Tag Archives: Middle grade contemporary

PLAYING THE CARDS YOU’RE DEALT

Posted on October 17, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

Ten-year-old Anthony Joplin has made it to double digits! Which means he’s finally old enough to play in the spades tournament every Joplin Man before him seems to have won. So while Ant’s friends are stressing about fifth grade homework … Continue reading →

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

SUSIE B. WON’T BACK DOWN + a GIVEAWAY

Posted on October 3, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

Fifth grader Susie Babuszkiewicz’s teacher is always looking for different ways to get students learning. In the Hero Project unit, you first have to choose a hero and they can’t be alive. Susie chooses Susan B Anthony not only because … Continue reading →

Posted in Giveaways, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

VIOLETS ARE BLUE

Posted on September 26, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

Twelve-year-old Wren has a growing amount of drama smothering her up at every turn. Her parents have divorced and now Dad lives in Brooklyn with a new wife and twin babies. Mom is a nurse who decides moving to a … Continue reading →

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, New Release | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

DANNY CHUNG SUMS IT UP

Posted on September 19, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

Humor comes at surprising moments and the growing relationship with Danny and his grandmother are the highlights of this new tale. The story is unique and a welcome addition to the middle grade shelves. Here’s the scoop from Abrams Publishers: … Continue reading →

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

LINKED

Posted on August 29, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

Week 3 of my book reviews featuring male protagonists is quite different from the first two—the endearing AN OCCASIONALLY HAPPY FAMILY and the intriguing plot of THE DOUBLE LIFE OF DANNY DAY. Both featured single first person narratives whereas LINKED … Continue reading →

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EVERYTHING TOGETHER

Posted on July 25, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

The sequel to SECOND DAD SUMMER stands on its own if you haven’t read the first. I reviewed the initial story in July, 2020. It was an enjoyable time spent with young Jeremiah and his split family. With EVERYTHING TOGETHER, … Continue reading →

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

CHUNKY

Posted on July 18, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

Hudi has always wanted to be a comedian and is a frequent viewer of his favorite show—Saturday Night Live. But life isn’t always a joke. A serious medical issue when he was five left him with only one lung. Now … Continue reading →

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THE LAST SUPER CHEF

Posted on July 4, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

There have been some great middle grade books with a cooking theme in recent years. My favorites include ALL YOU KNEAD IS LOVE by Tanya Guerrero; THE THING ABOUT LEFTOVERS by C.C. Payne; and ALL FOUR STARS by Tara Dairman. … Continue reading →

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TAKING UP SPACE

Posted on June 6, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

A true to life drama takes on an issue rarely touched upon in middle grade books—disordered eating. I can attest it’s real with more kids acting upon their beliefs about food and body image. Both girls and boys. The author … Continue reading →

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THESE UNLUCKY STARS

Posted on May 23, 2021 by Greg Pattridge

Annie Logan is trying to understand her life so far and the summer after sixth grade will bring her closer to understanding. THESE UNLUCKY STARS is a quiet story with first person narration by Annie. Her most painful thought is … Continue reading →

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments