Marvelous Middle Grade Read-a-thon-Day 2#

Hope you are all enjoy your reading! I must say I am. Really looking forward to the weekend, too. That's when I have two solid days for reading, reading, reading.

I started MY VERY UNFAIRY TALE LIFE by Anna Staniszweski. Oh my, funny! Opening scene with her running from what appear to be killer unicorns and her attempted conversation (NAY, does that mean neigh as in a horse neigh or nay as in no?) with them had me totally hooked. Honestly, I think the cover will sell the book, but I'd also read that scene to really hook 'em in. If you were doing a library visit and had multiple copies you could share, I'd take them...more than one person will want this one.

Also reading, THE FAMILIARS (my signed copy btw...eek!) by Adam Jay Epstein and Andrew Jacobson. You can go here to read an excerpt. Adore Aldwynn oh yes I do. If I ever get another catty-guess the name he will have!

Quick Notes 'n' Links:

-Yesterday's Round-Up
-More about #mgreadathon and sign up (still time)
-NEW-will add your name into the draws for giveaways for each day you report in and share your lists, your recommends, where you are at, too! 

Middle Grade Read-a-thon-Day One Round Up

Really enjoyed this first day of the read-a-thon. Tween work and blogging I got one book read and it was a gooder.  BIGGER THAN A BREAD BOX by Laurel Snyder. I will be sharing this with the middle grade book club at my old library.

My Booktalk : 12 year old Rebecca will be completely relatable-trying to figure out her place in the world  and trying to do it after her mom leaves her dad. Fitting in at her new school, dealing with her anger towards her mom and navigating the road between her real self (Rebecca) and her new made up self (Becky) isn't easy. But she isn't doing it alone. Helping her along the way is a...bread box. Yes. A bread box she finds amongst a collection of them in her Grandmother's attic. What can a bread box do you ask? Well, how about grant wishes. Wishes that have to fit inside of it, but wishes none the less. Money. New clothes, cool clothes. Ipod. Even a special gift for her mother who Becky is trying really hard to stay mad at. And how about helping her get popular? Really popular. Unfortunately things don't work out that way. In fact, it makes everything a whole lot worse and when she tries to set things right? Well...things get even worse.

Happily, I am not the only one taking part in the MG Read-a-thon this week. Here's a round up of posts and participants, some who are regular MG readers and some who are challenging themselves to pick a few or more. Big thanks to all who a taking part and those cheering us on! I've linked to some of the #mgreadathon posts:

The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia: Marvelous Middle Grade Read-A-Thon
Geo Librarian: Marvelous Middle Grade Readathon
Middle grade readathon « Extreme Reading and Writing
Angelhorn
Marvelous Middle Grade Read-a-thon-January 2, 2012-January 8, 2012 | Nye Louwon – My Spirit
Marvelous Middle Grade Read-a-thon! | Adventures in Writing & Publishing
The Space Between: Marvelous Middle Grade Read-a-thon Jan 2 - 8, 2012

Needless to say, my to read list is growing!

Onward to Day # 2! And, just a quick reminder you can sign up at any time this week. Read one book, read three, read ten. If you read a lot of middle grade, use this as a catch up time. If you don't read a lot of middle grade..let us inspire you with some suggestions or pick up an old favorite to re-read and share.

MMGM 2012 & Marvelous Middle Grade Read-a-thon

It's the first Marvelous Middle Grade Monday of the year. Yay, I say! Hats off to Shannon Whitney Messenger who got us all rolling along this path and who helped me fine tune our shiny new badge, which you are welcome to grab and use in your posts or sidebar or both. MMGM is growing and it's a wonderful way to highlight middle grade. And there is so much out there to love. 2012 promises to be even better. Following are are few links that are just the tip of the book pile.

Looking forward:
The Ten Middle Grade Novels I’m Looking Forward to in 2012 « A Fuse #8 Production
Charlotte's Library: New releases of fantasy and science fiction for kids and teens--the first half of Janury, 2012 edition
Looking back:
The Nerdies Middle Grade Fiction 2011 List
Cybils: 2011 Finalists Middle Grade Fiction
Cybils: 2011 Finalists Nonfiction for Tweens & Teens

MMGM was also the reason I was inspired to host my first ever Marvelous Middle Grade Read-a-thon. Over the year I've read so many great reviews and features that the TBR pile has grown...and grown. You can sign up for this anytime, from now until next Sunday. Read one middle grade, read ten. I only ask that you commit as much time as you can to reading middle grade this week.  Oh--and there are giveaways!

On with Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. My first pick for 2012 is one that was in my TBR for the readathon. It's out now, 'cause I read it. Loved it, too because of Maple-she is full of spunk and determination to provide her new baby sister the miracle she needs to live. And, the relationship she has with her older sister Dawn is so realistic-a love and "I can't stand you" thing going on there. They will work it out when they both venture out to find that miracle. Naturally it won't be easy, not like Maple thought. Back in a few hours? No-lightening storm, rain, rapids--poachers, bear (and let me tell you that scene and bear are so well done! I can still see him and feel the girls fear. Well, fear except for when Maple screams him off. Have I mentioned I love her character?) One final note-the voice is bang on, making for a great classroom or family  read-a-loud. Lots of laughter, drama, suspense, tears-repeat.

More on FLUTTER by Erin E. Moulton Indie Bound.Org: Big things are about the happen at Maple's house. Mama's going to have a baby, which means now there will be four Rittle sisters instead of just three. But when baby Lily is born too early and can't come home from the hospital, Maple knows it's up to her to save her sister. So she and Dawn, armed with a map and some leftover dinner, head off down a river and up a mountain to find the Wise Woman who can grant miracles. Now it's not only Lily's survival that they have to worry about, but also their own. The dangers that Maple and Dawn encounter on their journey makes them realize a thing or two about miracles-and about each other.

Erin is a fellow Mixed Up Files blogger. You can learn more about her on Erin E. Moulton.Com.

Don't forget to check out my MMGM peeps (let me know if I've missed listing you). Happy New Year, all!

Shannon Whitney Messenger (a.k.a. Fearless Leader)-Ramblings of a Wannabe Scribe
Ms. Yingling-Ms. Yingling Reads
Jennifer Rumberger-Children's Author
Joanne Fritz-My Brain on Books
Danika Dinsmore-The Accidental NovelistShannon Whitney Messenger-Ramblings of a Wannabe Scribe 
Shannon O'Donnell-Book Dreaming
Myrna Foster-The Night Writer
Sherrie Petersen- Write About Now 
Natalie Aguirre-Literary Rambles
Brooke Favero-Somewhere in the Middle
Ally Beecher- Kid Lit Frenzy
Barbara Watson-Novel and Nouveau
Anita Laydon Miller-her middle grade blog
Michael G-G-Middle Grade Mafioso
Jessica Lei-her blog  
Pam Torres-So I'm Fifty
Akoss-Nye Louwon – My Spirit | a search for the writer in me
Gabrielle Prendergast-Angelhorn

Marvelous Middle Grade Read-a-thon-January 2, 2012-January 8, 2012

Welcome to the sign up post my first ever Marvelous Middle Grade Read-a-thon. (#mgreadathon)We'll spend a week together reading, blogging and talking middle grade! Why? Because Middle Grade ROCKS! I love writing it, reading about it and most of all book talking it. Nothing better than matching a book (or five or ten) to readers aged 8-12.

START DATE: Monday, January 2, 2012 

END DATE: Sunday, January 8, 2012 (midnight)

WHAT TO DO: Sign up any time now until January 8 and read as many Middle Grade books (fiction and non-fiction) as you can.  If it's just one book that's great! If it's more, that's great too! That's it...unless you...


TAKE IT A LITTLE FURTHUR (not required):


-Create a read-a-thon pledge
-share a to be read list in a comment to this post or on your own blog, send me the link and I will post it for you.
-plan a giveaway do let me know that and I will add it to the giveaways


MY READ-A-THON PLEDGE: For each book I read I am going to donate five dollars or the actual book to my local library. (www.granumpubliclibrary.ca). Also, throughout the week, I will be posting updates to my reading, plus sharing some of my favorite books and mg blogs from 2011.


THE GIVEAWAYS (so far):

• From me Everyone who signs up will be entered to win one of two middle grade prize packs that I will put together from my own collection. Extra entries for spreading the word-twitter, facebook, blogging. (Canada & U.S.) #mgreadathon

Prize Pack #1-ARC-13 Gifts by Wendy Mass, The Whole Truth by Kit Pearson, Wildwood by Colin Meloy

Prize Pack #2-The Unwanted by Lisa McMann, Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes, ARC of Liesl and Po by Lauren Oliver

• Michael A. Scotto-two signed copies of his book Latasha and the Little Red Tornado . Everyone who signs up will be entered. (U.S. and Canada) 
• Lisa Ard- for every book she reads she is offering an e-copy of her book Fright Flight (up to three copies, maybe more! (link to her post).
• Charlotte of Charlotte's Library-is offering a giveaway of two forthcoming middle grade fantasy arcs--The Book of Wonders by Jasmine Richards and Fairy Lies by E.D. Baker.
• Walden Pond Press-TBA! and it's made of awesome

MY TBR PILE (a sampling) :

-a number books from WALDEN POND PRESS-THE FOURTH STALL by Chris Rylander, JUNIPER BERRY by M.P Kowslowsky and BREADCRUMBS by Anne Ursu
-BIGGER THAN A BREADBOX by Laurel Synder.
-The Familiars-Adam Jay Epstein and Andrew Jacobson
-Storybound by Marissa Burt
-Lemonade War-Jacqueline Davis
-My Very Un-Fairytale Life-Anna Staniszewski
-AND-books written by some of my fabulous co-bloggers @ From the Mixed Up Files of Middle Grade Authors!


I will be reading hardcopies and e-copies alike. On my ipad, on my kindle, on my computer, on my couch. When I am not at work or writing, that is. It is going to be a full and busy week, but in the best kind of way.



If there is anything that is unclear, please do ask me!

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Sign up for MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE READ-A-THON

Happy Holidays!

Wishing everyone wonderful rest of the Holiday Season! This week will be all about organizing and getting ready for Marvelous Middle Grade Read-a-thon, looking forward with my blog and seeing where I want to take it in terms of focus.

So, again....HAPPY HOLIDAYS and here is to a wonderfilled 2012. Cheers!

MMGM-Scary School by Derek Kent, plus giveaway Interview and Giveaway @ Mixed Up Files

Good Monday morning all. Hope you enjoying your Marvelous Middle Grade Monday, so far. I know I am!

EDITING TO ADD...Winner of DOGSLED DREAMS is Marybelle (commenter number one, that's a first! heh heh). Just waiting to hear back from her.

Now, back to the regular programming.

Have an interview and giveaway going on over on The Mixed Up Files of Middle Grade Authors...with a kid ghost named Derek. The same Derek the Ghost that wrote the ultra fun and creepy scary SCARY SCHOOL. Not only does he have a super cool book, his website for the book ROCKS!

I think what I loved most about this book is that I am pretty sure kids will love the no fear writing...it's funny, it's silly, it's scary as are all the characters. Kids respect that kind of writing, I think. As I read I couldn't wait to see and meet the teachers. My favorite is Miss Fang and next is the nurse. Well, there is also the multi-eyed teach. And then there is the new kid who does a not so good job of trying to fit. Don't think I ever stopped smiling as I read this one. Here's a bit more from Indie Bound:

You think your school's scary?

Get a load of these teachers:

Ms. Fang, an 850-year-old vampire
Dr. Dragonbreath, who just might eat you before recess
Mr. Snakeskin—science class is so much more fun when it's taught by someone who's half zombie
Mrs. T—break the rules and spend your detention with a hungry Tyrannosaurus rex!

Plus

Gargoyles, goblins, and Frankenstein's monster on the loose
The world's most frighteningly delicious school lunch

And

The narrator's an eleven-year-old ghost!

Join Charles "New Kid" Nukid as he makes some very Scary friends—including Petunia, Johnny, and Peter the Wolf—and figures out that Scary School can be just as funny as it is spooky!

If you head on over to From The Mixed Up Files you can read my interview with Derek the Ghost and enter a giveaway to win the book!

More Marvelous Middle Grade goings on:

Shannon Whitney Messenger (founder and genius behind MMGM)-Ramblings of a Wannabe Scribe 

Jennifer Rumberger-Children's Author

Joanne Fritz-My Brain on Books
Shannon O'Donnell-Book Dreaming
Myrna Foster-The Night Writer
Sherrie Petersen- Write About Now 
Natalie Aguirre-Literary Rambles
Brooke Favero-Somewhere in the Middle
Ally Beecher- Kid Lit Frenzy
Barbara Watson-Novel and Nouveau
Anita Laydon Miller-her middle grade blog
Michael G-G-Middle Grade Mafioso
Jessica Lei-her blog  
Pam Torres-So I'm Fifty
Akoss-Nye Louwon – My Spirit | a search for the writer in me
Gabrielle Prendergast-Angelhorn

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday-DOGSLED DREAMS by Terry Lynn Johnson and a Giveaway

I am so pleased to welcome Terry Lynn Johnson to my blog today. Not only because her book DOGSLED DREAMS received thumbs up from my book club kids (and me!), but also because she recently made a fantastic announcement about her next book. Terry is a dedicated and passionate author who has worked hard on each leg of her writing journey. I'm so impressed with her. Because of that passion we're able to hand her book to young readers. And it is a book I recommend...you recommend. 


Terry's doing double duty for us. Joining in with Oh MG YA Canada and Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. 


And by the way! I'll be giving away a copy of DOGSLED DREAMS. Just leave a comment and next Monday random org and I will pick a winner.


Here's more about the book from Good Reads:

Twelve-year-old Rebecca dreams of becoming a famous sled dog racer.  She’s an inventive but self-doubting musher who tackles blinding blizzards, wild animal attacks, puppy training, and flying poo missiles. All of her challenges though, seem easier than living up to the dogs’ trust in her abilities.

Here's the interview that offers you a chance to get to know Terry.


Thanks for being here, Terry! The book I'm giving away is DOGSLED DREAMS. It received thumbs up from my book club kids who are ages 9-12.  Did you set out to write for this age group or was it more how the story evolved once you knew it was one you wanted to tell?


I knew Dogsled Dreams would be a middle grade story. But when I wrote my second book, I tried for young adult. It seems though, it's much more fun to write in this genre. I love the excitement of life and learning new things at this age. 

Do you have a new book we can watch for or one you and your agent are seeking a publishing house for?

My middle grade adventure, Ice Dogs will be released in 2013 (winter) by Houghton Mifflin. 
Ice Dogs is about a young musher who gets lost in a blizzard with her race team, and saves a boy with a secret. With their food gone, and the temperatures dropping, they must learn to trust each other and the dogs if they are going to survive.

Do you have a great author visit or book signing moment you'd like to share? Something made you think...I love this job!

I was at a sled dog race in Marmora, Ontario, and a young reader hung around my table looking at my book, reading the back, talking to me about other books she's read and loved. When her mom found her, she talked her into purchasing a copy. I was so happy to have met her and talked about our mutual love of books, and sled dogs!

Speaking of loving the job, when it comes to the writing what is your most favorite part of the process, what is your least, or the part you find the hardest to work on.

I love revising. I know a lot of writers hate it, but, I get excited to see my story shaping into the best it can be. 

Hardest part of this business is the waiting! I have the attention span of a pea. It's quite difficult for me to wait months to hear back on something that I've been working on. But I'm sure it's good for me to work on patience.

I know several kids who are aspiring writers. They range in age from 8 to 13. When did you start writing and do you have any advice for them?

My interest in writing may have started in grade nine. I had an awesome creative writing teacher who encouraged me to keep a file of ongoing ideas and works in progress. I still do that. 
I'd also suggest doing some on-line research to find the many periodicals that are looking for content from young writers. They have to put out a new issue every month or so, that's a lot of opportunities to get your writing published! 

Do you mind sharing a latest greatest read with us? Something you would recommend to middle graders and/or teens and those of us who read and writer for them? 

oh, I could talk for hours about great books. 
For middle grade, I loved Sugar and Ice by Kate Messner. And my favourite young adult book this year so far was Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys 

And finally (being as we are also celebrating Oh MG/YA Canada today, too!)

What is your favourite part of living where you do? Do you have another part of Canada that you love to visit or that you've always wanted to but haven't yet?

I lived in Thunder Bay for twelve years, the setting for Dogsled Dreams. I lived right on Lake Superior and absolutely loved the wildness of it. Now I live on a smaller lake, near Lake Huron, which I also love. I like that there's so many opportunities for outdoor adventures. So many trails to explore, bays to kayak, mountains to hike, I feel very blessed to live in such a beautiful place. And such inspiration for an outdoor writer.


That's all folks! Thanks for stopping by and reading. If you'd like enter the giveaway, just leave a comment. Making the draw next Monday. 


Don't forget to check out the rest of the MMGM gang:


Shannon Whitney Messenger-Ramblings of a Wannabe Scribe  (a.k.a Fearless Leader)

Jennifer Rumberger-Children's Author

Joanne Fritz-My Brain on Books
Shannon O'Donnell-Book Dreaming
Myrna Foster-The Night Writer
Sherrie Petersen- Write About Now 
Natalie Aguirre-Literary Rambles
Brooke Favero-Somewhere in the Middle
Ally Beecher- Kid Lit Frenzy
Barbara Watson-Novel and Nouveau
Anita Laydon Miller-her middle grade blog
Michael G-G-Middle Grade Mafioso
Jessica Lei-her blog  
Pam Torres-So I'm Fifty
Akoss-Nye Louwon – My Spirit | a search for the writer in me
Gabrielle Prendergast-Angelhorn