TIDESONG

Posted on January 16, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

Although I prefer the more traditional way of storytelling, kids often have a preference for graphic novels. For one, they are easy to read. And two, they are visual just like this generation of middle grade readers. When I saw this new one come across my desk, the story line captured my attention.

Sophie is a young witch whose mother and grandmother pressure her to attend the Royal Magic Academy—the best magic school in the realm—even though her magic is shaky at best. To train for her entrance exams, Sophie is sent to relatives she’s never met.

Cousin Sage and Great-Aunt Lan seem more interested in giving Sophie chores than in teaching her magic. Frustrated, Sophie attempts magic on her own, but the spell goes wrong, and she accidentally entangles her magic with the magic of a young water dragon named Lir.

Lir is trapped on land and can’t remember where he came from. Even so, he’s everything Sophie isn’t—beloved by Sophie’s family and skilled at magic. With his help, Sophie might just ace her entrance exams, but that means standing in the way of Lir’s attempts to regain his memories. Sophie knows what she’s doing is wrong, but without Lir’s help, can she prove herself?

Sophie is an endearing protagonist. She stumbles through many mistakes along the way but tries to make things right. A grandmother and Great Aunt are tough on her with demands that are rather mean and unrealistic, but it was nice to see a few of the adults admit their lack of respect and apologizing.

The art work is colorful and depicted each scene perfectly. Some are full page with no text and they will have you gazing at them a bit longer. Seeing magic, witches, and dragons visually on a page adds to the attraction of Tidesong.

The title will appeal at first to girls but boys would also enjoy the plot and characters. TIDESONG is a simple story that delivers some important lessons. Recommended for graphic lovers along with those who have never picked up a novel of this type. You just may get hooked.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: November 16, 2021 PAGE COUNT: 240

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT TIDESONG by Wendy Xu

  1. Sophie’s self talk was a real highlight. She reflects on her errors and tries to figure out a better way to solve her dilemma.
  2. A heartwarming ending with every plot point wrapped up and delivered.
  3. The best part of the graphics were the scenery whether it be with characters or not. The ocean and small town fit right into the graphic format.
  4. The message that just because a school has a fancy name and stellar reputation doesn’t mean it is for everyone.
  5. Lir came through as one of my favorites. He’s a dragon out of water and can’t get back to the sea or even know where to start. He’d make a strong MC in his own book!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Wendy Xu is a bestselling, award-nominated Brooklyn-based illustrator and comics artist.

She is the creator of the middle grade fantasy graphic novel TIDESONG (2021 from HarperCollins/Quilltree) and co-creator of MOONCAKES, a young adult fantasy graphic novel published in 2019 from Oni Press. Her work has been featured on Catapult, Barnes & Noble Sci-fi/Fantasy Blog, and Tor.com, among other places. (For more about Wendy and her work, visit her Web Page)

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I received a copy of the book from Harper Collins. Comments are welcome below.

Posted in Graphic Novels, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments

REAL WORLD SCIENCE BOOKS

Posted on January 14, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

After reading this three volume set from Nomad Press I understand how the scarecrow felt after getting his brain. I’m a lot smarter and it was fun getting there!

Great for ages 12 and up even if science is not a favorite subject. The hands-on activities alone will cause even the most reluctant to enjoy the world of science.

Each volume begins with a timeline of events leading right to the present. QR codes can be found throughout with links to articles and some very cool videos to excite the learning bug in every reader. Just frame the square image on your phone’s camera and off you go for the extra treat. All the books include a glossary, resources (including the QR code’s web address), and a handy index to find a topic.

THE SCIENCE OF FASHION is where you discover how how science, technology, and engineering make the entire fashion industry possible! Hands-on activities will have you creating a loom or natural dyes. You can also use the scientific procedure to learn more about the integration of science and fashion in the process of making things we wear and use every day.

THE CHEMISTRY OF FOOD is a natural for this series. Beginning with the Periodic Table of Elements in a colorful two-page spread, five chapters will have you looking at food in a whole different way. Chemicals in our food and the reaction when cooking, along with what makes food healthy make up the first part of the book. It continues on with a look at flavor and texture. Using salt and ice to make ice cream or observe the caramelization of sugar were two of my favorite activities.

THE PHYSICS OF FUN This branch of science has never seen such a creative and motivating presentation s as the one in this final book. Chapters center around Skateboarding, Snowboarding, Trampolines, Sound and forming a band, and why video games need physics to work.It’s an action packed display and will certainly have you prepared for that first Physics class in High School.

Teachers can download a free Classroom Guide for each book in the set. Middle school was never this fun!

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

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.
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MMGM for January 10, 2022

Posted on January 10, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

It’s NATIONAL CLEAN OFF YOUR DESK DAY!

That task would take me all day so I’m reading another MG title instead. Click on a book to find one for yourself.

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At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of RILEY’S GHOST by John David Anderson.

June McCrary Jacobs spotlights a craft book for kids, I Am Not a Sock; and announces the release of her two new story collections for children ages 6-10, ‘Banjo & More Pet Stories’ and ‘Carter’s Cookies & More Family Stories’.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has a guest post by debut author Nancy Tandon and her agent Charlotte Wenger and a giveaway of Nancy’s MG contemporary The Way I Say It and a query critique giveaway.

Jennifer Bohnhoff is back this week with a review of Erin Soderberg Downing’s When Life Gives you Lemons, Make Peach Pie, #1 in her new series The Great Peach Experiment.

Maria Antonio has a post about BIRDIE’S BARGAIN by Katerine Paterson.

Carol Baldwin shines the light on a debut MG novel, Air by Monica Roe. Included is a GIVEAWAY of the novel.

Rosi Hollinbeck is back from a holiday break with a review and GIVEAWAY of CRESS WATERCRESS by Gregory Maguire. 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 including yesterday’s CODE NAME SERENDIPITY.

(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)
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 Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

RILEY’S GHOST

Posted on January 9, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

Author John David Anderson is not afraid to branch out and try different genres. The one common thread most of his books have are kids who don’t fit in to the norm. Contemporary stories like Ms. Bixby’s Last Day, about three boys and the special bond they had with a teacher. Posted, a second school story and how the power of words can make a difference. And ONE LAST SHOT, a boy whose love of miniature golf helps explain the puzzling aspects of his family.

Then came other genres. STOWAWAY, a space adventure. And now a magical realism with RILEY’S GHOST.

Riley Flynn is alone. 

It feels like she’s been on her own since sixth grade, when her best friend, Emily, ditched her for the cool girls. Girls who don’t like Riley. Girls who decide one day to lock her in the science closet after hours, after everyone else has gone home.

When Riley is finally able to escape, however, she finds that her horror story is only just beginning. All the school doors are locked, the windows won’t budge, the phones are dead, and the lights aren’t working. Through halls lit only by the narrow beam of her flashlight, Riley roams the building, seeking a way out, an answer, an explanation. And as she does, she starts to suspect she isn’t alone after all. 

While she’s always liked a good scary story, Riley knows there is no such thing as ghosts. But what else could explain the things happening in the school, the haunting force that seems to lurk in every shadow, around every corner? As she tries to find answers, she starts reliving moments that brought her to this night. Moments from her own life…and a life that is not her own.

Upper middle grade from 12 and up with a love of ghost stories would be the best audience for the story. There are moments of harsh language more appropriate for those nearing the PG-13 stage. It’s also not intended for kids with a more reluctant attitude toward reading. This type of reader will look at the thickness of the book (368 pages) and move on.

Riley’s backstory is spread out over the entire book flashing back to scenes with her classmates and family. It ties in nicely with the ghost story and how Riley has some similarities with the ghost, although they had me reading these scenes fast so I could return to the action at hand.

Getting trapped in a middle school might be a 13-year-old’s worst nightmare. But the doors do unlock eventually in a way never expected and will have you thinking about other kids who might be trapped by the ghosts of their past.

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: RILEY’S GHOST by John David Anderson

  1. Many kids in middle school come home to an empty house for a few hours. It’s a common occurrence in my community and I’m glad to see it portrayed so realistically here.
  2. Riley’s whole life evolved around her friend Emily. Now that Emily has other interests, it’s a harsh reality shared by kids who must to deal with losing a friend in their growing up years. Handled admirably in this plot.
  3. Anger management is a theme and we get to know Riley on a different level. She deals with the bully’s in a harsh way (e.g. stabbing a boy in the hand with her pencil). She has learned better ways to react but hasn’t quite mastered them.
  4. Not too scary. Instead the plot goes for an understanding of how we treat others can have long lasting effects.
  5. I felt sorry for the ghosts, Heather and Max. Their backstory does provide the healing Riley so desperately needs.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John David Anderson is the author of many highly acclaimed books for kids, including the New York Times Notable Book Ms. Bixby’s Last Day, Posted, Granted, One Last Shot, and Stowaway. A dedicated root beer connoisseur and chocolate fiend, he lives with his wonderful wife, two frawesome kids, and clumsy cat, Smudge, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (For more visit the author’s web page).

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I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. Please comment below!

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

WHICH BIRD ARE YOU?

Posted on January 7, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

That is the question 5th graders at Galen Elementary explore on their week-long field trip to Camp Discovery, an outdoor education experience. The four main characters pictured on the cover fit neatly into each bird category causing some problems when they try to complete a compass and mapping task.

One of their teachers tells the class a tale passed down from his grandfather. It’s about a kingdom of birds where each type of bird rules one of the four corners in the continent of Aviara. They no longer get along and must discover a solution or face even more dire consequences. The birds discover as do the kids the key to working together in solving problems.

The story takes readers through 127 pages going back and forth from the present to the telling of the story about the kingdom. It’s a unique and realistic way of depicting the way we act.

You might see yourself in one or more of these personalities:

Take charge, confident eagle

Fun loving, talkative parrot

Caring and helpful dove

Logical and questioning owl

If you aren’t sure, head over to whichbirdareyou.com where you can take a short quiz about which bird you might be (or your family, friends, or favorite politician). For a more about the book and a video visit Merrick Rosenberg’s author site.

Which Bird Are You? would work best in a classroom as a read aloud and discussion tool. Even families would understand themselves and others better by reading this book.

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

Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , | 3 Comments

MMGM for January 3, 2022

Posted on January 3, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

It’s another year of MMGM—my 5th year hosting!

Click on a party hat to get the party started:

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At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of THE UNFORGETTABLE LOGAN FOSTER by Shawn Peters.

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews They Only See the Outside by Kalli Dakos, poetry written in free verse that dives into the emotional life for those 7-10.

Valinora Troy was a judge in the Cybils Elementary and Middle Grade Speculative Fiction category. Today she shares some of her favorites that did not make the final cut.

Jennifer Bohnhoff starts the year off with a review of THE DREADED CLIFF by Terry Nichols.

Maria Antonia has a post about SPY SCHOOL AT SEA by Stuart Gibbs.

Carol Baldwin takes us back to an interview with Joyce Hostetter. In it she discusses BLUE, COMFORT, and AIM.

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 Jadie in Five Dimensions.

(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)
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 Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

THE UNFORGETTABLE LOGAN FOSTER

Posted on January 2, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

I was looking for something fun and different to begin my review year and THE UNFORGETTABLE LOGAN FOSTER came through in super hero ways. The cover alone is enough to make one curious.

Logan is a twelve-years-old orphan who narrates the story. His thoughts are directed toward the younger brother he has never met. He knows there is a brother because Logan was found abandoned at the L.A. airport when he was three wearing a t-shirt proclaiming “World’s Best Big Brother.”

Now he’s just trying to get through his days at the orphanage. When Gil and Marcie take him in as a foster, Logan discovers a whole new world filled with comic book heroes. Here’s the synopsis from Harper Collins:

Logan Foster has pretty much given up on the idea of ever being adopted. It could have something to with his awkward manner, his photographic memory, or his affection for reciting curious facts, but whatever the cause, Logan and his “PP’s” (prospective parents) have never clicked. 

Then everything changes when Gil and Margie arrive. Although they aren’t exactly perfect themselves—Gil has the punniest sense of humor and Margie’s cooking would have anyone running for the hills—they genuinely seem to care.

But it doesn’t take Logan long to notice some very odd things about them. They are out at all hours, they never seem to eat, and there’s a part of the house that is protected by some pretty elaborate security.

No matter what Logan could have imagined, nothing prepared him for the truth: His PP’s are actually superheroes, and they’re being hunted down by dastardly forces. Logan’s found himself caught in the middle in a massive battle and the very fate of the world may hang in the balance. Will Logan be able to find a way to save the day and his new family? 

You won’t find anyone like Logan Foster in the MG category. His eidetic memory gives him the ability to remember every detail of what he sees, reads or hears. He often passes the time by reciting memories and making lists. He can’t even ride a bicycle, but his impressive mind has him promoted to High School.

The chapters aren’t numbered but instead labeled with the date and time. Logan’s narration moves along at a fast and often laugh out loud pace. The only slow point was a big tell-all midway through the story where Logan is given the reasons behind all the super hero commotion. It picks right back up and Logan will win your heart. You’ll have to wait until the end to find out if his super hero parents are going to send him back to the orphanage.

Earthquakes, Lava, and a whole batch of memorable characters (some rather deadly) will have readers anxiously awaiting a sequel. A great start is had here.

Release Date: January 18, 2022 Page Count: 272

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE UNFORGETTABLE LOGAN FOSTER by Shawn Peters.

  1. Elena is a high school friend. Her character provided help and inspiration to her much younger new classmate. It worked on all levels and Elena’s personality shined.
  2. The cover is a winner with Logan and his popcorn more worried about what he’s gotten himself into with his new foster parents.
  3. The Los Angeles setting worked perfect to bring out the madness of what is happening.
  4. The author set us straight on the difference between comic book heroes and real superheroes. It masterfully played into the main plot.
  5. Family, friendship and a whole lot of fun. As Logan would put it succinctly, “That’s a fact.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR, Shawn Peters

I’ve written a little bit about a lot of things in a lot of places. Ads for huge premium cable networks and all kinds of small businesses. Movie ideas that ended up on the shelf and domestic date-nights that ended up in the newspapers. Columns about fantasy sports and books about a neurodiverse hero in the making. I live in Massachusetts with my wife, who is the best 5th grade teacher on the planet, my two kids, a dog and a cat that made me retype this by walking across the keyboard. (for more visit Shawn’s author web site)

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I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. Comments are welcome below!

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

An MMGM Thank You

Posted on December 27, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

I’m taking a pause in the MMGM weekly post to enjoy the holidays. It’s been the most viewed year ever and a big thanks go to all the visitors and especially the bloggers who keep the interest in MG books going strong. I appreciate everyone who has participated this year (All 30 of you!) and hope to see you back in 2022!

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles

June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, & Stitch-metic

COMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal

Maria Antonia at of books, photography, and tea

Rosi Hollinbeck

Faith Hough at Blythe and Bold

Jenni Enzor

Melina Lobo at Meli’s Book Reviews

K.A. Cummins

Sue Heavenrich

Sue Kooky from Kitty Cat at the Library

Kim Aippersbach

Stephanie Robinson at Fairday’s Blog

Susan Uhlig

Andrea Mack at That’s Another Story

Mark Baker at Carstair’s Consders

Michelle Mason

Alex Baugh at Randomly reading

Marielle Orff at Town Book Center

Rosanne E Lortz

Beth Schmelzer at Books by Beth

S.W. Lothian

Valinora Troy

Susan Olson at Time Travel Times Two

Librarian Chris Holliman

Jennifer Bohnhoff

Carol Baldwin

Michelle Isenhoff

Posted in Uncategorized | 8 Comments

MMGM for 12/20/2021

Posted on December 20, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

It’s the Final MMGM for 2021. We’ll be back on January 3rd for another great year of features and reviews from the middle grade blogging community.

Click on any ornament to read a post:

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of THE WAY I SAY IT by Nancy Tandon.

Jennifer Bohnhoff has an oldie but goodie with GREAT CHRISTMAS READS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL READERS.

Sue Heavenrich is over at Sally’s Bookshelf with a chapter book selection, Fergus and Zeke and the 100th Day of School, by Kate Messner. Even middle grade readers would like this one.

Carol Baldwin is back with a past review of AIM by Joyce Moyer Hostetter. Last week she shared, EQUAL, the final book in Hostetter’s Bakers Mountain Series. AIM is the first book, but actually Joyce didn’t write it first! In January Carol will share the book that inspired the series. 

MARIA ANTONIA’s post is about THE CHILDREN’S BLIZZARD, 1888 by Lauren Tarshis

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews The Genius Under the Table: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain by Eugene Yelchin. Fascinating peek into the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

Valinora Troy features LONG LOST by Jacqueline West,

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review Merriam Webster’s WORD OF THE DAY Rosie also has three special gifts 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 ESCAPE FROM ATLANTIS.

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SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!

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

THE WAY I SAY IT

Posted on December 19, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

I’ve been featuring many books the past few months with boy protagonists. It’s not by chance as last September a parent in my neighborhood said ” I can’t find many realistic, modern day middle grade books with boy narrators.

Not a problem anymore as she has tracked down copies of…

STUCK

THE BOY WHO MADE EVERYONE LAUGH

THE SECRET OF THE MAGIC PEARL

THE SWAG IS IN THE SOCKS.

But wait, I have one more to share. An important story about a boy who can’t pronounce his R’s. It doesn’t hit the shelves until next month (1/18) but I couldn’t wait to share.

Twelve-year-old Rory Mitchell is bullied because he has trouble with R’s and struggles with his own name. When a former friend sustains a brain injury and joins Rory in speech therapy, the two bond over heavy metal music and Muhammad Ali, and inspire each other to achieve what once seemed impossible.

Rory is one of those voices you will remember for a long time. Sixth grade and middle school can’t get much worse when a bully constantly mimics and makes fun of the way Rory talks. His former best friend avoids him all because of a big fight they had the previous spring. Brent pals around with the bully now.

Rory avoids speaking in class so not to bring attention to himself. Even when Brent has a bicycle accident with a car and sustains a serious, life changing head injury, Rory can’t feel much sympathy the way Brent has treated him.

Fortunately there is hope with the important adults Rory is lucky to have. First are the parents. They aren’t absent, divorced, or dead. They truly want the best of their son. The talks each of them have with Rory are special but also awkward.

A close second is Mr. Simms. He’s Rory’s middle school speech therapist. He tries everything to help Rory and becomes a true friend. His fun approach using music and insights from a famous boxer are beginning to work. There’s nothing easy about the process and the final pages lead up to a shared oral presentation Rory must give in front of the entire grade. Making things worse is he is paired up with Brent, who is still doing his own healing.

Heartfelt and truly one of my favorites for 2022!

PAGE COUNT: 240

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT–THE WAY I SAY IT by Nancy Tandon.

  1. I’ve grown a bit tired of bullies in stories, but you’ll cringe every time Danny, the bully, enters a scene. He’s one of the worst characters and making him so obnoxious is the mark of a writer who understands character development.
  2. A small crush Rory has with a girl was realistically portrayed and it’s what happens in middle school. Exchanging notes and hesitant conversations show just how difficult this girl/boy stuff can be.
  3. Learning about Muhammad Ali and the road blocks he faced was a plus. It helped Rory see his own problem in a different way.
  4. I never had a problem with my r’s, but I learned a lot about how difficult they can be for someone like Rory. The author also adds informative and insightful notes about the R sound in the back pages.
  5. Friendships is the real focus and I loved the great ending.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nancy Tandon has worked as an elementary school teacher, a speech-language pathologist, and an adjunct professor of phonetics and child language development. This is her first book. for more visit www.nancytandon.com

Happy Holidays to one and all!

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , | 17 Comments