48 Hour MG READATHON: Update #2

Posted on July 15, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

Start Time: 10 AM on July 15, 2022

Elapsed Time: 12 Hours

Books Read Since Last Update: 4 Total Books Read: 7

Note: Gaining Traction…

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48 Hour MG READATHON: Update #1

Posted on July 15, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

Start Time: 10 AM

Elapsed Time: 6 Hours

Books Read During this Time Period: 3 Total Books Read: 3

Note: A slow start:

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MMGM for July 11, 2022

Posted on July 11, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

LET’S READ!!

(Click on each blogger’s stack of books to see their post)

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At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of MANATEE SUMMER by EVAN GRIFFITH.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles features a guest post by debut author Melissa Dassori and her agent Jennifer Unter with a giveaway of Melissa’s contemporary/magical realism JR Silver Writes Her World and a query critique giveaway.

Carol Baldwin shares Elliott’s second review of the UPSIDE DOWN MAGIC books, #5-8.

Valinora Troy reviews The Myriad Mysteries of Eartha Quicksmith.

Maria Antonia has a post about about another Newbery Honor book: The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with Saturday’s review of THE BOY WHO FAILED DODGE BALL.

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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.
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MANATEE SUMMER

Posted on July 10, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

The friendship of two boys in Florida is the backdrop for this engaging new tale. Peter and Tommy have been inseparable ever since they became best friends. Their deep interest in animals led them to create what they call The Discovery Journal, a catalog of wildlife in and around their town. When an animal is spotted, Tommy researches important details about the animal and Peter creates a drawing.

Their newest is a manatee they find injured by a boat (Discovery #95). The find not only gets them closer to their goal of 100 animals, but also motivates Peter to join the fight to save Florida manatees.

Well…maybe not. Tommy and his family are moving to Michigan and breaking up this twosome. Meanwhile, Peter is taking care of his grandfather while Mom works as a realtor during the day. Papa’s memory is failing and bouts of dementia are a challenge to overcome.

Emotions run deep and the first person narration by Peter is superbly crafted. He tries to navigate through the uncertainties of losing both his best friend and grandfather while not being afraid to confront Mr. Reilly, the president of the boating association—a neighbor who cares more about his boats than manatees getting injured.

You couldn’t as for a better summertime story in MANATEE SUMMER. Peter not only discovers more about himself but others in his life. The truth comes out and it’s an enriching experience for readers.

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FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: MANATEE SUMMER by Evan Griffith

  1. You don’t often find boys in stories showing emotions like they do here. There are tears and misconceptions all rolled into one great tale.
  2. The way Mr. Reilly acts toward the natural world is all too familiar. He puts his needs first and those of animals and other people around him second. It was nice to see this selfish behavior depicted so honestly.
  3. Peter’s character arc is perfect. His strong voice is full of feelings about the challenges facing him in his short life. Maybe not full resolution in the 288 pages, but you get the feeling he’s going to do well in the future.
  4. If you don’t know much about manatees this would be natural place to start. Peter learns much from his contact at the manatee rescue center and of course his connection with Zoe, the manatee he befriends.
  5. The issues of losing a friend and having a loved one’s memory decline will be familiar for many MG readers. They won’t feel so much alone by spending time with Manatee Summer.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Evan Griffith is the author of the middle-grade novel Manatee Summer (Quill Tree, 2022) and the picture book biography Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist (Clarion, 2021). He studied creative writing at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received his MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults at the Vermont College of Fine Arts.

He worked for several years as an editor at Workman Publishing, where he specialized in non-fiction for children and adults, and he continues to edit books on a freelance basis. Through his role as the youth programming specialist at The Writing Barn, a creative writing education center, he also teaches online writing classes for kids.

He lives in Austin, Texas with a mischievous tuxedo cat and several overflowing bookshelves.

(For more information about Evan, visit his web site)

COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW

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#MG READATHON

Posted on July 8, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

One week from today begins MRS. YINGLING’S version of a fun way to read a lot of books. The MG Readathon is a challenge to read as many books as you can in 48 hours. All the details are here.

I will be starting at 10 am on Friday the 15th and finish up on Sunday the 17th. You can join the madness yourself by signing up next Friday morning. My journey will have to include breaks for sleep and various commitments, but I hope to read at least 20 books during that time.

My first will be a re-read of a classic:

My goal is at least 20 more books. I will update my other reads at least 4 times during the event. So long for now, it’s time to prepare my stack of Readathon titles.

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Blogging about middle grade books or authors next week? Join the celebration.

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, Reading | Tagged | 4 Comments

MMGM for July 4, 2022

Posted on July 4, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

TIME TO CELEBRATE!!

(Click on each blogger’s fireworks to see their post)

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At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of LIES I TELL MYSELF by Beth Vrabel.

June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, and Stitchmetic has a spotlight and review of What is the Declaration of Independence?

Carol Baldwin passes off the reviewing baton to Elliott and his review of GIRL ON FIRE by Alicia Keys.

Maria Antonia has a post about REAL PIGEONS FIGHT CRIME by Andrew McDonald.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews Realistic Animals in Colored Pencils. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

Valinora Troy reviews Rea and the Blood of the Nectar by Payal Doshi.

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 TREASURE TRACKS and MANATEE SUMMER.

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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.
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LIES I TELL MYSELF

Posted on July 3, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

One of my favorite plots to experience is a middle grade contemporary first person narration. More than once though I feel a bit let down by the voice coming from the character. It can sound like an adult speaking or an older teen.

The first lines of Beth Vrabel’s LIES I TOLD MYSELF set my apprehension aside. Soon to be fifth grader Raymond’s voice had me anxious to read more right from the opening paragraph:

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I’m fine.

Except for the chicken on my head.

I was pretty sure she hated me.

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The 28 chapters aren’t labeled as chapters but instead take the form of lies (First Lie, Second Lie, etc.) They aren’t lies so much as they are misconceptions about life and the people you care about. The first lie is I’M FINE and you soon discover the emotional weight he carries.

Raymond’s musician father has sent him to stay with the mother’s grandparents in Maine. His older sister Sara stays behind. His last memory of his Mom is when she left when he was in Kindergarten—never bothering to contact him again.

So now Raymond is stuck in a place he doesn’t want to be with grandparents who don’t understand him. Despite not wanting to be there, he vows to do three things during his stay: Learn to ride a bike, learn how to swim, and make friends. None of these pursuits go well.

He first meets Clementine, a girl whose blunt approach sets him back. Their potential friendship takes quite a few detours. But through each chapter, Raymond sees his own path to growing up woven ever so perfectly from others, including reading his great grandfather’s journal.

Raymond is a great narrator and his often humorous take on what he believes will have you connecting to him more with each passing page. LIES I TELL MYSELF is a companion to last year’s TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH, but this is a separate tale that you can read without experiencing the first.

Heartwarming and always a strong voice. I’ll always remember Raymond.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: LIES I TELL MYSELF by Beth Vrabel

  1. The character arc for the grandparents was a strong companion to the one experienced by Raymond. Well done in all aspects.
  2. The chicken also played a big role in the healing process for the family. Who knew a chicken could have so much drive and personality!
  3. I’ll never understand the mom . The way she was portrayed had her on my worst list of adult characters in literature. Maybe we need to see her own title for adults centered around the bad choices she made and why.
  4. The emotion coming out of each chapter had me flipping the pages for more.
  5. Loved the ending which seemed more like a new beginning for the cast of characters.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Beth Vrabel is an award-winning author of books for middle grade readers.

But she can’t clap to the beat nor be trusted near Nutella. Beth lives in New England with her family and spoiled-rotten puppies, Jasper and Jupiter.

(For more visit Beth’s Author site)

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SHARK STUFF

Posted on July 1, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

The first title in the new “Can’t Get enough” series from National Geographic Kids is sure to enthrall and entertain middle grade readers and even us adults. Perfect for summer reading or any other time of the year.

This is no boring repetition of what you already know about the shark world. The large size paperback is packed with colorful images and jaw dropping facts.

Across the more than 125 pages you will find multiple sections of:

  • FUN FACTS
  • SILLY JOKES
  • VIEWS FROM EXPERTS IN THE FIELD
  • FUN AND GAMES
  • TRY IT OUT AT HOME EXPERIMENTS
  • QUIZZES—One halfway through and another at the end. Plus more quizzes to find out where you might fit into the shark world.

Even a shark enthusiast like myself found a new understanding of these magnificent creatures:

  • Shark can see 10 times better than humans in dim light
  • The Viper Dogfish shark has the scariest and creepiest look of all the sharks
  • The Whale Shark is as long as an RV
  • Sharks often don’t feel pain
  • A Whale Shark’s mouth is five feet wide

An index and bibliography wrap things up and even if you are not a shark lover, you may become one after spending time with them on the pages of SHARK STUFF. A great escape for all!

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Blogging about middle grade books or authors next week? Join the celebration.

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.
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MMGM for June 27, 2022

Posted on June 27, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

ONE MORE GOOD READ BEFORE JUNE ENDS!

Pick out one for yourself from the links below:

(Click on a happy red book to reach a blogger’s post)

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of WRETCHED WATERPARK by Kiersten White.

June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, and Stitchmetic presents links to resources for parents, teachers, librarians, and caregivers to use when encouraging their children to read during the summer of 2022.

Carol Baldwin has another great post on making revisions.

Patricia Tilton at CHILDREN’S BOOKS HEAL reviews The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat.

Mark Baker at Carstairs Considers returns to the MMGM lineup this week with a review of Charlie Thorne and the Curse of Cleopatra by Stuart Gibbs.

Maria Antonia has a post about DREAM, ANNIE, DREAM by  Waka T. Brown.

Alex Baugh at Randomly Reading is also back this week with a review of The Night Bus Hero by Qnjali Q. Raúf.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews and has a GIVEAWAY of THE TURTLE OF MICHIGAN by Naomi Shihab Nye. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

Valinora Troy reviews EPIC ZERO by R.L. Ullman. She also shares news about the publication of the second book in her fantasy series, Revenge of Queen Rose at Book Launch: Revenge of Queen Rose – Valinora Troy

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 COMING UP SHORT.

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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

WRETCHED WATERPARK

Posted on June 26, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

There’s nothing like a trip to the waterpark to make a young person scream with delight. Yes, you will get wet but also have tons of fun—unless you’re spending the day at Fathoms of Fun Waterpark. Run the other way instead as our three main characters quickly discover.

Alexander and Theo Sinister-Winterbottom are 12-year old twins. Along with their older sister Wil, they’ve been sent off in the middle of the night by their parents to live with Aunt Saffronia, a supposed relative they never knew existed. Child care is not her best trait. The only thing she cares about is making sure they use the week long passes she got for them at the local waterpark. Sounds fun until their visit turns into quite the mystery with people disappearing, terrible food choices, and some pretty wild rides.

Alexander is the cautious, rule following twin who also hates water slides. The more adventurous Theo makes a great pairing as these two try and figure out who is in the watch tower and why this place seems more intent on making sure guests never want to come back. Wil frequently disappears on her own, being more interested in her phone and Edgar, a boy she meets at the park.

The third person narration in WRETCHED WATERPARK is filled with humor and the mystery unfolds in a fast paced fashion. I’m not giving away any spoilers to keep the story fresh in case you decide to give this one a go.. The first tale in this enticing series will be followed by Vampiric Vacation in September. The summer is off to a great start!

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT WRETCHED WATERPARK

  1. The sibling relationship. Alexander and Theo are very different but they support each other no matter what.
  2. Although the main plot points were answered there are still enough loose ends to entice readers back for more in Book 2.
  3. I’m always a bit wary when an adult/YA author switches course to take a shot at Middle Grade. Thankfully, the author has hit the mark in this mystery that will surely appeal to 8-12 year olds.
  4. The creepiness factor is not enough to cause nightmares. It will though cause young readers to read more.
  5. Reminded me of Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events which is pretty good company to have in a story.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kiersten White is the New York Times bestselling, Bram Stoker Award-winning, and critically acclaimed author of many books, including the And I Darken trilogy, the Sinister Summer series, the Camelot Rising trilogy, and her adult debut, Hide. Her books have been published in over twenty territories, and her novel The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein is currently in development with Sony Pictures Television.

Kiersten lives with her family in San Diego, where she can regularly be found pressing her hands against the glass of her back door, furtively whispering I love you to her deeply ambivalent tortoise, Kimberly.

(For more visit Kiersten’s author website)

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I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Comments are welcome below.

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