Marvelous Middle Grade Monday with The Heartbreak Kid, #Cybils and Some Housekeeping

Hey all! I am back and ready to roll with blogging at my new spot, "My Library Notebook". I kind of messed up how I made the switch so I know some of you are wondering where my blog disappeared to! I re-directed my domain back to my host servers. It is now  going to function as my author website, www.debamarshall.com . Have non-fiction middle grade book on Russia coming out with Weigl Publishers so just making preparations for that.

ALSO--this fall I start my dream job which is running a school library. Hence the "My Library Notebook". Thought when I did the nifty switcharoo, you would all still be pointed to this blog. NOPE. So, here I is at mylibrarynotebook@blogspot.ca

CYBILS are here, they are here! Love this time of year.

Applications are open for Cybils Judges! Please do go read the requirements and if you think you are a fit, apply. Don't think it is not possible, or that you are not qualified. If you love children's literature, read it, blog about it, review it, this could be for you. And if you are not successful the first or second time, apply again. That is what I did. Now, lots and lots of reading is required as a first round judge...you will be giving over your live for a couple of months. But let me tell you it is so worth it to be part of a team of professionals who are just as passionate about finding the best of the best when it comes to high kid appeal with the kind of literary quality that makes you go...whoa.

Finally, it is Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Boy I love this day and so appreciate that decided that Middle Grade deserved a special day. Speaking of Marvelous Midde Grade, watch for announcements coming this fall and winter about The March of the Middle Grade, formerly hosted by Jill at the Owl. This 2014 it will be Akoss and myself taking it over.
Shannon Messenger

My suggested read for this Monday is The Heartbreak Messenger by Alexander Vance. Watch this book trailer:




Read this blurb from Goodreads: Twelve-year-old Quentin never asked to be "The Heartbreak Messenger," it just kind of happened - and he's not one to let a golden opportunity pass him by. The valuable communications service he offers is simple: he delivers break-up messages. For a small fee, he will deliver such a message to your soon-to-be ex-girlfriend. If you order the deluxe package, he'll even throw in some flowers and a box of chocolates...well, you don't want to leave a girl completely alone.

At first, Quentin's entrepreneurial brainchild is surprisingly successful. But as he interacts with clients and message recipients, from the teary-eyed football player to the dangerously powerful soccer chick, it doesn't take him long to start wondering whether his business will create negative repercussions in how life, especially for his relationship with his long-time best friend Abigail. Quentin discovers the game of love and the emotions that go with it are as complicated as they come - even for an almost innocent bystander.

And let me tell you this one if filled with heart and funny and believable kid characters who are on the cusp of becoming teens, but still very much middle graders. This is a book I could easily hand to a boy or girl. At first I was concerned that the cover might be something I'd have to talk a boy into taking, but after seeing the video and taking a second look at it, that could just be me-either way I am totally book talking this one.  Heck, I will even quote the author if I have to. From his website:

Don't let the pastel hearts on the cover of this book fool you. It's chock full of manly chest-thumping testosterone. Heck, I cry every time I read it.

​

I mean, I laugh.

​

Laugh every time I read it.

​

Laugh until I cry. Yeah...that's it.

Have one young summer reading club member (boy) who I am pretty sure will love this. He is a fan of Gordon Kormon, Louis B. Sacher and Gary D. Schmidt.  I am saying he and many others will be a fan of Alexander Vance!

Until next Monday all!