A new month! Start it out right with these Middle Grade book reviews and features. Click on the corn to get started.
At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I’m reviewing Barakah Beats by Maleeha Siddiqui, based on her own experiences growing up in America as a young practicing Muslim.
June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic has the blog tour stop for a holiday fantasy novel, ‘Gobbledy’, by Lis Anna-Langston. Included is a author guest post and a GIVEAWAY.
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Crashing into Love by Jennifer Richard Jacobsonfor ages 10-14. The title is misleading. Perfect middle grade read!
Maria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA has a review of NESSIE QUEST by Melissa Savage.
Rosi Hollinbeck reviews MARCUS MAKES A MOVIE by Kevin Hart. Rosi also shares 3 links for her writing friends.
Karen Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads always has a great MMGM review. Check it out along with last Friday’s feature on FRANKIE & BUG.
THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!
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.
New school, new friends, and tough internal struggles for 12-year-old Nimra Sharif. Barakah Beats melds the growing turmoil into an engaging story.
Nimra has only ever attended an Islamic school but now faces her first experience in a middle school. Best friend Jenna is there to provide support having always gone to public school. It’s apparent though after the first day’s tour Jenna would rather spend time with her regular friends. A situation very confusing and hurtful for Nimra.
She finds a place to pray during lunch which happens to be next to the music room where the 8th grade boy band, Barakah Beats, is rehearsing. They hear 7th grader Nimra singing a prayer and invite her to be part of the group. Joining would mean possibly winning her friend’s attention back. Barakah Beats are admired by almost everyone at the school.
But Nimra’s family does not approve of music or dancing in their religions, although it is made clear not all Muslims share the same belief. Nimra joins the band intending to drop out after getting back her friend, hopefully before her parents find out about her extra-curricular activity.
This might work until the band accepts an invitation to participate in a local talent show. The corner she’s back herself into will either make the band upset if she quits (along with her plan to gaining back her best friend) or her parents upset if she doesn’t. It all peaks into a satisfying conclusion, although one you might not expect.
Staying true to your beliefs is difficult for any middle school age kid. It becomes even more difficult in regards to your religion when it conflicts with the middle school environment. Nimra’s character ARC is flows perfectly, discovering what is important as she engages in her beliefs. Both girls and boys from ages 8 and up would enjoy this story and learn the truth about many aspects of an often misunderstood faith.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: October 19, 2021 PAGE COUNT: 288
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT BARAKAH BEATS by Nimra Sharif
The three boy members of the band each had their strengths and were a welcome support group for the younger Nimra. Fun kids with a passion for music.
It was heartwarming to see outsider Nimra make new friends so quickly upon arriving in a new school. It often doesn’t happen that way.
The first person narration flows smoothly through 28 chapters. Many of them had me wanting to read just one more before lights out.
Faith, Family, Friends. A tough trio to make sense of and brought forth so well in this plot. Many chances for discussion in the classroom or home.
A great story no matter what religion you bring to the table.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Maleeha Siddiqui is an American writer of Pakistani descent who loves to tell unapologetically Muslim stories for all ages. By day, Maleeha works as a regulatory affairs professional in the biotech industry. She grew up and continues to reside with her family in Virginia. “Barakah Beats” (Scholastic 2021) is her debut novel.
I agree, but it took me a long time to reach that opinion. Growing up with one older and two younger sisters I was surrounded by girls. Yep, always in the middle. Back then they were anything but spectacular to me, but over the years I’ve seen them grow into solid people and friends. Yes, spectacular they are.
What a great idea to celebrate sister hood with over 40 sets of Spectacular Sisters.
Many of the names won’t be familiar to young middle grade readers like the Andrews Sisters, Ann Landers and Dear Abby, or the Seven Sutherland Sisters. But enough familiar names like Venus and Serena Williams, or Beyoncé & Solange Knowles are featured to attract the younger set. Reading about the less familiar ones though will probably end up as their favorites.
Each chapter has the same format. There is an illustration of the sisters featured then a two page summary of their accomplishments. It’s not an in depth biography but there is enough information that will encourage further research.
I enjoyed the unique families like the Azmi sisters, all six from a Pakistan Muslim family who play field hockey in Canada. Also the Balbusso sisters who have made a name for themselves in Italy as Artists and illustrators.
If you have sisters like me or not, this fun read will keep you entertained for hours.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: November 7, 2021 PAGE COUNT: 208
About the Author
Aura Lewis is an author-illustrator and designer with an MFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. She is inspired by fashion from around the world, playful color, vintage design and popular culture. Aura’s work is featured in books for children and adults, on television, stationery, ad campaigns, branding, murals and editorial publications.
Her publishers include Harper Collins, Hachette, Abrams, Sterling Publishing, Chronicle Books, Quarto, Scholastic and Simon & Schuster. Her Illustration clients include Hallmark, Disney, The New York Times, Hawaii Business Magazine, Flow Magazine, yU+co.
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.
A spooky week ahead! While we wait for it to unfold, try out these Middle Grade reviews and features by clicking on any of the pumpkins below.
At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I’m reviewing THE HALLOWEEN MOON by Joseph Fink.
Sue Heavenrich is over at Sally’s Bookshelf with a review of Return of ZomBert, by Kara LaReau.
Welcome back to Michelle Isenhoff! She was a frequent participant when Shannon Messenger was in charge of MMGM. Today she features The Beast of Talesend, by Kyle Robert Shultz.
Maria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA has a review of NAZI PRISON CAMP ESCAPE by Michael Burgan.
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Book Buddies: Ivy Lost and Found by Cynthia Lord.
Rosi Hollinbeck reviews and has a GIVEAWAY of KYLE’S LITTLE SISTER by BonHyung Jeong . Rosi also shares 3 links for her writing friends.
Susan Olson at Time Travel Times Twois back with us today and a has a review of TIME TRAVEL FOR LOVE AND PROFIT by Sarah Lariviere.
Karen Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads always has a great MMGM review. Check it out along with last Thursday’s feature on THE NIGHT RIDE.
THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!
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.
You’re in for a treat (and a few tricks) with THE HALLOWEEN MOON. It’s a creepy story of a Halloween gone wrong for 13-year-old Esther Gold.
October 31st has always been her favorite, but this year Esther’s parents are saying no more trick or treating. Esther is asked to leave the candy collecting to the younger kids while she stays on the sidelines. No way is that going to happen so Esther sneaks out on the big night.
She meets best friend Gus. He has never had an interest in participating in the candy collecting, but has reluctantly agreed to tag along this year. They both soon discover a Halloween like none other.
The town has gone to sleep and an orange moon is staying in the same place. Both of their younger siblings are also missing. Some kind of curse has settled over the town.
They team up with Sasha, Esther’s hated enemy from school, and a dentist from next door who seems to be the only non-sleeping adult. Hopefully they can figure out who is responsible and bring their town back to life.
The creepy cast of characters include two men with flaming pumpkins and some very sharp apples. They’re under orders from a lady who claims to be the Queen of Halloween to catch the waking group and put them to sleep, keeping everyone in a never ending Halloween. One only the Queen can enjoy.
The set-up is perfect and actually not too scary for the middle grade readers. Some are calling this a YA title, but except for few innocent kisses toward the end, it stays solidly in the MG realm. The 42 plus chapters move fast and should appeal to both boys and girls.
An enticing tale with a story-line bag full of surprises.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: 7/27/21 PAGE COUNT: 288
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT THE HALLOWEEN MOON
I enjoyed Esther and Gus’s character so much. These two kids often have to deal with prejudices toward being Jewish. Their personalities are different but they support each other every step of the way.
Black cats actually get a positive nod here.
Mr. Gabler was also a winner. He’s the town’s dentist (not sure why he wasn’t labeled Dr. Gibler), though his side comments point to not always being in that profession. Most MG books feature kids, but this adult was a welcome presence.
A beautiful cover no matter how you look at it.
Teens won’t find this to be scary but younger kids will enjoy a Halloween book they can actually read and not have nightmares.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Joseph Fink is the co-author of the New York Times bestselling adult novels, It Devours! and Welcome to Night Vale. He created the Welcome to Night Vale and Alice Isn’t Dead podcasts. In 2016, Fink and Jeffrey Cranor launched the podcast network “Night Vale Presents” which features fiction and non-fiction podcasts. He lives with his wife in New York.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. Comments are always welcome below.
Paula Chase, the acclaimed author of So Done, Dough Boys, and Turning Point, explores betrayal, conformity, and forgiveness—and what it means to be family—in this timely and memorable stand-alone novel. Marigold was the only black kid at her fancy private school until scholarship kid Justice matriculates and they become fast friends. Mari’s parents run the top hip-hop media company Flexx Unlimited, which is set to host the inaugural summer program Style High, which aims to help boost 4 Black students interested in the fashion industry. When they both get in, Mari is set for a rude awakening as she discovers some hard truths about herself and her family.
Teen drama and plenty of it will appeal to the upper middle grade audience (Grades 6 and up). Although the characters are in the summer between middle school and high school, their ages are the only indicator that it could be a YA title. I’m calling it a bridge book to YA.
The story is unique, as are the characters. Mari narrates. She lives at home with her well-off parents. The only other major male character is Justice. He’s an athlete but also loves clothes. There is a lot of slang and you’ll learn a few new words. Text messages are scattered throughout and capture the world teens live in. Black identity is brought front and center and will have readers of other colors learning some realities.
Three themes make this a story teens will love. Up first is Fashion. Maybe not a real theme but the process of creating a look for someone based on their personality is fascinating. Next is Friendship and how teens can sometimes act before they think. They fill their life with assumptions about others. Finally there’s Family and how you see your family can often change as a teen learns more about their parent’s earlier life. All themes are handled well making it a compelling and eye opening read. The story also has one of those “I didn’t see that one coming” twists and pushes readers toward a pleasing epilogue. It also begs to have a sequel.
Paula Chase is the expert on teen culture and you’d almost expect her to still be a teen. Check out her other 8 titles featuring more colorful covers and story lines.
I received a copy of the book for my honest review.
********************************************
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.
The Explorer Academy: The Dragon’s Blood Blog Tour!
To celebrate the release of Explorer Academy: The Dragon’s Blood by Trudi Trueit on October 5th, blogs across the web are featuring exclusive guest posts from Trudi, as well as 5 chances to win all 6 books in the series so far! The 7th and final book in the series will be released in Fall 2022.
A Sneak Peek Into My Deleted Scenes File
by Trudi Trueit
For each Explorer Academy book, it’s not unusual for me to have 50 pages or more of material that never make it into the first draft I turn in to my editors. I keep a file called Bits & Pieces on my computer where I store these extra pages. There are many reasons why I might remove a scene: it could be running too long, I decide to go in a different direction, or, more often than not, it isn’t moving the plot forward.
Sometimes, you love a scene, even though you know it doesn’t fit. These are the hardest pages to cut. In The Dragon’s Blood, I’d planned on having the explorers help rescue animals injured by wildfires in Australia. I created a rehab center on Orion’s CAVE where the explorers could look after the wildlife while the ship transported the animal patients to a real rehab center. However, I realized tell this mission was going to end up being bigger than I’d intended. It would divert Cruz too far off course from his task of finding the next piece of his mom’s formula. Sadly, I had to let the scene go, but I’m happy to share it with you here!
Deleted Scene from The Dragon’s Blood
“Vá!” exclaimed Bryndis, her head pivoting.
“Vá,” echoed Cruz. He knew the Icelandic word for “wow.”
Team Cousteau had stepped from the ship’s narrow passage into the CAVE and a vast open woodland stretched out before them. Pine, acacia, and eucalyptus trees grew in the thicket. Golden grasses tickled their ankles, fueled by a gentle breeze. Overhead, a thin frosting of cirrus clouds swirled across an azure sky. Even the CAVE walls were part of the scenery, blending in so well Cruz felt as if he could walk across the grassy landscape for miles. Here and there, scraggly bushes dotted the grove. Dugan reached to touch a spiky, orange bottle brush flower growing from the center of a cluster of long, leathery leaves.
“Banksia,” declared Lani. “We have them in Hawaii, too.”
“Did they do this for the animals or for us?” breathed Sailor, taking it all in.
Green and gold drops of amazement bounced through Emmett’s glasses. “I’d say both.”
Team Cousteau headed for the trio of huts, each with an attached outdoor enclosure. Inside the first hut, the team was greeted by Dr. Eikenboom’s assistant, Pendrina Antonov. “This shelter is for the patients who need the most medical attention,” she said. Seeing the worry on their faces, she quickly reassured them. “None of their injuries are grave. Most have singed fur or paws. Some are very young juveniles left behind by a fleeing parent. But they’re stable, which is why we are able to transport them to Melbourne and make room at the rehab center in Cairns.” She explained that the second hut was for diurnal animals, those that were most active during the day. The third building was reserved for the crepuscular and nocturnal animals. “Lani and Emmett, you’ll be working with Dr. Eikenboom and me here. Sailor and Dugan, please see Professor Ishikawa, who is leading the team in Hut Two. Cruz and Bryndis, you’ll be in Hut Three with Professor Modi. Thank you for coming.”
“We’re glad to be able to help,” said Cruz, and they all nodded.
Everyone quickly headed to their assigned locations.
In Hut Three, Bryndis and Cruz found Professor Modi dimming the lights. He grinned at them. “Ah, just in time to help me serve dinner.”
Their instructor led them to the outdoor enclosure where a pair of koalas were perched on the middle branches of a eucalyptus tree. Cruz noticed that each of the fluffy-eared marsupials had bandaged front paws.
“Minor burns,” said Professor Modi, as they filled the water troughs. “Koalas are especially vulnerable to bush fires. They’re slow movers and so, when threatened all they can do is climb higher in the tree. Usually, the flames won’t reach the top of the trees but this recent fire season has been severe. The trees contain oil and they burn extremely hot and fast. The bears end up trapped by the flames.”
A koala was leaning down from a branch. His head was moving toward Bryndis’s face!
“Uh . . . Professor Modi?” she gulped.
He chuckled. “It’s okay. It’s how they communicate—nose to nose. He’s saying hello.”
Squinting, Bryndis let the koala tap his nose to hers.
Cruz grinned. “Not many people can say they got a nose bop from a koala.”
She snickered. “It’s the highlight of my year.”
Back inside the hut, Professor Modi gave Cruz a large leaf filled with a mixture of flowers, fruits, and grains. “This is for the tree kangaroos.”
Cruz took it with an unsteady hand. He was nervous. They’d learned that it was best to have as little contact as possible with the wildlife. He didn’t want to scare the animals. Cruz slowly slid the leaf through the bottom opening of the tree kangaroo’s cage. A little gold teddy bear face with round, dark eyes and long eyelashes inspected him then began to eat.
Cruz began to relax. The pair of explorers followed Professor Modi from cage to cage, feeding the rest of their patients. Cruz especially liked delivering a beetle-moth-spider-cockroach entrée to the boobook owl.
Peeking in the last cage, Cruz could see a striped head, bat-like ears, and a long, furry tail. “Chipmunk?” he guessed.
“Sugar glider,” corrected Professor Modi. “And far too young to be on her own. She should be in her mother’s pouch. One of the firefighters found her.” He took a wash cloth off a clean pile, reached into the cage, and wrapped it around the sugar glider. Professor Modi gently brought the tiny marsupial out of her cage. “Hi, little one.”
“She’s so adorable,” gushed Bryndis. “Like a stuffed animal.”
“Which is why they’re so popular as exotic pets,” said their teacher. “But they’re social animals and belong in the wild. We want to get her back with her own kind as quickly as possible.” He held the sugar glider out to Cruz. “Watch her for a moment, while I get her formula?”
Cruz shrank away. “Oh, no, she’s too fragile. I’ll hurt her—”
“You’ll be fine. She’s not injured. Just young. Hold firmly, but don’t squeeze.”
With a deep breath, Cruz carefully placed his hands around the burrito-wrapped body. “She so teeny.”
Bryndis sighed. “It’s a miracle she survived.”
She must miss her mother, thought Cruz. “Don’t worry, little one,” he whispered. “We’ll take good care of you.”
“a fully packed high-tech adventure that offers both cool, educational facts about the planet and a diverse cast of fun characters.” —Kirkus
“This exciting, fast-paced, far-flung story is full of science facts and James Bond-like gadgets, accompanied by colored illustrations. The ending is guaranteed to keep readers eager for the next series installment.” –Booklist
“Explorer Academy is exciting and smart.” —Karen Bokram, Editor-in-Chief, Girls’ Life
An explosive revelation and a familiar face heighten the mystery for Cruz and friends in the sixth book in this adventure-packed series.
Still reeling from the life-changing discovery he found buried in the mysterious archive, Cruz Coronado grapples with an important secret as the gang heads to China in search of the second-to-last piece of the cipher. Under the watchful eye of a new adviser, life on the ship returns to almost normal…Almost.
Just as things seem to be going smoothly, a familiar face shocks Cruz back into reality, and the final piece in this life-and-death scavenger hunt veers toward a dead end.
Check out the Explorer Academy website, featuring videos, comic shorts, games, profiles of real-life National Geographic Explorers, chapter excerpts and more.
TRUDI TRUEIT has written more than 100 books for young readers, both fiction and nonfiction. Her love of writing began in fourth grade, when she wrote, directed, and starred in her first play. She went on to be a TV news reporter and weather forecaster, but she knew her calling was in writing. Trueit is a gifted storyteller for middle-grade audiences, and her fiction novels include The Sister Solution, Stealing Popular, and the Secrets of a Lab Rat series. Her expertise in kids nonfiction encompasses books on history, weather, wildlife, and earth science. She is the author of all the narratives for the Explorer Academy series, beginning with Explorer Academy: The Nebula Secret. Trueit was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, and lives in Everett, Washington.
One (1) winner will receive all 6 Explorer Academy hardcovers (The Nebula Secret, The Falcon’s Feather, The Double Helix, The Star Dunes, The Tiger’s Nest, and the NEW book The Dragon’s Blood)
US/Canada only
Ends 11/1 at 11:59pm ET
Check out the other stops for more chances to win!
Rake in some great Middle Grade reviews or features by clicking on any of the leaf’s below.
At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I’m reviewing PLAYING THE CARDS YOU’RE DEALT by Varian Johnson.
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an agent/author guest post by Melissa Nasson and Alex Perry with a query critique and a GIVEAWAY of Pighearted, a MG contemporary novel.
COMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF is recommending Other Boys by Damian Alexander, a graphic novel that’s already receiving a Kirkus starred review.
Maria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA has a review of WHEN ZACHARY BEAVER CAME TO TOWN by Kimberly Willis Holt.
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Ensnared in the Wolf’s Lair byAnn Bausum.
Rosi Hollinbeck reviews TIPS FOR MAGICIANS by Celesta Rimington. Rosi also shares 3 links for her writing friends and her discovery that umpires have been invaded by aliens.
A final note: Newbery Award winning author, Gary Paulsen, passed away last week. We’ll always have his books to celebrate a legacy. Thanks to SCBWI for sharing this video…
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.
Ten-year-old Anthony Joplin has made it to double digits! Which means he’s finally old enough to play in the spades tournament every Joplin Man before him seems to have won. So while Ant’s friends are stressing about fifth grade homework and girls, Ant only has one thing on his mind: how he’ll measure up to his father’s expectations at the card table.
Then Ant’s best friend gets grounded, and he’s forced to find another spades partner. And Shirley, the new girl in his class, isn’t exactly who he has in mind. She talks a whole lot of trash — way more than his old partner. Plus, he’s not sure that his father wants him playing with a girl. But she’s smart and tough and pretty, and knows every card trick in the book. So Ant decides to join forces with Shirley — and keep his plans a secret.
Only it turns out secrets are another Joplin Man tradition. And his father is hiding one so big it may tear their family apart…
Raw emotion greets you at every turn. An omniscient narrator—not used too often in MG—takes you through the 52 chapters. Their identity is revealed in the final pages. It’s perfect choice to convey this heartfelt tale.
Spades is a card game I knew nothing about (I’m more of a Five Crowns player). Early on you get the rules explained and through several matches it starts to make sense. Ant is good at the game but his only tournament play came to an embarrassing end. This year he vows to be a winner in his dad’s eye’s.
Set in present day South Carolina all the characters are memorable. They feel like neighbors. That’s due to the exquisite writing throughout.
I love what Mr. Johnson says in his insightful Publishers Weekly lead to the interview about his new book: “readers find parts that make them laugh, and parts that perhaps make them cry. I hope they see something that makes them think about the world we live in, and the little ways we can make it better by being kinder to our fellow humans.”
He succeeds on all fronts.
PAGE COUNT: 320 BOOK BIRTHDAY: October 5, 2021
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT PLAYING THE CARDS YOU’RE DEALT by Varian Johnson
Solid chapter endings. Some had me laughing out loud while others left me biting my bottom lip to keep the emotions in check.
The emerging friendship between Ant and Shirley is handled with sweetness and care. There are many bumps along the way and those add to the appeal of these two.
The harsh realities of a gambling and alcohol addiction hovers over the family in different ways. They all are honestly revealed in the climatic ending scenes.
Small town life is portrayed in an appealing way and give the story even more heart.
The community here is Black but what they have to say enriches any color, any place. Their voice rings true for all.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Varian Johnson is the author of several novels for children and young adults, including The Parker Inheritance, which won both Coretta Scott King Author Honor and Boston Globe/Horn Book Honor awards; The Great Greene Heist, an ALA Notable Children’s book and Kirkus Reviews Best Book; and the graphic novel Twins, illustrated by Shannon Wright, an NPR Best Book.
Varian was born in Florence, South Carolina, and attended the University of Oklahoma, where he received a BS in Civil Engineering. He later received an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, and is honored to now be a member of the faculty. Varian lives outside of Austin, TX with his family.
**********************************************
Comments are welcome below. Be sure to visit the other bloggers on today’s edition of MMGM.
If you love enticing mysteries with an endearing new kid detective look no further than the first case in THE VIOLET VEIL MYSTERIES series. Set in England during the Victorian era of the 1800s, it starts off with a page turning surprise and never lets up.
13-year-old Violet is the daughter of an undertaker and lives with him at the cemetery along with her mother and younger brother. Violet is miffed she doesn’t get to do the same things as boys and feels girls aren’t taken seriously. She’d really like to help her dad with the business of dead bodies. No way that’s going to happen.
Still though she often sits near the next burials including a new arrival who was apparently murdered. Turns out Oliver is not dead and comes alive after emerging out of a deep coma the next day.
Violet sets out to solve the crime along with her faithful dog, Bones, and her new very much alive friend, Oliver. Bones almost steals the show with his helpful nature as he leads Violet and Oliver to clues. A great addition to the story.
But center stage belongs to Violet as she attempts to solve several murders that look similar to what happened in Oliver’s case. She is on the clock to figure it out before her father is hanged for supposedly being the one and only suspect. He’s guilty first unless Violet can come to his rescue with the real culprit.
The tense and often scary chapters are a testament to the great writing going on here. Even adults will be totally engaged in the plot. I would though save this one for 9 year olds and above in the MG category.
I’m looking forward to hearing what’s next for Violet in THE VIOLET VEIL MYSTERIES. I’m hooked like many new fans will be with this historical mystery.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sophie Cleverly was born in Bath in 1989. She studied for a BA in Creative Writing and an MA in Writing For Young People. She is the author of the SCARLET AND IVY series and THE VIOLET VEIL MYSTERIES, which are published in English by HarperCollins worldwide and are being translated into many different languages.
Aside from writing, she can often be found blogging about symphonic metal, watching fantastical TV and struggling to find her way out of her ever-increasing pile of books.
**********************************
(I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.)
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.
Always in the Middle... 