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

MMGM for August 24, 2020

Posted on August 24, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

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Click on a blogger’s star-clip-art-13 to reach their site.

star-clip-art-13At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of THE PLACES WE SLEEP by Caroline Brooks DuBois.

star-clip-art-13Matt Sweeney at Woodpecker Books shares his thoughts on a hilarious story, The Train to Impossible Places by P.G. Bell, book one of a trilogy.

star-clip-art-13Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews a fun novel, The Elephant’s Girl by Celesta Rimington.

star-clip-art-13Rosi Hollinbeck reviews MORE THAN MARMALADE by Roseanne Tolin. Rosi also provides three links for her writing friends.

star-clip-art-13Karen 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 STITCHERS.
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 PLACES WE SLEEP

Posted on August 23, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

I don’t read many novels in verse, preferring instead to stay with stories told the more traditional way. For me to break away from my comfort zone takes either a character or time period I’d like to spend time with—and in THE PLACES WE SLEEP I got both. There’s 12-year-old Abbey, the only child in an always on the move military family and it’s September, 2001, specifically the stunning day and aftermath we know as 9/11.

It took me a few pages in to appreciate the rhythm and pace with so few words and no chapter numbers. But soon I was in Abbey’s world and her struggles of fitting into still another school (This time in Tennessee) and dealing with puberty. Told from Abbey’s POV, the journey is heartbreaking, but one that will also warm your heart. It’s a unique look at coming of age, war, and how 9/11 changed everyone.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: August 25, 2020 PAGE COUNT: 272

Here’s the official Synopsis:

It’s early September 2001, and twelve-year-old Abbey is the new kid at school. Again.

I worry about people speaking to me / and worry just the same / when they don’t.

Abbey has found a real friend: loyal, courageous, athletic Camille.

And then it’s September 11. The country is under attack, and Abbey’s “home” looks like it might fall apart. America has changed overnight.

How are we supposed / to keep this up / with the world / crumbling / around us?

Abbey’s body changes, too, while her classmates argue and her family falters. Like everyone around her, she tries to make sense of her own experience as a part of the country’s collective pain. With her mother grieving and her father prepping for active duty, Abbey must learn to cope on her own.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT THE PLACES WE SLEEP by Caroline Brooks DuBois

  1. I was in the car on my way to a meeting on the morning of 9/11 when the news broke. Kids today have heard of 9/11 but know few of the details. Now they can experience what it was like for families back then.
  2. The phobias and stereotypes many had of people not “American” are brought forth as worries of war and more attacks drag through a community.
  3. A middle school and all the nastiness that can go on among students will hopefully encourage discussion about respect for all.
  4. Yes, Abbey’s father is sent to Afghanistan and although he is far way and may never come back, the experience brings her closer to the dad she loves.
  5. The ending made me smile with an enthusiastic nod.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Caroline Brooks DuBois found her poetic voice in the halls of the English Department at Converse College and the University of Bucknell’s Seminar for Young Poets. She received a Master of Fine Arts degree in poetry at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, under the scholarship of Pulitzer Prize winning poet James Tate, among other greats in the poetry world.

Caroline writes both poetry and prose and a mixture of the two. Her poetry has appeared in an eclectic collection of media, from Highlights High Five (November 2017), Southern Poetry Review, to The Journal of the American Medical Association. Caroline is represented by Louise Fury of The Bent Agency.

Caroline has taught poetry workshops, various writing classes, and English at the middle school, high school, and college levels. In May 2016, she was recognized as a Nashville Blue Ribbon Teacher for her dedication to her students and excellence in teaching adolescents.

Caroline is the Director of the Literary Arts Conservatory at Nashville School of the Arts High School in Nashville, Tennessee. She lives with her singer-song writer husband, with whom she’s co-written songs, and their two children and dog.

For more about Caroline and her writing, check out her web page.

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

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

KENSY AND MAX—BREAKING NEWS

Posted on August 21, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

This new series comes to North America from Australian author Jacqueline Harvey. The main characters are an interesting twin duo, full names Kensington Méribel Grey and Maxim Val d’Isère Grey. They’re not your typical twins, always traveling the world with their parents. Tagging along is Fritz, a male nanny, A.K.A.— a manny.

Kensy is feisty and competitive. Max also has a competitive streak but is more coolheaded and less impulsive. The story begins after they’ve been whisked off to England with Fritz. The parents aren’t with them, having gone missing in Africa. Mysteries abound as the twins adjust to their new school and life in London. They mostly worry about their parents. A series of events leads Kensy and Max to wonder if their mom and dad are even alive.

Other characters are too numerous to mention but don’t worry, a two page CAST OF CHARACTERS starts things off and fills you in on the complete group. Another unique feature for American audiences is all four books are releasing simultaneously. You won’t have to wait for the next release and can get right back to those dangling plot points.

BREAKING NEWS is the stage setter for the series. Each chapter title is a coded cipher which you can figure out with the bonus chapter explaining how in the back of the book. The twin’s Central London Free School is one of a kind and not for everyone. The headmaster isn’t your typical school employee and not every class is what it seems. With attempts to hurt or kidnap Kensy and Max the mystery deepens. Some of the why is revealed by the end and it will entice you to read Book 2 and beyond.

A fun, engaging start and the endearing Kensy and Max will keep you in good company.

THE OFFICIAL PLOT

What would you do if you woke up in a strange place? If your whole life changed in the blink of an eye and you had no idea what was going on?

Twins Kensy and Max Grey’s lives are turned upside down when they are whisked off to London, and discover their parents are missing. As the situation unfolds, so many things don’t add up: their strange new school, the bizarre grannies on their street, the coded messages they keep finding and the feeling that, all around them, adults are keeping secrets . . .

Things can never go back to the way they were, but the twins are determined to uncover the truth!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR (From her website)

Jacqueline Harvey knew she wanted to be an author at a young age. She couldn’t say exactly when, but winning a minor writing competition as a teenager inspired her to think that maybe, sometime in the future, she might be able to write books.

It wasn’t until November 2012, that Jacqueline took the giant step away from a 20 year career in schools as a teacher, Deputy Head of Junior School and most recently, Director of Development, to become a full time writer. She is now one of Australia’s most popular authors, having sold over a million copies of her Alice-Miranda, Clementine Rose and Kensy and Max series in Australia and New Zealand.

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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 , , | 1 Comment

MMGM for AUGUST 17, 2020

Posted on August 17, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

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We’re back to virtual learning in my district for at least a month and then we’ll see what’s next. Stay safe wherever you are and keep learning!

Click on the bus-20clip-20art-xTgKapMXc to reach a blogger’s site.

bus-20clip-20art-xTgKapMXcAt ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of STEALING MOUNT RUSHMORE by Daphne Kalmar.

bus-20clip-20art-xTgKapMXcMaria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA gives us a look at Summerlost by Ally Condie.

bus-20clip-20art-xTgKapMXcCOMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF recommends The Key to Extraordinary by Natalie Lloyd. 

bus-20clip-20art-xTgKapMXcJenni Enzor reviews Slip of a Girl by two-time Newbery Honor winner Patricia Reilly Giff.

bus-20clip-20art-xTgKapMXcMatt Sweeney at Woodpecker Books shares his thoughts on The Erth Dragons: The First Wearle by Chris D’Lacey.

bus-20clip-20art-xTgKapMXcKaren Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads features another fantastic MMGM book. Check out today’s post and her other reviews the past week including HOW TO BE A GIRL IN THE WORLD.

bus-20clip-20art-xTgKapMXcStephanie Robinson at Fairday’s Blog checks in with another review of  MIDNIGHT AT THE BARCLAY HOTEL by Fleur Bradley. See what she has to say!

bus-20clip-20art-xTgKapMXcPatricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews a book she didn’t expect to love so much: Darling Darleen: Queen of the Screen by Anne Nesbitt.

bus-20clip-20art-xTgKapMXcRosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of American as Paneer Pie by Supriya Kelkar. Rosi also shares three links of interest 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 , , | 2 Comments

STEALING MT. RUSHMORE

Posted on August 16, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

If there was an award for worst parents in an MG book, the two in STEALING MT. RUSHMORE would win hands down. When things don’t go right Dad escapes from the world to his bedroom, while Mom has already taken off and never intends to return.

Their four children are named after one of the presidents at Mt. Rushmore—that is except for 13-year-old Nellie, the only girl in the family. The year is 1974 and the newspaper is filled with updates about Nixon and his impeachment proceedings. Nellie reads the paper each morning and checks on her horoscope. She’s hoping for better times ahead as she’s become the replacement mother in the family. She looks after the youngest, Teddy, who is six, and also has to cook, clean, and attempt to bring normalcy to the family. Older brother George is a real jerk most of the time, and quiet ten-year-old Tom spends his days with a best friend.

The planned family trip to visit Mt. Rushmore is crushed when the money saved for the trip is gone, and Mom is the main suspect. Don’t expect Dad to take control. He’s already shut himself in his room. Nellie plans to make things right by finding a way to earn the money in a short time.

This sad tale will have the emotions brewing inside you and they’ll eventually overflow. All that could go wrong does go wrong. Nellie’s strong will and her coming of age character arc will keep you reading. Her first person narration is touching and you’ll be cheering for something to go right for Nellie and this rag tag family.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: August 18, 2020 PAGE COUNT: 256

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT STEALING MT. RUSHMORE by Daphne Kalmar

  1. Getting to know these four kids was a real highlight. Little Teddy will win your heart and even older brother George shows a more hopeful side by the final page.
  2. References to the time period will go over the heads of most young readers, but adults will sure smile. I’m referring to Lawrence Welk, I Dream of Jeannie, a full set of Nancy Drew mysteries, and collecting pop tabs.
  3. Nellie stands up to her brothers and makes them pitch in. Just because she’s the only girl doesn’t mean she has to do everything. Bravo for Nellie’s strong stance.
  4. Don’t miss the author’s Afterword as she expands on some of the historical events including the creation of Mt. Rushmore on sacred land.
  5. Not a perfect ending but one that is so right.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Daphne Kalmar was an elementary and middle-school teacher for over twenty years. Exploring the natural world with kids was her passion as an educator—she owned seventy-five pairs of rubber boots so she could outfit each new class in September and lead weekly expeditions to local creeks and ponds. She has an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts.

(For more visit Daphne’s author web site.)

Posted in Historical fiction, Middle Grade Book Reviews, New Release | Tagged , , , | 11 Comments

ANTS DON’T TALK, DO THEY?

Posted on August 14, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

Written before the pandemic hit earlier this year, nine-year-old Chet is quarantined in his room for several months due to an illness. With the short length (76 pages), the story is closer to a chapter book than a full-blown MG novel. I could see this used as a read-aloud in the classroom or at home for kids in grades 3-5.

Here’s the official synopsis:

This is a story about a lonely boy who had to stay in his room all by himself, all day every day for months, because the illness he had was contagious. He would get better but it would take time—a lot of time. One day, to keep himself busy and to take his mind off his loneliness, he was playing a game on his tablet. In the middle of the game, a real-life ant walked across the screen. It looked like a plain, ordinary ant, just like all the others the boy had seen in the garden and sometimes in the house. But the boy discovered, over the weeks that followed, that this was no ordinary ant. It did wondrous and seemingly magical things, and yet it was always kind and gentle and really helped the boy to overcome his loneliness and to get well.

It’s a charming story and in our current world readers will fully understand the boredom and frustrations Chet has each day. The ant provides an outlet and helps Chet cope with his unfortunate situation. Numerous colorful pictures compliment the text well. A promising first children’s book by this author.

About John Sharer
John Sharer was born in England, and has published two previous books:.Honor Knows No Borders (2010) and The Cockney Lad and Jim Crow (2015). John was naturalized as an American citizen while in the Army during the Korean War, but also retained his UK citizenship. After leaving the service, he graduated from UCLA as an undergraduate and then Law School. Currently, he is a practicing trial lawyer, mainly in California, and an adjunct professor at Pepperdine Law School. He and his wife reside in Southern California, and have two children and two grandchildren. 

For more visit John’s website. You can order ANTS DON’T TALK, DO THEY? at Amazon or Barnes & Noble

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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 Reviews | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

MMGM for AUGUST 10, 2020

Posted on August 10, 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 Alex Baugh at Randomly Reading. Alex is a former 4th grade teacher and chaired the Cybils Middle Grade Fiction division the past two years. Check below to find out what she has for us today.

Click on the happy book to reach a blogger’s site.

happy bookAlex Baugh takes the top spot with a review of DAN UNMASKED by Chris Negron.

happy bookAt ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of THE SUMMER WE FOUND THE BABY by Amy Hest.

happy bookNatalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles interviews author Chris Negron with a GIVEAWAY of Dan Unmasked.

happy bookJune McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, & Stitch-metic features a powerful Native American Historical Novel, Indian No More.

happy bookJenni Enzor gives us her take on Here in the Real World by Sara Pennypacker

happy bookPatricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews War is Over by David Almond. 

happy bookRosi Hollinbeck has a review of A FIELD GUIDE TO GETTING LOST by Joy McCullough. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

happy bookMaria Antonia at OF BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND TEA shares her thoughts on See You on a Starry Night by Lisa Schroeder.

happy bookKaren Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads features two reviews: THE BIG BREAK by Mark Tatulli & Race Through the Skies: The Week the World Learned to Fly by Martin W. Sandler.
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

THE SUMMER WE FOUND THE BABY

Posted on August 9, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

I first came across this title on Rosi Hollinbeck’s blog back in January. Historical Fiction is a favorite of mine, especially one set in the 1940s. Her review convinced me it was a must read, but the release date was still seven months away. I also had a pile of other books to review. I forgot about the book until it received a starred Kirkus review in late March.

Shortly after I received an inquiry to review the book on ALWAYS in the MIDDLE and finally got my own copy in late April. Still backed up with review requests, I didn’t have a chance to read it until last month and today I can finally share my thoughts.

The plot unfolds in 20 chapters, each with three alternating POV’s—Julie, Martha, and Bruno. Their personalities and thoughts are different, and at the beginning Julie and Bruno aren’t even talking to each other. The baby is found right away, but most of the pages center on what brought them to the point of finding this abandoned child. There’s also the hurt a world war brought to many families and friends when the people they love are halfway around the world fighting for a cause.

The pacing is perfect and the story is a great place to start for a fifth or sixth grader to begin learning about World War II. A read-aloud would make for a natural discussion starter at home or school.

Here’s the Official Synopsis:

On the morning of the dedication of the new children’s library in Belle Beach, Long Island, eleven-year-old Julie Sweet and her six-year-old sister, Martha, find a baby in a basket on the library steps. At the same time, twelve-year-old Bruno Ben-Eli is on his way to catch the 9:15 train into New York City. He is on an important errand for his brother, Ben, who is serving in World War II. But when Bruno spies Julie, who hasn’t spoken to him for sixteen days, heading away from the library carrying a baby in a basket, he has to follow her. Holy everything, he thinks. Julie Sweet is a kidnapper. Of course, the truth about the baby they’ve found is much more complicated than the children know in this heartwarming and beautifully textured family story by award-winning author Amy Hest.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: AUGUST 4, 2020 PAGE COUNT: 192

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT THE SUMMER WE FOUND THE BABY by Amy Hest

  1. I’d figured out who the baby belonged to before the climatic end, but not why it was left for someone to find. The reason made me smile.
  2. Centered around a library’s grand opening in a seaside town, the history was infused even more with the special guest who arrives for the festivities.
  3. The misunderstandings between Julie and Bruno were infused throughout the plot. Right on target with how boys and girls often don’t get what the other is doing.
  4. Young readers will like that the adults are kept in the background. The thoughts of each child moves the plot forward.
  5. History refuses to be boring with a sweet, fulfilling tale like THE SUMMER WE FOUND THE BABY.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amy Hest is the author of many beloved books for young readers, including Remembering Mrs. Rossi, Letters to Leo, and the Katie Roberts novels. She is also the author of many picture books, including Kiss Good Night, When Jessie Came Across the Sea, and On the Night of the Shooting Star. Amy lives in New York City. 

FOR MORE VISIT AMY’S AUTHOR WEBSITE

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

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

PSYCHOLOGY—Why We Smile, Strive, and Sing

Posted on August 7, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

This upper MG/ YA title is full of valuable, detailed information about how psychology effects everything we do and why. Arranged in seven chapters, the pages delve into topics often not covered in a student’s learning until they are much older.

  1. Behavior and the Brain
  2. The Teenage Brain
  3. Genes, Environment, and Behavior
  4. The People Around You
  5. Flocking Together: Behavior in Groups
  6. When Bad Stuff Happens
  7. Healthy Body, Healthy Mind

Here’s the background from NOMAD PRESS::

Psychology: Why We Smile, Strive, and Sing introduces students to the science behind behavior. From the developing teenage brain to genetics, psychology, and social environments, readers ages 12 to 15 gain a greater understanding of the complexities behind human behavior.

Why does one person react to test anxiety by studying harder while another person gives up? As with all other behavior, the answer depends on many things: genetics, cultural and family expectations, previous behaviors, and a person’s own blend of attitudes and values. Human behavior is a fascinating subject to study because it’s all about our own social-emotional development and what we do in response to certain stimuli. Hands-on STEM activities, interesting trivia, and links to primary sources, videos, and other relevant websites engage kids beyond the text for a deeper learning experience.

There is much to like including:

  • The use of QR codes that lead to additional resources (point your camera’s phone and you are directed to added videos or activities)
  • A wide variety of careers in the broad field of Psychology. This could be the springboard for a young reader thinking they might want to pursue one of these careers.
  • Fun and revealing INQUIRE & INVESTIGATE tasks at the end of each chapter. Most are ones you gather your friends together to complete.
  • No soft approach. Details on the brain and how it works in various situations is laid out in a easy to understand way but also at a high level.
  • The layout. Text, images, and drawings perfectly compliment each other.

The manual can be used in the classroom or for independent study. The glossary and resources are worth the price of admission alone. Be sure to check out the other titles in the Inquire & Investigate Human Science series including THE HUMAN GENOME and INSIDE THE HUMAN BODY.

To learn more about author Julie K. Rubini and her books visit her web site.

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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.
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*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 , | 3 Comments