Showing posts with label Lizzy's Book Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lizzy's Book Review. Show all posts

Monday, December 11, 2023

MMGM Spotlight: The Deliverers by Gregory Slomba



This week we're spotlighting an excellent middle grade series, The Deliverers. 

We connected with the author of the books, Gregory Slomba, some time ago, and we've been on the book block with him pretty much since the beginning of our own journey into the depths of the Begonia House. 

The Deliverers books have new illustrations that whisk you right off into the adventure, and the fourth book is in the works! 

Book 1: Sharky and the Jewel

Eric has never talked to birds before, nor has he heard of a land called Calendria.  All of that changes when an ordinary campout changes his life forever. After an owl named Stig asks him to go on an adventure with him, Eric is intrigued and agrees to go. They travel through a door to the Hallway of Worlds and the Gatekeeper gives them their assignment.  From there Stig and Eric enter a new world and meet a member of Calendria, Kate. She is convinced that they are “The Deliverers” from an old legend and that they have been sent to help her people get away from Sharky, a pirate that has been making life difficult for her village...

Continue reading this review 


Book 2: Order of the Crystal Lion


Eric and the rest of the Deliverers are back together on a new adventure. This time the Hallway of Worlds has sent Eric, Kate, Hallo, and Stig to a place where the people and beings are involved in a civil war with each other. A group of people called the Vynistri have been using a device, the Machine, to alter the DNA of the Chazum. The Vynistri is being ruled by the evil Chancellor Trelango. H
is brother, Selango, who claims to be the Crystal Lion spoken about in legends, is rallying the Chazum and their supporters. Two brothers fighting on opposite sides! It's up to the Deliverers to make sure that the Machine is destroyed and that peace is restored in the land...

Continue reading this review 

Book 3: The Golden Dragon of Ang

Eric, Stig, Kate, and Hallo are on another adventure to save a world under distress. The black mist from Eric’s recent nightmares seems to be connected to this new world, the Dragon Islands. Unfortunately, Eric isn’t sure what the mist is all about. Here the people rely on the Voice of the Dragon, a speaker who relays wisdom from Golden Dragon of Ang. Whenever a speaker dies, the next one is already announced and it must be a child between the ages of 12 and 15. But, not this time! The Voice is gone and no one is in line to take over. The governors from each of the five Dragon Islands are trying to figure out where the next Voice of the Dragon will be from, and they all want it to be the island they rule. With this unrest comes conniving and scheming in order to benefit different islands and bring them power...





Find out more about the author, Gregory Slomba!

Where did you get the idea for the The Deliverers 2: Order of the Crystal Lion?

When I set out to write the sequel to Sharky and the Jewel I wanted to make it different than the first, so I made the setting a slightly futuristic sci-fi one. I actually wanted to make it more sci-fi than it wound up being, but as I wrote I kind of shifted back and forth between the future and the past. I don’t know if that was effective when all was said and done, but I think it made for a unique world.


Authors, Stephanie Robinson & Gregory Slomba

Visit Gregory's website to find out more about the books!

For other MMGM posts, please visit Greg Pattridge's blog.

Monday, November 20, 2023

MMGM: Bubba and Squirt: City of Bones by Sherry Ellis

 

Bubba and Squirt are siblings who have had some exciting adventures together. They may not always get along, or see eye to eye on a situation, but they are very loyal to each other and will do whatever they can to help the other one out. It’s been a awhile since their last adventure, but after a dream in which their great-great-grandfather comes to Bubba things move fast. Especially since the vision may send them on a path to find their missing father. They use their magic shovel and it sends them to the catacombs of Paris. While they are trying to figure out where they are, they meet new friends who tell them where they are and explain about all the bones. Although their main goal is to find their missing father, they witness something shady involving some artwork and they can't let the thieves get away with it. They four friends decide to follow the thieves to see if they steal any more art or lead them to any clues. Since Bubba's vision involved a door and artwork, they figure they are working on two cases at once.  When another burglary happens right in front of them- they are right in the mix of  everything. Danger is everywhere. What should Bubba and Squirt do? Is following the thieves worth it? How will they ever find the door Bubba saw in his dream? Will they ever find their father? You will have to read this fast paced adventure to find out!

Bubba and Squirt: City of Bones by Sherry Ellis is the third installment in the Bubba and Squirt series and it was especially fun! It certainly helps to have read the other books first, but this could also work as a standalone. I loved learning a little bit about some interesting Paris landmarks and getting to learn more about some of the big museums in the area. The back of the book includes a glossary and extra information about some of the places and things mentioned in the book, which is a great way to learn more!  I’ve been curious about the catacombs since I first heard about them and it was interesting to have them as a setting in this story. The action really gears up and I couldn’t believe all of the things that happened. I like that the siblings met some nice friends and they all worked together to try to solve the mysteries. The story is told in the present tense (unlike the previous books in the series) and everything isn't resolved in the end, so readers will need to grab the next book in the series to find out where Bubba and Squirt are headed next.  I recommend this book for kids in third grade and up who like adventure, mystery, and a little bit of scary in their books. Also- because this book is less than 100 pages  it will appeal to readers who are intimidated by a thick book or for those who are looking for a shorter read. I look forward to the next Bubba and Squirt adventure!

Has anyone else read any of the Bubba and Squirt adventures? Or have you read another book by Sherry Ellis? We'd love to hear your thoughts! 

Happy Reading!
~L

For other MMGM posts, please visit Greg Pattridge's blog.

Monday, July 18, 2022

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday # MMGM Book Review: Rescue by Jennifer A. Nielsen

 

Meg Kenyon has been counting the days since her father left their farm in France to go fight in World War II. She is worried about him, especially since there has been a rumor that he has been captured by the Nazis. She tries to stay close to him by practicing her code breaking, something she and her dad had worked on together. But the jar full of codes for her to break has dwindled, reminding her how much time has passed since she saw her dad. One night she discovers an injured spy named Captain Stewart in her grandmother's barn. She isn't sure if she should trust him or not, but after he hands her a coded letter from her father she decides to help him. He wouldn't have the letter if he was not trustworthy, right? Captain Stewart tells Meg that he was supposed to guide a family of German refugees across France and into Spain. There he was to meet Meg's father at a location he can't tell her. Since the Captain is too injured to lead the rescue he asks Meg to take over for him. The Nazis are searching the local farms looking for a spy and a radio operator. Meg's mother and grandmother are worried for everyone's safety so they agree that Meg can lead the rescue mission and leave immediately. But can she trust the German refugees? Right away it seems to her that there is something each of them is hiding. Although Meg knows the French countryside and mountains, will she be able to lead them all to safety? Can she crack the code and decipher her father's letter? And how will she know where to meet her father once she gets to Spain? You will be on the edge of your seat with Meg as she tries to piece together the clues and works on making her way along a dangerous journey. 

I read the Ascendance series by Jennifer A. Nielsen and really enjoyed it, but Rescue was the first historical fiction book of hers that I have read. I really liked Meg and how she gave everything a lot of thought. She was very good at cracking codes and trying to figure out who to trust. As she helped the British pilot and worked on the code in her father's letter I was rooting for her. It was so hard to know who Meg could trust and there was danger everywhere. The introduction of the German refugees made the story even more interesting. Like Meg, I worried if she could trust them. I like that Meg was brave and smart. She definitely took some risks! Her code cracking skills were impressive and it was easy to see what an important skill that is for a variety of reasons. The description of the mountains and paths in France made me feel like I was there. This is a story that will appeal to anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction, especially books set during World War II. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of this author's HF books! 

Has anyone else read Rescue? Or have you read another book by Jennifer A. Nielsen? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!
~L

For other MMGM posts, please visit Greg Pattridge's blog.

Monday, April 4, 2022

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday # MMGM Book Review: Unicorn Island: Secret Beneath the Sand by Donna Galanti


In volume 2 of the series, twelve year old Samantha Sea Wells is amazed at how much her life has changed since she arrived at Foggy Harbor. Once she discovered that unicorns are real, she feels happier and more at home. After their last adventure on Unicorn Island, she and her new friend, Tuck, are learning to be unicorn protectors. How lucky are they! Sam is happy to have the time with Uncle Mitch learning all she needs to know to keep the unicorns safe. It's even better spending time on the island and learning about unicorns with a friend. But when the unicorns' horns start shrinking, real danger erases the comfort and joy Sam has been experiencing. What is causing their horns to shrink? Will the unicorns still have their magic if their horns disappear? Is there anything that can be done to reverse the damage? Sam and Tuck don't have a lot of time to sort it all out. They need answers! You will have to read the second volume in the Unicorn Island series to find out what happens to the unicorns. 

Over the years I have read and loved many books by Donna Galanti. I read the first volume in the series about a year ago, so I was excited to catch up with Sam and Tuck and find out how things were going on Unicorn Island. I love the purple cover and the illustrations on the cover. It's really eye-catching and would make anyone want to pick it up and check it out. Like volume 1, there are color illustrations by Bethany Standcliffe throughout the book. The illustrations definitely make the story even more magical, and when I was done reading I went back and looked at all the pictures again. Just beautiful! I liked that Sam is feeling happier and more settled. You can tell by her behavior, and it was nice to see her enjoying herself more. It's great to see a character grow! Tuck is still an awesome friend, and I think his kindness makes him someone we'd all like to have in our corner. I was curious about the mystery and wondered if and how it would be solved. It is always a thrill to piece together clues along with characters. I think other kids would enjoy trying to solve the mystery too. What an experience it would be to see unicorns in person! I would recommend this book to anyone eight and up who loves magic, unicorns, mysteries, and adventure. I have enjoyed both volumes and hope there will be more in the series! 

Has anyone else read Unicorn Island: Secret Beneath the Sand? Or has anyone read anything else by Donna Galanti? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!
~L

For other MMGM posts, please visit Greg Pattridge's blog.

Monday, March 14, 2022

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday # MMGM Book Review: Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly

Virgil, Valencia, Kaori, and Chet are four kids growing up in the same town, and their lives are more intertwined than any of them know. Summer break may just change all of their lives. Virgil isn’t as happy as he should be for the start of summer vacation. He’s happy not to see the bully at school, but he regrets that he didn't do something he had tried to get up the nerve to do all year. Virgil is very quiet and comes from a family full of loud and chatty people. Only his grandmother seems to really get him. He sets of some regular appointments with Kaori, a self-proclaimed psychic who lives in his neighborhood. Maybe she can help him. Either way, Kaori loves having Virgil over so she can show her younger sister how to read signs and tell the future. Valencia loves the woods and likes to record her observances in her journal, just like other scientists. She would like to find a friend to talk to and confide in. Life would be a little bit easier for her if her parents would learn sign language, but she makes it through reading lips and using her hearing aides, which give her some help. And then there is Chet, a kid who likes to make fun of others and who can't stand all the "weird" kids in his town. He just wants to get better at basketball and get a snake picture to brag about. But when Chet throws Virgil's guinea pig down a well, things change in more ways than one. Will Chet get in trouble for his antics? Will he get his snake picture? Will Virgil be able to save his guinea pig? Can Kaori tell the future? Will Valencia find the friend she desperately needs? You will have to see what happens when four lives intersect and a well changes everything.

Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly is a book that made me really care about the characters. I was rooting for Virgil to become a little braver right from the very beginning. I could understand that he was afraid to speak to a lot of people and stand up for himself, but it is sad to watch someone have opportunities pass them by. Valencia is a great character. I loved how she told people around her what she thought and wasn't afraid to be herself. When Virgil went in the well to save his guinea pig, I kept wishing he would stop and get help. I was so stressed out for him. He didn't have any food, water, or a cell phone to call for help. I am a big fan of books that have multiple characters whose lives are intertwined, so this book  was right up my alley. I loved seeing the way things unfolded  and the way things eventually turned out. Very interesting! I didn’t know when I started reading this book that it received the Newbery Medal in 2018. I found the story very compelling, and I still think about Virgil, Valencia. and Kaori. I would recommend this book to kids in fourth grade and up who like stories about friendship and brave people. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Has anyone else read Hello, Universe? Or have you read another book by Erin Entrada Kelly? We’d love to hear your thoughts! 

Happy Reading!
~L


For other MMGM posts, please visit Greg Pattridge's blog.

Monday, January 24, 2022

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday # MMGM Book Review: Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan

 

Twelve-year-old Willow Chance is a genius. She also loves the number 7 and is obsessed with plants and medical conditions. Her adoptive parents love her more than anything. Willow feels the same way about them. They are different, but they fit together perfectly. When Willow's parents are killed in an accident everything changes. She has to leave the garden she has worked on for years, the place that has been her comfort zone and allowed her to grow. The two people who took care of Willow are gone. She's hoping to find a place where she belongs. Those who help her along her journey will never be the same. Will she find another place she feels comfortable? Will Willow be able to create a new garden? Is it possible for her to move on? Read this touching book about loss, change, and hope to find out!

Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan is a book that took me by surprise! I read it in just over day because I was curious about what would happen to Willow and the people in her life. Willow's unique personality made her endearing. Willow is smart and caring. I like the way her brain organized things, and that she was so knowledgeable about plants and medicine. It would be fun to talk to her and see her green thumb in action. She cracked me up, and I liked the way 7 kept showing up in her life (it's one of my favorite numbers).  I think anyone who has experienced a major loss will connect with this story. Although Willow had tragedy strike her life, the story was about her search for another place where she belongs, and about how she dealt with her grief. I recommend this book to anyone in fifth grade and up that is ready for an emotional story with characters that will make them think. It's been a while since I finished this book, and I'm still thinking about Willow. I can't wait to read another book by this author soon!

Has anyone else read Counting by 7s? Or have you read another book by Holly Goldberg Sloan? We’d love to hear your thoughts! 

Happy reading!

~L

For other MMGM posts, please visit Greg Pattridge's blog.

Monday, November 15, 2021

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday # MMGM Book Review: The Backyard Secrets of Danny Wexler by Karen Pokras

Eleven-year-old Danny Wexler is growing up in a factory town during the late 1970s. His days are spent going to school, taking piano lessons, playing kickball, and hanging out with his friends. Danny has a Super-Secret Spy Notebook where he jots down mysteries he's trying to solve- like if his piano teacher is part tarantula. He's had a lot to add to his notebook recently, especially with all the reports of a white van approaching children in local towns. People are talking. Danny and his best friends, Frank and Nicholas, have a theory about the van and missing children. They know the Bermuda Triangle is involved. It has to be! They've read all about it in one of Frank's encyclopedias. Their investigation into the possible white van suspects leads them to theories about werewolves and aliens. Will they be able to solve the mystery of the white van? Is Danny's piano teacher part spider? Does the Bermuda Triangle have a role in what is happening? You'll have to try to piece together the clues with Danny to see how it all turns out!

I have read and enjoyed other books by Karen Pokras, so I was excited to get my hands on a brand new copy of The Backyard Secrets of Danny Wexler. I'm a big fan of historical fiction and mysteries, so this was a winning combination for me. Danny and his friends may have been growing up in the 1970s, but they were still easy to relate to, and I loved Danny's Super-Secret Spy Notebook. I definitely know how important it is to keep track of clues. It's amazing what you can notice when you keep a list of the facts. I liked the way aliens and the Bermuda Triangle were explained. I asked my mom about the Bermuda Triangle, and she told me when she was growing up she worried about the disappearances there. I definitely need to learn more about that area. I felt sorry for Danny as he dealt with struggles with friends. It's never easy to have problems with our friends, and watching the way some people were treating him because of his religion was really sad. I'd recommend this book to kids in third grade and up who like mysteries, realistic fiction, and history woven together. I look forward to reading more books by Karen Pokras and hopefully Danny and friends will have another mystery to solve.

Has anyone else read The Backyard Secrets of Danny Wexler? Or have you read another book by Karen Pokras? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!
~L

For other MMGM posts, please visit Greg Pattridge's blog.

Monday, August 23, 2021

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday # MMGM Book Review: Many Points of Me by Caroline Gertler

 

Eleven-year-old Georgia Rosenbloom has been best friends with Theo since they were newborns. They even live in the same apartment building, and their moms are best friends too. Theo didn’t know his dad, and Georgia’s dad was like a father to him. Being a famous artist, her dad even taught Georgia and Theo art lessons and helped them with techniques. But her dad passed away a year ago, and things have been different since then. Georgia doesn’t feel as inspired by her art and can't seem to create anything she's happy with. She feels a part of her is missing. It doesn’t help that her mother has had to sell off some of her fathers artwork and share it with other people when Georgia just wants to keep it all for themselves. The MET is doing a big exhibit on her father and wants to learn more about his inspiration for his famous asterism series (points of stars). Theo was the one who had given her dad the idea for the series, and he even has a sketch of her father's- something Georgia doesn't have. She can't help feeling jealous. Georgia even starts a friendship with a new girl at school and tries to leave Theo out. When she stumbles upon a sketch her dad made of her, she notices points on the back. Was his last asterism really supposed to be of her? Georgia will stop at nothing to try to solve this mystery, even if she has to do it by herself. Will Georgia and Theo ever get their friendship back? Can Georgia come to terms with her father passing and get her own inspiration back? Is it possible to determine what her father's final painting in the series would have been? You will have to go on this emotional roller coaster with Georgia and find out!

I heard about Many Points of Me by Caroline Gertler on a blog (I am sorry I can't remember which one) and I added it to my list of books to read. I’m so glad I read it! Georgia is a character who took that my heart and I felt for her with everything she was going through. I was distraught at the struggles going on with her and Theo. I don't like when friends fight, but I know it is happens. I really like that there is an art mystery in the book, as Georgia tried to solve what would have been her father's final piece in his masterpiece series. This book made me think about all of the things that make us who we are and how we reflect ourselves in our art. The author did a great job helping me understand Georgia and her heartbreak. I recommend this book to people in fourth grade and up who like art, mysteries, and books about friendship. If you are like me, you may need a couple tissues handy. I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.

Has anyone else read Many Points of Me by Caroline Gertler? We’d love to hear your thoughts! 

Happy reading!

~L

For other MMGM posts, please visit Greg Pattridge's blog.

Monday, May 31, 2021

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday #MMGM: The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson


When twelve-year-old Candice moves with her mother to Lambert, South Carolina for the summer she doesn’t know what the summer will bring. Her parents have been divorced for half a year, and now she’s spending the summer in a house her grandmother used to own. Her grandmother passed away a couple years ago and hadn’t really ever lived in the house, but she still had history in Lambert. Candice didn’t know anything about what happened to her grandmother in Lambert, but her mother fills her in on the trouble that went down when her grandma tried to find a buried treasure she was sure was underneath a tennis court. When nothing was found, her grandma left town, but people weren’t happy with the money that had been used to find a treasure that didn’t exist. Looking for a box of books Candice explores the attic and finds a letter addressed to her grandmother. She isn’t sure she should open it, but curiosity gets the better of her. What she reads in the letter makes her even more curious about the scandal her grandmother had been involved in. Could there be a buried treasure somewhere in Lambert? Candice thinks there's a chance! She fills in Brandon, the boy from across the street, and they start to do some detective work. One clue leads to the next, and the two new friends are hoping they'll discover something exciting that has been overlooked for all these years. Does a treasure exist? Is it possible for Brandon and Candice to follow clues to find the treasure or are they going on a wild goose chase? You'll have to read this mystery to find out what they learn in the end!

The Parker Inheritance is the first book I have read by Varian Johnson. What a treat! Right from Candice finding the letter in the attic I was hooked. Was there a treasure? I wanted to know. It was so much fun tagging along with Candice and Brandon as they pieced together the clues and dug into the history of the town. I love how history and mystery were woven together in a way that makes you want to dig into your own history to see what you'll discover. I loved that the main characters both had a passion for reading and talked books with each other, like I do with my best friend. I could also relate to Candice and her adjustment to her parent’s divorce. I would recommend this book to anyone in 4th grade or up who likes to solve mysteries and is up for an adventure. I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.

Has anyone else read The Parker Inheritance? Or have you read another book by Varian Johnson? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!

~L

For other MMGM posts, please visit Greg Pattridge's blog.


Monday, April 19, 2021

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday # MMGM Book Review: Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess by Shari Green

Macy McMillan is finishing up 6th grade, and everything is changing. Her mom is getting married, so they’re selling Macy’s home and beloved garden to go live somewhere else. Macy worries her new bedroom won’t be “hers” and that she won’t have the fabulous garden she's worked so hard to create. Plus, now she will have two new step-sisters who don’t even know sign language. How will she know what they are saying? Although Macy is supposed to be working on centerpieces for the upcoming wedding, she is sent next door to help eighty-six-year-old Iris pack up her house because she’s moving too. Macy doesn’t know Iris and, since Iris doesn’t know sign language, Macy thinks that won’t change. But, Iris won’t let the fact that Macy is deaf stop her from sharing stories and cookies with her. People can learn to communicate, and you can feel people’s kindness. Maybe Iris can even help Macy with all the problems in her life. Is it possible to stop the wedding? What will she do about a garden? Macy has a summer full of surprises, and you’ll discover what problems can be solved, and which just have to be dealt with. 

Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess by Shari Green was a completely different book than the one I was prepared for when I started reading. Because of the title, I thought I was reading a fantasy book, with ties to mythology. This was a realistic story told in verse! Once I realized that magic wasn’t about to start happening, I laughed and settled into the story. Macy is a kid who is struggling with the changes in her life. She worries about her family and friends. I could understand Macy’s concerns, and I thought about how hard it must be for her to meet new people who don’t know sign language. I only know a little sign language, but reading the book motivated me to learn more. I would recommend this book to anyone in fourth grade and up who likes books with characters and settings that are realistic. I was extremely nervous during one scene in the book, and anyone that has ever gotten in trouble with their parents will be able to relate to Macy’s dilemma. The fact that this story is told in verse makes it a fast read that has a lot of heart.

Has anyone else read Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess? Or have you read another book by Shari Green? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

 Happy Reading!

~ L

 

For other MMGM posts, please visit Greg Pattridge's blog.

Monday, March 29, 2021

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday #MMGM: The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

Milo can't find a reason to do anything. What's the point? Whenever he's here, he wants to be there, and once he's there, he wants to go back again. Bored, bored, double bored. Everything is so boring, and seeking knowledge is the most useless waste of time there is. Learning about new things seemed ridiculous to Milo, until a mysterious gift arrived one typical afternoon. It was an enormous box with a note attached that read, "FOR MILO, WHO HAS PLENTY OF TIME." Curious, Milo opens the box and finds instructions on how to assemble a GENUINE TURNPIKE TOLLBOOTH, along with tokens and a detailed map. Shrugging off the day, he dusts off his car, motors it out of the corner, drives through the tollbooth and drops his token. Milo has no clue where he's going, and he doesn't recognize any of the places on the map. He decides Dictionopolis will be his destination, and he's off.

While traveling to Dictionopolis, Milo makes makes a wrong turn and finds himself lost in the Doldrums, where he meets a new travel companion named Tock, who keeps him on track during their journey. Milo and Tock need their wits about them when dealing with the colorful characters that pop up along the way. When they find out that two princesses, Rhyme and Reason, were unfairly banished to a castle in the sky, they start on their quest to unite the kingdoms of Dictionopolis and Digitopolis and set the princesses free. They encounter many wondrous sites, including a magnificent silent orchestra that plays color and a boy who grows down. Will Milo and Tock find their way through the Mountains of Ignorance? What happens if they jump to conclusions? Will they be able to make words and numbers work together? Can they free Rhyme and Reason? You'll have to read this marvelously fantastic book to find out. 

I soaked this story in. Bravo Norton Juster! I know he just recently passed away. When I saw the news, I remembered this book, and I thought I'd read it before, but I had not, and I'm so glad I did- though I was sorry to hear he died. The scene building and colorful array of characters in this story are delightful. My imagination was on overload, and I loved every minute of reading it. I particularly enjoyed the silent orchestra. This part whisks me away;



Norton Juster weaves the classic elements of fantastic storytelling into gold. Like Alice, who finds her way through Wonderland or Charlie Bucket, who discovers the wonders inside Willy Wonka's chocolate factory, Milo takes a trip through a magic tollbooth and gets caught up in a wild ride into a land beyond, where a king of words and a Mathemagician must come to terms with each other in order for Rhyme and Reason to return to the people. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys books that make you think and challenge your imagination. The illustrations by Jules Feiffer are unique, whimsical, and Edward Gorey-esque- so of course I adore them. Brilliance! 


For other MMGM posts, please visit Greg Pattridge's blog.

Monday, March 15, 2021

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday #MMGM Book Review: Bots and Bods!


I was so excited to see the display of new books in my school library and Bots and Bods: How Robots and Humans Work From the Inside Out by John Andrews drew me in right away. 

Each chapter in this book shows how certain parts of human or animal bodies function. The comparisons between robots and bodies is fascinating! Explanations are given for how parts are similar, yet different. I learned a ton, and I've marked certain pages to go back and explore more. I like how there are things robots do better, and things humans and animals do better. For example; robots are good at walking, but not running. Wonder why? You'll have to check out Bots and Bods!




The illustrations are modern, colorful, and appealing. There are diagrams throughout the book helping to explain structures and other scientific parts. The way the text and information is displayed is easy to read. I enjoyed looking at the pictures and thinking about all the cool facts.

I recommend this book to people interested in how bodies work and for those who are curious about robots. You can skip around and read the parts that interest you most- or jump in at the beginning and read the whole book. I'll have to see what other books my library has on robots. They are way more complicated than I thought. 🤖

Here's to searching out answers!
~ L

For other MMGM posts, please visit Greg Pattridge's blog.

Monday, November 16, 2020

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday # MMGM Book Review: Unbound: A Novel in Verse by Ann E. Burg

 

Grace has been raised in slavery. She lives with her mama, Uncle Jim, and her brother is in a small cabin where they share nightly stories and love. But when Grace gets called to the Big House her mama is worried because Grace has a tendency to say what she thinks. That won’t do up there. Warned to keep her eyes down and her mouth closed Grace goes off to the Big House alone, unsure of what she is stepping into. She soon sees that things are even harder at the Big House than they were at the small cabin. The Missus of the house is mean to the core, and seems to take pleasure in asking Grace and the other slaves to do things twice or a third time.  Luckily a kindly woman in the kitchen befriends Grace and tries to help steer her through the tricky situations.  Unfortunately, Grace sees an injustice and doesn’t hold her tongue. She worries because she has she puts her whole family in danger. It gets even worse when she overhears the Master say they are going to sell her mama, or her brothers, or her. She can’t believe her family will no longer be together, and it’s her fault. Grace knows she has to get word to her mama and they may need to be on the run. What will they do? Where will they go? Is it even possible to flee to safety on the spur of the moment? Is freedom a possibility? Are the rumors of safety at the Great Dismal Swamp a reality? You’ll have to read this adventure and heartwarming story to find out.

Unbound: A Novel in Verse by Ann E. Burg is a beautifully written story that will draw the reader right in. I enjoyed that this book is historical fiction and the characters tugged at my heart. I completely agreed with Grace’s questions and the things she thought weren’t fair. Unfortunately, during slavery those questions and looks could get someone whipped, or even worse. I would have felt the same way as Grace because no human should be treated the way slaves were treated. Reading her story reminds readers of this horrible time in history, but her spirit gives you hope. I loved seeing the way her family connected with each other and how much they all loved each other. I also liked learning about what happened to the family and hoped they would make it to the freedom they so deserved. I won’t tell you what happens, but trying to make it to freedom was a dangerous journey and the outcome wasn’t guaranteed. The author’s note at the end helped me learn a lot about some parts of slavery, the Underground Railroad, aspects of escaping that I did not know about, and the Great Dismal Swamp which I had never heard of before. I recommend this book to people who like books told in verse, historical fiction, and characters and stories that stay with you. This is a story that should not be missed.

Has anyone else read Unbound: A Novel in Verse? Or have you read another book by Ann E. Burg? We would love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!

~L

For other MMGM posts, please visit Greg Pattridge's blog.

Monday, August 3, 2020

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday # MMGM Book Review: Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling


Aven Green has gone to school with the same kids her whole life. It’s been a long time since she’s had to answer people’s questions about her lack of arms. Back when she started kindergarten she had to answer all kinds of crazy questions from other kids about not having arms. She got tired of answering questions, and started making up wild tales. The other kids loved her sense of humor and great imagination. Plus, Aven is a star on the soccer field, even if she thinks not having arms actually gives her an advantage. But, when her parents tell her they are going to be running an old rundown western village called Stagecoach Pass in Arizona, Aven is concerned. She will be moving across the country and going to middle school with all new kids. She knows there will be lots of questions.  Starting her new school brings a lot of changes. For the first time, Aven is afraid to eat in front of other kids, who she knows will watch her to see how she does it. Hiding out in the library leads her to meet Connor, a boy with Toruette’s who barks frequently and feels uncomfortable in front of others. Connor and Aven have an instant connection. He’s impressed with Aven’s attitude and can’t resist her smart and sassy sense of humor. When her days are tough she visits a tall cactus on a hill near her house and thinks about how the cactus doesn’t care about the events in her life, and this helps her feel better. One day she finds a necklace buried in the sand and it turns out there are other secrets hidden at Stagecoach Pass and Aven and her family are in for some big surprises. Will her family be able to make Stagecoach Pass a success? Will Connor and Aven get the courage they need to face their fears? Will Aven ever feel like she fits in at her new school? Are there any more friends in store for Aven? You will have to read this amazing story to find out.  

I've had The Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusty Bowling on my TBR list for a while. I don’t remember exactly where I heard about it, but I am so glad I did! What a book! I really enjoyed Aven and her go-getter attitude. She really brings out the best in other people. Her parents were amazing, and I loved hearing the story of her adoption and how they felt about raising her to be so independent. The friendships in the story were awesome and very believable. I really learned a lot about Tourette’s, Arizona, and what it would be like owning a tourist attraction. The portrayal of middle school is so realistic. It’s definitely not an easy time in most people’s lives, and Aven had more challenges with her move and needing to get to know all new kids. I highly recommend this book to anyone in fifth grade and up (Aven is in middle school). This was one of my favorite books of 2020, and Aven is a character that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. I found out there is a sequel about Aven in high school, and I look forward to being able to read that book when it comes in at my local library.

Has anyone else read The Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus? Or have you read another book by Dusty Bowling? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!

~ L

For other MMGM posts, please visit Greg Pattridge's blog.

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

What Treasures Await Over Sea, Under Stone?



Simon, Jane, and Barney Drew, along with their parents, are on holiday at the home of a family friend, or “Great-Uncle Merriman (or Merry), as they call him. Merry is renting an old house by the sea, and the Drew parents have let the children know not to touch anything they shouldn’t. The attic proves to hold lots of interesting knickknacks for the children. When they accidentally stumble upon a manuscript, they are intrigued by a map inside it. The map looks just like the coastline where they’re staying. And the mystery begins! After looking at the drawing and trying to figure it out the children realize it relates back to King Arthur and his knights. They decide this is information not to share with the adults. When her brothers are out boating for the day Jane does some more exploring and locates an old guide book with a similar map inside. This leads her to look for the town vicar, the man who wrote the book. Venturing out on her own Jane is not able to locate the vicar. Instead, the man as his house answers no questions but seems very intrigued by what Jane has found. When the house Merry is renting is burglarized the children decide they must tell their uncle what is going on. And what he tells them is very shocking. Now they are on a quest to find a hidden treasure. The clues will lead them to rock formations and they’ll have adventures in caves. But will they find what they’re looking for? Is there really a treasure? Was King Arthur real or is it all just stories? Who can the children trust? You’ll have to read this fast paced book to find out!

I always love a good mystery and fantasy is another favorite of mine, so when a friend told me about Over Sea, Under Stone by Susan Cooper I decided to give it a try. What an exciting read! An old house? A spooky attic? Old books and maps? Ancient mystery? Yes, please! I was biting my nails as the children had the bad guys hot on their heels at so many moments during the book. As they tried to figure out who to trust I felt worried for them. It was fun trying to piece together the clues to see if I could figure out where the Drew children needed to go. The most nerve-racking for me was when they were at the cave and the water was going up! Yikes! Caves are amazing, but the thought of getting trapped in one of them or possibly getting hurt by waves crashing me into rocks, makes me scared. I recommend this book to kids or adults in fourth grade and up who love suspense, a thrilling adventure, and anything that ties into King Arthur. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!

Has anyone else read oversee Over Sea, Under Stone?  Or have you read another book by Susan Cooper? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!
~L

P.S. I missed Marvelous Middle Grade Monday this week, as we were spotlighting Elaine Kay and her book, Bad Fairy. Be sure to check out all the MMGM reviews at Always in the Middle!

Monday, May 18, 2020

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday # MMGM Book Review: Restart by Gordon Korman


Chase Ambrose is a star in his town. After all, he’s the best football player that’s lived there since his father was in high school. Everyone knows Chase; some love him and admire his skills, some fear him and hate his guts. He has buddies that would do anything for him. So when Chase wakes up with no memory of who he is or what his life has been like, it’s a shocker. He also can’t play football because of the traumatic brain injury he sustained- at least for now. Chase has to navigate school where everyone is new, and he doesn’t know who they are or what their relationship was like in the past. But he soon finds out after ice cream gets dumped on his head and kids scatter whenever he walks by. Chase is concerned about who he used to be. The friends he's making are not in the same crowd he ran with before. His best friends on the football team still want him to be the same old Chase, but is he? If only he could remember what caused the accident? And what did he do to get in so much trouble that he has hours of community service? All Chase knows is that he has to be who he feels he is now—no matter who's happy about it and who resents it. Will he ever get his memory back? Is the new Chase really “Chase”? You’ll have to read this book to find out.

Restart by Gordon Korman is a book you don’t want to miss. It’s told from multiple characters’ points of view, but predominately Chase’s. When I heard Gordon Korman talk about it at The CT Children’s Book Festival, I knew I had to pick up the book. And I was not disappointed. It was fascinating to follow along with a character who doesn’t remember who they were, and to see what other characters thought about them then and now. It really makes you wonder if people can change and shows how things can shift in the blink of an eye. I would recommend this book to kids in fourth grade and up. It’s realistic fiction and spotlights bullying, friendship, and change. I’ve read a lot of books by Gordon Korman, and I look forward to reading many more!

Has anyone else read Restart? Or have you read a book by Gordon Korman? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
~L