CAN’T GET ENOUGH SPACE STUFF

Posted on December 9, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

Space has never been more fun with this new title from National Geographic KiDS. Geared toward the younger side of middle grade (7-10 years), the 128 pages are filled with colorful photos and art work, joke pages that will make you either groan or giggle, and loads of facts about the past and future of space exploration.

To start things off you are asked to pair the correct GALACTIC GLOSSARY word with its definition. This sets the stage for what you will experience the rest of the way.

Some of the highlights include a look at:

  • The Most Peculiar Planets (for sure you will not have heard of any of these like COROT-7B where the worst weather can be found on).
  • How Long is a Day on other planets. You won’t find any with 24 hours except our home planet.
  • Moving to Mars. What will it take for humans to thrive there?
  • How to create your own scale model of the solar system.
  • What Happens to Your Body in Space?
  • A Final Quiz to test your space smarts.

The fun volume will not only appeal to space loving kids, but also to those less enthralled with the universe. Perfect for that Christmas gift you have been looking for, CAN’T GET ENOUGH SPACE STUFF will provide hours of captivating learning and fun.

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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 , , | Leave a comment

WEIRD BUT TRUE! WORLD 2023–Blog Tour and GIVEAWAY!

Posted on December 7, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

Buy | Goodreads

The BLOCKBUSTER kid-favorite series Weird But True! is busting out with a BIG, BOLD annual extravaganza of the wackiest, wildest, and downright weirdest wonders on planet Earth.

Discover Earth’s strangest animals, natural formations, festivals, ancient wonders, news, and more in this newest addition to the wildly popular Weird But True! family―an annual compendium of everything Weird But True! fans love … and then some. Readers will journey across the seven continents, dive into the ocean, and even blast off into space to discover a whole wide world of weird. From the troll doll bug of Suriname to the Bog Snorkeling Championships in Wales to a technicolor village in Indonesia, Weird But True! World offers an unparalleled, adventure-filled exploration of our world’s amazing uniqueness.

Inside, you’ll find:

  • Stunning photographs
  • Wild, wow-worthy facts
  • Weird news
  • Shocking stats and infographics
  • Colorful maps
  • Personality quizzes
  • Adorable odd animals
  • And more!

This book is perfect for fans of Weird But True!, as well as Atlas Obscura, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, and Guinness World Records, and any curious kid willing to embrace the quirky side of life.

click to enlarge

click to enlarge

For more Weird But True! fun check out the series page on National Geographic Kids!

GIVEAWAY

  • Five (5) winners will receive a hardcover of Weird But True! World 2023
  • Ends 12/18 at 11:59pm ET
  • Enter via the Rafflecopter below

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Posted in Giveaways | Tagged , | Leave a comment

MMGM for DECEMBER 5, 2022

Posted on December 5, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

HAPPY ! Only 3 MMGM’s this month. (NO MMGM on December 26th). Click on each snowman for today’s middle grade reviews and features.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of MORNING SUN IN WUHAN by Ying Chang Compestine.

Brenda @ Log Cabin Library features Artemis Sparke and the Sound Seekers Brigade by Kimberly Behre Kenna

Sue Heavenrich is reveling in MG nonfiction right now. Over at Archimedes Notebook it’s all about food! Bugs for Breakfast: How Eating Insects Could Help Save the Planet, by Mary Boone.

Max@Completely Full Bookshelf is back today with a review of Enemies by Svetlana Chmakova. 

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Undercover Latina by Aya De Leon.  Thrilling read for both MG and YA readers.

Maria Antonia at of books, photography, and tea is also back with us today and has a review of MERCI SUAREZ PLAYS IT COOL by Meg Medina.

Linda Browne shares her latest Bookcase Bizarro set of reviews including MILES MORALES: SHOCK WAVES and GHOSTLIGHT.

Faith Hough has a post by teenage daughter Lucy and her review of a favorite (upper MG) Christmas book: The Enchanted Sonata, by Heather Dixon Wallwork.

Valinora Troy shares her review of The Sleeping Stones by Beatrice Wallbank.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of THE ATLAS OBSCURA EXPORER’S GUIDE FOR THE WORLD’S MOST ADVENTUROUS KID. 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 Wednesday’s review of FUTURELAND.

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(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

MORNING SUN IN WUHAN

Posted on December 4, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

We all remember how our lives were interrupted the past few years due to the pandemic. But what about where it all began in China? MORNING SUN IN WUHAN takes readers back to January of 2020 where COVID was first detected.

The main character, 13-year-old Mei and her family are based on Ying’s life experiences living in Wuhan and how she might have dealt with this mystery virus as it put a dark shadow over the town.

Mei is still grieving over the loss of her mother the previous year. An outcast at school she finds life to be much better when cooking or playing Chop Chop, her favorite computer game. Dad is a doctor facing longer hours at the hospital. When the coronavirus spreads and Wuhan locks down, Mei finds herself alone, trying to find a way to help and make a difference in her community. Cooking becomes the perfect choice.

The darkest, most frightening times are brought forth and solidly demonstrate how young people can make a difference. Mei obtains a special pass to go outside and make the short walk to the middle school. There she becomes part of a professional kitchen, cooking meals for the locked down citizens-especially those too sick to shop or cook.

Mei’s favorite recipe’s are included throughout the 208 pages. Here are a few I will surely be trying out:

  • Colorful Egg Fried Rice
  • Thai Red Chicken Curry
  • Shrimp and Vegetables in Lettuce Cups

Morning Sun in Wuhan provides inspiring reading for us now and in the future this story will be a natural choice to educate new readers who may not remember or ever experienced the 2020 pandemic.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: MORNING SUN IN WUHAN by Ying Chang Compestine

  1. Middle graders will naturally be comparing their own experiences to the scenes in the book. In a subtle way, they’ll feel better about the past few years and what the future brings.
  2. Food. I already mentioned a few of my favorite recipes, but you also get a sense of the importance of cooking in the Chinese culture.
  3. The author did a top notch job researching the time period in Wuhan, making the plot so very authentic. Conversations with citizens, videos, and photos were all pieced together to create this compelling story.
  4. The closing epilogue showing the city a year later still in the healing stage of returning to normalcy.
  5. Was not a book I wanted to read as I was not looking forward to reliving that time period. Thank goodness I did. My reward was an inside look at the experience in Wuhan which were much more difficult that I ever experienced.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ying Chang Compestine is the award-winning author of REVOLUTION IS NOT A DINNER PARTY, winner of ALA Notable Children’s Books, ALA Best Books for Young Adults and Asian Pacific American Award, and California Book Award for Young Adult literature. She had written over 23 books of multiple genres, including MG novels MORNING SUN IN WUHAN and A BANQUET FOR HUNGRY GHOSTS, and numerous picture books, such as THE RUNAWAY WOK, a Scholastic Book Club Choice and CHINESE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES, winner of Bank Street College Best Children’s Book.

Besides writing fiction books, she has also hosted cooking shows, worked as food editor of Martha Stewart’s Body+Soul. She has authored cookbooks, and numerous feature food articles for various magazines, including Cooking Light, Men’s Health, and Eating Well.

Ying is frequently invited to speak at schools and conferences around the world, sharing her journey as a writer, how her life in Wuhan, China inspired her writing, as well as promoting healthy eating and living. She lives in California with her family. (For more about Ying visit the author’s Web Site)

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Be sure to visit all the other MMGM bloggers, and I hope you will comment below.

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

IT’S A NUMBERS GAME! FOOTBALL

Posted on December 2, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

Last September I was a part of the blog tour for the newest title in the IT’S A NUMBERS GAME! series. I finally had a chance to read the book myself. They just might have saved the best for last with the math behind the popular sport of Football. Previous sports covered included BASKETBALL, SOCCER, and BASEBALL

Seven chapters begin with a look at Football Though the Years. There you can find how football got its start, the NFL today, and basic rules. Then it’s off to learn about passing, running, defense and special teams, the Super Bowl, and finally 10 Crazy Numbers. One of those numbers is 222. The highest scoring game in football history and it happened at the college level in 1916!

Numerous pictures fill the pages with images of stars both past and present. The math is not challenging, but gives readers a deeper understanding of what makes the game tick. I even learned why a quarterback is called a quarterback.

A great gift for the football loving kid.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

By the age of ten Eric Zweig was already a budding sports fanatic who was filling his school news books with game reports instead of current events. Eric’s first book, Hockey Night in the Dominion of Canada (1992), was an historical novel set in the early days of professional hockey. He has been working with Dan Diamond and Associates, consulting publisher to the National Hockey League, since 1996. As a freelance writer, Eric is the author or co-author of many non-fiction sports books for adults and children. He is a member of the Society for International Hockey Research and the Society for American Baseball Research. A former member of the Toronto Blue Jays grounds crew, he still has a champagne bottle from the club’s first American League East Division title celebration in 1985.

See all of Eric’s books on GOODREADS or through his author website.

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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 , | 1 Comment

Izzy Newton and the S.M.A.R.T. Squad #3: The Law of Cavities (Book Blitz and Giveaway!)

Posted on November 30, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

Buy | Goodreads

Meet the characters, watch the book trailer and check out the Educator and Reader’s Guides on the series website here!

The S.M.A.R.T. Squad is back to tackle more middle school mayhem with science, technology, engineering, math, and friendship!

In this third book in the S.M.A.R.T. Squad series, best friends Izzy Newton, Allie Einstein, Marie Curie, Charlie Darwin, and Gina Carver set out on a mystery-filled Outdoor Adventure Camp experience.

Now that Izzy’s finally found her voice in public speaking class and become an ice hockey star, she’s determined to conquer her “dizzy-Izzy-ness” in new situations―including caring for her brand-new braces on an outdoor education overnight and her friends’ good-natured teasing about her friend Trevor. But the forecast for fun turns cloudy when the girls discover their cabin chaperone is none other than Izzy’s tough public-speaking teacher, Ms. Martinez, and their junior counselor is eighth grade mean girl, Maddie Sharpe.

When an innocent exchange of harmless pranks with Maddie takes a turn for the worse, the Squad turns to science to prove their innocence. That’s nothing, though, compared with the terrifying swamp monster haunting their campsite, a catastrophe befalling Ms. Martinez, and a mysterious disaster threatening the future of camp itself.

With their very survival on the line, will science be enough to save the day?

Praise:

“Wholesome entertainment for preteens, offering positivity without didacticism.”

― Kirkus

“It’s one thing to have children’s books about scientists or podcasts or stories about strong women in STEM, but it’s another world entirely when your children get to feel represented by the characters they’re reading about. The characters in the Izzy Newton and the S.M.A.R.T. Squad series are diverse, smart, and sure of themselves the way all middle school girls are—through their dreams and newly acquired skills they’re still getting used to.”

― Romper

About the Creators

VALERIE TRIPP is the co-creator of the American Girl book series that includes titles featuring Felicity, Josefina, Kit, Maryellen, Molly, and Samantha. Tripp also wrote American Girl’s Wellie Wishers titles, Hopscotch Hill School titles, numerous leveled readers, songs, stories, skills book pages, and plays for educational publishers. Tripp is writer and editorial director of the Boys Camp series, and a writer, editor, and art editor for Sterling Publishing Company. Tripp received a B.A. and honors as a member of the first co-educated class at Yale University and a master’s of education degree from Harvard University.

Website | Instagram | Facebook

MILLIE LIU was born in sunny Pasadena, California, and has been drawing ever since she could hold a pencil. It did start with color pencils on walls but after some scolding, she decided paper was much better. She graduated from Otis College of Art and Design and went into the field of toy design shortly after, designing colorful toys for children the world over. Her favorite subject to draw is story-driven fantastical locations with a touch of magic. When not drawing, she loves to read, experiment with cooking, and keep up with her fierce, growing collection of house plants. She also makes a conscious effort to buy secondhand or used products, and tries to reduce her use of single-use plastic.

GIVEAWAY

  • Three (3) winners will receive the complete 3-book Izzy Newton and the S.M.A.R.T. Squad series: Absolute Hero, Newton’s Flaw, and The Law of Cavities
  • US/Canada only
  • Ends 12/11 at 11:59pm ET
  • Enter via the Rafflecopter below

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

MMGM for November 28, 2022

Posted on November 28, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

It’s the last MMGM for November. Enjoy these middle grade reviews and features by clicking on each blogger’s star.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of THE LAST KIDS ON EARTH and the FORBIDDEN FORTRESS.

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Cress Watercress by Gregory Maguire. Such a heartwarming animal story that will remind you of The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of WHERE SNOW ANGELS GO. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.

Valinora Troy shares her thoughts on Knights of the Borrowed Dark.

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 HONEY AND ME.

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

THE LAST KIDS ON EARTH and the FORBIDDEN FORTRESS

Posted on November 27, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

The popular series is back with an 8th installment. More than 7 adventurous years featuring 4 main characters. How many have your read?

THE LAST KIDS ON EARTH       
THE LAST KIDS ON EARTH AND THE ZOMBIE PARADE 
THE LAST KIDS ON EARTH AND THE NIGHTMARE KING 
THE LAST KIDS ON EARTH AND THE COSMIC BEYOND       
THE LAST KIDS ON EARTH AND THE MIDNIGHT BLADE
THE LAST KIDS ON EARTH AND THE SKELETON ROAD 
THE LAST KIDS ON EARTH AND THE DOOMSDAY RACE 

I’ve only read the first and of course the most recent for today’s review, but it was fun to revisit the series. More so for the intended audience. The adoration of middle grade readers are evident in this press release:

The Last Kids on Earth series now has over  10 million copies in print , a toy line, and a video game released in June 2021 from Outright Games.

The star-studded Netflix animated series was a warded a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Special Class Animated Program. Developed by Atomic Cartoons, the series features the voice talents of Mark Hamill, Rosario Dawson, Catherine O”Hara, and may others.

The newest, THE LAST KIDS ON EARTH AND THE FORBIDDEN FORTRESS, continues the out of this world story. Okay, actually in this world, but a crazy one after a monster apocalypse started it all. Jack, pictured lower left, narrates each adventure. In book one he created his team and they continue to fight the monsters. There’s Quint, his best friend; reformed middle school bully, Dirk; Jack’s loyal pet monster, Rover; and the fiercest girl Jack knows, June.

Here’s what to expect:

Picking up after  Quint and Dirk’s Hero Quest, the Last Kids are happily reunited—but quickly faced with a monstrous new mission. Inside an other-dimensional fortress, the evil Thrull, alongside a vile new villain, is carrying out a sinister plan. Jack, Quint, June and Dirk must make their own plans to infiltrate the stronghold before Thrull gets any closer to completing the mysterious Tower, a structure that could ultimately spell doom for this dimension.

Blending the traditional and graphic novel approach works well, satisfying those who like plenty of cartoon like illustrations and those who prefer the text based story telling method. The books have also motivated a lot of kids to read, especially those who otherwise avoid books whenever possible.

THE LAST KIDS ON EARTH and the FORBIDDEN FORTRESS ends on a cliffhanger so fans can expect more in the Fall of 2023.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE LAST KIDS ON EARTH AND THE FORBIDDEN FORTRESS

  1. Jack is an often amusing narrator, coming up with the perfect line to ease the tension: Another George Washington quote jumps into my head. Or maybe it was Ryan Seacrest. Yeah, probably Seacrest—
  2. Fast paced with scares that aren’t too scary for the middle grade set.
  3. June is a strong female character always ready to take on the next challenge. She makes a great companion to Jack.
  4. The black and white illustrations flow well with the text. They add to the story without getting you sidetracked in the plot.
  5. Always an over the top introduction to science fiction, but so much fun.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR and ILLUSTRATOR

Max Brallier    (maxbrallier.com) is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty books for children and adults. His books and series include the Last Kids on Earth, Eerie Elementary, Mister Shivers, Galactic Hot Dogs, and Can YOU Survive the Zombie Apocalypse? Max lives in New York City with his wife and daughter.     
Douglas Holgate  has been a freelance comic book artist and illustrator based in Melbourne, Australia, for more than ten years. He’s illustrated books for publishers including HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, Hachette, and Simon & Schuster, and comics for Image, Dynamite, Abrams, and Penguin Random House. 

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Comments are welcome below. Be sure to visit all the other posts by MMGM bloggers this week.

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

SNOOPY CANNONBALL!

Posted on November 25, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

It’s amazing that the first Peanut’s strip appeared on October 2, 1950 in seven newspapers. Now 72 years later the group feels like old friends.The creator of Peanuts would have turned 100 years old tomorrow (November 26). What better way to celebrate his legacy than to present the 14th collection of his work.

SNOOPY CANNONBALL! features the iconic beagle and all the other characters you’ve come to love both through the comic strip and TV. Each cartoon is presented for the first time in color and the results bring even more admiration to the series.

From Charlie once again trying to kick a football before Lucy tricks him to good old Snoopy taking on any sport, the light humor is perfect for the 7-12 age group. Even those those of us a little older will feel a nostalgic connection to the gang. The 176 page paperback is the right choice to fill spare moments or take on a trip. You’ll be smiling for sure!

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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, New Release, non fiction | Tagged , | 4 Comments

MMGM for November 21, 2022

Posted on November 21, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

It’s Thanksgiving week. No turkeys here in any of these Middle Grade Reviews and Features, but you will have to click on each one to see a blogger’s POST.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of THE SECRET LETTERS by Margaret Peterson Haddix, the first book in the new MYSTERIES OF TRASH AND TREASURES Series.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has a guest post by Jessica Vitalis and a GIVEAWAY of The Rabbit’s Gift.

Brenda @ LOG CABIN LIBRARY shares her post on Enola Holmes: The Graphic Novels, Volume 2 by Serena Blasco.

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews I Survived the Wellington Avalanche, 1910 by Lauren Tarshis, an exciting historical survival series for middle grade readers.

Sue Heavenrich is over at Archimedes Notebook with some infographic books.

Faith Hough reviews What Happened to Rachel Riley? by Claire Swinarski.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of HERO FOR THE HUNGRY. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.

Valinora Troy checks in with a review of THE LAST FALLEN STAR by Gracie Kim.

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 SPY SCHOOL PROJECT X.

———————————————————————

(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 3 Comments