MMGM for May 31, 2021

Posted on May 31, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

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Many bloggers are taking a well deserved break this holiday weekend. The rest of us will hold up the fort until their return next month.  A click on the U.S. Flag will take you to some great reviews and features.

kc8onGq9iAt ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I’m  reviewing THE ADVENTURE IS NOW by Jess Redman. It’s a contemporary story with a dash of magical realism sure to start your summer off right.

kc8onGq9iAuthor Michelle Mason (YOUR LIFE HAS BEEN DELAYED—Bloomsbury, Aug. 24, 2021) has another great roundup of MG books we should read including THE LAST WINDWITCH.

kc8onGq9iCOMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF is back this week and recommends this year’s Newbery Medal winner, When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller.

kc8onGq9iMaria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA shares something a little different with 5 Reasons Why I Love The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

kc8onGq9iRosi Hollinbeck has a review of Soul Lanterns by Shaw Kuzki. Rosi also shares three helpful links for her writing friends.

kc8onGq9iStephanie Robinson at Fairday’s Blog gives us a look at THE PARKER INHERITANCE by Varian Johnson.

kc8onGq9iKaren Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads has EVERYWHERE BLUE and THE KATE IN BETWEEN. Check those out along with her other reviews this past week including thoughts on PAPER HEART.
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 , , | 4 Comments

THE ADVENTURE IS NOW

Posted on May 30, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

Milton P. Greene isn’t having the best year. In fact he calls it the “Most Totally, Terribly, Horrible, Heinously Rotten Year of All Time.”

His one best friend is no longer his best friend, especially after the embarrassing Bird Brain incident. Milton’s parents have decided to divorce, and now Mom and Dad are sending him off to live with Uncle Evan on Lone Island somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean for the summer months.

Milton isn’t so sure this is a great idea to be dumped into the care of his Uncle who is a nature researcher on the island. He once wanted to visit but that was back when Milton was going through his nature phase. Now all he cares about is playing his Isle of Wild hand-held video game.

The third person narration spreads out over 70 short chapters. Milton’s quirky vocabulary and personal fears play into every step of the journey. On the island he meets the only other kids—2 brothers and a girl. They don’t start out as friends but soon things begin to change after Milton finds a Lone Island Field Guide written my Dr. Ada Paradis who passed away some time ago and left the guide for someone to find. It contains the island’s enchanted secrets.

It was fun to follow Milton’s growth as he tries to understand and face his fears. The island is in danger of being sold to developers and saving the resources and unique animals are his top priority. The heartfelt ending leaves Milton in tears but you’ll be glad to have spent time with him. Great for nature lovers and those who love a good friendship story.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: May 4, 2021 PAGE COUNT: 336

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE ADVENTURE IS NOW by Jess Redman

  1. The Lone Island Field Guide is available in the back pages. Consider reading it first as you will be introduced to the many magical creatures contained in the story.
  2. The other kid characters were unique in their own way. You’ll laugh at the childish antics of Gabe, his more serious older brother, Rafi, and Fig the most endearing of the three.
  3. The setting is the perfect one to provide personal growth for Milton and others. Hidden truths are revealed and ones none of them thought they’d ever have to say out loud.
  4. The environmental elements help readers compare the fictional plight to the real world.
  5. The real strength lies in the friendships, family divorce, and the emotions surfacing at each turn.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

At age six, Jess Redman published a poem in a local anthology. The first line was, “I read and read and read all day.” She knew then, reading her printed words in a real book, that she wanted to be an author when she grew up.

She spent the next couple of decades doing things like surviving middle school, traveling around the world, becoming a therapist, and having two kids. She wrote the whole time.

Then one day, she realized that she was probably an official grown up and it was time to try to get some more of her words printed in real books.

Her debut middle-grade novel, THE MIRACULOUS, was published by FSG/Macmillan on July 30, 2019. Her second middle-grade novel, QUINTESSENCE, was published on July 28, 2020, and her third, THE ADVENTURE IS NOW, will be out in May 2021.

She still reads and reads and reads all day.

See more on Jess’s website including THE ADVENTURE IS NOW resource/teaching guide.

(I received an ARC of the book in exchange for my honest opinions.)

Comments are welcome below and be sure to visit all the other blogger’s participating in this week’s MMGM.

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

Fantastic Summer Reading from Nat Geo Kids!

Posted on May 28, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

Summer is right at our doorstep with pools opening and trips planned. Let’s not forget reading. It’s a life long skill not to forget when away from the classroom and homework. Reluctant readers and anyone else interested in hacks and facts have two handy paperbacks you can take with you on trips or enjoy them at home.

Up first is 101 LIFE HACKS:

When I first sat down to enjoy the 208 pages, my intention was to read about 50 pages each day until finished. Well, forget that—I was so fascinated by the tricks and techniques to make like simpler I couldn’t put it down.

My favorites included some nifty packing tips, a hiccup cure, and Lend a Hand for determining how much sunlight remains in a day. Also included are several stories on Hacker Heroes, real life individuals whose job is to create hacks in their line of work. You can even learn how to create your own life hacks.

Emphasis on colorful pictures with small amounts of text make this the perfect summertime read.

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This next one also is full of pictures but has more text spread out over the 256 pages: MORE SURPRISING STORIES BEHIND EVERYDAY STUFF.

The sequel to SURPRISING STORIES BEHIND EVERYDAY STUFF. I read this one in order of pages but a better way would be to glance through the table of contents and let your interests guide you where to begin. The chapter titles hint at the wide variety of stories.

  1. ODDS AND ENDS
  2. PLAY TIME
  3. WEAR IT
  4. HEALTH AND MEDICINE
  5. FABULOUS FOOD
  6. TRADITIONS
  7. ATHLETICS AND ACTIVITIES
  8. ANCIENT INVENTIONS
  9. CLOSE TO HOME
  10. DEVICES AND DOODADS

Each topic has 9 separate stories. You will be amazed and amused by the history of how things came to be popular. Too many favorites to list but a few include THE TILT-A-WHIRL, PIZZA, and ANETHESIA. Kid readers will be saying “Did you know…?” all summer long as they relay the facts to friends and family. The response will be be just one word: WOW!

MORE SURPRISING STORIES BEHIND EVERYDAY STUFF will make sure boredom never settles in this summer.

(I received copies of the books in exchange for my honest review)

Blogging about middle grade books or authors next week? Join the celebration.

All you have to do is blog about a middle grade book on a Monday (contests, author interviews, or anything middle grade related also count). Email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com
Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book or author you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, non fiction | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

MMGM for May 24, 2021

Posted on May 24, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

                 spring-clip-art-lrg_SPRING

Click on a happy face to reach a blogger’s post.

laugh2At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I’m  reviewing THESE UNLUCKY STARS by  Gillian McDunn.

laugh2June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic has a feature on the second book in Author Amanda Kingloff’s ‘Project Kid’ series: Project Kid–Things That Go!.

laugh2Author S.W. Lothian is back with us again and has a review of The Fowl Twins by Eoin Colfer. He calls it a great read.

laugh2Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Sunshine by Marion Dane Bauer. A “Good summer read!”

laugh2Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has a guest post by debut author Sam Subity and his agent Maura Kye Casela with a giveaway of The Last Warrior, a MG fantasy, and a query critique by Maura.

laugh2Maria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA features MERCI SUAREZ CHANGES GEARS by Meg Medina.

laugh2Alex Baugh is at THE CHILDREN’S WAR this week and reviews The Good War by Todd Strasser.

laugh2Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart. Rosi also shares three helpful links for her writing friends.

laugh2Karen Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads always has a great MMGM review. Check it out along with her other features this past week including her thoughts on TRULY TYLER.
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

THESE UNLUCKY STARS

Posted on May 23, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

Annie Logan is trying to understand her life so far and the summer after sixth grade will bring her closer to understanding. THESE UNLUCKY STARS is a quiet story with first person narration by Annie. Her most painful thought is that she’s the reason her mother left the family eight years ago. Older brother and Dad don’t talk about this much. Instead, they’re like two peas in a pod, enjoying all the same things. Annie assumes Dad isn’t proud of her in any way. She feels unlucky in everything she does.

Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Annie loves to sit on the roof outside her bedroom window and draw. She doesn’t have any real friends until striking up a friendship with another girl near her age. It leads to Annie being challenged to do a prank. It goes terribly wrong when elderly Gloria Crumb takes a bad fall. Annie feels awful and agrees to help out the grouchy lady and her dog Otto during the summer.

Forty-two chapters include a lot of reflection and I found Annie a bit unlikable at first. This all changes as you watch Annie transform into a girl more ready for the world.

A gentle tale sure to please young readers looking for a contemporary family drama.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: March 2, 2021 PAGE COUNT: 288

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THESE UNLUCKY STARS by Gillian McDunn

  1. Small town life is wonderfully portrayed—from the hardware store Annie’s dad owns to the many residents who make it unique and special.
  2. An enjoyable set of scenes when Annie realizes the old lady she helps has a story all her own. First impressions are almost never correct.
  3. Annie seems so real. She’s a soon to be seventh grader who talks and acts in a way young readers will believe. Full of flaws and insecurities.
  4. The change in Annie is heartwarming as she begins to focus on other people in the town instead of wallowing in her own despair.
  5. Who wouldn’t want to read about the Rosy Maple Moth Festival? It brings the town together working on a common goal. Support and appreciation at every turn.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

GILLIAN McDUNN is the author of the middle-grade novels CATERPILLAR SUMMER (Bloomsbury, 2019) and THE QUEEN BEE AND ME (Bloomsbury, 2020). She has lived in California, Missouri, and North Carolina. Her favorite thing is spending time with her family. She also loves traveling, board games, and learning about the world we live in. She lives near Raleigh, North Carolina, with her family. (See more at her website)

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Comments can be left below. Be sure to visit all the other bloggers as we celebrate another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday.

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

BUILD IT SCIENCE BIOGRAPHIES

Posted on May 21, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

The set of three books is a fascinating, interactive look at 3 famous scientists. Names you’ve heard before but maybe not their full stories.

Each volume begins with a 2-page timeline of the person’s life. It sets the stage for what you are about to experience. Next comes a longer text section giving details of the struggles and successes each scientist faced. Insights are revealed and they go beyond the surface of straight facts. It’s a journey through their life’s work along with personal challenges. Finally, 6-7 chapters cover many of their inventions and work.

Several excellent features make this series standout. Over a dozen QR codes in each book are scattered throughout the pages (Those small black and white squares). Point your phone’s camera at each and you are whisked off to the Internet for maybe a video or interesting extensions of what you’ve been reading.

There are also BUILD IT pages you’ll know by the dark blue background. You can do fun hands-on projects like Build a Heart Model, Take a Ride in an Ocean Current, or Model an Atomic Structure. This is the way kids love to learn.

Photographs and illustrations mix in well with the text. There’s even a cartoon series where each of our famous scientists meet the modern day world.

The authors and Nomad Press have come up with a winning formula for the BUILD IT SCIENCE BIOGRAPHY set of books. Ones that make learning fun and memorable. Ben and Leonardo are available this month and Marie will follow in June. Great learning resources for home or in the classroom.

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(I received copies of the books 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, non fiction | Tagged , | 1 Comment

MMGM for May 17, 2021

Posted on May 17, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

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 Click on a penguin to reach a blogger’s post.

8gce7AoTdAt ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I’m  reviewing THE HOUSE THAT WASN’T THERE by Elana K. Arnold.

8gce7AoTdNatalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles interviews Payal Doshi with a giveaway of her MG fantasy Rea and The Blood of the Nectar.

8gce7AoTdJune McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic features a S.T.E.A.M. book entitled, Project Kid: 100 Ingenious Projects for Family Fun.

8gce7AoTdKim Aippersbach at Dead Houseplants returns to MMGM this week with a review of A WISH IN THE DARK.

8gce7AoTdPatricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal shares Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre, by Carole Boston Weatherford and Floyd Cooper.

8gce7AoTdJenni Enzor is featuring Swipe by Evan Angler, a future world you just might find to be a little creepy.

8gce7AoTdCompletely Full Bookshelf returns and recommends This Was Our Pact by Ryan Andrews.

8gce7AoTdMaria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA features TEN GOOD AND BAD THINGS ABOUT MY LIFE by Ann M. Martin.

8gce7AoTdAlex Baugh is at THE CHILDREN’S WAR this week and reviews War and Millie McGonigle by Karen Cushman.

8gce7AoTdRosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of Nobody Likes You, Greta Grump by Cathy Malkasian. Rosi also shares three helpful links for her writing friends.

8gce7AoTdKaren Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads always has a great MMGM review. Check it out along with her other features this past week including her thoughts on UNSETTLED.
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 HOUSE THAT WASN’T THERE

Posted on May 16, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

The boy’s name was Adler. He was eleven and a half years old, and he had lived in the house at 15 Rollingwood Drive since before he could remember. In fact, he had been born there.

And so begins the story about the friendship between a boy and girl. My first experience with this type of plot dates back to when I read Bridge to Terabathia by Katherine Paterson. I was forever hooked on these coming of age tales and the characters’ quest to find understanding in each other’s life. With THE HOUSE THAT WASN’T THERE we have another great one to enjoy with a perfect combination: a contemporary story with a touch of magical realism.

Here’s the official synopsis:

Alder has always lived in his cozy little house in Southern California. And for as long as he can remember, the old, reliable, comforting walnut tree has stood between his house and the one next door. That is, until a new family—with a particularly annoying girl his age—moves into the neighboring house and, without warning, cuts it down.

Oak doesn’t understand why her family had to move to Southern California. She has to attend a new school, find new friends, and live in a new house that isn’t even ready—her mother had to cut down a tree on their property line in order to make room for a second floor. And now a strange boy next door won’t stop staring at her, like she did something wrong moving here in the first place.

As Oak and Alder start school together, they can’t imagine ever becoming friends. But the two of them soon discover a series of connections between them—mysterious, possibly even magical puzzles they can’t put together. At least not without each other’s help.

The third person narration stays close to Alder and Oak throughout the 30 chapters. The character arcs of each are a joy to follow. They won’t realize until the heartwarming ending how much their friendship means. A nice, page turning story for boys and girls.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: March 30, 2021 PAGE COUNT: 288

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT THE HOUSE THAT WASN’T THERE by Elana K. Arnold

  1. The parent’s are ever present in each of their child’s life. Kind of refreshing not to have divorce driving the plot.
  2. A beautifully orchestrated cover urging readers to take take a closer look. What could be the meaning with two kittens around a tree stump? A big surprise for sure.
  3. Forget any boy stereotypes as Alder has a hidden passion: knitting. A skill he eventually shares.
  4. A compelling look at the difficulty transition brings to kids. Readers might be saying “I feel the same way” in many of the scenes.
  5. No character is left incomplete. There’s a story behind each and the reveals on both adults and children make the story shine.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELANA K. ARNOLD is the author of critically acclaimed and award-winning young adult novels and children’s books, including the Printz Honor winner Damsel, the National Book Award finalist What Girls Are Made Of, and Global Read Aloud selection A Boy Called Bat and its sequels. Several of her books are Junior Library Guild selections and have appeared on many best book lists, including the Amelia Bloomer Project, a catalog of feminist titles for young readers. Elana teaches in Hamline University’s MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults program and lives in Southern California with her family and menagerie of pets. (From Elana’s author web site)

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Comments are welcome below and be sure to visit all of today’s MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY blogs.

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

SEA OF KINGS

Posted on May 14, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

A fantasy sea adventure like none other with a pirate ship taken over by a group of kids. The journey is led by Noa, the boy prince, and is loaded with action and great characters. So what brought this new crew to steal the ship and sail the swashbuckling seas to a far away location? The summary from Jolly Fish Press sets the course:

Thirteen-year-old Prince Noa has hated the ocean since the day it caused his mother’s death. But staying away from the sea isn’t easy on his tropical island home, where he’s stuck trying to keep up with his dim-witted and overconfident younger brother Dagan—the brawn to Noa’s brains.

When a vengeful pirate lays siege to their home, Noa and Dagan narrowly escape with their lives. Armed with a stolen ship, a haphazardly assembled crew, and a magical map that makes as much sense as slugs in a salt bath, the brothers set sail for the realm’s other kingdoms in search of help.

But navigating the sea proves deadlier than Noa’s worst fears. To free his home, Noa must solve the map’s confusing charts and confront the legendary one-eyed pirate before an evil force spreads across the realm and destroys the very people Noa means to protect.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: April 27, 2021 PAGE COUNT: 352

The relationship between Noa and his younger brother Dagan had me smiling. The are opposites in personality and their frequent disagreements were both funny and believable. There’s only one girl stowaway on the ship and she adds more mystery to the many other unanswered questions the crew is after. So many secrets to uncover!

These kids have no experience in dealing with life on a ship so their bravery and tears are often on display. The fast pace will appeal to many. Despite the length the plot never stalls. There’s a hint at a sequel in the Epilogue and maybe we’ll get to read more about Noa and his family in future stories. Highly recommended for boys and girls.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melissa Hope earned her degree in English and is passionate about sharing her knowledge to help writers improve their craft and connect with the writing community. She escaped the frostbite normalcy of Canadian winters to live in Florida with her family, bipolar cat, and growing collection of scuba gear. Visit her website http://www.authormelissahope.com to watch free writing tutorials.

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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 May 10, 2021

Posted on May 10, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

                 Free-clipart-mothers-day-biezumd-2

I’m a day late in the proclamation, but Moms deserve another day of recognition! Click a rose to reach a blogger’s post…

k8TzjppipAt ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I’m reviewing SHOE WARS by Liz Pichon, a fun, lighthearted plot.

k8TzjppipNatalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has a guest post by Jessica Lawson and a giveaway of her MG fantasy How to Save a Queendom and a query critique by her agent Tina Dubois (formerly Wexler).

k8TzjppipJune McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic features the blog tour stop for a historical fiction novel, Finding Uncle Newton and his Nemesis. Included are an excerpt and giveaway.

k8TzjppipPatricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews The Dragon in the Library (A Kit the Wizard Book 1) by Louie Stowell.

k8Tzjppip Maria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA features THE LIGHT JAR by Lisa Thompson. In A Flash by Donna Jo Napoli.

k8TzjppipKaren Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads always has a great MMGM review. Check it out along with her other features this past week including her thoughts on THE FIFTH QUARTER.
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