ISAIAH DUNN SAVES THE DAY

Welcome to another Marvelous Middle grade Monday!

My review schedule for the coming months is packed, but I didn’t want to leave this one without a featured spot. Isaiah Dunn Saves The Day won’t be released until August 2nd, but it will be worth the wait.

This sequel to Isaiah Dunn is my Hero brings back all of the characters from the first story. You can read Saves The Day on it’s own as it is a separate story picking up where the first left off. You will be convinced though to visit that first book after spending time with Isaiah.

Things are looking up for super kid Isaiah Dunn. He and his little sister, Charlie, are getting used to staying with Miz Rita, and Mama’s feeling better. Isaiah’s poetry business with Angel is taking off, and his best friend, Sneaky, always has a new hustle. Plus, Isaiah has his dad’s journals for a story or if he needs advice….

Like maybe now, because starting middle school is hard. Especially when his mentee Kobe won’t stop making trouble. Isaiah knows something is up, but to get to the bottom of Kobe’s secret, he’ll have to rely on every hero he knows–including himself!

Isaiah narrates the story and he’s a great character. He cherishes the journals of writing left by his dad who passed away on Thanksgiving. Life of course has been tough on both him and his mom and little sister, Charlie. They each are dealing with the loss in their own way.

When Isaiah gets invited to be a part of the Rockets Reach Back mentoring program at school he declines at first but his now best friend, Angel, convinces him otherwise (they have gotten over the tension between each other from book one). Many schools in my neck of the woods have this type of program where an older student will mentor a younger one.

Isaiah gets paired with the obnoxious Rome. Isaiah doesn’t understand the reason for the match as they are complete opposites. Isaiah loves to write poetry and even has a side business promoting his skill while Rome interests are totally focused on basketball. Nothing goes right at first and Isaiah gives up.

Through his dad’s writings and helpful advice from his own mentor in Rock—owner of a local barber shop—Isaiah does save the day for himself, family, and maybe even Rome. The first person narration is superbly crafted with every emotion brought forth from middle school and the healing still going on in Isaiah’s family.

A quiet story packing a solid punch of goodness.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: ISAIAH DUNN SAVES THE DAY by Kelly J. Baptist

  1. The effect of mentoring is brought out in a strong way. It is so important a young person has someone to count on that can just be a listener and a friend. Isaiah, rock the Barber, Rome, little sister Charlie, and Mom would certainly agree.
  2. Heartwarming isn’t a strong enough word to summarize what happens in this thoughtful plot.
  3. The first Thanksgiving without dad turns into a special moment for all. There’s no turkey or dressing but a huge pile of understanding and love.
  4. My expectations were high for this sequel and each one was met in wonderful fashion.
  5. Grief is handled so well in this story as time and support begin to mend the future for a better path for the Dunn family.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelly J. Baptist is the inaugural winner of the We Need Diverse Books short-story contest. Her story is featured in the WNDB anthology Flying Lessons & Other Stories and inspired her first full-length novel, Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero. Kelly is also the author of the picture book The Electric Slide and Kai and The Swag Is in the Socks, which was inspired by her love of unique socks, as well as her older sister’s hero work as a speech-language pathologist. When she’s not writing, Kelly is usually thinking about writing . . . and dreaming of palm trees while living in southwest Michigan. She keeps beyond busy with her five amazing children, who always give her plenty of story ideas and background noise to write to. Find Kelly at kellyiswrite.com.

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

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WHAT CAN I SAY?

A powerful and helpful guide for ages 10 and up. Eight chapters take readers through different situations as they interact with others. Here’s the lineup:

  1. HOW TO GREET, MEET, AND PART
  2. HOW TO HAVE A CONVERSATION
  3. HOW TO GET ALONG WITH PEOPLE
  4. HOW TO DEAL WITH HARD THINGS
  5. HOW TO BE IN A ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP OR NOT
  6. HOW TO BE SUPPORTIVE
  7. HOW TO BE AN ALLY
  8. HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR COMMUNITY

What makes this manual unique is the take that no two kids are alike. Individuals develop and use their communication skills in different ways. The same goes with the way they learn.

Many kids don’t have a trustworthy adult to talk with or may not be comfortable bringing up these topics. The easy to read book would be a perfect jumping off point for a classroom discussion. These skills are ones that will be useful throughout life.

Colorful illustrations support the text and are often humorous. Adult readers will be wishing they had the book available in their tween and teen years.

WHAT CAN I SAY? It’s terrific!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Catherine Newman is the author of the kids’ how-to books How to Be a Person and What Can I Say?, the memoirs Catastrophic Happiness and Waiting for Birdy, the middle-grade novel One Mixed-Up Night, and the food and parenting blog Ben and Birdy, and she edits the non-profit kids’ cooking magazine ChopChop. She is also the etiquette columnist for Real Simple magazine and a regular contributor to the New York Times, O, The Oprah Magazine, The Boston Globe, and many other publications. She lives in Amherst, Massachusetts, with her family. Visit her website at www.catherinenewmanwriter.com

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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 June 6, 2022

Welcome to a new month of MMGM

Click on each blogger’s book to get started.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of SISTERS OF LUNA ISLAND by Stacy Hackney.

Carol Baldwin shares the next step in her author’s journey with “The Editorial Letter.”

Maria Antonia has a post about THE NOT-SO-UNIFORM LIFE OF HOLLY-MEI by Christina Matula

Valinora Troy reviews A DRAGON IN THE LIBRARY by Louie Stowell.

Patricia Tilton at CHILDREN’S BOOKS HEAL reviews Omar Rising by Aisha Saeed, about a Pakistani boy standing up to the class system.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews NORTHWIND by Gary Paulsen. 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.

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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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THE SISTERS OF LUNA ISLAND

Twelve-year-old Marigold Lafleur is the last of a long line of aromages: witches who blend scents into practical charms using aromagic. But ever since a terrible accident injured her father and damaged Luna Island, Marigold and her sisters, Birdie and Lou, have vowed to abandon their family legacy and mama’s way of life. Shunned by their neighbors and overlooked by their parents, Marigold relies on her big sisters above all else.

But when Marigold discovers a secret curse that threatens her family, her sisters can’t stop the impending danger. It’s up to Marigold and her best friend, Sam, to uncover the origins of the curse and break the spell. To do so, she must learn to trust her instincts and believe in her own unique magic or risk losing her beloved sisters forever.

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The cover makes it look like the sisters are one big happy trio of siblings. Not so fast. Birdie is moving out despite promising otherwise and Lou is always in a bad mood. The youngest, Marigold, fears the effects of a long ago curse is the cause and she must do whatever it takes to bring them back together again. Mom isn’t much help as she stays away from the conflict by cooking up more aromagic smells to help other families. The results are not always good.

Luna Island fits well as the setting for the magical mystery going on here.The third person narration stays with Marigold as she gets help from Sam to assist with ways to break the curse. Nothing seems to work. With Sam grounded for his part in the sleuthing, Marigold has to go it alone and reclaim the bond she’d always had with her sisters.

Each chapter begins with how a particular scent can help those in need, like this one—Spearmint will heal indigestion and a poor reputation. An enticing way to set up the upcoming scenes.

It’s really the mystery component that will have you guessing throughout and surprised by the outcome. The length might scare away a few young readers but those who like a family story with magical twists will enjoy the time spent on this island.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: April 12, 2022 PAGE COUNT: 336

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE SISTERS OF LUNA ISLAND by Stacy Hackney

  1. Sam is the greatest friend anyone could hope for. He’s faithful, supportive, and always there when needed. He’s the role model for how to be a best friend.
  2. Middle school serves as the setup for much of the drama. It’s a true look at the various personalities and behaviors of this age group.
  3. Using the various smells as the magic impetus is unique in these type of books. It provided added depth.
  4. Despite the impending doom of the plot there are some heartwarming messages about friendships and family. I also loved that ending!
  5. You really connect with Marigold and her character arc. She’s the real star of this show.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stacy Hackney grew up in Virginia where she spent her early years forcing the neighborhood kids into performing plays she wrote, reading everything she could get her hands on, and singing in the school choir. She graduated from Wake Forest University with a BA in English literature and received a JD from the University of Virginia School of Law. She currently lives in Richmond, Virginia, with her husband, four sons, and their rescue dog named Albert. Stacy is the author of Forever Glimmer Creek and Sisters of Luna Island. Learn more at StacyHackney.com.

(Included on Stacy’s site is a well done reader’s discussion guide to the story)


I received a copy of the book to create this review. Comments are welcome below!

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ZEUS THE MIGHTY — The Epic Escape From the Underworld

Ancient Greece comes to life once again with the release of this fun series’s fourth book. Each one can be read on its own in any order. The informative two beginning pages have details about the seven main animal characters. Read this first as any question you might have about what these Greek mythology named animals are trying to accomplish are answered.

When the group leaves the Mount Olympus Pet Center in Athens, Georgia, they use their portal to arrive at the underworld. There they encounter dangerous creatures and the Greek god Hades who is not all all happy to see the intruders.

The action moves swiftly through 40 chapters and include black and white illustrations throughout. This adventure ends on a cliff hanger and you get a sneak peak at the first pages of Book 5.

Additional back material include THE TRUTH BEHIND THE FICTION; MEET THE OLYMPIANS; and THE MYTH OF HADES AND THE UNDERWORLD. Each provide a non-fiction view into the world of Greek Myths.

Funny and informative, this series continues to inspire middle grade readers to learn about Greek Mythology. Check out the Zeus the Mighty website for videos, printables, games, fun Greek facts and episodes of the award winning podcast “Greeking Out.” 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

CRISPIN BOYER has written more than 15 books for National Geographic Kids, covering topics that young readers find fascinating, from bugs to boogers, ninjas to knights, and sharks to cyborgs. His debut middle-grade fiction series Zeus the Mighty combines Boyer’s ability to entertain with lively characters and educate with historical facts. He lives in Hawaii with his family.

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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 May 30, 2022

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!!

Click on a star to view a blogger’s post.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of Louisa June and the Nazis in the Waves by L.M. Elliott.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles is enjoying the holiday so you’ll have to wait until this Wednesday, June 1st for a much anticipated guest post by debut author Emi Watanabe Cohen and her agent Mary Moore with a giveaway of Emi’s MG historical fantasy The Lost Ryū and a query critique giveaway. Be sure to hurry back for the post in two days.

Maria Antonia has shares a few thoughts on CONFESSIONS OF A CLASS CLOWN by Adrianne Costner.

Valinora Troy reviews RISE OF THE SIDEKICKS by Charity Tober.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews and has a giveaway of Crazy in Poughkeepsie by Daniel Pinkwater. 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 yesterday’s BEST FRENEMIES FOREVER

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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

Louisa June and the Nazis in the Waves

If you like historical novels, especially those centered around WWII, then this unique title will be just the ticket you need. Louisa June and the Nazis in the Waves is set in Virginia where the vast waters it borders have become a hazard to everyone living there. The history is boldly exposed as to how Nazi U-boat submarines sank nearly 400 U.S. freighters and tankers off the eastern coastline. Here’s the book jacket synopsis:

Days after Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, Hitler declared war on the U.S., unleashing U-boat submarines to attack American ships. Suddenly, the waves outside Louisa June’s farm aren’t for eel-fishing or marveling at wild swans or learning to skull her family’s boat—they’re dangerous, swarming with hidden enemies.

Her oldest brothers’ ships risk coming face-to-face with U-boats. Her sister leaves home to weld Liberty Boat hulls. And then her daddy, a tugboat captain, and her dearest brother, Butler, are caught in the crossfire.

Her mama has always swum in a sea of melancholy, but now she really needs Louisa June to find moments of beauty or inspiration to buoy her. Like sunshine-yellow daffodils, good books, or news accounts of daring rescues of torpedoed passengers.

Determined to help her Mama and aching to combat Nazis herself, Louisa June turns to her quirky friend Emmett and the indomitable Cousin Belle, who has her own war stories—and a herd of cats—to share. In the end, after a perilous sail, Louisa June learns the greatest lifeline is love.

The first person narration by Louisa is a perfect way to tell the story of this little known event in U.S. history. It was all new to me. Centered around Louisa’s family the scenes show how depression lacked treatment options in the 1940’s along with the devastating effects of war. Louisa exhibits bravery but also emotional setbacks.

L.M. Elliot has crafted a well researched and important look at how the effects of World War impacted the home front. Although recommended for grades 3-7, the majority of readers will likely be from those in middle school.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: March 22, 2022 PAGE COUNT: 320

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT LOUISA JUNE AND THE NAZIS IN THE WAVES by L.M. Elliott

  1. Don’t skip the 17-page author note in the back. There you will get a deeper understanding of the historical aspects along with resources for those suffering from depression in today’s world.
  2. Cousin Belle is a take charge kind of woman and she’s hard not to like. So many good things in this person and Louisa is lucky to have her support.
  3. The harrowing climatic ending scene will have you gripping the book in anticipation of the dangers unfolding.
  4. The realization mental illness in the 40’s was more of a hidden condition. All you could do was hope the person got better with whatever had taken over their normal way of living. Thankfully, things have progressed the past 80 years though we still have a long way to go.
  5. The fact that war effects more than just those fighting. It’s the children who often feel helpless in doing anything but Louisa can’s sit back and do nothing. Her emotions in every situation are honest and hard to predict. A great character arc here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

L. M. Elliott was an award-winning Washington-based magazine journalist, covering women’s issues, mental health, and the performing arts, before becoming a New York Times best-selling author of historical and biographical fiction. Her novels explore a variety of eras (the Italian Renaissance, the American Revolutionary War, WWII, and the Cold War), and are written for a variety of ages. Many of her works have been named NCSS/CBC Notables (National Council of Social Studies and Children’s Book Council), Bank Street College Best Books, Jefferson Cup Honor Books, Kirkus Bests, and Grateful American Book Prize winners. Elliott holds a BA from Wake Forest University and a master’s in journalism from UNC-Chapel Hill. She is a lifelong Virginian and history-lover.

(For more visit the author’s web page)

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I received a copy of the book to use for my honest review. Comments are welcome below.

Posted in Historical fiction, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

JUST JOKING SCIENCE

This new JUST JOKING title centers around the world of science. The often corny one liners are perfect time fillers for ages 7-10.

  • WHY DID T-REX CROSS THE ROAD? (Because the chicken didn’t exist yet.)
  • WHAT DID THE BOTANIST GET WHEN SHE CROSSED POISON IVY AND A FOUR-LEAF CLOVER? (A rash of good luck)
  • WHERE DOES LIGHT GO WHEN IT BREAKS THE LAW? (To prism)

Those teasers are only 1% of the total number so expect hours to complete the whole package of guffaws. Readers will be repeating the best to family and friends.

Here’s the official description:

This hilarious new book in the kid-favorite Just Joking series-packed with 300 science-themed jokes, riddles, knock-knocks, tongue twisters, and more-is scientifically proven to leave kids laughing, chuckling, and exclaiming “Eureka!” It’s got jokes about all kinds of science stuff-kooky chemistry, funny physics, dinosaurs, space, and more-plus 10 stories of real-life scientific experiments that are so wacky you’ll hardly believe them! This book is a gut-busting party-starter or a quiet-time entertainer, great for chuckling alone or reading aloud to friends and family. It’s also perfectly portable: Toss it in a backpack or take it on the road for on-the-go giggles. The perfect read for science whizzes (and whiz wannabes), kid comedians, and laughter-lovers of all ages.

It’s not all jokes as descriptions of 10 actual experiments scientists have carried out are a welcome addition. They aren’t your normal experiments but ones with a fun set-up like…

  • Do pigeons understand the human concept of good art?
  • Do chimps realize when a human is imitating them?
  • Is it possible to break a spaghetti noodle into two unbroken pieces?

The pages of JUST JOKING SCIENCE are full of colorful pictures. At slightly more than 6 by 6 inches, the book will for sure get passed around to family and neighbors. A true summer time treat.

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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 Middle Grade Book Reviews, non fiction | Tagged , | 4 Comments

MMGM for May 23, 2022

You’ll never hear those words in the upcoming summer months after choosing a few titles from this week’s selection of reviews and features!!

Click on to view a blogger’s post.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of THE TITANIC TUNNEL by Glen Blackwell.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles shares a guest post by agent/author Natalie Lakosil and Tracy Badau with a giveaway of Tracy’s middle grade contemporary Freddie vs. The Family Curse and a query critique by Natalie.

June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, and Stitch-Metic has a feature about Armed Forces Day including an encore post of a book about the Tuskegee Airmen.

Carol Baldwin invites young Elliott Kurta back as he reviews the first four books in the UPSIDE DOWN MAGIC series by Sarah Mlynoski, Lauren Myracle, and Emily Jenkins.

Maria Antonia shares her Newbery verdict on HOLES by Louis Sachar.

Valinora Troy reviews MURDER ON THE SAFARI STAR by M.G. Leonard and Sam Sedgman.

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal is back and shares a book for Asian American and Pacific Islander Month — Dream, Annie, Dream by Waka T. Bown.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews DOG STAR by Megan Sheperd. 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 plus a special pictorial look of Mrs. Yingling’s Library.

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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

THE TITANIC TUNNEL

The historical fiction tag first peaked my interest for this title. Other than a certain popular movie and an ample supply of non-fiction accounts of the unfortunate tragedy, I’d come across very few fictional stories for middle graders about Titanic’s final voyage.

This is the second book in the Jack and Emmie series after they visited 1940 London in The Blitz Bus. The Titanic Tunnel is a separate story so you’ll have no problem if you choose to start here as your first adventure. It begins when Jack and Emmie are on a school field trip.

Visiting Belfast to see where Titanic was built, they step back to 1912 and discover the great ship itself. All too soon, they find out that the way home is blocked, and Jack gets dragged off to work by one of the crew. Who is the mysterious stranger lurking in the shadows, and can they solve his time riddle to escape from the doomed ship before it is too late…?

The third person narration follows their journey. They plan to disembark before the glorious ship sinks, but after Emmie meets Mary and her family, she decides to help them be saved despite their status as 3rd class passengers. Those privileged to be in First class have priority on everything, including who eventually lives or dies as there are not enough life boats to accommodate all passengers.

Time is ticking down and the fast paced plot will keep you guessing right to the end as to whether history is changed. There you will find out if Jack and Emmie get back to the present or go down with the ship.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: May 12, 2022 PAGE COUNT: 260

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT—THE TITANIC TUNNEL by Glen Blackwell

1. Details about the separate classes on the Titanic will be surprising to young readers. Based on your class level, you had certain rights and locations where you go on the ship. The upper class also got the best cabins on the top decks while the less privileged were crammed into lower deck quarters.

2. The true life story of young Mary was a unique twist saved for the final pages.

3. You’ll discover the reasons why the unsinkable Titanic never should have been labeled that way.

4. The story focused on the tough life working on an ocean liner, especially for the employees in the kitchen. There they spent long hours preparing and serving thousands of passengers and crew.

5. The story encourages readers to find more research into the sinking of the Titanic. A good place to start would be last years non-fiction title HISTORY SMASHERS: THE TITANIC by Kate Messner.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Glen Blackwell lives in Suffolk, England. He has a career in finance and The Titanic Tunnel is his third book. Inspired by bedtime reading with his 3 daughters, Glen loves to bring stories to life for young readers.

For more about Glen’s books visit his author web page and Amazon.

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW!

Posted in Historical fiction, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments