MMGM for AUGUST 29, 2022

Posted on August 29, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

Click on a schoolhouse to reach a blogger’s post.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of THE PRINCE OF STEEL PIER by Stacy Nockowitz.

Carol Baldwin has another great Book Review by Guest Blogger, Elliott Kurta. This week he shares some thoughts on Hurricamp!

Brenda at LOG CABIN LIBRARY reviews The Other Side of the River by Alda P. Dobbs It’s a historical fiction, second book in the series. 

Maria Antonia @ of books, photography, and tea features SUNNY MAKES A SPLASH by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm.

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Linked by Gordon Korman.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of FORENSICS FOR KIDS. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.

Beth Schmelzer at Best Books by Beth reviews a trio of one-word titles: DUET, ECHO, & LOYALTY,

Valinora Troy reviews a new release: THE LAND OF FAKE BELIEVE.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with last Thursday’s review of MIRACLE SEASON.

———————————————————————

(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

THE PRINCE OF STEEL PIER

Posted on August 28, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

It’s nine o’clock on Friday morning, and Mrs. Goldberg is definitely dead.

With that kind of first line I was pulled into this compelling drama set in 1975 Atlantic City, New Jersey.

13-year-old Joey narrates the story. He and his three brothers are spending the summer at their grandparent’s struggling hotel in Atlantic City. Joey feels unnoticed in his Jewish family but someone else does notice him. It’s a gangster known as the King of Steel Pier. They first meet while Joey is showing off his Skee-Ball skills. Artie treats Joey as one of the boys and gives him a job hanging out with his visiting daughter who turns out to be a few years older than Joey.

Next comes another request that makes Joey super uncomfortable. He’s asked to hide a package at his grandparent’s house—contents unknown. Not such a great idea, but it takes some time for Joey to realize that he’s going to need the help of his older brothers to escape from the grips of the King. Family turns out to be more important than anything else.

Joey’s voice is honest and funny. Atlantic City has gone downhill in the time before casinos arrived. You feel like you know the place along with the Boardwalk and Steel Pier.

A page turner with writing that sparkles. One of my favorites this year.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: September 1, 2022 PAGE COUNT: 248

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE PRINCE OF STEEL PIER by Stacy Nockowitz

  1. You get insights into the Jewish religion along with Joey questioning his beliefs. It’s an honest portrayal of what a young kid like Joey goes through trying to make sense of what is happening in his life and the stereotypes present in his community about being Jewish. It’s a sub plot that doesn’t take over the story in this coming of age gem.
  2. A great motivator for young readers to begin exploring their own family history.
  3. The author lived through this era and it shows in every scene.
  4. Emotions erupt in realistic fashion. A middle grade novel with a teen character but certainly appropriate for the 8-12 year olds.
  5. A connection and empathy you experience toward Joey. It doesn’t always happen MG stories but is carried out here in marvelous fashion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stacy Nockowitz is a middle school librarian and former language arts teacher with more than 25 years of experience in middle school education. Stacy received her BA from Brandeis University and holds Master’s Degrees from Columbia University Teachers College and Kent State University. She is also an MFA candidate in Writing for Children and Young Adults at Vermont College of Fine Arts. Stacy received a PJ Library Writer’s Incentive Award in 2020 for her debut novel THE PRINCE OF STEEL PIER, coming in September 2022 from Kar-Ben Publishing. An unrepentant Jersey Girl, Stacy still teases her hair and uses plenty of spray. When she’s not writing or matching great kids with great books, Stacy can most likely be found reading or rooting on her beloved Philadelphia Eagles. Her kids have flown the coop, so Stacy lives in central Ohio with her husband and their cat, Queen Esther. Find her on Twitter @snockowitz or at www.stacynockowitz.com

COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW…

Posted in Historical fiction, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

HERO FOR THE HUNGRY

Posted on August 26, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

The amazing story of an Iowa farm boy whose life’s work impacted the world comes to life in this compelling biography. Norman Ernest Borlaug is likely a man you never heard of, but his work in developing higher yielding wheat earned him the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize.

Norman was not some scientist stuck in a lab. Instead he helped Mexico and many impoverished countries beat hunger by showing them new methods to grow wheat, producing abundant healthy crops that stamped out starvation. He was more comfortable in the field than he was on the world’s stage.

The 11 chapters lets one experience his amazing 95 years. The text is accompanied by illustrations in the style you see on the cover. They provide another view of this individual and his passion to help people. Frequent FOOD FOR THOUGHT panels and other colored sidebars share information about wheat growing and events impacting the world during Norman’s life.

A final section, A CALL TO ACTION, challenges young readers to become the next Norman Borlaug. There they will find an outline as to how they can make a difference right in their own home and community combating future food insecurity.

Norman Ernest Borlaug was truly a HERO FOR THE HUNGRY. This biography is the perfect title to engage our youth and to discover how this humble man became the “Father of the Green Revolution.”

ABOUT THE CREATORS of HERO FOR THE HUNGRY

Peggy Thomas
Peggy Thomas has always loved true stories, and can’t remember a time when she wasn’t thrilled to find animal bones, musty encyclopaedias, or a history plaque by the side of the road. It’s that same curiosity that has fueled the research and writing of more than twenty nonfiction books for children.

With a master’s degree in anthropology, Peggy explores a wide range of subjects, blending history and science to create award-winning titles. Her most recent books include Lincoln Clears a Path (Calkins Creek, 2021) and Full of Beans: Henry Ford Grows a Car (Calkins Creek, 2019), which earned NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book, 2020 Best Book from the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, and Book of the Year from the Henry Ford Heritage Association.

Peggy is a member of SCBWI, a blogger for Nonfiction Ninjas, and on the creative team behind Nonfiction Fest, a month-long celebration of writing nonfiction for children.
www.peggythomaswrites.com

Sam Kalda
Sam Kalda is an illustrator and artist based in Saint Paul. His commissioned works include editorial, book, advertising and pattern illustration. In 2017, he received a gold medal in book illustration from the Society of Illustrators in New York. He also won a medal from the Cheese Club in college for being able to identify the most amount of, well, cheeses. His first book, Of Cats and Men: History’s Great Cat-loving Artists, Writers, Thinkers and Statesmen, was published by Ten Speed Press in 2017. He recently illustrated his first picture book, When We Walked on the Moon, written by David Long and published by Wide Eyed Press in 2019, as well as the follow-up, When Darwin Sailed the Sea.

He lives in an old house with his husband and two cats, Arthur and Frances. In their role as studio assistants, the cats specialize in houseplant demolition and pencil relocation. He enjoys futzing around in his garden, going to estate sales, and taking long walks. So basically, when he’s not working, he’s retired. He’s taught at CUNY Queens College and Minneapolis College of Art and Design.
www.samkalda.com

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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

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

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

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

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, non fiction | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

MMGM for AUGUST 22, 2022

Posted on August 22, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

Read-Aloud with friends and family!

Make it happen with one of this week’s recommended reads…

===============================

Click on a trio of readers to reach a blogger’s post.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of THREE STRIKE SUMMER by Skyler Schrempp.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has a guest post by debut author Christyne Morrell with a giveaway of her MG science fiction, Trex.

Brenda at LOG CABIN LIBRARY returns to MMGM after a long absence with a feature on The Fire Star by A.L.Tait.

Maria Antonia @ of books, photography, and tea reviews another Newbery winner: DRAGONWINGS by Laurence Yep.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of A DRAGON USED TO LIVE HERE. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.

Valinora Troy reviews DREAD WOOD by Jennifer McKillick.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with last Friday’s review of STINETINGLERS.

———————————————————————

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

THREE STRIKE SUMMER

Posted on August 21, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

The year is 1936. Gloria Mae Willard, her parents, and older sister are evicted from their Oklahoma farm. The baby brother they recently lost is buried under a tree on that property. The Dust Bowl has wreaked havoc making farming the land a useless endeavor. Gloria’s passion though is baseball and the boys in her former town never let her play.

The family moves to California and stays in a settlement of workers picking a peach crop. The work is not easy, but Gloria discovers a small group of boys sneaking out to play baseball against a group from a nearby apricot farm. Rules forbid them from leaving the premises but who cares when baseball is the goal. Gloria has a plan to put herself on that team despite the objections of almost every boy.

The first person narration is superb as you feel every emotion and struggle Gloria goes through. Her determination is unflappable even though it gets her into trouble most of the time. The setting is perfect to bring out what these migrant workers went through with low pay (20 cents an hour) along with terrible living conditions.

Things get so bad at the camp, Gloria’s Pa begins to organize a strike. This doesn’t stop his spunky daughter from continuing her plan to show those boys what kind of pitching arm she can bring to the sandlot. The results are page turning on all fronts. A memorable and important story. A home run on my scorecard.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: August 30, 2022 PAGE COUNT: 320

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THREE STRIKE SUMMER by Skyler Schrempp

  1. Team spirit is important not only on the baseball field but also for the migrant workers wanting better conditions and pay. Both are revealed in plot twisting ways.
  2. The relationship Gloria has with her older sister goes through a wonderful transformation as these two begin to see each other differently.
  3. Tension is the key driver of this plot and the outcome is endearing for readers.
  4. Overcoming gender stereotypes, climate concerns, and income inequalities are sadly ones we are still dealing with today. Reading this account set almost 90 years ago will insight more discussion about what needs to happen in our present world.
  5. The arc for the secondary characters are each unique and expertly drawn out. You’ll see Pa, Ma, and several of the boys in a different light by the ending pages. Nicely done!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Skyler Schrempp writes books and makes theatre in her hometown of Chicago. She lives in an old drafty house with her husband Kyle, her daughter Elowen, and a black cat named Masha. She got her undergrad at Hampshire College and has an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts. When she’s not writing, you can find her making jam from the berries that grow in her backyard or building a fire in her fireplace (depending on the season).

For more visit Skyler’s author web site.

Be sure to also visit all the posts for this week’s MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY

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

UPCOMING MG TITLES

Posted on August 19, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

I was scheduled to review a new non-fiction book today, but the publisher changed the release date so I will hold off until October. This gives me an opportunity to share what I am looking forward to reading the next few months.

First though we have a winner in the giveaway for National Geographic Kids new title: It’s Rosi Hollinbeck! She is an author and blogger. View her website here. Rose will be getting a copy of the food book and a tin full of David’s Cookies. Congratulations!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I have so many books in my to read pile and can’t wait to feature a review on many of them. Here are five on the top of my list:

When best friends Abbi and Skylar witness a suspicious meeting between a mysterious woman and someone in a dark van, they’re thrilled. Finally, a mystery to spice up the summer! But when a local woman goes missing and is found dead in the woods, Abbi and Skylar realize that their detective work could hold the keys to solving her murder. Suddenly, sleuthing isn’t so fun anymore. As tensions rise and their friendship frays, the girls find themselves in increasing danger, and must choose between keeping a secret or exposing a life-altering truth.

************************

Author Ying Chang Compestine draws on her own experiences growing up in Wuhan to illustrate that the darkest times can bring out the best in people, friendship can give one courage in frightening times, and most importantly, young people can make an impact on the world. 13-year-old Mei, grieving the death of her mother and considered an outcast at school, finds solace in cooking and computer games. As the coronavirus spreads and Wuhan locks down, Mei finds herself alone, trying to find a way to help. Through her love of cooking, she makes a difference in her community.

****************************

Eleven-year-old Ruby is a Black girl who loves studying insects and would do just about anything to be an entomologist, much to the grossed-out dismay of her Gramma. Ruby knows everything there is to know about insects so when she finds the weirdest bug she’s ever seen in her front yard, she makes sure no one is looking and captures it for further study.

But then Ruby realizes that the creature isn’t just a regular bug. And it has promptly burned a hole through her window and disappeared. Soon, random things around the neighborhood go missing, and no one’s heard from the old lady down the street for a week. Ruby and her friends will have to recover the strange bug before the feds do.

************************

Becca Singer is having the Worst Day Ever. Her best friend, Harper, dumped her, and Becca is totally friendless and alone.

Then the box arrives in the mail.

Inside the box? One bracelet, plus a mysterious note telling Becca to make a wish. So Becca puts on the bracelet―why not, right?―and wishes to have friends. Lots of friends. So many friends.

And just like that, the magic works. Suddenly, EVERYONE wants to be Becca’s BFF, from all the kids at school to the teachers (!) to her own mom (!!).As things spin out of control, Becca starts to wonder: Is this wish a curse?

**************************************

Daphne doesn’t want to be stuck in Oakland with her dad. She wants to get on the first plane to Prague, where her mom is shooting a movie. Armed with her grandparents’ phone number and strict instructions from her mom to call them if her dad starts drinking again, Daphne has no problem being cold to him. But there’s one thing Daphne can’t keep herself from doing: joining her dad and her new friend Arlo at a weekly skate session. 
When her dad promises to teach her how to ollie and she lands the trick, Daphne starts to believe in him again. He starts to show up for her, and Daphne learns things are not as black and white with her dad as she used to think. The way Daphne’s dad tells it, skating is all about accepting failure and moving on. But can Daphne really let go of her dad’s past mistakes? Either way life is a lot like skating: it’s all about getting back up after you fall. 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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 | 2 Comments

MMGM for AUGUST 15, 2022

Posted on August 15, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

It’s NATIONAL RELAXATION DAY!

Take a break and enjoy reading any or all of the recommended books!

************

Click on a happy checkmark to reach a blogger’s post.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of SURELY, SURELY MARISOL RAINEY by Erin Entrada Kelly.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has a guest post by debut author Refe Tuma and his agent Marlo Berliner with a giveaway of Refe’s MG contemporary fantasy and a query critique giveaway.

Sue Heavenrich is over at Archimendes Notebook with a review of Expedition Backyard: Exploring Nature from Country to City (A Graphic Novel) by Rosemary Mosco; illustrated by Binglin Hu.

June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing and Stitch-Metic features a spotlight and review of a craft book for girls ages 8-11 entitled, 52 DIY Crafts for Girls 

Max @ COMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF recommends Huda F Are You? by Huda Fahmy.

Maria Antonia @ of books, photography, and tea has a review of ROOM TO DREAM by Kelly Yang.

Patricia Tilton at CHILDREN’S BOOKS HEAL reviews Lauren Wolk’s novel My Own Lightning, a sequel to Wolf Hollow.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of FUNKY FUNGI. 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 last Saturday’s review of SURELY SURELY MARISOL RAINEY.

———————————————————————

(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

SURELY SURELY MARISOL RAINEY

Posted on August 14, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

Eight-year-old Marisol is back after readers got to know her and best friend Jada in a first book, MAYBE MAYBE MARISOL RAINEY. It was there that Marisol tries to get over her fear of climbing a tree.

This second book stands on its own since Marisol is now struggling with learning how to play kickball in gym class. She knows everyone will laugh at her as she deals with the kicking and catching—a skill she doesn’t have when it comes to a soccer size ball.

This title will “Surely” be a hit for new readers to middle grade, especially those 8 to 9 year olds stepping up from chapter books. The story flows and is easy to read. A wide variety of whimsical pictures included throughout are a plus.

Other characters include Marisol’s mom and a dad who is only home one week per month due to his job on an oil rig. There’s also a much more athletic older brother known as Oz.

You’ll enjoy reading about Marisol’s so called “Brain Train” where she thinks about everything that isn’t right or needs help in her world. The main one is not having a dad around who can give her help when needed. He does call 3 times a week but some things like kickball can’t be learned over a phone call. Marisol resorts to asking older brother Oz for kickball training.

Marisol is a sweet girl you can’t help but like. I’m glad there are plans for more Marisol Rainey stories in the future. For now, sit back and enjoy SURELY SURELY MARISOL RAINEY

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: SURELY SURELY MARISOL RAINEY by Erin Entrada Kelly

  1. This is a much more realistic look at present day physical education classes. Coach Decker is a master at creating a comfortable, less threatening gym class.
  2. Jada is a great friend even though she doesn’t always do the right thing in Marisol’s view. Jada’s parents are divorced but she spends time with each.
  3. Dad eventually is helpful even from his far away job. Having a distant parent because of work happens a lot in today’s society.
  4. The fears Marisol has were spot on for this age group and this alone makes it a title worth their time.
  5. You get a look at Marisol’s Filipino culture.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

New York Times–bestselling author Erin Entrada Kelly was awarded the Newbery Medal for Hello, Universe and a Newbery Honor for We Dream of Space. She grew up in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and now lives in Delaware. She is a professor of children’s literature in the graduate fiction and publishing programs at Rosemont College, where she earned her MFA, and is on the faculty at Hamline University. Her short fiction has been nominated for the Philippines Free Press Literary Award for Short Fiction and the Pushcart Prize. Erin Entrada Kelly’s debut novel, Blackbird Fly, was a Kirkus Best Book, a School Library Journal Best Book, an ALSC Notable Book, and an Asian/Pacific American Literature Honor Book. She is also the author of The Land of Forgotten Girls, winner of the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature; You Go First, a Spring 2018 Indie Next Pick; Lalani of the Distant Sea, an Indie Next Pick; and Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey which she also illustrated. 

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

ULTIMATE FOOD ATLAS and a GIVEAWAY!

Posted on August 12, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

Okay, now I’m hungry.

This unique atlas is a wonderful guide to the foods around the world. Visit the 6 continents in any order to find out the unique food and tastes in that part of the world. An Ocean section is also included.

Aunt Bertha and her food truck are your guides to this culinary feast. A handy “HOW TO USE THIS ATLAS” 2-page spread is the place to begin to see how each section works.

This is not a recipe book book but there are several here you can try. How about one of these tasty sounding treats:

  • Poutine Sauce from Canada
  • Chimichurri Sauce from Argentina
  • Cherry Kompot from Bulgaria
  • Moon Cakes from China
  • Rolex Sandwich from Uganda
  • PO’E Dessert form Tahiti

You will also find true and false quizzes (with answers in the back) and a set of visual games. A chapter on the challenges the world faces feeding the world is a great wrap up to the book. We all like to eat so this guide is the perfect way to expand one’s knowledge of food beyond what is in your own fridge.

Now for the GIVEAWAY! One lucky reader will receive a copy of the ULTIMATE FOOD ATLAS and something to munch on while enjoying this book: It’s a 1 lb. tin of cookies form Davids!

This is for U.S. addresses only. To enter just leave a comment below describing your favorite food to eat or create. The winner will be revealed next Friday and you have until 11 pm EDT on August 18th to enter.

My favorite food right now is the freshly made Zucchini bread I just took out of the oven!

GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY EATING!

****************************************

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 Giveaways, Middle Grade Book Reviews, non fiction | Tagged , | 7 Comments

MMGM for AUGUST 8, 2022

Posted on August 8, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

It’s back to school this week for many of us!

Below are some suggestions to get your school year off on the right foot.

************

Click on a school bus to reach a blogger’s post.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of GOLDEN TICKET by Kate Egan.

June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing and Stitch-Metic has a blog tour stop for a Christian picture book entitled, ‘Guess How Much God Loves You.’ The post includes an excerpt and a giveaway.

Max @ COMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF is back with us this week and recommends Long Distance by Whitney Gardner.

Maria Antonia @ of books, photography, and tea also returns this week with a review of ONCE UPON A TIM by Stuart Gibbs.

Patricia Tilton at CHILDREN’S BOOKS HEAL reviews She Persisted: Sally Ride by Atia Abwai, one of 20 books in the series by Chelsea Clinton.

Valinora Troy features a review of THE GREEN EMBER by S.D. Smith.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of ATLAS OF EXTINCT ANIMALS. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends and quite the list of lexophiles.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with last Saturday’s review of INVISIBLE.

———————————————————————

(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