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
Pearl Verses the World
by Sally Murphy
A moving illustrated verse novel about a girl dealing with isolation at school, and with her grandma’s illness at home.
At school, Pearl feels as though she is in a group of one. Her teacher wants her to write poems that rhyme but Pearl’s poems don’t. At home, however, Pearl feels safe and loved, but her grandmother is slowly fading, and so are Mum and Pearl. When her grandmother eventually passes away, Pearl wants life to go back to the way it was and refuses to talk at the funeral. But she finds the courage to deliver a poem for her grandmother that defies her teacher’s idea of poetry – her poem doesn’t rhyme; it comes from the heart.
A powerful and moving story about loss, grief and isolation.
Deals with sensitive issues of dementia from the child’s perspective.
I just finished this book. At first, I wasn't sure I was going to like it because of the lack of dialogue. We are truly in Pearl's head all the way through, and she jumps around a bit. However, children's thoughts DO jump around a bit. Right?
Sounds like a beautiful and moving way to help kids deal with grief and loss. What age is it for?
ReplyDeleteO it sounds so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHi Shannon -
ReplyDeleteWhat a great book for kids! The cover and title are appealing, and the story delivers an important message.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Another title I need to write down!
ReplyDeleteHi, Shannon. Thanks for sharing your review of this book. It sounds like it will be a very helpful book for kids who have to deal with dementia and loss. I like the look of the cover and the title.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the share. I had chills just reading it.
ReplyDeleteBut the description from Goodreads seems to give so much of the plot away. It should say, "Will she find the courage to read her poem at her grandmother's funeral even if it doesn't meet her teacher's idea of poetry?" Something like that.
Sounds like a good book for the right kid. I hadn't heard of this. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a book I need to have in my classroom - thanks for the tip.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts jump around too, so I should have no problem following it. :D
ReplyDeleteJots down the title. Bff, I have never heard of this one. Sounds EXCELLENT. Thanks for sharing. YOU THE ONE!!!!! And a very cool amigo. :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat title. Adorable cover. It's a YES!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book, with an interesting theme.
ReplyDeleteWow. This sounds like a good read, not just for the intended target audience, but also maybe for older readers, too. I might just have to put this on my to-read list myself. Thanks for sharing, and it's a pleasure to meet you via the A-Z Challenge.
ReplyDeleteI love the title and cover. It sounds like an amazing book. We're going through that with a grandparent right now so thanks for the suggestion.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.wingedwriter.blogspot.com/
It sounds like a poignant story. I think it's great when an author takes a different approach with the writing style, and this one sounds really interesting!
ReplyDeleteBff, have you heard about this?
ReplyDeleteYou can win a crit of a picture book MS done by Jean reidy. Here's the link: A Totally Random Romp
Ladies: Thanks for giving middle grade the time they deserve!
ReplyDeleteI am glad to see a MG book that deals with dementia and loss. Stories are sometimes a way to understanding and healing, and this sounds like a good one. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteShannon, why have I never heard of this?? In the bookstore, we are always asked for books about grief and loss. Thanks for the recommendation.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a lovely, gentle book. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteI love MMGM! Great review, Shannon!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds sweet and sad.
ReplyDeleteWagging Tales - Blog for Writers
Sounds like such a sweet story. Maybe kind of bittersweet and poignant? Truly lovely.
ReplyDeleteI love the themes in this book. It seems so compassionate and sensitive, just what I would like to read. It is such a needed thing in that mg difficult time for kids. Enjoyed your blog. WIll be back.
ReplyDeleteJust came across your review. Thanks for saying such lovely things about my book-baby!
ReplyDelete