THE AREA 51 FILES

Posted on September 11, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

Area 51 is the military facility located in southern Nevada and managed by the U.S. Air Force. Conspiracy theories have piled up over the years that extraterrestrial life is a part of this iconic place. The humans there may not appreciate the extra attention the first title in this new series will bring, but middle grade kids won’t care and should thoroughly enjoy a fun mystery.

For starters you meet Sky, the 12-year-old narrator, as she describes her first moments at Area 51. Grandma can’t take care of her anymore after moving to a retirement community and now it’s up to Uncle Anish to take over. He lives inside Area 51 and once there you can never leave.

It’s not long before Sky realizes there are aliens everywhere (or as they are called inside Area 51: Break Throughs). They include her new friend Elvis, who looks like a normal boy about her age but appears different to each human interacting with him. Together they try and discover who helped a group of Break Throughs escape. All signs point to Sky’s Uncle but she feels certain it has to be someone else.

Full of puns and jokes, the tale moves along at a nice pace. Text is enhanced with creative illustrations like the one on the cover. Images inside the pages of THE AREA 51 FILES will for sure make you smile. The mystery is wrapped up nicely by the end, but more alien/human fun will be forthcoming in a book 2.

Lighthearted and perfect for those needing a break from the more serious novels.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: September 13, 2022 PAGE COUNT: 304

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE AREA 51 FILES by Julie Buxbaum

  1. Humorous names for the adult characters and alien groups are a perfect draw for middle grade readers. Flatulence is the key here, need I say more?
  2. A great entry into the world of science fiction books for young readers.
  3. Family and friendships are a central component. Sky’s own thoughts about the mother she never knew were written beautifully.
  4. Looking beyond your initial perceptions of others and learning the truth is an important thread throughout.
  5. Silly and different, exactly what we need more of in books for kids.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Julie Buxbaum is the New York Times best selling author of Tell Me Three Things, her young adult debut, What to Say Next and most recently, Hope and Other Punchlines. She’s also the author of two critically acclaimed novels for adults: The Opposite of Love and After You. Her work has been translated into twenty-five languages. Julie’s writing has appeared in various publications, including The New York Times. She is a former lawyer and graduate of Harvard Law School and lives in Los Angeles with her husband, two children, and more books than is reasonable. Visit Julie online at www.juliebuxbaum.com and follow @juliebux on Twitter.

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Comments are welcome below. Be sure to visit all the other MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY Posts!

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

MAVEN & REEVE MYSTERY Duology

Posted on September 9, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

I first reviewed Australian author, A.L. Tait’s books back in 2020 with THE BOOK OF SECRETS and THE BOOK OF ANSWERS. She returns with a new series that offers more rich character depiction and amazing world building. The main characters are 15 and 16 years old so I’d recommend this for 6th – 10th graders (ages 12-16).

The first book is THE FIRE STAR. It all begins with this interesting first line sure to make one read on:

Of all things I’d imagined might stop us from reaching Rennart Castle by nightfall, goats had not even made the top fifty.

Maven is the one speaking here. Not only does she have to deal with the goats but also the squire boy (Reeve) haplessly trying to corral the animals. This first meeting leads to the duo running into each other again. Maven serves as a maid to Casssandra who is engaged to Sir Garrick and his new squire happens to be young Reeve.

This series is done in alternating viewpoints. Although that isn’t uncommon in books for tweens and teens, here it is done with Maven’s first person narration while Reeve’s is third person. It takes a little getting used to, but the more I read the more I liked this technique.

Maven is a great female character with determination, wit, and likeability. She is a servant girl in a Medieval fantasy world where girls and women served while their intellect was ignored. Independence is something she wants and the secret Beech Circle is where she meets other girls and women who are smart and there to provide help when needed. These are women who “…choose to ask questions.”

Reeve is an aspiring knight who faints at the sight of blood. He is smart and capable but prefers to stay unnoticed. This makes him at first a rather odd match to Maven’s character, but together they thrive, helping each other conquer villains and solving the mystery.

As these two teens’ friendship grows so does their focus on solving the mystery of a missing gem (The Fire Star) and uncovering who killed an innocent man. They only have three days to do so. The emphasis is on friendship rather than romance which is not usually the case in a full blown YA book. That’s why I see this as upper MG.

The plot points in this first story are wrapped up nicely. The Fire Star is set in a world unlike the present but with many similarities. Perfect for good readers who love a great mystery.

Next up is the Wolf’s Howl. You can read this one without having read The Fire Star, but you’ll get a fuller understanding of the growing friendship by reading them in order. Once again there is no love interest between the two—just a bond of helping each other.

Set a week later, the title comes not from any wolves but from the howling wind blowing across the landscape around Glawn Castle. What a great setting as Maven and Reeve are thrown into another mystery involving a missing cook. A mystery full of questionable political alliances and secrets packed with danger and page turning surprises.

The appeal of Maven only grows. She’s witty with a powerful voice in a world where women have no voice. She relies on the ever amusing Reeve for support along with the Beech Circle. If they fail it will mean the end of their alliance with the lord and lady. A sentence of treason could also follow.

Another satisfactory conclusion will have you longing for a book 3.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Allison Tait (A.L. Tait) is the internationally published bestselling author of middle-grade adventure series The Mapmaker Chronicles  the Ateban Cipher novels, and the Maven & Reeve Mysteries.

Her latest novel THE WOLF’S HOWL (A Maven & Reeve Mystery #2) is out now in Australia and the USA!

A multi-genre writer, teacher and speaker with many years’ experience in magazines, newspapers and online publishing, Allison is co-host of the top-rating Your Kid’s Next Read podcast and former co-host of the So You Want To Be A Writer podcast.

She lives on the south coast of NSW (Australia) with her family.

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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 MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

MMGM for September 5, 2022

Posted on September 5, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

Happy LABOR DAY! Click on the flags to reach a blogger’s post.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of BEST WISHES by Sarah Mlynowski.

Brenda at LOG CABIN LIBRARY reviews Fart Quest:  The Troll’s Toe Cheese by Aaron Reynolds, illustrations by Cam Kendell.

Author Michelle Mason returns to the MMGM lineup with THELMA BEE IN TOIL AND TROUBLE and a few other MG books you should read.

MAX @ COMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF features The Leak, written by Kate Reed Petty and illustrated by Andrea Bell.

Maria Antonia @ of books, photography, and tea shares some thoughts on OUT OF RANGE by Heidi Lang.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of Every Missing Piece by Melanie Conklin. 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 Friday’s review of CRABGRASS COMIC ADVENTURES.

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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

BEST WISHES

Posted on September 4, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

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

Then the box arrives in the mail.

Inside, Becca finds a bracelet and a mysterious note telling her 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 Becca’s own mom (!!). As things quickly spin out of control, Becca starts to wonder, Is this wish a curse?

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Friendship. It’s what every kid wants and BEST WISHES, the first book in this engaging new series, focuses on the meaning of being a friend. Fifth grader Becca narrates her story going from having no friends to suddenly everyone wanting to be her BFF.

Wearing the magic bracelet is the key, but when her friend requests get overwhelming she can’t find a way to remove the bracelet and magic. The 14 chapters move along swiftly ending in a perfect and surprising way. The plot sets up the next book in the series, THE SISTER SWITCH, co-authored with Debbie Rigaud and due out next year.

Readers in 4th-6th grade will enjoy spending time with Becca. The cover will draw them in at first, but thankfully the story lives up to that promise of a good read.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: September 6, 2022 PAGE COUNT: 192

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: BEST WISHES by Sarah Mlynowski

  1. Losing a best friend because you grow apart and have different interests hits the spot for something many kids face. Irritating older brother Brahm becomes the savior after giving Becca advice on how to gain real friends, including a parrot she despises.
  2. Wishing for something and actually getting it is a magical plot device not new to middle grade but certainly handled in a unique and fun way here.
  3. The dad is off working most of the time and Becca longs to be with him more. She eventually learns how to make this situation better by being honest.
  4. How the mom goes from being a strict parent to suddenly dressing like her daughter and letting Becca have a phone, a social media account, and pizza. All things she was less than successful at getting before wearing the bracelet. A fun look at when a parent becomes a BFF.
  5. It was nice to see the family practicing their faith without it overshadowing the main plot. The focus is on friendship, and that alone makes the story shine.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah was born in Montreal, Canada. After graduating with an honors degree in English literature from McGill University, she moved to Toronto to work for Harlequin Enterprises. While she never met Fabio, she used her romance publishing experiences to fuel her first novel Milkrun.  

Since then, Sarah has written four additional novels for adults: Fishbowl, As Seen on TV, Monkey Business, and Me vs. Me; the New York Times bestselling middle grade series Whatever After; the middle grade series Upside-Down Magic (with Lauren Myracle and Emily Jenkins), now a Disney Channel movie; and the teen novels Bras & Broomsticks, Frogs & French Kisses, Spells & Sleeping Bags, and Parties & Potions (all in the Magic in Manhattan series), as well as Gimme a Call, Ten Things We Did (And Probably Shouldn’t Have), Don’t Even Think About It, Think Twice, I See London, I See France, and Just a Boy and a Girl in a Little Canoe. Along with Lauren Myracle and E. Lockhart, Sarah also wrote How to Be Bad, and along with Farrin Jacobs, she wrote See Jane Write, a guide to writing. Sarah also co-edited two bestselling charity collections (Girls’ Night In and Girls’ Night Out), and has contributed to various anthologies (American Girls About Town, Sixteen: Stories About That Sweet and Bitter Birthday, 21 Proms, First Kiss (Then Tell), Fireworks, and Vacations from Hell). 

Sarah is also a co-founder of OMG BookFest, a celebration of books aimed at the early to middle grade reader (ages 7-12) that brings together commercial and award-winning authors with underserved local communities for an exciting experience of books, games and activities.

Sarah’s books have been translated into twenty-nine languages and optioned to Hollywood. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two daughters. (Visit Sarah’s Author Website here)

BE SURE TO CHECKOUT ALL THE MMGM POSTS THIS WEEK.

COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW…

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

CABBY POTTS, DUCHESS OF DIRT

Posted on September 2, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

When her parents force her to work at grand Ashford Manor, 12-year-old Cabby Potts will do anything to escape, including playing matchmaker between her sister and the rich young lord of the manor. If it succeeds, her scheme will save her family’s struggling homestead. 

If it fails . . .

Can Cabby find the courage to stand up for her family, a Native American friend, and an entire community threatened by land-grabbers?

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Set in a time period not often featured in MG books, the Kansas prairie in the 1870s is a hard life for Cabby’s cash starved family. Grasshoppers have destroyed the crops along with occasional out-of-control fires. Cabby wants to continue farming the land but her parents are thinking otherwise.

First though they need an income so Cabby is sent off to work at Lady Ashford’s snobbish manor, also located on the prairie but far enough away you need a train or a buggy to make the trip. Cabby hates working there and misses life back home, especially spending time with Emmeline, an older sister, Her plan to have Emmeline marry the Lady’s son, Nigel, at first looks like it is working, but then Cabby uncovers the real intentions of this English lord.

Cabby’s first person narration flows smoothly through 41 chapters. Full of humor, and heartbreak, she is impulsive, but it works to her advantage in discovering the class system favoring the wealthy and their underhanded ways to acquire land. Even more revealing for Cabby is the prejudice against the town’s last Kiowa Indian residents, one of whom is a boy she gains as a friend.

Cabby Potts, Duchess of Dirt will appeal to both girls and boys as the story line keeps you guessing. It’s a look at a time almost 150 years ago. One that readers will never forget thanks to this engaging tale.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: September 1, 2022 PAGE COUNT: 252

A bit about the author, Kathleen Wilford

I’m a former high-school and junior-high English teacher and a current adjunct professor in the Writing Program at Rutgers University. Involving myself in SCBWI and a dedicated critique group has helped me hone my craft and learn about the kidlit market. Cabby Potts, Duchess of Dirt is my debut novel.

https://www.kathleenwilford.com/

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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 m

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

MMGM for AUGUST 29, 2022

Posted on August 29, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

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

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of THE PRINCE OF STEEL PIER by Stacy Nockowitz.

Carol Baldwin has another great Book Review by Guest Blogger, Elliott Kurta. This week he shares some thoughts on Hurricamp!

Brenda at LOG CABIN LIBRARY reviews The Other Side of the River by Alda P. Dobbs It’s a historical fiction, second book in the series. 

Maria Antonia @ of books, photography, and tea features SUNNY MAKES A SPLASH by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm.

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Linked by Gordon Korman.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of FORENSICS FOR KIDS. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.

Beth Schmelzer at Best Books by Beth reviews a trio of one-word titles: DUET, ECHO, & LOYALTY,

Valinora Troy reviews a new release: THE LAND OF FAKE BELIEVE.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with last Thursday’s review of MIRACLE SEASON.

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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 PRINCE OF STEEL PIER

Posted on August 28, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

It’s nine o’clock on Friday morning, and Mrs. Goldberg is definitely dead.

With that kind of first line I was pulled into this compelling drama set in 1975 Atlantic City, New Jersey.

13-year-old Joey narrates the story. He and his three brothers are spending the summer at their grandparent’s struggling hotel in Atlantic City. Joey feels unnoticed in his Jewish family but someone else does notice him. It’s a gangster known as the King of Steel Pier. They first meet while Joey is showing off his Skee-Ball skills. Artie treats Joey as one of the boys and gives him a job hanging out with his visiting daughter who turns out to be a few years older than Joey.

Next comes another request that makes Joey super uncomfortable. He’s asked to hide a package at his grandparent’s house—contents unknown. Not such a great idea, but it takes some time for Joey to realize that he’s going to need the help of his older brothers to escape from the grips of the King. Family turns out to be more important than anything else.

Joey’s voice is honest and funny. Atlantic City has gone downhill in the time before casinos arrived. You feel like you know the place along with the Boardwalk and Steel Pier.

A page turner with writing that sparkles. One of my favorites this year.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: September 1, 2022 PAGE COUNT: 248

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE PRINCE OF STEEL PIER by Stacy Nockowitz

  1. You get insights into the Jewish religion along with Joey questioning his beliefs. It’s an honest portrayal of what a young kid like Joey goes through trying to make sense of what is happening in his life and the stereotypes present in his community about being Jewish. It’s a sub plot that doesn’t take over the story in this coming of age gem.
  2. A great motivator for young readers to begin exploring their own family history.
  3. The author lived through this era and it shows in every scene.
  4. Emotions erupt in realistic fashion. A middle grade novel with a teen character but certainly appropriate for the 8-12 year olds.
  5. A connection and empathy you experience toward Joey. It doesn’t always happen MG stories but is carried out here in marvelous fashion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stacy Nockowitz is a middle school librarian and former language arts teacher with more than 25 years of experience in middle school education. Stacy received her BA from Brandeis University and holds Master’s Degrees from Columbia University Teachers College and Kent State University. She is also an MFA candidate in Writing for Children and Young Adults at Vermont College of Fine Arts. Stacy received a PJ Library Writer’s Incentive Award in 2020 for her debut novel THE PRINCE OF STEEL PIER, coming in September 2022 from Kar-Ben Publishing. An unrepentant Jersey Girl, Stacy still teases her hair and uses plenty of spray. When she’s not writing or matching great kids with great books, Stacy can most likely be found reading or rooting on her beloved Philadelphia Eagles. Her kids have flown the coop, so Stacy lives in central Ohio with her husband and their cat, Queen Esther. Find her on Twitter @snockowitz or at www.stacynockowitz.com

COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW…

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

HERO FOR THE HUNGRY

Posted on August 26, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

The amazing story of an Iowa farm boy whose life’s work impacted the world comes to life in this compelling biography. Norman Ernest Borlaug is likely a man you never heard of, but his work in developing higher yielding wheat earned him the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize.

Norman was not some scientist stuck in a lab. Instead he helped Mexico and many impoverished countries beat hunger by showing them new methods to grow wheat, producing abundant healthy crops that stamped out starvation. He was more comfortable in the field than he was on the world’s stage.

The 11 chapters lets one experience his amazing 95 years. The text is accompanied by illustrations in the style you see on the cover. They provide another view of this individual and his passion to help people. Frequent FOOD FOR THOUGHT panels and other colored sidebars share information about wheat growing and events impacting the world during Norman’s life.

A final section, A CALL TO ACTION, challenges young readers to become the next Norman Borlaug. There they will find an outline as to how they can make a difference right in their own home and community combating future food insecurity.

Norman Ernest Borlaug was truly a HERO FOR THE HUNGRY. This biography is the perfect title to engage our youth and to discover how this humble man became the “Father of the Green Revolution.”

ABOUT THE CREATORS of HERO FOR THE HUNGRY

Peggy Thomas
Peggy Thomas has always loved true stories, and can’t remember a time when she wasn’t thrilled to find animal bones, musty encyclopaedias, or a history plaque by the side of the road. It’s that same curiosity that has fueled the research and writing of more than twenty nonfiction books for children.

With a master’s degree in anthropology, Peggy explores a wide range of subjects, blending history and science to create award-winning titles. Her most recent books include Lincoln Clears a Path (Calkins Creek, 2021) and Full of Beans: Henry Ford Grows a Car (Calkins Creek, 2019), which earned NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book, 2020 Best Book from the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, and Book of the Year from the Henry Ford Heritage Association.

Peggy is a member of SCBWI, a blogger for Nonfiction Ninjas, and on the creative team behind Nonfiction Fest, a month-long celebration of writing nonfiction for children.
www.peggythomaswrites.com

Sam Kalda
Sam Kalda is an illustrator and artist based in Saint Paul. His commissioned works include editorial, book, advertising and pattern illustration. In 2017, he received a gold medal in book illustration from the Society of Illustrators in New York. He also won a medal from the Cheese Club in college for being able to identify the most amount of, well, cheeses. His first book, Of Cats and Men: History’s Great Cat-loving Artists, Writers, Thinkers and Statesmen, was published by Ten Speed Press in 2017. He recently illustrated his first picture book, When We Walked on the Moon, written by David Long and published by Wide Eyed Press in 2019, as well as the follow-up, When Darwin Sailed the Sea.

He lives in an old house with his husband and two cats, Arthur and Frances. In their role as studio assistants, the cats specialize in houseplant demolition and pencil relocation. He enjoys futzing around in his garden, going to estate sales, and taking long walks. So basically, when he’s not working, he’s retired. He’s taught at CUNY Queens College and Minneapolis College of Art and Design.
www.samkalda.com

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

MMGM for AUGUST 22, 2022

Posted on August 22, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

Read-Aloud with friends and family!

Make it happen with one of this week’s recommended reads…

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Click on a trio of readers to reach a blogger’s post.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of THREE STRIKE SUMMER by Skyler Schrempp.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has a guest post by debut author Christyne Morrell with a giveaway of her MG science fiction, Trex.

Brenda at LOG CABIN LIBRARY returns to MMGM after a long absence with a feature on The Fire Star by A.L.Tait.

Maria Antonia @ of books, photography, and tea reviews another Newbery winner: DRAGONWINGS by Laurence Yep.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of A DRAGON USED TO LIVE HERE. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.

Valinora Troy reviews DREAD WOOD by Jennifer McKillick.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with last Friday’s review of STINETINGLERS.

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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

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