Loretta Little Looks Back (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; September 29, 2020) includes stories of Loretta, Roly, and Aggie B., members of the Little family that present the vivid story of their young lives, spanning three generations. These separate stories begin in a cotton field in 1927 and end at the presidential election of 1968, which come together to create one memorable journey. These stories are ideal to share with family, friends, and can be cherished for generations. It also includes different narrative formats, like spoken-word poems, folktales, and first person perspectives to share the social and political journey of African Americans throughout history.
MY THOUGHTS
HATRED. RACISM. WHITE PRIVILEGE. All three are on display in this heartfelt and eye-opening account of the Little family. Although the characters are a work of fiction, their stories and political events are real. Set in Mississippi, it was to me a familiar world. I spent summers there as a pre-teen in a small town visiting my seven cousins. This book brings understanding to the sights and people I met those years.
Each of the narratives are unique beginning with Loretta, sent to the fields at age six to pick cotton…
I knew this day was coming. How’d I know? The same thing had happened to Faye and Jo-Nelle. When you’re a share-cropping child, there comes a time when school just ain’t practical. When you’re a girl like me, who can pick cotton faster than most kids, your family needs you in the fields, full-time. Especially with Mama gone.
Then comes Roly, taken in by the Littles after finding the baby boy abandoned. They raised him like their own and soon Roly becomes wise with the ways of the world…
People say to don’t let a White person know how truly smart you are, else they’ll take it out badly on you.
The last third of the book features the brave and always moving forward voice of Aggie B. …
If I dare to put my backside in the chair, and my hand in the air, change happens. Not being scared to raise all five fingers means I can reach past the pain of bruises and wounds.
The story unfolds in each chapter beginning with a description of the setting and characters—much like you might read in a screenplay. After that the narrative is interspersed with poetic pauses adding to the emotion of the story. It’s a non traditional way to tell a story but also a perfect one. A read-aloud of this story and the discussion that follows is a must for today’s classroom whether virtual or in-person. The story of the Little’s journey is truly bigger than the pages.
The illustrations support the story and our done with a theatrical touch as the illustrator studied lighting techniques used in the theater. You’ll want to go back and look at the pictures again after reading the story.
Loretta, Roly, and Aggie B are different in personality and ways. Together they make a beautiful stage for bringing history alive.
Clearly shows the hurt and damage done by racism in this country.
You’ll hope for more Aggie B’s in this world. She never gives up and sees the light in everything she does.
The Go-Tell-Its in the story are there as vivid proof we still have a long ways to go, but we’re going to get there for sure.
About the Author/Illustrator: Andrea Davis Pinkney is the New York Times bestselling an award-winning author of numerous books for children and young adults. Her work has received multiple Coretta Scott King Book Award citations, and she is a four-time nominee for the NAACP Image Award. Ms. Pinkney is the recipient of both the Regina Medal and the Arbuthnot Honor Award for her distinguished and singular contribution to the field of children’s literature. Ms. Pinkney has been named among the “25 Most Influential People in our Children’s Lives” by Children’s Health magazine, and is listed among the “25 Most Influential Black Women in Business” by The Network Journal. She is included in the “50 Over 50 Extraordinary Women” noted by Good Housekeeping and Woman’s Day magazines. Her Husband, Brian Pinkney has illustrated numerous books for children, including two Caldecott Honor books, and he has written and illustrated several of his own books. Brian has received the Coretta Scott King Book Award for Illustration and three Coretta Scott King Book Award Honor medals.
GIVEAWAY!
I have a brand new hardback for one lucky winner (U.S Only). All you have to do is make a comment below by November 21st, or if you’re not into making comments publicly, send me an email with your interest in entering at gpcolo (at) gmail (dot) com.
National Geographic Kids is back with a third edition of the Beginner’s United States Atlas for ages 7-10. Whether you have a virtual, hybrid, or in-person learner, the Atlas is a must have tool to enhance the classroom experience.
It begins with a necessary look at What is a Map? followed by a brief look at the physical and political United States. Next comes a tour of our nation’s capital.
These initial pages set the stage for the bulk of the resource—details on all 50 states and five of the 14 territories. Divided into six geographic areas, I found myself counting how many states I had visited (32). That little middle grade kid I once was has some catching up to do given my bold proclamation at the time that I’d visit every state.
Each state gets a full two-page spread with a map on the right and loads of factual information on the left. Included are a description of the state’s LAND & WATER, STATEHOOD, PEOPLE & PLACES, and a FUN FACT. Surrounding the facts are colored images with a picture of the state flag, flower, and bird. You’ll also find pictures of locations and people enjoying the activities common for that state.
Geography is never boring with this guide. Spread the book out on your lap or desk and get a full understanding of this beautiful country known as the U.S. Then you can start counting up the states you’ve been to or want to visit. It will be a lifelong pursuit.
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.
This coming Wednesday is Veteran’s Day. Thank someone in your community who has served.
Click below on each of the to reach a blogger’s site.
At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE join me for THE SILVER BOX by Margi Preus blog tour stop, and my review of this new title.
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an interview with debut author Sheila Avebuch and a GIVEAWAY of her MG contemporary Friend Me.
June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic has a tribute to Veterans with a list of fiction and non-fiction Veterans and wars books previously featured on her blog.
Maria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA reviews War Stories by Gordon Korman.
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Mañanaland by Pam Muñoz Ryan.
A big MMGM welcome to Beth Schmelzer at Best Books By Beth who joins us this week with a review of A Place at the Table by Laura Shovan and Saadia Faruqi.
Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of CLAN by Sigmund Brouwer. Rosi also shares three helpful links for her writing friends.
Mark Baker at Carstairs Considers features a review of Spy School Revolution by Stuart Gibbs.
Karen 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 SPIN WITH 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.
I’m pleased to be a part of THE SILVER BOX blog tour on a Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. The ambitious tour began back on October 12th and wraps up this week so don’t miss what’s ahead:
Visit Deborah’s blog today and read author Margi Preus’ guest post about the magic ball of yarn and using folk and fairy tales as a guide in story writing.
Visit Megan’s blog today she reviews The Enchantment Lake mystery series, part of The Silver Box blog tour. You’ll love hearing about this middle-grade mystery!
Visit Linda’s blog again today where she shares author Margi Preus’ guest post about whether or not you should know the ending before you start writing.
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First though, stick around for my review of this third book in the ENCHANTMENT LAKE MYSTERY series by Margi Preus. Previous titles include A NORTHWOODS MYSTERY (2015) and THE CLUE IN THE TREES (2017). I had not read either but had no problem jumping right into THE SILVER BOX. Here’s the enticing publisher summary of the story:
In the final Enchantment Lake mystery, Francie’s search for the truth about her mother—and herself—plunges her into danger during a North Woods winter.
When she wakes in her aunts’ cold cabin on the shore of Enchantment Lake, Francie remembers: everything about her life has changed. Or is about to. Or just might. Everything depends on the small, engraved silver box that she now possesses—if only she can follow its cryptic clues to the whereabouts of her missing mother and understand, finally, just maybe, the truth about who she really is.
Francie, it turns out, has a lot to learn, and this time the lessons could be deadly. Her search for answers takes her and her best friends Raven and Jay as far afield as an abandoned ranch in Arizona and as close to home as a sketchy plant collector’s conservatory and a musty old museum where shadows lurk around every display case. At the heart of it all is a crime that touches her own adopted North Woods: thieves dig up fragile lady’s slippers, peel bark from birches, strip moss off trees, cut down entire forests of saplings to sell for home décor. But Francie is up against no ordinary plant theft. One ominous clue after another reveal that she possesses something so rare and so valuable that some people are willing to do anything to get it. When Francie’s investigation leads her into the treacherously cold and snowy North Woods, she finds out that she too is being pursued.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: October 6, 2020 PAGE COUNT: 213
AND… my review!
Presented to me as a middle grade mystery, I was a bit leery when discovering Main Character Francie is 17. This sounded more like it was in the YA realm. But fear not, despite the character’s age, the plot stays comfortably in MG with Francie trying to find her mother who up and disappeared 13 years ago. There’s no heavy romance or language. Two deaths do occur but you hear about them after the fact. Kids in 5th grade and above would surely enjoy the unfolding story. The length is also a plus.
Francie is a great detective. She makes a lot of mistakes along the way—just as you’d expect—and older brother Theo, Granddad, and her friends are there to support the search. It settles on her shoulders though to unravel the facts and bring understanding to her life so far. All the plot points are nicely wrapped up, but no spoilers here. You will have to read THE SILVER BOX to find out on your own.
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT THE SILVER BOX by Margi Preus
The pacing is perfect and you’ll be hanging onto every word in the climatic scene as Francie, on cross country skis, is chased by a man on a snowmobile.
The Minnesota setting and the Enchantment Lake community were a a great match for the plot. The land of over 10,000 lakes is given a warm introduction to readers who have never visited.
I’d enjoy reading more about Francie and her friend, Raven, as they graduate from high school and head out into the world. Both are strong, endearing characters.
The Silver Box is a puzzle box that Francie has to figure out how to open. Inside might be the answer to her mother’s disappearance. A fun way to hide the clues.
The author’s notes at the end were a welcome addition. Margi reveals what is factual about the story. A fascinating read just like the novel.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Margi Preus is the author of the Newbery Honor book Heart of a Samurai and other books for young readers, including the Minnesota Book Award winning West of the Moon, and the Midwest Booksellers Choice Award book The Clue in the Trees. Her books have won multiple awards, landed on the New York Times bestseller list, been honored as ALA/ALSC Notables, selected as an NPR Backseat Book Club pick, chosen for community reads, and translated into several languages. New titles in 2020 include Village of Scoundrels, The Littlest Voyageur, and The Silver Box, part of the Enchantment Lake mystery series.
Back when such things were done, Margi enjoyed traveling, speaking, and visiting schools all over the world. Now mostly at home in Duluth, she likes to ski, hike, canoe, or sit quietly with a book in her lap.
SYNOPSIS: Young readers will recognize themselves in this compassionate portrayal of school life. Few authors move as easily between the different worlds children inhabit as Britta Teckentrup. Whether she’s leading the littlest readers through the seasons, or exploring the science of bird feathers, Teckentrup’s warm and wonderfully detailed illustrations are a marvelous portal to feelings, facts, and fun. In her newest book, Teckentrup takes readers inside a busy school to follow different students through their day–in class, during free time, at lunch, and through swimming lessons. We come across a variety of faces and expressions that reflect the enormous range of emotions and experiences that each school day brings. There are arguments and hurt feelings, encouraging hugs and deeply felt smiles. The gentle text explores issues that we’ve all encountered–bullying and loneliness as well as friendship and achievement. While the school in this book could exist anywhere, every reader will find a piece of her or himself in its beautifully and sensitively wrought story.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: 9-15-2020 PAGE COUNT: 128
MY THOUGHTS: Life in the sixth grade will look familiar. Diversity along with themes of friendship, family problems, and teachers who engage students in learning are in the forefront. The mostly full-page illustrations in this new hardcover tell the story as much as the accompanying text. They would look fantastic decorating the walls of any middle school.
Perfect as a read-aloud and discussion starter, SCHOOL would be a special gift to the important teacher in your life.
OPENING LINE: I’m in sixth grade. I’ll bet my school is like most others. Not good, not bad…just somewhere in between.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: BRITTA TECKENTRUP is the author and illustrator of dozens of well-loved books for children, including My Little Book of Big Questions, The Egg, and Birds and Their Feathers (all by Prestel). She lives in Berlin, Germany.
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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.
To celebrate the release of Breaking the News by Robin Terry Brown on October 13th, blogs across the web are featuring original content from Breaking the News, plus 5 chances to win a hardcover copy!
The Truth Tool Kit & How to be an Expert Fact-Checker
by Robin Terry Brown
It’s easy to fall for falsehoods, but you can outsmart the fakers. Next time a story makes you raise an eyebrow, break out this tool kit. Asking these questions will make you an expert at telling truth from fiction.
WHAT IS THE SOURCE?
Look beyond who shared the story with you, because sometimes even friends and family accidentally share false stories. The best way to find out if a post is accurate is to look at the source of the information. If you recognize the publication it comes from and have found it to be trustworthy in the past, or if it’s the web page of a major newspaper, magazine, or TV news network, it’s generally reliable. If not, follow the tips below to keep digging.
IS THE STORY OUTRAGEOUS?
Does the story sound too wild to believe? Is it so far-fetched that you can’t imagine it even happened? Is it too good to be true? Then it may not have happened at all. Read all the way through to the end of the article, and check to see if reliable news sites are reporting the same story.
IS IT FULL OF TYPOS?
If you see a lot of misspelled words, incorrect grammar, or other typos—that’s a sure sign that it is not from a legitimate news source. Look at other sources to check it out.
DOES IT LOOK LIKE A SUPERMARKET TABLOID?
Does the headline appear in all capital letters, or do you see wacky-looking pictures of famous people—perhaps their appearance is much different from what you have seen in the past? Are there aliens in the photo? Are there a lot of exclamation marks in the headlines? If so, that’s a warning that a story shouldn’t be trusted.
DO YOU FEEL ANGRY OR SHOCKED?
Made-up stories are designed to make you feel strong emotions so you will click and share them instantly. When you are overwhelmed with emotion, it’s easy not to notice that an article is missing a lot of facts. Next time a headline makes you mad before you’ve even read the first line of the story, take a deep breath and look to see if the sources of the information are in the story.
ARE EXPERTS QUOTED?
Legitimate news stories will attribute all facts and quotes. This means articles will include where information comes from and identify the people quoted. If an anonymous, or unnamed, source is quoted, the reporter will explain why the person is not identified. Think twice if an article includes no sources or only has experts who speak to one side of the story.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE STORY?
If it seems like the article is written with the intent to either harm or promote a certain group of people, that’s a sign that you are reading propaganda rather than news.
IS IT BREAKING NEWS?
As natural disasters or other breaking news stories unfold, journalists report the news as it happens—especially on live TV. Journalists do the best they can, but the very first information they report could be inaccurate. So if you hear phrases like “We are getting reports that …,” or “We have not been able to independently verify …,” these facts may turn out not to be true. Check back later for the full story.
ARE POP-UPS CAUSING PROBLEMS?
Many websites have pop-up ads. Annoying? Yes! But not necessarily a sign that anything is wrong with a website. If you see ads with bright, flashing colors or a spinning wheel that pops up in the middle of the page, consider exiting or shutting down your computer right away. It could be a scam, or it might give your computer a virus.
If you use the truth tool kit and are still uncertain about whether a story is accurate, pretend you’re a detective and keep digging. Where do you go next? Professional fact-checkers—who make sure stories are correct before they are published—say that looking outside the story is the real secret to success. Use these truth-telling tips to tell if a story is for real.
SEARCH THE EXACT HEADLINE.
Type the exact same title of the story into a search engine. If the story isn’t real, websites may pop up right away that call it out as fake.
LOOK FOR OTHER ARTICLES ON THE SAME TOPIC.
Big news stories will be covered by most major news organizations. If a story seems hard to believe, and it only pops up in one or two places, that’s a warning sign that something’s wrong.
CHECK THE DATE.
Is this a new story, or did it happen a long time ago? If it isn’t current, the information may be incorrect or just out of date.
SEE IF IT’S A KNOWN HOAX.
Many websites are dedicated to snuffing out incorrect stories and urban legends(myths that everyone thinks are true). If a story sounds suspicious, ask an adult to help you look it up on a site that specializes in finding hoaxes, such as Snopes.com, PolitiFact.com, FactCheck.org, or Hoax-Slayer.net.
DOUBLE-CHECK THE EXPERTS.
Search the experts quoted in the story to learn more about the organizations they represent. Are the experts qualified to speak about the topic? Do the organizations they work for represent a certain point of view? And if so, are experts with differing points of view included in the story? If the article is one-sided, that’s a sign of potentially biased reporting.
GO STRAIGHT TO THE SOURCE.
A reliable news story should say where all the facts came from. Search the internet to look for the organizations behind the facts. Do they have a particular bias? For example, if an organization that represents peanut growers is behind a study about the health benefits of peanut butter, you know the goal is to sell more peanut butter.
VERIFY IT.
Many social media sites flag the real accounts of famous people or well-known organizations. Look for check marks, icons, or even special emojis next to the account names that show they have been verified. Some fake social media accounts will try to trick people with similar marks elsewhere on the page. If it’s not right next to the account name, it’s probably a phony.
GET UNSTUCK.
Social media is designed to keep you on the site. If you think something’s fishy about a story, leave the social media site and look up the story on a search engine to look for other sources. Also try searching in a new browser or clearing your history, so your search history can’t follow you.
BE A SEARCH ENGINE GENIUS.
As you read earlier, the first websites that pop up in internet searches are often ads. Sometimes these are marked as ads; sometimes they aren’t. Before you click, scan at least the first two pages of results and read the few lines of description underneath each link. Click on the website of an organization that you recognize or that seems most expert on the subject you are researching.
“Robin Terry Brown’s ‘Breaking the News,’ written in consultation with several journalism luminaries, is laid out the way magazines used to be, with captivating images, bite-size fact-filled blurbs and intuitive design. “Breaking the News” urges young people to leave their social media feeds and “read reliable news and information from many different sources.”
―The New York Times
“[Breaking the News] provides a sharp-looking survey that examines the history of news-how it began, how it evolved, and what consumers of all ages must consider before accepting a truth as the truth. Cool bits of history, funny hoaxes, and the scary reality of propaganda are packed in simple bites easy to absorb. Excellent design and a clear narrative help readers navigate the vast and fast-changing concept of news.”
Headlines leap out at us from mobile phones, TV screens, computers, newspapers, and everywhere we turn. Technology has opened up exciting new ways to tell interesting stories, but how much of it is news … and how much is just noise? This refreshing and up-to-date media literacy book gives kids the tools they need to distinguish what is fact from what is fiction so that they can make smart choices about what to believe.
Topics cover a broad range, from defining freedom of speech, the journalists’ code of ethics, the dangers of propaganda, and the future of news.
Packed with profiles of influential journalists, fun facts, and iconic photographs, this ultimate guide to the information age will get kids thinking about their relationship and responsibility to media.
About the Author: ROBIN TERRY BROWN graduated from the master’s program at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism with a passion for writing, editing, and getting the facts straight. She carried this passion throughout her 17-year career as a senior editor with National Geographic. Brown currently lives with her husband in northern Virginia, where she works as a writer, editor, and truth-seeker.
SUSAN GOLDBERG, contributor, is an award-winning journalist, editorial director of National Geographic Partners, and editor in chief of National Geographic magazine. Prior to National Geographic, Goldberg was an executive editor at Bloomberg News in Washington, D.C. She has also held posts at several news organizations, including The Plain Dealer, San Jose Mercury News, USA Today, the Detroit Free Press, and Seattle Post-Intelligencer. In 2017, Washingtonian magazine named Goldberg one of Washington, D.C.’s most powerful women.
At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I’m reviewing SCHOOL SQUAD by Eileen Moskowitz-Palma.
June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic features a historical non-fiction alphabet book, Eight Hands Round: A Patchwork Alphabet.
Sue Heavenrich at Archimedes Notebook hasa picture book for older kids (up to age 10): Life in a Frozen World: Wildlife of Antarctica, by Mary Batten.
COMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF shares some thoughts on First Light by Rebecca Stead.
Maria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA has Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess by Shari Green
Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of FLYING OVER WATER by Shannon Hitchcock & N.H. Senzai. Rosi also shares three helpful 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 a look at THE SMARTEST KID IN THE UNIVERSE.
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.
Book 2 in the Popularity Pact series arrives with even more middle school drama than CAMP CLIQUE did to lead off the series. Bea and Maisy have returned from camp and it’s time for Maisy to uphold her end of the deal and get Bea accepted into the cliquish girl’s group, the M & M’s. That means wearing the right clothes and making sure you have popular people following your Instagram account. Life for a middle school kid is exhausting.
Here’s the official blurb for SCHOOL SQUAD: Picking up where The Popularity Pact: Camp Clique left off, the second book in this exciting duology finds former best friends Bea and Maisy preparing for the new school year. Bea kept up her end of the bargain, getting Maisy “in” with the girls at camp. Now it’s Maisy’s turn to fulfill her promise to ingratiate Bea with the popular girls. When Bea is accepted into this new inner circle, she begins to lose sight of what true friendship is all about. As Bea seems prepared to sacrifice anything to be “cool,” Maisy realizes there’s more to life than hanging out with a bunch of mean girls. Can she convince Bea that the popularity pact was a mistake? Can these former friends find their way back to each other?
BOOK BIRTHDAY: October 6, 2020 PAGE COUNT: 304
Each chapter begins with Bea’s first narration followed by Maisy’s. The dual viewpoints are a perfect way to tell the problem-filled story. It’s not just the academic and social challenges at school, but equally difficult are the home situation for each.
For Bea, Mom is dating one of Bea’s teachers and dad is getting set to remarry. This means she’ll have two stepsisters who have rather offish personalities. Meanwhile, Maisy’s mom is returning from rehab after getting addicted to pills. Maisy knows she’ll just go back to her old ways and sets out to spy on her mother’s every move.
As with Book 1, School Squad will appeal to mostly girls. They’ll be in for an emotional ride, but also open them up to a discussion about friendship and being true to yourself.
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT SCHOOL SQUAD by Eileen Moskowitz-Palma
At times you’ll dislike each of the characters and then soon love what they do. Neither are perfect and make many mistakes that should endear them to the intended audience.
The fact that a supportive family is often the necessary link to help a middle grade kid get though the often turbulent and emotional filled times of seventh grade.
There is also a church support group Maisy attends thanks to new friend Clarke. Having a trusting person or group you can talk to when dealing with life’s detours can make you a more understanding person.
Many of the secondary characters shine like Grandma and Bea’s teacher. It really does take a village to raise a child!
The fanciful artwork on the cover and chapter beginnings provide a nice visual connection to the story.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR (From the author’s website) Eileen Moskowitz-Palma divides her time between novel writing and teaching First Draft from Start to Finish and Writing for Children and Young Adults at The Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College.
Eileen’s debut Middle Grade novel, Camp Clique, the first book in The Popularity Pact series, was published in April 2020 at the height of the COVID pandemic. As a result, all of her in-person events with schools, libraries and bookstores were cancelled. Rather than being discouraged, she created a solution by forming a free virtual writing camp and book club program to serve the kids affected by school closures. The response was overwhelmingly positive and the camps in high demand. She connected with kids from all across the country and caught the attention of institutions like the Providence Children’s Museum, Sarah Lawrence College, the Rhode Island Department of Education, Thalia Kids Book Club Camp based out of Manhattan’s Symphony Space, and the upcoming Orange County Children’s Book Festival. She will continue to serve kids during the 2020-2021 academic year with a variety of virtual writing and book club program options for schools, libraries, and parents. Email her at eileenmpalma@gmail.com for more information.
Eileen lives in Westchester, NY, with her college sweetheart husband Douglas, their daughter Molly, and their Wire Fox Terrier Oscar, who is one snaggle-tooth away from being a doggy model.
Final Note: My review copy came with the traditional bookmark and a stroke of marketing genius… Instant advertising for the book in mask wearing classrooms and playgrounds everywhere!
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Comments are always appreciated! Be sure to come back this Wednesday. I’m hosting the blog tour stop for National Geographic Kids intriguing new title—Breaking the News with a GIVEAWAY!
SYNOPSIS: This sketchbook helps kids look more closely at nature and capture what they discover with pencil, pen, and paint. The Nature Explorer’s Sketchbook inspires exploration, creativity and observation, with beautiful sketchbook illustrations, ideas and tips, and plenty of space for kids to draw. 28 pages of instruction and color illustrations followed by blank pages, with more hints and examples every ten pages. A perfect tool for home schoolers, environmental education programs, STEAM programs, or to give as a gift to young artists and nature lovers.
MY TAKE
Nature and art have always been a perfect match. Ones who bring the outdoors to life in drawings and paintings have a skill for discovering the beauty in nature. THE NATURE AND EXPLORER’S SKETCHBOOK is the perfect introduction toward planting this passion in young readers.
The paperback pages use a thicker style paper that is easy to draw on. The first sections give us a view of what it takes to be an explorer along with the many choices for producing art. It might be a paint brush, pencil, or marker. Once through these initial 27 pages it’s time to sketch.
Eight “Try this” activities with plenty of blank pages encourage young artists to practice. A few include tips for drawing insects and birds, a fun task to sketch a map of your nature walk, and adding fun elements to your work.
A resource sure to please those already passionate about the outdoors and motivate others to join in the fun.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Artist and educator Jean Mackay has been exploring and sketching nature for more than 25 years. Working in all kinds of settings, from tide pools to farm fields to her own backyard in Upstate
New York. Jean’s journals reflect a keen eye for detail and profound sense of wonder. Jean teaches each summer at the Hog Island Audubon Camp in Maine.
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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.
Congratulations to Danielle Hammelef who won a copy of WEIRD BUT TRUE! HALLOWEEN.
A Spooky Week Ahead! Click a pumpkin to reach a blogger’s site.
At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of my CYBILS nominee this year, THREE KEYS by Kelly Yang.
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an interview with debut author Lily LaMotte and a giveaway of her MG contemporary graphic novel Measuring Up.
June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic has another installment in her sewing book series, a historical non-fiction picture book entitled, The Quilt-Block History of Pioneer Days: With Projects Kids Can Make.
Sue Heavenrich at Sally’s Bookshelf stays in the season again this week with Embassy of the Dead, by Will Mabbitt, a book she says is SO fun to read!
Maria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA features The Paper House by Lois Peterson.
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal is excited to share All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team by Christina Soontornvat. Perfect for kids and adults.
Mark Baker at Carstairs Considers returns to the MMGM list today with The Timeless One by James Riley.
Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of LAST MIRROR ON THE LEFT by Lamar Giles. Rosi also shares three helpful 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 a look at The Second Best Haunted Hotel on Mercer Street.
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.
It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. Email me the title of the book or feature for any middle grade book, author or giveaway, and a link to your blog. Send it to: 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.
to reach a blogger’s site.
to reach a blogger’s site
Always in the Middle... 