Monday, February 27, 2012

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday - The Humming Room


Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Shannon Whitney Messenger decided it was time to give middle grade stories the attention they deserve, and "Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays" was born.  


The Humming Room
by Ellen Potter


Goodreads Blurb:
Hiding is Roo Fanshaw's special skill. Living in a frighteningly unstable family, she often needs to disappear at a moment's notice. When her parents are murdered, it's her special hiding place under the trailer that saves her life.

As it turns out, Roo, much to her surprise, has a wealthy if eccentric uncle, who has agreed to take her into his home on Cough Rock Island. Once a tuberculosis sanitarium for children of the rich, the strange house is teeming with ghost stories and secrets. Roo doesn't believe in ghosts or fairy stories, but what are those eerie noises she keeps hearing? And who is that strange wild boy who lives on the river? People are lying to her, and Roo becomes determined to find the truth.

Despite the best efforts of her uncle's assistants, Roo discovers the house's hidden room--a garden with a tragic secret.

Inspired by The Secret Garden, this tale full of unusual characters and mysterious secrets is a story that only Ellen Potter could write.

I read this book in one sitting. It's a quick, easy read, full of great characters and an even greater setting. Roo grows in a variety of ways throughout the novel, improving the lives of everyone around her--whether they like it or not. With the balance between Roo and her two male friends, I think this is sure to appeal to both boy and girl readers. It did in my house! My 10-year-old son AND my seven-year-old daughter both enjoyed it. Plus, the fact that it's based on The Secret Garden scores it bonus points!

I'm also featuring a middle grade new release at PROJECT MAYHEM today! Come and visit! 




** Others who can be counted on for MMGM: **
 Happy Monday!
 

27 comments:

Unknown said...

The Humming Room sounds awesome! With all of the fairy tale re-tellings popping up, it's fun to see a re-telling of (the fabulous) The Secret Garden. And if both of your kiddos like it too, it must be good :)

Natalie Aguirre said...

I've seen the cover and been intrigued. I loved The Secret Garden so I bet I'll like this too. Thanks for sharing about it.

Unknown said...

What a fun read. Definitely adding it to my tbr pile!

S.A. Larsenッ said...

Great stuff! I saw this book a few weeks back. My 8yr-old recently got a Kindle. Guess I'll be purchasing this for him. :D

Barbara Watson said...

This sounds so wonderful! Extra bonus points for me is that both your son and daughter enjoyed it; books that appeal to both genders are high on my list of love.

Laura S. said...

Ooo, sounds like a great read!. Thanks for the rec!

Meredith said...

Wow, this sounds intense! I loved The Secret Garden so much when I was little. I'll have to check this one out!

Lenny Lee said...

hi miss shannon! for sure i loved the secret garden so im thinking im gonna like this book. it going on my wanna read list for sure. thanks for a cool review.
...hugs from lenny

Anonymous said...

oh, i didn't know about this one! i read ellen potter's first olivia kidney book and found it very cute.

thanks for the rec!

Anonymous said...

This is going high on my list because it was inspired by The Secret Garden. :D
Thank you so much for the feature :)

Sue Cowing said...

Sounds like a great read.

Anonymous said...

This sounds like a really good book. That's a beautiful cover, too. When kids like a book they've read, I feel that is a great endorsement. Thanks for sharing about this book. It's going on my TBR book list.

Michael G-G said...

Oh yes!!

You have been busy today, Shannon.
(Loved your Project Mayhem post too!!)

Jennifer R said...

I have an ARC of The Humming Room that I can't wait to read. I loved The Secret Garden when I was young, so I'm very intrigued by it.
Thanks for the review!

Jemi Fraser said...

Sounds great ... and then you added it was based on Secret Garden - definite bonus points :)

Angela Ackerman said...

Sounds really good! Reminds me a touch of 'Mrs Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children'.

Can I tell you a secret? I have always, always been fascinated by hidden, secret rooms and spaces. I will have to get this one! :)

Anonymous said...

This is one I am really looking forward to reading, Shannon. Thanks for sharing it!

Jen said...

Now THIS is a book I HAVE to read. I LOVE the Secret Garden and always dreamed of having my very own.

Thanks for posting about this book! And I love the cover :D

Cheers,
Jen

ali cross said...

I love that it's based on THE SECRET GARDEN! Thanks for the recommend Shannon!

Tales of Whimsy said...

I want this one. It sounds great.

Susan Fields said...

This sounds fantastic - thanks for the review!

Elana Johnson said...

Wow, this sounds fantastic, and I love The Secret Garden! So thanks for the recommendation.

Shelley Sly said...

This story sounds like so much fun! Adding to my TBR pile. Thanks for the recommendation! :D

Gina @ My Precious said...

What a great feature! I love MG books. I usually do a Cover Crazy post on Mondays though, because I'm a HUGE cover fan.

TerryLynnJohnson said...

another one to watch for. Thanks!

Lizzy Mackerville said...

This book sounds amazing. I love the cover and the description is great. I really enjoyed your review. The fact that you read it in one sitting makes me want to read it even more. I love middle grade books- so I can't wait to stop by and see what you have next week!

~Jess
http://thesecretdmsfilesoffairdaymorrow.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

You've certainly peeked my interest!!

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