The joy of Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Lots of wonderful happening in the world of books and reading everyday of the week, but one of my favorites has always been Monday. Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday, that is.

How can you not love a day devoted to the amazing that is middle-grade. Because my school is a 7-12 I still have many students who are still reading middle-grade and that makes me all kinds of happy. I used to blog quite regularly on this day about some of my favorite recent reads and as I tip-toe back into blogging, it is part of the plan to do so again. And with more detailed reasons on why I love the books I do and what middle-grade is popular at my school. 

My Writing and Book Clubs and NANOWRIMO

I am spending the month NANOWRIMO-ing with the students in my writing and book clubs and just have to stop mid trying to write today to say how awesome they are. Yesterday we hosted and read and write in after school. We read and wrote for three hours. Their focus and commitment inspired me and that is what I am using today to get me writing something/anything. Recalling the sounds of keys tapping, pages turn and the occasional crunch and chew of the provided snacks is helping and putting a smile on my face.

After school this Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday I will be staying at in Learning Commons until 5:00 o'clock each day and have invited my NANOWRIMO-er's to stay and write, too. Heck, if there are students looking for a space to relax and catch up on homework or just looking for a nice space to just sit and read they are invited, too. As are teachers who may be marking and who are wanting a change of space. Is this a master plan for us to grow the numbers of our club? What? Moi? Do something like that?

As I continue to find search out my writer self and figure out where the heck she went to and who she became I count myself rather lucky to work with the Cobra Writing and Book Clubs of WCCHS. Inspiring is a word that comes to mind.

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday-The Girl in the Well is Me by Karen Rivers

You know you're going to love a book when you start:

- thinking of students that you can share it with right away.

-looking for people to read it aloud to because there are laugh out loud moments, profound moments and moments of heartbreak.

-highlighting something on almost every page because you love what the author wrote.

And the book? The Girl in the Well is Me by Karen Rivers.

From Goodreads:

Newcomer Kammie Summers has fallen into a well during a (fake) initiation into a club whose members have no intention of letting her join. Now Kammie’s trapped in the dark, growing increasingly claustrophobic, and waiting to be rescued—or possibly not.

As hours pass, the reality of Kammie’s predicament mixes with her memories of the highlights and lowlights of her life so far, including the reasons her family moved to this new town in the first place. And as she begins to run out of oxygen, Kammie starts to imagine she has company, including a French-speaking coyote and goats that just might be zombies. 

It's heart-wrenchingly good and I know many a student will relate on a personal level because it that speaks to our need to find friends and fit in. It's also a page-turner and not just because the main character is stuck in a well and you want to know if the mean girls who put her in that position are actually going to get help. Kammie's backstory is just as compelling and you slowly find out everything that happened that brings Kammie to this point. Recommended and then some.

More Marvelous Middle Grade Monday posts HERE! Happy Reading all.

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday-Far From Fair by Elana K. Arnold

Again, I seem to be working on finding the time to find the time to get my weekly posts written! BUT, I shall persevere because there are just some books that need sharing. Far From Fair by Elana K. Arnold is one of those books. Such a compelling and amazing read about embracing change even when that change can be mighty painful. 

From Goodreads:Odette has a list: Things That Aren’t Fair. At the top of the list is her parents’ decision to take the family on the road in an ugly RV they’ve nicknamed the Coach. There’s nothing fair about leaving California and living in the Coach with her par­ents and exasperating brother. And there’s definitely nothing fair about Grandma Sissy’s failing health, and the painful realities and difficult decisions that come with it. Most days it seems as if everything in Odette’s life is far from fair but does it have to be?

The author takes on a difficult topic head on and shares it in a story with a believable and heartfelt character that will stay with you long after you read the last page. And there are turns of phrases in there that I would stop and re-read. Yes, sometimes life is not fair, but like Grandma Sissy says it's what you do with that unfairness that is important. There are many layers to this book and it is those many layers that will appeal to a broad range of students and allow me the opportunities to created conversations and connections that are so vital to working in my school. 

Happy Marvelous Middle Grade Monday all! For more of the fabulous head on back to Shannon Messenger's where she so kindly gathers all our links. 

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday and more with #IMWAYR

It's Marvelous Middle Grade Monday and it's also Family Day here in Alberta. To that end, I thought I would share a couple of my grandson's all-time favourites.  Both were novel studies at school and he has LOVED them ever since (he's ten). In fact he also has them on Audible and has listened and re-listened to them over and over...and over.

William has just received the best present of his life—an old, real-looking stone and wooden model of a castle, with a drawbridge, a moat, and a fingerhigh knight to guard the gates. It’s the mysterious castle his housekeeper has told him about, and even though William is sad she’s leaving, now the castle is his! William can’t wait to play with the castle—he’s certain there’s something magical about it. And sure enough, when he picks up the tiny silver knight, it comes alive in his hand! Sir Simon tells William a mighty story of wild sorcery, wizards, and magic. And suddenly William is off on a fantastic quest to another land and another time—where a fiery dragon and an evil wizard are waiting to do battle. (Goodreads) 

In other Marvelous Middle Grade Monday news I am here to recommend you pick up Baker's Magic by Diane Zahler. I read the e-ARC from Ne Galley.

More from Goodreads:

Bee is an orphan, alone in a poor, crumbling kingdom. In desperation, she steals a bun from a bakery, and to her surprise, the baker offers her a place at his shop. As she learns to bake, Bee discovers that she has a magical power. When a new friend desperately needs her help against an evil mage, Bee wonders what an orphan girl with only a small bit of magic can do. Bee's journey to help her friend becomes a journey to save the kingdom, and a discovery of the meaning of family.

I fell in love with Bee from the first page because I felt her desperation and hunger and I so wanted her to be taken in and cared for. In other words the story grabbed my heart. The uniqueness of her magical power is wonderfully developed and I quite enjoyed seeing how she used it. Add to that a cast of well developed secondary characters who you care for just as much as Bee and this makes for a heart felt read. Needless to say the adventure Bee and her friends end up going on takes it to the next level that will keep young readers turning the page.

Now. On to the more....I've just started taking part in IT'S MONDAY! WHAT ARE YOU READING? This is the Children and Young Adult version.  Only had one book adventure last week (see above).

Have a few more planned this week as we are on a break. They include:

That's it from me. Happy Reading everyone!

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday-The World Beneath by Janice Warman

Had a great weekend of catching up with reading arcs from NetGalley.

One of those reads included The World Beneath by Janice Warman. I was pulled in from the beginning and as the story progressed I found myself turning the pages faster and faster. There were times when I was holding my breath as I wondered what the end of a scene would bring my way. Joshua is a relatable,  living breathing boy who goes from being protected from knowing the truth of what is happening on the streets to having his eyes slowly opened to the harsh realities of what it meant for those who took a stand against apartheid. Even as I read I knew this was one I would like to have in my library and not just for Black History Month. It's a year-round book talker. Well, all the books I highlight during this month at our school are year-rounders. BUT, I digress. Here's more on the book:

From Goodreads:

At the rise of South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle, a boy must face life decisions that test what he believes—and call for no turning back.

South Africa, 1976. Joshua lives with his mother in the maid’s room, in the backyard of their wealthy white employers’ house in the city by the sea. He doesn’t quite understand the events going on around him. But when he rescues a stranger and riots begin to sweep the country, Joshua has to face the world beneath—the world deep inside him—to make heartbreaking choices that will change his life forever. Genuine and quietly unflinching, this beautifully nuanced novel from a veteran journalist captures a child’s-eye view of the struggle that shaped a nation and riveted the world. 

When sharing this one I will give some historical background. Their teacher will have done that to a certain degree, but between me and the book that knowledge can be deepened into an even more meaningful and empathetic way. The power of story!

Head on back to Shannon Messenger's Ramblings of a Wannabe Scribe where she kindly gathers all the Marvelous Middle Grade Monday links for us. 

And if you are looking for even more great recommendations check out:

I plan on joining in on this meme in more detail (as in, share more of my week and weekend reads!) beginning next week. Ta for now!

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday-8th Grade Super-Zero by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich

Happy first day of February all and...Happy Marvelous Middle Grade Monday!

In Canada we are celebrating Black History Month. This Thursday I will be book talking related materials for our Grade 8 ELA students. One of those books will be 8th Grade Super-Zero by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich.

It's one I'm looking forward to sharing and one I recommend you check out if you have not already. I am thinking many of you have already read it as it was published in 2010. For me, it was one of those books forever on my TBR list and it was about time I got it read.

More from Goodreads:  since a deeply unfortunate incident earlier this year, Reggie's been known as "Pukey" McKnight at his high-intensity Brooklyn middle school. He wants to turn his image around, but he has other things on his mind as well: his father, who's out of a job; his best friends, Ruthie and Joe C.; his former best friend Donovan, who's now become a jerk; and of course, the beautiful Mialonie. The elections for school president are coming up, but with his notorious nickname and "nothing" social status, Reggie wouldn't stand a chance, if he even had the courage to run. 

Not only will students find many things to relate to in this one, many will also get a glimpse into a part inner-city life they will not be as familiar with. I found it a believable and heart-filled tale I am sure will find a good match with the students who choose to sign it out...for this month's book study or just as a great contemporary middle grade read about trying to fit in after a disastrous first day of school. For more great Middle Grade recommendations head on back to Shannon Messenger's Ramblings of a Wannabe Scribe.

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday-Secrets of Valhalla by Jasmine Richards

Happy Middle-Grade Monday all!  Loved this one.

Secrets of Valhalla by Jasmine Richards

From Goodreads:  Two friends awaken a world of myth and magic in this clever middle-grade fantasy perfect for fans of Rick Riordan and Anne Ursu.

It’s not every day that you find a famous weatherwoman bound by magic to a tree deep in the woods. Or discover that the weatherwoman is, in fact, Sunna, the Norse Goddess of the Sun, and one of the seven-day guardians who keep time in order. But that’s just what happens to new friends Buzz and Mary—and it’s only the start of their adventure.

Now, as the people of Earth are forced to repeat the same Saturday over and over again, Buzz and Mary must journey to collect the Runes of Valhalla and awaken the other day guardians, before vengeful god Loki can get to them first.

Last week I was bought this book on its book birthday (oh the joy of e-books!), read it, will be getting it as I continue to work on developing my library's middle-grade collection. The author pulls you immediately into the story and keeps you turning those pages. Not only that, there was an ease of reading that was not bogged now by the all important details needed to ensure enough is known about Norse Mythology.  Speaking of that mythology, I just love how the author had it manifest itself in the real world with sleeping gods and a town and characters with secrets galore and a boy who doesn't think he's smart enough. The unexpected twist (well, those usually are unexpected) was well played and totally believable. Must say, I love it when an author has you thinking you've guessed something (a big something) and you are a little bit right but the real truth is a whoa moment. This is one I know is going to be a favorite. 

As always, if you are looking for more MMGM, head back to Shannon Messenger's blog!

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday-The Goblin's Puzzle by Andrew S. Chilton

Hello and Happy MMGM all. Today is all about The Goblin's Puzzle :Being the Adventure of a Boy With No Name and Two Girls Named Alice by Andrew S. Chilton. I read the ARC from Net Galley and am looking forward to putting the actual book in students hands. Thinking they are going to like (and appreciate!)the cast of characters, the wit, the humour, the magic, the adventure and how the author weaves it all together.

From Goodreads:

Brimming with dragons, goblins, and logic puzzles, this middle-grade fantasy adventure is perfect for readers who enjoyed The Princess Bride or Rump.

THE BOY is a nameless slave on a mission to uncover his true destiny.
THE GOBLIN holds all the answers, but he’s too tricky to be trusted.
PLAIN ALICE is a bookish peasant girl carried off by a confused dragon.
And PRINCESS ALICE is the lucky girl who wasn’t kidnapped.

All four are tangled up in a sinister plot to take over the kingdom, and together they must face kind monsters, a cruel magician, and dozens of deathly boring palace bureaucrats. They’re a ragtag bunch, but with strength, courage, and plenty of deductive reasoning, they just might outwit the villains and crack the goblin’s puzzle.

As I read I am sure I was constantly smiling and laughing out loud. The wit and humour (as I know I've already mentioned) in this was fabulous. Had many a moment of thinking that not only is this a great middle grade fantasy for recommending to my grade seven and eight students (I'm in a 7-12 school) but it is one I would love to read out loud. So many favorite moments. One of the most favorite is the conversation between Ludwig (dragon) and Plain Alice (mistaken Princess) and how they each see the world. And Ludwig in general...just love that dragon. Add this to your TBR if you've not already done so.

This book and all books I read this year will be part of my #Read16in16 adventure which I am doing with staff and students at my school (#cobrasread!) and also part of #sixtybooks. Going to be a fun reading year. Well, it's always a fun reading year...

Looking for more Marvelous Middle Grade to add to your TBR pile? Check out these MMGM links provided by Shannon Messenger!

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday-Alistair Grim's Oddaquaticum by Gregory Funaro

Time for the second Marvelous Middle Grade Monday of 2016. Hope everyone is enjoy their so far reading this year. I know I certainly am!

As I am typing this up I am anticipating tomorrow's Live Webcast of ALA's Youth Media Awards. Happily I should be able to watch it all before heading to work.

This week it's all about Gregory Funaro's  ALISTAIR GRIM'S ODDAQUATICUM

From Goodreads: When Grubb, an orphan and runaway chimney sweep, entered the wondrous world of the Odditorium, his life changed forever. Apprenticed to the mechanical marvel’s strange proprietor, Alistair Grim, Grubb unfortunately must settle into his new position on the lam, as the whole of London is convinced that Alistair Grim is a villain bent on mass destruction. Grim, however, has come up with a plan to expose the real villain: Prince Nightshade, a wicked necromancer who wants the Odditorium’s power source for himself.

With the evil prince hot on their trail, Grim, Grubb and the rest of the Odditorium's crew embark on a perilous adventure to find the legendary sword Excalibur: the only weapon capable of penetrating Nightshade's magical suit of armor. As expected, their quest turns out to be anything but ordinary. Not only can the Odditorium fly, but it can also swim! And so the crew battens down the hatches and sets off on an underwater voyage to the otherworldly realm of Avalon, home to Excalibur. Along the way, they must battle a banshee assassin, sea monsters, and a witch who seeks revenge on Alistair Grim for stealing her magical objects.

But that’s not all. Unbeknownst to Grubb and the others, their fate has been written in an ancient Avalonian prophecy—a prophecy that holds the key to a destiny not even Alistair Grim could have possibly imagined. 

I received a copy of this via Net Galley. Here's what I wrote when I was done:

The author has yet again let loose with his imagination and crafted a story filled with characters and settings young readers will love. Glad to be adding book two to our collection and certainly looking forward to more adventures  from Grubb, his father and all their companions.

To that I will add that I am impressed that the author can blend together so many different fantastical elements and make it work. Something for everyone without leaving you with a feeling it is too much. Naturally, I now await book three!

Don't forget to head back to Shannon Messenger's for more Marvellous Middle Grade Monday links!

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday, #Read16in16, #Sixtybooks

2016 here we are! I am getting back into the blogging swing of things.

To start the year off I am taking part in #Read16in16 & #Sixtybooks.

You can find out more about #Read16in16 at 1000 Conversations. And more about #Sixtybooks at
Sixty Books!

With 2016 upon me I am also looking forward to catching up with the Marvelous Middle Grade Monday crew. Seems only right, then, that my first read for the above challenges is a fantasitic fantasy called Odditorium by Gregory Funara.

From Goodreads: Grubb, age twelve (or thereabouts), has never known anything beyond his miserable existence as a chimney sweep, paid only in insults and abuse by his cruel master. All of that changes the day he stows away in the coach belonging to a mysterious guest at the inn that he is tasked with cleaning. Grubb emerges from Alistair Grim's trunk and into the wondrous world of the Odditorium. Fueled by a glowing blue energy that Grubb can only begin to understand, the Odditorium is home to countless enchanted objects and an eccentric crew that embraces Grubb as one of their own. There's no time for Grubb to settle into his new role as apprentice to the strange, secretive Mr. Grim. When the Odditorium comes under attack, Grubb is whisked off on a perilous adventure. Only he can prevent the Odditorium's magic from falling into evil hands—and his new family from suffering a terrible fate. Grubb knows he's no hero. He's just a chimney sweep. But armed with only his courage and wits, Grubb will confront the life-or-death battle he alone is destined to fight.

A delightful read that wonderful captures the England of Dickens. The voice of Grubb is the perfect vehicle to tell this story. I swear I heard that boy talking in my head. Looking forward to booktalking this one. And especially delighted that I can see so many tie-ins for the study unit that grade seven does on The Christmas Carol and Victorian England. A bonus on a book I would book talk irregardless!

I am halfway through book two in this series which comes out tomorrow. More on that next week.

Happy Reading in 2016 all! And...Happy Marvelous Middle Grade Monday! Looking for mor MMGM reads? Head on back to Shannon Messenger's Blog...