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. I couldn't resist being a part of such brilliance. Others who can be counted on for a great MMGM review each week:
- Joanne Fritz @ My Brain on Books
- Ben Langhinrchs @ My Comfy Chair
- Sherrie Petersen @ Write About Now
- Brooke Favero @ Somewhere in the Middle
- Myrna Foster @ Night Writer
Follow My Leader
by
James Garfield
Goodreads Blurb:
After Jimmy is blinded in an accident with a firecracker, he has to relearn all the things he used to know - how to get dressed, how to find his way around the house, even how to eat. With the help of a determined therapist, he learns to read Braille and use a cane. Then he's given the chance to have a guide dog. Learning to work with Leader is not easy, but Jimmy tries harder than he ever has before. Can Leader really give him the ability and the confidence he needs?
I probably read this book five times as a girl. It's another book that's been around a while, but the story is timeless. I loved following Jimmy as he dealt with the accident and I especially loved the bond that formed between Jimmy and Leader. This book is great for both boy and girl readers, especially dog lovers.
Happy Monday!
37 comments:
I never heard this one. Since my daughter loves books, I should find it. Heavy subject matter, but one I'm always curious about.
Ironically enough, I was just thinking about finding books with dogs in them as a way to lure my son from nonfiction to fiction.
Looks interesting!!
I haven't heard of this one. But it looks good. Thanks for sharing.
Wow, that sounds good! I'm always in awe of guide dogs and how focused they are on their job.
Seems like an excellent book to read. Thanks for a wonderful review,
Yvonne.,
It sounds so adorable!!!!! I love the play on words in the title "Follow My Leader"! Awww! Thanks for the review and info! Take care
x
I haven't heard of this one, but it sounds like one I'd like to read. Thanks for sharing about it on your blog!
Oh, I haven't read that one. I'll have to check it out! =D
I adore this book. I'm sure I read it at least five times when I was a kid. Still have my battered old copy somewhere.
Great review, Shannon, and thanks for the linkage. I've linked to you too.
Oh my gosh!
Don't we LOVE a book that girls AND boys are both crazy about?!?
See, this is why we're reading friends. I adore this book and am doing a re-read this year.
Wow, five times?! How has this one slipped my attention? Thank you so much for another excellent recommendation that I haven't heard of!
Such a great read, bff. The bond is one of the best parts of the story. And you're right, girls love it too. We proved that. :-)
Funny, my post today is titled "Follow the Leader." And my current project is about a blind woman! Are we on the same page or what?!
Isn't it great to rediscover a book you loved as a child?
Thanks for the review, Shannon! I've never heard of this one.
Thanks for the info about this book. I think I've heard of it but don't recall reading it.
Hope you are having a good day and staying cool. :)
Blessings,
Karen
I'm glad to hear you loved this one, especially since I homeschool using Sonlight and this book is in my daughter's curriculum for the spring.
I hadn't heard of this one either - sounds like a good one!
I've never heard of this book, but like its theme. It gives kids (and adults) insight into the difficulties a blind person faces.
Blessings,
Susan :)
What an amazing sounding book! Thanks for the review!
I haven't heard of this one, but it sounds like a great book to read to a class or for a kiddo that is going through some kind of adversity. Thanks for the review Shannon!
This is such a fabulous idea! I'm excited to follow these. Thanks, Shannon!
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Ya know, I'm glad you posted about this. I've never heard of the book before, but it's good to point out that there are even middle grade books that deal with more serious issues. Sadly, when I was a middle grade reader the most serious got was whatever happened in the Sweet Valley Twins stories.
Baseball in T-one week & counting!
A story with a dog... love it already :-)
Sounds like a good book about the human spirit. Thanks for sharing it Shannon!
Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse
How fun, Shannon! You're so sweet. :)
♥.•*¨ Elizabeth ¨*•.♥
I can see how it would appeal to boys. Boys like the idea of over coming things. Not that girls don't as well, I can see boys liking this
This sounds heartwarming and inspiring.
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My kids are dog crazy, as soon as they are old enough I'm getting that one, it sounds lovely. And optimism through tough times is a good lesson to teach them too.
Hi Shannon -
I linked to one of your posts today (4/1). :)
Blessings,
Susan
Sounds like a powerful book.
I'm going to keep my eyes peeled for more Marvelous Middle Grade posts. I've been reading more MG this past year.
oh! I hadn't heard about this one. THanks so much for the recommendation!
hi miss shannon! you know i love animals and for sure i love dogs. i think i could like this story cause i like stuff where the mc has lot to get past and its more special when you got a dog helping him. for sure it a book i could wanna read.
...hugs from lenny
I hadn't heard of this one either, but I do think good books hang around and find their readers. You've just helped this one do that. To Vicki Rocho: Ann Martin's A DOG'S LIFE: AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A DOG, might be a great nonfiction-to-fiction bridge for your son. Or Avi's THE GOOD DOG, also told from the dog's point of view. Good luck!
This book proves that not all men can survive the cruel world - that even leaders need inspiration, need help. James Garfield's hardship truly paid off.
Alexander Tiedeman
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