EARTH WILL SURVIVE*

Posted on December 17, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

*but we may not

The title alone will grab your attention. As Middle School science teacher, Katie Coppens, says in this well researched discussion: “We’re in this together.”

Yes we are.

The book is intended for an upper middle grade audience and above. Sixth grade all the way up to adults would benefit from reading. Divided into four parts they include:

  1. Background: Homo Sapiens’ Understanding of Earth’s History
  2. Earth Speaks: Evidence of Human’s Impact
  3. Actions Speak Louder than Words: How You can Help
  4. In Conclusion: We have a Choice

The impactful dialog Katie puts forth will start many conversations, both in the classroom and at home. What’s more important is the book will drive many to take action beyond what they are already doing. It’s not a you have to do all of these things or human life dies out. The approach here is to let readers choose what they are able to do. Together we can make sure life on earth continues.

In the back pages there is an 11 page glossary. It’s straightforward and easy to comprehend. Also included are additional recommended readings and viewings.

This is an important book and one I hope many will read, including the skeptics. Katie Cuppens is so passionate about the education put forth here that she is donating all author pay and royalties from the book to the non-profit ONE TREE PLANTED.

For more about the book visit the publisher, Tumblehome, and Amazon.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Katie Coppens is an award winning middle school teacher. She has taught for 20 years, ranging from a 3rd grade self-contained class to high school biology while volunteering in Tanzania. She is a columnist for the National Science Teaching Associations (NSTA) magazine Science Scope on integrating science and literacy. Her goal is to get kids curious and excited about learning! This is her 8th children’s book.

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Next Monday is the final MMGM for 2021

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 Uncategorized | 4 Comments

STUCK

Posted on December 12, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

I reviewed Jennifer Swender’s previous MG title, SOLVING FOR M, two years ago. I was happy to see her with a new title worthy of my time. STUCK is one I enjoyed.

Austin is changing schools again. This time it’s June and nearing the end of his 4th grade year. Seems like it would have been better to finish out the term at his previous school but Mom never has them staying in one place very long.

He’ll just stay quiet and hope no one finds out that he can’t read. All the words on a page look like ants. Keeping his cover is not easy, especially with a nice teacher (Ms. G) and a classmate named Bertie who insists on being his friend.

They both want to be chosen for next year’s Safety Squad. The special honor chooses those who are best at monitoring the hallways during the day and the sidewalks before and after school. Plus they get to wear a very cool laser lemon vest. It’s a great goal, but Austin soon finds out there’s a reading and writing test he has to take to qualify Not only that but Mom is often shut up in her room or at work and won’t sign the permission slip.

The plot stays away from revealing what has been the cause of this family’s constant moving, nor are there any details about the Mom’s situation. She does show signs of being a loving parent and is there for Austin when needed. I’m hoping a sequel (or prequel) might be in the works to dive deeper into the family’s past.

Austin’s first person narration is insightful and spot on. The book itself is only 133 pages of text and would make a perfect read for those kids diving into middle grade books for the first time. The size of some recent MG books often reach an intimidating 300-400 pages.

A well done look at the common struggle of a reading disability.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: November 9, 2021

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: STUCK by Jennifer Swender

  1. Bertie is the type of friend everyone should have. She’s quirky and talkative, but always brings a positive presence to every encounter.
  2. Teachers will get a few tips on how to conduct a class. Mrs. G’s starter for the day and a math game she has her students play are real keepers for the planning book.
  3. One of my favorites, Bridge to Terabithia, is the book Austin pretends to read. He does find help understanding through an audio recording of the story, helping him make comparisons between he and Bertie and the two kids in the book.
  4. Each chapter is titled with colors like Pacific Blue; Outrageous Orange for chapter 2. It’s a small hint as to what’s ahead for Austin. Very different approach but it works.
  5. Quiet kids like Austin rarely get main character status. He’s a welcome addition for others like him to see themselves in a different light.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennifer Swender was a classroom teacher for many years before turning to writing full-time. Her debut middle grade novel Solving for M is winner of the 2020 Mathical Book Prize, as well as a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection and finalist for the Land of Enchantment Book Award, the Georgia Children’s Book Award and the William Allen White Children’s Book Award. Together with Paul DuBois Jacobs, she is also the author of many picture books and early chapter books. When she’s not writing, Jennifer develops curriculum materials for students and teachers. She lives with her family in Massachusetts.

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Comments are welcome below!
 

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

WEIRD BUT TRUE! NEW YORK CITY

Posted on December 10, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

The always popular WEIRD BUT TRUE! series is out with another great selection. This time it’s a look at one of my favorite cities to visit—The Big Apple, otherwise known as New York City.

You can see all the previous editions here. A colorful, fun layout of each will make you smile and often shake your head with awe at the colored photos accompanying each fact. It’s the perfect companion for that next trip or to put into the Christmas stocking.

A few of my NYC favorites include:

  • Instead of giant balloons, the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1924 had elephants and tigers from the central Park Zoo,
  • Some people hear the first three notes of “SOMEWHERE,” a song from the musical WEST SIDE STORY, when certain subway trains leave the station.
  • ADULTS AREN’T ALLOWED at one comic book store in Brooklyn unless they come in WITH A KID.

Three down, 297 to go. You can view 8 more with images on the NGK site. Two are shown on the page and then if you swipe left on the picture of the cats you can scroll through the others.

For the remaining pages you’ll have to get your own copy. It will be passed from one person to the next and enjoyed over and over again. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

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One more WEIRD BUT TRUE! There are only two more MMGM posts this year on the 13th & 20th.

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, non fiction | Tagged , | 2 Comments

MMGM for 12/6/2021

Posted on December 6, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

Click any SNOWMAN below to unlock some great Middle Grade reviews and features!

(NOTE: If you are planning ahead there will be just two more MMGM’s this month on December 13, & 20.)

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  1. At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of THE BOY WHO MADE EVERYONE LAUGH by Helen Rutter.
  2. Michelle Isenhoff Features THE GOLDEN GOBLET by Eloise Jarvis McGraw.
  3. Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has a guest post by debut author Karen Pokras and a GIVEAWAY of her MG historical The Backyard Secrets of Danny Wexler.
  4. June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, and Stitch-metic features a multi-cultural holiday crafts book, Homemade Holidays: 150 Festive Crafts, Recipes, Gifts & Parties.
  5. A Big MMGM welcome to Carol Baldwin who joins us for the first time. She reviews MIGHTY INSIDE by Sundee T. Frazier.
  6. Sue Heavenrich is at Sally’s Bookshlef with a review of Explorer Academy: The Dragon’s Blood (Book 6) by Trudi Trueit.
  7. We have another first timer joining us today with author, Jennifer Bohnhoff. She has an interesting feature on how book covers often change over the years. Go check it out and say hello!
  8. Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews another holiday tale in A Donkey Called Mistletoe by Helen Peters. 
  9. Valinora Troy has a good one to share, PENCILVANIA by Stephanie Watson. And what an adorable picture she has of the cover!
  10. Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of  The View from the Very Best House in Town by Meera Trehan. Rosie also has three special links for her writing friends.
  11. Alex Baugh at Randomly Reading has a review of Partly Cloudy by Tanita S. Davis.
  12. 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 JUST ROLL WITH IT.
(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 , , | 5 Comments

THE BOY WHO MADE EVERYONE LAUGH

Posted on December 5, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

The past, the present, and the future walked into a bar.

It was tense.

This opens the first of 32 chapters and they all start with one of Billy Plimpton’s one liners. He’s an 11-year-old soon to be 12 and he desperately wants to be normal by not stuttering any more.

Recently, I reviewed another book about a boy who stutters in THE SWAG IS IN THE SOCKS. In that story it was more of a character trait being dealt with by the appealing Xavier Moon.

In THE BOY WHO MADE EVERYONE LAUGH the central theme is how terrible stuttering can be for a middle school kid who just wants to tell jokes without messing up the punch line with his stutters.

Yes, Billy also made me laugh. His first person narration is very honest and the voice shines in every chapter. The authors inspiration came from her own son who has a stutter.

Billy’s first plan is to keep quiet at his new school so no one will notice he’s different. Despite hiding during lunch his silence doesn’t last long. Eventually an inspirational teacher, Mr. Osho, becomes a mentor. But there is also a bully who mocks and teases Billy about his difficulty talking.

The dream to become a comedian on stage in front of an audience soon ends. Billy thinks it would be a disaster even though he promised his Grandma he was going to do it for the talent show. Instead he becomes a drummer in a band so he can keep quiet. In the end Billy truly finds a way to not let his stutter define the person he will become.

The heartwarming and inspirational ending will have you smiling and maybe even letting out a cheer.

Highly recommended.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: August 3, 2021 PAGE COUNT: 256

Five More Things to Like About: THE BOY WHO MADE EVERYONE LAUGH by Helen Rutter

  1. There are few books on the middle grade shelves that have speech problems as the focus. The story will help those with a speech impediment see another side to their situation.
  2. Billy’s relationship with his grandmother is no joke even though she loves hearing his jokes. It’s a loving bond between two generations that will remind readers how important grandparents can be.
  3. Friendship and family are front and center for Billy. Two parents doing everything for their son and a few school friends help pave a smoother road to acceptance.
  4. The humor and tears in the story provide a nice balance. Billy’s jokes and imitations will leave you smiling but the scene in the park when Billy screams “I don’t want to be Billy Plimpton.” will have you reaching for the tissue box.
  5. The author included stuttering resources in the back pages. Even better is the understanding non-stutterers will have of the inner turmoil one with a speech impediment goes through every waking moment.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Helen lives in the countryside just outside Sheffield with her comedian husband, two children and two lovely dogs, Ronnie and Billy Whizz. When she is not tapping away in her writing room, she loves walking the dogs, playing board games and reading. (For more visit Helen Ruttter’s author web site)

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

THE SECRET OF THE MAGIC PEARL

Posted on December 3, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

This wonderful tale from Italy has been translated into English. Colorful illustrations appear throughout. They are nothing short of fantastic. Along with the pictures is a story about 8-year-old Hector and his love for the ocean and diving. Young readers new to middle grade will find the plot appealing. The book also makes an excellent read-aloud.

Hector’s family operates a marina that caters to anyone wanting to explore the wonders of the sea. When a dishonest man opens up a new store, he puts the competition out of business. Now the family lives inland, but better times are ahead. A first sea dive with his dad makes Hector a celebrity after he finds the legendary and valuable Pearl. His good fortune doesn’t last long but he must make things right for the good of his family and the ocean he longs for.

Hector’s first person narration takes us through 13 chapters and the voice portrayed is strong. Each chapter has a unique title all beginning with “About.” Examples include “About how a starfish helps me to be brave” and “About why I am, and always will be, a deep sea diver.”

An added bonus is a two page spread of nautical flags and another two pages picturing the parts of a diving suit.

THE SECRET OF THE MAGIC PEARL is a charming and beautiful book.

ELISA SABATINELLI is a writer living in Milan, Italy, and works at a book publisher. She has published several of her own short stories and a novel for adults. This is her first book for children.

IACOPO BRUNO is a graphic designer and award-winning illustrator of numerous books including Sergeant Reckless, by Patrica McCormick which won the Texas Bluebonnet Award. He lives and works in Milan, Italy.

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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 , , | 5 Comments

MMGM for 11/29/21

Posted on November 29, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

Click any light bulb below to turn on some great Middle Grade reviews and features!

(NOTE: If you are planning ahead there will be just three MMGM’s next month on December 6, 13, & 20.)

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  • At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of THE TROUBLED GIRLS OF DRAGOMIR ACADEMY by Anne Ursu.
  • Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an interview with debut author Nancy McConnell with a GIVEAWAY of her MG fantasy Into the Lion’s Mouth.
  • Susan Uhlig is wowed by the book STARFISH by Lisa Fipps.
  • COMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF recommends This Is Our Rainbow: 16 Stories of Her, Him, Them, and Us, edited by Katherine Locke and Nicole Melleby.
  • Sue Heavenrich is over at Archimedes Notebook with a review of a nonfiction book, Inside In: X-Rays of Nature’s Hidden World, by Jan Paul Schutten.
  • Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Daughter of the Deep by Rick Riordan, an exciting new series and thrilling read for teens who love science.
  • Maria Antonia features a post about THE BEATRYCE PROPHECY by Kate DiCamillo.
  • Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of  PARADISE ON FIRE by Jewell Parker Rhodes, Rosie also has three special links for her writing friends.
  • Alex Baugh at Randomly Reading is back with us again this week with a review of Barbara Dee’s novel Violets are Blue.
  • Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with her other reviews last week including I KNOW YOUR SECRET.
(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

THE TROUBLED GIRLS OF DRAGOMIR ACADEMY

Posted on November 28, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

Marya Lupu is quickly finding out the kingdom of Illyria is the worst place to be a girl. It’s male dominance everywhere you look.

Boys are watched carefully for any indications of magical potential. They are a much needed protector in this world. Older brother Luka is one of those boys. If Luka passes the test he will groomed as a sorcerer to save the country from a deadly force known as the Dread.

Meanwhile, Marya is to stay in the background as girls are treated as second class citizens where education is not a priority. Any indications of magic or disrespect in young girls will have the men in charge sending them off to Dragomir Academy. There they are trained to lead a life of service to the country’s powerful sorcerers. Cooking, cleaning, weaving, and library jobs are on the top of the list.

When testing day arrives for her brother, Marya makes a terrible mistake leading to her required entry into Dragomir Academy. It’s 100 miles from home and both parents seem pleased to be rid of their child. Marya is in a strange and unfamiliar place with newbies like her and other girls who have been at the academy for years.

What she and her classmates learn about the school is the focus. Questions about the headmaster and what is really behind all the secrecy of this place is eventually revealed. Character arcs for all take a fulfilling turn.

World building of this unfamiliar country takes time. The third person narration spreads out over 423 pages. It moves along at a gentle pace, but may not be a reluctant reader’s best choice. Although this was more of a story about getting answers, I’m hoping for a sequel to see if there is continued action on the girls part to change the future history in Marya’s world. Magic, mystery, and friendship come together is a satisfying plot.

Five more things to like about THE TROUBLED GIRLS OF DRAGOMIR ACADEMY by Anne Ursu

  1. Marya’s parents paid no attention to her, but thankfully a neighbor becomes more like a mother to her. She also has a thread of hope that her brother can become more of a brother to her.
  2. The power men yield in Illyria are no a match for girl power. What a great theme to carry out.
  3. Symbols woven into the tapestries adorning the halls of Dragomir is a perfect connection for Marya to find answers. Research is often done not in books but my observing.
  4. “Who does the story serve?” is a question brought up throughout. You’ll discover the answer by book’s end.
  5. Marya is a strong, realistic girl. She suffers through her poor choices but also displays an inner drive to not be powerless. You will like Marya a lot.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anne Ursu is the author of acclaimed novels The Lost Girl, Breadcrumbs, and The Real Boy, which was longlisted for the National Book Award. The recipient of the McKnight Fellowship in Children’s Literature, Anne is also a member of the faculty at Hamline University’s MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults. She lives in Minneapolis with her family and an ever-growing number of cats. (for more check out Anne’s author web site.)

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

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

THE WEATHER DETECTIVES

Posted on November 26, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

Sun, storms, and mystery in the Caribbean.

Ever since moving to New York to live with his uncle, thirteen-year-old Henry Alabaster has been involved in one foggy mystery after another. That’s because Henry’s uncle, Kelvin McCloud, is a weather detective—someone who specializes in solving stormy problems. When an anonymous letter implores Kelvin to come to the Caribbean, Henry and his uncle are swept up in their most adventurous case yet—one which will take them out to sea to investigate a strangely troubled ship and its supposedly cursed captain, Vernon Holloway.

Out on the tropical waters, Henry and his artistic friend Rachel will have to contend with the belligerent sea captain, meet colorful fellow passengers, encounter stormy seas, and confront more mystery than they can shake an umbrella at.

Can they solve the mystery of the cursed sea captain before someone gets hurt, or worse?

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Weather is a natural discussion topic in everyone’s life and you’ll learn a lot more about aspects of weather in this likeable tale. Although it is the second book in the series following “Kelvin McCloud and the Seaside Storm,” you won’t have any problem if you begin with THE WEATHER DETECTIVES.

The third person narration moves smoothly through 28 chapters. Henry and Rachel are both appealing characters and are helping solve the mystery. You’ll be changing your mind many times as to who is seeking revenge on the captain and his ship. Familiar locales in the Caribbean come to life—all being perfect locales to reveal clues.

Uncle Kelvin’s book, Scientists, Explorers, and Sleuths, helps motivate Henry and Rachel. Many sections are read and shared within the pages of the regular story. Weather fans will want more after reading about Radar, how Fahrenheit and Celsius came into existence, the quest for Antarctica, and the creation of the wind scale to name a few.

The climatic ending is less climatic due to the two teens being left behind for their own safety. Too bad they couldn’t somehow have been more involved. Despite this plot shift, the story becomes one not only about the weather, but also the importance of family.

A fun, engaging read.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael Erb grew up under the blue skies of North Carolina. While getting his Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science at Rutgers University, he experienced the remnants of Hurricanes Irene and Sandy, which brought wind, rain, and flooding to New Jersey (Sandy also brought a multi-day power outage!). Currently, Michael is an Assistant Research Professor at Northern Arizona University, where he helps uncover clues about Earth’s past climate. As a scientist and author, he confronts mysteries both in his research and in fascinating books.

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

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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

WORLD ATLAS

Posted on November 24, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

When opening up an atlas you expect maps like you do here in the sixth edition of National Geographic Kids World Atlas—Both a physical and political color coded map for seven regions. More than 120 total.

But what makes this rise above all the rest are the extras. Here are my top five:

  1. The the 200 plus photographs bring you closer to what makes each country unique. They are both colorful and memorable.
  2. Before the maps sections begin there are 55 pages of background information on Understanding Maps, Planet Earth, and details on features that effect the physical and political world. Great stuff. It’s like a separate book!
  3. Each region has a handy basic list of stats. No need to go searching for this often sought after information.
  4. A Back of the Book feature adds even more value. Images of each countries flag, a glossary, and loads of Geo facts and Figures. A perfect topping to the journey you’ve taken.
  5. The 20 page index. A quick way to find what you need. Easy to use and includes even the most obscure places on Earth. Need info on Taldyqorghan, Kazakhstan? No problem: Page 115 and there use the cross reference ‘C6’ to find it on the map.

What makes this a great purchase for any middle grade student is National Geographic Kids World Atlas will get used over and over. The price is also a bargain: less than $20 for the hardback or under $15 for the lighter paperback version.

Bring the world a little closer with this beautifully laid out volume.

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, non fiction | Tagged | 1 Comment