A rare occurrence on the calendar happens this week with Tuesday coming in as 2/22/22. That’s five two’s in a row! What better way to celebrate than hosting a giveaway of five pairs of hardback books in my 5th year hosting MMGM.
It’s easy to enter. There are five 2-book giveaways. In the comments (or email me), state which package you want: Duo 1, 2. 3. 4, or 5. You can enter any or all. Who knows—maybe your name will be drawn more than once!
THE GIVEAWAY IS OPEN UNTIL MIDNIGHT ON FEB. 28TH. U.S. Residents only.
THE “Who Was/Is….” series of paperbacks has over 250 titles to choose from. It began 20 years ago with just four titles.
Each book provides a great start for kids who want to learn about some of the iconic names in history, politics, science, and sports. I chose Harriet Tubman to feature today in honor of Black History Month.
At just over 100 pages the story unfolds as to how Harriet Tubman began her life as a slave before fleeing to the North. She returned many times to help her family and others make the trip to freedom. Eventually Harriet would become a Union Army spy and her bravery published in two books. She lived to be 92 years old and is remembered with a large plaque in front of the Auburn, NY courthouse.
The text is interspersed with illustrations along with short essays about other events and people of the era. Here you will learn more about Slave Auctions, Plantation Crops, Vigilance Committees, and Quakers to name a few. The story ends with a helpful timeline of Harriet Tubman”s life and a bibliography.
Highly recommended for curious middle grade readers.
Blogging about middle grade books or authors next week? Join the celebration.
All you have to do is blog about a middle grade book on a Monday (contests, author interviews, or anything middle grade related also count). Email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com
Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book or author you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of ANYBODY HERE SEEN FRENCHIE? by Leslie Connor.
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles features a guest post by debut author Leigh Lewis with a giveaway of her MG nonfiction Pirate Queens:DauntlessWomenWhoDaredto Rule the High Seas.
AuthorJune McCrary Jacobs shares her vintage Valentine collection and a short essay of Valentine’s Day memories in her classroom when she was a teacher. Lots of photos are included!
Sue Heavenrich has a couple browsable nonfiction books for the 7-10’s over at Archimedes Notebook.
Carol Baldwin’s young reviewer, Elliott Kurta, did such a great job last week he’s been invited back. Today Elliott shares his thoughts on I ESCAPED NORTH KOREA. Included is a GIVEAWAY opportunity for the book.
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal has a review of Mightier Than the Sword: Rebels, Reformers & Revolutionaries Who Changed the World Through Writing by Rochelle Melander.
Maria Antonia is all in on the theme for the week with THE SECRET VALENTINE by Melody Reed.
Max @ COMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF recommends The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo.
Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of THE CANYON’S EDGE by Dusti Bowling. Rosi also has three links for her writing friends.
Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with her other reviews last week like last Saturday’s BUTTON PUSHER.
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.
Eleven-year-old Aurora (pictured above) is an impulsive preteen who speaks her mind—loudly—and often at the worst time. Friendship never lasts long except the one she has with a boy named Frenchie who is autistic and never talks. They’ve been in the same class in a small town Maine school since third grade. With the beginning of sixth grade, though, they’ve been assigned to separate classes.
Frenchie will have a full time aide by his side, but it’s going to be a new adjustment for both kids. They can still share time outside of school as both love the natural world present in coastal Maine. Birds for Frenchie while Aurora loves rocks of all kinds. They are also captivated by the spotted piebald deer they are lucky to have seen. This deer plays an important role in the story line.
Everything changes when one morning after being dropped off at school by Aurora’s dad, Frenchie soon walks away from school grounds and no one can find him. Aurora feels responsible because she usually walks him to class each morning. No one in the town has seen him which leads to an organized search and rescue plan scouring the trails leading into the woods. But still, after searching for the rest of the day Frenchie is still missing. Where can he be? Frenchie will have to spend the night alone in the dark wherever he is.
The story unfolds through multiple viewpoints. Most of them are via Aurora whose first person narration is full of emotion as she struggles with the real life drama of a missing friend alone in the wilderness. The author’s expert way of bringing out each character is done in the present along with highlights from the past. Together they provide a full view of the special bond these two have.
This MG title that will have adults (like me) raving about the story. The intended audience, age 8-12, might find the pace a bit slow with too much introspection, but it would make a great focus as a classroom read and a discussion of differences in others.
I’ve never been to Maine but the setting laid out for readers has me hoping I can some day soon visit this unique state.
Neurodivergent characters get a deeper understanding as both Aurora and Frenchie provide insights into the way they act.
A community coming together is a beautiful thing and what you experience here is truly memorable.
Aurora treats Frenchie for who he is rather than seeing him as someone to avoid. A special bond for sure.
In the end, this is about friendship and its importance to every child,
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A FEW WORDS FROM AUTHOR, Leslie Connor
What do I do on a writing break? Well, I still love to create—everything from art collages to artisan pizzas and pots of soup. I also love to bike to town and meet friends. I like to believe that every plot problem can be solved over a good cup of Earl Grey tea… and maybe a piece of dark chocolate.
Shirley Chisholm was familiar only in name for me. What a pleasure it was to read the life story of this remarkable lady who blazed new paths and understandings to those less fortunate. Her bold way of speaking led to many friends and enemies as she eventually became the first African-American women to be elected to Congress in 1968. She stood tall in her position for seven terms.
This engaging biography takes readers through 19 chapters as it explores her beginnings and ends at the effect she still has in the present (including words from Vice President Kamala Harris who proclaimed before the inauguration: “Shirley Chisholm created a path for me and so many others.”).
A map of Brooklyn precedes the chapters and pinpoints locations that impacted Chisholm’s personal and professional life. Six pages of photographs are also included as a subsection in Chapter 15, which allow a better understanding after learning about her life.
To see all of the books Tanya Bolden has penned over the years visit Tanya Bolden Books.
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Blogging about middle grade books or authors next week? Join the celebration.
All you have to do is blog about a middle grade book on a Monday (contests, author interviews, or anything middle grade related also count). Email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com
Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book or author you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of A COMB OF WISHES by Lisa Stringfellow.
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles and I are on the same wave length this week. Instead of a review she gives us an interview with debut author Lisa Stringfellow and a giveaway of her MG fantasy A Comb of Wishes.
AuthorJune McCrary Jacobs has a ‘double-feature’ with two brand new titles from New Growth Press. ‘Chloe and the Closet of Secrets’ and ‘Sam and the Sticky Situation’—both part of the publisher’s new ‘Teaching Children to Use Their Words Wisely’ series. June spotlights each book and has a review.
Carol Baldwin found a gem, a new 8th grade reviewer, Elliott Kurta, who shares his view on UNDER THE TANGERINE TREE by debut author Esther Bandy. But wait there’s more…
Carol’s young reviewer also interviews the author of UNDER THE TANGERINE TREE, Esther Brandy. Included is Carol’s GIVEAWAY opportunity for the book.
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal returns this week with a review of Welcome Back, Maple Mehta-Cohen by Kate McGovern, about a girl who learns differently.
Jennifer Bohnhoff shares a couple of special offers on her Valentine’s themed book, plus a review of From the Desk of Zoe Washington.
Valinora Troy has a review of The HIDEAWAY by Pam Smy. Check out her adorable friend next to a copy of the book
Maria Antonia shares a post about THE ELEPHANT THIEF by Jane Kerr.
Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of INSIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF A CACTUS by Dusti Bowling. Rosi also has three links for her writing friends.
Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to take a look along with her other reviews last week including last Friday’s Roosevelt Banks and the Attic of Doom.
If you would like to join in the MMGM fun and get your own spot in the parade, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count–but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you’re featuring and a link to your blog at gpcolo (at) gmail (dot) com
(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
A captivating story by debut author, Lisa Stringfellow. The fictional Caribbean island of St. Rita is the setting and the choices young Kela makes after finding a magical comb of wishes will wrap readers up in anxious anticipation for each unfolding scene.
Ever since her mother’s death, Kela feels every bit as broken as the shards of glass, known as “mermaid’s tears,” that sparkle on the Caribbean beaches of St. Rita. So when Kela and her friend Lissy stumble across an ancient-looking comb in a coral cave, with all she’s already lost, Kela can’t help but bring home her very own found treasure.
Far away, deep in the cold ocean, the mermaid Ophidia can feel that her comb has been taken. And despite her hatred of all humans, her magic requires that she make a bargain: the comb in exchange for a wish.
But what Kela wants most is for her mother to be alive. And a wish that big will exact an even bigger price…
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The third person narration stays with Kela for about three-fourths of the 36 chapters in A Comb of Wishes. The others are given to Ophidia the mermaid. Both go deep in the emotional struggle each character faces. Lives are at stake and the pacing of reveals is perfect.
I found St. Rita to be a fascinating locale for the plot. Full of tourists and Caribbean folklore, the tale doesn’t disappoint. Nor does the author’s notes about her family and the creation of A Comb of Wishes. Middle graders who love magical realism will have a new favorite here. I can’t wait to see what is next from this author.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: Feb. 8, 2022 PAGE COUNT: 272
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: A COMB OF WISHES by Lisa Stringfellow
The subject of grief appears often in MG lit but in this story it is handled in a unique and heart tugging way.
Books about wishes are always popular in my neck of the woods. Having another to highly recommend will open up a new area of the world not often found in MG—the beautiful Caribbean islands.
The reality that what you find in protected areas is not always finder’s keepers. There are levels of archaeological rights one must follow.
When you feel compassion for both Kela and the mermaid, you know the author has done a great job with the enticing character ARCs.
Kela makes jewelry out of the sea glass and rocks. Her passion is not just a sidelight but one deeply rooted into the outcome of the story.
I was pleased to see Roosevelt is back and narrating his second story. 2020’s ROOSEVELT BANKS—GOOD KID IN TRAINING brought a smile to my face and lifted me out of the pandemic doldrums. This time around Roosevelt is in for a big change and one he’s not going to let happen. A baby sister will soon be born and that upcoming event has his parents informing him his new bedroom will be in the attic.
No way is this good. The summer before fifth grade was supposed to be The Summer of Dad but now his father is too busy turning the attic into Roosevelt’s final resting place. Roosevelt’s imagination has gotten the worst of him. For sure there are ghosts and other creepy crawly things up there, but with the help of his friends they plan to chase away the bad ghouls.
Roosevelt Banks will win you over with every kid like situation he encounters. His humorous and spot-on narration shines through with a perfect kid like tone—like this sample from chapter one:
Eddie Spaghetti snickered behind me. His name’s not really Spaghetti, but once in second grade he laughed so hard at lunch that a spaghetti noodle shot out of his nose. It was the most awesome thing ever.
Another nice feature is the large print making the 170 pages easy to read and easy on the eyes. Kids, especially boys who dread reading, will enjoy this tale. It would also make a great first middle grade novel for those transitioning from chapter books.
Roosevelt Banks: I hope to read more about your life in fifth grade. Go get ’em!
You can find your own copy at resellers everywhere including Barnes & Noble.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Laurie Calkhoven is the author of many books, including George Washington: An American Life and Harriet Tubman: Leading the Way to Freedom. She lives in New York City. Visit her at LaurieCalkhoven.com.
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Blogging about middle grade books or authors next week? Join the celebration.
All you have to do is blog about a middle grade book on a Monday (contests, author interviews, or anything middle grade related also count). Email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com
Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book or author you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Click on the young readers below to access each blogger’s post!
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At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of THE RIVER BETWEEN HEARTS by Heather Mateus Sappenfield.
Carol Baldwin has another look back at Joyce Hostetter’s book AIM. An interview delves into How to write a prequel!Also, Astra Books will give away a copy of AIM (Deadline to enter is Feb. 2nd at 6 PM). Note: This is a corrected link from last week’s MMGM (I messed up!). Be sure to visit the post today as it has been waiting a week to be read!
AuthorJune McCrary Jacobs features a blog tour stop for an MG fiction book entitled, ‘Twelve Weeks to Midnight Blue’, by Author Steve Searfoss. The post includes an excerpt and a giveaway.
Max @ COMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF recommends Just Roll With It by Veronica Agarwal and Lee Durfey-Lavoie.
Valinora Troy has a review of The Hungry Ghost by H. S. Norup.
Maria Antonia shares a post about TRULY TYLER by Terri Libenson.
Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of BETTER WITH BUTTER by Victoria Piontek. Rosi also has three links for her writing friends.
Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to take a look along with her other reviews last week including last Saturday’s JUST RIGHT JILLIAN.
If you would like to join in the MMGM fun and get your own spot in the parade, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count–but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you’re featuring and a link to your blog at gpcolo (at) gmail (dot) com
(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
The first words that come to mind when seeing a river like the Colorado are flowing, mighty, majestic, peaceful, and pure. The same can be said about this new novel by Heather Mateus Sappemfield. THE RIVER BETWEEN HEARTS wraps readers up in a tale unlike any other.
On an ordinary Monday, Rill Kruse left for third grade with a dad, but when she came home, he’d been stolen. By a river. One year and thirteen days later—on the first morning of summer vacation—Rill still insists he’s trudging home. Her mom has become a practical woman. Her older brother, Eddy. now calls her baby and dork. Gus, second-in-command at Kruse Whitewater Adventures, Rill’s family’s rafting company, has gone from being her dad’s “risk bro” to her mom’s guardian angel. Joyce, company secretary, arm-wrestler, and mechanic, still calls Rill a fingerling, but, after learning what a cheater water is, Rill wishes she’d stop. When Rill’s cat, Clifford, leads her to the family tree fort on the mountainside behind home, she discovers a stowaway, Perla. To help Perla, Rill embarks on an adventure that tests her understanding of the world, of loss, and of what it means to be a friend. In the end, what Rill discovers will nudge her—and all those she loves—toward healing.
Rill is a strong protagonist who goes through every emotion in dealing with the sudden death of her father. There’s anger and hope along with equal amounts of confusion. Grief is never easy and when you’re 10 years old, the going seems even tougher.
Her family runs a white water rafting and snowmobile tours business. The tourists keep everyone busy, but Rill is not quite old enough to help out. The story begins as Rill returns to the tree house in the forest Dad and the family helped build. She finds Perla, a girl left behind after her family was detained and deported to Mexico.
Together these two become friends although understanding each other’s emotions is not always easy. They both grieve losing a loved one in different ways. Their dads will surely return for their daughters, but life is not that easy or possible when wishes are involved.
The first person narration is spot on and never drags. You root for both Rill and Perla throughout, hoping that healing will take place or at least begin. Family, friendship, and understanding wrapped up in a heartwarming drama. The River Between Hearts is one I will not forget.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: Feb. 1, 2022 PAGE COUNT: 166
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE RIVER BETWEEN HEARTS
Short chapters perfect for read aloud in the classroom or at home. They also provide a nice opportunity for discussion.
The character ARC for both Rill and Perla is perfectly crafted. These two will truly steal your heart.
The Colorado tourist setting provided a reality to the backdrop of illegal immigrants. It’s not judgemental but out there for you to absorb. It’s the friendship part of the story that takes over and moves you to the climatic final scenes.
The secondary characters also shine and aren’t just in there to take up space. My favorite was Gus, one of the employees at Kruse Whitewater Adventures.
The Author’s Note is not to be missed. I share part of it below.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HEATHER MATEUS SAPPENFIELD loves adventures, especially in the Rocky Mountain landscape that’s been her lifelong home. As part of women’s teams, she’s won 24-hour mountain bike races and road bicycling’s Race Across America—San Diego, California to Atlantic City, New Jersey. She’s also competed in the Mountain Bike World Championships; ski instructed for Vail Resorts, and loves backcountry ski touring. Her toughest adventures, though, arise in the writing of stories. She is the author of two contemporary YA novels, “The View from Who I Was” and “Life at the Speed of Us,” a Colorado Book Awards Finalist. Her story collection, “Lyrics for Rock Stars,” released as winner of the V Press LC Compilation Book Prize, was nominated for the MPIBA’s Reading the West Awards, was a silver medalist for the IBPA’s Ben Franklin Awards, and was featured on Colorado Public Radio. Her most recent book, “The River Between Hearts,” runner-up for the Kraken Prize, is a middle grade novel about friendship and healing.
Follow Heather Mateus Sappenfield on social media:
Heather’s Inspiration behind THE RIVER BETWEEN HEARTS
In the mid-nineties, I taught high school language arts. Students who were new to America would turn up in my classes. Some of them were undocumented, yet I’d become a teacher to help anyone with a desire to learn. These students were a marvel to me because, despite knowing little, if any, English, and despite knowing few of the basics of daily life within the school, they managed to get by. Often admirably. Often while also working one or even two jobs after school.
Some mornings I’d walk through the school’s front doors to discover a group of them gathered in the lobby, crying and comforting each other because a family member, or maybe a few, had been rounded up for deportation the day or night before. I tried to imagine how that must feel: being left behind in a foreign country with no documentation and no family. Later, these students would be in my class, trying to concentrate, learn, and continue on. Their courage amazed me. When I started writing novels, I knew this was a story I would someday explore.
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I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Comments are welcome below.
It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. Email me the title of the book or feature for any middle grade book, author or giveaway, and a link to your blog. Send it to: gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com
Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for that week’s MMGM.
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
below to access each blogger’s post!
Always in the Middle... 