MMGM -- Diego's Dragon

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.

 

Diego's Dragon, Book One: 

Spirits of the Sun  

by Kevin Gerard

 

 

Blurb:

An eleven-year-old Latino boy wins a district-wide writing contest for sixth graders. When an author visits his school to award his prize, Diego Ramirez has no idea how much his life is about to change.Nathan Sullivan hands Diego his statue, a handsome, glistening black dragon. He shakes his hand and leaves him to his friends. The students crowd around Diego, asking for permission to hold it.After hearing the name Magnifico spoken aloud by family and friends, Diego awards it to his new dragon. If he only knew how fitting the name was, he might have known what lay ahead. 

Magnifico is the leader of the Sol Dragones, dragons that live within the magical fires of the sun. Nathan Sullivan is the earth's connection to the mysterious creatures. It is his task to find Magnifico's guide.As Magnifico comes to life he becomes quite mischievous, playing tricks on Diego to embarrass him. As he discovers his bloodline, however, Diego assumes greater control over his dragon and his destiny. In the climactic journey, he frees his people and suffers a terrible loss by guiding Magnifico to their goal.

Those of you who follow Project Mayhem may remember my post, "For the Love of Dragons", inspired by my daughter's obsession with dragon books. When presented with the opportunity to review Diego's Dragon, I jumped at it. Needless to say, my daughter was the first to read it. And now Kevin Gerard is her new favorite author! For a voracious reader like my daughter, that is the highest of compliments, especially considering her love for Erin Hunter's Warrior Cats series. Her enthusiastic commentary about book one, and her pleading for book 2, had me eager to read it for myself. All I can say is . . . my daughter was right.

For any fans of middle grade adventure or fantasy or dragons or boy books or epic awesomeness, this is the perfect story. It is unique in its storyline, vivid in its imagery, and gripping in its characterization. Magnifico the dragon is truly magnificent. My daughter is not alone in her enthusiasm for Diego or its author. Diego's Dragon will be a 5 book series--don't miss it!

I can tell you from personal experience that Kevin Gerard is a warm and very approachable author. He's a book blogger's dream. I have no doubt that he would be delighted to do interviews or guest posts for any of your blogs, possibly even a book giveaway. I emailed him about my daughter's love of his books and shared with her his responses to me. She positively ADORES him, and I know others will as well. In fact, we purchased copies of Diego's Dragon for her two best friends and her teacher for Christmas! 

Author Kevin Gerard:

Kevin Gerard lives in San Diego, California, with his wife and four children. He teaches sociology and statistics for the California State University. After running three companies and working a variety of jobs, Mr. Gerard enrolled in school and earned a master's degree in sociology from Humboldt State University. He returned to San Diego after completing the program and worked with two professional research organizations over the next seven years. In 2004, Mr. Gerard resigned from the second position in order to pursue a writing career. While still teaching at the university, he spends the bulk of his time writing for publication. The Conor and the Crossworlds series provided the main impetus for his decision to permanently extricate himself from formal employment."

Where to find Diego's Dragon

• Diego Website HERE
• Diego on Goodreads HERE
• Diego on Amazon HERE
• Diego on B&N HERE