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

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday #MMGM Book Review: Ollie Oxley and the Ghost: The Search for Lost Gold by Lisa Schmid

12-year-old Ollie Oxley and his younger sister, DeeDee, are moving again. Ever since their dad left there’s been a lot of moving. Each place turns out to be about the same- Ollie doesn’t make any friends and he gets in a bit of trouble. He also knows he’s not at any school long enough that it will make a difference. But now their mom has a new job, a permanent job, at a theater in Granite City, CA. When they get to their new home Ollie is less than happy about the color of it, and inside seems a little spooky. Then, for the first time ever Ollie connects right away with a boy named, Teddy. Maybe this town will be okay. Unfortunately, it isn’t long before Ollie has a run-in with the school bully, Aubrey. Finding out that Teddy is a ghost only makes Ollie more nervous that he’s going to be targeted. He doesn’t want to be the weird kid who talks to a ghost, but he also likes Teddy’s company and sense of humor. Being friends with a ghost who lived during the California Gold Rush does have some perks, like the possibility of a buried treasure that could change the course of Ollie’s life. If only Teddy knew where the treasure was, but he can’t even remember where he lived in the town when he was alive. Is there really a buried treasure? Will Ollie and Teddy be able to find it if it exists? Is there any way to get Aubrey to stop bothering him? Pick up this fast paced book to find out!

After my grade Skyped with Lisa Schmid for World Read Aloud Day I knew I needed to checkout her debut book from my school library. I was hooked as soon as she talked about the writing process and the fact that she lives in a town where the Gold Rush began. Ollie Oxley and the Ghost: The Search for Lost Gold looks like a spooky book, but it's a story filled with a lot of humor. Ollie and DeeDee have a typical sibling relationship. They fight, but they get along too. I loved that Ollie made a friend, but I also worried that kids wouldn’t be kind if they thought he was talking to himself or a ghost. Teddy likes to crack jokes, so I think he is a great friend for Ollie, plus he helps push Ollie out of his comfort zone. I was really intrigued by the buried treasure. I know I am always up for a mystery and searching for buried gold- sounds like a lot of fun to me. I got to discover the clues with Ollie and Teddy, and it was exciting trying to piece together the puzzle. I would recommend this book to anyone ages eight and up who likes to laugh and enjoys a good mystery. Now I am hoping there will be more adventures for Ollie and Teddy in the future! I bet their town has a lot more to discover!

Has anyone else read Ollie Oxley and the Ghost: The Search for Lost Gold by Lisa Schmid? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Stop back on Monday for our interview with the author. 

Happy Reading!

~L

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

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday #MMGM Book Review: Lifeboat 12 by Susan Hood

The Nazis have started dropping bombs every night in London. Thirteen-year-old Ken Sparks is scared when he goes to the bomb shelter with his father, stepmother, and little sister. But he knows he’ll be leaving soon. He’s going to be traveling to Canada on a large ship because he was one of the ninety kids between ages five and fifteen whose number was selected during the random lottery. Although Ken is sad to leave his little sister and father, he’s sure his stepmom is happy to have him gone. Ken doesn’t know how long he’ll be away from his family, but he tries to think of it like an adventure in one of the stories he loves to read. Ken has never experienced anything similar to the boat before. Between the seven course meals, the new toys for the kids to play with, and all the fine details, he feels like he’s in a dream. Then, one night the unexpected happens and a torpedo hits the ship. After he has to run back for a forgotten item, Ken ends up in Lifeboat 12 instead of the boat he was assigned.  Now he and the other members of Lifeboat 12 will need to try to survive until help comes along. But will they be able to ration the food and water in the boat? Where are the other lifeboats? Is anyone coming to save them? You’ll have to read this historical fiction book to find out.

Lifeboat 12 by Susan Hood was a fast and interesting read. When the author came to visit my school and talked about the research she did for this book, I knew I had to read it. She interviewed someone who had firsthand knowledge about the events! How cool is that? I enjoyed this book and it was told in verse, which I think made the story flow. Ken was a great character and one that was easy to relate to because he cared about his family, but he also liked to goof off and have fun. Reading about Ken’s experiences in England, on the boat to Canada, and in the lifeboat help get a glimpse of life during this time period. Susan Hood has written many books, but this is her first middle grade book, and it's fabulous! I highly recommend it to kids and adults in third grade and up who love to dive into history and find scenes that will surprise them.

Has anyone else read Lifeboat 12? Or have you read another book by Susan Hood? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
~ L

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday #MMGM Book Review: The Mark of the Dragonfly by Jaleigh Johnson

Piper is a scrapper; she collects metal and anything the meteor storms bring so she can sell them to make money for food and shelter. She’s been all alone since her father died working in a factory. When Piper goes out one night, to rescue a friend who shouldn’t be out in the meteor storm, she stumbles upon a caravan and a girl who seems injured and barely alive. Under Piper’s care the girl comes back to life and doesn’t seem to remember who she is or where she’s from. But she has the Mark of the Dragonfly, which means she is under the king’s protection. Only very important people have the tattoo.  When a strange man comes to Piper’s house asking for Anna things become more complicated. Anna is terrified of the man and keeps calling him the wolf. With some tricky maneuvering Anna and Piper make an escape and hop aboard the 401 train. Piper figures if she can get Anna back to the king she may get a reward that will give her enough to live on for the rest of her life. The security guard, G, nearly throws them off the train, but is stopped by the sight of Anna’s tattoo. They’re allowed to stay on the train. But their struggles aren’t over and the dangers are real. From people trying to kidnap them to the strange man hot on their heels, things have more twists and turns than Piper ever could’ve thought possible. Will Piper and Anna be able to out run the man? Will Anna ever remember who she is? And how will Piper deal with everything when she finds out the truth about Anna?

I have had The Mark of the Dragonfly by Jaleigh Johnson on my list of books to read for a long time! I am so glad I finally got to it because it was a fantasy story that I absolutely loved. The world Piper lives in is filled with interesting beings and magic. The adventure made the story exciting and I never knew exactly what to expect. I really liked Piper because she had a good heart and gave people a chance. I could easily see why Piper wanted to take care of Anna and their bond was very sweet. I liked seeing how G and Piper developed a respect for each other and a deep friendship. It was a unique blend of items and ideas from long ago, ones from present times, and things from the future as well. I would recommend this book to people in fourth grade and up who enjoy fantasy, dystopian, adventure, and a little sci-fi as well. This is the first book in the trilogy, and now I know I’ll be looking for the second and third book! I can’t wait to see what new adventures await them.

Has anyone else read The Mark of the Dragonfly? Or have you read another book by Jaleigh Johnson? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!

~L

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

A Strange Planet of Beings

Today we're featuring a unique book called Strange Planet by Nathan W. Pyle. My family received this book as a gift from our good friend, Larry Lovell, and I asked him if he could share his thoughts about it with us. ~ F

"Hm, hm. Hello readers of Fairday's blog. I'm Larry Lovell. Fairday asked me to send over my thoughts about the new book, Strange Planet by Nathan W. Pyle, and I'm happy to oblige. In my ample experience working as an investigative journalist, I've found that what connects people the most is the desire to feel understood. The short, snappy scenes presented in this clever book accurately depict the fascinating and ludicrous nature of beings being on a strange planet. Whoo boy! did some of them have me rolling. Hm, hm." 

It was my pleasure to gift the Morrows Strange Planet. I hope readers enjoy the insightful wit and emotional kinks that tie the scenes together as much as I do. I highly recommend this book to any being who knows what it's like to be human. Remember to be kind to yourself and others while living on this strange planet. Farewell, bookish beings. Hm, hm." 

Here's what the Morrows thought about 

Strange Planet by Nathan W. Pyle!

"I catch the hook of this book. The experiences in the short scenes show the truth and humor of ordinary life. And I must note, describing vacuuming as rollsucking the foot fabric is brilliant—I've got my two year old daughter, Margo, chanting, "ROLLSUCK! ROLLSUCK!" whenever Dyson comes out to clean." ~ Mr. Morrow

"I really enjoy the interactions in this book. There are no specific characters, which leaves all of the beings relatable in some way. I think it's cool how the author conveys emotion by using logical language to point out the illogical. Plus, I agree with Mr. Lovell, this book is super funny—beings are complex!" ~ Fairday

"I am delighted by this adorable book, and I was pleased that Larry gave us the gift of this story. It's important to tap into the natural emotions that tug at our hearts and understand the connections they make in our heads. These snippet sketches tell the story of beings living together and learning to cooperate. It's a wonderful book to read together as a family." ~ Mrs. Morrow

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday #MMGM Book Review: Wishtree by Katherine Applegate

Years ago, when Red was still a very young tree, a girl tied a wish to her branches. The girl said this was the tradition where she came from. Since then the wishtree has seen many families come and go over her long life. Red knows she’s not supposed to interact with the people who come to sit and wish by her. The animals that live in and around the tree have a close relationship and watch out for one another. When a new family moves into a nearby house and someone carves the word “leave” into the wishtree, Red becomes concerned. Who would do such a thing? Why? What does it mean? It’s soon apparent that a little girl is looking for a friend, and the wishtree wants nothing more than that for the girl, especially considering there seems to be people who want the girl and her family to leave the neighborhood. After Red hears that she may be cut down because of the vandalism and the trouble her roots are causing, she thinks she may have no other choice. What will Red do? Will she intervene? What will happen if she breaks the rule? And is it even possible for a wishtree to help a little girl make a friend? You’ll have to read this book to find out.

Wishtree by Katherine Applegate drew me in because the cover looks so magical. I have read other books by this author and enjoyed them. Reading a book from a tree’s point of view was definitely interesting, and it really made me think. I always feel like I can talk to trees, so I’m not surprised that they can hear us and listen to our wishes. I liked the lessons in the story as there were many- some about friendship, some about how we treat our planet, and others about understanding people from different cultures and places. This is a fast book and one that won’t take more than a few hours to read. I recommended this book to kids and adults ages eight and up who enjoy a good story about friendship. 

Has anyone else read Wishtree? Or another book by Katherine Applegate? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Happy reading!

~L

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

How Long Can Amanda and Leo's 11 Birthday Last?

Amanda and Leo were born on the same day. They were actually born at the very same hospital! After they shared an accidental first birthday party, the two celebrated all of their birthdays with each other until and became best friends. Amanda and Leo did everything together until their tenth birthday. Their party came with some drama, and Amanda vowed she was never speaking to Leo again after the way he embarrassed her. She hasn’t spoken to him for a whole year, and now that their birthday is here, she can’t help wonder who will show up at her party, and who will be at Leo’s. From the start, her 11th birthday is a bit of a disaster—she has a pop quiz she wasn’t prepared for, her gymnastics try out is terrible, and then her party is even worse. She doesn’t like the “costume” theme her mom planned, especially because her outfit is uncomfortable and her shoes pinch her feet giving her blisters. Plus, almost everyone is at Leo’s amazing party. Amanda can’t wait to go to bed and have her birthday be over and done. Only when she wakes up it’s her 11th birthday again. And each day it keeps happening- no matter what she does to change things. It isn’t long before Amanda and Leo realize they are the only ones reliving this day with “memories of what happened before”. Now they have to figure out how to get to Saturday, the day after their birthday. Can they figure out what to do? Is there any way to get things back on track? What would make for the best 11th birthday? You’ll have to read this realistic fantasy fiction book to find out.

I have read other books by Wendy Mass, but 11 Birthdays is my favorite book by her so far. Amanda and Leo seem like very realistic kids, and I enjoyed seeing the different ways their birthday played out. It gave me a lot to think about. What would I do if I could relive the same day over and over again? Would I do anything wild to see what would happen? Or would I try to do everything okay and by the rules so I would be able to deal with things the next day if it ever came? I like the stories of friendship and the different turns of events because it showed how all of our actions ripple out— even in ways we do not see. Change one thing about your day and there will be surprise impacts from that act all day (especially if you know how the day went originally). I would recommend this book to anyone in fourth grade and up who enjoy books about friendship and a little bit of magic. I noticed this is the first book in the Willow Falls series. I look forward to checking out the rest.

Has anyone else read 11 Birthdays? Or have you read another book by Wendy Mass? Would you like to relive a day over and over again? 

We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading. 😀

~L

Can a Nest Protect Chirp?

Growing up in the 1970s Naomi Orenstein, otherwise known as Chirp, is just trying to have fun. Her older sister, Rachel, still does silly things with her, but much of the time Chirp is on her own. She loves to spend time watching the wild birds and their nests. Her family is big on dancing, after all her mom is a dancer. Chirp dances her way around the small town practicing her own leaps and twirls. When she finds out that her mother has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis her whole world turns upside down. Her mother goes into a depression and nothing Chirp does seems to cheer her up. Chirp begins an unlikely friendship with Joey, the boy next-door. Considering her sister is off doing more grown-up things Chirp needs this friend. He seems to understand her on a deep level, but she still doesn’t tell him all that's happening at her house. She doesn’t want people to know her mother had to be admitted to a mental institution to get out of her depression. When her mom is suddenly back after a long absence Chirp does something that puts a void in her friendship with Joey. And then things go from bad to worse. She doesn’t know what to do. It’s like she’s an empty shell and a part of her has been ripped apart. Chirp shuts herself up in her room building a nest of blankets and pillows to protect and sooth herself. Will Chirp ever be able to recover from the blow that changed her life? Will her family be able to pick up the pieces and move on? Can her friendship with Joey be repaired? You’ll have to read this heartbreaking story of a girl, her life, and the struggles she goes through.

Nest by Esther Ehrlich was a book that has been on my To Be Read list for years. It’s been on there so long, but I don’t even remember where I first heard about it! But I do know that I’m glad I heard about it because this book touched me and the characters have stayed with me long after turning the last page. Reading a story about someone being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the 1970s, when so little was known about it, was very eye-opening, and it really tugged at my heart. Seeing the world through Chirp’s eyes made me appreciate all that I see out in nature; each bird, the wind rustling through the trees, and the way the water moves. I liked reading about the way the friendship between Joey and Chirp develops, even when it had its problems. They both seem like realistic characters and their friendship was believable. When the tragedy came- I knew it was coming, and I was almost afraid to read on. I even started to cry, but through my tears I read on and my heart went out to Chirp. This is a story about a girl who goes through many life-changing moments and struggles that were even harder to talk about in the 1970s than they are today. I recommend this book to readers ten and up who are looking for a book that will make them think and feel. I definitely recommend having a box of tissues next to you while you read. This was my first book by Esther Ehrlich, but I know I’ll be reading more by her in the future.

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Has anyone else read Nest? Or have you read another book by Esther Ehrlich? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!

~L

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Happy 4th of July! We're on summer break this week, but we'll be back again soon with more riddles to solve and stories to share. Enjoy the sun! ~ F & L

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday #MMGM Book Review: The Mad Wolf's Daughter by Diane Magras

Young Drest hears a sound one night, but her father and brothers don’t believe her. When their camp is invaded, war breaks out, and Drest is forced into hiding to stay safe. Unfortunately, the Mad Wolf and his band of sons are taken as prisoners, leaving Drest to fend for herself. Still hidden, she witnesses a scene between two men and she can’t believe it when one of them double crosses the other and tries to kill him. The wounded man is left behind and Drest takes him as her captive. He is a knight from the invading group and knows the way to the castle where her brothers and father have been locked up. She hopes she can trade the man she rescued for her family, and the man is desperate to get to the castle for his own reasons. Drest has never left the area where her family has their camp. The path to the castle is not easy and they encounter bad weather, people who steal from them and danger at every turn. Plus, she hears terrible stories about her father and brothers which she knows can’t be true. Drest’s captive may be her enemy, but she does her best to keep him alive though his health continues to fail. Enemies to the core they must work together to get what they both want; although only one can be the victor. What will happen when Drest makes it to the castle? Will she be able to save her father and her band of brothers? Is she truly the Mad Wolf’s daughter or is she her own person? You’ll have to read this tail and decide for yourself.

When I found out my class was Skyping with Diane Magras, author of The Mad Wolf’s Daughter, I knew I had to read the book. I was not disappointed! I liked the confidence Drest has and how she stood for what she believed was right. All her life she heard the stories from her father and brothers about what they did to protect women and children. Even when her belief faltered she still held true to what she knew was right. The story of friendship, struggle and fight will appeal to those who like adventure. I recommend this book to kids and adults from fourth grade up who like taking a trip back in time when people often took the law into their own hands and were at the mercy of those in the court and castle. I am already looking forward to reading the second book, The Hunt for The Mad Wolf’s Daughter, and I can’t wait to hear what that author has to say during our Skype.

Has anyone else read The Mad Wolf’s Daughter? Or have you read another book by Diane Magras? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!

~L

PS- I just noticed that all of the times I wrote Drest, the main character's name, auto correct changed the name to Dress. Fixed now! 


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

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday #MMGM Book Review: Paper Things by Jennifer Richard Jacobson

Ari and her nineteen year old brother, Gage, have been living with Janna since their mother died a few years ago. One of her mother’s final wishes was that Gage and Ari would always stay together. But, things are different with Janna and a lot of days are a struggle for Gage. One day he loses his temper and decides to leave. Ari knows she has to go with him, even though her life with Janna is stable. Plus, Janna helps her with her homework at the school for the gifted that she attends (her mother’s other final wish) and she takes care of her. They have to stick together, so she goes with him. Janna thinks they are living in an apartment, but Gage hasn’t been able to find anything. Instead they have been staying with different friends and sleeping on couches. Other days they sleep in the car and occasionally the shelter. Ari doesn’t have a lot with her and she has to try her best to clean her school uniform, so no one will know she isn’t living with Janna anymore. Her favorite thing to do is to lay out her paper families. She cuts them out of catalogs and makes up stories about them. She knows them and they comfort her. Keeping track of your belongings isn’t easy when you are coming and going all the time, sometimes in a hurry. Can Ari and Gage continue trying to make it on their own? How will Ari continue at school with her ever changing living arrangements? Will Janna find out what is happening? Your heart will go out to Ari as you navigate her new life with her.

Paper Things by Jennifer Richard Jacobson was a book a library assistant told me I had to read because it was her favorite book. I took a picture of it with my cell phone, so I wouldn’t forget.  Imagine my surprise a month later when I am at the Connecticut Children’s Book Fair and I see the cover of the book that’s on my phone. It was a delight to meet Jennifer Richard Jacobson and her presentation was so interesting. I was excited to start reading Paper Things and I was not disappointed. Ari tugged at my heart strings, and I kept thinking about the challenges in her life. Kids who are going through a tough time will find a character that they can relate to and be inspired by. I can understand how Ari’s paper families comforted her. I would recommend this book to anybody in fifth grade and up who likes a book that makes your heart ache for the main character, and you can’t help but hope it will have a happy ending.

Has anyone else read Paper Things? Or have you read another book by Jennifer Richard Jacobson? We’d love to hear your thoughts! 

*Stop by the post from the CT Book Fair to find out more about Jennifer Richard Jacobson's books.

Happy Reading!
~L

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday (#MMGM) Book Review: The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens

Siblings Kate, Michael, and Emma, are whisked away one Christmas Eve when the oldest, Kate, was only four. Someone was after them, and for their protection they were given only the last name of P. They don’t know who they are and if they will ever see their parents again. Going from one orphanage to another and never being able to find a home was discouraging, but Kate as the oldest, did her best to make things okay for her younger brother and sister no matter where they were. When they were finally sent to the last orphanage, Cambridge Falls, it was far away and dismal. There they met Dr. Pym and his housekeeper. They lived in a large home and the siblings seemed to be the only orphans in the place, which they thought was odd. They do love the amazing food and the kind adults. It isn’t long before they discover a magical book. This book transports them back in time to when Cambridge Falls was ruled by the Countess, an evil, witchy woman who imprisoned the children of the town. The Countess wants the book and will stop at nothing to get her way. Can Kate Emma and Michael ever get back to the present time? What will happen if the Countess gets the book? What exactly can the book/atlas do? Take a journey through time and space to find out!

I have had The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens on my list of books to read for at least two years. I am thrilled that I finally got to it. I listened to the audio book version read by my favorite narrator, Jim Dale (narrator of the Harry Potter series). Kate, Emma, and Michael are siblings unified by their family bond, but they also have very different personalities. They fight, but they love each other. I felt bad for Kate because her life involves being so grown-up and responsible because their parents are gone and she’s the oldest. I love the fantasy aspects of the book because it was very exciting to learn about the magic and how it worked. The atlas intrigued me and I am very curious about the other two books in the set. I would recommend this book to kids and adults who like fantasy, magic, and time travel. Those are some of my favorite things! I enjoyed the fantastical characters, and the evil ones were done very well because I didn’t like them at all. I look forward to reading more books by this author and I already have the next book in the series.

Has anyone else read The Emerald Atlas? Or have you read another book by John Stephens? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!

~ L

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

Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday (#MMGM) Book Review: Music Boxes by Tonja Drecker

Lindsay McKay and her family moved to Manhattan from a very small town in Nebraska. She dreams of being a prima ballerina, while her younger sister, Bridget, has been accepted into Juilliard, at the age of eight, to play the violin. Lindsay is happy for her sister, but not thrilled about living in a new place. Luckily, she brought her prized possession, a special music box given to her by her grandmother. At least it givers her some comfort. Lindsay’s first ballet lesson at the local community center does not go well, and she can’t hide her disappointment that no one in the class takes dance seriously. When she stumbles into Madame Destinee’s Dance Studio, it’s like a dream come true. The dancers are amazing! Madame offers for her to dance with the others and Lindsay feels herself move like never before. All she has to do to pay for her lessons is show up at a nightly performance. This sounds like a dream! She knows that here she can be a star and dance like she’s never danced before. But when Lindsay starts to notice that things aren’t quite as they seem and that Madame Destinee may be doing something to enchant the dancers, she becomes nervous about what will happen to her and her family. Is it possible to break the enchantment? Are the music boxes in Madame Destinee’s office important in some way and why do they match the one she brought from Nebraska? Can she help the other dancers? Read this enchanting story to find out.

Music Boxes by Tonja Drecker is a read that grabbed me from the start and pulled me in. It’s a story for people who like a good spooky mystery! I could easily relate to the main character, Lindsay. She is passionate about ballet and wants to be the best. I admire that type of dedication. When she noticed what Madame Destinee was doing to the dancers I felt both nervous and excited. The music boxes had quite a story behind them—I was definitely spooked, but in a good way. There's suspense and interesting relationships that keep the reader guessing. I think this book would be great for anybody in fourth grade and up who likes a story that gives them the chills.

Has anyone else read Music Boxes? Or have you read another book by Tonja Drecker? We’d love to hear your thoughts! 

Happy Reading!
~L

Find more links to #MMGM book reviews here.

Can They Beat the Odds?

Seth Cox isn’t the most athletic kid, and he’s a bit surprised during the Little League draft when he gets selected by a new coach. It turns out that making the baseball team will be the least shocking thing to happen to Seth for a while. He makes the team with Alex, Chase, and super pitcher, Jared. Although they know each other, they aren’t close friends and even get into a disagreement during the first practice. This seems to be the reason Coach Mirkana tells them they will be staying late at practice from now on to help clean up. He directs them to go to the Snack Shack and ask someone named Retne for four cups of coffee and four Tixie sticks, which really confuses them. They find the lady they need to talk to sleeping and she gives them strange directions that lead them to Strxia, a parallel world. The foursome learn that odd numbers aren’t allowed to be used by most people in Strxia, only the elite, and the impact will be utter destruction. Seth, Alex, Chase, and Jared discover that they have to work together to get the Encryption Pack and beat the odds. But how will they do that? While they are away in Strxia their Earth selves will be living a parallel life playing in baseball games. Actions in either place will impact each other and reflect what is happening. Can they get the pack and make it out alive? Do they have what it takes to work together and travel through time and space? Will anger and stubbornness prevent them from reaching their goal? What will happen if they don’t succeed? Journey through worlds and discover if they have what it takes to beat the odds.

Strxia: The Odds Are Against Us by Maggie Daniels and Matt Michel is a sci-fi adventure. Starting off with baseball tryouts will appeal to those who love the sport, like Chase and Jared. Those who don’t love it will agree with Seth. The characters were each unique, and readers will be able to relate to at least one of them. Alex is fast and stands up for herself, which I really liked. Chase is always cracking jokes and would be fun to have around. Seth seems like a nice guy who is amazing at math and science and likes to think things through, which are all qualities I like in friends. Baseball fanatic, Jared, has the hardest time listening to what others say, but I like his confidence in his abilities. It was fascinating to see how their lives at each point in time intertwined. If they did something well in Stxia, they played better in the game, which was cool and definitely interesting to think about. I recommend this book to anyone age eight and up who enjoys getting lost in other worlds. Sci-fi can involve some tricky math and science and the authors did a great job making sure readers understand what's happening and how the worlds work. The story will appeal to those who love technology, baseball, math, and space travel. This adventure wraps up, but readers can tell that there's more in store for the foursome as they work to save Strxia. I look forward to reading the next book and finding out what else is in store for them!

Has anyone else read Strxia: The Odds Are Against Us by Maggie Daniels and Matt Michel? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Stop back Saturday for an interview with the authors. 😀

Happy Reading!

~L

*Maggie and Matt are generously giving away three paperback copies of Strxia: The Odds Are Against Us.  All you have to do is comment on this review or our interview tomorrow to be entered for a chance to win. Winners will be randomly selected. Good luck! 

Will it be Snowing Forever?

Ophelia Jane Worthington-Whittard loves science and explanations. She’s a very matter of fact kind of girl, and she’s still feeling sad after the death of her mother. When her father gets a job working on a special exhibition at a museum in a city where it always snows, she and her sister, Alice, get to go along. There the girls meet the beautiful and elegant museum curator. She allows them to roam around the museum and find what interests them most. It's during that time that Ophelia sees a boy dressed in very old fashioned clothes trapped behind a door in an isolated corridor. He tells her he needs some help and asks her to find the key to his door. It seems he’s been trapped in the cold museum for hundreds of years. He tells her he has no name anymore (to protect him from the Snow Queen), so now he is simply called the Marvelous Boy. The Marvelous Boy explains that he was sent far from his home long, long ago because the wizards thought he was destined to destroy the Snow Queen. But how can he do that if the time on the clock is winding down and he can’t even get out of the room. He explains when the clock finishes winding down the Snow Queen will take revenge on the Earth. Trying to help him, Ophelia is sent on a scavenger hunt around the museum trying to find special keys, a sword to kill the Snow Queen, and the “one other” who is supposed to help the Marvelous Boy complete his quest. Will Ophelia be able to complete the tasks before the clock finishes counting down? Will the marvelous boy complete his quest? You’ll have to read this book to see how this Snow Queen spinoff plays out.

I have had Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy by Karen Foxlee on my reading list since I first read about it on a blog many years ago (so long ago I can’t quite remember which one). The story started out a little slowly, but the more I read the faster the pace seemed. With each page I cared more and more about Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy. I was really rooting for him to complete his task and be saved. I also wanted Ophelia to figure out how to get everything on her scavenger hunt. This book has just the right amount of scary magic and characters that will tug at your heart. I would recommend this book to people that like fairy tales, fairy tale retellings, magical realism, and stories with quests. It would be a great book for someone who is in fourth or fifth grade. With all the snow and cold in the story it's the perfect book to curl up with on the couch and enjoy a nice cup of hot chocolate. This is the first book I have read by this author, but I will definitely be reading more by Karen Foxlee! 

Has anyone else read Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy? Or have you read another book by Karen Foxlee? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
~L

Why Should You Read A Dreadful Fairy Book?

A clever sprite knows it's important to understand words when dealing with magical creatures. Shade happens to be a clever sprite. Though she's from a  place in the Merry Forest called Pleasant Hollow, she isn't like the other flashy, boisterous sprites in her village. Shade reads books, and flying makes her stomach feel wobbly. Her father was a book collector, and even though everyone in town said they were a strange family for reading when they could've be merry-making, she never cared. When a firework display goes awry in the forest and burns down her home with all of her precious books, including her book, a very special one her parents gave her before they died, Shade is so dingle-dangle angry she decides to leave Pleasant Hollow to find another home. She sifts through the charred remains of her possessions and finds one book intact. It's a guide to the fairy world by an author named Stinkletoe Radishbottom. Book in hand, Shade sets off on a journey to find a place where she can read as much as she wants for the rest of her life— a place where she'd be a happy sprite in her own book-filled home.

But, as with any journey comes peril, and Shade encounters some tricky characters on her quest to find books. Luckily, with Radishbottom's help, she's able to see truth through lies and finds herself teaming up with a variety of unique characters, who she's never truly certain if they're on her side. Will Shade be able to navigate the befuddling fairy world and find her books? You'll have to fall into this fascinating fairy tale to find out.

 Quentin Q. Quacksworth, Esq.

Narrated by Quentin Q. Quacksworth, Esq., A Dreadful Fairy Book by Jon Etter will whisk you off into a magical world where you'll find goblin markets, troll bridges, and enchanted forests all occupied by host of colorful voices. But, as the narrator would tell you, this is a dreadful fairy book, and readers should beware.



I enjoyed A Dreadful Fairy Book. Shade is smart and funny, and it was easy to relate to her character.  I especially liked her fairy swearing. Here's a line I think is creative (Shade is swindled out of a hotel room at the goblin market).

"All right, you shifty slug-licker! You'll be donkled four ways when I get the law on you."

I also found the references to beloved fairy tale characters entertaining and was happy to learn about a few new ones that I hadn't heard of before. The writing and world building are well done, and it was easy to visualize the different situations Shade found herself involved with on her adventure. I would recommend this book to readers eight and up who love fantasy characters and immersing themselves in a fresh magical world— though there were dreadful parts that I won't mention, but the narrator has given you fair warning about that. 😉

Has anyone else read A Dreadful Fairy Book? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!

~L

This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review & Amberjack Publishing

Enter to win a copy of A Dreadful Fairy Book by Jon Etter!

Ten (10) winners receive:

*A bound galley copy of A Dreadful Fairy Book

Giveaway begins November 13, 2018, at 12:01 A.M. PST and ends December , 2018, at 11:59 P.M. PST.

Giveaway open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are 13 and older.

Amberjack Publishing is responsible for prize fulfillment.

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