IT DOESN’T TAKE A GENIUS

Posted on April 18, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

I wracked my brain and couldn’t find another book like this—a sequel to a movie. That’s right. IT DOESN’T TAKE A GENIUS is the continuation of gifted Emmett Charles coming of age story. If you missed the 2019 movie like I did—BOY GENIUS—no worries as the novel is a totally new story set at a summer camp for black excellence. Here’s the 2-minute movie trailer so you can meet the main character before reading my review of the book:

The story turns into a reflective journey for Emmett (or E as he prefers to be called). He questions who he is becoming and what it means to be a black youth in today’s world. The synopsis is spot on in its summary:

Emmett and his older brother Luke have always been “Batman and Robin,” though they’re quick to bicker about who’s who. Spending the summer at a historic Black summer camp seems like a wonderful adventure for the two to share, but since Luke is there as a junior counselor, he seems to spend all of his time being everyone else’s big brother, and ignoring Emmett. As Luke seems to be moving on to new adventures, Emmett struggles in unexpected ways, especially in swim class and the “It Takes A Village” entrepreneurship class. Without his brother to turn to for support, Emmett works to build a new crew of “superfriends,” who’ll help him plan something spectacular for the end-of-camp awards night and celebration. Along the way, Emmett learns that no matter what, there can be many ways to define family.

Camp is full of references to Black dancers, actors, scientists, and pop culture icons who defined excellence in their own fields. E is used to being the the smartest of all but realizing he knows little about these famous individuals from the past and present. Along with the fact he is surrounded by other brilliant and creative kids, this new learning has him rethinking everything. What is Black identity and how does it intersect with community? E will find that answer and more.

Emmett’s running commentary keeps the story moving through 44 chapters and an epilogue. Not a fast pace but a good one so readers can reflect on their own biases and perceptions of what it’s like growing up Black. Yes, there is a huge difference and stories like IT DOESN’T TAKE A GENIUS succeed in moving the dial closer to understanding why.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: April 13, 2021 PAGE COUNT: 308

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: IT DOESN’T TAKE A GENIUS by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich

  1. I cringed at the scenes in the swim classes. Reminded me of myself clinging to the side of the pool afraid of drowning just like E. Thankfully I got over my fear. No spoilers as to whether Emmett succeeds.
  2. Charles became more than just a secondary character and roommate to E. His story would be an interesting one to tell in a future book.
  3. Captures the heart of middle grade relationships. Confusing and rewarding all mixed up in those 12-year-old minds.
  4. No need to hide your giftedness at this camp. Intellect was celebrated. The reminders of Black icons in all areas was a needed and interesting part of the story.
  5. An older sibling going away to school is often a concern of kids. The future is scary and you’re about to lose your safety net. This plot point was handled well and will be helpful to young readers in the same predicament. What you know isn’t always the whole story.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich is the author of 8th Grade Superzero, which was named a Notable Book for a Global Society, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, an adaptation for Sesame Workshop’s Ghostwriter, and Operation Sisterhood. She is the coauthor of NAACP Image Award nominee Two Naomis, a Junior Library Guild selection, and its sequel, Naomis Too. She also writes nonfiction, including Above and Beyond: NASA’s Journey to Tomorrow, Someday is Now: Clara Luper and the 1958 Oklahoma City Sit-Ins, and Saving Earth: Climate Change and the Fight for Our Future.

Olugbemisola is a member of the Brown Bookshelf, editor of the We Need Diverse Books anthology The Hero Next Door, and teaches at the Solstice MFA Program in Creative Writing. She holds an MA in education, and has written frequently on parenting and literacy-related topics for PBS Parents, Brightly, American Baby, Healthy Kids, and other outlets. Visit her online at olugbemisolabooks.com and on Instagram: @olugbemisolarhudayperkovich.

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I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Comments are welcome below.

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

MARS IS

Posted on April 16, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

HiRISE (High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment) is the most advance camera ever sent into space. Scientists attached the camera to a spacecraft orbiting Mars and since 2006, pictures have been streaming back to Earth. Many of the colorful images are included in this new book, MARS IS.

The photos are spectacular ranging from the effects of bubbling gas on ice to how wind and frost heaving are constantly changing the planet. There is limited text on most pages allowing the imagination to take over and dream of putting a human up there in the future. Maybe a child reading this book will be the first.

The final pages are more in-depth with full pages dedicated to the spacecraft launch in 2005, the inner workings of the amazing camera, and information about Mars. The only thing left out is a bibliography for further reading. Young readers will for sure be inspired to learn more.

Perfect for ages 6-10 or anyone who is a space enthusiast. Mars truly is a beautiful planet as you’ll discover reading the equally beautiful book.

About the Author

A mechanical engineer by degree, Suzanne Slade is the award-winning author of more than one hundred books. Before beginning her writing career, Suzanne worked in the Mechanical/Propulsion Department at McDonnell Douglas Space Systems in Huntington Beach, CA on Delta rockets, Titan rockets, and the Delta-Star spacecraft. (Visit her website for more info on Suzanne and her books)

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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

IT’S A NUMBERS GAME! BASEBALL

Posted on April 14, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

Major league baseball season is in full swing and there’s a lot more to the game than balls and strikes. Last month ALWAYS in the MIDDLE participated in the Book Blast for IT’S A NUMBERS GAME! BASEBALL. The big Giveaway is over but now I can give you a better idea of what you’ll find inside this colorful guide to America’s pastime.

First up is the official synopsis:

With every hit, ball, strike, and home run numbers are being calculated on the baseball field. Get ready to learn all the ways digits and math factor into the game, from the countless statistics used to measure an individual player’s game to the exact timing used to steal a base.

Read about all the greatest players from baseball history and get fun facts, like what the most retired jersey number is. Discover what countries dominate in the Little League World Series and check out cool graphics that show the frequency of hits to every part of the field. Jam-packed with sports trivia, awesome photos, and fun activities at the end of every chapter, this number-focused look at the game is the ultimate grand slam.

Photos of the greatest players and descriptions of every aspect of the game fill the seven chapters. Even if you are a die hard baseball fan, be prepared to learn something new.

Ever wonder how Slugging Percentage is figured or even what it means? Everything is explained with sample math problems. The same goes for ERA (Earned Run Average), BAPIP (Batting Average on Balls in Play, and RANGE FACTOR to name a few. Yes, stats rule the game and drive decisions both before and during a game.

I especially enjoyed the closing chapters on the World Series and 9 crazy numbers baseball is known for with the player given their due. A 2-page glossary brings you up to date on unfamiliar words and a third page covers all the abbreviations.

Baseball fans won’t want to miss this one. I’ve been to quite a few games myself in three different ball parks and this put me in the big leagues for how the game is played and scored. A homerun on my scorecard.

About the Author

JAMES BUCKLEY, JR. is the author of more than 100 books for young readers on basketball, baseball, football, soccer, and more. A former editor at Sports Illustrated and NFL Publishing, he is also the author of the top-selling annual Scholastic Year in Sports. In the non-sports world, he has written a dozen titles in the New York Times best-selling Who Was…? biography series. He lives in Santa Barbara, California, where he runs the Shoreline Publishing Group, a leading producer of nonfiction for kids.

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Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, non fiction | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

MMGM for April 12, 2021

Posted on April 12, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

                 bluebook

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

55552At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I’m  reviewing THE MEDUSA QUEST by Alane Adams.

55552Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles is interviewing debut author Kaela Rivera and giving away her MG adventure Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls.

55552Sue Heavenrich at Archimedes Notebook celebrates National Poetry Month with a review of a nonfiction book about spiders: Spi-ku: A Clutter of Short Verse on Eight Legs, by Leslie Bulion.

55552Jenni Enzor features Andrew Lane’s Death Cloud, the first book in the Young Sherlock series.

55552Completely Full Bookshelf is ready with a recommendation for Act by Kayla Miller

55552Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal has Merci Suárez Can’t Dance by Meg Medina, the sequel to her first novel about Merci and her close-knit Cuban-American family.

55552Maria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA features THE FRIENDSHIP WAR by Andrew Clements.

55552Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of ALONE by Megan E. Freeman. Rosi also shares three helpful links for her writing friends.

55552Andrea Mack at That’s Another Story joins us again with a look at Tornado Brain by Cat Patrick.

55552Karen 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 REMEDY.
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 MEDUSA QUEST

Posted on April 11, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

This second title in the Legends of Olympus series will appeal to adventure seekers and those interested in Greek Mythology. If you start with book 2 you’ll have no problem picking up the plot from where it left off. The author does a nice job of making this a new journey for the main characters while emphasizing what it was that got them into these new dangers.

Here’s a short synopsis:

Phoebe Katz is back on a new mission to save Olympus. After returning home from their adventures in The Eye of Zeus, Phoebe and friends discover the epic mythology stories in the books have changed, all thanks to their actions. Now Phoebe must go back to Olympus and right the history she wrecked, but can she do this before a powerful force destroys the demi-god children of Zeus?

The brave and always snappy, Phoebe, narrates the 24 chapters. She’s the daughter of Zeus as revealed in Book one. Her twin brother is Perseus and he’s about to be turned into stone. That’s all the motivation she need to leave the modern world again and return to Ancient Greece with her two friends. It’s an enjoyable mix of new and old.

Escapism at it’s finest.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: April 13, 2021 PAGE COUNT: 264

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT THE MEDUSA QUEST

  1. In these times of frequent bad news, the messages about friendship and family will warm your heart.
  2. Damian, a friend of Phoebe, has all the elements of starring in his own story. His knowledge of Greek Mythology and living with a rather unusual caretaker made me smile.
  3. The interactions Phoebe has with her brother Perseus shows time has no bearing on the relationship of siblings. It can be loving one minute and full of disdain the next.
  4. Snakes and three headed monsters will appeal to many young readers.
  5. The sign of popular series begins with the characters. The cast here is one of the best.

About Alane Adams

Alane Adams is the author of award-winning titles that include the Legends of Orkney™ Norse mythology series for middle grade readers, the Witches of Orkney prequel series, and a series of historical picture books set in the 1920s including The Coal Thief. Alane’s newest Greek mythology series, The Legends of Olympus debuted Spring 2020 with The Eye of Zeus. Alane Adams and her books have been featured on BBC, Fox, the CW, Parade, Bustle, Today, People, and many more! When Alane is not writing or talking to kids in schools about Reading Is A Superpower, she’s out hiking somewhere in the world or hanging out with her three boys in Southern California. For more information, visit https://alaneadams.com or follow Alane on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @AlaneAdamsBooks.

About Rise Up Foundation

Rise Up Foundation strives to improve the lives of children and families living in poverty and difficult circumstances, as well as teachers and educators of young children. Rise Up supports literacy projects as a path toward improving the future prospects of children in underserved communities by making book donations, providing classroom support, and grant-making. In addition to literacy efforts, Rise Up works with organizations committed to defining and solving the problems that chronic poverty brings to children and their communities. 

In just the last two years, Rise Up has partnered with organizations such as First Book, Donors Choose, Teach Your Heart Out, and Reading is Fundamental to provide nearly $500,000 in funding, classroom supplies, and donated books, with an additional $170,000 in grants awarded to individual teachers. To date, Alane Adams and Rise Up Foundation has:

  • visited 300+ schools so far, 
  • donated over 42,500 books,
  • reached over 100,000 kids in her efforts to create real and lasting change for children, schools, and families in need.

For more information, visit https://riseupfoundation.org or follow on Facebook @Rise.Up.Foundation and on Twitter @RiseUpFdn.

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I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Share your thought in the comments below. And don’t forget to visit all of the other MMGM bloggers today.

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

ENSNARED IN THE WOLF’S LAIR

Posted on April 9, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

Most of us have probably had several history classes that covered Hitler and his regime in World War II. But buried deep in the facts are atrocities we never learned about. Ensnared in the Wolf’s Lair is a sad story of German families split apart when the plot to kill Hitler goes wrong. Here’s the synopsis from National Geographic:

During the summer of 1944, a secretive network of German officers and civilians banded together for Operation Valkyrie in order to make a last attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler.  Their plot was meant to take place at the Wolf’s Lair, the dictator’s headquarters in East Prussia where he spent nearly half of World War II. It failed. An enraged Hitler demanded revenge.

“I’ve come on orders from Berlin to fetch three children.” – Gestapo agent, August 24, 1944

With those chilling words twelve-year old Christa von Hofacker, her younger siblings and countless other children of the Valkyrie conspirators found themselves ensnared in a web of family punishment. The furious dictator sought merciless vengeance against not only Christa’s father and the other Germans who had tried to topple their regime, but also their far-flung family members too.  Revenge was meticulously planned for all of them — including every last child.  Within weeks, Gestapo agents had taken as many as 200 relatives from their homes, separating the adults from the children, and punishing them all.

The Ghost Children were 44 innocent victims, the oldest about 15. They were hidden away at a camp while many of their parents were hanged or shot. Their youth snatched away and they had no idea why. Slowly they begin to make the connection one of their parents must be involved in the plot to bring down Hitler. It would be decades later before their story would be told, mostly through the diary of one of the Ghost Children, Christa von Hofacker.

Seven enticing chapters take you on a trip back in time:

  • Chapter 1—HITLER’S RISE
  • Chapter 2—RESISTING THE REGIME
  • Chapter 3—VALKYRIE
  • Chapter 4—HITLER’S REVENGE
  • Chapter 5—THE GHOST CHILDREN
  • Chapter 6—HITLER’S DEMISE
  • Chapter 7—A TRAUMATIC SHADOW

The story is one for upper MG and YA, or adults like me who want to learn the truth of all that went on during the Hitler years. ENSNARED IN THE WOLF’S LAIR would make a perfect centerpiece in a classroom or individual study of WWII. It’s a superbly researched tale and one you will never forget.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ann Bausum is an award-winning children’s book author who brings history alive by connecting readers to personal stories from the past that echo in the present day.  Using Christa Von Hofacker’s diary, rare photographs and personal interviews with survivors, Ann presents the spine-chilling little-known stories of the failed Operation Valkyrie plot, the revenge that it triggered and the families caught in the fray.

(For a more detailed look at Ann and her books, visit her website)

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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 non fiction, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

MMGM for April 5, 2021

Posted on April 5, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

                      

 Click on an umbrella to reach a blogger’s post.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I’m  reviewing HOMER ON THE CASE by Henry Cole. If you like birds this one is for you.

June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic has a timely tribute to Beverly Cleary who passed away at age 104.

Susan Uhlig is excited about the new release of THE ACCIDENTAL APPRENTICE by Amanda Foody.

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Unicorn Island (Vol. 1) by Donna Galanti, a delightful contemporary fantasy.

Maria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA features HENRY AND BEEZUS by Beverly Cleary in celebration of Beverly Cleary’s books.

Mark Baker at Carstairs Considers returns to the MMGM lineup today with a review of The Chosen One by James Riley.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews 365 Days to Alaska by Cathy Carr. Rosi also shares three links for her writing friends.

Karen 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 UPSTAGED.
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

HOMER ON THE CASE

Posted on April 4, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

Homing pigeon Homer and his parrot friend Lulu learn something is afoul when they witness four-legged criminals stealing valuables from both the animal and human communities. Using the sleuthing techniques he’s gathered from his favorite mystery comics, Homer and Lulu track down the bandits, but need human help to stop them for good. Can they find a way to communicate with their human keepers and lead them to the culprits’ hideout to stop the thieves? (From Peachtree Publishing Company)

MY TAKE: The 144 pages will appeal to not only those who enjoy a unique animal story but also new readers jumping up to the middle grade level of books.

Homer narrates the story. He lives with a boy, Otto, and his grandfather. They both are training Homer to be his best at flying home—it’s what homing pigeons do.

The mystery of the missing jewels and other assorted valuables from a local park is the heart of the plot. Homer can read but not speak to humans and Lulu the parrot has the ability to squawk out a few words. Together with their owners, Otto and Charlotte, they’re determined to “snap” this case shut.

A quick read with a surprising nemesis. Teachers and parents looking for a good read aloud will also be pleased.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: April 1, 2021

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: HOMER ON THE CASE by Henry Cole

  1. A full page of black and white images begin each chapter. A great precursor to the scenes ahead.
  2. The unique characteristics of homing pigeons and parrots are built into the story line.
  3. Dick Tracy. I’d forgotten about this comic detective and most kids will have never heard of him. Homer uses the sleuth’s stories to learn about being a detective.
  4. The message that it often takes more than one to solve a problem.
  5. An animal story that’s not about dogs or cats. I enjoy those, too, but the birds made this one a nice change of pace.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Henry Cole is the illustrator of more than ninety books for children, including bestsellers such as The Leprechaun’s Gold, Little Bo, and Tango Makes Three, and Oink!, in addition to many of his own books, such as A Nest For Celeste and Jack’s Garden. He lives in Florida. You can visit  his website here.

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I received an ARC for my honest review. Comments are welcome below.

To see other Marvelous Middle Grade reviews and features click here.

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

13 THINGS STRONG KIDS DO

Posted on April 2, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

Amy Morin, author of the best selling, 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do, has shifted gears to help tweens in the always tough growing up years. A chapter is dedicated to each idea and begins with a story of a boy or girl approaching problems in their life in an ineffective way. They then discover a better path to become mentally strong.

It’s a well done set-up sure to help any emerging teenager. In fact I would have loved to have had this book back in my growing up years. It would have saved me a lot of heartache and confusion.

Also included in each chapter is a short quiz to help readers learn more about themselves. Next comes a deeper look at how to learn the things strong kids do. There’s proof of how it works in real life and exercises that will help change your approach: THINK BIG, Feel GOOD, ACT BRAVE.

You might be wondering just what are the 13 THINGS STRONG KIDS DO? Here they are:

  1. They Stop Feeling Sorry for Themselves
  2. They Empower Themselves
  3. They Adapt to Change
  4. They Focus on Things They Have Control Over
  5. They Know When to Say No
  6. They Take Calculated Risks
  7. They Create Their Future
  8. They Own Their Own Mistakes
  9. They Celebrate Other People’s Successes
  10. They Fail and Try Again
  11. They Balance Social Time with Alone Time
  12. They Are Thankful for What They Have
  13. They Persist

Change for any tween is possible with support. Now you will need your own copy of the book to make these things happen. A great gift for the child in your life. The techniques provided here would also be a helpful semester class for 4th-6th grade kids.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: April 6, 2021 PAGE COUNT: 336

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amy Morin is a licensed clinical social worker, instructor at Northeastern University, and psychotherapist. She is the author of the international bestseller 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do, as well as 13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do. Amy is a regular contributor to Verywell, CNBC, Forbes, Inc., and Psychology Today. She gave one of the most viewed TEDx talks of all time and was named the “self-help guru of the moment” by The Guardian. She lives in Marathon, Florida. 13 Things Mentally Strong Women Don’t Do is her third book followed by 13 Things Strong Kids Do.

For more visit Amy’s informative website

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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 non fiction | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

GREAT RIVERS OF THE WORLD

Posted on March 31, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

Eighteen of the grandest rivers are given their due in this colorful and informative book. What could have been a boring text filled description of each water source, turns into an enlightening journey.

Each river is given a two page spread (except for the Nile where the pages fold out to reveal the full length). Your eyes might first find the informative text box taking up less than a quarter of the space. Or maybe you’ll begin your journey by following the river’s course where brightly colored illustrations display what you would find along the river. Stop to read any of the several paragraphs to discover some of the unique characteristics.

You’ll be surprised at what you didn’t know like names of rivers rarely mentioned in geography classes (Orinoco, the mysterious jungle river, or Murray, Australia’s vast waterway). At 11 by 15 inches, GREAT RIVERS OF THE WORLD will most likely hide all but the top of young reader’s heads.

What a fantastic, enjoyable way to explore these legendary rivers whether it be your first time or not.

ABOUT THE CREATORS

Volker Mehnert is a journalist, travel writer, and author of a children’s biography of the explorer Alexander von Humboldt. He lives in Bad Soden, Germany.

Martin Haake has created illustrated works for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Penguin Books, and Volkswagen. His illustrations have earned him several awards, including the German Art Directors Club’s silver medal, of which he is a two-time recipient. He lives in Berlin, Germany.

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I was given a copy of the book to write this honest review. Comments are welcome below.

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, non fiction | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments