Guest Post by Author L.G. Reed

Posted on September 17, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

I’ll be posting a review tomorrow of L.G. Reed’s new middle grade book, THE SCIENCE OF DEFYING GRAVITY. Today she is taking my place at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE with her insights on FAVORITE MIDDLE GRADE BOOKS. Take it away, L.G.

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In 1968 I was ten years old. No internet. Living in Wauwatosa Wisconsin. Most of the books I read were non-fiction books on horses. I loved horses. Was going to live on a horse ranch in Wyoming. At least that was how I saw my future. Between dogs and horses, I was animal crazy.  

It isn’t a wonder then that my favorite fictional book growing up was Black Beauty. In today’s parlance, Black Beauty might have been considered a fantasy, as the narrator is a horse, speaking anthropomorphically as if he had the emotions and reactions as the human characters.  I’ve always loved escapism in my reading, though Black Beauty had an animal rights current that raged through the story and effected real change when it came out in 1877.

Today my reading is more varied, though I still love to escape. As I write this, some of my favorite Middle Grade novels are the Harry Potter series and Neil Gaiman’s stories, most recent being The Graveyard Book. Both have a bit of the bewitching in them that takes me out of my day-to-day life and into a world that is different. One of the things I find special about Gaiman’s books are the way he makes me see the world in a new, unexpected way.

I want to give a shout out to the books that combine graphic novels and fictional prose. Timmy Failure It’s the End When I Say Its’ the End by Stephan Pastis is a wonderful example of the style and hooked me right into the delusional world of Timmy Failure, which the kid in me found hysterically funny and the adult found poignant.

Though I love fantasy, I also love books where girls are resourceful, strong characters who don’t rely on others to accomplish great things. They may be normal, un-fantastical things, but they are done by the smart, courageous girls, rather than any male characters in the story. The Science of Unbreakable Things by Tae Keller is a recent favorite.

My latest book incorporates a smart, quirky female character and the four forces of flight (lift, thrust, gravity, drag) in what I’m calling Fictionalized Science. The Science of Defying Gravity has real science and a made-up story. Not SciFi, as the story takes place in a non-magical, current time setting, but incorporating real science into a fictional story where the twelve-year-old female protagonist reaches her goals on her own. I hope it will become a favorite book in home libraries.

About the Author

Author and publisher, L. G. Reed believes stories that provide an artistic or relationship story along with a science focus can be an effective way to hook girls into STEM, especially at the earliest ages. She targets middle school because research has shown that these years are crucial to establishing girl’s interest in STEM topics.

Reed’s background in science and technology came from her career as an aerospace engineer, and her latest book THE SCIENCE OF DEFYING GRAVITY reflects that. She insists, however, that the book isn’t just about science. It’s about perseverance and curiosity — because every kid has those traits. Her goal is to spark their interest and get them to think that science and tech is something they can do.

Reed’s debut novel, The Maiden Voyage of the Maryann won the Cygnus Awards 1st Place – Women’s Fantasy/SciFi Category. Her second book, a middle-grade fantasy titled Sydney Porter: Dog Girl was an Amazon best seller.

Adding to her writing, she is channeling her love of books and writers into Keyes Canyon Press, an independent publisher focusing on middle grade and young adult fiction, and poetry for all ages. Keyes Canyon Press seeks outstanding manuscripts that encourage reading and learning. Un-agented authors are encouraged to submit.

www.keyescanyonpress.com

Posted in Reading, Writing | Tagged , | 1 Comment

MMGM for September 14, 2020

Posted on September 14, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

             MMGM

Click on the red book to reach a blogger’s site

happy bookAt ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of MY LIFE IN THE FISH TANK by Barbara Dee.

happy bookJune McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic returns with a feature on Bubba & Squirt’s Mayan Adventure by Sherry Ellis. There’s a a guest post and GIVEAWAY to one U.S. resident.

happy bookJenni Enzor has a triple header: The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict and The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Riddle of the Ages

happy bookCOMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF features Displacement by Kiku Hughes. Fans of When Stars Are Scattered will love this book!

happy bookMaria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA tells us about Until Niagara Falls by Jennifer Maruno.

happy bookPatricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews her favorite read this year, the beautifully written Black Brother, Black Brother by Jewell Parker Rhodes.

happy bookMatt Sweeney at Woodpecker Books finishes up the Unicorn Chronicles’ series with a review of book 4, THE LAST HUNT by Bruce Coville.

happy bookRosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of Bubba & Squirt’s Mayan Adventure by Sherry Ellis. Rosi also shares three helpful links for her writing friends.

happy bookAndrea Mack returns this week with a great middle grade adventure story: RED FOX ROAD by Frances Greenslade.

happy bookKaren Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads always has a great MMGM review. Check it out along with her other features last week including a look at NUBBY’S STORY.
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

MY LIFE IN THE FISH TANK

Posted on September 13, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

Mental illness is a theme most often seen in YA or Adult books. It’s a tough topic to convey when your audience is 9-13. No need to worry here as the characters and story will win you over.

Told from the viewpoint of twelve-year-old Zinnia Manning, there are no chapter numbers. Instead each chapter heading describes the time period conveyed in that section. Titles like February 21, Six Months Earlier, The Day After, and many more give you a flavor of what to expect. It’s a perfect way to share the difficult year Zinnia is having.

As the third child with a college age brother, a high school sister, and a younger brother in third grade, Zinnia is in the middle of it all when older bro Gabriel has a car accident leading to a bi-polar diagnosis. He’s sent to a treatment center and the parents request that their children keep this private. Hard to do when it leads to broken friendships and confused feelings.

Heartfelt and bold, you’ll be glad you spent time with Zinny and her family. It’s a hard to put down story that you just might end up reading in one sitting.

Here’s the OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS

When twelve-year-old Zinnia Manning’s older brother Gabriel is diagnosed with a mental illness, the family’s world is turned upside down. Mom and Dad want Zinny, her sixteen-year-old sister, Scarlett, and her eight-year-old brother, Aiden, to keep Gabriel’s condition “private”—and to Zinny that sounds the same as “secret.” Which means she can’t talk about it to her two best friends, who don’t understand why Zinny keeps pushing them away, turning everything into a joke.

It also means she can’t talk about it during Lunch Club, a group run by the school guidance counselor. How did Zinny get stuck in this weird club, anyway? She certainly doesn’t have anything in common with these kids—and even if she did, she’d never betray her family’s secret.

The only good thing about school is science class, where cool teacher Ms. Molina has them doing experiments on crayfish. And when Zinny has the chance to attend a dream marine biology camp for the summer, she doesn’t know what to do. How can Zinny move forward when Gabriel—and, really, her whole family—still needs her help?

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT MY LIFE IN THE FISH TANK by Barbara Dee

  1. Relationships with family and friends frame the life of a child in middle school. Barbara Dee is an expert at revealing the conflict inherent with each person Zinny has in her life. Great character arcs abound.
  2. Hurray for the teachers who are at Zinny’s side. Her science teacher and counselor are true believers in this confused kid.
  3. The comparison of Zinnia’s troubles to that of life in a fish tank is a brilliant method to provide the connection to healing.
  4. Young readers will grow in their empathy and understanding of bi-polar disorder. Discussion possibilities are wide ranging.
  5. A realistic story you won’t soon forget.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Barbara Dee is the author of eleven middle grade novels published by Simon & Schuster, including My Life in the Fish Tank, Maybe He Just Likes You, Everything I Know About You, Halfway Normal, and Star-Crossed. Her books have earned several starred reviews and have been named to many best-of lists, including the The Washington Post’s Best Children’s Books, the ALA Notable Children’s Books, the ALA Rise: A Feminist Book Project List, the NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, and the ALA Rainbow List Top Ten. Barbara lives with her family, including a naughty cat named Luna and a sweet rescue hound named Ripley, in Westchester County, New York.

(For more about Barbara and her books visit her website)

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I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. Be sure to leave a comment below if time allows.

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

Bubba and Squirt’s MAYAN ADVENTURE

Posted on September 11, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

Bubba and Squirt were first introduced to readers in Big Dig to China. With a magic shovel they end up digging a hole and landing themselves on an adventure to the other side of the world.

You’ll be fine jumping in with this new book if you haven’t read the first. At 96 pages, it’s more of a novella, but one reluctant readers will enjoy. It’s also a great fit for a read-aloud. This time Bubba and his older sister, Squirt, end up in Belize.

Here’s the official summary:

An ancient Mayan civilization! That’s what Bubba and Squirt find when they travel through the mysterious vortex for another wild adventure. there they meet archaeologists who are unearthing priceless artifacts.

But someone is stealing them. And an encounter with the Tate Duende awakens magic within Bubba. Throw in the mysterious Alux and a new discovery and things get sticky.

Will Bubba and Squirt solve the mystery, or will thy be stuck forever in the jungles of Belize?

There is the often amusing sibling banter which never overwhelms the story and a lot of action that keeps the plot moving. Along the way you’ll learn about the Mayan civilization and their beliefs. Likeable characters, an appealing story, and learning about other cultures should garner many readers.

The excellent back material includes an interesting few pages on the Mayan Indians and their ceremonial center, Altun Ha. Next comes two delicious sounding recipes for Fry Jacks and Chicken Tortilla Soup. Yes, I’m heading to the kitchen.

Learn more about Sherry Ellis here.

Bubba and Squirt’s Big Adventure Website.

For more about the series and to order either or both books go here.

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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 , , | 3 Comments

MMGM for September 7, 2020

Posted on September 7, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

                labor-day-clipart-labor1

Click on a star to reach a blogger’s site.

REDAt ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of THE CANDY MAFIA by Award winning author, Lavie Tidhar.

WHITEMatt Sweeney at Woodpecker Books reviews The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate. A cute follow up to Ivan.

BLUEJenni Enzor is back this week with a review of Daring Darleen, Queen of the Screen.

REDMaria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA shares some insights about Connect the Stars by Marisa de los Santos & David Teague

WHITEPatricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Wondrous Rex by Patricia MacLachlan.

BLUERosi Hollinbeck has a review of THE LIST OF THINGS THAT WILL NOT CHANGE by Rebecca Stead. Rosi also shares three helpful links for her writing friends.

REDAlex Baugh at Randomly Reading features Stealing Mt. Rushmore by Daphne Kalmar.

WHITEKaren Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads always has a great MMGM review. Check it out along with her other features last week including her opinion of  THE CANDY MAFIA.
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

THE CANDY MAFIA

Posted on September 6, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

Award winning author, Lavie Tidhar, takes a break from his usual adult books to pen his first middle grade story. To be honest, during the initial pages I had a tough time getting into this one.

A town makes candy illegal and groups of middle grade gangs compete to distribute stashes of banned chocolate. They are mafia to the core complete with front boys and girls there to protect their equally underage bosses. Tons of nastiness go on between the kids, but I’m glad I stayed with it.

The savior was the main character, Nelle Faulkner. She’s a detective (or sorely wants to be one) and even dresses the part. Nelle’s not involved in the underground candy world until she is pulled into it by a young friend. The mystery has shady adult detectives, an unsuspecting butler, and a closed candy factory. An occasional full page illustration are well done and often amusing. The page turning climax has Nelle in the middle of an epic candy filled battle.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: September 1, 2020 Pages: 256

Here’s the official Synopsis:

In a city where candy is a crime and sugar is scandalous, Nelle Faulker is a 12-year-old private detective looking for her next client.

When notorious candy gangster Eddie de Menthe asks for her help to find a missing teddy bear, Nelle Faulkner is on the case. But as soon as the teddy turns up, Eddie himself goes missing! As a seemingly innocent investigation unravels into something more sinister, Nelle and her friends quickly find themselves swept up in a shady underworld of sweets smugglers, back alley deals, and storefront firebombs.

If Nelle has any hope of tracking down her missing client, first she’ll have to unmask the true faces behind the smuggling ring. Can Nelle and her friends find a way to take the cake? Or will they come to a sticky end…?

Five More Candy Loving Things to like about THE CANDY MAFIA by Lavie Tidhar

Great character arcs for the secondary characters. This includes Eddie, Bobbie, Sweetcakes, and Waffles.

Had the feel of an old detective movie. I needed my own stash of candy and popcorn as I followed the plot.

A good mystery keeps you guessing and The Candy Mafia does just that. I went from the obvious to the least likely as the main culprit.

Full of action and eye opening scenes.

Nelle. I’d welcome her back for a sequel as this is her story.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lavie Tidhar is the World Fantasy Award winning author of Osama (2011), The Violent Century (2013), the Jerwood Fiction Uncovered Prize-winning A Man Lies Dreaming (2014), and the Campbell Award-winning Central Station (2016), in addition to many other works and several other awards. He works across genres, combining detective and thriller modes with poetry, science fiction and historical and autobiographical material. This is his first book published for children. He lives in England.

A Side Note From The Author

I had a ridiculous amount of fun writing THE CANDY MAFIA. Though it ended up to be very much Nelle Faulkner’s book, not just mine. Nelle is named after (Nell) Harper Lee, who not only wrote the great TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, of course, but was herself a detective of sorts, traveling with Truman Capote to investigate notorious crime in the 1960s. I wanted some of that curiosity and some of that integrity for Nelle, and I wanted to write a book that was both a lot of fun, and a parody of the hardboiled detective novels I love.

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

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

ResQ Takes on the Takhi

Posted on September 4, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

The second book in the ResQ series comes on the heels of the initial story, ResQ and the Baby Orangutan. The theme in both books is rescuing endangered species.

I started with the second book and had no trouble catching up with the main characters. Eleven year Wheaton is an engineering/inventor genius and is already in grad school. His cousin Stowe is twelve and has a passion for the environment. Together they work for the ResQ organization traveling to far away locations when the need arises.

There are several cool inventions sure to capture the attention of young readers as will learning about the Takhi, a Mongolian wild horse. The story moves along at a steady pace and I especially enjoyed Stowe’s journal entries that occur every few chapters. A wealth of information is contained in each—focusing on the environment, geography, and the species they are trying to save. Grandmother Ariella is along for the ride and is not very successful at keeping her grandchildren in one place. These two kids love to explore.

Here’s the Official Synopsis:

A harem of takhi—Mongolian wild horses—has wandered out of a national park and into danger. Engineering boy genius Wheaton and his naturalist cousin Stowe shuttle to Mongolia on this second mission for ResQ, their organization to save endangered animals. Against wolves and weather, by helicopter and on horseback, and helped by their new Mongolian friend Sarnai, they struggle to guide the lost horses back into the park before winter sets in.

Science and animal lovers have a unique adventure to enjoy and one that will get many thinking about their own future career. ResQ Takes on the Takai released this past June and hopefully we’ll see more adventures in the future.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Eva J. Pell is a plant pathologist who studied the effects of pollution on plant growth. She has served as Senior Vice President for Research at Penn State University and Under Secretary for Science at the Smithsonian.

(For more about Eva and her books be sure to check out her author website)

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

All you have to do is blog about a middle grade book on a Monday (contests, author interviews, or anything middle grade related also count). Email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com
Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book or author you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

MMGM for AUGUST 31, 2020

Posted on August 31, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

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Goodbye August! Click on the spring-clip-art-bird to reach a blogger’s site.

spring-clip-art-birdAt ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of TORO by Andrew Avner.

spring-clip-art-birdSue Heavenrich at Archimedes Notebook features Darwin’s Rival: Alfred Russel Wallace and the Search for Evolution.

spring-clip-art-birdCompletely Full Bookshelf has a review of On the Horizon by Lois Lowry.

spring-clip-art-birdMatt Sweeney at Woodpecker Books recommends an oldie, but a goodie—Dark Whispers by Bruce Coville.

spring-clip-art-birdMaria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA is back again this week and features Soof by Sarah Weeks.

spring-clip-art-birdPatricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal has a very end-of-the summer review with Dot. Goes Fishing by Candlewick Entertainment.

spring-clip-art-birdSusan Uhlig loved the touching BEGINNER’S WELCOME. Check out what she has to say.

spring-clip-art-birdRosi Hollinbeck has a review & GIVEAWAY of THE TIME OF GREEN MAGIC by Hilary McKay. Rosi also shares three helpful links for her writing friends.

spring-clip-art-birdKaren Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads always has a great MMGM review. Check it out along with her other features last week including her list of Cross Country Books.
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

TORO

Posted on August 30, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

This unique story centers around Alicía. Her brown eyes widen whenever there is talk of Pamplona, Spain—a place she longs to visit during the yearly Festival of the Bull. Alicía doesn’t just want to attend but also participate in the running of the bulls. You see, Alicía is a cow.

Her proud bull of a father says this is impossible as cows aren’t allowed in the race and he has already promised her to another bull, one she detests. Alicía devises another plan to break tradition and fulfill her dream. Doing so will hurt those she loves and in the end it could be her own life she loses.

The third person narration and mostly short chapters keep the story moving along at a steady pace. Other characters include her bull brothers, a lynx, Jesús the hog, and Diego— another bull who longs to be in the rodeo. There is also a foursome of comical Texan cowboys on vacation in Spain.

The story would make a great read-aloud, including discussion about stereotypes of what certain people are supposed to do and not do. Overall, a very appealing plot that should garner a lot of readers, especially with its short length.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: September 17, 2020 PAGE COUNT: 142

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT TORO by Andrew Avner

  1. It’s difficult to make a believable story with talking animals, but each of the voices shine here making for an enjoyable journey.
  2. Life is full of rejection. Success is often not achievable unless you have the inner motivation. Readers will appreciate the connection.
  3. Intended for middle grade, adults might also enjoy the story. The themes will touch each person a different way depending on their age.
  4. I’ve seen this festival in Pamplona on TV but never understood its significance. I’ve been fulfilled after reading TORO.
  5. I’d love to see this produced as a full featured cartoon, Disney style.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Andrew Avner graduated with honors from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Television. After working in Manhattan with Academy Award-winning producer David Brown, Avner relocated to Los Angeles to develop his own original material. He’s currently writing and producing short films for The Walt Disney Company while penning his next novel. He lives in West Hollywood, California.

(The above is from Andrew’s author web site. Be sure to visit and enjoy a unique feature of having audio recordings of the first four chapters. The production is excellent. Links for ordering the book are also included.

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I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Feel free to leave a comment below!

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, New Release | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

ALL FISH FACES

Posted on August 28, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

Tropical fish are beautiful creatures, some showing off more than others. Author Tam Warner Minton has spent her life photographing what lies beneath the ocean. In this book she shares her collection of truly “in your face” photos of the wide variety of tropical fish. After my review I have a special bonus—an interview with Tam!

ALL FISH FACES begins with background information as to how fish and mammals are different and alike. Arranged in colorful, easy to read panels, the pages set the stage for what follows. Tropical fish are front and center with more than 70 photos. The pages include species you may be familiar with along with some not so familiar.:

Pufferfish—Angelfish—Butterflyfish—Parrotfish—Triggerfish—Filefish

Frogfish—Splendid Toadfish—Scorpionfish—Lionfish—Boxfish

Groupers—Anemonefish

Quite the impressive lineup! Information about the specie is given along with where each photo was taken. The text and photos are perfectly balanced. It’s truly a feast for your eyes. One page delves into the importance of the ecological implications and how the ocean is warming, endangering it’s population. There are helpful suggestions as to what each individual can do to change this direction.

ALL FISH FACES makes the perfect gift for the ocean lover in any family. Adults and kids alike will be in awe of fish we rarely see. Order this special book for your library today.

Tam Warner Minton joins me now at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE. I know she has to get back to the ocean soon so I won’t keep her for too long. First though a quick bio:

I am a travel writer, blogger, author, photographer and enthusiastic scuba diver. My travel blog, Travels with Tam, is about my many adventures on all seven continents.
I encourage everyone, especially kids, to participate in citizen science and volunteer travel, learn about the ocean, and perform actions to help preserve our ocean resources for now and for the future. I am honored and excited to be able to go on many scientific research expeditions all over the world,
and I want to share what I have learned and seen. As a former University Lecturer and College Consultant, I am a true believer that knowledge is power, and education is always a positive force. There’s nothing I love more than showing kids of all ages the amazing marine life beneath the waves! Encouraging our kids to care about ocean animals is the way to save the ocean for future generations. Check out my website and join my newsletter to get updates via email about my blog posts, talks, lessons, appearances and travels.

Hi Tam and thanks for stopping by ALWAYS in the MIDDLE. First off…

What is it about fish faces that gave you the idea to write this book?

The idea for the book came from my experiences in citizen science diving. My travels have led me to cage dive with great white sharks, scuba dive alongside endangered Dwarf Minke whales of the Great Barrier Reef, photograph and ID manta rays and whale sharks, and so much more. It is the power of citizen science that my fervor for travel and diving took on a new meaning. Our ocean supplies us with our very lives, and adults can be difficult to educate on the subject. My idea has been to educate our children, and through them, the adults in their lives. What better way for people to learn than through their children? We must create a new generation of marine scientists and conservationists in order to preserve our very way of life. Faces humanize animals, and by becoming enthusiastic about fish and other ocean friends, we can excite the next generation to care about our oceans. The book teaches kids how they can help make a difference. 

How has the ocean changed in the years since you first started studying and researching the mysteries below the surface?

I started snorkeling when I was a child, and I’ve been diving for over 30 years. The oceans have very sadly diminished since I began. The warming seas, chemical sunscreens, and plastic pollution have come to a critical point. Everywhere I go I see dying coral, plastic on the reefs, dead or suffering animals due to pollution and unlawful fishing practices. The pandemic has given our oceans a “breather”, but it won’t last. We must learn to manage our usage of plastics and energy in a sustainable way. Cruise ships are a huge problem in the Caribbean, our reefs are suffocated with oil and the pollution these ships dump in our waters.  

For kids who have never had the chance to snorkel or scuba dive, would it be something they’d enjoy, and if so, how early in life should they get started?

Oh how they would love it! It is like visiting another world. The fish and creatures are endlessly fascinating, the colors are incredible. The underwater world is quiet to our ears, we are mesmerized by sights we have never seen before. My children were snorkeling when they were 3 and 4 years old. I know that not all children can go to the ocean, and that is why I have created my book series, Ocean Friends, so I can show them a world they have never seen, and to teach them how important it is. If they can’t go to the ocean, I want to bring the ocean to them! 

What is the most fascinating creature and the scariest you’ve come across in your underwater adventures?

A Great White Shark is the most formidable fish I have ever seen. I had the misfortune of being in a shark cage when a Great White slammed into the cage. It was an accident, the shark was not attacking me, but it was a close call. I was lucky to escape with a bump on the head and a chewed up air hose. I’ve been around many, many sharks, and never had one behave aggressively toward me or other divers. We have to remember that sharks kill about 5 humans a year while we kill 75 to 100 million of them just to put them into chicken soup. It is a horrible practice, and we need our sharks in the water, not in our bowl.

 How can kids or anyone else get involved with saving the ocean?

The book gives kids many ideas on how they can help! Recycle, reuse, repurpose. Kids can help by doing everyday things like unplugging their devices, turning off the lights, and raising the thermostat a degree or two. I have activity sheets on my website for kids to color and learn how to save the ocean. 

Tell us a little bit about your travel blog, Travels with Tam.

Travels with Tam appeals to empty nest and over 50 travelers who have a taste for adventure, luxury, and travel that makes a difference. From the intrepid to the softly active traveler, I encourage everyone to get out of their comfort zone, to travel, to expand their knowledge and enlarge their perspective. My blog includes many photographs, including travel, food, wildlife, and underwater photography. I share stories about traveling, empty nest lifestyle, dining, luxury, cruising, adventuring, scuba diving, volun-tourism, and citizen science. We can travel, learn, have fun, and make a difference for ourselves, others and the planet, often at the same time!

Great advice. Thanks so much for spending time with us today!

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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 Interviews, Middle Grade Book Reviews, non fiction | Tagged , , | 2 Comments