An attic can hold many secrets, including the letters 12-year-old Colin finds in a stranger’s house. It’s his summer job helping Mom in her business of helping people get rid of junk. Should he throw them away? Maybe not.
Upon reading a few of the letters, Colin finds a back and forth exchange between two best friends, Rosemary and Toby. His first look convinces Colin he must keep the letters and find out why these two stopped being friends way back in the 1970s.
An engaging story becomes even better by adding another character. Here we have Nevaeh who lives in the same town. She also finds a letter, but this one sounds like a confession to a crime. Her dad is the “Junk King” given he is in the junk hauling business. He thinks the guilty party is Colin’s Mom.
The letters eventually lead to the friendship of Nevaeh and Colin. As more clues unfold, the letters are found to be connected in unexpected ways. Together they try and solve the mystery, hopefully somehow tracking down Rosemary and Toby who might have answers.
Two modern day kids trying to make sense of the 70s made this one of my favorite reads this year. The focus on treatment of women in the last century will be eye opening for young readers.
The fast paced read alternates between Colin and Neveah’s third person narration. This first story in the MYSTERIES OF TRASH & TREASURE series will leave you anxious to see what comes next.
FIVE MORE THINKS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE SECRET LETTERS by Margaret Peterson Haddix
The small town of Groveview, Ohio provides the perfect setting for this engaging plot. It works so much better than having the setting be a large city. Neighborhoods and family are front and center.
I finish reading some mysteries and although they are well written, the likelihood of the event happening is slim. With The Secret Letters I was in all the way and found it very believable.
If you lived in the 1970s, you’ll get a nostalgic feel for the era. Others will learn about such things as Pong, the Bicentenial Quarter, and many 70s television shows. The author has a great summary of all the highlights covered in the story in her back pages notes.
The anxiety Nevaeh and Colin bring forth is about family and friendship. It’s one that will resonate with readers.
The two families are quite different, but you come away knowing that there is compassion and love coming from each.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Margaret Peterson Haddix grew up on a farm near Washington Court House, Ohio. She graduated from Miami University (of Ohio) with degrees in English/journalism, English/creative writing and history. Before her first book was published, she worked as a newspaper copy editor in Fort Wayne, Indiana; a newspaper reporter in Indianapolis; and a community college instructor and freelance writer in Danville, Illinois.
She has since written more than 40 books for kids and teens, including Running Out of Time; Double Identity; Uprising; The Always War; the Greystone Secrets series; the Shadow Children series; the Missing series; the Children of Exile series; the Under TheirSkin duology; and The Palace Chronicles. She also wrote Into the Gauntlet, the tenth book in the 39 Clues series. Her books have been honored with New York Times bestseller status, the International Reading Association’s Children’s Book Award; American Library Association Best Book and Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers notations; and numerous state reader’s choice awards. They have also been translated into more than twenty different languages.
Haddix and her husband, Doug, now live in Columbus, Ohio. They are the parents of two grown kids.
You will definitely find the unexpected when opening the pages of this National Geographic KiDS title focusing on animals.
What I expected to find was page after page of facts grouped around a particular animal. Ones like “50 Terrific Facts About Tigers” and “50 Roly-Poly Facts About Hippos” did make the final cut. But then we have over 100 other categories that the creative team put together to provide variety and fun. A few of my favorites were:
100 Eye-Popping Facts About Animal Vision
35 Loud Facts About Musical Animals
35 Facts About Tiny But Mighty Creatures
15 Mature Facts About How Long Animals Live
Animals loving readers will for sure spend hours of time filling up their brains with these fascinating facts. The 224 pages are packed with colorful photos and backgrounds. I also appreciated the thorough Index where users can find the page(s) featuring their favorite animal.
As I absorbed every fact while reading the book, the author part of my brain kicked in with this question: How did they ever go about putting this together? I found an answer on the final page:
“Just how did we get 5,000 awesome facts about animals into this book? First, we came up with a list of all kinds of critters and their cool and crazy habits, habitats, and traits: from hovering hummingbirds and precious pets to burying beetles and gigantic gorillas, from creatures that swim in the sea to those that fly high. Then we figured out how to fit all these facts about Earth’s amazing animals on the pages. It was kind of like doing a jigsaw puzzle! Some topics have 15 facts. Some have 25. Some even have 100! We carefully researched each and every fact to make sure it’s absolutely true. And we illustrated and designed the pages so well that you’ll never want to stop looking at them. Then we added up all the facts to get to 5,000. It didn’t take 5,000 people to make this awesome book—but it did take a colossal crew of writers, editors, photo editors, and designers—the most awesome book team around!”
Wow! The making of this creative endeavor didn’t happen overnight. 5000 AWESOME FACTS (About Animals!) is a great gift for any middle grade reader.
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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 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.
A heart-pounding final showdown changes the life of Cruz Coronado forever in the seventh and final book in this thrilling fact-based fiction series.
Amid assignments that take the Explorer Academy recruits from the iceberg-filled waters of Antarctica to the bone-dry deserts of Argentina, Cruz Coronado is scrambling to complete the last piece of the cipher. With Nebula agents and the elusive explorer spy still out there, his opportunity to recover his mother’s world-changing formula is slipping away. But as Cruz has learned from his time aboard Orion, true explorers must never give up.
Even after completing dozens of high-risk missions and traveling to all seven continents, Cruz could never prepare himself for one ultimate surprise.
Explorer Academy features: Gripping fact-based fiction plot that inspires curiosity with new technology and innovations; amazing inventions and gadgets; a cast of diverse, relatable characters; secret clues, codes, and ciphers to track down within the text; vibrant illustrations; elements of STEAM; National Geographic explorer profiles in the “Truth Behind” section.
Check out theExplorer Academy website featuring videos, comic shorts, games, profiles of real-life National Geographic Explorers, chapter excerpts and more.
Praise:
“Sure to appeal to kids who love code cracking and mysteries with cutting-edge technology.”
—Booklist
“A perfect blend of adventure with real science and technology!”
—New York Times #1 best-selling author Rick Riordan
“A fun, exciting, and action-packed ride that kids will love.”
—J.J. Abrams, director and screenwriter of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Lost, Alias
“Inspires the next generation of curious kids to go out into our world and discover something unexpected.”
—James Cameron, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence and acclaimed film-maker
TRUDI TRUEIT has written more than 100 books for young readers, both fiction and nonfiction. Her love of writing began in fourth grade, when she wrote, directed, and starred in her first play. She went on to be a TV news reporter and weather forecaster, but she knew her calling was in writing. Trueit is a gifted storyteller for middle-grade audiences, and her fiction novels include The Sister Solution, Stealing Popular, and the Secrets of a Lab Rat series. Her expertise in kids nonfiction encompasses books on history, weather, wildlife, and earth science. She is the author of all the narratives in the Explorer Academy series, beginning with Explorer Academy: The Nebula Secret. Trueit was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, and lives in Everett, Washington.
GIVEAWAY
Three (3) winners will receive the COMPLETE 7-book Explorer Academy series and an Explorer Academy map, showing all the places around the world that Cruz and his classmates visit over the course of the series!
Our second MMGM of the month brings a cornucopia of Middle Grade Reviews and Features. Click on each to see a blogger’s POST.
At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of THE RABBIT’S GIFT by Jessica Vitalis.
Brenda @ LOG CABIN LIBRARY features The Bridge of Little Jeremy by Indrajit Garai. A tearjerker of a story but oh such a sweet boy.
Linda Browne has posted her October Bookcase Bizarro reviews for us to enjoy. Included are COUNTING BY 7s and SUPERMAN SMASHES THE KLAN along with a non-fiction title.
Carol Baldwin shares SUPERPOWER? A MIDDLE-GRADE STEM BOOK REVIEW by ELLIOTT KURTA, AUTHOR INTERVIEW, and GIVEAWAY!
Valinora Troy reviews RAGGEDY CHAN and NINE-TAIL FOX.
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Signs of Survival: A Memoir of the Holocaust by Renee Hartman with Joshua M. Greene. It is a story about a a girl who is the ears for her deaf parents and sister and warns them of Nazi danger.
Sue Heavenrich has a MG novel to share over at Archimedes Notebook: The Trouble with Robots, by Michelle Mohrweis.
Faith Hough is talking about The Secret Garden, and The Secret Garden Devotional, by Rachel Dodge.
Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of UNDERCOVER LATINA by Aya De León. 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 Thursday’s review of HEDGEOVER HEALS.
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If you would like to join in the MMGM fun and get your own spot in the parade, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count–but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you’re featuring and a link to your blog at gpcolo (at) gmail (dot) com
(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
French folklore inspired the unusual plot of THE RABBIT’S GIFT, a fantasy full of purple carrots, cabbage-like plants called Chou, and rabbits. How they all fit together is quite unusual: Humans trade the carrots for Chou. Important because babies are grown in the plant and delivered by rabbits.
Dual narratives include Quincy who is a smaller than usual rabbit. The other voice is Fleurine, a twelve-year old inspiring botanist whose mom is the current ruler of the mythical country.
Fleurine secretly tries to grow purple carrots so she can have a baby sister. Her Maman doesn’t want another child and believes her daughter should stop this infatuation with science and follow in her political footsteps.
Meanwhile, the human demand for babies has dropped, and the rabbits are starving. Quincy decides to take matters into his own paws and sets out for the city, determined to find seeds and let the rabbits grow their own carrots. But that goes awry when he inadvertently leads Fleurine back to the top-secret Warren where the Chou are kept before delivery. This pits them against each other and jeopardizes the future of the entire country––for rabbits and humans alike.
There’s no clear antagonist/protagonist as both Quincy and Fleurine at times can be looked at either way. It’s an engaging way to tell a story as you move from one viewpoint to the other.
THE RABBIT’S GIFT is a story full of friendship, misunderstandings and adventure that is sure to please fantasy readers. The author’s previous book, The Wolf’s Curse, is a companion to The Rabbits Gift. You can read each one on their own as the first deals with end of life while the present is about a new life.
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT THE RABBIT’S GIFT by Jessica Vitalis
I’m not a big fan of footnotes but the ones provided here are fun and informative. A perfect way to discover more about a character’s perspective.
Longer chapters are welcome for the established reader as they get wrapped up in a fantasy world.
Both Quincy and Fleurine are likeable despite their misguided actions. The author does a great job with their character arcs.
Finding a place in one’s community is a marvelous theme that will resonate with young readers.
Very lush and impactful imagery throughout. A good candidate for a read-aloud..
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
About the Author: JESSICA VITALIS is a Columbia MBA-wielding writer on a mission to write entertaining and thought-provoking literature. She founded Magic in the Middle, a series of free monthly recorded book talks, to help educators introduce young readers to new fantasy books. She was recently named a 2021 Canada Council of the Arts Grant Recipient and featured on CBCs Here and Now. Her first novel, The Wolf’s Curse, published in 2021, and a standalone companion novel, The Rabbit’s Gift, came out on October 25, 2022.
This book is a stand-alone companion novel to The Wolf’s Curse, meaning that the stories share commonalities, but you don’t need to read The Wolf’s Curse in order to fully enjoy The Rabbit’s Gift. Tell us more about how you came up with the idea for The Rabbit’s Gift.
I knew when I finished writing The Wolf’s Curse that the characters had reached the end of their journeys, but I wanted to stay in the same magical world. I’ve always thought of Wolf as my “death book,” and I was fascinated by the idea of writing a book that examined the opposite. Of course, a “birth” book didn’t feel right for the middle grade market.
It wasn’t until a friend pointed me toward an 1896 French film, La Fée Aux Choux, that I figured out how to make the concept work. La Fée Aux Choux, which is arguably the world’s first narrative film (and made by the world’s first female filmmaker, Alice Guy-Blaché), was lost or damaged, but it was redone in 1900 and features a fairy harvesting babies from cabbages. I reimagined the mythology to fit my story world, and The Rabbit’s Gift was born! It’s set in the same world as The Wolf’s Curse, but it takes place in a different country with different characters and different magical rules.
The Rabbit’s Gift is written from dual points of view. Quincy Rabbit begins the story by musing that “sometimes the only difference between a hero and a villain is which side you’re on,” while Fleurine’s point of view opens with the admission that she once would have considered Quincy a villain. What do you hope readers take away from this exploration of heroes and villains?
At the start of the story, Quincy sets out to steal a bag of the purple carrot seeds the rabbits need to survive and Fleurine steals a Chou from the rabbits; since their actions set off a nearly catastrophic chain of events, it would be easy to label both of them as villains, but I can also make the case for how they both think they are behaving heroically. Rather than following the traditional model of writing a story with a clearly defined protagonist and an antagonist, I really wanted to explore the power of perspective to help readers understand that things aren’t always as black and white as they might seem.
Quincy Rabbit comes from an enormous family, whereas Fleurine is an only child. In what way do their familys’ expectations and dynamics drive the story?
Quincy is a runt and often feels targeted by his stronger, older brother. The Committee that runs the Warren also seems to keep a closer-than-usual eye on Quincy. It’s the pressure to want to prove his worth that leads him to set off on his adventure. On the other hand, Fleurine is driven by the constant pressure to follow in her mother’s footsteps even though she’s much more interested in the forbidden study of botany than politics. Their focus on their own unhappiness leads them to make some really big mistakes, and it’s not until they stop trying to change things that are out of their control and learn to embrace the lives they have––especially their friends, family, and community, that they finally find true happiness.
Rabbits and humans have a symbiotic relationship in The Rabbit’s Gift; in what way does this mirror the real world?
One of the things I was interested in exploring in this book was the interdependence between man and nature and how delicate that balance can be. In The Rabbit’s Gift, human babies are grown in cabbage-like plants and delivered by rabbits, In return, rabbits receive the purple carrots essential for their survival. While humans in the real world obviously aren’t dependent on rabbits for babies and wild rabbits aren’t directly dependent on humans for their survival, human actions like pollution, overpopulation, urban sprawl, and deforestation have direct consequences on the entire planet; I hope this story helps readers become more aware of the extent to which our actions impact our futures.
The Rabbit’s Gift is set in the mythical country of Montpeyroux, where they are suffering from drought, overpopulation, and hunger. Yet they cling to the status quo and refuse the scientific advances that might be able to help solve their problems, fearing that changes to the natural order might be disrespectful to the Grand Maman in the Moon. What message are you sending to young readers?
This story is intended to be a fun, magical twist on traditional French mythology. That said, it’s always been my mission to write stories that are both entertaining and thought provoking, and this book was written during the pandemic. Although it was written before we had access to the vaccines and boosters that significantly reduce the chance of severe illness and death, the debate about whether these vaccines would be safe and those who would and wouldn’t take them, was already raging. At the same time, I was also reading articles about efforts to combine human and animal cells; while none of these issues are central to the heart of my story, I did want to acknowledge that science isn’t black and white; along with the benefits comes a whole lot of responsibility as well as moral and ethical debates about its safety, efficacy, and our moral obligations.
Socio-economic issues often come up in your work. Why is this important to you to explore?
My childhood was spent living on the fringes of society. I’d moved nearly 24 times by fourth grade; we stayed in a camper pulled behind our Buick, a school-bus, and a one-room cabin with no electricity or running water. I left home at the age of sixteen and went on to put myself through university and then business school. I’d grown up believing that it was up to me to create the life I wanted to live. That still holds true, but now that I’m older, I can see how my privilege opened doors for me and how our society is set up to reward the wealthy and penalize the poor. It’s important to me to write stories that help young readers begin to understand and identify the imbalances in our society and how it’s important to work together for the common good.
You’ve said that you have a “literary godmother” in Newbery medalist Erin Entrada Kelly. How did that relationship come about?
I’d been writing for thirteen years and was in the process of switching agents when Erin put out a call for manuscripts to critique with the writing class she was teaching; I jumped on the chance to get feedback from an author of her caliber. She not only loved my manuscript but passed it on to her agent, who offered representation the very next day. It’s safe to say that Erin single-handedly changed the course of my career!
Can you talk a little bit about Magic in the Middle and what you hope young readers will gain from watching these book talks?
Magic in the Middle is a natural extension of my passion for middle grade fantasy; it’s a free series of monthly recorded book talks that teachers, librarians and caregivers can share with their middle grade readers to introduce new books and get kids excited about reading. (As an added bonus, I often include short video messages from the authors themselves!) To learn more, visit my website atwww.jessicavitalis.com.
How does someone not old enough to vote make the world a better place? They might want to start with this new book focusing on the tools to combat systemic racism and injustice. Three sections help plant the seed:
– Identity: What it is and how it applies to you – Justice: What it is, what racism has to do with it, and how to address injustice – Activism: A how-to with resources to be the best antiracist kid you can be
The ANTIRACIST KID recommends you not go it alone. Recruit family, friends, and others in the community to push toward positive change. Filled with artwork, each section has a helpful “Putting it All Together” summary you can use to review what you’ve read. You’ll also meet three young activists:
Biracial Ruby is Black, and a cisgender female (one whose gender identity corresponds to the sex assigned at birth). Dani is Taíno and Seminole, nonbinary, and uses they/them pronouns. African American Shawn is Gambian, and Dominican, has ADHD, and lives with his two moms.
THE ANTIRACIST KID is the perfect starting point for a discussion with family and classmates, especially those 10-12 years old. Even adults will learn a few things reading this short manual (128 pages). A strong addition to classrooms, libraries, and at home.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tiffany Jewell is a Black biracial writer, twin sister, first generation American, cisgender mama, anti-bias antiracist (ABAR) educator. She is the author of the #1 New York Times and #1 Indie Best Seller, This Book Is Anti-Racist, a book for young folks [and everyone] to support waking up, taking action, and doing the work of becoming antiracist.
She has been working with children and families for nearly two decades and worked as a Montessori educator for fifteen years. She enjoys exploring social justice with young folks, especially the history of racism and resistance, economic justice, and socially and personally constructed identities. Tiffany also likes working with educators and supporting them building strong, authentic communities in which every child can be seen and valued.
Tiffany lives on the homeland of the Pocumtuc, Nonotuck, and the Nipmuck with her two young storytellers, husband, a small dog with a big personality, and a turtle she’s had since she was nine years old. (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 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.
HAPPY NOVEMBER and our first MMGM of the month. Click on each to see a blogger’s REVIEW OR FEATURE.
At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of MORTIMER: RAT RACE TO SPACE by Joan Marie Galat.
Brenda @ LOG CABIN LIBRARY features Big Nate: Prank You Very Much (Big Nate TV Series Graphic Novel Book 2) by Lincoln Peirce.
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an interview with debut author Elaine Kachala and a giveaway of her MG nonfiction Superpower? The Wearable-Tech Revolution.
Valinora Troy reviews A STORM OF SISTERS by Michelle Harrison.
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews I Will Protect You: A True Story of Twins who Survived Auschwitz, by Eva Mozes Kor with Danica Davidson. A powerful story that should be shared with future generations.
Sue Heavenrich has a book for 7-10 year olds over at Archimedes Notebook Elephants!: Strange and Wonderful, by Laurence Pringle.
Faith Hough reviews Miraculous, by Caroline Starr Rose.
Maria Antonia at “of books, photography, and tea” has a post about LINES OF COURAGE by Jennifer A. Nielsen.
Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of A PERFECT MISTAKE 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 Saturday’s review of CRUNCH.
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If you would like to join in the MMGM fun and get your own spot in the parade, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count–but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you’re featuring and a link to your blog at gpcolo (at) gmail (dot) com
(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
If you’re a reader who doesn’t like animal narrated books, a story told through the voice of a rat may have you looking the other way. But wait, Mortimer has the smarts and charm to pull you in.
Mortimer’s goal is to be chosen as a passenger on the International Space Station. He feels strongly that rats would be much better suited than humans on a future mission and colonization of Mars. When he is finally picked to head off to space, Mortimer plans to spend his time taking notes, shooting videos, and conducting experiments to prove the inadequacy of human astronauts.
Things don’t go as planned when his scheme takes many unexpected turns. He first meets Boris, a rat from Russia who has never lived on Earth. Together they learn about each other while frequently not getting caught sneaking out of their enclosures. Mortimer faces new truths about friendships, humans, and doing what’s right.
Details about the space station come alive as the story unfolds. A fun read and the 27 chapters move along at a quick pace. A perfect addition to the middle grade shelves.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: September 20, 2022 PAGE COUNT: 192
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT—MORTIMER: RAT RACE TO SPACE by Joan Marie Galat.
Meals on the ISS (International Space Station) are a eye-opening read. What you go through to get a cup of coffee in space will make you happy that you are on earth.
Facts about life in space were well researched and learning about them through Mortimer’s adventures was much more appealing than reading the facts in a non-fiction book.
Mortimer’s character arc was perfect. He’s a different type of rat after orbiting the earth for several months.
The jokes and pranks are numerous and you’ll be smiling at one involving underwear.
You know you’ve read a good one when you hope a sequel will be forthcoming.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Joan Marie Galat is an award-winning author of more than 20 books for children and adults, with translations in seven languages. She is best known for her science books for children, specifically her astronomy titles and interest in everything outer space. Her books have won and been nominated for numerous awards, including the Moonbeam Children’s Book, Crystal Kite, Skipping Stones, Rocky Mountain Book, Red Cedar Book, and Hackmatack awards, among others. She is the 2018 recipient of the MarthaWeston Grant, awarded annually to one member (worldwide) of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Galat lives in Edmonton, Alberta.
BIG NATE keeps on bringing the laughs with Volume 27 of the iconic comic strip. The 173 pages are presented in a series of six 4-panel comics followed by the 8-panel Sunday feature. The story lines are wide ranging as Nate deals with school, his nemesis-Gina, a single father and an older sister.
Some of my favorites included Nate helping the photographer with school pictures, doing his best to get a girlfriend, and this one when Nate has an unfortunate soccer accident:
Also fun are the Halloween and Christmas threads where Nate always loses out. His father insists on giving out healthy Halloween snacks and Nate’s Christmas has him talking about what presents he didn’t get.
In full color, Big Nate: Release the Hounds is the perfect holiday gift. It’s one that will be shared frequently with family and friends to enjoy. Nate also stars in his own Paramount+/Nickelodeon animated series. Although intended for ages 8-12, don’t worry if you are older. Big Nate also works for the kid at heart…like me.
If you need even more laughs, there’s another graphic novel in this series due out this month. BIG NATE: PRANK YOU VERY MUCH will be the perfect stocking stuffer. Here’s the official background from Andrew McMeel Publishing:
When it comes to making mischief, Nate Wright’s in a class by himself. Whether he’s pranking his sister with fluorescent toothpaste or giving the school yearbook an unauthorized glow-up, Nate’s genius for trickery always earns straight As.
Based on the hit Big Nate TV show on Paramount+ and Nickelodeon, Big Nate: Prank You Very Much features stories from two shorts and two complete episodes. In “The Pimple of Power,” a honkin’ zit on Nate’s forehead unexpectedly becomes the most miraculous good luck charm in school history. In “Time Disruptors,” Nate and his pals channel a legendary team of superheroes to rescue Francis from the clutches of P.S. 38’s obnoxious archrival, Jefferson Middle School. Two short stories showcase Nate’s unmatched prank-pulling flair along with his hilarious response to a school picture day gone horribly wrong.
Combining the animated series’s full-color artwork with the hand-drawnillustrations so familiar to fans of Big Nate comics, Prank You Very Much packs a serious comic punch!
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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 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.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN! CLICK ON A HAPPY WITCH AND BE CARRIED AWAY TO EACH REVIEW OR FEATURE.
At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of AMARI AND THE GREAT GAME by B.B. ALSTON.
Brenda @ LOG CABIN LIBRARY has a duo review of Leo’s Map of Monsters: The Frightmare and The Shrieking Serpent by Kris Humphrey, illustrations by Pete Williamson
Carol Baldwin welcomes back Elliott Kurta and STARFISH: A Teen Review of a Middle-Grade Book.
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews All the Feelings Under the Sun: How to Deal with Climate Change by Leslie Davenport.
Valinora Troy also checks in with a reviews AMARI AND THE GREAT GAME by B.B. Alston. See if she likes it as much as I did.
Sue Heavenrich is over at Archimedes Notebooks with a spooky nonfiction: American Murderer: The parasite that haunted the south, by Gail Jarrow.
Faith Hough has another review to share—The Star that Always Stays, by Anna Rose Johnson.
Alex Baugh gives us another look at New Kids & Underdogs by Margaret Finnegan.
Maria Antonia at “of books, photography, and tea” has a post about REMARKABLY RUBYby Terri Libenson.
Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of A River’s Gifts: The Mighty Elwha River Reborn. 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 Sunday’s review of MUST LOVE PETS.
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If you would like to join in the MMGM fun and get your own spot in the parade, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count–but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you’re featuring and a link to your blog at gpcolo (at) gmail (dot) com
(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. Email me the title of the book or feature for any middle grade book, author or giveaway, and a link to your blog. Send it to: gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com
Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for that week’s MMGM.
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
FIVE MORE THINKS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE SECRET LETTERS by Margaret Peterson Haddix
to see a blogger’s POST.
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT THE RABBIT’S GIFT by Jessica Vitalis
to see a blogger’s REVIEW OR FEATURE.
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT—MORTIMER: RAT RACE TO SPACE by Joan Marie Galat.
Always in the Middle... 