MMGM for December 7, 2020

Posted on December 7, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

           Welcome to our first MMGM of December

It’s also a special one. Three years ago, author Shannon Messenger contacted me. LODESTAR, Book 6 in her wildly popular KEEPER OF THE LOST CITY series had just been released  and she needed help. Would I consider taking over her other creation, MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY? I said yes and my Sunday nights have never been the same!

Last month Shannon released book 8.5 (UNLOCKED) in the series and MMGM is still going strong. A big thank-you goes out to the many bloggers who make it possible. And another thank-you to the readers—including authors, parents, teachers, publishers, and students. You’re the reason I do this.

It’s time to celebrate with a huge giveaway, detailed after the MMGM lineup below. My gift to bring a little happy to a less than happy year.

(Note: No December vacation for MMGM. With the month’s holidays occurring on Friday and weekends, I’ll have an MMGM each Monday in December. Participate if you can or take some time off and enjoy the season.)

Click  a 123587 to reach a blogger’s site

123587At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I’m reviewing the first book in Melissa De La Cruz’s new middle grade series, NEVER AFTER.

123587June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic has a multi-cultural Christmas book, Nine Days to Christmas:  A Story of Mexico.

123587Author S.W. Lothian reviews Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer, the first story in the popular Disney series.

123587Sue Heavenrich is hanging out at Sally’s Bookshelf with a review of Explorer Academy: The Star Dunes (Book 4) by Trudi Trueit.

123587Jenni Enzor is back with us this week with a feature about Notorious by Gordon Korman.

123587Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Bionic Beasts by Jolene Gutiérrez, a STEM book about five animals whose lives have been saved with artificial body parts.

123587Maria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA features A Field Guide to Getting Lost by Joy McCullough.

123587Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of THE SISTERS OF STRAYGARDEN PLACE by Hayley Cewins. Rosi also shares three helpful links for her writing friends.

123587Karen 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 RETAKE.

gift2

GIVEAWAY to Celebrate my 3 years as MMGM host

I’ve put together three prize packages pictured below. Each one includes four hardback MG books, a pad of MMGM sticky notes, and a $25 AMAZON gift card!

Take that 2020.

To enter all you have to do is post in the comments which stack you’d like to have a chance to win. ONE, TWO, THREE, or just say all of them. U.S. Addresses only and I will close the giveaway at 3 pm (EST), this Thursday, December 10th. Good luck to all.

GIVEAWAY 1

books1A

GIVEAWAY 2

books2

GIVEAWAY 3

books3b

 

Posted in Giveaways, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 15 Comments

NEVER AFTER

Posted on December 6, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

You or someone in your family have probably experienced the excited anticipation when the next book in in a beloved series is released. The same goes for the main character in NEVER AFTER, Filomena Jefferson-Cho. She joins the mob of other readers waiting to buy the 13th book of her favorite epic page turner. Not so fast—the book’s release was cancelled. The story takes a fantasy turn from there as Filomena discovers the world of Never After and fiction becomes reality.

Here’s the official scoop from Macmillan’s Roaring Brook Press imprint:

Nothing ever happens in Filomena Jefferson-Cho’s sleepy little suburban town of North Pasadena. The sun shines every day, the grass is always a perfect green, and while her progressive school swears there’s no such thing as bullying, she still feels bummed out. But one day, when Filomena is walking home on her own, something strange happens.

Filomena is being followed by Jack Stalker, one of the heroes in the Thirteenth Fairy, a series of books she loves about a brave girl and her ragtag group of friends who save their world from an evil enchantress. She must be dreaming, or still reading a book. But Jack is insistent—he’s real, the stories are real, and Filomena must come with him at once!

Soon, Filomena is thrust into the world of evil fairies and beautiful princesses, sorcerers and slayers, where an evil queen drives her ruthless armies to destroy what is left of the Fairy tribes. To save herself and the kingdom of Westphalia, Filomena must find the truth behind the fairytales and set the world back to rights before the cycle of sleep and destruction begins once more.

The enticing story line will please fantasy readers with modern day Pasadena, California becoming a portal to the magical and scary setting Filomena has experienced in the books. Actually, the portal is near the iconic HOLLYWOOD sign—an ideal spot to connect these two worlds.

Soon she becomes friends with two young fairy tale characters, Jack and Alistair. They become a fun, endearing threesome who strive to figure out each other’s past. It’s easier for Filomena as she knows these characters better than she knows herself. One other secondary character I could have done without—the fashion and makeup obsessed Gretel. Maybe she’ll become more likeable as the Never After series continues. A new adventure is laid out in the final page of this one.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: 12-1-20 PAGE COUNT: 336

READ an excerpt from Chapter one here

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT NEVER AFTER by Melissa De La Cruz

  1. My favorite character was the amusing Alistair. You’ll never guess who this young boy turns out to be, although you’ll certainly know his familiar Fairy Tale name.
  2. Bullies seem like a required component in MG books. No different here—There’s a whole group of them at Filomena’s school taunting her every day. They also have a hidden identity and it couldn’t be more fitting.
  3. Backstory is revealed through numerous prologues scattered throughout the pages. It works quite well to reveal how this whole crisis and Filomena’s adoption occurred.
  4. The twists are plentiful and although they are overcome almost too quick, each provides a push toward the plot’s resolution.
  5. Many childhood classic characters make an appearance including the Three Little Pigs and Aladdin. I smiled at seeing them here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR (From Melissa’s author web site)

MELISSA DE LA CRUZ is the #1 New York Times, #1 Publisher’s Weekly and #1 Indie Bound bestselling author of many critically acclaimed and award-winning novels for readers of all ages, and edited the inspiring anthology of true stories, Because I Was a Girl. She grew up in Manila and moved to San Francisco with her family, where she graduated high school salutatorian from The Convent of the Sacred Heart. At Columbia University, she majored in art history and English. Melissa de la Cruz lives in West Hollywood with her husband and daughter.

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I received an ARC for my honest review. I welcome comments below.

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

IZZY NEWTON AND THE S.M.A.R.T. SQUAD

Posted on December 4, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

National Geographic KIDS is back with a book full of smart girl power. All the girls share the last name of a famous scientist/inventor: Izzy Newton, Allie Einstein, Charlie Darwin, Marie Curie, and Gina Carver.

It’s the beginning of sixth grade at Atom Middle School and Izzy is excited to see her old friend Marie who has returned from France. Marie has changed and is acting rather offish, avoiding Izzy, Allie, and Charlie. She’d rather spend time with her new friend, Gina.

While the girl drama escalates, the temperature at the school has plummeted. Everyone has to wear coats to combat the chill. Conditions don’t improve, and Izzy and friends begin to investigate the cause. Using the scientific procedure and some promising hypotheses, the girls still can’t solve the cold problem. What they do discover is the reason behind Marie’s attitude and the S.M.A.R.T. (Solving Mysteries And Revealing Truths) Squad is born. Together they’re going to solve the school’s icy situation.

The third person narration is accompanied by the occasional illustration that perfectly depicts the scene. Friend drama books are always popular and to have it set in the first year of middle school makes it even more appealing. Izzy Newton and the S.M.A.R.T. Squad won’t be as likeable for boys, but hopefully we’ll see more books like this for them in the future.

Friendship issues and Science make a great partner in this promising new series.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR

Part of the creative team behind the American Girl series, Valerie Tripp has written many of the American Girl books about Felicity, Josefina, Samantha, Kit, Molly, and Maryellen. She also wrote American Girl’s Welliewisher and Hopscotch Hill School books. Tripp has also written numerous levled readers, songs, stories, skills book pages, poems, and plays for educational publishers and is the editorial director of the Boys Camp series. She is a frequent speaker at schools and libraries.

Geneva Bowers is a self-taught illustrator who lives in the North Carolina mountains. Her drawing career started at age seven, when she wanted to draw horses better than her sister. Bowers works mostly digitally, using a vivid palette and simple shapes to create interesting images that reflect whimsy with a touch of realism. She has illustrated several webcomics, books, and book covers and is a 2018 Hugo award winner.

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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 | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

MMGM for November 30, 2020

Posted on November 30, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

            

No leftovers here… just more fresh reviews and features.

Click  on a green checkmark to reach a blogger’s site

green checkmarkAt ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I’m reviewing Double the Danger and Zero Zucchini by Betsy Uhrig.

green checkmarkSue Heavenrich at Sally’s Bookshelf gives us a look at Clara Humble and the Kitten Caboodle by Anna Humphrey.

green checkmarkCOMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF recommends The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill.

green checkmarkPatricia Tilton at CHILDREN”s BOOKS HEAL reviews The Problim Children – Island in the Stars (Book 3) by Natalie Lloyd.

green checkmarkMaria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA tells us about Daily Bread by Antoinette Truglio Martin.

green checkmarkRosi Hollinbeck has a review of UNDER THE BROKEN SKY by Mariko Nagai. Rosi also shares three helpful links for her writing friends.

green checkmarkKaren 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 MOUSE WATCH.
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

Double the Danger and Zero Zucchini

Posted on November 29, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

I’ve always been in critique groups to get feedback on my writing, and it is beyond helpful. A few years back a 6th grade teacher asked if I would be interested in getting some younger reactions to my manuscripts from her future author’s club. Turned out to be a great experience and every kid was brutally honest.

What does this little vignette have to do with today’s review? A lot! DOUBLE the DANGER and ZERO ZUCCHINI is a fictional story about writing a children’s book and getting feedback from kids who are the intended audience. Why didn’t I think of that?

Caroline is young Alex Harmon’s aunt and is writing her first children’s story, Gerald Visits Grampa. Alex is a reluctant reader and would rather run than read. But when his aunt asks him to critique her work, he agrees especially since there is ten dollars promised. When he does get around to opening the manuscript, it doesn’t take more than a few pages to conclude the story is a boring mess. From there he skims to the climatic end where a prize winning zucchini is the worst ending yet. But Alex is hesitant to give his aunt the negative feedback she deserves.

He enlists his friends, Marta and Javier to help. They begin brainstorming and trying out live stunts to give Aunt Caroline some ideas to get rid of the boring parts, including the zucchini. She also needs to double the danger (The above title should be making more sense now). This leads to a haunted house where they encounter a true ghost writer, and a much less haunted trip to the local senior center where a lively group of retirees offer their help.

The author has created a fun look at the process of writing and rewriting. More than a few readers will lose their reluctant label by picking up Double the Danger and Zero Zucchini.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: September 22, 2020 PAGE COUNT: 304

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT

DOUBLE the DANGER and ZERO ZUCCHINI bu Betsy Uhrig

  1. Short chapters—117 of them and most less than two pages! Teachers who have only five minutes at the end of a period to read or reluctant readers whose parents make them read one chapter a night will be cheering.
  2. Alex’s irritating younger brother, Alvin, turned out to be more fun than I imagined. He’s always getting into some kind of trouble when he’s testing out one of his theories.
  3. Marta’s daring stunt loving ways and Javier’s camera work abilities were also a welcome part of the plot.
  4. Alex’s interactions with the seniors was truly charming. He respects and wants their help and gains a few elderly friends in the process.
  5. The reveal of who was playing the ghostly writer role is saved for the end. I didn’t see that one coming and neither did Alex, but it was the perfect choice.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Betsy Uhrig was born and raised in Greater Boston, where she lives with her family and way more books than you are picturing. She graduated from Smith College with a degree in English and has worked in publishing ever since. She writes books for children instead of doing things that aren’t as fun. Double the Danger and Zero Zucchini is her first novel. Normally she goes out of her way to avoid danger and has nothing against zucchini. Visit her online at BetsyUhrig.com or on Twitter @BetsyUhrig.

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Thank you for visiting today. Please comment below.

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

ALMANAC 2021

Posted on November 27, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

The popular National Geographic KIDS Almanac is back with the 2021 edition, and you’ll find much to enjoy and learn. You’ll discover cool events scheduled, upcoming hurricane names, a sky calendar, and planned celebrations. But don’t be fooled—it’s more than just a look at 2001.

The majority of the 350 plus pages are packed with information and facts young learners will appreciate for that next homework assignment. There are even several Homework Helper pages to get you on the right track.

I read the Almanac from cover to cover, but most will want to begin with the 6-page index to find your topic. They are arranged in ten categories:

  • YOUR WORLD 2021
  • AWESOME EXPLORATION
  • AMAZING ANIMALS
  • WONDERS OF NATURE
  • SPACE AND EARTH
  • FUN AND GAMES
  • SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
  • CULTURE CONNECTION
  • GOING GREEN
  • HISTORY HAPPENS
  • GEOGRAPHY ROCKS

You can also participate in the the 2021 Almanac Visionary Challenge—Be a Kids vs. Plastic Leader. Readers from age 6-12 can enter but hurry, the deadline is December 1, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

As one can tell from the cover there are fantastic photos throughout, helping bring meaning to the text. The best news? ALMANAC 2021 is a fantastic resource not only for next year but for many years to come. Add it to editions from previous years or begin your collection in this new decade. A fantastic resource!

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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 , , | 3 Comments

MMGM for November 23, 2020

Posted on November 23, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

                 happy turkey day

The winner of a hardback copy of Loretta Little Looks Back is a frequent MMGM blogger: Rosi Hollinbeck. Congratulations!

Click any blogger’s turkey to reach their post

turkey 1At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of THE BOYS IN THE BACK ROW by Mike Jung.

turkey 1Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an interview with debut author Carol Coven Grannick and a GIVEAWAY of her MG contemporary Reeni’s Turn.

turkey 1June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic features a Christmas holiday picture book, Between Us and Abuela: A Family Story from the Border.

turkey 1COMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF recommends Becoming RBG: Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Journey to Justice by Debbie Levy and Whitney Gardner.

turkey 1Maria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA posts a few thoughts on The Bicycle Spy by Yona Zeldis McDonough.

turkey 1Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews No Voice Too Small: Fourteen Young Americans Making History by Lindsay H. Metcalf and Keila V. Dawson.

turkey 1Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of DAILY BREAD by Antoinette Truglio Martin. Rosi also shares three helpful links for her writing friends.

turkey 1Karen 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 SAUCY.
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 BOYS IN THE BACK ROW

Posted on November 22, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

Twelve-Year-Old Boy: Do you know of any books about boys? I mean just the main characters. A few girls are all right, but the only books I’ve read this year the girls kind of take over the whole story. It’s getting really irritating.

Me: (with a slight grin). Here you go. I don’t need it back. After you’re done reading pass it on to someone else who might be looking for the same thing. Enjoy.

One of my favorite genres is a good old present day contemporary. What makes this new entry into the category even better: It’s a rare look at the deep friendship between two sixth grade boys. Narrator Matt is on the right with best buddy Eric sitting next to him. Here’s the official synopsis:

Best friends Matt and Eric are hatching a plan for one big final adventure together before Eric moves away: during the marching band competition at a Giant Amusement Park, they will sneak away to a nearby comics convention and meet their idol—a famous comic creator. Without cell phones. Or transportation. Or permission. Of course, their final adventure together is more than just that—really, it’s a way for the boys to celebrate their friendship, and their honest love and support for one another.

The first three fourths of The Boys in the Back Row is about their sixth grade year—playing in the K-8 school’s band and orchestra, right where they first became friends in 4th grade. They both play bass drum in the back row. But the year has a few bumps in the road given the nature of two bullies. One makes the loud, but wrong assumption they are gay. He also pours on the racist comments to Matt who is Korean American. The other bully is more likeable but also has a mean side.

Matt and Eric survive the taunts because they have to in their honest kid like way. What’s more important is making sure the plan to meet their comic book author-hero will work. Well, what could go wrong does go wrong in the last 25% of the story.

The final scenes as the two say goodbye are ones to cherish. Heartfelt and true to the core. Was that me wiping my eyes?

BOOK BIRTHDAY: 10-06-20 PAGE COUNT: 272

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT THE BOYS IN THE BACK ROW by Mike Jung

  1. Matt’s first person narration is a perfect look into the mind of a sixth grade boy. He’s a bright, sensitive, normal kid with fears and a quest to be a good person.
  2. What is being masculine? It’s what every boy must face in our society and they need to read this book to make it easier for them.
  3. Matt’s parents are great supportive characters (and not divorced!). Their discussions around Matt leave him with a a lot to think about. The world can look a little different than they describe.
  4. The fact Matt and Eric never succumb to hiding or changing their friendship to please others shows how strong it really is. Be who you are is a theme well spoken.
  5. A shining and rare example of boy friendship in the MG world.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mike Jung is the author of “Geeks, Girls, and Secret Identities” and contributed to the anthologies “Dear Teen Me,” “Break These Rules,” “59 Reasons to Write,” “Spoon Knife 3: Incursions,” and “The Hero Next Door.” He is a library professional by day, a writer by night, and a semi-competent ukulele player during all the times in between. Mike is proud to be a founding member of the #WeNeedDiverseBooks team. He lives in Oakland, California, with his wife and two young children. Find Mike at www.mikejung.com.

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I’ll be including a copy of this book in my holiday giveaway next month so stay tuned.

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

UNITED STATES ATLAS

Posted on November 20, 2020 by Greg Pattridge
Current, authoritative, and produced by the expert cartographers at National Geographic, this best-selling United States Atlas is newly updated with all the latest info and is  packed with maps, stats, facts, and pictures. National Geographic’s world-renowned cartographers have paired up with education experts to create maps of all 50 states, U.S. territories, and Washington, D.C., that pinpoint the physical features, capitals, and other towns and cities. Discover the latest data along with colorful photography of each state and the people who live there. Key points reflect the latest information about land and water, people, and places. Essays cover each region of the country while eight specially themed maps on nature, population, economy, energy, climate, and more delve deeper into key issues. State birds and state flags add to the high visual interest. 

MY TAKE: The Sixth edition is a much needed tool for learning on any 10-14 year old’s desk. It’s a more in depth look than the lead-up version—Beginner’s United States Atlas, which I featured last week.

The pages start off with how to use the atlas, a quick but important read to get the most out of the book. Next comes a detailed two-page spread for each of these topics:

  • THE PHYSICAL UNITED STATES
  • Climate
  • Natural Hazards
  • THE POLITICAL UNITED STATES
  • Population
  • People on the Move
  • Energy
  • The National Capital

These initial pages set the stage for the bulk of the work, a detailed account of all 50 states and a briefer look at the 14 territories under U.S. jurisdiction. Each state is given its own two-page spread filled with basic facts. There are also photos and a page of text detailing the history of the area. A map covers the right side showing the necessary detail with cities, town, and interstates.

You can use the Atlas as a reference or read it straight through like I did. Even this veteran of traveling this country learned more than ever imagined. I am now a Geo Whiz with all the information gained. Perfect as a Christmas gift or to buy for yourself, you can’t go wrong with the UNITED STATES ATLAS for kids.

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I received a copy of the book for my honest review.

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 , | 3 Comments

MMGM for November 16, 2020

Posted on November 16, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

                                                 

Click any 470279to reach a post:

470279At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review and GIVEAWAY of LORETTA LITTLE LOOKS BACK by Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney.

470279Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an interview with Summer Rachel Short and a GIVEAWAY of The Mutant Mushroom Giveaway

470279Sue Heavenrich at Sally’s Bookshelf gives us a look at AstroNuts Mission Two: The Water Planet, by Jon Scieszka; illus. by Steven Weinberg.

470279COMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF discusses one of the most challenged MG books ever, This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki.

470279Maria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA is posting about Things Seen from Above by Shelley Pearsall.

470279Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Chasing Helicity – Through the Storm (Book 3) by Ginger Zee. A thrilling finale to the Chasing Helicity series.

470279Inspired by a previous MMGM post, Susan Uhlig is recommending Gordon Korman’s The Unteachables.

470279Stephanie Robinson at Fairday’s Blog is back with us again and is featuring Unbound: A Novel in Verse by Ann E. Burg.

470279Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of A TALENT FOR TROUBLE by Natasha Farrant. Rosi also shares three helpful links for her writing friends.

470279Karen 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 DON’T JUDGE ME.
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