MMGM for October 11, 2021

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 Congratulations to the winner of the Susie B. Won’t Back Down GIVEAWAY: Patricia Tilton! She is a regular contributor to MMGM along with a picture book review every Friday. Go check out her posts at CHILDREN’S BOOKS HEAL.

Click on a star to reach a shining Middle Grade review or feature.

bullet4At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I’m reviewing THE MERMAID QUEEN by Alane Adams.

bullet4June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing & Stitch-metic shares a Christian non-fiction title, Anxious for Nothing:Living Above Anxiety and Loneliness. Included is a GIVEAWAY.

bullet4Beth Schmelzer at Best Books by Beth joins us this week with an important book about reading aloud: The Enchanted Hour: The Miraculous Power of Reading Aloud in the Age of Distraction.

bullet4Maria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA has a review of BEYOND THE BRIGHT SEA by Lauren Wolk

bullet4Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Born Behind Bars by Padma Venkatraman.

bullet4Rosi Hollinbeck reviews LINKED by Gordon Korman. Included is a GIVEAWAY! Rosi also shares three helpful links for her writing friends.

bullet4Karen Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads always has a great MMGM review. Check it out along with her other reviews last week including yesterday’s feature: Alley & Rex.

 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.
Posted in MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

THE MERMAID QUEEN

The fourth book in the WITCHES OF ORKNEY SERIES has its debut this week. It’s an exciting adventure full of witches, mermaids, and a nasty serpent who can destroy entire worlds. The question you might first ask is “Can I read The Mermaid Queen if I’ve not read the others in the series?”

Yes! The story line before Book 4 begins won’t confuse readers as this has a different focus with young witch Abigail trying to stop the evil before it is unleashed. It will entice you to go back and read the others, along with Book 5, THE DARK WITCH, due out next year.

Here’s the back cover blurb for THE MERMAID QUEEN:

Abigail and Hugo have just helped restore the balance of power in Orkney by defeating the powerful alchemist Vertulious when Abigail discovers that Capricorn, the mermaid queen she trusted to help them, has unleashed the powerful Midgard Serpent named Jormungand―who, years ago, encircled the world of mankind and held it captive until Odin banished it to an underwater prison. Capricorn is determined to force Odin to make her goddess of the seas over Aegir, and she’s ready to use the massive serpent to bend him to her will―threatening all of Orkney. Abigail and Hugo must embark on an adventure across the seas to Odin’s island sanctuary to find a way to stop Capricorn and return Jormungand to his watery cell. But when Abigail finds that her powers are not enough, she has to tap into her dark magic again and again. As she is drawn further down this path, a dark presence makes itself known to her―one that may alter her path forever.

(From alaneadams.com)

The third person narration takes you through a prologue, then 31 chapters followed by the setup for Book 5 in an epilogue. It’s a manageable 232 pages that won’t scare away reluctant readers. A small selection of illustrations also help the story move along at a nice pace.

Our heroine witch Abigail, along with Hugo and another witch, Calla, provide a well rounded set of characters. Readers might be putting themselves into each of their shoes wondering if they would make the same decisions under the fantasy laden settings. They are brave and you’ll be rooting for them along with hoping Abigail doesn’t disappear to the dark side of magic. Her inner turmoil and temptations are real and the basis for the main story.

Schooling at The Witch Academy takes a back seat in book 4 to the more important adventure. You won’t be sorry for taking an enjoyable escape to the Orkney world.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT THE MERMAID QUEEN by ALANE ADAMS

  1. The ending serves its purpose. It’s a cliffhanger and an interesting turn of events for the next story.
  2. Rough seas, strange islands, and new characters bring many surprises along the way. A page turning and often tense set of scenes.
  3. Loyalty and friendship are put to the test. You’ll love how Hugo meets the challenge as both traits are threatened to end.
  4. The magic book of dark spells and balls of witch fire will have readers thankful they live in the present. Scary stuff but too scary.
  5. To create a world such as Orkney requires world building. A map in the front pages gets you started. The locales visited bring the world to life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Alane Adams is the author of award-winning titles that include the Legends of Orkney™ Norse mythology series for middle grade readers, the Witches of Orkney prequel series, and a series of historical picture books set in the 1920s including The Coal Thief. Alane Adams and her books have been featured on BBC, Fox, the CW, Parade, Bustle, Today, People, and many more! When Alane is not writing or sharing how Reading Is A Superpower with young students through her Between the Pages program, she’s out hiking somewhere in the world or hanging out with her three boys in Southern California. For more information, visit https://alaneadams.com or follow Alane on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @AlaneAdamsBooks.

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I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest critique. Be sure to comment below and then visit the other Marvelous Middle Grade Monday bloggers posting today. Happy MMGM!

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

THE FOREVER HORSE

Maisie has always loved horses. She is also a talented artist. When the opportunity arises for her to study in Paris, her two worlds collide. There, in the heart of the city, Maisie finds the childhood diary of famous horse artist, Rose Bonifait, and meets the beautiful black stallion, Claude.

As the two girls’ stories emerge, tragedies unfold – both past and present – and Maisie realises that she can’t begin to imagine life without her forever horse…

Horse lovers rejoice at this tender tale set both present and past. Maisie has already found her life’s passions at age 12: Horses and painting beautiful portraits of them.

While she pursues her craft in Paris through a scholarship opportunity, Dad stays behind in London. The arrangement doesn’t seem to be working for Maisie with loneliness setting in and a critical teacher who is not helping. Then she finds Claude, the most stunning creature she has ever come across and his rider, Oscar, a police guard in the city.

Maisie’s first person narration is accompanied by flashbacks to Rose Bonifait’s narration of her life as a rare female budding artist in the 1800’s. Her character is based on a a real artist of the time, Rosa Bonheur.

The modern day atmosphere of Paris comes alive along with an all too familiar event: terrorism. It’s a believable interruption and one that provides much drama for the second half of the story.

I reviewed another of Stacy Gregg’s books in 2019, The Fire Stallion. Now with The Forever Horse she once again has created a compelling story with heart.

Animal lovers have another friend to fill their reading time with a memorable tale of friendship.

AUTHOR STUFF

Stacy gives listeners writing tips in this video on her web site.

You can also take a look at her interesting bio and books she has authored.

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I received a copy of The Forever Horse in exchange for my honest review. Comments are welcome below.

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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.
Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

MMGM for October 4, 2021

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 HAPPY OCTOBER! Click on a leaf to reach a variety of Middle Grade reviews and features.

229006At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I’m reviewing SUSIE B. WON’T BACK DOWN  by Margaret Finnegan. There’s also a GIVEAWAY opportunity for a copy of the  book.

229006June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing & Stitch-metic shares a YA devotional, ‘Live on Purpose‘. Would also work as an upper MG title. The post includes a GIVEAWAY from the publisher.

229006COMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF has a review of Amari and the Night Brothers by B. B. Alston.

229006Maria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA takes a look at Mystery of Magnolia Circle by Kate Klise.

229006Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews In a Flash by Donna Jo Napoli, a powerful story about Italian sisters surviving WWII in Japan.

229006Author Valinora Troy reviews the spooky GHOST GIRL by Ally Malinenko. Perfect choice for this time of the year.

229006Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of STARFISH by Lisa Fipps. Rosi also shares three helpful links for her writing friends.

229006Karen Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads always has a great MMGM review. Check it out along with her other reviews last week including Friday’s feature: THE INSIDERS.

 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.
Posted in MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

SUSIE B. WON’T BACK DOWN + a GIVEAWAY

Fifth grader Susie Babuszkiewicz’s teacher is always looking for different ways to get students learning. In the Hero Project unit, you first have to choose a hero and they can’t be alive. Susie chooses Susan B Anthony not only because they are both Susie B’s but because her chosen hero championed women’s rights.

Susie has to research Susan B. Anthony’s life and then write her a series of letters. The entire book is made up of these letters. There are no chapters, only headings like DEAR SUSAN B. ANTHONY. It’s unique story telling device and one I initially had trouble getting into. The letters are like the talkative son or daughter coming home from school and telling you everything about their day.

Eventually though I was hooked, especially when Susie discovers some not so heroic events in her hero’s life. Her adoration of this famous lady takes a sudden turn for the worse. The salutations even change to DEAR NOT SUSAN B ANTHONY.

When Susie decides to run for student council president it’s an uphill climb with the competition being way more popular. Susie deals with broken friendships, a mean classmate, and tries to understand the person she is and wants to become. She also searches for answers as to why her “former” hero made some questionable choices.

You’ll enjoy getting to know this feisty preteen. Susie B. Won’t Back Down is recommended for both boys and girls.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: OCTOBER 5, 2021 PAGE COUNT: 272

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT SUSIE B. WON’T BACK DOWN by Margaret Finnegan

  1. College aged brother, Lock, has many moments of brotherly advice for his confused sibling. Some of it actually works and their short talks throughout the pages were highlights.
  2. What you read on the surface of a hero doesn’t always tell the full story. A great lesson to always dig for the truth, even if you’re in 5th grade. I’ve never seen it presented like this in an MG book.
  3. Susie has several flaws, and they are expertly brought forth and addressed. It’s an initial coming of age story for a yet-to-be teen. I’d like to see more books about Susie set during her upcoming middle school years.
  4. It was nice to read a story where the parents weren’t divorced or dead. I’ve seen way too many books recently with this family trait.
  5. Shifts in friendships can happen frequently during the school aged years. Susie takes on this challenge and the results are satisfying.

ADVICE FROM THE AUTHOR, Margaret Finnegan

“I’ve learned that you need to trust seven-year-old you. Seven-year-old you knows exactly what gives your life meaning and joy. Seven-year-old you is pretty brilliant that way.”

Margaret Finnegan is the author of the middle-grade novels Susie B. Won’t Back Down and We Could Be Heroes. Her writing often focuses on themes on inclusion, hard choices, and being true to yourself. She also makes a really good chocolate cake. To learn more, and to download free discussion guides, visit MargaretFinnegan.com.

Twitter: @FinneganBegin

Instagram: @finneganbegin

Check out the fun mock newspaper, The Susie B News–available here!

You can also read my review of her other middle grade book—We Could Be Heroes from a post last year.

Giveaway! One lucky winner will receive a copy of Susie B. Won’t Back Down, courtesy of Atheneum/S&S (U.S. addresses). Just leave a comment below by Sunday, October 10th to enter. Instead of commenting, you can also enter by letting me know via email at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com.

Good Luck!

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Be sure to visit the other MMGM bloggers who have gotten this month off to a shining start.

Posted in Giveaways, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments

PIPPA PARK—MY JOURNAL ABOUT LIFE

I featured a review of Pippa Park Raises Her Game last year. It’s a satisfying look at life in a private middle school with new arrival Pippa as the narrator. Don’t worry if if you haven’t read the story. This new journal is a fun journey into how you see yourself. Perfect for 11-13 year old girls.

Spread out over 144 pages, the creative layout is colorful and never boring. Readers are quizzed and given opportunities to express themselves in writing and drawing. Topics like What do you like best about yourself? ; My Dream Outfit; or Share a time when you were a good friend are a few of the motivating choices.

By the end you have a true time capsule of your life and one that can be tucked away to reflect on in your adult years. In fact it all ends with writing a letter to your future self.

Creating a big picture of yourself is a great idea. MY JOURNAL ABOUT LIFE displays a creative flair sure to impress and encourage users to write. It would make a great gift any time of the year. Highly recommended!

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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.
Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

MMGM for September 27, 2021

               MMGM

 Wow! That was quick. The month is almost over but first make time for one more MMGM! Click on an arrow to reach a post

purple arrowAt ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I’m reviewing VIOLETS ARE BLUE by Barbara Dee.

purple arrowNatalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles interviews debut author Jessica Vitalis with a GIVEAWAY of her MG fantasy The Wolf’s Curse.

purple arrowMaria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA tells us about DEAD WEDNESDAY by Jerry Spinelli.

purple arrowPatricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo, an engaging medieval folktale.

purple arrowRosi Hollinbeck features a review of THESE UNLUCKY STARS by Gillian McDunn. Rosi also shares three helpful links for her writing friends.

purple arrowAlex Baugh at Randomly Reading reviews Violet and the Pie of Life by Debra Green, a realistic portrayal of parent separation.

purple arrowCOMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF is back with us this week with a review of City of Illusion by Victoria Ying. 

purple arrowKaren Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads always has a great MMGM review. Check it out along with her other reviews last week including Saturday”s feature: THE GHOUL NEXT STORE.

 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.
Posted in MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

VIOLETS ARE BLUE

Twelve-year-old Wren has a growing amount of drama smothering her up at every turn. Her parents have divorced and now Dad lives in Brooklyn with a new wife and twin babies. Mom is a nurse who decides moving to a new town will be good for both her and Wren. Moving still means when not in school Wren lives with Dad’s new family—a 2-home reality many middle graders will understand.

Wren’s growing passion is for theatrical make-up. It’s a way to escape the world. She watches YouTube videos by make-up artist, Cat FX, and starts practicing on her mom and a new friend. She’s quite good at it and gets the job of make-up artist for the school’s production of Wicked.

You might be already guessing where this plot is headed, but you’ll be way off. Readers will pick up on frequent clues that Wren’s mother is addicted to pain killers. Poor Wren doesn’t put all the pieces together as her mom lies, steals, and misses work. It’s one excuse after another and Wren is left having to believe the made-up stories Mom always uses as a back-up.

Many times Wren wants to say something to her Dad, Mom’s co-worker, or friends at school. Instead she pushes forth, learning make-up techniques for the play and fending off an innocent new crush. I wished she had found a trusted adult, but it actually makes a sense she didn’t. Kids will be less reluctant now to search for help after reading Wren’s first person narration. Don’t take on your problems alone.

I know quite a few 12-year-old boys who will hear the word “Make-up” and avoid this one more than homework. They will be encouraged to know this is special effects make-up with comic-style and fantasy laden faces. The real story is one of addiction, family, and friendship. A story that is hard to put down.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: October 12, 2021 PAGE COUNT: 304

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT…

  1. Kai is the little guy who has a crush on Wren. His hesitant approaches in gaining her attention are full of reality. Things don’t go as planned but a surprising train trip brings understanding.
  2. The tough topic of addiction is handled extremely well for the intended audience.
  3. I’ve read so many MG books recently based on a missing or dead parent it was great to see this not a part of this plot. It’s all about Wren dealing with being a kid with two families.
  4. The depiction of home life for many 12 year olds and up: Left alone while parents are working. It’s a realistic picture and one many will find familiar.
  5. By book’s end you’ve gained so much empathy for Wren you might be like me and hope for a sequel.

A WORD FROM THE AUTHOR

My twelve middle grade novels are about smart kids facing real challenges with humor. All books are written with the partial cooperation of my cat, Luna, and my dog, Ripley.

(For the full bio visit Barbara’s informative and fun author web page)

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I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. Comments are welcome below and be sure to visit all the other MMGM posts today.

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

THE HIDEAWAY

Earlier this month, ALWAYS in the MIDDLE took part in the Book Blast giveaway for this new title. Since then I’ve had the time to read the story and can give you a few critical insights. First though, here’s the plot:

The Hideaway tells the story of Billy McKenna, a boy who runs away from a difficult situation at home and takes refuge in an overgrown graveyard to deal with his mixed-up emotions. There, Billy meets an elderly man who tends the graves in preparation for All Souls’ Eve, and ultimately witnesses the magical events that come to pass on that spooky night.

Interwoven in Billy’s supernatural story is the all-too-realistic tale of his mother’s situation at home and the police search for Billy. With themes of family and childhood, separation and reunion, domestic violence and doing the right thing, this is an important and beautiful book for middle graders through adults

The third person narration takes you through 44 mostly short chapters. They alternate with the majority of the chapters focusing on either Billy, his Mom, or Sergeant Chorley, who is investigating the family situation. The sad but hopeful tale will feel to close to home for many young readers and their parents.

Set in Great Britain, Billy is a smart 13-year-old who knows he must escape the fear he has whenever Jeff and his mom are having loud arguments. He believes the graveyard provides the perfect hiding place, but that backfires when two people discover where he’s hiding. One is a kindly old cemetery worker who cleans the headstones. He misses his late wife and own son who ran away. Then there is Izzie, a classmate who promises not to tell anyone about Billy’s whereabouts.

The black and white drawings throughout add to the emotional appeal of the story.

They stray into graphic novel territory toward the end when a series of double page images depict the events of the supernatural All Souls’ Eve.

The topic of domestic violence is covered in a realistic way and is just right for the 5th grade and up audience. Your heart goes out to Billy. Much discussion can take place with the themes resonating from the pages. I did kind of shake my head toward the end as an all too convenient connection is revealed about the characters. But it doesn’t detract from the compelling and thoughtful way THE HIDEAWAY is presented.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Pam Smy studied Illustration at Cambridge School of Art, where she now lectures part-time. Pam has illustrated books by Conan Doyle, Julia Donaldson, and Kathy Henderson, among others. Her first novel, Thornhill, was a critical and commercial success, shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, the UKLA Book Awards, the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2018, and winning the 2018 British Book Design & Production Award for Graphic Novels. 

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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.
Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

MMGM for September 20, 2021

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 A new season is upon us! Give FALL a click and you’ll fall into some enticing reviews and features!

10084500At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I’m reviewing DANNY CHUNG SUMS IT UP by Maisie Chan.

10084500June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing & Stitch-metic reviews a devotional for ages 6-10, ‘Roar Like a Lion’. Included is a GIVEAWAY from the publisher.

10084500Sue Heavenrich posts her thoughts over at Sally’s Bookshelf about the wonderful book, “Secondhand Dogs” by Carolyn Crimi.

10084500Faith Hough at Blythe & Bold returns to the MMGM lineup this week with The Kate in Between by Claire Swinarski.

10084500Andrea Mack at That’s Another Story features Generation Misfits by Akemi Dawn Bowman.

10084500Maria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA has a post  about Helen Keller! It’s called HAND IN HAND by Jean Little.

10084500Alex Baugh at Randomly Reading reviews Born Behind Bars by Padma Venkatramen.

10084500Rosi Hollinbeck features a review of RESCUE AT LAKE WILD. Rosi also shares three helpful links for her writing friends.

10084500Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews The Elephant in the Room by Holly Goldberg Sloan.

10084500Karen Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads always has a great MMGM review. Check it out along with her other reviews last week including Thursday’s  feature: What Lives in the Woods.

 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.
Posted in MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 1 Comment