THREE STRIKE SUMMER

Posted on August 21, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

The year is 1936. Gloria Mae Willard, her parents, and older sister are evicted from their Oklahoma farm. The baby brother they recently lost is buried under a tree on that property. The Dust Bowl has wreaked havoc making farming the land a useless endeavor. Gloria’s passion though is baseball and the boys in her former town never let her play.

The family moves to California and stays in a settlement of workers picking a peach crop. The work is not easy, but Gloria discovers a small group of boys sneaking out to play baseball against a group from a nearby apricot farm. Rules forbid them from leaving the premises but who cares when baseball is the goal. Gloria has a plan to put herself on that team despite the objections of almost every boy.

The first person narration is superb as you feel every emotion and struggle Gloria goes through. Her determination is unflappable even though it gets her into trouble most of the time. The setting is perfect to bring out what these migrant workers went through with low pay (20 cents an hour) along with terrible living conditions.

Things get so bad at the camp, Gloria’s Pa begins to organize a strike. This doesn’t stop his spunky daughter from continuing her plan to show those boys what kind of pitching arm she can bring to the sandlot. The results are page turning on all fronts. A memorable and important story. A home run on my scorecard.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: August 30, 2022 PAGE COUNT: 320

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THREE STRIKE SUMMER by Skyler Schrempp

  1. Team spirit is important not only on the baseball field but also for the migrant workers wanting better conditions and pay. Both are revealed in plot twisting ways.
  2. The relationship Gloria has with her older sister goes through a wonderful transformation as these two begin to see each other differently.
  3. Tension is the key driver of this plot and the outcome is endearing for readers.
  4. Overcoming gender stereotypes, climate concerns, and income inequalities are sadly ones we are still dealing with today. Reading this account set almost 90 years ago will insight more discussion about what needs to happen in our present world.
  5. The arc for the secondary characters are each unique and expertly drawn out. You’ll see Pa, Ma, and several of the boys in a different light by the ending pages. Nicely done!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Skyler Schrempp writes books and makes theatre in her hometown of Chicago. She lives in an old drafty house with her husband Kyle, her daughter Elowen, and a black cat named Masha. She got her undergrad at Hampshire College and has an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts. When she’s not writing, you can find her making jam from the berries that grow in her backyard or building a fire in her fireplace (depending on the season).

For more visit Skyler’s author web site.

Be sure to also visit all the posts for this week’s MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY

Posted in Historical fiction, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

UPCOMING MG TITLES

Posted on August 19, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

I was scheduled to review a new non-fiction book today, but the publisher changed the release date so I will hold off until October. This gives me an opportunity to share what I am looking forward to reading the next few months.

First though we have a winner in the giveaway for National Geographic Kids new title: It’s Rosi Hollinbeck! She is an author and blogger. View her website here. Rose will be getting a copy of the food book and a tin full of David’s Cookies. Congratulations!

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I have so many books in my to read pile and can’t wait to feature a review on many of them. Here are five on the top of my list:

When best friends Abbi and Skylar witness a suspicious meeting between a mysterious woman and someone in a dark van, they’re thrilled. Finally, a mystery to spice up the summer! But when a local woman goes missing and is found dead in the woods, Abbi and Skylar realize that their detective work could hold the keys to solving her murder. Suddenly, sleuthing isn’t so fun anymore. As tensions rise and their friendship frays, the girls find themselves in increasing danger, and must choose between keeping a secret or exposing a life-altering truth.

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Author Ying Chang Compestine draws on her own experiences growing up in Wuhan to illustrate that the darkest times can bring out the best in people, friendship can give one courage in frightening times, and most importantly, young people can make an impact on the world. 13-year-old Mei, grieving the death of her mother and considered an outcast at school, finds solace in cooking and computer games. As the coronavirus spreads and Wuhan locks down, Mei finds herself alone, trying to find a way to help. Through her love of cooking, she makes a difference in her community.

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Eleven-year-old Ruby is a Black girl who loves studying insects and would do just about anything to be an entomologist, much to the grossed-out dismay of her Gramma. Ruby knows everything there is to know about insects so when she finds the weirdest bug she’s ever seen in her front yard, she makes sure no one is looking and captures it for further study.

But then Ruby realizes that the creature isn’t just a regular bug. And it has promptly burned a hole through her window and disappeared. Soon, random things around the neighborhood go missing, and no one’s heard from the old lady down the street for a week. Ruby and her friends will have to recover the strange bug before the feds do.

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Becca Singer is having the Worst Day Ever. Her best friend, Harper, dumped her, and Becca is totally friendless and alone.

Then the box arrives in the mail.

Inside the box? One bracelet, plus a mysterious note telling Becca to make a wish. So Becca puts on the bracelet―why not, right?―and wishes to have friends. Lots of friends. So many friends.

And just like that, the magic works. Suddenly, EVERYONE wants to be Becca’s BFF, from all the kids at school to the teachers (!) to her own mom (!!).As things spin out of control, Becca starts to wonder: Is this wish a curse?

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Daphne doesn’t want to be stuck in Oakland with her dad. She wants to get on the first plane to Prague, where her mom is shooting a movie. Armed with her grandparents’ phone number and strict instructions from her mom to call them if her dad starts drinking again, Daphne has no problem being cold to him. But there’s one thing Daphne can’t keep herself from doing: joining her dad and her new friend Arlo at a weekly skate session. 
When her dad promises to teach her how to ollie and she lands the trick, Daphne starts to believe in him again. He starts to show up for her, and Daphne learns things are not as black and white with her dad as she used to think. The way Daphne’s dad tells it, skating is all about accepting failure and moving on. But can Daphne really let go of her dad’s past mistakes? Either way life is a lot like skating: it’s all about getting back up after you fall. 

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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.

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

MMGM for AUGUST 15, 2022

Posted on August 15, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

It’s NATIONAL RELAXATION DAY!

Take a break and enjoy reading any or all of the recommended books!

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Click on a happy checkmark to reach a blogger’s post.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of SURELY, SURELY MARISOL RAINEY by Erin Entrada Kelly.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has a guest post by debut author Refe Tuma and his agent Marlo Berliner with a giveaway of Refe’s MG contemporary fantasy and a query critique giveaway.

Sue Heavenrich is over at Archimendes Notebook with a review of Expedition Backyard: Exploring Nature from Country to City (A Graphic Novel) by Rosemary Mosco; illustrated by Binglin Hu.

June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing and Stitch-Metic features a spotlight and review of a craft book for girls ages 8-11 entitled, 52 DIY Crafts for Girls 

Max @ COMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF recommends Huda F Are You? by Huda Fahmy.

Maria Antonia @ of books, photography, and tea has a review of ROOM TO DREAM by Kelly Yang.

Patricia Tilton at CHILDREN’S BOOKS HEAL reviews Lauren Wolk’s novel My Own Lightning, a sequel to Wolf Hollow.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of FUNKY FUNGI. 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 last Saturday’s review of SURELY SURELY MARISOL RAINEY.

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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

SURELY SURELY MARISOL RAINEY

Posted on August 14, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

Eight-year-old Marisol is back after readers got to know her and best friend Jada in a first book, MAYBE MAYBE MARISOL RAINEY. It was there that Marisol tries to get over her fear of climbing a tree.

This second book stands on its own since Marisol is now struggling with learning how to play kickball in gym class. She knows everyone will laugh at her as she deals with the kicking and catching—a skill she doesn’t have when it comes to a soccer size ball.

This title will “Surely” be a hit for new readers to middle grade, especially those 8 to 9 year olds stepping up from chapter books. The story flows and is easy to read. A wide variety of whimsical pictures included throughout are a plus.

Other characters include Marisol’s mom and a dad who is only home one week per month due to his job on an oil rig. There’s also a much more athletic older brother known as Oz.

You’ll enjoy reading about Marisol’s so called “Brain Train” where she thinks about everything that isn’t right or needs help in her world. The main one is not having a dad around who can give her help when needed. He does call 3 times a week but some things like kickball can’t be learned over a phone call. Marisol resorts to asking older brother Oz for kickball training.

Marisol is a sweet girl you can’t help but like. I’m glad there are plans for more Marisol Rainey stories in the future. For now, sit back and enjoy SURELY SURELY MARISOL RAINEY

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: SURELY SURELY MARISOL RAINEY by Erin Entrada Kelly

  1. This is a much more realistic look at present day physical education classes. Coach Decker is a master at creating a comfortable, less threatening gym class.
  2. Jada is a great friend even though she doesn’t always do the right thing in Marisol’s view. Jada’s parents are divorced but she spends time with each.
  3. Dad eventually is helpful even from his far away job. Having a distant parent because of work happens a lot in today’s society.
  4. The fears Marisol has were spot on for this age group and this alone makes it a title worth their time.
  5. You get a look at Marisol’s Filipino culture.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

New York Times–bestselling author Erin Entrada Kelly was awarded the Newbery Medal for Hello, Universe and a Newbery Honor for We Dream of Space. She grew up in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and now lives in Delaware. She is a professor of children’s literature in the graduate fiction and publishing programs at Rosemont College, where she earned her MFA, and is on the faculty at Hamline University. Her short fiction has been nominated for the Philippines Free Press Literary Award for Short Fiction and the Pushcart Prize. Erin Entrada Kelly’s debut novel, Blackbird Fly, was a Kirkus Best Book, a School Library Journal Best Book, an ALSC Notable Book, and an Asian/Pacific American Literature Honor Book. She is also the author of The Land of Forgotten Girls, winner of the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature; You Go First, a Spring 2018 Indie Next Pick; Lalani of the Distant Sea, an Indie Next Pick; and Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey which she also illustrated. 

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

ULTIMATE FOOD ATLAS and a GIVEAWAY!

Posted on August 12, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

Okay, now I’m hungry.

This unique atlas is a wonderful guide to the foods around the world. Visit the 6 continents in any order to find out the unique food and tastes in that part of the world. An Ocean section is also included.

Aunt Bertha and her food truck are your guides to this culinary feast. A handy “HOW TO USE THIS ATLAS” 2-page spread is the place to begin to see how each section works.

This is not a recipe book book but there are several here you can try. How about one of these tasty sounding treats:

  • Poutine Sauce from Canada
  • Chimichurri Sauce from Argentina
  • Cherry Kompot from Bulgaria
  • Moon Cakes from China
  • Rolex Sandwich from Uganda
  • PO’E Dessert form Tahiti

You will also find true and false quizzes (with answers in the back) and a set of visual games. A chapter on the challenges the world faces feeding the world is a great wrap up to the book. We all like to eat so this guide is the perfect way to expand one’s knowledge of food beyond what is in your own fridge.

Now for the GIVEAWAY! One lucky reader will receive a copy of the ULTIMATE FOOD ATLAS and something to munch on while enjoying this book: It’s a 1 lb. tin of cookies form Davids!

This is for U.S. addresses only. To enter just leave a comment below describing your favorite food to eat or create. The winner will be revealed next Friday and you have until 11 pm EDT on August 18th to enter.

My favorite food right now is the freshly made Zucchini bread I just took out of the oven!

GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY EATING!

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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.

Posted in Giveaways, Middle Grade Book Reviews, non fiction | Tagged , | 7 Comments

MMGM for AUGUST 8, 2022

Posted on August 8, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

It’s back to school this week for many of us!

Below are some suggestions to get your school year off on the right foot.

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Click on a school bus to reach a blogger’s post.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of GOLDEN TICKET by Kate Egan.

June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing and Stitch-Metic has a blog tour stop for a Christian picture book entitled, ‘Guess How Much God Loves You.’ The post includes an excerpt and a giveaway.

Max @ COMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF is back with us this week and recommends Long Distance by Whitney Gardner.

Maria Antonia @ of books, photography, and tea also returns this week with a review of ONCE UPON A TIM by Stuart Gibbs.

Patricia Tilton at CHILDREN’S BOOKS HEAL reviews She Persisted: Sally Ride by Atia Abwai, one of 20 books in the series by Chelsea Clinton.

Valinora Troy features a review of THE GREEN EMBER by S.D. Smith.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of ATLAS OF EXTINCT ANIMALS. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends and quite the list of lexophiles.

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 review of INVISIBLE.

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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

GOLDEN TICKET

Posted on August 7, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

Eleven-year-old Ash McNulty is one of the “gifted and talented” kids at her school, spending most of her day in a special class with a few other advanced students. As the end of fifth grade rolls around, she should be on top of the world. According to everyone, she’s going to rock junior high!

But Ash has a secret: She can’t keep up with her advanced classmates anymore. The minute she asks for help though, everyone will know she’s not who they think she is. She’s not so smart. She might not even be that special. And her parents will be crushed to discover the truth.

If Ash can win the Quiz Bowl, though, that will show everyone that she is still on top. If she gets a lucky break ahead of time, all the better.

Except that “lucky break” backfires . . .

And Ash is left to question everything she thought she knew about school, friends, and success.

(FROM Macmillan Publishers)

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PAGE COUNT: 240 BOOK BIRTHDAY: June 21, 2022

This title grabbed my attention right away since I taught in a gifted classroom of 24 students for several years. It was more than challenging meeting the needs of each child. Yes, they had taken a test to determine intellectual potential and all came out high on their results. But their abilities and interests were far ranging. Some were ready for high school math and others just beginning to master the material in my 6th grade classroom. The same held true for skill levels in writing, oral communication, science, and I was faced with an even wider range of social emotional needs.

Despite the challenges I had a great time teaching these kids—although my work week went from about 50 hours to over 60 planning and teaching to this group.. The time spent with them inspired me to further study the gifted label and how it effects students, parents, and teachers. I pursued my own research on the gifted label and at the ripe young age of 34 finished a dissertation followed by a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology. What did I conclude about this often misunderstood label? I’ll let you know after I tell you more about GOLDEN TICKET.

The third person narration moves the story along at a nice pace with some great end of chapter teasers. Ash’s parents immigrated to the states from Ireland and manage their own restaurant. A younger sister is also in the family but her giftedness is more in playing soccer than with academics. The first half of the novel leads up to the decision Ash makes to be on top for the Quiz Bowl competition. She cheats and and the new girl catches her in the act.

The intriguing second half of this story has many surprising outcomes for Ash. She gains an unlikely new friend and begins to question everything about her future and self. Is she really “Gifted”?

Ash’s plight would be a great discussion in any 5th or 6th grade classroom. I liked the conclusions Ash finally made and would love to see how it plays out for her in middle school. Overall, my label for Kate Egan’s Golden Ticket is a solid A.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT GOLDEN TICKET by Kate Egan

  1. You learn a bit of the Irish slang used by the parents and also about the stereotypes often attached to someone from Ireland.
  2. The fifth graders sounded like fifth graders and not ones being written through an adult’s eyes.
  3. The school handled Ash’s mistake in a perfect way. It wasn’t easy but the end result shined.
  4. Friendship can happen in the most unexpected ways. The lesson that someone who doesn’t look or act like you may indeed become a BFF was a wonderful twist.
  5. The gifted label was given an honest and realistic view from inside Quigley Elementary. Also accurate was how the school year often ends for students in fifth grade who are headed to Middle School the next year.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kate Egan’s gifts and talents all involve words. She is the author of a picture book, Kate and Nate Are Running Late!, and a chapter book series, The Magic Shop, both published by Feiwel and Friends. Her work has been named to many state reading lists, selected by the Junior Library Guild, and recognized as “Best of the Year” by Amazon. She is also a freelance editor, a prolific ghostwriter, and an occasional book reviewer. Kate lives with her family on the coast of Maine.

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THE GIFTED LABEL: MY RESEARCH CONCLUSIONS

A detailed questionnaire and interviews led me to conclude parents and their identified student both had positive reactions to the label, even higher for males. Regular classroom teachers had the most negative reactions expressing it was an elitist concept. They also thought “gifted” kids were losing their regular classroom friendships.

The main conclusion coming from the study was reaffirming my belief that every child has potential to do great things no matter their ability level. Each deserve a year’s worth of growth during a school year. Teachers should begin finding out what students know and understand. From their they can be challenged to extend and learn more. I recommended that separate opportunities for gifted students continue, but also integrate the learning into the regular classroom.

Certainly not easy to obtain. The problem we have in schools is the lack of teacher preparation and support to differentiate for all abilities rather than the traditional one size fits all model. Continued training is essential. Class size also needs to be lowered so that teachers can provide levels of learning for what I called “The don’t have it yet.”; ” Sort of have it.”; and ” I already know that.” ability levels you find in any classroom. Not sure that will ever happen with school budgets, but it would be a great start.

The gifted label is here to stay and differentiated programming options are the key to success for all.

(Comments are welcome below and be sure to stop by again this Friday for a delicious GIVEAWAY opportunity!)

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

BIG NATE DESTINED FOR AWESOMENESS

Posted on August 5, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

Big Nate is an often misguided 6th grader who readers have gotten to know the past 31 years via the syndicated daily 4-panel cartoon. This year introduced a TV series which has been renewed for another season on Paramount+. And now there is the first book based on the television show:

The graphic novel includes 3 stories:

THE LEGEND OF THE GUNTING

GO NATE! IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY.

CATastrophe!

Nate is full of spirit and rebellion and it’s all in good fun. He has several friends at school and lives with his single dad and older sister. Trouble is not far away whenever Nate is around like maxing out his Dad’s credit card to the tune of $6,000! Equally bad: Having to avoid one more detention to keep him from disappearing for good.

Nate knows he is awesome but trying to convince everyone else is the tough part. You can see much of the real Nate through the cartoons he creates. They are interspersed throughout the hilarious action filled scenes and each story ends with a peek at the original Lincoln Pierce cartoon many of us have seen in the newspaper.

BIG NATE DESTINED FOR AWESOMENESS is coming out this month. A second book in the series, BIG NATE PRANK YOU VERY MUCH will be released later this year.

Perfect for reluctant readers and any of us needing a break from the more than typical 300-page middle grade novels. Nate will win you over along with providing a shelf full of laughs.

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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.

Posted in Graphic Novels, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , | 2 Comments

MMGM for AUGUST 1, 2022

Posted on August 1, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

It’s another new month!

Find a book to get your August off to a great start!

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Click on a sun to reach a blogger’s post.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of FENRIS & MOTT by Greg van Eekhout.

June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing and Stitch-Metic has Part 2 of her focus on George Washington Carver with a spotlight and review of a picture book biography entitled, ‘The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver.’

Carol Baldwin welcomes the return of teen reviewer, Elliott Kurta. This time Elliott reviews BEYOND THE STARS and interviews the author, Dorreen D, Berger. Plus a GIVEAWAY!

Patricia Tilton at CHILDREN’S BOOKS HEAL reviews Kid Confident #1: How to Manage Your Social Power in Middle School by Bonnie Zucker, PsyD and How to Manage Your Mood in Middle School #2 by Lenka Glassman, PsyD.

Valinora Troy features a review of THE MONSTER IN THE LAKE by Louie Stowell.

Rosi Hollinbeck gives readers a review and GIVEAWAY of I, COSMO by Carlie Sorosiak. 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 yesterday’s review of THE SKY WE SHARED.

———————————————————————

(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

Fenris & Mott

Posted on July 31, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

Mott lives with her mom in a Culver City, California apartment. They moved there from Pennsylvania, but Mott misses her best friend and the Root Beet review internet show they did together. The plot takes off in a hurry as Mott finds an abandoned puppy in a recycling bin. She does the right thing and takes the cute little guy to animal shelter as her apartment doesn’t allow dogs.

The next surprise comes when the shelter informs her Fenris is actually a wolf. But that’s not all—later we discover Fenris is a legend from Norse Mythology and is destined to end the world by eating the moon. He escapes from the shelter and Mott keeps her vow to protect him even though lamposts, cars, and people are on his diet. The Norse gods are determined to see the future of Fenris play out as written although Mott will do anything to rescue Fenris and save the world from ending.

Sounds like a 400 page plot, but you get the full story in a tidy 208. That number alone along with the cover will for sure recruit new readers.

This is a fun adventure fantasy with of course a few serious environmental undertones. The pace is fast and you’ll be smiling or laughing at a few of the amusing lines. The third person narration let’s the action unfold for you to enjoy. Great for new fantasy readers and those interested in Norse Mythology.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: August 2, 2022

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT FENRIS & MOTT by Greg van Eekhout

  1. By the way this ended, I can see a sequel as a next step. You’d certainly want to spend more time with Fenris & Mott, especially with this plot twisting climatic end and a new direction the story would take.
  2. Sidekick Thrudi who they meet in a park, knows all about the problems that lie ahead for our present world. She’s a sword carrying arrival from Norse mythology and is a strong addition to the tale.
  3. A perfect introduction for those of us who didn’t know a lot about the mythology of Scandinavia.
  4. I was taken back a little when Fenris devours a human in one bite. Not to worry. The intended audience will have no nightmares after finding out what eventually happens to these humans including a typecast Hollywood actor.
  5. The bond between animals and companion is a strong thread and animal lovers will understand immediately.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Greg van Eekhout is the author of several novels for young readers, including Weird Kid (“A heartfelt, pitch-perfect middle grade novel”—Publishers Weekly, starred review); Cog; and Voyage of the Dogs. He lives in San Diego, California, with his astronomy/physics professor wife and two dogs. He’s worked as an educational software developer, ice-cream scooper, part-time college instructor, and telemarketer. Being a writer is the only job he’s ever actually liked. You can find more about Greg at his website: www.writingandsnacks.com.

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Thanks for stopping by for my post in this week’s edition of MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

Comments are welcome below.

Posted in Uncategorized | 7 Comments