MIDNIGHT AT THE BARCLAY HOTEL

Posted on August 2, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

I couldn’t think of a better way to start the month than a featured review of a new book by one of our past MMGM contributors, Fleur Bradley. I’m also the first stop on an ambitious blog tour. Check out the schedule below after you read my review.

MIDNIGHT AT THE BARCLAY HOTEL has everything you’d want in a good old fashioned murder mystery (or I should say “young fashioned”). You’ll find a growing list of suspects, three kid detectives, and a secluded locale in the Colorado Mountains.

The 52 chapters move along at a perfect pace and the story will have you wanting to finish the book in one sitting. I didn’t, but reading a few chapters quickly turned into six or seven. It was rather addicting.

Innocent or not, each of the characters have a secret they don’t want to reveal. I changed my mind a half dozen times as to who I thought committed the dastardly deed. The children all have engaging personalities. JJ dislikes reading but wants to be a ghost hunter. Penny loves to read and wants to follow in her granddad’s footsteps and become a detective. Emma is a resident at the hotel and is just happy to have other kids visiting. Together they try and solve the whodunit.

A fun, engaging read.

Here’s the official synopsis:

When JJ Jacobson convinced his mom to accept a surprise invitation to an all-expenses-paid weekend getaway at the illustrious Barclay Hotel, he never imagined that he’d find himself in the midst of a murder mystery. He thought he was in for a run-of-the-mill weekend ghost hunting at the most haunted spot in town, but when he arrives at the Barclay Hotel and his mother is blamed for the hotel owner’s death, he realizes his weekend is going to be anything but ordinary.

Now, with the help of his new friends, Penny and Emma, JJ has to track down a killer, clear his mother’s name, and maybe even meet a ghost or two along the way.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: AUGUST 25, 2020 PAGE COUNT: 320

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT MIDNIGHT AT THE BARCLAY HOTEL by Fleur Bradley

  1. Colorado in the winter is the perfect choice for a mystery, especially when the characters are trapped at a haunted hotel in the middle of a snowstorm.
  2. No overly scary moments. Some MG mysteries’ main purpose is to frighten readers, but here it is all about figuring out the guilty party.
  3. The illustrations scattered throughout added a visual element readers will enjoy. They each give more life to an already great story.
  4. The mystery is divided into four parts. LIARS, LIARS; MOTIVE; THE MISSING PUZZLE PIECE; and the climatic ending MIDNIGHT AT THE BARCLAY HOTEL. A nice way to frame the plot.
  5. This was even more fun for me as I have spent some time at the famed and very haunted Stanley Hotel in Colorado.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR, Fleur Bradley

I grew up in the Netherlands (you can look up where that is on the map), where I spent my childhood riding my bike, catching tadpoles, and reading Pippi Longstocking and Roald Dahl books. I loved to read, and I loved to draw, too. My very favorite book was The BFG by Roald Dahl. I would read under the covers well past my bedtime, secretly hoping for the BFG to knock on my window. 
But somewhere along the way (around my high school years), I sort of lost the passion for reading. It wasn’t until I was given a paperback thriller many years later that I caught the reading bug again. After reading many, many mysteries and thrillers, I decided to try my hand at writing (I was pretty bad at it at first, to be honest). It took a long time before some of my short mysteries started appearing in small press magazines, which encouraged me to keep writing. (For more visit the author’s web site)

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Check out all the upcoming stops on MIDNIGHT AT THE BARCLAY HOTEL Blog Tour:

Aug. 11th: An interview at MG Bookvillage

Aug 14th: Book review at Charlotte’s Library

Aug. 16th: Guest post: Fleur talks about reaching reluctant readers at Unleashing Readers

Aug. 17th: Review at Secret Files of Fairday Morrow blog

Aug. 18th: Review and giveaway at MG Mojo

Aug. 19th.: Interview and giveaway at From the Mixed-Up Files

Aug. 21st: Book review at Our Thoughts Precisely.

Aug. 23rd: Interview and giveaway at Spooky MG

Aug. 24th: Interview at YA Booknerd

Aug. 25th: Writers Digest Author Spotlight

Sept. 4th : Fleur talks about getting out of your comfort zone on Kirby Larson’s blog

Sept. 8th: Fleur outlines how to develop a compelling MG concept at Writers Digest

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

ALSO: The winner of my recent giveaway of DAN UNMASKED is June McCrary Jacobs. Congratulations and enjoy the book!

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, New Release | Tagged , , , , | 17 Comments

INSIDE THE HUMAN BODY

Posted on July 31, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

This new Nomad Press title comes from their INQUIRE AND INVESTIGATE HUMAN BEINGS set. Intended for ages 12-15, upper middle graders readers with an interest in how their bodies work will find everything they need here and more.

Written with honest detail, the information is divided into 9 chapters. Included are Cells, Muscles and Bones, along with the Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nervous, Endocrine, Digestive and Reproductive systems.

Each chapter begins with a cartoon panel of teens preparing to explore the topic. Next comes several pages of detailed text and illustrations to support learning. Helpful QR codes are included. I used my cell phone’s camera function to focus on the square code and up popped a link to a video or another article. They all worked flawlessly and serve as added visual resources.

The chapters end with an Inquire and Investigate feature where you carry out hands-on projects. A fun way to experiment and hypothesize. Included in the back pages of the book is a thorough 6-page glossary and resources page. A useful and welcome section. I also liked having Teacher Resources available on the Nomad Press site.

Inside the Human Body is a fantastic resource for school or at home. It just may open up the doors to our next generation of scientists and doctors.

Next month I’ll feature another title in the series: Psychology: Why We Smile, Strive, and Sing.

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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 , | 4 Comments

MMGM for July 27, 2020

Posted on July 27, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

                  August Clip Art 10762

Throughout the summer months, I’m lending the top spot to one of our frequent contributors. Today the honor goes to Jenni Enzor. She is an author, teacher, and explorer and regularly features MG books on her blog. Look below to see what she has for us this week.

Click on a blogger’s happy green pencil to reach their site.

bullet3Jenni takes the top spot with her review of Wollstonecraft Detective Agency Book 4: The Case of the Perilous Palace.

bullet3At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review and GIVEAWAY of DAN UNMASKED by Chris Negron—a story of friendship, family, and grief.

bullet3June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, & Stitch-metic features a historical fiction picture book, Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop:  The Sanitation Strike of 1968.

bullet3A big welcome to K.A. Cummins who joins us for the first time! She has author Allen Brokken sharing the inspiration and journey behind his Tower of Light series and Book 2, Still Small Voice.

bullet3Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews a MG mystery, The Summer We Found the Baby by Amy Hest.

bullet3Maria Antonia at Of Books, Photography, and Tea shares her thoughts on Mañanaland by Pam Muñoz Ryan.

bullet3Matt Sweeney at Woodpecker Books comes in with a review of A Tale of Magic by Chris Colfer.

bullet3Rosi Hollinbeck reviews VOICES OF YOUNG HEROES by Kelly Milner Halls. Rosi also provides three links for her writing friends.

bullet3Karen Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads has another fantastic MMGM post. Be sure to check out today’s feature and all of her reviews the past week including THE BULL SHARK.
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 , , | 5 Comments

DAN UNMASKED + A GIVEAWAY

Posted on July 26, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

Friendship is one of the greatest gifts for any child. Something many take for granted including Daniel Summers, the endearing protagonist in DAN UNMASKED. Dan’s guilt is enormous since he feels responsible for his friend Nate’s accident and subsequent coma.

The initial chapters, led by Dan’s first person narration, explore a deep connection the two boys have for each other. This includes their devotion to a super hero comic book series, a shared love of baseball, and how they know each other so well it’s like they can read each other’s thoughts. And then a freak accident happens during their baseball practice and both their lives change in an instant.

The length of this new contemporary MG is a bit long (368 pages), but it’s because a lot of side plots need space. For starters there are baseball games still to be played without their star pitcher, how to help Nate’s grieving younger brother, and enter the mysterious author of the Captain Nexus comic book. Added to the mix are Dan’s father who is so busy with work he seems not to notice Dan anymore. After Dan learns coma patients often benefit with talk from family and friends, he decides to write a comic book and read it to his bedridden friend.

It’s how all of these mini-plots come together that make a heartfelt statement about grief, family, and friendship. You may be seeing this title in many children lit awards this year.

THE OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS

Whether they’re on the baseball field or in Nate’s basement devouring the newest issue of their favorite comic book, Dan and Nate are always talking. Until they’re not.

After an accident at baseball practice, Nate’s fallen into a coma. And if Dan ever wants to talk to Nate again, he’s got to take a page out of his hero Captain Nexus’s book, and do whatever it takes to save the day.

But heroes have powers—and without Nate, all Dan has is a closet stuffed with comics and a best-friend-shaped hole in his heart. There’s no way a regular kid can save the day all on his own. Right?

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT DAN UNMASKED by Chris Negron

  1. The baseball game chapters put you in the heart of the action. Teamwork is essential, but also remembering the one person missing on the mound becomes more apparent by the the last out of the final game.
  2. Ollie is Nate’s younger brother and his gift is art. He adores his older brother and it takes new friends and old to pull him out of his depression.
  3. Dan’s wishful thinking that he can save his friend is exactly how middle graders would act. But If I do this and this then everything will be okay doesn’t always work. It takes maturity of an inner voice for Dan to see things differently.
  4. Baseball and super heroes. Just the ticket to make Dan Unmasked a hit with the 8-13 year old reader.
  5. An ending I loved in the hospital room with beeps and monitors declaring nothing has changed for Nate. But Dan must find the courage to face his friend once more and express his true feelings. You’ll be saying WOW after reading the final page.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Chris Negron grew up outside Buffalo, New York, where he spent a huge chunk of his childhood collecting comic books and loving sports. But it was the hours of playing Dungeons and Dragons in friends’ basements that first gave him the dream of one day writing his own stories. That dream kept him company through college at Yale University and years of programming computers for big companies. Dan Unmasked is his debut novel, and he now lives outside Atlanta with his wife, Mary. Visit him at www.chrisnegron.com. Find Chris on Instagram or on Twitter.

Blue Slip Media has offered a giveaway of DAN UNMASKED for one lucky U.S. Resident. Leave a comment and I’ll draw a winning entry on August 1st. Good Luck!

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I received an ARC in exchange of my honest review.

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

AGATHA ODDLY—THE SILVER SERPENT

Posted on July 24, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

The young British detective is back in this third adventure. I previously reviewed Book 2: MURDER AT THE MUSEUM. Agatha is a sharp thinker with an eye for details, just what a world class sleuth needs.

At age 14 Agatha is the newest recruit for the Gatekeeper’s Guild, a secret London underground crime-fighting organization. Her mum also worked for the organization until disappearing seven years prior and is presumed dead. Agatha is desperate to find out what actually happened. But now she has her first case. An assistant at the National Gallery of Art has gone missing and Agatha is set off to investigate.

No worries if you jump into this book first. The past is flawlessly woven into the new story and you’ll never feel lost. Best friends Liam and Brianna have returned along with a new character—Arthur—an older boy Agatha is paired with to help in her first official investigation.

Despite the length of over 350 pages the pace is perfect, full of mystery, intrigue, and mystery. The twists and turns along with trying to figure out who the bad guys really are make this a compelling read.

Here’s the scoop from Harper Collins:

A third mystery for thirteen-year-old Agatha Oddly – a bold, determined heroine, and the star of this stylish new detective series.

As the youngest and newest recruit to the gatekeeper’s guild, Agatha Oddlow know she’s got a lot to prove – not least because her mother was such an important member of the secret society.

So, when an assistant at the National Gallery goes missing, Agatha begins investigating. Soon she uncovers a plot bigger than she could ever have imagined. As Agatha delves deeper and deeper into the mystery, she’s not sure she’ll ever get to the bottom of it all…

Yes, the characters are a bit older than what you typically find in middle grade lit, but all the action and relationships never stray into YA territory. This one is well worth your time. The London locale and fun interactions within each scene make for great summer time escapism—or any season for that matter!

Order your own copy here with access to a variety of book sellers.

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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 , , , | 4 Comments

MMGM for July 20, 2020

Posted on July 20, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

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Throughout the summer months, I’m lending the top spot to one of our frequent contributors. Today the honor goes to Maria Antonia at Of Books, Photography, and Tea. Don’t miss Maria’s feature on MMGM or her weekend posts dedicated to photography.

Click on a blogger’s bullet4 to reach their site.

bullet4Maria takes the top spot with her review of Mysterious Benedict Society & the Riddle of Ages by Trenton Lee Stewart.

bullet4At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of THAT TIME I GOT KIDNAPPED by Tom Mitchell.

bullet4Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles interviews Jess Redman with a GIVEAWAY of her MG magical realism Quintessance.

bullet4June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, & Stitch-metic reviews What Were the Negro Leagues?—a WHOHQ Book by Penguin Workshop celebrating the Negro Baseball Leagues Centennial.

bullet4Sierra Dertinger at Books. Iced Lattes. Blessed. reviews the non-fiction History Smashers series by Kate Messner.

bullet4COMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF recommends Zenobia July by Lisa Bunker.

bullet4Karen Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads has another fantastic MMGM post. Be sure to check out today’s feature and all of her reviews the past week including CITY OF GOLD.

bullet4Jenni Enzor shares her MG summer reading plan and also features fellow MMGM June McCrary Jacob’s Kids Love to Stitch–Book 1.

bullet4Alex Baugh at Randomly Reading has A High Five for Glenn Burke by Phil Bildner, an interesting book about boy who knows he’s gay, wants to come out, but isn’t quite ready.

bullet4Matt Sweeney at Woodpecker Books returns this week with a review of Fire in the Star by Kamilla Benko

bullet4Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Efrén Divided by Ernestro Cisneros.

bullet4Rosi Hollinbeck has a good one for us—Things Seen From Above by Shelley Pearsall. Rosi also shares three links for her writing friends along with a favorite picture book.

bullet4Susan Uhlig was fascinated by The Hippo at the End of the Hall by Helen Cooper.
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 , , | 5 Comments

THAT TIME I GOT KIDNAPPED

Posted on July 19, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

Author Tom Mitchell returns with a new comedy adventure. Previously I reviewed HOW TO ROB A BANK. His newest entry, THAT TIME I GOT KIDNAPPED, hangs on to the same threads of boy likes girl and big time trouble with the police. Other than that it’s a new story with new characters.

Loaded with laugh out loud moments and crazy, far-fetched plot twists, I wouldn’t recommend this to a brand new MG reader. Jacob, the main character, is 14 and his “kidnapper” Jessica may or may not be 17. The romance is very light, but there are a few swear words thrown in by both kids and adults. Nothing R-rated but I’d still consider this to be an upper MG title for 12 and up.

British lad, Jacob, narrates the story and the author once again nails the teen voice. Jacob has won a contest to appear in a Hollywood movie. His parents put him on a plane and off he goes alone to a foreign country—the good old USA. His plane lands in Chicago in the middle of a snowstorm. Jacob misses his connection and from their the craziness begins. He takes a bus to L.A. but gets involved with Jennifer, a runaway who is carrying a mysterious package. A mean looking cowboy is after them, but really only wants whatever is in the package. One bad decision after another spreads their lawlessness westward into Missouri, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada.

Will Jacob make it in time to be in the movie? And what is obnoxious Jennifer really up to? No spoilers here, but THAT TIME I GOT KIDNAPPED is fine way to escape from the more serious titles hitting the shelves recently. Be prepared to shake your head and giggle as you make your way through the 43 chapters.

YEAR PUBLISHED: 2020 PAGE COUNT: 320

FIVE MORE THINGS I LIKED ABOUT: THAT TIME I GOT KIDNAPPED by Tom Mitchell

The differences between American and British English are a focal point throughout. Both teens are hilariously confused by some of the words they hear from each other.

If you have ever traveled to any of the places they visit, you’ll be commenting “Oh, I remember seeing that!” Makes for some memorable moments.

Jacob’s heart is in the right place, but he may be grounded for life if he ever makes it back home. A fascinating look at the teen brain as it reasons out each decision.

Even the Cowboy has a nice character arc. We see a different side of him by the end.

A princess suitcase, clowns, and Spiderman! How’s that for combination of plot elements?

Author Tom Mitchell has spent part of his Pandemic time making writing videos with his son. Here’s a recent one on TOP TIPS FOR WRITING GREAT DIALOG:

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I received an ARC for my honest review. Be sure to comment below!

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

SECOND DAD SUMMER

Posted on July 17, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

My theme this week has been middle graders dealing with the life changing situation when their single parent is dating. On Monday I featured The Field Guide for Getting Lost, the story of two very different kids brought together under these circumstances.

Today is all about Jeremiah and his Second Dad Summer.

Jeremiah lives with his mom but spends summers with his dad in Minneapolis. He knows dad is bi-sexual, but the partner he is with now is a bit much. Michael is not like anyone and is more than embarrassing to be around as the front cover portrays with perfection.

Filled with diverse characters and a thought provoking plot (check out the discussion guide from One Elm Books), Jeremiah has to tag along to Pride events and put up with Michael trying to act like a Dad. He’s never going to like this person, but a grouchy old neighbor and Sage, a new friend in the neighborhood, are the links to seeing things in a new way if Jeremiah is willing to listen.

Here’s the official synopsis from Red Chair Press:

Jeremiah wants a normal summer with his dad, but his dad has moved in with his new boyfriend who serves weird organic food and rides a unicorn bicycle. With help from new friends and an elderly neighbor, Jeremiah learns being a family comes in many surprising forms.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: August 4, 2020 PAGE COUNT: 224

Delightful illustrations are scattered throughout and there wasn’t a character I didn’t like (even old Mr. Keeler). Yes, the traditional American family is never the same and books like this one help young readers know that’s okay. Jeremiah is an appealing narrator and many kids will see themselves in some of the things he says and does. The community of LGBTQ is portrayed with tenderness and honesty and fits well with the intended reader of age 9 and up.

A heartfelt story and I would welcome another book featuring Jeremiah.

About the Author

Benjamin Klas knows a lot about Jeremiah and his family. The author lives in Saint Paul, Minnesota with his partner and their son. He spends his days block printing, playing the ukulele, parenting, and writing, although not necessarily in that order. After graduating from North Central University (MN), Benjamin earned a Master of Library and Information Science from St. Catherine University. His work has appeared in several literary magazines and a collection by LGBTQ authors

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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 , , | 4 Comments

MMGM for July 13, 2020

Posted on July 13, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

                  bookkids

Throughout the summer months, I’m lending the top spot to one of our frequent contributors. Today the honor goes to Karen Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads. This super human librarian and blogger posts reviews every day. Last week alone Karen featured SCARE ME —— NOT YOUR AMERICAN GIRL—— MUSE SQUAD: THE CASSANDRA CURSE—— WARRIOR DOG——LOVE, JACARANDA—— and SOMETHING TO SAY. Wow! Quite the lineup!

purple arrowSee what Karen has in store for us today by clicking on the purple arrow and then do the same for all the other fantastic bloggers below.

purple arrowAt ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of A FIELD GUIDE TO GETTING LOST by Joy McCullough.

purple arrowJune McCrary Jacobs has a Book Blast for her new MG sewing book, Kids Love to Stitch – Book 1:  Picnic Projects. There’s a Giveaway, an exclusive excerpt, photos, & a few words from June.

purple arrowJenni Enzor reviews WRONG WAY SUMMER by Heidi Lang, a book I recently enjoyed.

purple arrowMaria Antonia at Of Books, Photography, and Tea covers Coop Knows the Scoop by Taryn Souders

purple arrowPatricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal features another chapter book, Stella Endicott and the Anything-I-Possible Poem by Kate DiCamillo.

purple arrowRosi Hollinbeck gives us her take on THE UNTEACHABLES by Gordon Korman. Rosi also shares some links to great resources for her writing friends.
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

A FIELD GUIDE TO GETTING LOST

Posted on July 12, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

A sweet tale with two endearing characters. On the left is Sutton. She loves science, especially working on her mini-bot project. Sutton’s parents are divorced, and although Mom still lives in the same apartment building, her job pulls her away to study penguins in far off locales. She won’t even make it back in time for Sutton’s tenth birthday.

The boy is Luis and he likes writing fantasy stories. His dad died long ago of cancer and Luis wants to know more about him. Luis is also allergic to bees and several foods. His mom watches him closely, but he’s a regular emergency room visitor.

These two very different kids don’t go to the same school nor are they related in any way. They why are they together? The reason is something many kids will relate to in a cringe worthy fashion: Their single parents are dating each other and it appears to be getting serious (insert eye roll).

The Seattle setting blends well with the story. The kids first meet when Luis’s mom and Sutton’s dad decide they should include the kids in a few of their activities—none of which go very well. When these two not very compatible youngsters get lost on a hike they’ll have to learn about each other if they ever expect to be found.

Alternating POV’s is a perfect way to reveal the thoughts of Sutton and Luis. It’s a quiet story that would make a great read aloud along with discussion of changing family dynamics.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: APRIL 14, 2020 PAGE COUNT: 224

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT A FIELD GUIDE TO GETTING LOST by Joy McCullough

  1. Science gets a big flag waving support for girls. Both Sutton and her mother serve as great role models.
  2. Although this is a stand alone, the ending had me thinking what comes next for Luis and Sutton? The mark of a well paced story that pulls you in to a satisfying conclusion.
  3. The compass provides a nice connection and reveals much about each of the characters.
  4. Luis was my favorite character at first, but the character arc for Sutton brought them both to a photo finish.
  5. The parents and supporting cast supply much needed support for the kids they love. I also need to learn how to make Mrs. Banerjee’s special golden milk drink.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Joy McCullough’s debut young adult novel Blood Water Paint(Penguin) won the Washington State and Pacific Northwest books awards, as well as honors such as the National Book Award longlist, finalist for the ALA Morris Award, a Publishers Weekly Flying Start and four starred reviews. Her debut middle grade novel, A Field Guide to Getting Lost (Simon & Schuster) is a Junior Library Guild Selection. She writes books and plays from her home in the Seattle area, where she lives with her husband and two children. She studied theater at Northwestern University, fell in love with her husband atop a Guatemalan volcano, and now spends her days surrounded by books and kids and chocolate.

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I’ll continue this theme of single parent dating when I review SECOND DAD SUMMER this Friday.

Comments are always welcome below.

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