Shirley Chisholm was familiar only in name for me. What a pleasure it was to read the life story of this remarkable lady who blazed new paths and understandings to those less fortunate. Her bold way of speaking led to many friends and enemies as she eventually became the first African-American women to be elected to Congress in 1968. She stood tall in her position for seven terms.
This engaging biography takes readers through 19 chapters as it explores her beginnings and ends at the effect she still has in the present (including words from Vice President Kamala Harris who proclaimed before the inauguration: “Shirley Chisholm created a path for me and so many others.”).
A map of Brooklyn precedes the chapters and pinpoints locations that impacted Chisholm’s personal and professional life. Six pages of photographs are also included as a subsection in Chapter 15, which allow a better understanding after learning about her life.
To see all of the books Tanya Bolden has penned over the years visit Tanya Bolden Books.
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Blogging about middle grade books or authors next week? Join the celebration.
All you have to do is blog about a middle grade book on a Monday (contests, author interviews, or anything middle grade related also count). 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 please don’t forget to say what book or author you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of A COMB OF WISHES by Lisa Stringfellow.
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles and I are on the same wave length this week. Instead of a review she gives us an interview with debut author Lisa Stringfellow and a giveaway of her MG fantasy A Comb of Wishes.
AuthorJune McCrary Jacobs has a ‘double-feature’ with two brand new titles from New Growth Press. ‘Chloe and the Closet of Secrets’ and ‘Sam and the Sticky Situation’—both part of the publisher’s new ‘Teaching Children to Use Their Words Wisely’ series. June spotlights each book and has a review.
Carol Baldwin found a gem, a new 8th grade reviewer, Elliott Kurta, who shares his view on UNDER THE TANGERINE TREE by debut author Esther Bandy. But wait there’s more…
Carol’s young reviewer also interviews the author of UNDER THE TANGERINE TREE, Esther Brandy. Included is Carol’s GIVEAWAY opportunity for the book.
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal returns this week with a review of Welcome Back, Maple Mehta-Cohen by Kate McGovern, about a girl who learns differently.
Jennifer Bohnhoff shares a couple of special offers on her Valentine’s themed book, plus a review of From the Desk of Zoe Washington.
Valinora Troy has a review of The HIDEAWAY by Pam Smy. Check out her adorable friend next to a copy of the book
Maria Antonia shares a post about THE ELEPHANT THIEF by Jane Kerr.
Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of INSIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF A CACTUS by Dusti Bowling. Rosi also has three links for her writing friends.
Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to take a look along with her other reviews last week including last Friday’s Roosevelt Banks and the Attic of Doom.
If you would like to join in the MMGM fun and get your own spot in the parade, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count–but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you’re featuring and a link to your blog at gpcolo (at) gmail (dot) com
(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
A captivating story by debut author, Lisa Stringfellow. The fictional Caribbean island of St. Rita is the setting and the choices young Kela makes after finding a magical comb of wishes will wrap readers up in anxious anticipation for each unfolding scene.
Ever since her mother’s death, Kela feels every bit as broken as the shards of glass, known as “mermaid’s tears,” that sparkle on the Caribbean beaches of St. Rita. So when Kela and her friend Lissy stumble across an ancient-looking comb in a coral cave, with all she’s already lost, Kela can’t help but bring home her very own found treasure.
Far away, deep in the cold ocean, the mermaid Ophidia can feel that her comb has been taken. And despite her hatred of all humans, her magic requires that she make a bargain: the comb in exchange for a wish.
But what Kela wants most is for her mother to be alive. And a wish that big will exact an even bigger price…
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The third person narration stays with Kela for about three-fourths of the 36 chapters in A Comb of Wishes. The others are given to Ophidia the mermaid. Both go deep in the emotional struggle each character faces. Lives are at stake and the pacing of reveals is perfect.
I found St. Rita to be a fascinating locale for the plot. Full of tourists and Caribbean folklore, the tale doesn’t disappoint. Nor does the author’s notes about her family and the creation of A Comb of Wishes. Middle graders who love magical realism will have a new favorite here. I can’t wait to see what is next from this author.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: Feb. 8, 2022 PAGE COUNT: 272
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: A COMB OF WISHES by Lisa Stringfellow
The subject of grief appears often in MG lit but in this story it is handled in a unique and heart tugging way.
Books about wishes are always popular in my neck of the woods. Having another to highly recommend will open up a new area of the world not often found in MG—the beautiful Caribbean islands.
The reality that what you find in protected areas is not always finder’s keepers. There are levels of archaeological rights one must follow.
When you feel compassion for both Kela and the mermaid, you know the author has done a great job with the enticing character ARCs.
Kela makes jewelry out of the sea glass and rocks. Her passion is not just a sidelight but one deeply rooted into the outcome of the story.
I was pleased to see Roosevelt is back and narrating his second story. 2020’s ROOSEVELT BANKS—GOOD KID IN TRAINING brought a smile to my face and lifted me out of the pandemic doldrums. This time around Roosevelt is in for a big change and one he’s not going to let happen. A baby sister will soon be born and that upcoming event has his parents informing him his new bedroom will be in the attic.
No way is this good. The summer before fifth grade was supposed to be The Summer of Dad but now his father is too busy turning the attic into Roosevelt’s final resting place. Roosevelt’s imagination has gotten the worst of him. For sure there are ghosts and other creepy crawly things up there, but with the help of his friends they plan to chase away the bad ghouls.
Roosevelt Banks will win you over with every kid like situation he encounters. His humorous and spot-on narration shines through with a perfect kid like tone—like this sample from chapter one:
Eddie Spaghetti snickered behind me. His name’s not really Spaghetti, but once in second grade he laughed so hard at lunch that a spaghetti noodle shot out of his nose. It was the most awesome thing ever.
Another nice feature is the large print making the 170 pages easy to read and easy on the eyes. Kids, especially boys who dread reading, will enjoy this tale. It would also make a great first middle grade novel for those transitioning from chapter books.
Roosevelt Banks: I hope to read more about your life in fifth grade. Go get ’em!
You can find your own copy at resellers everywhere including Barnes & Noble.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Laurie Calkhoven is the author of many books, including George Washington: An American Life and Harriet Tubman: Leading the Way to Freedom. She lives in New York City. Visit her at LaurieCalkhoven.com.
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Blogging about middle grade books or authors next week? Join the celebration.
All you have to do is blog about a middle grade book on a Monday (contests, author interviews, or anything middle grade related also count). 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 please don’t forget to say what book or author you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Click on the young readers below to access each blogger’s post!
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At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of THE RIVER BETWEEN HEARTS by Heather Mateus Sappenfield.
Carol Baldwin has another look back at Joyce Hostetter’s book AIM. An interview delves into How to write a prequel!Also, Astra Books will give away a copy of AIM (Deadline to enter is Feb. 2nd at 6 PM). Note: This is a corrected link from last week’s MMGM (I messed up!). Be sure to visit the post today as it has been waiting a week to be read!
AuthorJune McCrary Jacobs features a blog tour stop for an MG fiction book entitled, ‘Twelve Weeks to Midnight Blue’, by Author Steve Searfoss. The post includes an excerpt and a giveaway.
Max @ COMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF recommends Just Roll With It by Veronica Agarwal and Lee Durfey-Lavoie.
Valinora Troy has a review of The Hungry Ghost by H. S. Norup.
Maria Antonia shares a post about TRULY TYLER by Terri Libenson.
Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of BETTER WITH BUTTER by Victoria Piontek. Rosi also has three links for her writing friends.
Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to take a look along with her other reviews last week including last Saturday’s JUST RIGHT JILLIAN.
If you would like to join in the MMGM fun and get your own spot in the parade, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count–but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you’re featuring and a link to your blog at gpcolo (at) gmail (dot) com
(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
The first words that come to mind when seeing a river like the Colorado are flowing, mighty, majestic, peaceful, and pure. The same can be said about this new novel by Heather Mateus Sappemfield. THE RIVER BETWEEN HEARTS wraps readers up in a tale unlike any other.
On an ordinary Monday, Rill Kruse left for third grade with a dad, but when she came home, he’d been stolen. By a river. One year and thirteen days later—on the first morning of summer vacation—Rill still insists he’s trudging home. Her mom has become a practical woman. Her older brother, Eddy. now calls her baby and dork. Gus, second-in-command at Kruse Whitewater Adventures, Rill’s family’s rafting company, has gone from being her dad’s “risk bro” to her mom’s guardian angel. Joyce, company secretary, arm-wrestler, and mechanic, still calls Rill a fingerling, but, after learning what a cheater water is, Rill wishes she’d stop. When Rill’s cat, Clifford, leads her to the family tree fort on the mountainside behind home, she discovers a stowaway, Perla. To help Perla, Rill embarks on an adventure that tests her understanding of the world, of loss, and of what it means to be a friend. In the end, what Rill discovers will nudge her—and all those she loves—toward healing.
Rill is a strong protagonist who goes through every emotion in dealing with the sudden death of her father. There’s anger and hope along with equal amounts of confusion. Grief is never easy and when you’re 10 years old, the going seems even tougher.
Her family runs a white water rafting and snowmobile tours business. The tourists keep everyone busy, but Rill is not quite old enough to help out. The story begins as Rill returns to the tree house in the forest Dad and the family helped build. She finds Perla, a girl left behind after her family was detained and deported to Mexico.
Together these two become friends although understanding each other’s emotions is not always easy. They both grieve losing a loved one in different ways. Their dads will surely return for their daughters, but life is not that easy or possible when wishes are involved.
The first person narration is spot on and never drags. You root for both Rill and Perla throughout, hoping that healing will take place or at least begin. Family, friendship, and understanding wrapped up in a heartwarming drama. The River Between Hearts is one I will not forget.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: Feb. 1, 2022 PAGE COUNT: 166
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE RIVER BETWEEN HEARTS
Short chapters perfect for read aloud in the classroom or at home. They also provide a nice opportunity for discussion.
The character ARC for both Rill and Perla is perfectly crafted. These two will truly steal your heart.
The Colorado tourist setting provided a reality to the backdrop of illegal immigrants. It’s not judgemental but out there for you to absorb. It’s the friendship part of the story that takes over and moves you to the climatic final scenes.
The secondary characters also shine and aren’t just in there to take up space. My favorite was Gus, one of the employees at Kruse Whitewater Adventures.
The Author’s Note is not to be missed. I share part of it below.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HEATHER MATEUS SAPPENFIELD loves adventures, especially in the Rocky Mountain landscape that’s been her lifelong home. As part of women’s teams, she’s won 24-hour mountain bike races and road bicycling’s Race Across America—San Diego, California to Atlantic City, New Jersey. She’s also competed in the Mountain Bike World Championships; ski instructed for Vail Resorts, and loves backcountry ski touring. Her toughest adventures, though, arise in the writing of stories. She is the author of two contemporary YA novels, “The View from Who I Was” and “Life at the Speed of Us,” a Colorado Book Awards Finalist. Her story collection, “Lyrics for Rock Stars,” released as winner of the V Press LC Compilation Book Prize, was nominated for the MPIBA’s Reading the West Awards, was a silver medalist for the IBPA’s Ben Franklin Awards, and was featured on Colorado Public Radio. Her most recent book, “The River Between Hearts,” runner-up for the Kraken Prize, is a middle grade novel about friendship and healing.
Follow Heather Mateus Sappenfield on social media:
Heather’s Inspiration behind THE RIVER BETWEEN HEARTS
In the mid-nineties, I taught high school language arts. Students who were new to America would turn up in my classes. Some of them were undocumented, yet I’d become a teacher to help anyone with a desire to learn. These students were a marvel to me because, despite knowing little, if any, English, and despite knowing few of the basics of daily life within the school, they managed to get by. Often admirably. Often while also working one or even two jobs after school.
Some mornings I’d walk through the school’s front doors to discover a group of them gathered in the lobby, crying and comforting each other because a family member, or maybe a few, had been rounded up for deportation the day or night before. I tried to imagine how that must feel: being left behind in a foreign country with no documentation and no family. Later, these students would be in my class, trying to concentrate, learn, and continue on. Their courage amazed me. When I started writing novels, I knew this was a story I would someday explore.
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I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Comments are welcome below.
Middle School is when kids become very aware of how they look and feel. New 8th grader, Jay, struggles on both accounts with his growing acne problem and confusing friendships. A-Okay is a graphic novel that is more than okay.
His loving parents take Jay to a doctor to hopefully remedy the out of control acne.. Help comes in the form of an oral treatment, Accutane. But the road to a clear face is long with frequent mood swings, patchy redness, and monthly blood draws to make sure his vitals aren’t effected by the treatment.
At school, he’s always embarrassed by his face. A former best friend is no help as Brace has joined a band and having Jay around is not working. Jay does have his art skills and a few new friends. He’s increasingly aware of their attraction while he has no feelings at all for them in that way. In fact, all around him kids are talking about who “likes” who. Jay feels maybe something is wrong with him that goes beyond any acne problem because he has no interest in anyone—boy or girl.
Colorful pictures throughout depict Jay’s struggles. His emotions come through loud and clear. Older readers may recall those days of long looks in the mirror with a critical analysis of the image staring back. Jay is a relatable character and the story flows in a beautiful and helpful way.
Highly recommended for middle graders.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hi there! My name is Jarad Greene and I’m a cartoonist and illustrator originally from Lutz, FL. I graduated from the University of South Carolina, with a BA in Criminology & Criminal Justice, and minors in Theatre, and Public Relations. My comics and cartoons have appeared in publications throughout the Southeast and Vermont. I spent eight years in Columbia, SC before moving to White River Junction, VT where I received my MFA at The Center for Cartoon Studies; I currently work for CCS as their Administrative and Development Coordinator.
(For more about Jarad and to view samples of his artwork, be sure to visit his web site)
BONUS: Check out the teaching guide available from Harper Collins)
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Blogging about middle grade books or authors next week? Join the celebration.
All you have to do is blog about a middle grade book on a Monday (contests, author interviews, or anything middle grade related also count). 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 please don’t forget to say what book or author you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Click on a young reader below to access each blogger’s post!
************************************
At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of KINGSTON and the ECHOES OF MAGIC by Rucker Moses and Theo Gangi.
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles interviews debut author Shawn Peters with a giveaway of his MG adventure Unforgettable Logan Foster.
Carol Baldwin has another look back at Joyce Hostetter’s book AIM. An interview delves into How to write a prequel!Also, Astra Books will give away a copy of AIM (Deadline to enter is January 27th at 9 AM).
Sue Heavenrich is doing double duty this week. First up is Embassy of the Dead: Hangman’s Crossing, by Will Mabbitt over at Sally’s Bookshelf.
Sue’s second feature is When the World Runs Dry: Earth’s Water in Crisis, by Nancy F. Castaldo. This review is at Archimedes Notebook.
Author June McCrary Jacobs has a STEM feature spotlighting the book, ‘Making & Tinkering with STEM.’
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Book’s Heal has a selection for Multicultural Children’sDay, Jan. 28, 2022: Drawn Across Borders: True Stories of Human Migration by George Butler. With sketch and note pad, Butler takes his readers (10 – 17) on a journey into human migration around the world with personal stories.
Valinora Troy features a review of The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academya – a finalist in the Cybils EMG Spec fiction category.
Maria Antonia has a post about THE LAST CUENTISTA by Donna Barbra Higuera.
Jennifer Bohnhoff shares some Great Reads for Horse-Crazy Girls.
Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of EQUAL by Joyce Moyer Hostetter. Rosi also has three links for her writing friends.
Susan Uhlig really liked Lisa Moore Ramée’s A Good Kind of Trouble.
Stephanie Robinson at Fairday’s Blog returns with a feature on Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan.
Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to take a look along with her other reviews last week including RILEY’S GHOST.
If you would like to join in the MMGM fun and get your own spot in the parade, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count–but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you’re featuring and a link to your blog at gpcolo (at) gmail (dot) com
(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Every sight and every sound feel as familiar as yesterday
Whenever that was.
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Those three lines begin our second journey with young Kingston. I reviewed the engaging first book last year, KINGSTON AND THE MAGICIANS LOST AND FOUND.The authors do a nice job of filling in the previous story as the new story, KINGSTON AND THE ECHOES OF MAGIC, unfolds. You could start here although I was glad to have spent time with both books to get a deeper understanding of the boy named Kingston.
Kingston might have saved Echo City but the victory is bittersweet without his pops by his side. The holidays are approaching and if Kingston could have one wish, it would be to have his father, who is trapped in the Realm, come home. But as new problems arise and blackouts blanket the city, Kingston begins to have a persistent feeling of déjà vu, as if he’s lived this same day before—and he has. Echo City living up to its name, is caught in a repeating time loop.
Maestro, his father’s old rival, has found a way to overwrite reality with an alternate timeline where he rules over all. It will be up to Kingston, Too Tall, and V to find a way to enter the Realm and travel back through time to stop him. But with a magic he still barely understands, Kingston will need his friends’ smarts and their collective courage to figure out the mystery and find Maestro before Brooklyn as they know it is erased for good.
Kingston has the help of his friend Tool Tall and cousin Valerie (pictured behind him on the cover). Too Tall is always willing to help out but doesn’t have any magic skills. His often clueless approach provides some humorous dialog exchanges with his friends.
Meanwhile, Kingston (who, thanks to a little mishap from book one, wears a white glove over his invisible right hand) is trying to understand the magic he can do and use it to get his father back. It’s a wild ride as the three end up in different times and dimensions. Certain scenes had a BACK TO THE FUTURE type vibe as Kingston interacts with his teenage father.
This is supposed to be the second and last story in this duology, but I would welcome another ride with this unique set of characters and setting. Perfect for fans of fantasy, magic, and friendship.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: October 12, 2021 PAGE COUNT: 304
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: KINGSTON AND THE ECHOES OF MAGIC
Information about ancient gods is purveyed through the story. It was a fun way to learn about them as was seeing the return of Black Moses, a famous African-American magician from the early 1900’s.
The characters are reliving the same 26 hours over and over. This twist of the clock had me glad to be moving forward in the present day.
Made me want to visit Brooklyn. Especially having lunch at Not Ray’s Pizza, which was portrayed as Not Not Ray’s Pizza in this story.
The bond Kingston has with his Pops is one readers will want for themselves if they aren’t lucky enough to have a father in their life.
I can’t imagine trying to write a book with three authors. Yes, Rucker Moses is actually a pen name for Harold Hayes, Jr. and Craig S. Phillips. Together with Theo Gangi they have managed to figure out how to collaborate on a winning idea.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Craig S. Phillips and Harold Hayes Jr. both hail from Atlanta and started telling stories together at the University of Georgia. Together, they’ve been nominated for three Emmys for writing in a children’s program and have written for TV shows based on books by R. L. Stine and Christopher Pike.
They also make virtual reality experiences and own a production company named SunnyBoy Entertainment. In no particular order, their favorite things to write about are ninjas, magic, space, and abandoned amusement parks. When not doing all that, they are hanging with their wonderful families at home in Los Angeles. (WebSite)
Theo Gangi is the author of A New Day in America and the breakout crime thriller Bang Bang. His stories have been anthologized in First Thrills, edited by Lee Child, The Greensboro Review, The Columbia Spectator and the Kratz Sampler. His articles and reviews have appeared in Buzzfeed.com, The San Francisco Chronicle, Mystery Scene Magazine, Inked Magazine and Crimespree Magazine. A graduate of Columbia University’s School of the Arts, he has taught writing at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, is the Director of the Writing Program at St. Francis College and lives in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. (WebSite)
Basketball fans from middle grade on up will be enthralled with stories as to how the NBA developed into one of the best professional sports organizations. Prolific sportswriter Fred Bowen, who has written more than 25 titles for MG audiences, begins the journey with THE TIP-OFF, a chapter on the rough beginnings for the league right after World War II.
From there, the technique of naming each section like the progression of a game continues with FIRST QUARTER and ends with AT THE BUZZER. It’s a creative way to present the content. I’ve been a basketball fan since I was a kid and was amazed at what I didn’t know.
Topics like how the 24-second clock and 3-point line got its start, along with a look at The Harlem Globetrotters who helped pave the path of desegregation for the league. Not left out are the iconic players from the 1940s likedominant center, George Mikan, the Olympic Dream team of 1992, and current names like Steph Curry. James Harden, and LeBron James.
I thoroughly enjoyed the description of how the Ice Capades ended up helping the league evolve and Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point record one-game scoring feat. A full chapter on Bird and Magic (Larry Bird and Magic Johnson) also revealed the history of these players.
There are no photographs, but that’s okay because bold full-page illustrations are spread throughout. They are beautiful to look at and team up with the text to make HARDCOURT a winning non-fiction selection.
Fred Bowen below tells about the importance of losing in sports:
About the Author and Illustrator
Fred Bowen is the author of Gridiron and more than twenty additional children’s books about sports, and for the past twenty years has written the weekly KidsPost column in The Washington Post. Fred lives in Maryland with his family. Visit him at FredBowen.com.
James E. Ransome’s highly acclaimed illustrations for The Bell Rang, which he also authored, received the 2020 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor. His other award-winning titles include the Coretta Scott King winner The Creation; Coretta Scott King Honor Book Uncle Jed’s Barbershop; Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt; Before She Was Harriet, and Let My People Go, winner of the NAACP Image Award. He frequently collaborates with his wife, author Lesa Cline-Ransome. One of their recent titles is Game Changers: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams, which received four starred reviews and was an ALA Notable Children’s Book. He lives in New York’s Hudson River Valley region with his family. Visit James at JamesRansome.com.
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Blogging about middle grade books or authors next week? Join the celebration.
All you have to do is blog about a middle grade book on a Monday (contests, author interviews, or anything middle grade related also count). 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 please don’t forget to say what book or author you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. Email me the title of the book or feature for any middle grade book, author or giveaway, and a link to your blog. Send it to: gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com
Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for that week’s MMGM.
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
below to access each blogger’s post!
below to access each blogger’s post!
Always in the Middle... 