ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has a review of Fortune Tellers by Lisa Greenwald.
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Fortune Tellers
Best friends Bea, Millie, and Nora live in Manhattan and do everything together. This includes slumber parties, exploring the neighborhood, and making those hand-held paper fortune tellers to fill their time.
That is until they stopped talking to each after a squabble over who was invited to a birthday party. Then came the pandemic and the girls moved away.
Friendship over.
Or maybe not.
It’s the summer before seventh grade and although they occasionally check each other’s social media accounts, it has been over a year since they’ve talked. Without warning their paper fortune tellers they were so obsessed with begin to reappear for each girl. The advice on each written message brings them closer to getting back together.
Told in multiple viewpoints featuring each girl and several flashback chapters, Fortune Tellers is a look at how elementary school friendships often don’t stay that way. Middle school with its focus on popularity often changes the dynamics of best friends.
The chosen format of various viewpoints might be a bit challenging for new readers, but most advanced readers should have no problem. The secondary characters brought added interest to the story although Sam and Rodge’s problems never were fully explored or solved.
Fortune Tellers is a nice choice for upper elementary readers (especially girls) and by the end you might be hoping for a sequel.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: May 7, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 240
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: FORTUNE TELLERS by Lisa Greenwald
- The magical appearance of the paper fortune tellers makes for a wide open discussion as to how they kept reappearing. My guess was their former teacher planted them, but the answer is left up to the readers.
- The story demonstrates how social media has becomes a way to follow others even for upcoming middle school kids.
- Although the girls are brought back together it takes more than magic to reconnect in a positive way when hurt feelings are a part of the equation.
- Rodge is worried that his family’s reliance on donated food will have him targeted in middle school. Millie helps him see otherwise in a nice exchange of feelings.
- Many kids adore previous Lisa Greenwald books so Fortune Tellers will be a popular addition to school libraries.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
LISA GREENWALD is the author of the Pink & Green series, Reel Life Starring Us, and Sweet Treats & Secret Crushes. She works in the library at the Birch Wathen Lenox School in Manhattan. She is a graduate of the New School’s MFA program in writing for children and lives in Manhattan. Visit her online at lisagreenwald.com. Follow her on Twitter at @lisagreenwald and on Instagram at @lisanngreenwald. (Learn more about Lisa in this interesting self-question interview format)
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MAKE YOUR MARK, MAKE A DIFFERNCE
All of us including kids are bombarded with the many problems facing our society and world. Young people are often passionate about certain issues but don’t know how to help make things better.
MAKE YOUR MARK, MAKE A DIFFERENCE is an easy to follow guide that will empower kids to become problem solvers and activists for the issues effecting us all. These include justice for animals, safeguarding our environment, bringing peace to our world, equity among all people and poverty issues.
It doesn’t matter whether your voice is loud or quiet, this guide will lead the way in choosing an issue (there’s a handy quiz to get you started). Readers will find various ways to become active.
The layout is perfect for ages 10 and up. I was so impressed with what this guide offers I agreed to endorse the book in the opening pages:
A comprehensive look at how kids can be confident leaders while pursuing change within a variety of important worldly issues. Joan Marie Galat provides readers with an abundance of excellent ideas for activism along with positive and thoughtful steps to achieve their goals.
What more can I say except that this would make an excellent gift for any budding activist!
For more about Joan and her more than 25 books, be sure to visit her author web page.
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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.
It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. All you have to do is email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com
Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
MMGM for APRIL 29, 2024
ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has a review of THE SECRETS OF THE KELIMUTU VOLCANO: THE RISE OF GOLDEN GARUDA by Hamsa Buvaraghan; Riya and Eesha Saniay.
Brenda @ Log Cabin Library reviews Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol – a graphic novel.
Sue Heavenrich has a STEAM story for middle grade readers over at Archimedes Notebook this week: The Unlikely Hero: The Story of Wolf 8 (A Young Readers’ Edition) by Rick McIntyre
Valinora Troy shares her thoughts on Gargoyles: Guardians of the Source, book 1 in a new trilogy from Tamsin Mori.
Jennifer Rummel reviews Mystery of the Locked Rooms.
Max @ COMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF recommends Puzzled: A Memoir about Growing Up with OCD by Pan Cooke.
Kasey Girard @ The Story Sanctuary reviews a graphic novel, The Dark Times by Tim Probert, book three in the Lightfall series.
Rosi Holinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of WALTER STEPS UP TO THE PLATE by Sue Houser. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.
Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has an MMGM book to share every day. Be sure to check out her MMGM selection for this week along with last Friday’s selection of a KEEPER.
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If you would like to join in the MMGM fun and get your own spot in the parade, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count–but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you’re featuring and a link to your blog at gpcolo (at) gmail (dot) com
(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
THE SECRET OF THE KELIMUTU VOLCANO
An engaging fantasy set in Indonesia’s Flores Island. Young Aisha is a cursed child. The Kelimutu Volcano erupted when she was born and destroyed her hometown of Muni on the island of Flores. Prophecy claims it will happen again when she turns ten, just one month away.
Aisha and younger sister, Liya, bravely try and save their town. This includes a dangerous journey up the slopes of Kelimutu and gathering evidence from the towns residents and a temporary tent camp.
The thrilling ending has Aisha attempting the impossible by stopping the flow of lava before it is too late. Will she be able to find the magic that others in her family already have to put a happy end to her fears?
Ten stunningly beautiful full page illustrations are interspersed among the 34 chapters. The ending sets up an enticing continuation of the story set in the 1950s. Perfect as a read-aloud, THE SECRET OF THE KELIMUTU VOLCANO-The Rise of the Golden Garuda, is the first book in the series. It’s a welcome tale about family and finding your calling.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: March 5, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 184
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT THE SECRETS OF THE KELIMUTU VOLCANO by Hamsa Buvaraghan, Riya & Eesha Sanjay
- The connection between the three generations of grandmother, mom, and daughters, all powerful healers, were my favorite parts of the story.
- The beautiful island in Indonesian provided a unique setting for a MG book. Adding in the fantasy element made it an even more enjoyable read.
- The third person narration and short chapters will appeal to new middle grade readers.
- Aisha’s jealousy of her younger sister’s magical ability was a great inner-conflict added to the story line.
- What a perfect and memorable connection for Hamsa and her daughters to write this book together. A loving family for sure.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR AND CO-AUTHORS
Hamsa Buvaraghan is an Indo-Canadian residing in Bay Area, California, with her husband and two daughters, Riya and Eesha. The idea for her book spawned from her experiences with Indonesian children when she volunteered with a nonprofit called Indonesia Street Children Organization. She writes multicultural fantasy novels that explore themes of racial diversity, courage, family, and friendship. Hamsa is a technology leader at Google and also writes business technology books. She holds a Master of Business Administration with honors in global management and a Bachelor of Engineering in computer science.
Connect with Hamsa at hamsabuvaraghan.com.
Riya Sanjay is a sixth grader residing in Bay Area, California. Her interests include creative writing, piano (level 7), karate, and basketball. In her free time, she tinkers with STEM projects.
Eesha Sanjay is a junior high school student residing in Bay Area, California, currently studying for her IB Diploma.
She holds a black belt in martial arts. Her other interests include music (piano, level 10), creative writing, and theatre. She is interested in pursuing biomedical engineering and pre- medicine.
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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW!
BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!
MIA MADISON, CEO
The HOPSCOTCH GIRLS enterprise was started by a mom frustrated by what gifts were available for girls. The company presented their first product, I Am Confident, Brave & Beautiful: A Coloring Book for Girls, back in 2017 that has now sold over 1.3 million copies.
Now we have a fiction series starring the endearing Mia Madison:
Mia has made a name for herself at her school as an entrepreneur after launching not one, but two, successful businesses. Now her classmates need her help with their own ventures, and Mia must put her problem-solving skills to the test. Whether she’s helping them get their business off the ground, work with customers, or invent new problem-solving products, Mia is sure to teach them all something new.
However, Mia soon finds that juggling her businesses, schoolwork, and friends can be a challenge. With the help of her CEO mom, Mia tackles her friends’ problems (and her own) head-on and teaches them, and readers, the ins-and-outs of running a successful kid business.
The 20 chapters are narrated by Mia in an entertaining and thought provoking fashion. Her first two businesses, PACK SOME PUNCH Not Just Lemonade stand and HAVE A NICE VACATION PET SITTING SERVICES have been going great. Mia’s newest, KidBizTips, has encountered a few bumps in the road. Her multiple jobs along with school work are overwhelming and causing problems both with family and friends.
Mia Madison, CEO will mostly appeal to girls though I wouldn’t totally exclude boys as potential readers. Two male characters provide both positive and negative conflict. Girls though will be empowered to start their own business and at the least be given the confidence that they can do anything in life given the opportunity.
Hopscotch Girls presents Mia Madison, CEO is a much needed addition to the bookshelves both at home and at school. A fun and inspiring read for sure.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR, ILLUSTRATOR
Kathryn Holmes grew up in Maryville, Tennessee, and now lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband, daughter, and piles upon piles of books. A graduate of The New School’s MFA in Creative Writing program, she works as a freelance dance journalist, among other writing gigs.
Luna Valentine is a Polish children’s book illustrator. She has been drawing her whole life and began sharing her passion with the world in 2019. When she’s not illustrating her next book, she spends all her time with her 3 rabbits: Donatello, Mosser, and Peach, who often steal and hide her pencils.
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Get ready for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday! Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.
It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. All you have to do is email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com
Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews
Tagged Mia Madison CEO, Middle grade contemporary
Leave a comment
MMGM for APRIL 22, 2024
ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has a review of SUNNY PARKER IS HERE TO STAY by Margaret Finnegan.
Brenda @ Log Cabin Library reviews The Climate Diaries Book One: The Academy by Aaron Arsenault.
Kim Aippersbach is with us again, featuring DUET by Elise Broach.
Sue Heavenrich has a cool MG nonfiction STEM adventure…The Lost Forest: An Unexpected Discovery beneath the Waves, by Jennifer Swanson.
Jennifer Rummel reviews Something Like Home by Andrea Beatriz Arango.
Susan Uhlig loved BENEATH THE SWIRLING SKY by Carolyn Leiloglou and illustrated by Vivienne To and is really looking forward to the sequels!
Maria Antonia found a book about a solar eclipse: Now You Say Yes by Bill Harley
Kasey Girard @ The Story Sanctuary is excited to share the MG graphic novel called Fake Chinese Sounds by Jing Jing Tsong.
Rosi Holinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of THE BATBOY AND THE UNBREAKABLE BAT. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.
Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has an MMGM book to share every day. Be sure to check out her MMGM selection for this week along with last Wednesday’s selection of a few realistic fiction titles.
And a few more:
Valinora Troy has The Haunting of Lake Lucy by Sandy Deutscher Green (MG Horror in verse).
Max @Completely Full Bookshelf spotlights three indie bookstores in Texas.
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If you would like to join in the MMGM fun and get your own spot in the parade, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count–but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you’re featuring and a link to your blog at gpcolo (at) gmail (dot) com
(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
SUNNY PARKER IS HERE TO STAY
Sunny Parker and her dad live at the Del Mar Apartments, an affordable housing option for low income residents. Dad is the manager and fix- it-man, although it might take him some time to complete a repair request with three floors of apartments.
Sunny loves the Del Mar and helps her dad by cleaning up areas like the laundry room. Her best friend Haley also lives there and many of the other apartment dwellers are some of her favorite people. That wouldn’t include old Sourpuss Scanlon. Sunny believes the tale that if you talk to her you are cursed.
When the city proposes building another affordable housing unit at the site of an abandoned school, Sunny begins to realize rich people living in big houses nearby don’t like the idea. Having more poor people is not a good thing for their town and brings down the values of their own homes.
Sunny never thought of herself as poor and worries about going to middle school and being labeled that way. With the help of Haley and a few other of her Del Mar friends, Sunny is determined to change the way others feel. Dad wants her to stay low and not bring attention to their apartment complex. Let the conflict begin!
Sunny narrates the tale and although it is not intended to be a fast moving, full of action type story, Sunny is a winning main character that you will remember. She brings her sunny personality to every conflict, always trying to understand others. The diverse cast of characters is also a plus.
Be sure to not miss the authors note as she details her own experience growing up at an affordable housing unit. SUNNY PARKER IS HERE TO STAY serves as a perfect starting point for reflection and discussion about different income levels.
PAGE COUNT: 288 BOOK BIRTHDAY: April 23, 2024
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT SUNNY PARKER IS HERE TO STAY by Margaret Finnegan
- The change in each character was portrayed nicely. That includes an abused female resident, Sunny’s Dad, and Sourpuss Scanlon who turns out to be not such a sourpuss.
- Seeing a neighborhood quite different from their own will enlighten readers. Although I was too young to remember, my parents managed an affordable apartment complex before moving to a small house. They had many wonderful and scary stories to tell.
- The thoughts Sunny has about her Dad being a coward were heartbreaking, but the end result brought hope to the situation.
- Standing up for what you believe in and having your voice heard is an important and memorable part of the plot.
- This will appeal to an upper elementary school audience and the issues brought forth are a great starting point towards openness and understanding towards others.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
| Margaret Finnegan is the author of the Junior Library Guild Selections New Kids and Underdogs, We Could Be Heroes, and Susie B. Won’t Back Down. Her other work has appeared in FamilyFun, the Los Angeles Times, Salon, and other publications. She lives in South Pasadena, California, where she enjoys spending time with her family, walking her dog, and baking really good chocolate cakes. Visit her online at MargaretFinnegan.com. |
Instagram:
Margaret Finnegan: @finneganbegin
Atheneum/S&S: @simonKIDS
Blue Slip Media: @blue_slip_media
Facebook:
Margaret Finnegan: @Margaret Finnegan
Atheneum/S&S: @SimonKIDS
Blue Slip Media: @blue-slip-media
Twitter/X:
Margaret Finnegan: N/A
Little Simon/S&S: @SimonKIDS
Blue Slip Media: @blueslipper & @barbfisch
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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW!
BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!
THE CLIMATE DIARIES: BOOK ONE-The Academy
Four kids are recruited to be a part of the Climate Action Taskforce, a group that enlists bright young minds to help solve the climate crisis. The story blends in information about climate change throughout the 32 chapters.
Front and center is main character, Jax. He is the most self-centered, obnoxious, and unlikable MG character ever created. It’s his way or watch out as he will retaliate. Luckily, by the final pages there is a hint of a different side to Jax that I hope will continue into book 2.
Coming in a close second in this not so enduring category is Grace. She is at odds with Jax from the start. Helping balance the behavior of these two are the gracious, Kylie from Australia and August, the computer genius. They want to work together as a team rather than undermine each other. Their efforts come up a bit short given the strong personalities of Jax and Grace.
These four very different personalities are spending the summer on an unknown island, home of the CAT Academy. The plot moves along at a fine pace and the quick, surprising ending sets up the next book in an intriguing way. Learning about climate change in this format embeds important details as to what we are doing to our planet. Not to be missed is the author’s note as he delves deeper into how anyone can be more involved in change.
THE CLIMATE DIARIES-THE ACADEMY should appeal to young readers and is the perfect title for Earth Day on April 22nd.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aaron Arsenault is a citizen of Mother Earth, a climate-tech industry veteran, and a concerned dad. His passion for the environment coupled with a lack of inspirational material for young readers on the topic influenced him to become a writer of climate fiction. When he’s not writing, Aaron enjoys the outdoors, playing guitar, painting, and planning his next adventure. Aaron studied children’s writing and illustration as a postgraduate at the University of Toronto. He lives with his family and a goofy goldendoodle in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Find out more about him at his website: www.aaronarsenault.com.
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Get ready for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday! Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.
It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. All you have to do is email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com
Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews
Tagged Aaron Arsenault, The Climate Diaries The Academy
1 Comment
MMGM for APRIL 15, 2024
ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has a review of JUST LIKE CLICK plus an author interview with SANDY GRUBB.
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has a review of Finally Heard by Kelly Yang with a book giveaway.
Brenda @ Log Cabin Library reviews Sunny Parker Is Here to Stay by Margaret Finnegan.
Patricia Tilton @ Children’s Books Heal has a review of Hoops by Matt Tavare, a Lupine Award winner
Maria Antonia has a post about Slugfest by Gordon Korman.
Kasey Girard @ The Story Sanctuary shares I Like Helping People… What Jobs Are There? by Amanda Learmonth and Elise Gagnet (That’s a Job? Series).
Valinora Troy is back this week with a review of THE SECRET OF THE MOONSHARD by Struan Murray.
Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has an MMGM book to share every day. Be sure to check out her MMGM selection for this week along with last Friday’s THE OTHER SIDE OF PERFECT.
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Always in the Middle... 