CONSTELLATIONS FOR KIDS

Posted on June 25, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

I still remember sitting in a planetarium watching a presentations on constellations. I was about 8 years old and couldn’t wait for nighttime to come so I could find Cassiopeia. The name was one I had never heard and success came soon after as I found it that evening. The 94-page CONSTELLATIONS FOR KIDS would have come in handy in my quest to find many more pictures in the sky.

The journey begins with an overview of our amazing universe. A closer look at The Big Dipper and North Star follow, giving much needed help in finding the location of many other constellations.

The table of contents arranges 23 constellations into four seasonal categories when they are best to see. Each of the constellation pages give seekers legendary background and how high to find them in the sky (using a handy trick I never knew about). Detailed star by star locations help you map out the image. There’s also a full page picture to prepare you for the search.

A glossary and sky maps wrap up this handy guide. I gave this book to a young neighbor and have spotted her and several friends outside looking up instead of down at their phones. This will only be the beginning to spark their interest in learning more.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelsey Johnson teaches students of all ages both inside and outside of the classroom, using astronomy as a “gateway” science to nurture curiosity and science literacy. She is a professor of astronomy at the University of Virginia and founding director of the award-winning Dark Skies Bright Kids program. She has won numerous awards for her research, teaching, and promotion of science literacy. Her TED talk on the importance of dark skies has more than 2 million views, and her writing has appeared in nationwide publications, including the New York Times, Scientific American, and Washington Post. She lives in rural Virginia with her family.

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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, non fiction | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

MMGM for June 21, 2021

Posted on June 21, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

                 August Clip Art 10762

 Summertime is the perfect time to dive into some fantastic Middle Grade reviews and features. Click on the little boy to reach your favorite.

k13361278At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I’m finally reviewing WINK by Rob Harrell, the engaging story of a kid with cancer.

k13361278Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles is interviewing debut author Mike Thayer with a GIVEAWAY of his MG fantasy The Double Life of Danny Day.

k13361278Sue Heavenrich is over at Sally’s Bookshel with a review of Homer on the Case, by Henry Cole.

k13361278Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews The Last Fallen Star: A Gifted Clans Novel  by Graci Kim and Presented by Rick Riordan, a new Korean fantasy/mythological series.

k13361278Alex Baugh at Randomly Reading is back with a review of a graphic novel called Kyle’s Little Sister by BonHyung Jeong.

k13361278Maria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA features MISSING MIKE by Shari Green.

k13361278Stephanie Robinson at Fairday’s Blog joins us again this week and is featuring Ida and the Unfinished City by Carolyn Cohagan.

k13361278Rosi Hollinbeck reviews SIX FEET BELOW ZERO by Ena Jones. Rosi also shares 3 links for her writer friends.

k13361278Karen Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads has great reviews all week and today for MMGM she features … THE DOUBLE LIFE OF DANNY DAY; and THE SHELTER AND THE FENCE.
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

WINK

Posted on June 20, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

My busy schedule gives me time to feature two reviews per week with the majority of requests coming from authors, publishers, and publicists. The calendar fills up quick.

I always have a stack of books that I enjoyed but never found an available review slot on ALWAYS in the MIDDLE to feature these gems. They were all recommendations from other MMGM bloggers. This summer I’ll share a few of my favorites from the past twelve months beginning with WINK. Thanks to Rosi Hollinbeck for the recommendation.

Ross Maloy just wants to be a normal seventh grader. He doesn’t want to lose his hair, or wear a weird hat, or deal with the disappearing friends who don’t know what to say to “the cancer kid.” But with his recent diagnosis of a rare eye cancer, blending in is off the table.

Based on Rob Harrell’s real life experience, and packed with comic panels and spot art, this incredibly personal and poignant novel is an unforgettable, heartbreaking, hilarious, and uplifting story of survival and finding the music, magic, and laughter in life’s weirdness.

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First paragraph:

I’m lying on a steel table, all too aware of the giant ray gun pointed in my direction. It looks like one of those room-sized five-ton laser things supervillains use in movies. The kind they threaten to destroy the planet with.

This begins the emotional, funny, and gut wrenching look into a year Ross would prefer never happened. Or does he? Both old and new friendships are tested and the middle grade voice coming through is one of the strongest and accurate you’ll ever find in MG lit. Throughout the 41 chapters there will be points where you can’t stop reading and others where you will need to step away to take a deep breath.

Ross has a best friend, Abby, who helps be the support he needs as does his dad and step mom. It’s few other kids who make the journey difficult including the bear-like Jimmy (who has a nice character arc) and several others whose reasoning for their hurtful actions eventually becomes clear.

Cancer is not a fun topic to center a book around, but the story goes much further and looks at life in unexpected ways. Truly magical with a dose of music thrown in. Ross paves the way with his thoughts and revelations. It is time well spent to be along for the ride.

Spend a minute with author, Rob Harrell, as he introduces WINK:

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: WINK by Rob Harrell:

  1. There’s backstory but it is relayed in a refreshing and never boring style. Scattered throughout the 320 pages you find out more about Ross’s mom, how the cancer was discovered, and many sidelights about classmates. Well done!
  2. Ross likes to draw and Batpig, the character he created, appears in cartoon panels at the end of several chapters. More insights embedded here how Ross feels about his threatening illness and life in general.
  3. Some surprising and welcome connections with Jerry, an older gentleman fighting his own cancer and Frank, a rock ‘n roll loving assistant in the treatment center. They both become essential components in the healing process for Ross.
  4. The scenes where Ross faces the inevitable, whether it be with his diagnosis or facing the often cruel world of Middle School, ramp up the tension in page turning fashion.
  5. The best book I’ve read with cancer as a backdrop. Highly recommended and it’s in paperback now!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rob Harrell created and drew the internationally syndicated comic strip Big Top, as well as the acclaimed graphic novel Monster on the Hill. He also writes and draws the long-running daily comic strip Adam@Home.  He lives with his wife in Austin, Texas.

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Comments are welcome below and I’ll be joining in the conversation this week. Also—be sure to visit the other MMGM bloggers.

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , | 15 Comments

ALMANAC 2022

Posted on June 18, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

We’re not quite through the first half of 2021, but already the number one best selling kids almanac is yours to savor in NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS ALMANAC 2022. It’s a curl up in the bed kind of book or one you can take on summer travels.

The 352 pages are packed with colorful pictures, articles, games, and activities for every kid who wants to learn about this fantastic world we live in. Back again is the the Almanac Challenge. Last year the theme was reducing plastic waste. You’ll find information here about Our 2022 Awesome Ocean Almanac Challenge for kids 6-12.

The deadline is December 1. 2021 giving you plenty of time to enjoy the Almanac again and again. The book is divided into 11 sections, beginning with YOUR WORLD 2022. Of course you don’t have to begin here—start anywhere that peaks your interest. My top 5 favorites include:

  1. Modern day Explorers and what they are doing to bring understanding to the research they undertake in world locations like underwater caves, rainforests, and volcanoes.
  2. Quizzes and study skills help are offered throughout.
  3. Jokes and Funny Fill-ins had me laughing.
  4. The Science of Spooky and why some of us are afraid of heights, spiders, small spaces, clowns, or darkness.
  5. The cool inventions you will be seeing in the next year. I’m looking forward to having my dog try out the doggy water fountain!

I always feel smarter after reading one of these Almanacs. Family and friends are already having to put up with my “Did you know…” after something we’re watching reminds me of a story or fact from this book. Almanac 2022 last will entertain and educate far longer than one 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, non fiction | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

MMGM for June 14, 2021

Posted on June 14, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

                 animated-American-flag

 It’s FLAG DAY. Click on a stars and stripes to reach fantastic reviews and features

veterans-day-clipart-nTE7kqyTAAt ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I’m reviewing THE STARTUP SQUAD-PARTY PROBLEMS by Brian Weisfeld and Nicole C .Kear with a GIVEAWAY of the entire three book series!

veterans-day-clipart-nTE7kqyTANatalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles is interviewing Joanne Rossmassler Fritz with a GIVEAWAY of Everywhere Blue.

veterans-day-clipart-nTE7kqyTAJenni Enzor is featuring Mr. and Mrs. Bunny–Detectives Extraordinaire! by Polly Horvath.

veterans-day-clipart-nTE7kqyTAKim Aippersbach at Dead Houseplants reviews THE MONSTER WHO WASN’T by T.C. Shelley.

veterans-day-clipart-nTE7kqyTAPatricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal shares her thoughts on The Secret Starling by Judith Eagle, a story with a lot of twists.

veterans-day-clipart-nTE7kqyTAMaria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA features MERCI SUAREZ CAN’T DANCE by Meg Medina.

veterans-day-clipart-nTE7kqyTARosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of Annie Lumsden, the Girl from the Sea by David Almond. Rosi also shares three helpful links for her writing friends.

veterans-day-clipart-nTE7kqyTAAndrea Mack at THAT’S ANOTHER STORY returns to the MMGM family today with a review of Paper Heart by Cat Patrick.

veterans-day-clipart-nTE7kqyTAKaren Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads always has a great MMGM review. Today she features … CLIQUE HERE; and ROLLING WARRIOR.
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 STARTUP SQUAD—PARTY PROBLEMS + A GIVEAWAY

Posted on June 13, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

Book three in this fun series is out now, and I have a GIVEAWAY Package of all three hardback editions! All you need to do is make a comment below or email your entry name to gpcolo(at)gmail(dot)com. I’ll do the official drawing at noon on June 20th.

Each story stands well on its own so no worries if you start with the most recent. My review is centered on Party Problems but here’s a quick synopsis of the first two:

THE STARTUP SQUAD

All the great leaders had to start somewhere. And Theresa (“Resa” for short) is starting with the lemonade stand competition her teacher assigned to the class—but making it a success is going to be a lot harder than Resa thinks.

The prize: line-skipping tickets to Adventure Central. The competition: Val, Resa’s middle school nemesis. And the biggest obstacle to success: Resa’s own teammates. Harriet is the class clown, Amelia is the new girl who thinks she knows best, and Didi is Resa’s steadfast friend—who doesn’t know the first thing about making or selling lemonade. The four of them quickly realize that the recipe for success is tough to perfect—but listening to each other is the first step. And making new friends might be the most important one…

FACE THE MUSIC

Harriet’s brothers are hoping to enter a local battle of the bands. Winning could get them on a reality TV show! But low funds have left them without even a working guitar.

The Startup Squad jumps into action—and quickly pulls together a plan to sell T-shirts to raise money. They have a lot of great ideas—until everything starts to go wrong. Ruined t-shirts, musicians with stage fright, and money mishaps soon leave the girls with less funding than they started with.

When disappointed fans become an angry mob, the team realizes they have to get back into the groove before the band members—and the Startup Squad—break up for good!

PARTY PROBLEMS centers around Didi as she agrees to make place cards for the wedding of one of her mother’s friends. But when the original wedding planner gets sick, Didi takes on full responsibility and the reception quickly turns into a disaster. The original venue cancels and there’s no band or caterer either. Didi will have to mend a friendship and get the startup squad to work together to pull this off.

Girl power and resourcefulness are the theme. These girls have a knack for problem solving and make great role models for future female business leaders. The fast pace and a few laughs in the 23 chapters will keep you engaged right to the end.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT—THE STARTUP SQUAD: PARTY PROBLEMS

  1. The back pages have tricks and techniques for starting your own business. Inspiring and spot on advice.
  2. Each of the books feature a Q & A with a real life girl CEO. In the third book it’s Simone Bridges, CEO of Goddess Food Factory.
  3. This group of middle school girls are diverse although we don’t get too much into the culture of each individual girl. The focus is on problem solving and working together.
  4. Girls who never thought about being a business leader may look back and find this series was the catalyst for a successful future career.
  5. Positive messages throughout, especially the idea you sometimes have to delegate to make things happen. One person can’t do it all.

About Brian Weisfeld:

Brian Weisfeld has helped build a number of well-known billion-dollar companies including IMAX Corporation and Coupons.com. He is the Founder and Chief Squad Officer of The Startup Squad, an initiative dedicated to helping girls reach their potential and follow their dreams, whatever their passions. Brian lives in Silicon Valley with his wife and two daughters.

About Nicole C. Kear:

Nicole C. Kear lives in New York City with her husband, three firecracker kids and a ridiculously fluffy hamster. She’s the author of The Fix-It Friends chapter book series, as well as middle grade standalone Foreverland .

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Be sure to visit all the other bloggers on this week’s edition of MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY

Posted in Giveaways, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , | 11 Comments

CAMP AVERAGE —Away Games

Posted on June 11, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

The third and final installment of this summer camp series is out now. I’ll share the same warning after reviewing the second book (CAMP AVERAGE DOUBLE FOUL): Start with book one (CAMP AVERAGE). The number of camp characters to keep track of will have your head spinning if you don’t start at the top.

Here’s what the campers are up to in Away Games:

It’s another summer at Camp Avalon―also known as Camp Average to its campers―only this year, things are anything but normal. Mack and Andre are spending the summer at rival Camp Killington, where the competitive campers seem intent on making them suffer.
Meanwhile, at Camp Average, Miles is trying to keep the peace―which is not easy, due to obnoxious newcomer Garth and his pranks. On top of that, Miles has another impossible task on his plate: getting Mack and Andre back on home turf.
Things come to a head when Mack and Andre are forced apart, and Cassie challenges Garth to a do-or-die ball hockey showdown. Will the Camp Average crew find their way back together and come out on top? In this third and final addition to the series, the campers rally to support each other and discover once more how teamwork and cooperation win.

The author made some great choices with the sports played in Book 3 as they rarely get mentioned in MG lit. There’s croquet and also ball hockey—who even knew this was a sport? It was interesting to visualize how this was played though each game. It’s a lot like hockey without the skates.

No matter whether you’re male or female, a favorite camper will for sure come forth. Nice to see the girl characters equal or better in their skills than the boys. Kids will also enjoy that the adults are rarely mentioned and the counselors are fairly laid back in their approach to dealing with problems and interactions. The story always stays close to the 13-year-olds in every scene.

Summer camp, sports, and a few laughs. The perfect combination and the series provides all three.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Craig Battle is the author of five books for young readers, including Camp Average. He is the former editor of OWL magazine and is currently an editor at Sportsnet. Originally from Lantzville, B.C., he now lives in Toronto with his wife, Angela, and son, Reggie.

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I received a copy of the book from the publisher to write this review.

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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 June 7, 2021

Posted on June 7, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

A different look. I’m rather overbooked this week and am having to set this post up on the road.

Click the blog or blogger’s name to reach their post.

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ALWAYS in the MIDDLE—TAKING UP SPACE by Alyson Gerber

Completely Full Bookshelf—Everywhere Blue by fellow MMGM blogger Joanne Rossmassler Fritz

Patricia Tilton Children’s Books Heal—Amanda in Malta: The Sleeping Lady by Darlene Foster.

Rosi Hollinbeck—Real by Carol Cujek and Peyton Goddard

Maria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA––FROM THE DESK OF ZOE WASHINGTON by Janae Marks

Karen Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads—MONSTER MISSIONS/LUCY IN THE SKY

Author S.W. Lothian–DENY ALL CHARGES(Fowl Twins 2)

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

TAKING UP SPACE

Posted on June 6, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

A true to life drama takes on an issue rarely touched upon in middle grade books—disordered eating. I can attest it’s real with more kids acting upon their beliefs about food and body image. Both girls and boys. The author took her own experiences and created a compelling and honest look at the struggle many kids face with dieting and avoiding foods that “aren’t good for you.”

Sarah is an only child of two loving parents. Her passion is playing on the middle school’s basketball team. This is where she matters. At home, Mom sometimes forgets to feed her and even though there are stashes of candy, it’s never enough or should it ever be a substitute for a meal.

Lately though Sarah feels slow on the basketball court and is missing way too many shots. She cuts out all food not on Mom’s safe list and begins to see results. But her choices soon lead to problems both on the court and off. Adding to Sarah’s troubles is a first crush on a boy who asks her to be partners in a cooking competition. A friend likes the same boy leading to a lot of hurt feelings and misunderstandings.

The theme of feeling good about yourself shines through as Sarah finds cooking is something she enjoys and just maybe her beliefs about food she shares with her mom are totally wrong. It takes a coach, a counselor, a best friend, and finally her parents to give her the strength to change. It’s an important story sure to resonate and provide much needed discussion in homes and classrooms. Kids will feel better about themselves by spending time with Sarah and TAKING UP SPACE.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: May 18, 2021 PAGE COUNT: 272

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT TAKING UP SPACE by Alyson Gerber

  1. The basketball scenes are authentic as were the interactions among students in classrooms and hallways. So hard to nail this in literature but the author was spot on.
  2. Sarah’s first person narration also hits the mark, especially as she internalizes how others react to her situation.
  3. Kids in seventh grade face a tough challenge of still being a kid but also growing up fast. The innocent crush was handled beautifully.
  4. Best friend Ryan is the type of friend every child should have. She’s compassionate and always on the lookout to make life better for Sarah.
  5. The author’s note at the end is a must read, too. Good place to start if you wonder whether you should read this book. Teens will be impacted by the author’s own story.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

(FROM HER AUTHOR WEB SITE)Alyson Gerber is the author of the critically-acclaimed, own-voices novels Braced and Focused published by Scholastic. Her third novel Taking Up Space is in in stores now. She has an MFA from The New School in Writing for Children and lives in New York City with her family. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

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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 check the other participants in this week’s edition of Marvelous Middle Grade Monday.

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

CARRY ON

Posted on June 4, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

Carry On began in a high school in Outremont, Quebec, where author and poet Simon Boulerice conducted creative-writing workshops for young newcomers to Canada. As the students began writing, their poems gave voice to their reflections on leaving family, friends, and countries of origin to make new homes and connections in their new home, Canada.

MY TAKE: The faces of 15 young people from all over the world are portrayed in stunning drawings. Study each and you will find the beginnings of a story. Each portrait takes up a full page and on the adjacent page is a poem, written with emotion, sorrow, and hope that they have after immigrating to a new country (Canada). They left the familiar and face the unknown.

The poems are short but all have a heartfelt component that give meaning to their upheaval. Here a few lines from some of my favorites:

I tossed out my twelve years (Dohee Kim/South Korea)

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I had to abandon my friends and family (Olhin Natola/Philippines)

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I have new friends to meet

As in a game of hide-and-seek (Valeriu Meleka/Moldova)

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Immigration is heartache

But a lucky break too (Dowhoo Kim/South Korea)

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What will Montreal be like?

Will I be accepted? (Tommy Zhang/Venezuela)

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Like birds migrating

I am lost

Far away in a foreign land (Amir Reza Saeidi/Iran)

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CARRY ON is a beautiful keepsake and provides understanding to the plight of those trying to make a new home. A great discussion starter for classrooms or at home.

(I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

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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