It’s A Numbers Game! Baseball BOOK BLAST

Posted on March 10, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

To celebrate the release of It’s A Numbers Game! Baseball by James Buckley, Jr., and foreword by Cincinnati Reds’ Pitcher Sean Doolittle on February 2nd, as well as Pi Day on 3/14 and the start of Baseball season, blogs across the web are featuring exclusive spreads from the book plus 5 chances to win a finished copy and a $25 gift card to the MLB Shop!

Buy: Amazon | Indiebound | Bookshop

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With every hit, ball, strike, and home run numbers are being calculated on the baseball field. Get ready to learn all the ways digits and math factor into the game, from the countless statistics used to measure an individual player’s game to the exact timing used to steal a base.

Read about all the greatest players from baseball history and get fun facts, like what the most retired jersey number is. Discover what countries dominate in the Little League World Series and check out cool graphics that show the frequency of hits to every part of the field. Jam-packed with sports trivia, awesome photos, and fun activities at the end of every chapter, this number-focused look at the game is the ultimate grand slam.

JAMES BUCKLEY, JR. is the author of more than 100 books for young readers on basketball, baseball, football, soccer, and more. A former editor at Sports Illustrated and NFL Publishing, he is also the author of the top-selling annual Scholastic Year in Sports. In the non-sports world, he has written a dozen titles in the New York Times best-selling Who Was…? biography series. He lives in Santa Barbara, California, where he runs the Shoreline Publishing Group, a leading producer of nonfiction for kids.

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Click on Image to Enlarge

GIVEAWAY

  • One (1) winner will receive a finished copy of It’s A Numbers Game! Baseball by James Buckley, Jr., and foreword by Cincinnati Reds’ Pitcher Sean Doolittle plus a $25 MLB Shop gift card.
  • Check out the other four stops for more chances to win
  • US/Can only
  • Ends 3/21 at 11:59pm ET

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Book Blast Schedule:

March 8th – Frantic Mommy

March 9th – BookHounds

March 10th – Always in the Middle

March 11th – From the Mixed-Up Files of Middle Grade Authors

March 12th – Christy’s Cozy Corners

Posted in Uncategorized | 10 Comments

MMGM for March 8, 2021

Posted on March 8, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

                 1931750

 Click on a book to reach a blogger’s post.

BiaA9G4i8At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I’m  reviewing THE GIRL WHO STOLE AN ELEPHANT by Nizrana Farook.

BiaA9G4i8Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles is interviewing Donna Galanti. Included is a giveaway of her MG fantasy Unicorn Island.

BiaA9G4i8Author K.A. Cummins turns the blog over to her son, Keagan, a rising star in the review world. Check out his critique of A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle.

BiaA9G4i8June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic has a Book Blast for Rinda Beach’s, ‘Zoe’s Scavenger Hunt Fun’. There’s an author guest post and a print copy giveaway for US residents.

BiaA9G4i8Completely Full Bookshelf recommends Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend.

BiaA9G4i8Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Wonder Women of Science by Tiera Fletcher and Ginger Rue, a nonfiction book about 12 women making a difference in our world.

BiaA9G4i8Maria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA features KID SPY: MAC CRACKS THE CODE by Mac Barnett.

BiaA9G4i8Mark Baker at Carstairs Considers gives a few thoughts on Phantom Outlaw at Wolf Creek by Sigmund Brouwer.

BiaA9G4i8Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of While I Was Away by Waka T. Brown. Rosi also shares three helpful links for her writing friends.

BiaA9G4i8Karen Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads always has a great MMGM review. Check it out along with her other features this past week including her thoughts on HUNTER’S CHOICE.
If you would like to join in the MMGM fun and get your own spot in the parade, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count–but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you’re featuring and a link to your blog at gpcolo (at) gmail (dot) com
(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

THE GIRL WHO STOLE AN ELEPHANT

Posted on March 7, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

Chaya, a nobleman’s rebellious, outspoken, no-nonsense daughter, just can’t resist the shiny temptations the king’s palace has to offer. But playing Robin Hood for her impoverished community doesn’t come without risks, and when Chaya steals the queen’s jewels from a bedside table—a messy getaway jeopardizes the life of a close friend. After an equally haphazard prison break, Chaya barely escapes on the king’s prized elephant! With leeches and revolution lurking in the jungle, Chaya leads her companions on a thrilling adventure. After leaving her village as a thief, can she return as a hero? Or will Chaya’s sticky fingers be the beginning—or the end—of everything for the intrepid gang?

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My Take: A fast-paced plot that tugs for you to keep reading. The first line is only a hint at what’s to come:

Chaya looked at the bronze spear pointing at her neck.

Her Robin Hood ways and an in your face attitude make Chaya a rather unlikable heroine at first. Don’t despair, her fierce, tough minded ways will soon win you over. The Sri Lankan setting is also a plus.

The trek is exciting with plot twists at every turn. You’ll be rooting for Chaya to put the King out of office and return her town to a place the citizens don’t fear. Her friend Neel is along for the ride as is Nour. They both have their own distinct personalities that create conflict with Chaya The jungle is a scary place and the perfect backdrop for this adventurous tale.

A fantastic debut in this thrilling ride.

PAGE COUNT: 240

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE GIRL WHO STOLE AN ELEPHANT by Nizrana Farook

  1. 48 chapters make this a great read-aloud. Children at home or students in the classroom will be on the edge of their seats.
  2. You learn about jungle plants and wildlife. Made me want to stay in the suburbs.
  3. The cultural diversity and the fact that despite their heroic attempts, Chaya and her friends acted like real kids.
  4. Great character arcs. The flaws of each eventually bring change and understanding.
  5. The Sri Lanka locale is one I’ve never seen used in a middle grade book. Such a place of intrigue!

Visit Peachtree Publishing to order your own copy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nizrana Farook was born and raised in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and the beautiful landscapes of her home country find their way into the stories she writes. She has a master’s degree in writing for young people, and lives in Hertfordshire, England with her husband and two daughters.

I received an ARC for my honest review. Please leave a comment below.

**ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has bunches of features and reviews to share this month. Hurry back on Wednesday for my Book Blast stop starring IT’S A NUMBER’S GAME. BASEBALL!**

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

SECRETS OF THE UNDER-UNDER WORLD: WATER

Posted on March 5, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

This new fantasy series features twelve-year-old Sam, a heroine who finds herself in an Alice in Wonderland type dilemma. She falls through a hole and ends up in a world underneath. Life hadn’t been that great to begin with—her parents died and it’s been one foster home after another. Still though she’d like to go back and make sure Aunt C is all right.

Returning won’t be easy given her little brother followed her down the hole and at every turn there’s more trouble. Snarling wolves and ugly giants are only the beginning of the fears she must face.

The third person narration moves along at a steady pace through 17 chapters and an afterword. The cliffhangers alone will keep you turning the pages. I particularly enjoyed the environmental themes.

Excellent secondary characters also come forth with the snarky Tonya, a mysterious Boyo, and the Great Hildinski. Even Gemini the cat makes frequent bold and brave appearances. But in the end it’s the compelling Sam who must find a way to return to her former life.

High levels of world building and a great fantasy story are the end result for SECRETS OF THE UNDER-UNDER WORLD: WATER. My only complaint: The font size is more in tune with an adult book. Easily fixable as the adventure series continues.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: October 26, 2020 PAGE COUNT: 138

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

P.S. Whatever lives in Vancouver, Canada and writes under the supervision of her two cats. Under her real name, she has written 24 television episodes of Lost Tales of the Brothers Grimm as well as other works of fiction and non-fiction. She is also a professional corporate writer and marketer.

Why does she write under a pen name? “I was born with one last name and traded it for another when I married,” she explains. “I’ve gathered many nicknames, which I can change into and out of like clothes. I finally realized that I could name myself – at least while writing – so I chose a name that expressed infinite possibilities. Whatever. I can make my way in the world, as the person I want to be, and do whatever makes my heart sing. And so can you.”

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I received an ARC for my honest review. Comments can be left below.

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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 March 1, 2021

Posted on March 1, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

                 march-clipart-1

March 1st is not only full of great MMGM reviews, but it’s also National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day! Click on a jar to reach a blogger’s post.

peanut butterAt ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I’m  reviewing  INTO THE WIND by William  Loizeaux.

peanut butterAuthor Michelle Mason is back with us again today. Her roundup of recommended books features two for MG readers: TAKE BACK THE BLOCK and ALONE.

peanut butterJune McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic kicks off Women’s History Month with links to past blog posts for books about women plus links to several resources for teachers and parents.

peanut butterMaria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA has a review of My Life as a Potato by Arianne Costner.

peanut butterPatricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Amari and the Night Brothers (Supernatural Investigations, 1)  by B.B. Alston.

peanut butterRosi Hollinbeck has a review of BEFORE THE EVER AFTER by Jacqueline Woodson. Rosi also shares three helpful links for her writing friends.

peanut butterCompletely Full Bookshelf returns to the MMGM line-up and is recommending Class Act by Jerry Craft.

peanut butterAndrea L.Mack at That’s Another Story gives us a few insights into Laura Ingalls Is Ruining My Life by Shelley Tougas.

peanut butterKaren Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads always has a great MMGM review. Check it out along with her other features this past week including an interview with author Jason Henderson.
If you would like to join in the MMGM fun and get your own spot in the parade, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count–but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you’re featuring and a link to your blog at gpcolo (at) gmail (dot) com
(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

INTO THE WIND

Posted on February 28, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

A love of sailing connects 10-year-old Rusty with Hazel, a determined old lady in a wheel chair. It’s an unusual friendship but one they both need. For Hazel she longs to sail again, while Rusty misses his mother who is getting therapy at a faraway facility.

Rusty and Hazel first meet when he’s working on his small boat on an island off the New England coast. It’s not long before he has a summer job helping Hazel at her cottage. Soon they are in a almost daily routine. Rusty works on his summer school math homework, they share snacks, and chores are completed.

Their tender relationship grows into something special, although Rusty is too embarrassed to tell friends or family much about his older friend. When the summer is over Rusty stops seeing Hazel but often thinks of her. It’s not until he does something special with his sailing skills that he reconnects with Hazel in a sad and heartfelt conclusion.

The first person narration is the perfect way to convey the caring and compassion they have for each other. The 28 chapters are a quick read and one that might bring a tear or two.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: March 2, 2021 PAGE COUNT: 192

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: INTO THE WIND by William Loizeaux

  1. Hazel is an artist and the scenes in her cottage are like she’s painting them for you. Her life and home are displayed in a rich way with each description.
  2. Even if you know anyhtng about sailing the pages will bring you the feeling of what it is like. There’s even a handy glossary of nautical terms in the back pages.
  3. Rusty struggles in school but the summer with Hazel has him finding success that will for sure transfer to his upcoming sixth grade year.
  4. Rusty’s older sister is a real pain but she does come around a bit by the last chapter. Dad is supportive as he can be with the wife he adores in a strange place.
  5. A tender contemporary story with memorable characters. INTO THE WIND would make a great read-aloud.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-winning author William Loizeaux has been writer-in-residence at Johns Hopkins and Boston University. His children’s novel Wings received the 2006 ASPCA Henry Bergh Award and was the 2006 Golden Kite Honor Book for Fiction. His novel Tumble Inn was Grand-prize winner at the 2015 New York Book Festival. He lives in Boston, MA.

(WEBSITE: http://www.williamloizeaux.com/)

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

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

KIDS vs. PLASTIC

Posted on February 26, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

Plastic is everywhere, but where it eventually ends up is a huge world problem. Unique solutions are being created by individuals. More often than not, it is our youth leading way in solving this crisis.

National Geographic for the past few years has actively promoted the decreasing use of plastics. An eyeopening web site full of videos and articles provide testament to the level of importance of educating and ensuring kids take action. The release of kids vs. PLASTIC provides a great companion to what is found online.

The seven chapters go full circle covering the problem and solutions:

  1. PLASTIC 101
  2. AN OCEAN OF PLASTIC
  3. WASTE WARRIORS
  4. PARING DOWN ON PLASTIC
  5. PLASTICS REPACKAGED
  6. THE END OF THE LINE: RECYCLE
  7. LOOKING AHEAD

All 128 pages are an explosion of color filled with eye opening facts and articles. Here are a few teasers. Did you know:

*Plastic bottles take 450 years to biodegrade

*8.8 million tons of plastic is dumped in the ocean every year

*Recycled plastic is being used in some road construction

Especially enjoyable are the features on young people already making a difference. Examples include an Australian teen who created a new plastic product from shrimp shells that takes only 33 days to decompose; and an eleven-year-old who owns his own recycling company. Inspiring work that encourage others to get involved.

The book is geared toward middle grade readers but even teens and adults would benefit from reading. A fantastic resource for all.

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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 , , | 5 Comments

MMGM for February 22, 2021

Posted on February 22, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

                    december-clipart-holiday-5

It may be cold outside, but you’ll feel a lot warmer reading these reviews and features. Click on a sun to reach a blogger’s post.

carlitos-Mr.-SunAt ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of UNICORN ISLAND by Donna Galanti.

carlitos-Mr.-SunJune McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic has a ‘Fun’ feature: 101 Kids Activities That are the Bestest, Funnest Ever!, plus a link for more resources with activities the authors suggest for indoor games, etc.

carlitos-Mr.-SunPatricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Take Back the Block by Chrystal D. Giles, a novel about Black youth using their voices to save their neighborhood from gentrification.

carlitos-Mr.-SunRosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of THE SECRET STARLING by Judith Eagle. Rosi also shares three helpful links for her writing friends.

carlitos-Mr.-SunOf Maria Antonia tells us about this year’s Newbery winner, When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller.

carlitos-Mr.-SunKaren Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads always has a great MMGM review. Check it out along with her other features this past week including a review of I AM DEFIANCE.
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

UNICORN ISLAND

Posted on February 21, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

I’m always on the lookout for a great book that won’t discourage young readers from moving up to middle grade novels. Often they choose something too challenging with 400 pages and a typeset sure to make their eyes wander. Well, look no further because I found the perfect one to begin their wondrous time with MG: Unicorn Island. Here’s the official synopsis:

When Sam arrives in Foggy Harbor, population 3,230, all she can see is a small, boring town that’s way too far from home. And knowing that she’s stuck there all summer with her grumpy Uncle Mitch only makes things worse.

But when Sam discovers a hidden trapdoor leading to a room full of strange artifacts, she realizes Foggy Harbor isn’t as sleepy as it seems. With the help of a new friend, Sam discovers an extraordinary secret beyond the fog: an island of unicorns whose fates are intertwined with hers.

Sam is a character you will surely enjoy. She’s curious, not such a great cook, and with her musician mom always getting a new job—she rarely stays in one place very long. Now with Mom over in Europe, Sam is sent to live with Uncle Mitch in South Carolina. Things get off to a rather rocky start. Fortunately she meets a Tuck, an animal loving boy and a friendship begins. Together they uncover the mystery surrounding Unicorn Island, a fog shrouded place beyond the shores, but not too far off in the distant ocean.

Ten chapters and an epilogue have the story moving along at a steady pace. Read-alone or read aloud, Unicorn Island will for sure capture your imagination.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: February 9, 2021 PAGE COUNT: 224

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: UNICORN ISLAND by DONNA GALANTI

  1. Colorful illustrations are a welcome addition throughout the pages. They add to the mood and are beautifully done my Bethany Stancliffe (I’ve included her bio below).
  2. You’ll be satisfied with the story and character arc but will want more. You won’t have to wait long as Book 2 in the series comes out this May.
  3. It was heartwarming to have Sam possibly finding her forever home and a possible father figure.
  4. The Unicorns. They’re sparkling white and the most magical creatures you’ll find anywhere. The author gives us a nice introduction to their world.
  5. The bonus content in the final pages gives background on The History of Unicorns, All About Wyverns, What Does a Veterinarian Do?, Pirates of the Carolinas, and Islands of Wild Horses. They each are informative and even this big adult learned a few new things.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Donna Galanti is the author of the middle grade adventure Joshua and The Lightning Road, which the Midwest Book Review called, “A heart-pounding thrill ride full of unexpected twists and turns from start to finish”. She’s also the author of the follow up, Joshua and the Arrow Realm, and writes the popular Unicorn Island series for Epic, the leading digital platform for kids 12 and under. Donna is a writing contest judge at nycmidnight.com, a member of From the Mixed-Up Files of Middle-Grade Authors blog, and regularly presents as a guest author at schools. She also loves teaching at writing conferences on marketing and craft. When she’s not writing you can find her on Twitter or Facebook where she loves to share all things about her outdoor adventures and children’s books. Donna has lived from England as a child, to Hawaii as a U.S. Navy photographer, and has had a long career in corporate marketing. Visit her at donnagalanti.com.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Bethany Stancliffe is a Central-Washington-based artist who grew up in the Rockies, where she spent her time building tree forts, reading fairy tales, and filling up sketchbooks. Having had a spectrum of creative interests since childhood, she has found a home in illustration, where design and storytelling meet. Following in the footsteps of her parents, Bethany studied art and illustration at BYU-Idaho. She draws most of her inspiration from nature, films, and childhood adventures and has a love for interesting textures and patterns. When she’s not painting, she enjoys exploring outside with her son, Max, and creating original stories with her husband.

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I received a copy of the book in return for my honest review. Comments are welcome below!

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 22 Comments

THE TIGER’S NEST

Posted on February 19, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

On an island nation in the Indian Ocean, the explorers venture through a vast underwater world and take part in a friendly robotics competition. But the tides of good fortune change quickly. Suddenly, Team Cousteau jumps into action to rescue a faculty member from the brink of death. Meanwhile, the team follows the Cruz”s mother”s clues to a magnificent tomb and center of spirituality precariously perched on the side of a cliff. There, Cruz is confronted by a familiar foe who”s determined to stop him from completing his most important mission of all: Retrieving the final pieces of his mother”s cipher. In this life-or-death showdown, Cruz witnesses the ultimate sacrifice and uncovers a hidden message that makes him question his own mortality.

Hard to believe this is Book 5 in the Explorer Academy series. It was September of 2018 when I reviewed THE NEBULA SECRET, the initial story. There’s even a Book 6 due out in October of this year.

In THE TIGER’S NEST Cruz continues his studies on board the explorer ship Orion. He’s a likeable MC who is surrounded by a diverse cast of students and faculty, one of which will meet their death. The pace is a bit slower than previous books, but the climatic ending scenes more than make up for it. There’s also a huge reveal in the final chapter that will send the story off in a new direction.

The strength of the series as always is the connection with science and geography. Also at it’s core is an emphasis on environmental themes. The illustrations throughout (some even full page) are stunning and add to the story’s intrigue.

We’re getting closer to the end and it looks like this next book might wrap things up. Until then, my suggestion is to start from the beginning. You’ll appreciate the character interactions more and understand all the plot nuances.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Trudi Trueit imagined a career as a novelist ever since writing her first play in the fourth grade. A former TV news reporter and weather forecaster, Trudi has published more than 100 fiction and nonfiction books for young readers.

Trudi’s middle grade fiction books include the top selling Explorer Academy series for National Geographic (2018to present), as well as My Top Secret Dares & Don’ts, The Sister Solution, Stealing Popular, and the Secrets of a Lab Rat series (Aladdin). Trudi’s numerous nonfiction titles cover such diverse topics as history, weather, wildlife, earth science, writing, education, and health. Recent releases include Detecting Avalanches & Detecting Volcanic Eruptions (FOCUS Readers); Giant Pandas, Grizzly Bears, and Polar Bears from the Wild Bears series (Amicus).

Born and raised in the Seattle area, Trudi has a degree in Broadcast Journalism from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA. She currently lives in Everett, WA with her husband, Bill, a high school teacher. She loves photography, art, and serving the whims of her cats.

Trudi’s Links:

Website: www.truditrueit.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/truditrueit

Twitter:@truditrueit

National Geographic: www.exploreracademy.com

Simon & Schuster: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Trudi-Trueit/46458015

http://pages.simonandschuster.com/aladdinmix

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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 Uncategorized | 4 Comments