A Lucky 13 GIVEAWAY!

Posted on August 29, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

Thirteen years ago, I was going through all the middle grade books I had read and made a decision. Parents, students, and relatives often asked me for recommendations of books to buy as gifts or to read themselves. I’d respond with some of my favorites, but what if I could reach a larger audience with a book review blog?

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE was born and I remember getting about 10 views that first month. Not exactly what I expected, but it was a start. I soon connected with Shannon Messenger and her genius idea to give middle grade books more recognition with the creation of Marvelous Middle Grade Monday (MMGM). Each week she posted a list of bloggers who had a review of an MG book or anything connected to this level of story telling. My views instantly increased and I faithfully posted a review every week to share.

Fast forward 5 years to 2017 and Shannon asked me if I would take over MMGM as her writing career had taken off. I said yes and I’m still here 8 years later.

Now it is time to celebrate my 13-year blogging anniversary and my 8-year MMGM anniversary with a huge 3-day GIVEAWAY.

James Ponti is one of authors I have followed and am a devoted fan of his work. There will be three days of James Ponti books I’m giving away to lucky readers. A different set of books for each day.

To enter today all you have to do is leave a comment and you could win this 3-book hardback set of the FRAMED series! The deadline to enter is 11 pm EDT on September 4th. (U.S. Addresses only)

Tomorrow I will share 10 truths about James Ponti with a chance to win Books 1-3 in the City Spies series and on Monday I have a review of his newest middle grade release: ” THE SHERLOCK SOCIETY – HURRICANE HEIST.” There will be a Giveaway of this book and books 4-6 in the City Spies series.

Thanks to everyone who visits my site and good luck in the GIVEAWAYS!

Posted in Giveaways, Middle Grade News | Tagged , | 15 Comments

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for 8/25/2025

Posted on August 25, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

 

Enjoy all these great posts from our line-up this week:

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has my review of NORTH OF TOMBOY by Julie A Swanson.

••Susan Uhlig is featuring Eve McDonnell’s debut ELSETIME. Susan calls it a great read. 

••Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an interview with James Ponti and a GIVEAWAY of Hurricane Heist.

••Brenda at Log Cabin Library reviews Surviving Summer Camp by Paul Breau. 

••Tonja Drecker at Bookworm for Kids takes a peek at Schooled by Jamie Sumner.

••Jennifer Rummel @ YA Book Nerd shares a middle grade mystery: Trouble at the Tangerine.

••Carol Baldwin has a new young reviewer this week. Lucy W. liked The Peach Thief so much she didn’t want to give it away!

••Kasey Giard @ THE STORY SANCTUARY reviews Do Not Disturb by Brad Marshall and Lindsay Hassock.

••Maria Antonia has a post about The Trouble with Heroes by Kate Messner.

••Valinora Troy has a review of Caught Dead by S.J.Wills, book 2 in the Bite Risk series.

••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of THE BURNING SEASON by Caroline Starr Rose. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

••Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a book to share every day. Check out Karen’s MMGM choice for this week and all her reviews from this past week.

Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

North of Tomboy

Posted on August 24, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

The story is narrated by 9-year-old Jess Jezowski who strongly believes she’s more like a boy than the girl everyone expects her to be. This includes three siblings, her parents, and other girls at school. Set in Michigan, the first chapter begins Christmas eve, 1972 and the end of the book brings us to October 1, 1973.

Jess hates the dresses her mother makes her wear and isn’t happy having long hair. She stays quiet until receiving a Christmas gift- A toy doll. Jess cuts the doll’s hair off and name’s him Mickey. Using a voice for Mickey when talking to the family, Jess can finally express the way she feels about her true identity. Mickey is expressive and funny, but is this toy doll really going to help or will she have to find her own voice?

Empathy for Jess rings true in every one of the 58 chapters. You’ll understand her confused feelings. She doesn’t resolve everything, which is perfectly portrayed for a 4th-5th grader either at that time or today. It takes time to figure our who you are.

NORTH OF TOMBOY is a bit long for this type of novel, but reading it with a parent or adult would add even more benefit to the experience.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: 9/2/25. PAGES: 376

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: NORTH OF TOMBOY by Julie A. Swanson

  1. The time period with Watergate and the Vietnam War going on gives readers a eye opening look at life in the early 1970s.
  2. So true to the way boys and girls treated each other. You did boy sports and activities only if you were a boy. Girls were expected to be girls. A great portrayal of that time.
  3. The illustrations that begin many of the chapters have some insights of their own. They don’t detract from the story telling but many made me smile.
  4. Jess and her family are Catholic and the story demonstrates how impactful the faith has on decision making. Jess is always concerned about the way she acts and feels.
  5. True to form as the story is based on the author’s own feelings growing up during this time in Michigan.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Julie Swanson grew up in Michigan’s “Little Finger,” the Leelanau Peninsula, where many of her stories are set, but has lived in Wisconsin, Iowa, New Hampshire, California, and Virginia. For the past twenty-five years she’s lived in Charlottesville, VA. Julie writes middle grade and young adult novels and enjoys sports, the outdoors, “making things” (almost any type of art or craft, woodworking), reading, writing, eating, planting trees, and spending time with family. (Julie’s Author Website)

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW! AND BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

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

NIGHT OF THE LIVING TOILET PAPER

Posted on August 22, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

The sequel to the entertaining I KNOW WHAT UFO DID LAST SUMMER that I reviewed earlier this year has Marv back in action defending his family and town from aliens. His first person narration is fast paced and likeable.

Joining him again are friends Jace and Nora. Jace enjoys basketball more than alien mysteries and Nora isn’t the best of friends, always referring ot Marv as “Weirdo.” This often leaves Marv investigating on his own.

The first discovery is a motorcycle racing through the woods without a driver. After finding the bike he takes it to his hidden fort for a closer look . A Sleech creature like what he found in Book One slithers out of the tailpipe. Marv knows this is not good.

His instincts are proven correct when he returns with his friends to find the fort destroyed except for his emergency stockpile of toilet paper now in control of the Sleech. If they don’t solve this mystery the T.P. just might attack and wipe them out.

A wild plot for sure that will keep young readers flipping the pages until reaching the exciting conclusion. One new character is included, the fire loving Kenji. Despite their different personalities these four find a way to work together with a bizarre and very wet plan. An exciting premise and a much shorter length (192 pages) than most MG books, a real plus given not every young reader is ready for a 300-400 page reading experience.

NIGHT OF THE LIVING TOILET PAPER would make a great gift or as an addition to the classroom library. You can pre-order the book now in anticipation of a September 23rd release date.

About Kevin Garone​

Kevin Garone is the author of I Know What UFO Did Last Summer. He lives with his wife and sons in Arizona, and is a graduate of Brigham Young University. When he’s not writing, you’ll probably find him reading, playing video games, hiking, or cheering on his favorite sports teams. He is a member of The American Night Writers Association.

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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. 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 don’t forget to say what 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 that week’s MMGM.

*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 MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for 8/18/2025

Posted on August 18, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

 

Enjoy all these great posts from our line-up this week:

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is featuring a review of PHANTOM ACADEMY by Christine Virnig.

••Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an interview with debut author Ryan James Black and a giveaway of his MG The Dark Times of Nimble Nottingham.

••Jemima Pett shares an interesting book about Frontiersman Daniel Boone with DANIEL BOONE AND ME.

••Tonja Drecker at Bookworm for Kids takes a look at Lost on Doll Island by Cassandra Ramos-Gomez. 

••Jennifer Rummel @ YA Book Nerd reviews SUNNY FIGURES IT OUT.

••Kasey Giard @ THE STORY SANCTUARY reviews Riverkeeper: Protecting an American River by Nancy F. Castaldo.

••Maria Antonia is back with us again this week with a post about Smoke & Mirrors by Rosalyn Ransaw. 

••Valinora Troy has a review of Bella Bright and the Ghost Game by Carolyn Ward.

••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of THE KING OF JAM SANDWICHES by Eric Walters. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

••Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a book to share every day. Check out Karen’s MMGM choice for this week and all her reviews from this past week.

Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Phantom Academy

Posted on August 17, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

A story about a dead twelve-year-old boy. Unfortunately, Finn died after getting hit on the head by a stray coconut. Now he is a ghost and student at Phantom Academy.

At first I couldn’t get over the sadness of a family losing their son so abruptly. After reading the first chapter, I decided to treat this as to what it is intended to be: A paranormal fantasy full of humor, a mystery to solve, and a trio of fun, engaging characters.

Finn can’t understand why he’s in school again, taking tests and not doing the assigned homework. Wasn’t that just for the living world? No, this school has teachers training underage ghosts about what to expect and be able to do in the afterlife.

Finn meets new friends in Leroy, who almost never breaks a rule, and Jade. Like you’d expect from ghosts they are somewhat transparent and float as they move. The unexpected part is they still have to eat the awful cafeteria food and use the bathroom (No spoilers here as it is rather disgusting).

These three all miss their families. and since they are stuck here for 5 years of training, seeing their loved ones again will be impossible. Finn convinces his ghostly friends to break out of this place. All they have to do is figure out how that can be accomplished. The longer they stay, their memories will become fuzzier about their time alive.

Finn’s first person narration is never boring as he takes readers through 31 chapters. The plot has all the makings of a series. There’s still much to be accomplished in this ghostly world. PHANTOM ACADEMY is perfect for the upcoming Halloween season.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: August 26, 2025 PAGES: 272

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: PHANTOM ACADEMY by Christine Virnig

  1. This was like a middle school for ghosts and the interactions between the characters was both fun and frequently heartwarming.
  2. The mystery of why Finn is the only one who can talk to the numerous paintings on the walls of the academy was a great part of the plot.
  3. I smiled at the card catalog still present in the ghost library. No computers here to help find what you need.
  4. Finn is a well crafted character and exhibits all the charm of a 12-year-old boy. He can be funny one minute and serious the next. A memorable ghost for sure.
  5. The way the three characters eventually deal with death was sad but also hopeful and respectful.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christine Virnig is a children’s author who combines her child development expertise as a former pediatric allergist with her experience working in a children’s library to craft stories that make kids laugh, scream, and feel seen. On the fiction side, Christine’s spooky middle grade novels include A Bite Above the Rest and Phantom Academy. Christine also writes gross-but-educational middle grade nonfiction, including Dung for Dinnerand Waist-Deep in Dung. Her first picture book launches in 2027. Christine lives in Madison, Wisconsin with her family, an exorbitant number of dust bunnies, and one incredibly lazy cat. (Christine’s Author Website)

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW! AND BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

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

ASK SCARLETT

Posted on August 15, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

A fun book in a question and answer format. Our guide is Scarlett Fox who takes young readers through five chapters:

  • CHAPTER 1 Act Natural
  • CHAPTER 2 Party Animals
  • CHAPTER 3 Sensational Senses
  • CHAPTER 4 Wild Weather
  • CHAPTER 5 Worldwide Wonders

Colorful photos are included throughout and blend well with the text. The questions are ones kids often ask but can’t find an answer.

Some of my favorites included:

Can the wind make me feel weird?

Why do people say to stop and smell the roses?

Can being outside help me de-stress?

Can bad weather make my grades better?

There are dozens more about how nature effects one’s mind and body. The back pages is where you will find a helpful Glossary, Index, and Resources page. Curious minds are the winners here. Read the chapters in any order and be rewarded with an engaging reading experience. ASK SCARLETT would make a great gift for the middle grader in your family.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Becky Baines is a children’s book writer and editor and former editorial director at National Geographic Kids. She has written books for kids about topics from dogs to bones to eggs to spiders.

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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. 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 don’t forget to say what 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 that week’s MMGM.

*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 , , , | Leave a comment

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for 8/11/2025

Posted on August 11, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

 

Enjoy all these great posts from our line-up this week:

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is featuring a review of THE SONG OF ORPHAN’S GARDEN by Nicole M. Hewitt.

••Jenni Enzor has a double feature with The Star That Always Stays and The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry.

••Carol Baldwin shares a picture book that she also recommends for middle grade readers: I AM GRAVITY by Henry Herz. A giveaway is also included.

••Stephanie Robinson at Fairday’s Blog will be featuring the book: Greenwild:  The World Beyond the Door by Pari Thomson.

••Kasey Giard @ THE STORY SANCTUARY reviews The Sky Was My Blanket by Uri Shulevitz.

••Brenda @ Log Cabin Library reviews Not Lucille by Mike Steele.

••Valinora Troy has a review of The Poisoned King by Katherine Rundell (sequel to Impossible Creatures).

••Jennifer Rummel @ YA Book Nerd reviews Sherlock Society: Hurricane Heist by James Ponti.

••Charlotte’s Library takes a look at The Island of Forgotten Gods, by Victor Piñero.

••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of THE BLOSSOMING SUMMER by Anna Rose Johnson. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

••Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a book to share every day. Check out Karen’s MMGM choice for this week and all her reviews from this past week.

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

THE SONG OF ORPHAN’S GARDEN

Posted on August 10, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

A fantasy tale in verse that is both heartwarming and magical. I always prefer the traditional way of story telling, but this story is perfect in its’ lyrical format.

On the cover are the giant boy, Brob, along with Lyriana and her 6-year-old brother Zave. sadly orphaned. They are in an arctic world but survival will only happen by getting to the Orphan’s Garden, a safe place from the icy winter and deadly spirits. The evil Giant king also does not rule this place.

These three do not arrive at the garden together since humans and giants don’t get along. Brob accidentally created the garden with his ancient magic when he was a much younger boy. He is returning here to save himself and parents from the deadly winter after the Giant king punishes them to a cold existence. Brob will not let any humans inside Orphan’s Garden for they are not trustworthy and will promptly destroy the magic.

When Lyriana arrives with her brother it becomes clear that she is needed to save this special place. Lyriana is a special Songsummoner and her musical magic brings forth Fermatta, a necessary element to keep the garden alive. But first they will have to find a way to end the battle between Humans and Giants.

The verse format is mostly voiced by Lyriana and Brob in separate pieces. Their names are at the top of each verse they narrate. This dual format works to perfection as readers get the full emotional impact for each character. How they begin to see each other as friends instead of enemies is a special part of THE SONG OF ORPHAN’S GARDEN. A page turning story that comes together in a beautiful format.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: January 21, 2025. Pages: 352

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE SONG OF ORPHAN”S GARDEN by Nicole M. Hewitt

  1. In many passages the words in verse also demonstrate the action or emotion of a scene. In this format they don’t have to be a continuous straight line of worlds and it works to perfection.
  2. Poor Zave seems like just a tag along character but he soon rises to heroic status.
  3. Great world building as you feel yourself present in every location.
  4. The plot had me thinking of parallels to our present world. If only magic could heal our feuds between nations.
  5. Memorable characters are a must in any story. Lyriana, Zave, and Brob fill this need in an outstanding way.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nicole M. Hewitt is a middle grade author living in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, three grown kids, and two overly-enthusiastic pups. She hates to run, but she succeeded in finishing a marathon. (It was for a good cause!) She enjoys nature but doesn’t see nearly enough of it in Illinois, so her family travels as often as possible. She also loves to sing and can often be heard spontaneously composing incredibly profound songs about the fluffiest members of her family (the dogs, in case you weren’t sure). Her debut middle grade fantasy novel-in-verse, THE SONG OF ORPHAN’S GARDEN released in January of 2025 and was chosen as a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. (Author Website)

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW! AND BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

Posted in MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews, Novel in verse | Tagged , , , , , | 11 Comments

The Nightmares of Finnegan Quick

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

The back cover description boldly warns readers of what to expect:

You probably shouldn’t read this book. Because it’s going to get creepy fast…

No kidding!

THE NIGHTMARES OF FINNEGAN QUICK features Finn’s first person narration. He’s having nightmares and in real life they come true! His dog and parents are both now gone thanks to those terrible dreams. He’s living with his Gran, but has started dreaming about her and fears she could be the next to go.

At school he sees a girl who also has appeared in his dreams. Cass offers to help Finn unravel the mystery of his life. Also along is Finn’s best friend, Squid.

They face nasty gremlins and a patched up zombie like character who is out to get them all. But these kids have weapons including a frying pan, sledgehammer and water pistols. If you’re thinking this is not going to go well you guessed right.

Thankfully there are doses of humor, especially with the interactions between Finn, Cass, and Squid. The climatic end leads into a book 2 continuation. Those age 10 and up who like a dose of creepiness will enjoy this hard to put down story.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: August 5, 2025 Pages: 256

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Larry Hayes is afraid of zombies in lifts, vampires in rocking chairs and baby crocodiles in toilets. He is no longer afraid of the dark, changing a nappy in a moving vehicle, or death. He is the author of the How to Survive series, the latest of which, How to Survive Time Travel, was shortlisted for the Laugh Out Loud Awards. When he’s not writing children’s books, Larry works in finance, helps run a homeless charity and is the governor of a primary school federation.

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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. 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 don’t forget to say what 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 that week’s MMGM.

*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 MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , | 2 Comments