Tag Archives: Middle grade

JACK STRONG TAKES A STAND for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Last year I enjoyed Tommy Greenwald’s Charlie Joe Jackson series. After hearing the premise of his newest, JACK STRONG TAKES A STAND, I had to make sure it quickly arrived at the top of my TBR list. I’m glad it … Continue reading

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June Happenings

Where has almost half the year gone? The days seem to pass by without stopping. Hopefully it will slow down long enough for you to check out two great events coming up… I’ll be participating from 9 a.m., Friday June … Continue reading

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SOPHIE HARTLEY AND THE FACTS OF LIFE for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Sophie Hartley is not the type of MG book I would normally review.  I’d never even heard of Sophie and there are three that preceded this one (QUEEN SOPHIE HARTLEY; SOPHIE HARTLEY ON STRIKE: and HAPPY BIRTHDAY SOPHIE HARTLEY). Okay, … Continue reading

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SORRY YOU’RE LOST for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

The tale of Denny “Donuts” Murphy and his disruptive nature in the halls of Blueberry Hills Middle would get old real quick for many readers. I’d have stopped reading myself if the motive had not been introduced in the first … Continue reading

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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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The Most Important Slush Pile of All

I taught creative writing (among other things) to 11-12 year old students for 20 years. I’d go home weekends with a pile of stories to read. The range of abilities was tremendous. Most could put a 1-3 page story together, … 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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