MMGM for MAY 9, 2022

Posted on May 9, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

It’s another Monday and time to spotlight some great MG reviews and features.

Click on each blogger’s light switch to get started.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of THE NATURAL GENIUS OF ANTS by Betty Culley.

Carol Baldwin talks about what it means for a writer to find inspiration in her/his “own backyard.” A giveaway is also offered.

Maria Antonia has a post about THE CAPTIVE KINGDOM by Jennifer A. Nielsen.

Valinora Troy reviews UNICORN ISLAND by Donna Galanti. As always she has a cute picture of the featured book and a best friend.

Rosi Hollinbeck takes a look at THE BOOK OF AMAZING TREES. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal features THE VIEW FROM THE VERY BEST HOUSE IN TOWN by Meera Trehan.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with her other reviews from last week including Saturday’s look at SMALLER SISTER.

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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

THE NATURAL GENIUS OF ANTS

Posted on May 8, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

Ten-year-old Harvard narrates this gentle, engaging story. His medical doctor dad made a huge mistake at work which cost the life of a baby. Dad quits being a doctor to try and recover from the tragedy.

He takes Harvard and younger brother Roger to spend the summer at Kettle Hole, Maine where he grew up. Mom stays home for her work and the boys miss her a lot.

It helps to have a summer project like making an ant farm. Harvard with the help of his maybe new friend, Nevaeh, do most of the work to get it started. Questions about ants are posted on a white board and they use a non-fiction book called THE NATURAL GENIUS OF ANTS to help with their research.

Answers are found not only about the ants, but about each other and forgiveness.

Harvard has a fun sense of humor that often plays off words and their meaning. His emotions are all over the place worrying about if Dad is getting better and taking care of the ants. He also has to be the big brother to the very talkative Roger.

The 38 chapters are short and always have you turning the page for more. In our current world it’s nice to have a story where you just feel good after being with this family. They are kind and respectful and I already miss them. A great read aloud full of heart and hope.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: May 10, 2022 PAGE COUNT: 240

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT THE NATURAL GENIUS OF ANTS By Betty Culley

  1. Who knew ants were so interesting? I learned a lot about their body structure and habits The next time I see an ant I’ll observe this tiny insect filled with my new knowledge.
  2. Nevaeh, heaven spelled backwards, is the only daughter of a boyhood friend of Harvard’s dad. She loves to write poetry and her special way makes Harvard happy. Together their bond grows in a short time and doing so they help each other. A memorable pair of characters.
  3. Five-year-old Roger is the kind of little brother you want. He’s funny in his own way and his child like way of seeing the world will make you laugh.
  4. Harvard’s middle of the night talks with his mom lead to special insights about the family. She’s a strong presence even when far away.
  5. I’ve never been to Maine. As Harvard points out, their license plate has the word vacationland across the bottom. A vacation in Maine sounds perfect after reading THE NATURAL GENIUS OF ANTS.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Betty Culley is the acclaimed author of the middle-grade novel Down to Earth, which received a starred review from Booklist, calling it “captivating,” and the YA novel in verse Three Things I Know Are True, which was a Kids’ Indie Next List Top Ten Pick and an ALA- YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults nominee. When writing The Natural Genius of Ants, Betty kept an ant farm and cared for a carpenter ant queen. She’s worked as a pediatric nurse and lives in a small town in central Maine. You can find her online at bettyculley.com.

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I received access to a digital arc for my honest review.

COMMENT ARE WELCOME BELOW!

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

APPLE CRUSH

Posted on May 6, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

Jen is just getting used to her life on Peapod Farm with her new stepsisters, Andy and Reese. But when the school year starts, there are more changes in store for her. Jen has to navigate new friends and new challenges—at least she’ll have Andy with her, right?

Nonetheless, as she starts sixth grade, she finds that her stepsister seems way more interested in crushes and boys than hanging out with her, while Jen wants to know when the world decided boys and girls couldn’t be “just friends” anymore.

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The second novel in this graphic series follows STEPPING STONES, but the engaging APPLE CRUSH works fine on its own. The colorful images bursting with emotion tell a story many middle graders will find familiar. Divorce impacts everyone, especially 6th grader, Jen (pictured left in her normal tom-boy attire).

Jen gains a new friend at school (who is a boy), but in typical middle school culture everyone assumes they have to be more than friends. The assumptions are more than frustrating.

Jen has to deal with the misconceptions along with being pulled in different directions. Her dad on the weekends and Mom and boy friend during the week at Peapod Farms. It’s there that she and her step sister get jobs helping a neighboring farm run its annual pumpkin patch and popular haunted hayride.

Many new fans of the series will be attracted to the fun setting along with the effects of being at a new school—an honest portrayal indeed. Yes, librarians come to the rescue more than most realize.

Heartfelt and fast paced, you’ll smile and want a sip of apple cider after spending time with APPLE CRUSH.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lucy Knisley is the critically acclaimed, award-winning, New York Times bestselling comics creator of Relish and Kid Gloves. She lives in Chicago with her husband and son. She specializes in personal, confessional graphic novels and travelogues. The Peapod Farms books are Lucy’s first graphic novels for kids.

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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 Graphic Novels, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

MMGM for MAY 2, 2022

Posted on May 2, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

IT”S A NEW MONTH WITH FIVE MONDAYS OF MMGM. To get the party started click on a to see a blogger’s post.

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At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of GLASS SLIPPERS by Leah Cypess.

June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, and Stitch-Metic has a historical fiction feature spotlighting Author Cynthia Rylant’s addition to the Little House series, ‘Old Town in the Green Groves’. Included is an author bio and a review.

Sue Heavenrich is over at Archimedes Notebook and is featuring the non-fiction book, Be the Change, by Rob Greenfield and Antonia Banyard

Carol Baldwin has THE CAPTAIN’S DAUGHTERS- PART II: An Interview by Guest Blogger Elliott Kurta with Author Doreen Berger.

Maria Antonia shares a few thoughts on OVER THE TOP by Alison Hughes.

Rosi Hollinbeck features a review of MEANT TO BE by Jo Knowles.. Rosi also shares three 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 her other reviews from last week including Friday’s THE FINAL CUT.

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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 | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

GLASS SLIPPERS

Posted on May 1, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

It’s another month of Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays!

The name Cinderella brings many fond memories of her tale from both young and old. She lived happily ever after…or maybe not as we find out in this imaginative and suspenseful new extension of the original classic.

Come to find out there was another step sister. Tirza (pictured front and center on the cover). Tirza has lived in the castle with Cinderella since her sisters were banished to a far away place. She’s still ashamed at what her family did to Cinderella, now known as Queen Ella. The queen has tried to convince the populace that Tirza is not like the rest of her family.

No one has believed her, especially the King. The situation worsens when those iconic glass slippers are stolen and the number one suspect is Tirza. Despite trying them on Tirza insists she did not steal them. As the tension mounts Tirza seeks out the real thief, but does she believe her sisters or the Queen about the facts they put forth?

The surprising answer is found toward the end of this fast moving story. The first person narration by Tirza is wonderfully engaging. I didn’t begin my reading with much anticipation, but the plot won me over and will appeal to young and old.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: April 5, 2022 PAGE COUNT: 272

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT GLASS SLIPPERS BY Leah Cypress

  1. I discovered this is the second in the SISTERS EVER AFTER series following the original THORNWOOD—about Sleeping Beauty’s younger sister. What a great way to capture new readers when they are already familiar with the original character. I hope to see more.
  2. There is one boy character, Aiden, who may or may not be Tirza’s friend. Having a male secondary character will add to the appeal for those young readers who always ask me when they see a cover like this—Are there any guy characters in this book? Aiden adds even more mystery to the story.
  3. Yes, there are mice but thankfully they aren’t singing in this tale. GLASS SLIPPERS is a mystery and one you’ll constantly be re-guessing who is the real guilty party.
  4. Be aware there is blood but not in a way that will scare the intended audience. Its true effect is one of the many twists you will discover.
  5. A fairy tale for those who don’t normally read these type of stories. (I’m talking to myself here)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Leah Cypess

I wrote my first story in first grade. The narrator was an ice-cream cone in the process of being eaten. In fourth grade, I wrote my first book, about a girl who gets shipwrecked on a desert island with her faithful and heroic dog (a rip-off of both The Black Stallion and all the Lassie movies, very impressive).

After selling my first story (Temple of Stone) while in high school, I gave in to my mother’s importuning to be practical and majored in biology at  Brooklyn College. I then went to Columbia Law School and practiced law for almost two years at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, a large law firm in New York City. I kept writing and submitting in my spare time, and finally, a mere 15 years after my first short story acceptance, I sold my first novel to Greenwillow Books (HarperCollins).

I live in Silver Spring, Maryland (right outside of Washington, D.C.) with my husband and four children.

(For more about Leah visit her author web site)

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Comments are welcome below.

Posted in MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

REBEL GIRLS—AWESOME ENTREPRENEURS

Posted on April 29, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

This series returns with another winning entry. Twenty-five women are profiled who have had success launching new products, building their own businesses, and investing. It’s truly inspiring.

Each successful woman gets her own two-page spread. On one side of the page you’ll find a colorful illustration of the successful person and a quote. Here’s a sample from engineer and entrepreneur. Kathy Hannun. She’s the co-founder of Dandelion Energy, the largest geothermal heating and cooling company in the U.S.

“You practice. you persist, you gain skills, and you become better.”

Great advice for sure. On the opposite side of the page is the individual’s amazing story of success. A perfect dose of motivation for young girls who are beginning to have their own dream of being a positive force in the world.

Most names you won’t recognize, but after reading their story you’ll never forget them. There’s Julie Chen who launched her own eco-friendly paper company and when the pandemic hit her sales of toilet paper quadrupled. Or how about Maria Theresa Kumar, co-founder of a nonprofit organization that helps get Latinx people excited about voting and making change. My favorite though is Melanie Perkins who despite setbacks has become the leader of the world’s most valuable company with a female founder, CANVA.

Another plus is the chance to hear more by getting the Rebel Girls app. There are numerous links to extras featured there.

After the featured portrayals readers have a chance to write their own story and draw a portrait. No problem if you don’t know anything about the business world or building your own business as each are detailed and explored in the closing pages.

This title will be available on May 10th but you can get information how to order along with a view of the entire series here.

An important resource for any girl.

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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 Middle Grade Book Reviews, non fiction | Tagged | 1 Comment

MMGM for April 25, 2022

Posted on April 25, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

One last round of great MG reviews and features this month. Click on an April Showers Umbrella to see each post.

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At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of SIR FIG NEWTON AND THE SCIENCE OF PERSISTENCE by Sonja Thomas.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has a a guest post by debut author Christina Matula with a giveaway of her MG contemporary The Not-So-Uniform Life of Holly-Mei.

Young reviewer Elliott Kurta returns with a post on Carol Baldwin’s blog. He gives us his thoughts on THE CAPTAIN’S DAUGHTERS by Doreen D. Berger. A GIVEAWAY is included!

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Book’s Heal reviews Anna Hibiscus by Atinuke, a chapter book series—four stories in one book about life in Nigeria.

Andrea Mack takes a look at Red, White and Whole by Rajani LaRocca.

Maria Antonia has a post about ONE KID’S TRASH by Jamie Sumner.

Valinora Troy reviews EUDORA SPACE KID by David Horn.

Rosi Hollinbeck features a review of WEIRD KID by Greg Van Eekhout. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

Welcome back to Suzanne Warr at Tales from the Raven. She shares a a discussion of some authorly and book-writing insights gained from her game development experience.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with her other reviews from last week including Friday’s CONSIDER THE OCTOPUS.

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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 | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

SIR FIG NEWTON AND THE SCIENCE OF PERSISTENCE

Posted on April 24, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

Welcome to Marvelous Middle Grade Monday!

A science loving girl and her diabetes stricken cat, bring new meaning to friendship and family in this debut. Mira is 12-years-old and the summer before seventh grade is going downhill quick. Her beloved cat, Fig Newton, is sick and she’ll need thousands of dollars for the treatment. Despite her parents wishes to give the cat away, Mira is going to somehow earn that money and make Fig well once again.

Set in Florida, it’s a lonely time as Mira’s always best friend Thomas has moved far away to Washington D.C. She soon realizes long distance friendships are not easy as Thomas finds a new friend and communication with Mira lessens as the weeks pass.

Making things worse—not only is her cat sick, but Dad is unemployed and money is tight. Mira also discovers her nemesis, a girl who always beats her in the yearly science competition has moved into Thomas’s house down the street. A house where she spent many hours having fun with what seems like her now former best friend.

Mira puts her Einstein loving mind to work and experiment ways to make her cat and family feel better along with trying to understand herself. Along the way she picks up her own new unlikely friend, has many questions about the existence of God, and sees her future in a whole new way.

The first person narration stretches over 38 chapters. It’s a heartfelt look at what is often most important in a young person’s world: Family, pets, and friends. The length of this contemporary story will be a bit too long for many 8-12 year olds (over 350 pages!), but avid readers will be find it to be a good escape.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: SIR FIG NEWTON AND THE SCIENCE OF PERSISTENCE

  1. The story is packed with interesting scientific facts and names of famous scientists. You might be motivated to research these careers and findings after you finish this book.
  2. Girls rejoice! You don’t have to feel alone if you are a science loving kid. Mira is destined for a career as a scientists and/or astronaut. A great role model for those STEM based careers.
  3. Sometimes first impressions of a situation or another person are not what they seem as Mira discovers. A perfect lesson for those facing similar circumstances.
  4. Mira is biracial but it is not the focus of the story. She’s just a strong. persistent girl searching for answers.
  5. One of Mira’s experiments is on the effects of music changing a person’s moods. You might be reaching for your own song after reading this one.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SONJA THOMAS (she/her) writes stories for readers of all ages, often featuring brave, everyday girls doing extraordinary things. Raised in Central Florida—home of the wonderful world of Disney, humidity, and hurricanes—and a Washington, DC transplant for 11 years (go Nats!), she’s now “keeping it weird” in the Pacific Northwest.

Ruled by coffee & cats, a few of her favorite things are

  • dancing to music blasting in the living room 
  • traveling to new places and buying a magnet before leaving
  • snuggling with her furry friend, Gabbie Lu (just don’t let her roommate’s 3 other cats know!)

She’s a contributing author for Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Real-Life Tales of Black Girl Magic. Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence is her debut middle grade novel.

For more about Sonja, visit her author web site.

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Comments are welcome below!

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

STAR SWITCH

Posted on April 22, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

Here comes another British import I’m sure will find a welcome audience in North America. I previously featured UK TV personality, Alesha Dixon, and her LIGHTNING GIRL Series. This time she collaborates with author, Katy Birchall, in a fun body switching plot.

Spoiled and obnoxious teen superstar, Naomi, is the biggest singing sensation in the world. She’s also tired of the constant touring and her life being over-scheduled. Naomi is 13 years old with no true friends.

Ruby is a normal girl and is Naomi’s biggest fan. She secretly sings and dances to her songs not wanting to have her large family make fun of her. As the youngest person in the house, it’s hard to get anyone to even know she even exists.

Something weird happens when they both happen to be reading the same passage in a book and wake up as each other. They’re the only ones who know what has happened while those around them never guess there has been a switch. Comical outcomes are the result as Ruby navigates superstardom while Naomi enters a school for the first time in her life.

Told in alternating viewpoints, the story moves along at a brisk pace as the girls try and figure out how to get their own bodies back. Being in another person’s shoes brings about understanding of another person as well as themselves.

Best for girls 10-13, I did try and hand over my copy of STAR SWITCH to a 12-year-old boy to read. He looked at me like an alien had invaded my body and walked away quickly. Oh well, it was worth a try. Now my copy is being circulated in the neighborhood, where you’ll find the target audience in numerous households. The reactions have been a hearty thumbs up.

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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 Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

MMGM for April 18, 2022

Posted on April 18, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

I found all the Easter Eggs! Click on each one to crack open some great MG reviews and features.

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At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of FALLING SHORT by Edward Cisneros.

Carol Baldwin shares Issue 61 of TALKING STORY, a newsletter she writes with Joyce Moyer Hostetter. This edition has a guest post by Monica Roe, author of the recent MG release, AIR. You can also enter a special GIVEAWAY. It ended on April 16th but Carol is extending the deadline for our readers. Just email jctalkingstory@gmail.com by Tuesday the 19th and mention MMGM.

June McCrary Jacobs is celebrating Earth Day 2022 featuring three S.T.E.A.M. book reviews curated from previous posts on her Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic Blog.

Sue Heavenrich is over at Archimedes Notebook with a review of How to Build a Human: In Seven Evolutionary Steps, by Pamela S. Turner.

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Book’s Heal reviews Tiger Honor, the high-adventure sequel to Yoon Ha Lee’s Dragon Pearl. It includes Korean mythology and is a Rick Riordan Presents novel.

Maria Antonia features a review of OPERATION DO-OVER by Gordon Korman.

Valinora Troy has the cover reveal for the second book in her middle grade fantasy series. Be sure to check it out!

Alex Baugh is over at THE CHILDREN”S WAR with a review of Always (Book #7 in the Felix and Zelda Family of Books) by Morris Gleitzman.

Rosi Hollinbeck features a review of CRASHING IN LOVE by Jennifer Richard Jacobson. Rosi also shares three 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 her other reviews from last week including Thursday’s WILD RIDE.

———————————————————————

(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 | Tagged , , | 1 Comment