Rodeo Hawkins and the Daughters of Mayhem

Posted on October 10, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

Just by the cover it is apparent you are in for a fun, exciting, fantasy graphic novel. I’m here to report that it doesn’t disappoint.

Sidney Poblocki is a foster kid never staying in one place too long before his temporary family returns him to be reassigned with someone else. He’s not a bad kid but things just never work out. Sidney finally has had enough and runs away. He never expects to be faced with even more trouble

For some unknown reason. interdimensional assassins are after him and anyone else named Sidney Poblocki. His best friend Walt has had his memory erased and doesn’t even recognize Sidney. Equally upsetting is a girl named Rodeo Hawkins, the irritating leader of the Daughters of Mayhem who claim they will keep Sidney safe. Mayhem is more like it as the multiverse is their place of residence.

Sidney is recruited into an opposing group who claim they are trying to save the multiverse from extinction. He doesn’t know who to believe.

Colorful illustrations add to the story’s appeal. There is plenty of word play humor with a main character readers will feel empathy for as Sidney learns just who he really is. Oh. and that Plunger of Truth would sure be handy in our present day and time!

RODEO HAWKINS AND THE DAUGHTERS OF MAYHEM is fast paced and never boring. So much so that you are sorry to see the last page come to a close. Don’t worry as book 2 is already in the works with RODEO HAWKINS AND THE SON OF DISASTER.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: September 9, 2025 PAGES: 272

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John Claude Bemis is the award-winning author of six middle-grade novels, a picture book, and the forthcoming Rodeo Hawkins graphic novel series. A former elementary school teacher, John earned his Master’s of Education in Literacy from UNC Chapel Hill and taught fourth and fifth grades for thirteen years. He received the Excellence in Teaching Award from UNC-Chapel Hill for his work as an author-presenter in schools and served as North Carolina’s Piedmont Laureate for Children’s Literature, promoting literacy and the literary arts. A popular instructor and inspiring guide to writers of all ages—kids, teens, and adults— he teaches creative writing workshops and leads retreats around the world. Beyond the creative expression of writing, John is also a sculptural mask-maker, a songwriter, and musician. He lives with his wife and daughter in Hillsborough, North Carolina. (AUTHOR WEBSITE)

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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. 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 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.

Posted in Graphic Novels, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for 10/6/2025

Posted on October 6, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

 

Enjoy all these great posts from our line-up this week!

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is where I review WAR GAMES by Alan Gratz.

••Linda Browne is back with her October Bookcase Bizarro and a review of The Creepening of Dogwood House, by Eden Royce.

••Brenda @ LOG CABIN LIBRARY shares her review of The Tinkerers by Caroline Carlson.

••Isabelle Knight has an interview with children’s/middle-grade author, Lillian Keith, author of The Apprentice Escapes. 

••Carol Baldwin welcomes Kate Lundeen as she gives a thumbs-up to a Middle Grade Adventure: The Trail. Also offered is a GIVEAWAY of the book.

••Kasey Giard at THE STORY SANCTUARY has a review of Busted by Dan Gemeinhart.

••Jennifer Rummel @ YA book Nerd has a review of Maxwell Dark: Nightmare Hunter (not Halloween, but perfect for this time of year).

••Tonya Drecker reviews At Last She Stood by Erin Entrada Kelly, a biography on Josefina ‘Joey’ Guerrero.

••Jenni Enzor features The Secret Lake by Karen Inglis.

••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of OOH LA LA! KIDS COOK FRENCH. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.

••Valinora Troy reviews Death of the Party, book 1 of Hair-Raiser by Thomas Kingsley Troupe.

••Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a book to share every day. Check out Karen’s MMGM choice for October 6th and all her reviews from this past week.

Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

WAR GAMES

Posted on October 5, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

Alan Gratz is back with another gripping historical fiction story. This time the setting is the 1936 Olympic Games set in Berlin, Germany.

Thirteen-year-old Evie Harris is a gymnast and a competitor just like the more well-known Jesse Owens. Her dream is to win a gold medal and become famous so she can help get her family out of dust bowl poverty back in Oklahoma where they are currently living out of their car.

She tries to stay focused even though Adolf Hitler is creepy and seems like a dictator. But then more truths surface about the deadly grip Nazis have on the city, especially those who are Jewish. She discovers a note with her name on it and becomes involved in a plot to steal Nazi gold. Her focus has to either be on her performance at the Olympics are doing something to bring down the evil in Berlin – not an easy choice.

Evie’s first person narration is believable and full of emotion. The last 100 pages are hard to put down as the plot races toward the climatic finale. Despite her story being the centerpiece of the novel, it really didn’t happen. Most of the characters are fictional, but the games and their impact are real. Alan Gratz details what is fact and what is fiction in the back pages, a valuable depiction not to be missed.

WAR GAMES will appeal to those who enjoy historical fiction with memorable characters. It will encourage readers to learn more about Hitler and his regime. A perfect starter for classroom discussions about this time period.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: October 7, 2025 PAGE COUNT: 368

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: WAR GAMES by Alan Gratz

  1. A welcome and strong female protagonist in an unlikely setting. Evie will have you cheering for her throughout the heartfelt narration.
  2. The setting and time period is a unique one for MG historical fiction and one that is much needed.
  3. Besides Evie my favorite character was Heinz, a Hitler youth escort to the foreign athletes. Evie uncovers many surprising truths about Heinz and their growing friendship was surprising and an important element in the story.
  4. The facts about the Nazi’s putting on a good face for the world during the Olympics like covering up unsightly buildings with Nazi flags and letting Jewish owned stores stay open during the event.
  5. Pre-war Germany was a fascinating backdrop, given the impact of what would eventually happen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alan Gratz is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty novels, graphic novels, and novellas for young readers, including Heroes, Two Degrees, Captain America: The Ghost Army, Ground Zero, Refugee, Allies, Resist,  Prisoner B-3087, and Ban This Book. A Knoxville, Tennessee native, Alan is now a full-time writer living in Portland, Oregon with his family. Learn more about him online at www.alangratz.com.

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BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

Posted in Historical fiction, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

THE HOUSE ON RONDO

Posted on October 3, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

The year was 1963 and Rondo Avenue in St. Paul was the home of a proud Black community. That quickly came to an end as the houses on that street were set to be demolished so the new Interstate 94 could be built.

Progress of this type seemed so unfair to thirteen-year-old Zenobia. She is seeing it first hand, staying at 841 Rondo Avenue with her younger siblings to give her mom some peace and quiet as she recovers from a stroke. The home belongs to her grandparents and the story of the family going all the way back to Great Grandma Zenobia are pieced together in mostly short chapters.

The story is an important one so we never forget how communities were often treated unfairly. It also shows the impact of losing a child, alcoholism, and misconceptions about people based on their color.

Many of the residents lives are revealed through separate stories. I was cheering for Zenobia and the choice she made to be heard. Included are 9 black and white photos giving you an even clearer picture of the neighborhood. THE HOUSE ON RONDO is intended for upper middle grade readers, there are some minor cuss words that surface, opening the door for an even more authentic feel, but parents might want to read the historical fiction novel first before handing it over to their child.

Pages: 104 Book Birthday: October 7, 2025

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Debra J Stone writes essays, poetry, and fiction. She received a 2023–25 Jerome Hill Artist Fellowship in Literature and the 2023 Loft Mirrors and Windows Fellowship for writing books for BIPOC children and young adults. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband and her Australian Cattle Dog, Ruby. Find her online at debrajeannestone.com or on Instagram @debra2036.

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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. 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 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.
Posted in Historical fiction, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for 9/29/2025

Posted on September 29, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

 

Enjoy all these great posts from our line-up this week!

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is where I review HOLDING ON FOR DEAR LIFE by Dusti Bowling.

••Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an interview with Tracy Badua and a GIVEAWAY of her MG ghost story, Ghoul Summer.

••AR Huelsenbeck reviews Rick Riordan’s first book in the Percy Jackson series: THE LIGHTNING THIEF.

••Brenda @ LOG CABIN LIBRARY shares her review of The Labyrinth of Souls by Leslie Vedder, illustrated by Abigail Larson.

••Isabelle Knight reviews Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell.

••Jennifer Bohnhoff has some great choices in her post on Middle Grade Historical Fiction set during the Great Depression.

 ••Jennifer Rummel @ YA book Nerd has a review of BLOOD in the WATER.

••Maria Antonia reviews Maid For It by Jamie Sumner.

••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of RISK, RESILIENCE, and REDEMPTION by Frank W. Baker. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.

••Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a book to share every day. Check out Karen’s MMGM choice for this week and all her reviews from this past week.

Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

HOLDING ON FOR DEAR LIFE

Posted on September 28, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

Another endearing story from Dusti Bowling full of heart, hope, and an ending bursting with emotion.

Thirteen-year-old Canyon Cress is a bull rider, following the same path as his father. Canyon’s mom died in an accident and Dad’s life is now controlled by alcohol. He and his younger sister live with him in a trailer. Canyon becomes Josie’s caregiver, making sure she has something to eat and getting her to the school bus on time.

Canyon is heading toward being a contestant at the Junior World Bull Riding championship. Unfortunately, bull riding is not an easy sport as Canyon has had numerous concussions and doctors have warned him of the life threatening consequences. Despite those warnings Canyon pushes forth, believing a win will bring his dad back to being a real father.

His younger sister and Grandma are big supporters as are his two friends Dakota and Tate. As a reader I desperately hoped Canyon would quit bull riding with the continued danger surrounding him each time he mounts a bull. Either way, the back drop of bull riding was not something I’ve ever seen in a middle grade book. Each scene in the ring is a heart pounding moment.

Canyon does have another interest. His mom played the violin and Canyon has become quite the musician on the fiddle. He backs away from an opportunity to be a contestant on the American Superstar competition he has watched on TV. Bull riding success is more important.

Holding On For Dear Dear Life is a fantastic reading experience and one of my favorites this year. Perfect for girls and boys who enjoy contemporary stories with a memorable plot.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: October 7, 2025 PAGES: 240

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: HOLDING ON FOR DEAR LIFE by Dusti Bowling

  1. The gripping balance of whether Canyon would hold onto his dream or let go had me hooked from the start.
  2. Grandma is everything that the dad is not. She’s there to support her grandchildren in the most loving way. Willing to take the kids when their safety is threatened, she’s that wonderful relative everyone should have in their life.
  3. Boys often face having to be manly and the positive and negative repercussions of such thinking are brought forth in a way that will connect with young readers. A great discussion topic.
  4. You learn a lot about the ins and outs of bull riding, It’s dangerous for sure but is certain to be a favorite event at any rodeo event.
  5. Each character in Canyon’s life is an important one and not used as a page filler. A good example is his orchestra teacher who is only in a few scenes but still impacts the decisions facing Canyon.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DUSTI BOWLING grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona, where, as her family will tell you, she always had her nose in a book. She released her first middle grade novel in 2017 and hasn’t stopped writing since.

Dusti’s books have won the Reading the West Award, the Sakura Medal, a Golden Kite Honor, the William Allen White Children’s Book Award, and have been nominated for over fifty state awards. Her books are Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selections and have been named best books of the year by the Chicago Public Library, Kirkus, Bank Street College of Education, A Mighty Girl, Shelf Awareness, and many more.

​Dusti currently lives in Eagar, Arizona with her husband, three daughters, and a bunch of farm animals.

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THERE’S STILL TIME (UNTIL 8 PM EDT ON OCTOBER 1ST) TO ENTER MY GIVEAWAY FOR A COPY OF THIS GREAT INTERACTIVE NON-FICTION READ:

Visit my review right here for details about entering. Good Luck!

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BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

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

THE ULTIMATE BOOK of the HUMAN BODY (and a GIVEAWAY!)

Posted on September 26, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

What a fun, visual interactive experience you will have reading this new book! Intended for ages 8-12, you won’t find a boring rehash of facts.

Instead, readers will discover flaps, pop-ups, pull-tabs, and other hands-on discoveries that uncover the truth about how our bodies work. Each section is a colorful and fascinating learning experience.

Included are:

  • The Skeleton: Bones and More
  • Skin and Muscles
  • Lungs
  • Heart and Blood
  • Seeing and Hearing
  • Smelling and Tasting
  • Biting and Chewing
  • Eating and Drinking
  • Pooping
  • The Brain and Nervous System
  • Birth and Growing Up
  • Living Well

I found myself going back again and again to discover more facts and to repeat once more using many of those interactive features. THE ULTIMATE BOOK of the HUMAN BODY is a fantastic source for home or school shelves. Of course it won’t be on the shelves for long with its appealing presentation. Thanks to author Anne-Sophie Baumann and Vanessa Robidou for a job well done.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: September 30, 2025

Instagram: @chroniclekidsbooks

Twitter/X: @ChronicleKids

Facebook: @chroniclekidsbooks

Instagram: @blue_slip_media

Twitter/X: @blueslipper & @barbfisch

Facebook: Blue Slip Media

Bluesky: @blueslipmedia.bsky.social

THE COMPLETE SET OF 11 ULTIMATE BOOK TITLES CAN BE FOUND HERE

GIVEAWAY

Twirl Books is happy to send one copy of THE ULTIMATE BOOK of the HUMAN BODY to a lucky winner (U.S. and Canada addresses–no P.O. boxes, please). Leave a comment by 8 PM EDT on October 1st for your entry. You can also email me (gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com) if you prefer not to comment and be entered that way. GOOD LUCK!

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, non fiction | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for 9/22/2025

Posted on September 22, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

 

Enjoy all these great posts from our line-up for this first day of Autumn!

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is where I review Scarlet Morning by ND Stevenson.

••Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an interview with Anital Fitch Pazner and a giveaway of her MG historical Words Matter: The Story of Hans and Sophie Scholl and The White Rose Resistance.

••Isabelle Knight is back this week with a review of The Bellwoods Games by Celia Krampien, a spooky yet beautiful middle-grade novel.

••Sue Heavenrich shares Riverkeeper, by Nancy Castaldoa. a middle grade non-fiction over at Archimedes Notebook.

••Carol Baldwin has an upper MG/YA story reviewed by Journey Bloomfield. She gives a thumbs up to DUST AND CROWN by Havelah Mclat.

 ••Journey Bloomfield keeps going with a review on her own blog of A Little Trouble Goes a Long Way. She also interviews the author in a separate post. 

••Kasey Giard @ THE STORY SANCTUARY reviews Ghoul Summer by Tracy Badua. 

••Valinora Troy reviews This Appearing House by Ally Malinenko.

••Brenda @ LOG CABIN LIBRARY shares her review of The Golden Necklace: A Darjeeling Tea Mystery by Mitali Perkins , illustrations by Maithili Joshi. 

••Tonja Drecker @ Bookworm for Kids heads into the nonfiction realm with a touch of magic in The Wizard’s Guide to Magical Experiments by A.J. Wood.

••Jennifer Rummel @ YA book Nerd has a review of SUGAR SHACK.

••Jenni Enzor features a few books by Margaret Haddix: Running out of Time and The Remarkables.

••Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a book to share every day. Check out Karen’s MMGM choice for this week and all her reviews from this past week.

Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

SCARLET MORNING

Posted on September 21, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

A fantasy with a pair of unique characters sure to please readers.

Viola and Wilmur have been living in the town of Caveat for most of their lives under the care of Hestur, a woman who really doesn’t like children. They still have hope their parents will pick them up some day.

That never happens but someone else does arrive. Captain Cadence Chase breaks in uninvited to their house. She wants a mysterious book they have in their possession. They both agree to let the Captain have the book if she will take them with her, hoping they will be able to find their parents. The two friends soon set sail and are immediately involved in a mission to uncover the facts from a legend that will save the world they live in.

The world building sets the tone as it is so well done. There are continual surprises along the way keeping one guessing as to what will eventually happen by book’s end. The climatic finish paves the way for a sequel.

I enjoyed the story but have concerns about the length. Intended for 8-12 years olds, Scarlet Morning tops out at 432 pages. A number unappealing to 9 out of 10 readers at that age. I do think anyone (even older teens and adults) who love a deeply moving and surprising fantasy tale will latch on and read this one. Scarlet Morning is the first story written by an author known for his graphic works and it’s a great beginning.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: September 23, 2025

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: SCARLET MORNING by ND Stevenson

  1. Wilmur and Viola are very different but have such a heart warming and supportive relationship. This comes to light when they are separated for most of the story, their thoughts almost always focus on finding each other.
  2. Captain Cadence Chase is also a superb character and you will see her a lot differently as the story moves to a conclusion. A great character ARC.
  3. The illustrations, also done by the author, are wonderful. Some are full page while others surround the text and scene perfectly.
  4. My question from the start as to why this fantasy world is the way it is was never answered fully, but enough to keep me engaged with the possibilities. A subtle yet effective story telling technique.
  5. The author began imagining this story at age 12 and 15 more years passed before it reached publication. Never give up has never had a stronger proponent.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ND Stevenson is the award-winning, bestselling author and illustrator of Nimona and The Fire Never Goes Out and the co-creator of Lumberjanes and was the showrunner for the award-winning Netflix series She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. He currently lives in Los Angeles.

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BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

Posted in MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

POSIE PARKER AND THE BULLDOG BULLY

Posted on September 19, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

Dog lovers and even those who don’t know much about dogs will enjoy this captivating story. You learn about bullies both on the human and canine side and how to help those who are being bullied.

Posie Parker the golden retriever pictured on the cover narrates the story. She lives in New York City with her owners, energetic young friend, Lucy, and her mother. Posie has been learning how to be a therapist by listening to the mom who helps clients with their emotional problems. She is working with Tyler who is being bullied at school. It parallels what is going on with a new dog in the neighborhood named Shadow. A bulldog has been spreading rumors about him and acting aggressively at the local park. Posie takes the lessons that are helping Tyler and apples them to Shadow’s situation in how to deal with the bully bulldog. Posie is not alone as she has help with some of her dog friends.

Being a dog owner myself I smiled at the reactions Posie has about her humans and life as a dog. They seemed spot on like why dogs bark when the doorbell rings. The plot moves along at a perfect pace and the length (111 pages) make POSIE PARKER AND THE BULLDOG BULLY an appealing read-aloud. The ending wraps up the the plot with satisfying appeal. You’ll be hoping for a sequel to be back again with Posie and her owners. Posie Parker you are one good dog… as is your story!

BOOK BIRTHDAY: September 16, 2025

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

(For more about Jessica and her books be sure to visit her author website)

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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. 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 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.
Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , | 1 Comment