Tag Archives: Middle grade

CYBILS Public Nominations Announced

Thanks to Karen Yingling for the nudge to participate in the nominations that closed yesterday. Karen’s the chair of the MG Fiction category and her blog is a place I visit several times a week. MS. YINGLING READS is where … Continue reading

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THE BLOSSOMING UNIVERSE OF VIOLET DIAMOND for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

This is a charming, heartwarming tale of discovery for a biracial girl who lives with her white family but is very curious about the other side of her roots. It is a quiet story (Translation: Not many boys will be … Continue reading

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ELIZA BING IS (NOT) A BIG FAT QUITTER for Marvelous Middle Grade MIDWEEK

After posting my last thoughts on Joey Pigza, little did I know another ADHD main character was to follow with this bonus review. A friend with twin 8-year-olds was looking for recommendations for a first MG book after they had … Continue reading

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THE KEY THAT SWALLOWED JOEY PIGZA for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

In 1998 I came across a new book with an odd title, JOEY PIGZA SWALLOWED THE KEY. I read it out loud to my classroom of 11-13 year olds. The story of a wired boy labeled as ADHD with a … Continue reading

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SHIPWRECK ISLAND for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

I was strolling through the bookstore last month with gift card in hand. I’d already found one title and had enough left to grab one more. On the new releases shelf was SHIPWRECK ISLAND beckoning me. Looked intriguing. I read … Continue reading

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RILEY MACK STIRS UP MORE TROUBLE for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

It’s the start of another year of reviews for MMGM here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE and time to announce the winners of my first giveaway. As announced last week ROSI HOLLINBECK won the first part of the contest and … Continue reading

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A Year of Marvelous Middle Grade Monday! Are You Kidding?

Fifty-two reviews in one year. It’s been a fun ride and one that will continue. This week though it’s time to celebrate with my first ever monster-size giveaway. But first a look back at the titles… IDA B DEAD END … Continue reading

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A HITCH AT THE FAIRMONT for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Although Jim Averbeck has written numerous children’s books, A HITCH AT THE FAIRMONT is his debut MG novel. Did he miss the memo on word counts? This one stands at over 60,000 words – probably not one for reluctant readers … Continue reading

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Putting Down a Book I was Supposed to Love

I’ve been reading fast and furious – not hours a day but whenever there are 15-20 minutes of spare time. My goal in 2014 was to read 24 MG titles. So far I’ve more than doubled that with the 50th … Continue reading

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DIEGO’S DRAGON Book One for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

I was thrilled to win a copy of the first of three DIEGO’S DRAGON books. The story had me hooked and set up what a great series should do – make you want to read more. The dragon is truly … Continue reading

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