••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of QUEENIE IN SEVEN MOVES. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.
••Susan Uhlig is sharing another Kate Messner book: THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES.
••Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has abook to share every day. Check out Karen’s MMGM choice for this week and all her reviews from this past week.
A fun exciting two-book series that has all the elements young readers enjoy: Endearing characters with Noah Minor and his two best friends Rodney and Haley, frequent illustrations providing a visual addition to the story, and a “can’t wait to read more” type of plot. You could enjoy these as standalone, but to experience the full story I’d start from the beginning with THE MINOR MIRACLE.
A brief prologue reveals “the Miracle.” As a baby, Noah was thrown off a 16-story balcony by his Uncle Saul during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The amazing part is he survived! Jump forward to 7th grade where Noah attends Rim Rock Middle School in Texas.
Noah has made the basketball “A” team, although he has to play with Chuck, his personal nemesis and bully. His friends support him and Noah loves super heroes given his heroic start in life. The heroic side hasn’t kicked in until he takes an eye test that reveals he is a “Gravitar,” someone who can manipulate gravity. This leads him to a secret government training program housed in the town’s karate studio. The plot gets intense when the same Uncle who dropped Noah off the balcony gets in touch with him again, claiming that Noah isn’t getting the full story of his powers. Noah doesn’t know who to trust.
Noah’s first person narration is fast paced and leads readers right to a gripping climatic finale with his friends, members of the secret organization, and Uncle Saul. A seventh grader voice all the way. Like all great superhero stories, Noah must learn to use his newfound abilities correctly which causes a lot of mishaps. Friendship is also a compelling element with these three memorable friends. THE MINOR MIRACLE ends with only one plot point unresolved that will have you anxious to get right into book 2.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: May 7, 2024
Next up is THE MINOR RESCUE. Noah goes after Gravitas’s Most Wanted who has kidnapped 26 middle schoolers. Noah and best friend are staying in New York City with his grandmother to hopefully come up with clues as to the whereabouts of the missing kids. Rodney whose memory was erased from the events in Book one is also there, but staying with his musician dad.
Noah is still having issues with anger controlling his choices. It may get him kicked out of the training program, but he can’t find another way to use his gift of manipulating gravity and his failures continue. Haley tries to help but she is dealing with trying to get back her powers.
The pacing is even faster in this second book. Two new young characters join the cast and each add their own personalities to the mystery. The fun illustrations continue to add engagement and a few smiles to the story.
THE MINOR RESCUE ends once again with a major plot point unresolved. Does this mean a third book is on the way? Hopefully that will happen. Until then, dive into this engaging series. You won’t be disappointed.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: May 6, 2025
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF NOAH MINOR Series by Meredith Davis
Grandma. She’s rich and has access to some pretty cool places in New York City. Her character arc was perfect and a major part of the plot.
Noah’s behavior was rather irritating, but the way he changed was both believable and heartwarming.
Young readers may not have ever heard of trumpeter and band leader Dizzy Gillespie, but Rodney is always trying to mimic his style of play, puffing up his cheeks the best he can. You may be headed to you tube to find one of Dizzy’s performances.
The details on New York City were welcome, especially when it comes to the Empire State building. This alone will have you putting NYC at the top of your future trip plans.
The lesson Noah learns about others was a favorite memorable outcome for me.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Meredith Davis is the author of THE MINOR MIRACLE and THE MINOR RESCUE, books one and two in THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF NOAH MINOR series (Waterbrook, 2024/25) and co-author of HER OWN TWO FEET: A RWANDAN GIRL’S BRAVE FIGHT TO WALK (Scholastic, 2019). She once worked at an independent children’s bookstore, started the Austin Chapter of SCBWI, and earned her Masters of Fine Arts in Writing for Children and Young Adults at VCFA. Her superpowers include reading, grandmothering, and finding ways to fit more books in her Austin, Texas home. (Meredith’s AUTHOR WEBSITE)
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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW!AND BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!
A unique story told in a unique way. Paul Weaver is the young protagonist so obsessed with fantasy that he started his own channel on a fantasy website. His site is called Knighthood Never Looked So Good and the story is relayed with the script from each of his broadcasts.
The views for his channel start out at just 113. With each passing episode that number grows quickly into the thousands as Paul shares the exciting and scary things that are happening in his town. He has come to the conclusion that he must stop mind controlling zombies by stealing the school principal’s soul. Helping him are his trusty dog, Samwise, and new friend, Usha.
Both Paul and Usha are well thought out characters. They have that kid like quality with nerves and worries but their bravery is also evident throughout. Samwise is also a great addition and those with dogs will understand his devotion to Paul.
The ending wrapped up the book in a satisfying way. The plot twist in the final scenes caught me by surprise. A sign of good writing.
Paul Weaver and the Soul Reaver is a perfect read for boys or girls looking for a fantasy adventure. I’d welcome a sequel as would the targeted audience.
Book Birthday: July 8, 2025
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sean C. McMurray grew up on the mean rural roads of southwestern Ohio where he honed his storytelling skills on anyone willing to listen. Now he does it professionally as an author and teacher. Sean still lives in rural Ohio with the love of his life and his favorite audience, their three not-so-little children. (Official Website)
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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.
It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. 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 don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time)in order to be included in the list of links for that week’s MMGM.
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of THE ACCIDENTAL STOWAWAY by Judith Eagle. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.
••Susan Uhlig is featuring Cat Patrick’s TORNADO BRAIN.
••Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has abook to share every day. Check out Karen’s MMGM choice for this week and all her reviews from last week.
Tiffany D. Jackson is the successful author of many YA titles and a few picture books. Now she has taken the leap into middle grade with BLOOD IN THE WATER, a story sure to please readers who enjoy a thrilling mystery.
It’s listed as a book for 4-7th graders, but I know parents might be wary of what the story is about given the title and cover picture. No worries as there is only one bloody nose and frequent references to shark attacks. The main story centers around an endearing 12-year-old girl.
Set in Martha’s Vineyard, Kaylani McKinnon is spending the summer there to escape a ongoing family crisis in Brooklyn. Her dad is in jail and she desperately wants to prove he did nothing wrong. Instead she has to stay with family friends who also have two other kids staying there for the summer. They are both rather obnoxious toward Kaylani.
She tries her best to enjoy the beaches and all the Black history within the area. But then Chadwick, a popular teenage boy who has been helping Kayla fit in, is suddenly found dead. Some think it was a shark attack or possibly an accidental drowning.. Even the possibility of murder is brought forth. Having experienced her dad’s trial, Kaylani has been learning how to be a lawyer. She tries to solve the mystery and uncovers shocking secrets which could eventually lead to her own demise.
The suspenseful, first person narration takes readers right to the thrilling conclusion. Kaylani is a brave and truthful girl who would prefer to have a kid like summer. Yes, BLOOD IN THE WATER is a middle grade novel. No nightmares but plenty of page turning scenes that will have you guessing again and again as who is responsible for boy’s death. Highly recommended for the 9-13 age group.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: July 1, 2025. PAGES: 272
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: BLOOD IN THE WATER by Tiffany D. Jackson
The character arcs for Kaylani and her former friend, London, are masterfully done. It’s hard to like London through most the plot, but by the end you will like her a lot more.
The world building is excellent. I’ve never been to Martha’s Vineyard, but now I have a good picture in my head as to what it is like.
The focus on values and never giving up were a solid foundation for the story. Misconceptions are rampant and many young readers will have experienced the same thing based on their family circumstances.
Miles is the brother of the deceased boy and he provides a heartwarming friendship with Kaylani. A great secondary character.
Some coming attraction videos are nothing but pictures of the book jacket while you hear the voice over of the plot. Scholastic took the time to develop a perfect one for this book:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tiffany D. Jackson is the NYT Bestselling, award-winning author of YA novels Monday’s Not Coming, Allegedly, Let Me Hear A Rhyme,Grown,White Smoke, Santa in The City, The Weight of Blood, Marvel’s STORM: Dawn of a Goddess andco-author of Blackout and Whiteout. A Coretta Scott King — John Steptoe New Talent Award-winner and the NAACP Image Award-nominee, she received her bachelor of arts in film from Howard University and has over a decade in TV/Film experience. The Brooklyn native is currently splitting her time between the borough she loves and the south, most likely multitasking.
The first in a series, DEAD MAN’S HAND is an engaging story advertised as a YA novel. I disagree. The protagonist is 12 and the plot stays within the boundaries of the middle grade world. I solidly recommend the novel for ages 10-14, placing it in the often mysterious upper middle grade category.
Here’s what to expect:
Twelve-year-old Dominick Dalesandro is obsessed with the Old West—outlaws, lawmen, and dusty frontier towns. But when a mysterious library book transports him back to 1888 Abilene, Kansas, history is no longer just a subject he studies…it’s a world he must survive.
Sheriff Amos “Lone Wolf” Malone has chosen Dominick as his apprentice, giving him the chance to live out his Wild West dreams under a new name, Pete Moss. But adventure quickly turns to danger when Pete learns that the sheriff is doomed to die in just one month. Determined to change history, Pete must navigate gunfights, town secrets, and a daring rescue mission—all while trying to stop a fate that the sheriff refuses to outrun.
As the stakes rise, Pete faces an impossible choice: save the kidnapped children he’s sworn to find or prevent the sheriff’s tragic end. One decision could change the past forever—but at what cost?
The first person narration flows nicely in page turning fashion. Young Pete Moss is a great character who despises the treatment of Native Americans but is also fascinated with his new life on Kansas Prairie in the 1800s. Pete learns to ride a horse and despite missing life at home, he learns to adapt to this very different time. Pete meets many new people as a sheriff in training, both young and old. Abby is the girl his age that he likes. She and her younger brother Tommy are kidnapped which becomes part of the tale’s focus. They mystery of the kidnapping will have you guessing throughout as to the guilty party.
The other strand of the plot is how Pete can interrupt the impending death of a character from his favorite biography: The Man Who Tamed the Wild West.The Unauthorized Biography of Amos “Lone Wolf” Malone. He tries many times to tell Amos Malone what is going to happen, but the sheriff won’t listen, wanting no part in changing history. The relationship between these two develops into a father and son type bond. It’s a heartwarming character arc for both of them.
This time period in our history is rarely seen in middle grade books and shows the mistreatment of native lands and people. Perfect for those who enjoy a time travel mystery with plenty of adventure throughout. The Abilene Kid series will continue with 3 more books.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: April 25, 2025 PAGES: 264
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
John Madormo, a Chicago area screenwriter, author, and college professor, has created a body of work that has attracted the attention of motion picture producers and publishers. John has sold a family comedy screenplay to a Los Angeles production company, signed a contract for a three-book deal with a major New York publisher, and was recently named the Grand Prize winner of a national writing competition.
It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.
It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. 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 don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time)in order to be included in the list of links for that week’s MMGM.
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Enjoy all these great posts from our line-up this week:
••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is featuring a review of THE SCOTT FENWICK DIARIES by Kristin Nilsen.
••Susan Uhlig is pleased to share the powerful CHIRP by Kate Messner.
••Brenda @ Log Cabin Library reviews The Ghosts of Nameless Island: The Boy Who Could Fly: Vol. 2 by Carly Anne West.
••Jemima Pett reviews TREASON by Michael E. Wills, an adventure about WW2 evacuees.
••Valinora Troy has two guest posts from Isabelle Knight to celebrate the launch of her new book. Here’s PART ONE and PART TWO. Don’t miss either of these!
••Carol Baldwin welcomes back teen reviewer Journey Bloomfield who shares her thoughts on THE KING OF MONTREAL by Daniela I. Norris.
••Middle Grade Escapades has a post about Stan Yan’s upcoming graphic novel, The Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang.
••Jenni Enzor takes a look at Hertz Got Fused by Suzanne Purvis.
••Tonja Drecker at Bookworm for Kids, heads into the realm of nonfiction with How the New Seven Wonders of the World were Built by Jiri Bartunek and Tom Velkovsky.
••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of SAM by Eric Walters.. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.
••Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has abook to share every day. Check out Karen’s MMGM choice for this week and all her reviews from last week.
That first crush. Most of us remember the swirl of emotions when you can’t take your eyes off a classmate. You do silly things to get their attention and worry they won’t like you back.
This sequel to WORLDWIDE CRUSH that I reviewed two years ago, has plenty of teen angst and humor as 8th grader Millie backs away from her celebrity crush. The focus now is on a boy in her social studies class, cute Scott Fenwick.
Millie receives a lot of advice from her best friend who often uses a magic 8 ball to answer questions, two grandmas who know a lot about foxes, Pringles her bulldog, and a bunny loving neighbor. The ultimate ending is near when Millie gets invited to Scott’s Bar Mitzvah. Instead of a perfect outcome, Millie is humiliated. A tragic event comes next, but through the turmoil Millie discovers a lot about herself, friendships, and Scott Fenwick.
The 31 chapters pass by quickly. They often include Millie’s written entries in her SFD (Scott Fenwick Diary), a series of personal thoughts about her crush. It’s spot on as to how a girl this age would react. It’s all very innocent. THE SCOTT FENWICK DIARIES will appeal to mostly girls in the 10-13 age group. Reading the novel just might help them see a different side to their first crush.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: JULY 22, 2025 PAGES: 272
FIVE MOIRE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE Scott Fenwick Diaries by Kristin Nilsen
Such a realistic portrayal from passing notes to waving at each other in the hallway, and running into your crush at the store. So embarrassing!
The humor throughout made me laugh many times.
The no phone policy at family meals was tested to the max. What does a girl do when their phone is taken away? Millie solves that problem with a little help from Grandma.
You can read this one without having read the first, but with such a great cast of characters it will be hard to resist revisiting them in the first book.
It’s not all about that crush. The story gives readers the power to trust themselves and value friendships.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kristin Nilsen is a children’s author and librarian with an encyclopedic knowledge of all things 70s and 80s.
She is the author of Worldwide Crush, a middle grade novel inspired by her own childhood crush on Shaun Cassidy. She also co-hosts The Pop Culture Preservation Society, a weekly podcast celebrating the cultural nuggets of the classic Gen X childhood. Kristin lives in Minneapolis with her Gen X husband, her Gen Z son, and their rock and roll goldendoodle, Axl Rose Nilsen. The Scott Fenwick Diaries is the sequel to Worldwide Crush and Nilsen’s second middle grade novel. (Website)
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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW!AND BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!
Another engaging title from Nomad Press. The Science of Sound is something we would rarely think about, but learners from 8-12 will be thoroughly in tune with what they learn in each of the 5 chapters:
SUPER SOUND WAVES
HEROIC HEARING
PITCH PERFECT
ALL THAT SOUND
SOUND TECHNOLOGY
As with other science titles like GRAVITY and ELECTRICITY, there are colorful, comic style illustrations that begin each chapter. Also included are essential questions to guide what you are reading and frequent boxes detailing WORDS TO KNOW. Dozens of QR codes send readers off to learn even more.
Engaging Hands On Activities are located at the end of each chapter. Some of my favorites: MAKE AN AMPLIFIER; BUILD A WIND INSTRUMENT; SEEING MOLECULES; and ANIMAL EARS. Dozens more will for sure keep one enthusiastically involved..
THE SCIENCE OF SOUND is a great choice for STEM related study at home or in the classroom.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: June, 15, 2025 PAGES: 112
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andi Diehn graduated with an MFA in Creative Writing from Vermont College, relied on a freelance writing career when her children were young, and now works as a children’s book editor and marketer at Nomad Press. She has written eleven nonfiction books for the educational market and has six more nonfiction picture books forthcoming.
Andi also works as a bookseller at her local indie in rural New Hampshire, where she lives with her husband, three sons, and lots of pets.
It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.
It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. 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 don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time)in order to be included in the list of links for that week’s MMGM.
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is featuring a review of JAZZY THE WITCH IN BROOM DOOM by Jessixa Bagley.
AND JOINING ME IN OUR MMGM
LINEUP THIS WEEK:
••Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an interview with debut author Sarah J. Mendonca and a GIVEAWAY of An Encantadora’s Guide to Monstros & Magic.
••Susan Uhlig enjoyed the amusing time-travel western: The Abilene Kid: Dead Man’s Hand by John V. Madormo.
It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. Email me the title of the book or feature for any middle grade book, author or giveaway, and a link to your blog. Send it to: gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com
Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for that week’s MMGM.
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Always in the Middle... 