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

Five for the Summer!

Posted on March 19, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

spring-clip-art-lrg_SPRINGIt’s the first day of Spring and this turn in the calendar gets me thinking about Summer. Specifically, what new books will I grab hold of to fill those lazy days? Here are my top five picks (click on any book cover for more information):

x300Whether they’re on the baseball field or in Nate’s basement devouring the newest issue of their favorite comic book, Dan and Nate are always talking. Until they’re not.

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

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

 

51fZC4q3HaL._SX389_BO1,204,203,200_

Pack your bags for adventure! In this book, you’ll encounter people, places, plants, and animals from all around the world–and get to test your puzzle chops while you’re at it! This activity book is chock-full of colorful facts, awesome photos, and hours of unplugged fun. Plus, all this fun is packed into a handy, portable size, perfect for tossing into a backpack or taking on the road.

 

 

 

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For the first time in her confident, bold life, Mickey McDonald is nervous about starting school. Her best friend, Ok, has moved away; her father has probably left town for good; and she can’t afford to go back-to-school shopping. But she’s going to make the most of things because that’s the kind of person Mickey is. Nothing’s going to stand in her way or get her down.

Still, the first few days of school are rough, until she becomes friends with Sun Joo, who has just moved to town. Their connection is instant and strong. But things get complicated when Sydney, the popular (and mean) girl in Mickey’s class, also takes a shine to Sun Joo. Suddenly Mickey is facing her first ever friend breakup, and it’s getting harder and harder to keep her chin up. Luckily, Mickey’s made of tough stuff.

 

51NFipit8nL._SX329_BO1,204,203,200_

Eleven-year-old Beulah “Blue” Warren spends every waking moment surrounded by boys: her three brothers, her father, her best friend, even the family dog, but that’s never stopped her from being her usual rambunctious self. Grappling with the loss of her mother, Blue is determined to do what she wants without fear of consequences. When she is sent to the principal’s office, she gets out of it like a pro. When the witchy neighbor next door trashes her yard, Blue doesn’t just get even, she gets ahead. No clean underwear because she hasn’t done the laundry? No worries. That’s what her little brother’s Superman underwear is for, isn’t it? But everything changes on the day she explores the attic and finds her mother’s death certificate. Blue will need to muster all the strength she has to deal with the truth, find forgiveness, trust in her father, and grieve for her mother once and for all.

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Cyrus Olson’s dad is a hero—Northfield’s former football star and now one of their finest firefighters. Everyone expects Cyrus to follow in his dad’s record-breaking footsteps, and he wishes they were right—except he’s never been brave like that. But this year, with the help of a stray dog, a few new friends, a little bit of rhythm, and a lot of nerve, he may just discover that actually…he is.

Lauded as “remarkable” by the New York Times Book Review, Lindsey Stoddard’s heartfelt stories continue to garner critical acclaim, and her latest novel will have fans new and old rooting for Cyrus and Parker’s special bond and the courage it helps them both to find.

Posted in New Release, Uncategorized | Tagged | 1 Comment

MMGM for March 16, 2020

Posted on March 16, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

              

HAPPY EARLY ST. PATRICK’S DAY COMING UP TOMORROW!

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have BLUE SKIES by Anne Bustard, a historical fiction story set in the years following World War II.

June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, and Stitch-Metic has a S.T.E.A.M. feature on Author Temple Grandin’s ‘Calling All Minds:  How to Think and Create Like an Inventor’.

Maria Antonia at Of Books, Photography, and Tea presents a review of All’s Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamieson.

Patricia Tilton at CHILDREN’S BOOKS HEAL is reviewing I, Cosmo by Carlie Sorosiak.

Rosi Hollinbeck features a review and GIVEAWAY of TIMMY FAILURE MISTAKES WERE MADE by Stephan Pastis. Rosi also has some not to be missed links for her writing friends.

A Garden of Books is back this week with Don’t Check Out This Book by Kate Klise, about the effect a new librarian has on a town and is full of humor, word-play, and puns.

Karen Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads shares another great MG review. Be sure to check out today’s feature along with her post last week about the virus scare with KEEP CALM AND READ ON.
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 , , | 4 Comments

BLUE SKIES

Posted on March 15, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

WELCOME TO MY FEATURED REVIEW FOR MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

The 1940’s decade brings to mind thoughts of World War II, and when a book is set during this time period you anticipate reading specifically about the war torn years from 1939-1945. BLUE SKIES takes a different route, beginning three years after the end of the war.

blue-skies-9781534446069_hr.jpgGlory Bea (pictured on the cover) still has hope her father will soon come home from the war. She chooses not to believe he died on Omaha Beach. Her mom and grandparents have moved on best they can, but Glory Bea just knows she’ll see her daddy soon.

She can’t understand why her Mama is interested in another man. Randall Horton also fought in the war and was a friend of her dad. The difference is Mr. Horton came home and is around the house way too much.

Glory Bea spends her time preparing for Father’s return and doing whatever she can to get rid of this new suitor. She also is following in her Gram’s hobby of being a matchmaker. Her first attempted match is the boy next door and her best friend. The results provide a much needed dose of levity to to the story.

Of course Glory Bea’s father is not coming home, even though she assumes France’s Merci Train will deliver him shortly after Valentine’s Day. The slow pace may keep some readers away, but most will keep reading because the end reveals if Glory Bea will ever accept the reality of a parent’s death. It’s a touching look at grief and the unique way each of us deals with it.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: March 17, 2020     PAGE COUNT: 224

THE OFFICIAL DESCRIPTION (From Simon & Schuster)

Glory Bea Bennett knows that miracles happen in Gladiola, Texas, population 3,421. After all, her grandmother—the best matchmaker in the whole county—is responsible for thirty-nine of them.

Now, Glory Bea needs a miracle of her own.

The war ended three years ago, but Glory Bea’s father never returned home from the front in France. Glory Bea understands what Mama and Grams and Grandpa say—that Daddy died a hero on Omaha Beach—yet deep down in her heart, she believes Daddy is still out there.

When the Gladiola Gazette reports that one of the boxcars from the Merci Train (the “thank you” train)—a train filled with gifts of gratitude from the people of France—will be stopping in Gladiola, she just knows daddy will be its surprise cargo.

But miracles, like people, are always changing, until at last they find their way home.

happy bookFIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT happy book

BLUE SKIES by ANNE BUSTARD

  1. Glory Bea is an endearing character you won’t soon forget.
  2. The cover just begs for you to pick this one up.
  3. Life in a small Texas town 80 years ago will surprise middle grade readers used to our modern day world. A perfect historical snapshot.
  4. The ending made it all worthwhile.
  5. The author’ note in the back pages is not to be missed. Anne Bustard goes into more depth about how America’s Friendship Train and Frances Merci Train operated. There’s also an excellent bibliography for those wanting to pursue more books about the time.

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT ANNE BUSTARD

Born in Hawaii, author Anne Bustard is still a beach girl at heart. If she could, she would walk by the ocean every day, wear flip-flops, and eat nothing but fresh pineapple, macadamia nuts and chocolate. Growing up, Anne took years of hula lessons and spent many happy hours wearing a facemask and breathing through a snorkel. Her small sea glass collection from childhood is one of her most treasured possessions.

Anne loves school. And she has a lot of degrees to prove it. Three came from the University of Texas at Austin (BS, MLIS, PhD). Her most recent one, and she believes her last, is an MFA from the Vermont College of Fine Arts in Writing for Children and Young Adults. (For more visit Anne’s author website).

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THANKS FOR STOPPING BY. COMMENTS CAN BE MADE BELOW.

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

MIDDLE GRADE IN THE NEWS: MARCH 12, 2020

Posted on March 12, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

Enjoy these recent articles with a middle grade focus:

  1. INTHE NEWSA brief but interesting discussion about parents being the watch dogs for objectionable books for children from WORLD MAGAZINE.
  2. Any other writers/educators out there? Here are 7 best selling authors who used to be educators.
  3. Another sport’s star is writing children’s books, including a middle grade title. Find out who right here.

 

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 News | Tagged | 2 Comments

MMGM for MARCH 9, 2020

Posted on March 9, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

                  

Make sure those clocks are changed then Spring Ahead to these middle grade reviews and features. Click on a sun to reach each post. At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have POP FLIES, ROBO-PETS, and OTHER DISASTERS by Suzanne Kamata.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles interviews debut author Tanya Guerra and is giving away a copy of her MG multi-cultural HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS WITH THE SEA.

June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, and Stitch-Metic is a part of the Blog Blitz for Horse Adventure Series by Susan Count. The post includes a great giveaway from the author.

Sue Heavenrich is back this week at Sally’s Bookshelf and contributes a review of The Queen Bee and Me by Gillian McDunn.

Maria Antonia at Of Books, Photography, and Tea features a great choice in I Love You, Michael Collins by Lauren Baratz-Logsted.

Jenni Enzor is also back with us and has what should be an interesting post on MG books about kids with disabilities.

Patricia Tilton at CHILDREN’S BOOKS HEAL has a review of Keeper of the Lost Cities: Legacy by Shannon Messenger. A familiar MMGM author!

Rosi Hollinbeck features one of my all time favorites—Ms. Bixby’s Last Day by John David Anderson. Included is a GIVEAWAY. Rosi also has some not to be missed links for her writing friends.

Stephanie Robinson at Fairday’s Blog is happy to be featuring the book Lifeboat 12 by Susan Hood.

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 HUNGER WINTER.
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

Pop Flies, Robo-Pets, and Other Disasters

Posted on March 8, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

Batter up! It’s another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday!

I’ve read at least a dozen books the past ten years about the new kid at school. The story usually begins after the family has moved to a new state and community. Next comes school with the main character facing many challenges. POP FLIES, ROBO-PETS, and OTHER DISASTERS puts a unique twist on this plot line.

81KzoFlZKnL.jpgJapanese thirteen-year-old Satoshi Matsumoto has lived in Atlanta the past three years. His dad was transferred there for a temporary work position. Satoshi loves baseball and had become a star on his Atlanta middle-school baseball team. Now that Dad’s work is complete the family moves back to rural Japan. The story begins here and this is the twist that makes this plot shine,

Satoshi feels like a stranger in Japan and his classmates don’t like this new Americanized version of the boy they knew from elementary school. Playing on the school’s baseball team should help—or will it? A huge mistake in a game leads to deeper trouble.

The first person POV is relayed through Satoshi. He has a special needs sister and a Grandfather with challenges of his own. It’s an eye-opening view of life in Japan with the popular sport of baseball as a backdrop. Don’t worry if you aren’t a fan of the sport. There’s plenty going on outside the playing field including broken friendships and family worries. A compelling story for girls and boys.

PAGE COUNT: 208 BOOK BIRTHDAY: March 3, 2020

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POP FLIES, ROBO-PETS, and OTHER DISASTERS by Suzanne Kamata

292673Grandpa and Satoshi have a special bond with their love of baseball. Grandpa has memory issues and keeps a motorized pet near his side as a companion. Many special moments between a boy and his ailing Grandpa.

292673Depiction of life in Japan is an element readers will enjoy.  Of course there’s a look at school, but also trips to the mall and barber shop (bozu cut!). Both similar and very different from what kids experience in America.

292673I hadn’t come across the use of a robotic pet to help with the mental health of seniors. For Grandpa it is a robotic seal keeping him company. An interesting and revealing plot point.

292673The baseball games aren’t a slow inning by inning calling of plays. They move swiftly to the outs and hits that make a difference to keep readers engaged.

292673 The 36 chapters are short and perfect as a read aloud in the classroom or at home when you have just a spare ten minutes to fill.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR (From her author website)

Suzanne Kamata was born and raised in Grand Haven, Michigan. She is most recently from Lexington, South Carolina, and now lives in Tokushima Prefecture, Japan with her husband and two children.

Her short stories, essays, articles and book reviews have appeared in over 100 publications including Real Simple, Brain, Child, Cicada, and The Japan Times. Her work has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize five times, and received a Special Mention in 2006. She is also a two-time winner of the All Nippon Airways/Wingspan Fiction Contest, winner of the Paris Book Festival, and winner of a SCBWI Magazine Merit Award.

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I received a copy of the book to prepare this critique. Feel free to comment below.

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

Let’s Play Baseball

Posted on March 6, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

A baseball player pitching a ball

Snow is still on the ground where I live, but March is urging Spring to take over so we can hear those magic words: Play Ball!  Little league sing-ups are well under way and our major league teams are in training camp preparing for the upcoming season. What better way to feed one’s passion than a selection of four recent middle grade books with a baseball theme (Click on a book cover for more info).

 

51wQNhl4N1L._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_.jpgIt’s the bottom of the ninth, bases are loaded, and your team is down by three―who do you want coming up to bat? Baseball Biographies for Kids answers this question and more!

Bursting with statistics and impressive feats from the greatest players of the last 60 years, this lineup of inspirational baseball biographies shows you what it takes to be a real MVP. Discover the ultimate dream team as you explore the best pros for each position. You’ll also get quick looks into some truly legendary baseball players and lots of fun facts!

Baseball Biographies for Kids includes:

  • Modern stars, real stories―From Cal Ripken Jr. to David Ortiz, you’ll discover the players who truly defined the game.
  • Tons of stats―Each biography includes critical info, including games played, ERA, hits, and more.
  • Draft your own all-star team―Fill out the included starting lineup sheet with your picks for each position.

These baseball biographies really knock it out of the park for big fans and aspiring players!

 

A cloud hangs over Jack as he begins fifth grade. Two boys from his class, Steve and Cliff, 517jLBdvSDLwho began bullying him last spring, harass him again as soon as school starts. They take brownies and cookies from his lunch and call him “Mustard” because they think he’s a coward. When Jack walks a different route to school to avoid them, they find him anyway. When he doesn’t take a lunch but brings lunch money, they steal his money. When he rides his bike to school, they let the air out of the tires. Jack is miserable but he’s ashamed to ask for help and doesn’t want to tell anyone about his problem.

Lizabeth and C.J are Jack’s best friends. C.J. has his own problems. He needs help to learn reading, and Steve makes fun of him, calling him “Retardo.” A new boy in school, Hans Ollig from Germany, speaks only a little English and is trying hard to learn to talk like the other kids. Jack is assigned to show him around the school.

Members of Jack’s family are all baseball fans and tremendously excited that the Colorado Rockies are going to be in the World Series. Jack’s uncle has given him an old glove from his high school days. When Jack takes the glove to school, it disappears.

Jack and his fifth grade buddies welcome a new student, Hans, into their group. Hans speaks only a little English but is enthusiastic and a quick learner. All of them are baseball fans and thrilled that their Colorado Rockies team will be in the World Series.

Jack and his buddies must find a way to get his baseball glove back and celebrate at the World Series as a team.

 

51FKw29ox0L._SX336_BO1,204,203,200_Mike and Kate arrive in Colorado to a ballpark covered in snow! Luckily, the stadium has a heater that can melt the fluffy flakes in time for next day’s game. But when the ballpark engineers get a mysterious note saying that someone may tamper with the scoreboard, the snow becomes the least of the cousins’ problems. It’s time for Mike and Kate to switch into sleuth mode and solve a mystery that will take them underground, a mile above sea level, and even face to face with a dinosaur!

 

 

POP FLIESThirteen-year-old Satoshi Matsumoto spent the last three years living in Atlanta where he was the star of his middle-school baseball team―a slugger with pro potential, according to his coach. Now that his father’s work in the US has come to an end, he’s moved back to his hometown in rural Japan. Living abroad has changed him, and now his old friends in Japan are suspicious of his new foreign ways. Even worse, his childhood foe Shintaro, whose dad has ties to gangsters, is in his homeroom. After he joins his new school’s baseball team, Satoshi has a chance to be a hero until he makes a major-league error.

I’ll have a review of this last title on our next MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY. Join us if you are blogging about middle grade books or authors. Here’s how to sign up:

If you would like to join in the MMGM fun, 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 Book Lists | Tagged | 5 Comments

MMGM for March 2, 2020

Posted on March 2, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

              

The winner of my giveaway of WE COULD BE HEROES is Danielle Hammelef. Congratulations!

It’s new month for MMGM. Time to March right in for a look at some great reviews and features. At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have THE BEST AT IT by Maulik Pancholy. 

A huge congratulations goes out to one of our long time MMGM participants, Joanne R. Fritz at My Brain on Books. She has great news! Click on the four leaf clover to read all about it.

June McCrary Jacobs at Reading, Writing, and Stitch-Metic has a ‘literacy’ feature on a recently-released book entitled, How To Raise a Reader.

Susan Uhlig is laughing about MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD by Drew Callander & Alana Harrison. Middle grade readers will crack up too.

Completely Full Bookshelf recommends Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin.

Alex Baugh at Randomly Reading has a review of When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller.

Patricia Tilton at CHILDREN’S BOOKS HEAL kicks off Women’s History Month with a review of  Suffragette: The Battle for Equality by David Roberts.

Rosi Hollinbeck features THE PRESIDENTS: PORTRAITS OF HISTORY.  Rosi also has some not to be missed links for her writing friends.

Maria Antonia at Of Books, Photography, and Tea presents another  round of fun with February Reading Bingo.

Andrea Mack at That’s Another Story features an exciting tale—Dog Driven by Terry Lynn Johnson

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

THE BEST AT IT

Posted on March 1, 2020 by Greg Pattridge

WELCOME TO ANOTHER MONTH OF MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAYS!

thebestatit.jpg

I’m starting off with a great contemporary story that has been on my reading pile for way too long. I couldn’t even recall how it got there. Then I did a quick Google search with MMGM and THE BEST AT IT as the key words. I should have guessed what popped up first. A review late last year from super human blogger and librarian, Karen Yingling. She does daily reviews over at Ms. Yingling Reads. Be sure to check out all of her marvelous reviews, even when it’s not Monday!

I love the cover with new seventh grader, Rahul Kapoor, reaching out but never quite catching something he’s good at. He lives in Indiana with his family, who originally moved there from India. Rahul is a little embarrassed by his Indian culture and wishes Mom and Dad wouldn’t put it out there so much. His head is also swimming with other problems and not just the math kind.

He wants to have success in a sport or acting or anything that would bring positive attention to himself. Brent, his nemesis, is always letting anyone within earshot know what’s wrong with Rahul. Then there’ s perfect Justin who’s natural good looks and talent can’t go unnoticed and Rahul has been staring at him a lot.

Does he want to be like Justin or does he really “like, like” the boy. Add to all of this are OCD tendencies that have him rechecking to make sure doors are locked and his bed is far enough away from the electrical socket. Not just once but several times. Being a seventh grader is down right exhausting.

Told from Rahul’s first person narrative, the emotion is heart wrenching and real. Despite being over 300 pages. the 37 chapters take readers on a journey of discovery and one that will be hard to put down. Here’s the official blurb from Harper Collins:

Rahul Kapoor is heading into seventh grade in a small town in Indiana. The start of middle school is making him feel increasingly anxious, so his favorite person in the whole world, his grandfather, Bhai, gives him some well-meaning advice: Find one thing you’re really good at and become the BEST at it.

Those four little words sear themselves into Rahul’s brain. While he’s not quite sure what that special thing is, he is convinced that once he finds it, bullies like Brent Mason will stop torturing him at school. And he won’t be worried about staring too long at his classmate Justin Emery. With his best friend, Chelsea, by his side, Rahul is ready to crush this challenge…. But what if he discovers he isn’t the best at anything?

Book Birthday: October 8. 2019    Page Count: 336

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THE BEST AT IT by Maulik Pancholy

  1. Rahul’s family is a real treat to be around. Mom, Dad, and grandfather are always doing what is best for Rahul. He knows there is always someone there in case he ever wants to talk about any of his growing concerns. Bravo for depicting a loving family we don’t see too often in MG books.
  2. His best friend Chelsea should be the poster child for what makes a good friend. She treats Rahul with respect and kindness no matter what his choices are in life.
  3. When you have sympathy for more than just the main character, you’re in good hands with the writing put forth here.
  4. We’ve all been there—doing something because it might look cool. For Rahul it’s a tryout for football that goes completely wrong. A great theme throughout where everyone is good at something and it just takes time to find out what that is.
  5. The issues brought up in the story are ones middle grade readers, especially those ten and above deserve to be reading about. Racism, fear of being gay, discrimination, and social prejudice are all portrayed in an honest and understandable way.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR (from Goodreads)

Maulik Pancholy was born on January 18, 1974 in the USA as Maulik Navin Pancholy. His parents immigrated to the United States from Gujarat, India, in the 1960s. Born in Dayton, Ohio, and grew up in Ohio, Indiana, Texas and Florida. He attended junior high and high school in Tampa, Florida. Pancholy was named one of OUT Magazine’s 100 most influential gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender people for 2013.
He married his partner of 10 years, Ryan Corvaia, in 2014, nine months after they were engaged at the Taj Mahal.

He is an actor, known for 30 Rock (2006), Weeds (2005) and 27 Dresses (2008).

TEACHING GUIDE for The Best At It

Author’s Website

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