NINA SONI, SISTER FIXER

Posted on April 10, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

I featured the first book in this series, Nina Soni, Former Best Friend, last October.  Nina is an Indian-American girl who lives with her parents and little sister. It’s a charming set of stories filled with Indian customs and food. But the real emphasis is on Nina as she struggles with the sister fixer.jpgsame problems many kids face.

Nina Soni, Sister Fixer focuses on how to deal with an irritating sibling. Nina’s younger sister, Kavita, is beyond embarrassing. Her made up songs and unstoppable do anything behavior has gone too far. Nina sets out to fix her sister before they join a neighbor family on an overnight trip. Kavita’s weirdness must be stopped.

Nina loves to make lists to keep her thoughts organized. One thought is to have her sister help build a dam by the storm drain out front. It might  keep her mind on doing something other than singing. All does not go well.

Perfect for readers in third to fifth grade, the 128 pages are a fast read with illustrations to break up the text. There’s also one boy character, Jay, who is Nina’s best friend. Told from Nina’s point of view, her actions are spot on for someone this age. It was a nice wrap up when the reveal came as to how she resolved her sister problem. The story will bring a smile to your face and is a good introduction to middle grade books.

Check out the DISCUSSION GUIDE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR and ILLUSTRATOR

Kashmira Sheth was born in India and came to the US when she was seventeen to attend Iowa State University, where she received a BS in microbiology. She is the author of several picture books,  middle grade, and young adult novels. She lives in Wisconsin. You can visit  her website here.

Jenn Kocsmierksy is a watercolor artist and picture book illustrator. She was adopted from Seoul, South Korea and grew up in rural New Hampshire. Now, as a mom and artist, Jenn hopes to promote relatable childhood experiences featuring diverse characters. She was the recipient of the 2018 We Need Diverse Books Mentorship for Illustration and the 2016–2017 Walter Dean Meyers Grant. She lives in New York with her two children and a ginormous goldfish named Joey. You can visit her website here.

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

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

Explorer Academy: The Star Dunes BLOG TOUR + HUGE GIVEAWAY!

Posted on April 8, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

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Welcome Back to the Explorer Academy!

AND…
The Explorer Academy: The Star Dunes Blog Tour!

To celebrate the release of Explorer Academy: The Star Dunes by Trudi Trueit on March 17th, blogs across the web are featuring a National Geographic Explorer who inspired The Explorer Academy, as well as 5 chances to win an Explorer Academy 7-book Prize Pack!

Meet Explorer Augustin Basabose

Discover The Truth Behind the Fiction: Meet the real National Geographic explorers who helped inspire the science in the newest book in the Explorer Academy series, The Star Dunes!

Explorers and conservationists are dedicated to protecting the planet and all that’s in it.  That includes the amazing animals featured in the newest book in National Geographic Kids Explorer Academy series, The Star Dunes.  From the largest mountain gorilla to the smallest pangolin, there is one thing the animals in Book Four of Explorer Academy have in common: their homes and lives are in danger, and they rely on the work of real-life National Geographic Explorers to survive. To celebrate the release of The Star Dunes and just in time for Earth Day, each day a participating blog will feature a real National Geographic explorer who is on the forefront of conservation.  And just like Cruz and his fellow recruits, learn from the experts how they use high-tech inventions, local community outreach, medical advancements and investigative journalism to make a difference.

Augustin Basabose

Looking for more Truth Behind the Fiction?  Click here to watch numerous videos of real National Geographic explorers in action — all of who helped inspire the science in the Explorer Academy series  — and find out how they’re changing the world through science and adventure.

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Blog Tour Schedule:

April 6th – Big Shiny Robot

April 7th – Nerdophiles

April 8th – Always in the Middle

April 9th – Bookhounds

April 10th – From the Mixed Up Files

“A fun, exciting and action-packed ride that kids will love.”  —J.J. Abrams, director of Star Trek, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Lost and Alias

“Inspires the next generation of curious kids to go out into our world and discover something unexpected.” — James Cameron, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence and acclaimed filmmaker

“Explorer  Academy  is  sure  to  awaken  readers’  inner  adventurer  and  curiosity  about  the  world  around  them.”—LeVar  Burton,  host  of  “Reading  Rainbow”and “LeVar  Burton  Reads”

“A fictional setting like the Explorer Academy allows children to forge connections between science in the abstract and practical applications, holding their interest and fostering a love for, ‘all the different things the planet has to offer.”  – Book Riot

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Read the first chapter from The Star Dunes

Buy

: National Geographic | Amazon | Indiebound | Bookshop

Add on Goodreads

Reader’s Guide

Follow Trudi: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Youtube

Follow National Geographic Kids: Website | Twitter | Books Twitter | Facebook | Youtube

Adventure, danger, and a thrilling global mission await 12-year-old Cruz Coronado at the Explorer Academy, where he and 23 other kids from around the globe are training to become the next generation of great explorers. But in addition to making new friends and attending cool classes, Cruz must also unlock clues to his family’s mysterious past and tackle the biggest question of all: Who is out to get him … and why? Secrets creep out from the shadows and leave Cruz with more questions than answers in this fourth title in the hit series.

A major discovery forces the Explorer Academy into the limelight in The Star Dunes, but Cruz has much more on his mind than 15 minutes of fame. A new face on board the ship brings Cruz’s worlds colliding, and someone close to Cruz ends up on the brink of death.  En route to Africa to dispense life-saving medications to gorillas, thwart pangolin poachers and capture images of the last known cheetahs in Namibia, Team Cousteau is now down a major player, and Cruz can’t help but be preoccupied by the hole in his life. The discovery of his mom’s next clue leads him to the most exotic location yet–a vast desert–with no other information to lead the way, while an unlikely ally helps Cruz pursue another piece of the puzzle. Just as things seem like they might turn out alright, Dr. Fanchon Quills has a technological breakthrough which gives Cruz a glimpse into the past and reveals more about his future than he may really want to know.

For more adventures with Cruz and his fellow explorers, fans can head to ExplorerAcademy.com to watch the Explorer Academy animated series “Brain Freeze,” play Explorer Academy-inspired games, find the latest updates on The Star Dunes and more. 

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About the Author: Author Trudi Trueit is a gifted storyteller for middle-grade audiences. She has written more than 100 books for young readers, both fiction and nonfiction, including The Sister Solution, Stealing Popular and the Secrets of a Lab Rat series. Trueit lives in Everett, Washington.

 

 

 

 

GIVEAWAY

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  • Five (5) winners will receive All 4 Explorer Academy fiction hardcovers (The Nebula Secret, The Falcon’s Feather, The Double Helix, and the NEW book The Star Dunes), plus Explorer Academy Code-Breaking Activity Adventure, Explorer Academy Ultimate Activity Challenge and BONUS an advance copy of Explorer Academy Field Journal, which isn’t available to the public until May!
  • ARV $104
  • US/Canada only
  • Ends 4/18 at midnight ET

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Posted in Blog Tour, Giveaways, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

MMGM for April 6, 2020

Posted on April 6, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

          

April Showers bring May Flowers and hopefully better times ahead for our nation and world.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have CAMP CLIQUE by Eileen Moskowitz-Palma. Click on the Easter bunny to read my post and then do the same for all the other MMGM participants below.

June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, and Stitch-Metic has a guest post from debut author, Laurie Smollett Kutscera, and an ARC GIVEAWAY of her book, Misadventures of a Magician’s Son.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles features an interview with debut author Jessica Kim and a GIVEAWAY of her MG contemporary Stand Up, Yumi Chung.

Michelle Mason at Musings of a Young Adult Writer has another post from her 6th grade son. See if he can top his first A+ effort with a review of A WISH IN THE DARK by Christina Soontornvat.

Jenni Enzor returns to the MMGM lineup and gives us her view of RED SCARF GIRL by Ji JI Jang.

COMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF has a timely list of six MG books to read when you’re stuck at home!

Patricia Tilton at CHILDREN’S BOOKS HEAL reviews Twist by Sarah Cannon. Readers who like dark humor will love this novel.

Maria Antonia at Of Books, Photography, and Tea gives us a look at The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman.

A GARDEN OF BOOKS is back this week with a feature on “The Cat Ninja:  and a Cabal of Shadows” by Eric DeLeo.

Rosi Hollinbeck features a review and GIVEAWAY of THIS BOOK THINKS YOU’RE AN INVENTOR by Jon Milton. Rosi also has some not to be missed links for her writing friends.

Karen 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 BAD BEST FRIEND.
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

CAMP CLIQUE

Posted on April 5, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

Girl Drama can be hurtful, tiring, and full of misunderstandings. No more so than in CAMP CLIQUE. Full of who is wearing what and details about the often privileged lives the girls in the bunk house have, the drama here centers on family dynamics and friendship. That’s Bea and Maisy on the cover of this first story in The Popularity Pact series.campclique.jpg Told in alternating viewpoints, these former best friends are front and center in their continued struggle to understand each other and what the future holds.  The second book, SCHOOL SQUAD, is forthcoming in October. The setup comes on the final page of CAMP CLIQUE.

THE BACK COVER BLURB

In the blink of a summer, Bea goes from having a best friend and a place she belongs to being dropped and invisible, eating lunch alone and only talking to teachers. The end of sixth grade and the start of Camp Amelia can’t come soon enough.

But then the worst part of school, ex-best friend Maisy, shows up in Bea’s safe place and ruins it all. Maisy lands in the same bunk as Bea and summer suddenly seems dire. Never having camped a day in her life, Maisy agrees: it’s hopeless. She should be at home, spending time with her little sister and hanging out with her super popular crew of friends–not at this stupid adventure camp failing everything and being hated by everyone. In a desperate bid to belong, Maisy offers Bea a deal: if Bea helps her fit in at the camp, she will get Bea into the M & M’s, their town’s popular clique, when they enter seventh grade in the fall. The Popularity Pact is born.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: April 14, 2020     PAGE COUNT: 288

campcliqueFIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT campclique

CAMP CLIQUE by Eileen Moskowitz-Palma

1. Dr. Beth is the psychologist at the camp and my favorite character. The perfect personality with a nice balance of  thoughtful listening and gentle advice to nudge Maisy into seeing things another way.

2. I doubt I’ll be able to get any 12-year-old boys to pick this one up, but tween and early teen girls will be talking and sharing this one around.

3. Issues of Popularity, Addiction, Divorce, and Parental dating will be topics familiar to many young readers. How they are handled here will hopefully help them in their own lives.

4. The author does a great job of gradually revealing why Maisy dumped Bea in the first place. It had me guessing most of the way.

5. The food offered at the camp is mouth watering. I don’t remember my camp food being that good.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR (For more visit Eileen’s website)

When Eileen Moskowitz-Palma double majored in Elementary Education and English at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, she thought she would have to choose between a career as a writer or a teacher. It wasn’t until she was almost 40 that she realized she could do both.

Now, Eileen divides her time between writing middle grade novels and teaching Beginner Novel Writing and Writing for Children and Young Adults at The Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College.

Eileen is a fitness enthusiast and lives a vegan-ish lifestyle unless you count the occasional bacon cheeseburger. She lives in Westchester, NY, with her college sweetheart husband Douglas, their daughter Molly, and their Wire Fox Terrier Oscar, who is one snaggle-tooth away from being a doggy model.

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A busy week here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE: On Wednesday stop by for the blog tour stop of the newest book in the Explorer Academy series. Enter to win a prize package from National Geographic Kids worth over $100. Five winners in all!

On Friday I’ll have a review of another book girls will be lining up to read.

 

I also love comments! Feel free to leave one below.

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

THE WIZENARD SERIES—SEASON ONE

Posted on April 3, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

71ptSRKNqXL.jpgBACK COVER BLURB: Reggie has never felt destined for greatness. He dreams about basketball brilliance all day and night, but the hard truth is that he’s a benchwarmer for the West Bottom Badgers the worst team in the league. Even their mysterious new coach, Rolabi Wizenard, can’t seem to help them end their losing streak.

Reggie is willing to train tirelessly to improve his game, but the gym itself seems to be working against him in magical ways. Before Reggie can become the player her dreams of being, he must survive the extraordinary trials of practice.

Basketball legend Kobe Bryant presents this illuminating follow-up to the #1 New York Times best seller The Wizenard Series: Training Camp―a story of strain and sacrifice, supernatural breakthroughs, and supreme dedication to the game.

MY TAKE

I previously featured book one in the series—TRAINING CAMP—where each of the players are introduced along with their magical coach. SEASON ONE centers on a single player and it’s a welcome change to have the third person narration focus on this underachiever. It’s unfortunate the creator of the series, Kobe Bryant, isn’t around to see how the future unfolds for this series .

The magic or grana is back. Having that label so close to Gran, the name Reggie calls his grandmother, had me guessing there might be a connection there. Readers will have to wait for the answer in a hopeful third book centering on the tournament. A new face, Reggie’s younger sister, P, brings both humor and often inspiring comments. Her role as a secondary character shined.

This is a fast paced, page turning plot. Basketball lovers will be thrilled with the story line and having magic thrown in makes it even more intriguing. Each chapter begins with a Wizenard Proverb which is a short motivating saying to get you thinking about training and life in a different way. Several pages of them are included in the back and could be used for more than sport’s training.

If you have not read Book One, you’ll have no problem jumping in here. The first five games of the season are given extra detail and the final six are recalled in the final chapter. There are also unsolved mysteries (more like small teasers) with a box given to Reggie and the role the government played in the death of his parents. Both are unresolved by the end of this book, but it nicely sets up the continuation of the series.

For now join the season and live through the agony of a losing streak, then find out if this team has enough skill and grana to turn it around.

For more about the book visit the colorful Granity Studios site.

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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 , , | Leave a comment

MMGM for March 30, 2020

Posted on March 30, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

                          

In these trying times…what better way to fill your day than with a book! Click on a MMGM book cover to find a new favorite.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have THE LIST OF THINGS THAT WILL NOT CHANGE by Rebecca Stead.

June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, and Stitch-Metic features  Lia London’s brand new fantasy novel, ‘Be Careful Where You Wish’. Included is an author interview and book giveaway for US and an ebook giveaway for US & International entrants.

Sue Heavenrich is doing double duty today. First up is a visit to Sally’s Bookshelf where you will find a review of a fantasy: The Oddmire, Book One: Changeling, by William Ritter.

Sue Heavenrich then jumps over to Archimedes Notebook with a non-fiction feature. Check out froggy poems and more amphibian antics in Amphibian Acrobats, by Leslie Bulion.

Michelle Mason at Musings of a Young Adult Writer has recruited her son to write an MMGM review for us this week. See what he has to say about MY LIFE AS A POTATO by Arianne Costner.

Faith Hough at LIFE’S AN ART! is back, even in the midst of a busy family time. She’s reviewing the first two books in the Jasmine Green Rescues series, by Helen Peters: A Piglet Called Truffle and A Duckling Called Button.

Patricia Tilton at CHILDREN’S BOOKS HEAL reviews a refugee MG novel, My Name is Konisola by Alisa Siegal.Little Robots.

Maria Antonia at Of Books, Photography, and Tea shares some thoughts on Notorious by Gordon Korman.

Rosi Hollinbeck features a review and GIVEAWAY of BEGINNERS WELCOME by Cindy Baldwin. Rosi also has some not to be missed links for her writing friends.

Karen 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 FINS.

One more post came in after I had closed up shop for the night: Michael Gettel-Gilmartin at The Middle Grade Mafioso makes a welcome return with a review of Melissa Savage’s NESSIE QUEST.
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 LIST OF THINGS THAT WILL NOT CHANGE

Posted on March 29, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

My favorite books by Rebecca Stead are without a doubt LIAR & SPY and WHEN YOU REACH ME. Would her new story, THE LIST OF THINGS THAT WILL NOT CHANGE, surpass those previous titles? Keep reading to find out.

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Gay marriage has been explored before in middle grade books, most notably Richard Peck’s THE BEST MAN. Here though the young protagonist is a female. Bea’s parents have been divorced for two years. She has become accustomed to life in two different homes. You learn early on that Bea is looking forward to the marriage of her dad to another man.

The story is a quiet one with most of the plot relayed through reminiscing about the past. You’ll be introduced to other characters who have made a big impact on Bea, including her counselor/ therapist Miriam. You’ll also learn of events that still bother Bea deep down, ones she hopes to resolve by the wedding day.

Many of the chapters are short and they each bring understanding to Bea and her family.  An interesting read for sure, but for me it didn’t quite surpass my two favorite stories from Rebecca Stead.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: April 7, 2020  PAGE COUNT: 224

THE OFFICIAL PLOT

After her parents’ divorce, Bea’s life became different in many ways. But she can always look back at the list she keeps in her green notebook to remember the things that will stay the same. The first and most important: Mom and Dad will always love Bea, and each other.

When Dad tells Bea that he and his boyfriend, Jesse, are getting married, Bea is thrilled. Bea loves Jesse, and when he and Dad get married, she’ll finally (finally!) have what she’s always wanted–a sister. Even though she’s never met Jesse’s daughter, Sonia, Bea is sure that they’ll be “just like sisters anywhere.”

As the wedding day approaches, Bea will learn that making a new family brings questions, surprises, and joy, and readers will discover why the New York Times called Rebecca Stead a “writer of great feeling.”

di48R8RLTFIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUTdi48R8RLT

THE LIST OF THINGS THAT WILL NOT CHANGE by Rebecca Stead

  1. First person narration is a tough one to pull off, but here it is done without a hitch. It’s like Bea is sitting in your living room telling you her story. A kid voice the whole way.
  2. The beginning of this novel is revisited at the end. The sound of corn growing provides the bond.
  3. Bea’s therapist was my favorite character. She always had the right words to address each of Bea’s concerns, helping her open up more along the way.
  4. Many kids will find familiarity with the divorce theme and how Bea copes.
  5. Bea has a troublesome skin condition known as eczema. I’ve come across many kids dealing with it and this story should help them realize they are not alone.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

To learn more about Rebecca Stead visit her entertaining web site. There you will discover:

All of her books

Her most important writing rule

Why there are days she doesn’t write at all

Her list of upcoming appearances

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Please make a comment below!

 

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

WHAT IF SOLDIERS FOUGHT WITH PILLOWS?

Posted on March 27, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

81yV14jvuFL.jpgThe title gets one thinking, but the statement on the back cover is what made me happy to be spending time inside the pages of this book:

What if to make the world you want… you must first imagine what it could be?

I had previously reviewed Heather Camlot’s Historical Fiction MG, CLUTCH. I enjoyed her story telling immensely and looked forward to what she would do with non-fiction. Despite the length of only 40 pages, this is solidly in the realm of middle grade.

A question like the one on the cover introduces the concept followed by a page of text describing someone who in real life did something similar. For this first question it is Desmond Doss who was a medic in World War II and chose to carry a Bible instead of a gun to the front lines. He received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in saving others.

The stories are inspiring and each new question urges you to read on. Over two dozen are covered and whimsical pictures surround the text.  Some of my favorites include:

  • What if the rules of war were the same as the rules at school?
  • What if innocent civilians would be airlifted by music?
  • What if rocket launchers fired Ping-Pong balls instead of ballistic missiles?
  • What if we just asked more questions?

The book would be great as a read-aloud and discussion starter. My hope is it will inspire our newest generation to find different ways of settling conflict.

Be sure to visit Heather’s author web site.

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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, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

MMGM for March 23, 2020

Posted on March 23, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

                 

It’s Springtime. A time to SPRING into some great reviews and features. Click on each Spring logo to see what’s offered.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have IN THE RED by Christopher Swiedler.

June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, and Stitch-Metic has a Retro Fiction Feature spotlighting Marguerite Henry’s Newberry Honor Book from 1947, ‘Misty of Chincoteague’.

Alex Baugh at Randomly Reading gives us her view on Indian No More by Charlene Willing McManis with Traci Sorell.

Completely Full Bookshelf is back this week and recommends New Kid by Jerry Craft.

Maria Antonia at Of Books, Photography, and Tea has Just My Luck by Cammie McGovern.

Patricia Tilton at CHILDREN’S BOOKS HEAL has a review of Weird Little Robots by Carolyn Crimi.

Rosi Hollinbeck features a review of HURRICANE SEASON by Nicole Melleby. Rosi also has some not to be missed links for her writing friends.

Karen 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 WHAT STARS ARE MADE OF.
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 Uncategorized | 3 Comments

IN THE RED

Posted on March 22, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

inthered.jpgEarthlings are only in the planning stages to eventually send humans to Mars. What will it be like when a colony is set up there for the selected few to work and live? IN THE RED is set in the future when this has already happened.

Twelve-year-old Michael lives there with his parents and an older brother. He loves and understands science better than most. His best friend is a girl, Lilith, and she pushes him to explore the planet with her. Things go terribly wrong.

The pace is frantic and full of surprises. Michael has a tendency toward panic attacks—bad enough on Earth but even more so with the many challenges Mars brings. Science Fiction titles for middle grade don’t come along too often and this title certainly fills the void.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: MARCH 24, 2020     PAGE COUNT: 288

THE OFFICIAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PLOT (From Harper Collins)

Michael Prasad knows he shouldn’t go out on the Mars surface alone. It’s dangerous. His parents have forbidden it. And the anxiety he feels almost every time he puts on a spacesuit makes it nearly impossible for him to leave the safety of the colony.

But when his best friend, Lilith, suggests they sneak out one night, he can’t resist the chance to prove everyone—including himself—wrong.

As the two ride along the Mars surface in a stolen rover, miles from the colony, a massive solar flare hits the planet, knocking out power, communication, and navigation systems, and the magnetic field that protects the planet from the sun’s deadly radiation.

Stranded hours from home with an already limited supply of food, water, and air, Michael and Lilith must risk everything if they’re to get back to the colony alive.

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IN THE RED by Christopher Swiedler

  1. The inclusion of panic attacks, something more than a few kids can relate to, was a welcome interlude to the plot. Michael discovers how to better handle his untimely attacks with the help of family and his best friend.
  2. Details of life on Mars was fascinating from traveling across its’ surface to basics of taking a breath and eating.
  3. The adolescent brain often works in a do now think later mode. A great discussion could take place with young readers as to how delaying impulsive decisions and thinking through situations first is usually a better plan.
  4. The tension as to whether these two kids will survive had me in one of those fast reading frenzies. I had to find out if they were going to make it, and guess what? No spoilers here.
  5. A good fit for any middle grader or adult who love science fiction.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christopher Swiedler is an author and software engineer who lives with his wife and three children in California, where they’re under constant threat from earthquakes, tsunamis, and the occasional Martian dust storm. His goal in life is to win the Newbery Honor (not the medal itself) because he believes being a runner-up builds good character. He is represented by Bridget Smith of JABberwocky Literary Agency. (For more visit his web site)

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I received an ARC of IN THE RED for my honest feedback. Comments are welcome below!

 

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, New Release, Science Fiction | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments