Margaret Finnegan’s work has appeared in Salon, LA Times, FamilyFun and other publications. She is the author of the middle-grade novel, WE COULD BE HEROES (Atheneum Books for Young Readers)–NOW A JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION!
She lives in Southern California with her husband, two children, and her dog, Walt. She loves baking, soft-serve ice cream, and walking her dog.
(For much more about Margaret, be sure to visit her author web page)
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Comments are welcome below. Don’t forget to visit al the other MMGM bloggers this week.
Korean American Pippa Park picks up right where she left off . . . trying to balance basketball, school, friends, working at the struggling family laundromat, and fitting in. Eliot, her math tutor—and the cutest boy at school—is finally paying attention to her. And Marvel—her childhood friend—is making her required volunteering much more interesting. But things with the Royals, her new friends and teammates who rule the school, still feel a bit rocky. Especially because Caroline, a head Royal, would like nothing more than to see Pippa fail.
So when Pippa is faced with hosting the annual Christmas Eve party that could make or break her social life, how can she say no? Will Pippa make enough money to cover the costs while juggling crushes and everything else? With courage and determination, Pippa sets out to host the party, find the perfect dress, pick the right boy, and stay true to her real self.
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The second book in the Pippa Park series will for sure please fans of the first book. I recommended Pippa Park Raises Her Game last year on Always in the Middle. Even those who missed the initial offering will be able to jump right into Pippa Park’s newest dilemma as she faces another year.
The first four chapter titles in Pippa Park Crush at First Sight focus on how many days until Christmas. The rest point to how many days remain until Pippa hosts the big holiday party in a cramped apartment on Christmas Eve. Pippa has one shot to be successful and accepted by the top group in the school. This lead-up to the big day is a great countdown technique.
Korean culture is infused throughout including a wide variety of delicious sounding food. Pippa’s apprehensions and always trying to solve problems on her own come full circle as she discovers it’s just fine to ask for help.
The 288 pages are an entertaining and a realistic look at middle school culture. Fitting in is always front and center.
Coming up next week is another edition of MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY! It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.
It’s easy to join the lineup. All you have to do is email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com
Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Leaves are falling along with some great MG reviews and features. Click on OCTOBER to reach a blogger’s post.
At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of a new thriller, WHAT WE SAW by Mary Downing Hahn.
Charlotte at Charlotte’s Library joins us for the first time on MMGM . She reviews Windswept by Margi Preus. Stop by and welcome our newest blogger!
Jennifer Bohnhoff talks about The Big Guy/ Little Guy Trope in Middle Grade Literature and Beyond.
Sue Heavenrich at Archimedes Notebook has How Was That Built?: The Stories Behind Awesome Structures and other books about architecture.
Carol Baldwin checks in with a review of MOONWALKING.
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal has a review of She Persisted: Maria Tallchief by Christina Day, an Indigenous author.
Maria Antonia@ of books, photography, and tea reviews one from the past: GIRL IN BLUE by Ann Rinaldi
Alex Baugh at Randomly Reading shares a hauntingly good novel, The Girl in White by Lindsay Currie.
Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of TRUSTING TRUE NORTH by Gina Linko. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.
Valinora Troy reviews THE HEALING STAR by A. Kidd
Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with Friday’s review of A MILLION VIEWS.
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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 typically shy away from adult fiction murder mysteries. The daily news is depressing enough. But I was faced with reading a new murder mystery for middle grade. Yes you read that right.
Murder and middle grade.
WHAT WE SAW turns out to be a riveting hard to put down story of two best friends who gather a lot of evidence while hiding out in a tree house. I read this whodunnit in one day which is not something I ever do with books.
Twelve-year-old Abbi and Skyler witness a meeting between a mystery woman and another person in a dark van. From their perch in the tree they know their summer just got a lot more exciting. Maybe they are witnessing spies or criminals on the run!
When the mystery woman turns up murdered, the girls know their clues might help police. It’s sad because Abbi and Skyler know both the victim and possibly the murderer. Being detectives is scarier than ever.
Revealing secrets is sure to destroy many more lives but the danger level increases giving them no other choice. Their friendship is tested as they decide what to do.
Both girls live in single parent households with their mothers. Abby narrates the story, one filled with true to life middle grade drama. There are two nasty bullies and drug use by an older brother, keeping this one solidly in the upper middle grade category (I’d suggest the 11-13 age group).
No spoilers here and there are many I could drop. Give this one a go if you like a small town where summer turns into a thrilling, suspenseful adventure. WHAT WE SAW is what you should read. The compact page count is also a plus.
PAGE COUNT: 206 BOOK BIRTHDAY: September 6, 2022
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: WHAT WE SAW by Mary Downing Hahn
Many young readers will feel the fear of thier parents finding out you did something you shouldn’t have done. It’s usually something simple like in this story when Abby and Skyler ride their bikes to the other side of town. The plot handles it to perfection.
The challenges of single parenting are brought out superbly. For Abby, who never knew her father, she hopes Mom will marry the man she is currently dating. For Skyler she is bitter toward her dad who had an affair and left. Great contrast in family situations.
Students have favorite teachers as demonstrated in this school part of the plot. It turns into a huge deal when all is revealed.
You may figure out the mystery quicker than the MC’s, but seeing what the girls go through from accusations to realities is a wonderful ride.
A different kind of spooky read for the upcoming season of scares.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mary Downing Hahn’s many acclaimed novels include such beloved ghost stories as Wait Till Helen Comes, Deep and Dark and Dangerous, and Took. A former librarian, she has received more than fifty child-voted state awards for her work. She lives in Columbia, Maryland, with a cat named Nixi.
Eleven-year-old Eric King (otherwise known as Doodles given his passion for drawing), loves to visit the amusement park his great-great grandfather created and now run by Eric’s dad. A recent hurricane has damaged the Coney Island park leaving property developers licking their chops at the possibilities—like turning the whole place into condos and apartments.
Eric’s family might lose it all and his parents are not getting along. This leaves Eric with what he feels is the one good thing left in his young life. It’s Monster Club, a role playing game that Eric and his friends created. But now his friends are finding other things to do that seem more grownup. Eric is devastated and suddenly he has no friends thanks to his untimely temper.
This contemporary set-up occurs in the first 30% of the story/ Then, OH MY, the plot dives head first in another direction
Eric finds a vial of magic ink in a box full of other stuff. He draws his favorite monster, Brickman, and POP! the monster appears right next to him in 3-D form.
His old friends are back and they also draw their favorite beast using the ink, but the increase in monsters wreaks havoc across Coney Island. Whoops, it’s all Eric’s fault. Now the Monster Club must make things right for the monsters, Eric’s family, and the shuttered amusement park.
Monster Club at 335 pages won’t appeal to everyone. The long drawn out climax could have been shortened, but it does set up a sequel. Other than Brickman, keeping the characters and owners straight was a challenge. Darren the bully was one to dislike and appeared more like an escaped criminal. But if you like an action packed story this one might be to your liking. One final note to the parents who always asking me “Any Inappropriate Language? Yes there is quite a bit but nothing in the PG-13 or R rated kind.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Darren Aronofsky is a Coney Island–raised, Academy Award–nominated screenwriter, director, and producer. He is best known for his surreal, high-concept work in films like Requiem for a Dream, Black Swan, The Wrestler, and mother!
Ari Handel is a scientist, writer, producer, and storyteller. He and Darren Aronofsky have worked together for more than twenty years on many projects, including The Fountain, Noah, and the National Geographic series One Strange Rock, Welcome to Earth, and Limitless.
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Blogging about middle grade books or authors next week? Join the celebration.
All you have to do is blog about a middle grade book on a Monday (contests, author interviews, or anything middle grade related also count). 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 please don’t forget to say what book or author 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.
At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of DRAWING OUTSIDE THE LINES by Susan J. Austin.
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has a guest post by debut author George Jreije and a giveaway of his MG contemporary fantasy Shad Hadid and the Alchemists of Alexandria.
to reach a blogger’s post.
Always in the Middle... 