Marvelous Middle Grade Monday - I Survived

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

I Survived Series

 by Lauren Tarshis

This series is a huge hit with middle graders, especially boys. As a bonus, the stories are non-fiction, which is an often overlooked and under-appreciated genre for younger readers.

At the school book fair this year, I let my son choose only one book (too close to Christmas), and he chose Shark Attack of 1916. He already has The Titanic one and is begging for more books in this series.

I highly recommend these ones, folks!!

 Happy Monday!

MMGM The White Assassin

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

The White Assassin
by Hilary Wagner

About the THE WHITE ASSASSIN:

Book II in the Nightshade Chronicles begins three years after Juniper and his rebel band of rats liberate the Catacombs and defeat their oppressors.

A sense of peace has settled over Nightshade City, but it is a false one. Billycan, the white assassin, has been found. Deep in the southern swamps, he now rules a primitive horde of savage swamp rats eager to overrun Nightshade City and claim it for their king. With the help of an ancient colony of bats and an uneasy alliance with the swamp snakes, Juniper and his Council set out to thwart Billycan’s plans. When an old secret is revealed—one so shocking it shakes both Billycan and Juniper to the core—the fate of Nightshade City and the life of Juniper’s only son depend on Juniper’s decision: should he help his mortal enemy? The past resurfaces with devastating impact in this exciting sequel to Nightshade City, a dark tale of intrigue, deception, and betrayal.

The reviews for The White Assassin are wonderful, and that's because the story is freaking fantastic! My three kids and I ALL loved Nightshade City. I didn't think Hilary could top it, but she did. The White Assassin is even better!

I have decided that Hilary is the master of evil villains--Billycan is right up there at the top when it comes to evil characters. What's fascinating, though, is that I can't help but love him as a character, even while I hate him. 

I said this when I reviewed Nightshade City, and I'll say it again now: This series is destined to become a classic.  Move over, Rats of Nimh, because here comes Hilary Wagner!

Happy Monday!

MMGM on Tuesday - Liesl & Po

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Liesel & Po
by Lauren Oliver

Goodreads Blurb:

Liesl lives in a tiny attic bedroom, locked away by her cruel stepmother. Her only friends are the shadows and the mice—until one night a ghost appears from the darkness. It is Po, who comes from the Other Side. Both Liesl and Po are lonely, but together they are less alone.

That same night, an alchemist's apprentice, Will, bungles an important delivery. He accidentally switches a box containing the most powerful magic in the world with one containing something decidedly less remarkable

Will's mistake has tremendous consequences for Liesl and Po, and it draws the three of them together on an extraordinary journey.

From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Oliver comes a luminous and magnificent novel that glows with rare magic, ghostly wonders, and a true friendship that lights even the darkest of places.

I was in love with this book by the time I finished reading Lauren's note to readers at the very beginning. That's right--BEFORE I had even read page one! It's no secret that I struggled with the endings of both Before I Fall and Delirium (although I LOVED Delirium) but this book is a whole different flavor.

Liesl is so utterly loveable; I adore her. And Po is . . . wow. And Will? I love him. My heart ached for him at first. The characters in this story feel like they could just walk off the page and into your heart forever. 

The writing is just as wonderful as the characters. Her world building is powerful, but it felt effortless. Her descriptions and dialogue flow like water. Some of my favorite lines are almost like afterthoughts or asides in their simplicity, yet they are incredible and powerful and musical--deep thoughts at their best. 

Happy Monday!

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday - Bone

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

  

Bone (graphic novel series)

by Jeff Smith

 Goodreads Blurb:

After being run out of Boneville, the three Bone cousins, Fone Bone, Phoney Bone, and Smiley Bone, are separated and lost in a vast uncharted desert.
One by one, they find their way into a deep, forested valley filled with wonderful and terrifying creatures...
Humor, mystery, and adventure are spun together in this action-packed, side-splitting saga. Everyone who has ever left home for the first time only to find that the world outside is strange and overwhelming will love Bone.

These books are a huge hit with almost all readers ages 7 and up. My daughter LOVES them. My high school students dove for them when I brought a few to class (I had to make a sign-up sheet). They're surprisingly popular, and I love it that they are such kid friendly graphic novels. I believe much of the appeal is in the odd but fun illustrations and humor. The reviews on Goodreads are very positive, too.

 Happy Monday!

The Underneath

The Underneath

by Kathi Appelt

I have mentioned this book on so many blogs recently, that I decided I needed to post a review. Right off the bat I want to say, if you have not read this book, READ IT. Even if you don't like the storylines (and you will) you should read it to study Kathi Appelt's mastery of craft.

I don't know anyone who has read The Kite Runner or A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini and not marveled at the beauty of the language and the cadence of the sentences. The Underneath is the upper MG equivalent of The Kite Runner. Seriously. Within the first chapter, I was captivated by the originality and beauty of the writing. I fell under the spell of the sentences and the words and the rhythm of this book. I did not want it to end. But wait - there's more...

In addition to the magic of the individual sentences and language choices, Kathi weaves together three seemingly unrelated storylines. She gets and holds our attention while shifting between characters and their stories, and then expertly brings them together for a stunning conclusion.

I can't explain the overall beauty of this book. When I think of it or share it with someone, I'm never sure whether I love it more for the story or for the beautiful way the story is written. It is a masterful example of craft.

What book/s have you read that blew you away because of the beauty or power of the writing?

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday - It's Raining Cupcakes

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday  

It's Raining Cupcakes

by Lisa Schroeder

Goodreads Blurb:

Twelve-year-old Isabel is dying to get out of Oregon. She spends her free time in the library, reading and dreaming about faraway places. When her mom decides to open a cupcake shop in their little town of Willow, Isabel feels just like buttercream frosting to a cupcake-stuck. It seems as if it will be another disappointing summer, until Isabel learns of a baking contest. 

If she can come up with a winning recipe, she might have a chance of competing in the bake-off in New York City! But Isabel's best friend, Sophie, is also entering the contest, and things always seem to go Sophie's way. To make matters worse, Isabel and her mom don't exactly see eye-to-eye on the type of recipe Isabel should enter. In this sweet treat by popular teen author Lisa Schroeder, Isabel discovers that maybe it's not about where you go in life as much as it is about enjoying the view from wherever you are.

I loved this book.  The relationship between Isabel and her parents is an interesting storyline, as is the idea of the bake-off contest. Her mother is a bit difficult to like, but she grows up some by the end, just like Isabel--and parents aren't perfect. Despite thinking I had it all figured out, the end surprised me and left me smiling.

The chapter titles are awesomely creative cupcake names--so fun. I have no doubt this book will leave even non-cupcake-lovers craving cupcakes by the end. It's a fast and easy read and it's totally charming. This is one of my main go-to books when I need an MG gift for girls. I've given it to three nieces and my daughter. So far.  :-)

Happy Monday!

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday - Dragonbreath

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday  

Dragonbreath

by Ursula Vernon
 

Goodreads Blurb:

It's not easy for Danny Dragonbreath to be the sole mythical creature in a school for reptiles and amphibians - especially because he can't breathe fire like other dragons (as the school bully loves to remind him). But having a unique family comes in handy sometimes, like when his sea-serpent cousin takes Danny and his best iguana friend on a mindboggling underwater tour, complete with vomiting sea cucumbers and giant squid. It sure beats reading the encyclopedia to research his ocean report . . .

Using a hybrid of comic-book panels and text, Ursula Vernon introduces an irresistible set of characters with a penchant for getting themselves into sticky situations. It's perfect for both the classroom and the Wimpy Kid set.

This adorable series is on the younger side of MG, and is sure to be a hit with kids who love the Big Nate and Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. The stories are a cross between chapters of text and graphic novel illustrations, which my kids LOVE. On a trip to California, three Dragonbreath books made the trip with us, bouncing back and forth between my daughter and son!  I highly recommend these!

Happy Monday!

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday - Monkey Island

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

  Monkey Island

by Paula Fox

Goodreads Blurb:

Eleven-year-old Clay Garrity is on his own. His father lost his job and left the family. Now Clay's mother is gone from their welfare hotel.

Clay is homeless and out on the streets of New York. In the park he meets two homeless men. Buddy and Calvin become Clay's new family during those harsh winter weeks. But the streets are filled with danger and despair.

If Clay leaves the streets he may never find his parents again. But if he stays on the streets he may not survive at all.

I have always loved this story. It's a quick, easy read, but it packs a powerful punch to the heart. My students LOVE it. It's sad, but it says so much about the human spirit and hope and second chances. It also opens our eyes to an issue that is too often overlooked. This is VERY worth the read.

 Happy Monday!

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday - Girls Got Game

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Girls Got Game

Edited by Sue Macy

Goodreads Blurb:

Millions of girls are now running, swinging bats and shooting hoops. Here's the first young readers' anthology of new fiction that tells their stories.

"Girls Got Game features a new breed of heroines who are not afraid to sweat. Young athletes will see themselves in these stories; their mothers will wish they'd had books like this when they were growing up."
--Sue Macy

Sue Macy, author of three popular nonfiction books on women in sports, has gathered the best fiction writers and poets to describe the in-the-moment experiences of the millions of girls who are now competing. Here's the first anthology to describe being on the field the way girls are enjoying it today -- as a regular part of their lives that is allowing them to compete, to excel, to feel their own power and potential, and to face defeat and emerge stronger for the next contest. From basketball to soccer, tetherball to swimming to horseback riding, Girls Got Game breaks new ground. This all-star lineup of authors and poets includes Virginia Euwer Wolff, Jacqueline Woodson, and Sue Macy herself in her fictional debut, creating a book that is a great read, as well as an affirmation of what girls are doing every day.

Last week I reviewed GUYS WRITE FOR GUYS READ, so I thought a collection for girls would be appropriate this week. GIRLS GOT GAME is a popular collection of writing about girls in sports--18 stories and poems by a variety of authors.

If you know reluctant girl readers or female sport lovers, this is a great book. It's a quick and easy read, filled to bursting with friendship, family, romance, and sports, sports, sports!

 Happy Monday!

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday - Guys Write For Guys Read

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Guys Write For Guys Read

Edited by Jon Scieszka

Goodreads Blurb:

What is a typical guy moment, anyhow? Daniel Pinkwater remembers thedisappointment of meeting his Lone Star Ranger hero up close and personal. Gordon Korman relishes the goofy ultra violence of the old Looney Tunes cartoons. Stephen King realizes that having your two hundred- pound babysitter fart on your five-year-old head prepares you for any literary criticism. And that's just a sampling from Guys Write for Guys Read, a fast-paced, high energy collection of short works: stories, essays, columns, cartoons, anecdotes, and artwork by today's most popular writers and illustrators.

Guys Write features work from Brian Jacques, Jerry Spinelli, Chris Crutcher, Mo Willems, Chris Van Allsburg, Matt Groening, Neil Gaiman, the editors and columnists from Sports Illustrated,The Onion and Esquire magazines, and more. Selected by voters at the Guys Read Web site and compiled by Jon Scieszka, this wide-ranging collection of authors and illustrators shows that guys do read . . . and will read more if given things they enjoy reading.

This is a wonderful resource for reluctant boy readers. The selections and amazing variety of popular author voices will hook them. Voracious readers will recognize and enjoy the all-star line-up of both authors and works. I have two copies in my classroom (purchased myself) and they are well-loved.

 Happy Monday!

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday - The Princess and the Goblin

The Princess and the Goblin

by

George MacDonald

 

Goodreads Blurb:

The Princess Irene has been kidnapped by Goblins. And it is up to an unlikely hero, Curdie the Miner Boy, to save the day.

An amazing tale from one of the founders of modern fantasy, George MacDonald. Including illustrations from a late 19th century edition.

I chose this book because it was one of my very favorites as a child. I read it over and over and over again. 

Sometimes, we forget about the classics or other books that have been around for a while. This is a wonderful story, one I've never forgotten. In fact, to this day I remember a particular scene every time I take a bath! Truthfully.

I have a beautiful copy of this book (it has other covers, but this is my favorite) waiting for the day my daughter is ready to read it. Hopefully, she'll enjoy it as much as I did.

Happy Monday!

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday - The Hound of Rowan

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday  

The Hound of Rowan

by Henry H. Neff

 

Goodreads Blurb:  

MAX MCDANIELS LIVES a quiet life in the suburbs of Chicago, until the day he stumbles upon a mysterious Celtic tapestry. Many strange people are interested in Max and his tapestry. His discovery leads him to Rowan Academy, a secret school where great things await him.

But dark things are waiting, too. When Max learns that priceless artworks and gifted children are disappearing, he finds himself in the crossfire of an ancient struggle between good and evil. To survive, he'll have to rely on a network of agents and mystics, the genius of his roommate, and the frightening power awakening within him.

This  is a fantastic series. I read it on the train when I went home for my step-father's funeral recently, and it vaulted straight to the top of my favorites list. 

The world-building in this series is incredible, as are the utterly lovable and complex characters. It has a Harry Potter flavor at times, but in a good way. The plot thickens with each book, to the point that you can't stop thinking about it. The end of book three caught me so unprepared that I actually said OUT LOUD (which really disturbed my hubby), "Well played, author, well played."

I could rave for days about this particular series! Trust me, and read it!!

Happy Monday!

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday - The Unicorn Secret Series

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

The Unicorn Secret Series

by Kathleen Duey

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.

Moonsilver (book 1)

old cover / new cover

 Goodreads Blurb:

Heart Trilby has no family. She lives a hard and lonely life in the dusty village of Ash Grove — until she finds a scarred, skinny mare in the forest. Against the wishes of her guardian, mean-spirited Simon Pratt, Heart adopts the mare and names her Avamir. Heart is thrilled when she realizes Avamir is in foal. But when the colt is born weak and disfigured, Simon decides to sell Heart's beloved horses to be slaughtered by the town's soapmaker. Can Heart find a way to protect them — and the only love she has ever known?

I've reviewed mostly boy books for MG Mondays. I love boy books! But not this week . . .

I can't tell you how much I love this series. Even though it is probably more girl than boy book, there is a strong boy character that my sons loved. The first time I read these books was when my oldest was only six. We bought the first three at a school book fair, and we read them aloud. Oh. How. I. LOVED. Them!! And the best part is that he loved them too. We devoured them all and I mourned the end of the series.

Then, I read them with my middle son. Yep! He loved them too.

Now, I'm almost ready to read them with my daughter. She will love them too (whether she wants to or not!). They are just that good.

Buy them! Read them! You, too, will LOVE them!  

I do solemnly swear.

Book Review: The Lost Voices

Lost Voices

by Sarah Porter

Goodreads Blurb:

What happens to the girls nobody sees—the ones who are ignored, mistreated, hidden away? The girls nobody hears when they cry for help? 

Fourteen-year-old Luce is one of those lost girls. After her father vanishes in a storm at sea, she is stuck in a grim, gray Alaskan fishing village with her alcoholic uncle. When her uncle crosses an unspeakable line, Luce reaches the depths of despair. Abandoned on the cliffs near her home, she expects to die when she tumbles to the icy, churning waves below. Instead, she undergoes an astonishing transformation and becomes a mermaid. A tribe of mermaids finds Luce and welcomes her in—all of them, like her, lost girls who surrendered their humanity in the darkest moments of their lives. The mermaids are beautiful, free, and ageless, and Luce is thrilled with her new life until she discovers the catch: they feel an uncontrollable desire to drown seafarers, using their enchanted voices to lure ships into the rocks. 

Luce’s own talent at singing captures the attention of the tribe’s queen, the fierce and elegant Catarina, and Luce soon finds herself pressured to join in committing mass murder. Luce’s struggle to retain her inner humanity puts her at odds with her friends; even worse, Catarina seems to regard Luce as a potential rival. But the appearance of a devious new mermaid brings a real threat to Catarina’s leadership and endangers the very existence of the tribe. Can Luce find the courage to challenge the newcomer, even at the risk of becoming rejected and alone once again? 

Lost Voices is a captivating and wildly original tale about finding a voice, the healing power of friendship, and the strength it takes to forgive.

I loved the original premise of this story and the world Sarah Porter created. The story flows like the water Luce swims in. There were a few spots I thought the descriptions were a bit confusing, but that did not take away from the overall powerful imagery. The "bad girl" is definitely not a likable character - a great villain. We see it coming and I kept hoping Luce would find a way to best her. I wish Luce's character had been a bit more social with the others, but I understood why she wasn't.

I enjoyed this story and suggest adding it to your Goodreads list.

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday - Reckless by Cornelia Funke

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Reckless

by Cornelia Funke

Goodreads Blurb:

Beyond the mirror, the darkest fairy tales come alive. . . .

For years, Jacob Reckless has enjoyed the Mirrorworld’s secrets and treasures.

Not anymore.

His younger brother has followed him.

Now dark magic will turn the boy to beast, break the heart of the girl he loves, and destroy everything Jacob holds most dear. . . .

Unless he can find a way to stop it.

The Inkheart Trilogy is one of my all-time favorite series (in spite of the Inkheart movie atrocity), so I was giddy when I first learned of this new series. Cornelia Funke is one of the best world-builders ever. She makes me long to climb inside her stories so I can experience her worlds for myself, and the Mirrorworld is almost as incredible as the Inkworld--almost. This time her bad guys are rock creatures called Goyle and an evil fairy who helps them. Jacob Reckless is the perfect hero with the perfect side-kick--a shape-shifting fox girl.

I would place this story in the upper MG/lower YA category, probably leaning a bit more toward YA--I couldn't resist it, though. Hopefully you'll forgive me this one time. If you love worlds of fantasy, you'll love this book. My 13-year-old and I both give it two thumbs up!

Happy Monday!

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday - Farworld Series by J. Scott Savage

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Water Keep (Farworld #1)

Land Keep (Farworld #2)

by J. Scott Savage

  

Goodreads Blurb (Farworld #1):

Other people may see thirteen-year-old Marcus Kanenas as an outcast and a nobody, but he sees himself as a survivor and a dreamer. In fact, his favorite dream is of a world far away, a world where magic is as common as air, where animals tell jokes, and where trees beg people to pick their fruit. He even has a name for this place-Farworld.

When Marcus magically travels to Farworld, he meets Kyja, a girl without magic in a world where spells, charms, and potions are everywhere, and Master Therapass, a master wizard who has kept a secret hidden for thirteen years, a secret that could change the fate of two worlds.

But the Dark Circle has learned of Master Therapass's secret and their evil influence and power are growing. Farworld's only hope is for Marcus and Kyja to find the mythical Elements-water, land, air, and fire-and convince them to open a drift between the worlds.

As Kyja and Marcus travel to Water Keep, they must face the worst the evil Dark Circle can throw at them--Summoners, who can command the living and the dead; Unmakers, invisible creatures that can destroy both body and soul; and dark mages known as Thrathkin S'Bae. Along the way, Marcus and Kyja will discover the truth about their own heritage, strength of their friendship, and the depths of their unique powers.

The Farworld series is a good one. There are currently two titles available: Water Keep and Land Keep, both of which are amazing stories. My 13 year old and I have read and enjoyed them both (him, several times!). I love the worlds and creatures Savage has created here, as well as the depth of the storyline. Layers of plot keep us riveted and guessing all the way through. These are a wonderful MG choice for readers ready for longer, more deeply developed stories. 

Happy Monday!

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday on Tuesday - Molly Moon

 Marvelous Middle Grade Tuesday

Molly Moon's Incredible Book of Hypnotism

by Georgia Byng

 

 

 From School Library Journal:

Orphan Molly Moon is unloved and unlovely. The other children pick on her, as do the mean-spirited women who run Hardwick House Orphanage. Molly occasionally escapes to the Briersville library to avoid them all. One day she finds a mysterious tome on hypnotism hidden in the stacks and discovers her real talent. With her newfound skill, she is able to change her luck and her life, getting out of the orphanage to win the local talent competition, and ending up in New York City, where she hypnotizes the entire city into making her a child star. However, evil Professor Nockman will stop at nothing to get the book. A flashy, holographic cover will attract readers.

Most of the characters within begin as caricatures, either very good or (more often) very, very bad. Their outlandish adventures are reminiscent of those of the Baudelaire siblings in Lemony Snicket's popular "A Series of Unfortunate Events" books (HarperCollins) with some big differences. Molly Moon's story doesn't match their clever and elegant way with words, but it does have something they lack-a satisfying and very moral ending. There is no cliff-hanger here, as Molly atones for the conniving and devious use of her skills, goes back to the orphanage to make amends, and even uses her talents to turn the worst of the bad guys into good guys. Recommend this lengthy novel to fans of Lemony Snicket's books and similar adventures.

 ~ Susan L. Rogers, Chestnut Hill Academy, PA

 Molly Moon is a truly adorable.series. I started collecting them for my daughter when she was a toddler. These books are full of humor, action, and unexpected plot twists. I also love the themes of friendship, responsibility, and all things important and good--but they aren't force fed, they unravel, which is wonderful. This is another stocking stuffer-approved MG treasure!

Happy Monday!

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday - The Last Apprentice

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

From School Library Journal  (Review at Amazon)

Grade 5-8

When 12-year-old Thomas, seventh son of a seventh son, is apprenticed to the local Spook, whose job is to fight evil spirits and witches, he expects a life of danger. However, the boy doesn't realize just how soon he'll face a powerful enemy alone, as Mother Malkin escapes her confinement while the Spook is away. Thomas is forced to use his wits, and the help of his enigmatic new friend, Alice, to fight the evil witch. And defeating her is only the start of the boy's problems. 

Delaney's characters are clearly presented and have realistic depth, and Thomas's mother and Alice stand out for their strong words and actions. The protagonist's voice is clear, and his conflicts over his actions ring true. This first entry in a proposed series is an excellent choice for readers who are looking for a more sophisticated alternative to R. L. Stine's Goosebumps books (Scholastic), and the pacing and edgy illustrations at the start of each chapter will appeal to reluctant readers. Delaney's rural, quasi-medieval world is populated by a variety of magic creatures, and readers will look forward to discovering more of them, along with Thomas, as the series continues. 

A solid choice, particularly for middle school boys.–Beth L. Meister, Pleasant View Elementary School, Franklin, WI 

I love this series - love it!  It's a bit dark and not one that should be read right before bed, but it's unique and fascinating and irresistibly compelling. I chose the review above because it is one of the best I've seen at capturing the feel of these books.  My son started reading them around 5th grade. He's in 8th grade now and still can't wait for the next book - and neither can I!  Give them a try.

Happy Monday!

Marvelous Middle grade monday - Tyger Tyger

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Tyger Tyger
by Kersten Hamilton

Goodreads Blurb:

Teagan Wylltson's best friend, Abby, dreams that horrifying creatures--goblins, shape-shifters, and beings of unearthly beauty but terrible cruelty--are hunting Teagan. Abby is always coming up with crazy stuff, though, so Teagan isn't worried. Her life isn't in danger. In fact, it's perfect. She's on track for a college scholarship. She has a great job. She's focused on school, work, and her future. No boys, no heartaches, no problems.

Until Finn Mac Cumhaill arrives. Finn's a bit on the unearthly beautiful side himself. He has a killer accent and a knee-weakening smile. And either he's crazy or he's been haunting Abby's dreams, because he's talking about goblins, too . . . and about being The Mac Cumhaill, born to fight all goblin-kind. Finn knows a thing or two about fighting. Which is a very good thing, because this time, Abby's right. The goblins are coming.

Kersten Hamilton is the author of several picture books and many middle grade novels. When she's not writing, she hunts dinosaurs in the deserts and badlands outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she lives. This is her first novel for young adults. For more about Kersten, please visit www.kerstenhamilton.com.

I loved this book. Kersten is a wonderful storyteller, and she easily had me in her spell with this story. It was unique and heartwarming and fun and suspenseful.  The Irish theme was absolutely magical - I could almost believe The Travelers are out there right now.

I would call this one an upper MG - to YA text. There was nothing in it I would question for an MG reader, but I know my MG son still shy's away from ANY HINT of romance. An MG girl, however, would probably adore it. 

Happy Monday!

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Dragonspell 

 By Donita K. Paul

Goodreads Blurb:

One Dragon Egg Holds the Key to the Future.

Once a slave, Kale is given the unexpected opportunity to become a servant to Paladin. Yet this young girl has much to learn about the difference between slavery and service.

A Desperate Search Begins…

A small band of Paladin’s servants rescue Kale from danger but turn her from her destination: The Hall, where she was to be trained. Feeling afraid and unprepared, Kale embarks on a perilous quest to find the meech dragon egg stolen by the foul Wizard Risto. First, she and her comrades must find Wizard Fenworth. But their journey is threatened when a key member of the party is captured, leaving the remaining companions to find Fenworth, attempt an impossible rescue, and recover the egg whose true value they have not begun to suspect…

Weaving together memorable characters, daring adventure, and a core of eternal truth, Dragonspell is a finely crafted and welcome addition to the corpus of fantasy fiction. 

Dragonspell is the first book in the DragonKeeper Chronicles series.  There are 5 total, and I was disappointed when they ended.  This is my favorite dragon series - no contest.  Kale is a wonderful character, one you will fall in love with immediately. Her dragons are adorable.  There are large dragons in this series, but Kale's are the size of kittens, and they each have magical properties and personalities.

These books can usually be found in the Christian fiction section of bookstores.  They have an amazing storyline with a powerful overall message. But even better than that, THEY ARE AWESOME!  Fun, playful, totally addictive!

If you love fantasy and dragons, this is a don't-miss series. 

Happy Monday! 

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday - Nerds: M is for Mama's Boy

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Nerds: M is for Mama's Boy 

by Michael Buckley

Goodreads Blurb:

In this second outing for the 5th grade super spies, Duncan Dewey, codename "Gluestick", is the point of view character. This time the group must fight a very unlikely villain - he still lives with his Mum. In other words, it's the NERDS against a nerd. 

Michael Buckley nailed middle grade humor in this book - big time! The super powers of the kids in book one were awesome.  Add some buck-toothed squirrels worshiping our buck-toothed hero-turned-villain and it's even more hilarious.  I found myself in awe of Michael's ability to somehow channel the imaginative energy of this age group.

After watching my son sit for hours, laughing hysterically and insisting on reading parts to his little sister, I knew I had to read this one.  All I can say is...no wonder it's such a hit! Upper elementary  kids (esp. boys) through jr. high aged are the perfect audience for this one.  I highly recommend it!

Happy Monday!

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday - The Candy Shop War

 

The  Candy Shop War

by Brandon Mull

Goodreads Blurb:

What if there were a place where you could get magical candy? Moon rocks that made you feel weightless. Jawbreakers that made you unbreakable. Or candy that gave animals temporary human intelligence and communication skills. (Imagine what your pet would say!) Four young friends, Nate, Summer, Trevor, and Pigeon, are befriended by Belinda White, the owner of a new candy shop on Main Street. However, the gray-haired, grandmotherly Mrs. White is not an ordinary candy maker. Her confections have magical side effects. Purposefully, she invites the kids on a special mission to retrieve a hidden talisman under Mt. Diablo Elementary School. However, Mrs. White is not the only magician in town in search of the ancient artifact rumored to be a fountain of youth. She is aware that Mr. Stott, the not-so-ordinary ice cream truck driver, has a few tricks of his own. 

Brandon Mull is one of my favorite authors.  He is best known for his Fablehaven series, but this one is another winner. Several years ago, shortly after the release of Candy Shop War, Brandon visited my son's school and did a signing at our local Borders.  The line looped through the store.  It was a big thing for us, because not a lot of authors visit Montana. He was wonderful - friendly and generous and truly patient with a store full of kiddos all clamoring for his attention.

Both my boys have read and loved this book - me, too!  

Happy Monday! 

No-Fail Boy Books

Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him.
—Maya Angelou

Chris Crutcher is an author truly beloved by most boys. I can't tell you how many non-readers I have watched become avid readers because of his books. He aims to hit boys where they live - to write about issues important to them in language they both use and understand.

Sadly, his books are often challenged for the very reasons boys love them - violence, language, real-life issues. As a teacher, I am bothered by that. As a writer, I am offended. We've talked a lot about where the line is drawn in terms of what is appropriate and inappropriate for YA literature. I can tell you, I have never considered Mr. Crutcher's books to be over the line. But I have watched in wonder as boys who won't even read Sports-Illustrated work their way through every single title and ask for more.

If you are looking for good books for high school aged boy readers (not for younger readers), I enthusiastically recommend any title by Chris Crutcher.

Click here to visit the Chris Crutcher author home page.