THE COOLEST STUFF ON EARTH

Posted on January 29, 2021 by Greg Pattridge
This big, bright and photo-packed gift-worthy book digs into the details behind our planet’s most magnificent marvels, epic extremes, and astonishing animals. . Did you know that dogs can shake off a pound of water in less than a second? That some sand dunes whistle and sing? That the U.S. dollar bill is full of hidden symbols related to the number 13? Our world is filled with strange, bizarre, and weird happenings. But what do they mean? WHY are they important? And what secrets are behind them? These stories and much more are revealed through cool stories, action-packed photos, fantastic infographics, and exciting Q&As with in-the-field experts. Discover the secrets of sharkskin, the mysteries behind incredible island animals, the power behind lightning, how a rare gemstone changes color, and more. Kids will be captivated by this fresh way of looking at our amazing planet.

MY TAKE: Wow! The 192 pages are packed with amazing pictures accompanying each of the facts. Arranged in nine different categories you can start anywhere or read it straight through like I did. Check out these enticing chapters:

  1. MAGNIFICENT MARVELS
  2. TRAVEL UNRAVELED
  3. EXTRAORDINARY ANIMALS
  4. HISTORY’S MYSTERIES
  5. SHOCKING SCIENCE

6. PECULIAR PLANET

7. SPECTACULAR SPORTS

8. MONEY DECODED

9. EPIC EXTREMES

THE COOLEST STUFF ON EARTH often has to be turned sideways to catch every image. The facts will have young readers shaking their heads, laughing at times, and of course sharing every detail to friends and family.

The large hardback would be a popular addition to any room in the house or apartment. It would also make a very special gift.

You’ll feel a lot smarter after reading and doing so will break a few long standing beliefs. My thinking has been changed as to why giraffes have long necks—and it’s not what you think!

I’d recommend this one from ages 8 on up to triple digits. Truly a special book for everyone to enjoy.

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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 , , | 6 Comments

MMGM for January 25, 2021

Posted on January 25, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

                 sunset

Click on a Winter Sun to reach a blogger’s site

carlitos-Mr.-SunAt ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of BUMP by Matt WALLACE, a story about a girl who finds comfort in a pro wrestling training program.

carlitos-Mr.-SunNatalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles interviews Chrystal D. Giles  with a GIVEAWAY of her MG contemporary Many Points of Me.

carlitos-Mr.-SunJune McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic features a non-fiction picture book for Ages 8-12, The Quilts of Gee’s Bend.

carlitos-Mr.-SunAuthor K.A. Cummins (Snow Globe Travelers) turns the reviewing task over to her son, Keagan. He reviews Still Small Voice by Allen Brokken.

carlitos-Mr.-SunCompletely Full Bookshelf recommends City of Secrets by Victoria Ying.

carlitos-Mr.-SunJenni Enzor is featuring On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson.

carlitos-Mr.-SunPatricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Mary Seacole: Bound for the Battlefield bySusan Goldman Rubin, the biography of a Jamaican nurse who fought during the Crimean War.

carlitos-Mr.-SunMaria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA features We Dream of Space by Erin Entrada Kelly.

carlitos-Mr.-SunRosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of BEYOND THE BRIGHT SEA by Lauren Wolk. Rosi also shares three helpful links for her writing friends.

carlitos-Mr.-SunFaith E. Hough at Blythe & Bold comes in with a review of Gary D. Schmidt’s JUST LIKE THAT.

carlitos-Mr.-SunKaren Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads always has a great MMGM review. Check it out along with her other features this past week including a list of Humorous Books For Boys.
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

BUMP

Posted on January 24, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

When I was a middle grader, my grandfather would always take me to several pro wrestling matches each year. We’d sit ring side and I’d get an elbow nudge every time something important happened. Afterwards he’d rave about what a great story we’d witnessed.

I didn’t see the connection then. It just looked like a lot of grown men beating up on each other. It also never occurred to me that pro wrestling or lucha libre in Mexico would become the centerpiece for a new middle grade fiction title. I’m glad it has, especially for those of us looking for something different.

MJ knows what it means to hurt. Bruises from gymnastics heal, but big hurts—like her dad not being around anymore—don’t go away. Now her mom needs to work two jobs, and MJ doesn’t have friends at school to lean on.
There is only one thing MJ loves: the world of professional wrestling. She especially idolizes the luchadores and the stories they tell in the ring. When MJ learns that her neighbor, Mr. Arellano, runs a wrestling school, she has a new mission in life: join the school, train hard, and become a wrestler.
But trouble lies ahead. After wrestling in a showcase event, MJ attracts the attention of Mr. Arellano’s enemy at the State Athletic Commission. There are threats to shut the school down, putting MJ’s new home—and the community that welcomed her—at risk. What can MJ do to save her new family? (From Harper Collins)

Maya, or MJ as she liked to be called is a strong female character you will cheer for both inside the world of wrestling and out. Most of the scenes take place at the wrestling school where MJ finds new friends. It’s like an extended family—something she needs after her father left and life at school is not going so well. The few chapters set at her middle school portray this feeling with all the nastiness a mean spirited bully can bring.

BUMP brought meaning to those evenings with my grandfather. Yes, seeing it live really is a story to be enjoyed with protagonists and their enemies and you’re hoping the good one comes out on top. The author though wrote it for a different reason:

…I have three nieces under the age of eleven, including my goddaughter, who are all dealing with growing up as brown girls in America. I wanted to write a story in which they could see themselves and feel seen by others, a story in which the were the hero and had agency and hope.

Mr. Wallace, you have succeeded on all fronts.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: January 26, 2021 PAGE COUNT: 288

FIVE MORE THING TO LIKE ABOUT BUMP by Matt Wallace

  1. MJ makes the perfect MG hero. She’s able to solve a problem even when it’s the scariest thing to do.
  2. MJ’s mom handles her daughter’s wrestling obsession with concern and worry, exactly how most parents would. It takes a village as they say, and this mom makes a strong presence in her own way.
  3. You learn a lot about wrestling. Even if you’ve never been a fan before, the story has plenty of heart to keep you engaged.
  4. The ending is so good! No spoilers but it may bring a tear to your eye.
  5. The plot line with someone trying to destroy the school was brought along nicely, culminating in an exciting finish readers will love.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Matt Wallace is the Hugo–winning author of Rencor: Life in Grudge City, the Sin du Jour series, and Savage Legion. He’s also penned over one hundred short stories in addition to writing for film and television. In his youth he traveled the world as a professional wrestler, unarmed combat, and self-defense instructor before retiring to write full-time. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Nikki. You can visit him at www.matt-wallace.com.

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 14 Comments

BRAIN CANDY 2

Posted on January 22, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

In 2019 I featured the first BRAIN CANDY book for kids. I’m a kid at heart because this big adult also enjoyed the fun format filled with facts. I was happy to see a second book in the series released and I spent the holidays with it close by my side.

Here are a few spoilers from the hundreds of facts presented:

  • Squids have BLUE BLOOD.
  • U.S President Calvin Coolidge hid under his desk to trick his bodyguards
  • The inside of a Grizzly Bear’s nose is 100 times bigger than a human’s.

The book itself is not more than a about 6.5 inches square, making it ideal for car trips or filling in the “I’m bored” time. Colorful photographs accompany the facts making it a feast for the eyes. There are no chapters so you don’t know until turning the page what might come next. A handy index covers all the topics. More than two thirds of the pages cover the animal world, but you’ll also find facts about people and the solar system.

Here’s the official synopsis:

So you know that the speed of light is fast: 229,792,458 miles per second. But what does that really mean? It means that at the speed of light, you could reach the moon in 1.3 seconds. How long to travel to the sun? Just 8 minutes. And in 4.6 hours, you could reach Pluto at 4.6 billion miles away! If you like seeing far-out facts in a new light, the second book in the colorful Brain Candy series takes a deep (and delicious) dive into numbers, fun facts, and cool trivia on all kinds of topics. It’s a novel approach to feeding kids smart snackable bites about the world and is sure to be an addictive addition to the bookshelves of Weird But True! and Just Joking fans.

A great book you can pass around to be enjoyed by friends and family. You’ll be anxious to get it back as these facts deserve more than one reading. BRAIN CANDY 2 is available in paperback or library binding and that’s a fact!

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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

MMGM for January 18, 2021

Posted on January 18, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

                 martin-luther-king-jr-day-clipart-amlk28s

NOTE: The winner of AMARI AND THE NIGHT BROTHERS is Natalie Aguirre. She’s the inspiration behind Literary Rambles where you’ll find great posts every week. Congratulations!

Click mlk  to reach a blogger’s site

mlkAt ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of MY NAME IS LAYLA by Reyna Marder Gentin.

mlkCompletely Full Bookshelf recommends Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson.

mlkJune McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic is the blog tour stop for Bre’s Heavenly Adventures with Jesus: The True Meaning of Unconditional Love. Guest post + giveaway.

mlkMaria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA shares a few thoughts on Clutch by Heather Camlot.

mlkPatricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person by Frederick Joseph. 

mlkFaith Hough at Blythe and Bold reviews 365 Days to Alaska, by Cathy Carr.

mlkMelina Lobo at Meli’s Book Reviews joins us this week with a review and blog tour stop for THE AMBASSADOR OF NOWHERE TEXAS by Kimberly Willis Holt.

mlkRosi Hollinbeck has a review of RED FOX ROAD by Frances Greenslade. Rosi also shares three helpful links for her writing friends.

mlkKaren Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads always has a great MMGM review. Check it out along with her other features this past week including a look at THE IN-BETWEEN.
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 , , | 1 Comment

MY NAME IS LAYLA

Posted on January 17, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

This new contemporary story explores all that is not going right for Layla. She’s dealing with reading difficulties, a single parent home where Mom works nights and sleeps in the daytime, and learning about friendships—both new and old. At less than 140 pages it’s a quick read, but also one that will embrace readers. The portrayal of a typical middle school is spot in its depiction of students, teachers, and administrators. Yes, there are good people at every school.

Here’s the official synopsis:

On the first day of eighth grade, thirteen year-old Layla has a pretty good idea of what s in store for her another year of awkward social situations, mediocre grades, and teachers who praise her good behavior but find her academic performance disappointing. Layla feels certain she s capable of more, but each time she tries to read or write, the words on the page dance and spin, changing partners and leaving her to sit on the sidelines.

This year will be different in ways Layla could never have predicted. Her new English teacher, Mr. McCarthy, senses her potential. When he pushes her to succeed, Layla almost rises to the challenge before making a desperate choice that nearly costs her everything she s gained. Will she be able to get back on track? And who can she count on to help her?

Be prepared for plenty of friend drama and the teen mind at work. Layla uses best friend Liza to cover up a big mistake, and then there’s Sammy, a boy across the street who actually seems interested in her. She wonders, Why would someone with a perfect family want to befriend someone like me? The answers she gets opens her eyes to seeing people in a much different way. MY NAME IS LAYLA is one of the most relatable middle school stories young readers will ever encounter.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: January 19, 2021 PAGE COUNT: 140

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: MY NAME IS LAYLA by Reyna Marder Gentin

  1. The story at times is heartbreaking (E.g. The only thing she ever got from her father before he left was her name). But there’s also plenty of warmth and understanding to heal those broken hearts.
  2. Sammy is honest and some of the things he says brought a smile to my face.
  3. Believable characters and a first person narration that did sound like it came from a 13-year-old. A tough task for an adult author but so well done here.
  4. Older brother Nick has his own problems but helps Layla in unexpected ways.
  5. A perfect book to use in the classroom or to read with your own child. Fifth grade on up is the intended audience.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Reyna Marder Gentin lives in Westchester County, NY with her husband and children. Reyna’s first novel, Unreasonable Doubts, a romantic thriller inspired by her work as a public defender, was a finalist for the Women’s Fiction Writers Association Star Award for debut fiction. She studies at the Writer’s Institute at Sarah Lawrence College. Her short stories have been widely published online and in print.  Learn more about Reyna at reynamardergentin.com.

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I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. IF you have time leave a comment below.

Posted in Uncategorized | 8 Comments

SPACE ENCYCLOPEDIA

Posted on January 15, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

Space Encyclopedia, 2nd Ed  Written and illustrated by internationally recognized astronomer and former Director of Science Information and Public Outreach at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics David A. Aguilar, this is THE authoritative book about our universe, jam packed with everything kids want to know about space — from black holes to moon colonies, to recent discoveries and  amazing brand-new NASA space photography. Visually spectacular, it contains the latest on space exploration and research and breathtaking views of the universe, as captured by the latest and greatest technology, including the recent first ever image of a black hole.

This complete reference contains everything about space that fascinates kids — our sun and planets including the new dwarf planets, the formation of the universe, space travel, the possibility of life beyond Earth, and more. 

MY TAKE: Space inspired kids from 8 years on up can get set to be enthralled by this colorful and stunning look at our solar system. The organization is excellent beginning with the content page that introduces you to what’s in store in 5 color-coded sections:

WHAT WE KNOW

TOUR OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM

TO THE STARS AND BEYOND

ARE WE ALONE

DREAMS OF TOMORROW

If you need to find specific information look no further than the six index pages. You’ll see not only the familiar but also secrets beyond our solar system. The encyclopedia measure 9.5 by 12 inches and weighs in at just under 3 pounds. Spread this one out a desk or table and let the photographs and original art work mesmerize you.

The information is detailed and easy to understand. There are also extra features scattered among pages. My favorites included the panels entitled SUPER STARS where people important in the field of astronomy are presented. Another is a timeline of the age of the universe. Very eye opening how humans take up a very small slice.

SPACE ENCYCLOPEDIA is a must have for any student’s library, especially those who have a passion for learning more about our universe.

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

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 Uncategorized | 2 Comments

MMGM for January 11, 2021

Posted on January 11, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

                 snowflake2

Click  a  snowflake to reach a blogger’s site

snowflake1At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of AMARI AND THE NIGHT BROTHERS by B.B. Alston plus a GIVEAWAY!

snowflake1Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles interviews debut author Caroline Gertler with a GIVEAWAY of her MG contemporary Many Points of Me.

snowflake1June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic reviews a S.T.E.A.M. book by Author Adele Porter: Homemade Bird Food: 26 Fun & Easy Recipes to Feed Backyard Birds.

snowflake1Completely Full Bookshelf has another graphic novel review with Operatic by Kyo Maclear and Byron Eggenschwiler.

snowflake1Jenni Enzor is featuring Because of the Rabbit by Cynthia Lord, one of many talented MG writers.

snowflake1Maria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA shares a few thoughts on Keep it Together, Keiko Carter by Debbi Michiko Florence.

snowflake1Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of LEONARD (My Life as a Cat) by Carlie Sorosiak. Rosi also shares three helpful links for her writing friends.

snowflake1Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews American as Paneer Pie by Supriya Kelkar.

snowflake1Karen Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads always has a great MMGM review. Check it out along with her other features this past week including a look at ALONE.

One addition: An update from one of our MMGM family of bloggers. Suzanne Warr at TALES FROM THE RAVEN has a post on what she’s been up to the past year.
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 , , | 3 Comments

AMARI AND THE NIGHT BROTHERS (+ A GIVEAWAY!)

Posted on January 10, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

Middle grade fantasy has many beloved characters and series. Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and Artemis Fowl come to mind. But now there’s a new strong-willed protagonist and her name is Amari Peters. She’s a character that can proudly take her place next to the others. A heroine readers will adore.

The execs at Universal Pictures agree and have optioned the book for a future big screen adaptation.

Here’s the official synopsis from Harper Collins Publishers:

Amari Peters has never stopped believing her missing brother, Quinton, is alive. Not even when the police told her otherwise, or when she got in trouble for standing up to bullies who said he was gone for good.

So when she finds a ticking briefcase in his closet, containing a nomination for a summer tryout at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, she’s certain the secretive organization holds the key to locating Quinton—if only she can wrap her head around the idea of magicians, fairies, aliens, and other supernatural creatures all being real.

Now she must compete for a spot against kids who’ve known about magic their whole lives. No matter how hard she tries, Amari can’t seem to escape their intense doubt and scrutiny—especially once her supernaturally enhanced talent is deemed “illegal.”

With an evil magician threatening the supernatural world, and her own classmates thinking she’s an enemy, Amari has never felt more alone. But if she doesn’t stick it out and pass the tryouts, she may never find out what happened to Quinton.

Amari’s first person narration is heartfelt and honest. She knows that others look down on her for being a black girl from the poor neighborhood. Things don’t get any better when Amari arrives at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs where she’s not accepted by the snooty legacy members. They’re angry that a person of her type and skills got a free ride to the summer experience. Luckily she finds friends in the endearing Elsie, and Dylan the son of a high level administrator.

The 33 chapters move the adventure along at a quick pace and the full-of-twists climatic ending will have you gasping at every turn. I love being surprised by a plot twist and this has some of the best in the closing chapters.

Go forth into the MG world, Amari. You are about to become very famous.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: January 19. 2021 PAGE COUNT: 416

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT AMARI AND THE NIGHT BROTHERS by B.B. Alston

  1. If Amari is chosen as a Junior Agent for the Bureau she will have inroads to finding her brother. The competitive levels were a fun and always surprising effort to succeed.
  2. Elsie’s ability would have some interesting outcomes in today’s world. She sees color that gives away the hidden emotions of people.
  3. This is a bit long for middle grade, but I really don’t see a scene that could be cut from this well plotted story.
  4. Amari is a good kid with a few magical skills. You would want her as a friend in middle school instead of the way most treat her.
  5. Anti-profiling messages are a bold theme throughout the book.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

B.B. Alston started writing in middle school, entertaining his classmates with horror stories starring the whole class where not everyone survived! After several years of trying to break into publishing, he had just been accepted into a biomedical graduate program when a chance entry into a twitter pitch contest led to his signing with TBA, 20+ book deals worldwide, and even a film deal. When not writing, he can be found eating too many sweets and exploring country roads to see where they lead.

B.B. was inspired to write AMARI AND THE NIGHT BROTHERS because he couldn’t find any fantasy stories featuring Black kids when he was growing up. He hopes to show kids that though you might look different, or feel different, whatever the reason, your uniqueness needn’t only be a source of fear and insecurity. There is great strength and joy to be found in simply accepting yourself for who you are. Because once you do so, you’ll be unstoppable. (Find B.B. on TWITTER and INSTAGRAM)

GIVEAWAY

I have a hardback edition of this new release for one lucky reader. Comment and you are entered! I’ll keep the giveaway open through Sunday, January 17th.

Posted in Giveaways, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 16 Comments

NERDlet: ANIMALS

Posted on January 8, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

New series alert! Sometimes big nerdiness comes in a small package–and this little book is an animal nerd’s dream!In this little animal “Nerdlet” you’ll learn about the weirdest, coolest, most amazing creatures in the animal kingdom–and what makes them so complex. Plus, you’ll have some of your most burning animal questions answered, such as What’s the deal with crocodile tears? And you’ll meet people who get to be around animals for a living and travel to animal destinations around the world. You’ll also find personality quizzes, fun facts, animal superheroes, and even a Star Wars reference … or two.

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MY TAKE: Packed with photographs and facts on animals, The handy sized book (about 6 1/2 inch square) has so many creatures the index alone takes up 4 of the 216 pages.

You will find familiar and not so familiar animals. Ever seen or heard of a Lanternfly, Seagooseberry, or a Hairy frog? I sure hadn’t and the two page spreads for each brought me up to date on their amazing characteristics.

But there’s more! Included are profiles of expert animal nerds. These are people who make animals their career whether it be for photographs or research. It might inspire young readers to seek out the same passion.

Other features sure to be popular are personality quizzes. Answer a few questions and your answers are tracked to the kind of animal most like you. Then there are features on animal themed destinations. My favorites were The Land of Wild Ponies on an island off the Virginia coast, and Pig Beach in the Bahamian Exumas Islands.

It will take a young readers quite some time to read the entire book, but hopefully when they’re done another Nerdlet will be waiting for them in this new series.

Order your own copy of Nerdlet: Animals here.

Also be sure to visit National Geographic Kids

(I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

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

All you have to do is blog about a middle grade book on a Monday (contests, author interviews, or anything middle grade related also count). Email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com
Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book or author you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in non fiction | Tagged , , | 4 Comments