PIPPA PARK CRUSH AT FIRST SIGHT

Korean American Pippa Park picks up right where she left off . . . trying to balance basketball, school, friends, working at the struggling family laundromat, and fitting in. Eliot, her math tutor—and the cutest boy at school—is finally paying attention to her. And Marvel—her childhood friend—is making her required volunteering much more interesting. But things with the Royals, her new friends and teammates who rule the school, still feel a bit rocky. Especially because Caroline, a head Royal, would like nothing more than to see Pippa fail.

So when Pippa is faced with hosting the annual Christmas Eve party that could make or break her social life, how can she say no? Will Pippa make enough money to cover the costs while juggling crushes and everything else? With courage and determination, Pippa sets out to host the party, find the perfect dress, pick the right boy, and stay true to her real self.

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The second book in the Pippa Park series will for sure please fans of the first book. I recommended Pippa Park Raises Her Game last year on Always in the Middle. Even those who missed the initial offering will be able to jump right into Pippa Park’s newest dilemma as she faces another year.

The first four chapter titles in Pippa Park Crush at First Sight focus on how many days until Christmas. The rest point to how many days remain until Pippa hosts the big holiday party in a cramped apartment on Christmas Eve. Pippa has one shot to be successful and accepted by the top group in the school. This lead-up to the big day is a great countdown technique.

Korean culture is infused throughout including a wide variety of delicious sounding food. Pippa’s apprehensions and always trying to solve problems on her own come full circle as she discovers it’s just fine to ask for help.

The 288 pages are an entertaining and a realistic look at middle school culture. Fitting in is always front and center.

For more about Pippa Park Crush at First Sight, visit the book’s dedicated web page. You will also find an excerpt and an educator’s guide.

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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.


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MMGM for October 10, 2022

Leaves are falling along with some great MG reviews and features. Click on OCTOBER to reach a blogger’s post.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of a new thriller, WHAT WE SAW by Mary Downing Hahn.

Charlotte at Charlotte’s Library joins us for the first time on MMGM . She reviews Windswept by Margi Preus. Stop by and welcome our newest blogger!

Jennifer Bohnhoff talks about The Big Guy/ Little Guy Trope in Middle Grade Literature and Beyond.

Sue Heavenrich at Archimedes Notebook has How Was That Built?: The Stories Behind Awesome Structures and other books about architecture.

Carol Baldwin checks in with a review of MOONWALKING.

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal has a review of She Persisted: Maria Tallchief by Christina Day, an Indigenous author.

Maria Antonia @ of books, photography, and tea reviews one from the past: GIRL IN BLUE by Ann Rinaldi

Alex Baugh at Randomly Reading shares a hauntingly good novel, The Girl in White by Lindsay Currie.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of TRUSTING TRUE NORTH by Gina Linko. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.

Valinora Troy reviews THE HEALING STAR by A. Kidd

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 A MILLION VIEWS.

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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)
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WHAT WE SAW

I typically shy away from adult fiction murder mysteries. The daily news is depressing enough. But I was faced with reading a new murder mystery for middle grade. Yes you read that right.

Murder and middle grade.

WHAT WE SAW turns out to be a riveting hard to put down story of two best friends who gather a lot of evidence while hiding out in a tree house. I read this whodunnit in one day which is not something I ever do with books.

Twelve-year-old Abbi and Skyler witness a meeting between a mystery woman and another person in a dark van. From their perch in the tree they know their summer just got a lot more exciting. Maybe they are witnessing spies or criminals on the run!

When the mystery woman turns up murdered, the girls know their clues might help police. It’s sad because Abbi and Skyler know both the victim and possibly the murderer. Being detectives is scarier than ever.

Revealing secrets is sure to destroy many more lives but the danger level increases giving them no other choice. Their friendship is tested as they decide what to do.

Both girls live in single parent households with their mothers. Abby narrates the story, one filled with true to life middle grade drama. There are two nasty bullies and drug use by an older brother, keeping this one solidly in the upper middle grade category (I’d suggest the 11-13 age group).

No spoilers here and there are many I could drop. Give this one a go if you like a small town where summer turns into a thrilling, suspenseful adventure. WHAT WE SAW is what you should read. The compact page count is also a plus.

PAGE COUNT: 206 BOOK BIRTHDAY: September 6, 2022

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: WHAT WE SAW by Mary Downing Hahn

  1. Many young readers will feel the fear of thier parents finding out you did something you shouldn’t have done. It’s usually something simple like in this story when Abby and Skyler ride their bikes to the other side of town. The plot handles it to perfection.
  2. The challenges of single parenting are brought out superbly. For Abby, who never knew her father, she hopes Mom will marry the man she is currently dating. For Skyler she is bitter toward her dad who had an affair and left. Great contrast in family situations.
  3. Students have favorite teachers as demonstrated in this school part of the plot. It turns into a huge deal when all is revealed.
  4. You may figure out the mystery quicker than the MC’s, but seeing what the girls go through from accusations to realities is a wonderful ride.
  5. A different kind of spooky read for the upcoming season of scares.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary Downing Hahn’s many acclaimed novels include such beloved ghost stories as Wait Till Helen Comes, Deep and Dark and Dangerous, and Took. A former librarian, she has received more than fifty child-voted state awards for her work. She lives in Columbia, Maryland, with a cat named Nixi.

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Comments are welcome below and be sure to visit all the other MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE POSTS (MMGM).

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MONSTER CLUB

Eleven-year-old Eric King (otherwise known as Doodles given his passion for drawing), loves to visit the amusement park his great-great grandfather created and now run by Eric’s dad. A recent hurricane has damaged the Coney Island park leaving property developers licking their chops at the possibilities—like turning the whole place into condos and apartments.

Eric’s family might lose it all and his parents are not getting along. This leaves Eric with what he feels is the one good thing left in his young life. It’s Monster Club, a role playing game that Eric and his friends created. But now his friends are finding other things to do that seem more grownup. Eric is devastated and suddenly he has no friends thanks to his untimely temper.

This contemporary set-up occurs in the first 30% of the story/ Then, OH MY, the plot dives head first in another direction

Eric finds a vial of magic ink in a box full of other stuff. He draws his favorite monster, Brickman, and POP! the monster appears right next to him in 3-D form. 

His old friends are back and they also draw their favorite beast using the ink, but the increase in monsters wreaks havoc across Coney Island. Whoops, it’s all Eric’s fault. Now the Monster Club must make things right for the monsters, Eric’s family, and the shuttered amusement park.

Monster Club at 335 pages won’t appeal to everyone. The long drawn out climax could have been shortened, but it does set up a sequel. Other than Brickman, keeping the characters and owners straight was a challenge. Darren the bully was one to dislike and appeared more like an escaped criminal. But if you like an action packed story this one might be to your liking. One final note to the parents who always asking me “Any Inappropriate Language? Yes there is quite a bit but nothing in the PG-13 or R rated kind.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Darren Aronofsky is a Coney Island–raised, Academy Award–nominated screenwriter, director, and producer. He is best known for his surreal, high-concept work in films like Requiem for a Dream, Black Swan, The Wrestler, and mother!

Ari Handel is a scientist, writer, producer, and storyteller. He and Darren Aronofsky have worked together for more than twenty years on many projects, including The Fountain, Noah, and the National Geographic series One Strange Rock, Welcome to Earth, and Limitless.

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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)
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MMGM for October 3, 2022

A new month of MMGM’S. Click on OCTOBER to reach a blogger’s post.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of NOTHING INTERESTING EVER HAPPENS TO ETHAN FAIRMONT by Nick Brooks.

Brenda at Log Cabin Library has a Duo Review with Leo’s Map of Monsters The Armored Goretusk & The Spit Fang Lizard by Kris Humphrey, illustrations by Pete Williamson.

Susan Uhlig loved the 2022 Newbery award book, THE LAST CUENTISTA.

Linda Browne at Bookcase Bizarro joins the MMGM lineup for the first time this week. She is sharing her September roundup of MG novels, MG Graphic novels, and Picture books. Welcome Linda!

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal brings us The Last Fallen Moon by Graci Kim, Vol. 2 in this Korean Mythology trilogy.

Maria Antonia @ of books, photography, and tea reviews THE VANDERBEEKERS MAKE A WISH by Karina Yan Glaser.

Mark Baker at Carstairs Considers has a MG review to share: Spy School Project X by Stuart Gibbs.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of THE FORT by Gordon Korman. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.

Valinora Troy reviews THE UNADOPTABLES by Hana Tooke.

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 SPELLS FOR LOST THINGS.

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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)
Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Nothing Interesting Ever Happens to Ethan Fairmont

Something cool happening in Ferrous City? Not a chance.
 
Until one day . . . when self-proclaimed genius inventor Ethan Fairmont runs into an abandoned car factory to avoid a local bully and accidentally stumbles across his ex-best friend Kareem, new kid Juan Carlos, and an extraterrestrial visitor. Cheese (the alien) is stuck on Earth in need of some serious repairs, spicy snacks—and absolute, total secrecy. That’s easier said than done when mysterious agents descend on Ferrous City to search for Cheese. With time running out and their family and friends in potential danger, can Ethan, Kareem, and Juan Carlos pull off an intergalactic rescue before they’re all found out?

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You may be phoning home thinking this sounds like that other alien, E.T., but Ethan Fairmont provides it’s own charm.

The first person narration is very kid-like and believable. Ethan is a sixth grader with a lot on his mind. Sports is not a part of that equation. What does carry Ethan forward is creating inventions, a passion he loves.

When the spaceship that looks like a large pinball is discovered along with its occupant, Cheese, Ethan’s connection grows and he has to help. Making the story even more interesting is Ethan is black and racial profiling is a backdrop. His parents remind him of how to deal with the police in one engaging chapter.

The climatic ending is both gripping and satisfying. Perfect for those readers who may not gravitate toward reading. They will be hooked after spending time with Ethan. Something Interesting DOES HAPPEN to Ethan Fairmont in this planned series.

PAGE COUNT: 240 BOOK BIRTHDAY: October 4, 2022

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: NOTHING INTERESTING EVER HAPPENS TO ETHAN FAIRMONT

  1. Ethan has friendship and bully problems and how it all came together was a real plus for the plot.
  2. The parents had their hands full with Ethan and two older brothers, but their caring ways always shined in helping Ethan become a good person.
  3. A town having to deal with a closed factory is a reality in our present world. How it came to be better was briefly covered but hopefully readers will get more in the sequel.
  4. The gadgets Ethan created were a fun tie-in to the story. I do need to get a Handy-Bot 3.0. It would make a great Christmas gift.
  5. A goofy, charming, and an all out fast read many will enjoy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Author and award-winning filmmaker, Nick Brooks hails from Washington, DC. In 2020 he graduated from the University of Southern California’s TV and Film Production program, earning both the prestigious George Lucas Scholar Award and the James Bridges and Jack Larson Award for Writing and Directing.

Truly a multihyphenate, Nick has an extensive background in songwriting and recording, and is most noted for working with G.O.O.D Music artist, Tony Williams. He recently acted as Lyricist for the rap film, THE CYPHER, executive produced by Ben Corey Jones. The film made its world premiere at the2020 Tribeca Film Fest and was acquired by HBO.

As a storyteller he strives to tell stories that are timely and timeless. 

(For more Visit Nick’s Author Website)

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Comments are welcome below. Be sure to visit all the other posts on this week’s edition of Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

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

THE ANTIDOTES — POLLUTION SOLUTION

Pee yew! Something fishy’s going on in the Chesapeake Bay. As they resume “normal” life after a global pandemic, Gir, Izi, and their fifth-grade classmates form The Antidotes to try to stop a corporate plastic-eating bacteria experiment gone wrong. Will they be able to get enough kids to clean the water before it makes any more fish or children sick?

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Kids care and so do the authors writing books for them. My third review in the past two weeks of a book with an environmental theme brings another good one: The Antidotes – Pollution Solution.

Told in alternating first person viewpoints, the two main characters bring heart to the story. Gir is a science loving boy. He takes after his parents who are scientists themselves. It’s a split household with Gir spending time with each either at Dad”s apartment or home with Mom. A routine many young readers will familiar with and the emotions of such an arrangement are handled well in this plot.

Izi is a quiet girl who not only has an interest in science but an intriguing past she might have to revisit. This won’t be easy given she lost her dad and grandma to the pandemic. Mom is often gone at work leaving Izi alone at home. Once she gains new friends and joins the Antidotes, the character arcs for both she and Gir unfold in page turning fashion.

Harmful plastic is the focus here and tips for joining the Zero Plastic Waste Challenge are listed in the back pages. Until them you will be engaged in a story with a very believable extension of where we were and where we’re headed in a world kids want to make better. The Antidotes will certainly give you reason to join their pursuit. This is the first in a series so we can look forward to more problems solving with a continued and much needed environmental focus.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Patricia (Patty) Mechael is a writer and public health specialist, who combines her passions for women, technology, science, and the world to inspire children and adults through her writing. Drawing on her career in global health, Patty’s works engage children and adults to wrestle with the toughest public health and societal issues of our time, including the anti-vaxxer movement, pandemic preparedness, and mental health alongside sexism and racism. Her writing also draws on her more than 25 years of work across more than 40 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

(for more visit the author’s web site)

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Coming up next week is another edition of MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY! It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to join the lineup. All you have to do is email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

MMGM for September 26, 2022

Click on each star to reach a blogger’s post.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of HAVEN JACOBS SAVES THE PLANET by Barbara Dee.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles reviews The Other Side of the River by Alda Dobbs and giving away an ARC.

Brenda at Log Cabin Library tells us about Cat Ninja: Welcome to the ‘Burbs by Matthew Cody, Illustrations by Chad Thomas, Warren Wucinich Colorist.

Jennifer Bohnhoff has a great post on Stories about Living During the Vietnam War Era for Middle Grade Readers

Max at Completely Full Bookshelf recommends Besties: Work It Out, written by Kayla Miller and Jeffrey Canino and illustrated by Kristina Luu. 

Carol Baldwin has an outstanding MG picture book: EVICTED! The Struggle for the Right to Vote. Included is a GIVEAWAY!

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal shares her views on Unicorn Island: Secret Beneath the Sand by Donna Galanti.

Maria Antonia @ of books, photography, and tea reviews NO VACANCY by Tziporah Cohen.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of I WILL PROTECT YOU by Eva Mozes Kor. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.

Valinora Troy has an update on her writing (and dog!).

Alex Baugh is back with us this week and has a review of Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet by Barbara Dee. Did she like it as much as I did?

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 Postcards from 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)
Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

HAVEN JACOBS SAVES THE PLANET

Haven Jacobs is a 7th grade girl whose emotions are out of control over one topic: climate change. It’s effecting her mental health along with falling grades, sleep, and friendships. She wonders why adults aren’t doing anything about the crisis we face in the world.

A science fair project brings her closer to the environmental damage on display in her town. A class study of the local Belmont River shows it has changed tremendously in the past three years. There are no longer any frogs and chemical imbalances are occurring.

She wonders if the source of the problem is a new factory in the area. It’s not easy to accuse when she has no solid proof. It’s even trickier because her dad works for the factory and a classmate is the son of the owner. But she must do something.

Fortunately she has a supportive family with both parents and an older brother who she is beginning to see as more of an ally than an enemy. There is plenty of friend drama and the route Haven takes to save the planet is perfect and believable.

I’ve really enjoyed Barbara Dee’s novels and HAVEN JACOBS SAVES THE PLANET is no exception.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: September 27, 2022 PAGE COUNT: 304

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT– HAVEN JACOBS SAVES THE PLANET by Barbara Dee

  1. The dialogue pieces shine and are true to the voice of middle grade kids these days.
  2. The labeling of “eco-anxiety” about climate change is real and I’ve witnessed many tweens and teens battling the same feelings. It was encouraging that Haven’s parents had her talk to a therapist who helped Haven move forward and feel like she was doing something positive to elicit change.
  3. Haven doesn’t really save the planet but provides inspiration for others to take charge in their own communities. The novel will also serve as a springboard for kids to decide what they can do.
  4. Sister and brother relationships are often negative in the teen years but slowly change. It was heartwarming how Carter and Haven began to see themselves as friends.
  5. Yes, climate change is real and seeing more books about this topic are an encouraging sign. Haven Jacobs serves as a positive start for saving the world we know. I’ll be sharing more MG titles about our climate crisis in the coming weeks.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Barbara Dee is the author of eleven middle grade novels published by Simon & Schuster, including MY LIFE IN THE FISH TANK (2020), MAYBE HE JUST LIKES YOU (2019), EVERYTHING I KNOW ABOUT YOU (2018), HALFWAY NORMAL (2017) and STAR-CROSSED (2017). Her books have earned several starred reviews and have been named to many best-of lists, including the Washington Post’s Best Children’s Books, the ALA Notable Children’s Books, the ALA Rise: A Feminist Book Project List, the ALA Rainbow List Top Ten, the NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, the Bank Street Best Children’s Books, and Project Lit. Barbara lives with her family, their sweet rescue dog Ripley, and naughty cat Luna, in Westchester County, NY.

Barbara Dee’s web site

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Be sure to visit the other Marvelous Middle Grade Posts and Comments about my post are welcome below…

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GOODNIGHT STORIES FOR REBEL GIRLS—100 Inspiring Young Changemakers

Readers will celebrate well-known activists Greta Thunberg and Mari Copeny and meet new names like inventors Riya Karumanchi, who developed a smart cane for the visually impaired, and Xóchitl Guadalupe Cruz López, who used recycled materials to build solar-powered water heaters for families who lacked hot water. Each story is told in a whimsical fairy tale style and is paired with a bold, full-page portrait drawn by a female or nonbinary artist. In addition to showcasing the stories of incredible young people, the book features the work of young authors, artists, and editors. (FROM AMAZON and the RG WEBSITE)

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Girl Power on display here! They range in age from preteens on up through girls in their twenties. What they are doing with their lives is inspiring for all. Each story is a page long and on the opposite page is a illustration of the individual and a quote. I liked this one from 13-year-old inventor and entrepreneur, Cassidy Crowley:

I learned to just go for it because you never know unless you try.

A large portion of the featured stories are unfamiliar names, but you will find famous profiles like Bindi Irwin, Billie Eilish, and Zendaya. You can go through the pages in any order. The last part of the book has more profiles of girls who didn’t make the top 100, but each get a paragraph and illustration of their brave and often exciting pursuit. Also included are pages to write your own story with an illustration.

A fantastic additional feature are QR codes that lead to audio stories in the Rebel Girls app. Great extensions to an already great set of stories. This newest volume is perfect for elementary and middle grade girls. Each may be motivated to become another changemaker.

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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)
Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments