Tag Archives: Middle Grade Book Reviews

FURIOUS JONES AND THE ASSASSIN’S SECRET for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Before I get to the good stuff, let me tell you that Furious Jones has been miscast and misplaced.  Tim Kehoe has written a nice thriller but whoever stamped this for children ages 8-12 must have blacked out. When the … Continue reading →

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ALSO KNOWN AS HARPER for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Growing up I wouldn’t touch a book with a female narrator if my life (or grade) depended on it. Seems I’ve gotten over that affliction with my recent middle grade titles. Since January I’ve been touched by the lives of … Continue reading →

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THE KINDLING for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

My quest to read at least one title from every middle grade series this year got a much needed kick when I crossed paths with author Braden Bell. We share similar teaching backgrounds in the trenches with middle level kids. … Continue reading →

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TURN LEFT AT THE COW for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

This Upper MG book is by Lisa Bullard, new to the MG world, but hardly new to being an author. She has a long list of successful picture books and non-fiction books for the K-4 audience. She  also has a … Continue reading →

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HOPE IS A FERRIS WHEEL for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

It’s time to get back to more recent releases. How about one from last month? HOPE IS A FERRIS WHEEL, a debut by author Robin Herrera, is told from the perspective of young Star Mackie. It’s an unusual MG book … Continue reading →

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I AM NOT JOEY PIGZA for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

It’s been a long time since I was first introduced to Joey Pigza. In fact, 1998 to be exact. I picked up a copy of JOEY PIGZA SWALLOWED THE KEY and loved the story of Joey, a boy getting engulfed … Continue reading →

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BOOM! for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

In 1994 I took my one and only trip to London. I loved every precious minute spent in the city, but have unfortunately never been back. On my last day before coming home I wandered into a charming bookstore. My … Continue reading →

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DESTINY, REWRITTEN for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Earlier this year I enjoyed THE YEAR THE SWALLOWS CAME EARLY by Kathryn Fitzmaurice. I grabbed the opportunity to read her newest, DESTINY, REWRITTEN. It’s a beautifully written story told from the viewpoint of 11-year-old Emily Davis. As I read the book … Continue reading →

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CHARLIE JOE JACKSON’S GUIDE TO NOT READING for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

My personal goal this year has been to reduce the growing list of books I want to read. So far it’s going like gangbusters. I’ve never read so many books in a short amount of time – unless you count … Continue reading →

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The Adventures of Beanboy for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

First off, a reminder. If you have written a contemporary middle grade novel, Writer’s Digest is running a contest that ends on March 18th. Click on the image to get the details. Previously published works like THE ADVENTURES OF BEANBOY … Continue reading →

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