--- title: "Reading Everywhere: middle grade" url: https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/middle grade/ description: "Children's and YA book reviews. Library stuff. Possible overuse of the word AWESOME!" --- # Reading Everywhere: middle grade - [About](https://readingeverywhere.com/p/about-me.html) - [Review Policy](https://readingeverywhere.com/p/review-policy.html) - [Frequently Visited Posts](https://readingeverywhere.com/p/frequently-visited-posts.html) Showing posts with label middle grade . [Show all posts](https://readingeverywhere.com/) Showing posts with label middle grade . [Show all posts](https://readingeverywhere.com/) ## Thursday, August 16, 2012 ### [Book Review: Princess Academy: Palace of Stone, by Shannon Hale](https://readingeverywhere.com/2012/08/book-review-princess-academy-palace-of.html) Hale, Shannon. Princess Academy: Palace of Stone . 336 p. 2012. Bloomsbury. Hardcover $16.99. ISBN 9781599908731. I was completely enchanted by 2006 Newbery Honor book, [Princess Academy](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599900734/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1599900734&linkCode=as2&tag=readineveryw-20) . I mean, let's face it-- when am I NOT completely enchanted by Shannon Hale's writing? Never, that's when! I adore anything she writes. So... Princess Academy -- I thought it wrapped up beautifully and never did it enter my mind that there could be room for a sequel. Thus, I was a little...surprised?... to hear there would indeed be a sequel published this year. But, I figured, it's Shannon Hale. She can do no wrong. And? It's Shannon Hale! She can do NO WRONG! Princess Academy: Palace of Stone is an absolutely wonderful sequel. It was such a pleasure to welcome back characters I knew and loved in the first volume, delve deeper into the mysteries of quarry speech, and get to know more of the country of Danland as Miri travels beyond her mountain home. This book is a bit more mature than its predecessor; there is more romance, more danger, and more complexity. The narrative involves self-discovery and romance amidst political intrigue and revolution. It's sort of... Princess Academy meets Catching Fire . In other words, thought-provoking and multi-layered while somehow cozy and, of course, beautifully written. As usual with a Shannon Hale book, I just wanted the story to go on and on; I wanted to live in it. Gorgeous. Look for [Princess Academy: Palace of Stone](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599908735/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1599908735&linkCode=as2&tag=readineveryw-20) on bookstore shelves starting August 21st. ARC for review provided by [Bloomsbury](http://www.bloomsburyusa.com/) via [Netgalley](http://netgalley.com/) . Posted by [Allison](https://www.blogger.com/profile/06628530227439660832) at [2:11 PM](https://readingeverywhere.com/2012/08/book-review-princess-academy-palace-of.html) Labels: [book review](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/book%20review) , [children's](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/children%27s) , [fantasy](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/fantasy) , [middle grade](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/middle%20grade) , [young adult](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/young%20adult) ## Monday, August 13, 2012 ### [Book Review: Famous for Thirty Seconds, by P.G. Kain](https://readingeverywhere.com/2012/08/book-review-famous-for-thirty-seconds.html) Kain, P.G.. Famous for Thirty Seconds . 320 p. 2012. Aladdin. Paperback $6.99. ISBN 9781416997863. Instead of a typical life attending school and playing sports like most kids her age, thirteen-year-old Brittany has grown up on a steady stream of go-sees, auditions, and callbacks for national commercial spots. Her family's temporary move to Hong Kong put a halt to her acting career, but she's confident that she'll be back in the game as soon as they return to New York. Easy-peasy, right? Well... not exactly. She's about to find out that a lot can change in a year. I have to confess something: I am a total ham. I used to pretend to do commercials in my childhood bedroom. I would have DEVOURED this book as a twelve-year-old! And I guess I've never really grown out of my fascination with commercials, because I had a great time reading this-- even though I'm well past the age of the target audience. Author P.G. Kain has personal experience in the world of acting for commercials, and has penned a very compelling look at both the glamour and competitive nature of the entertainment industry. Acting may sound alluring, but in reality, it's hard work that can involve a lot of heartache and disappointment. Besides the appeal of reading about a young person's experience in the acting business, there's a solid story about friendship and self-discovery here, and the main character has a lively, engaging voice. I loved Brittany right off the bat-- she's overconfident, a little judgy, and totally self-absorbed. But she's likable! Her flaws are realistic and relatable (I mean, what thirteen-year-old isn't self-absorbed??), and it's fun to watch her evolve as the story progresses. As she attempts to scheme her way back to the top and knock out the competition, you just know it's all going to end in disaster... but she learns a few things and bounces back in her own way. Plus, there's a cute, well crafted romance, for those who enjoy that sort of thing (AND I DO). [Famous for Thirty Seconds](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416997865/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1416997865&linkCode=as2&tag=readineveryw-20) is the first volume in P.G. Kain's "Commercial Breaks" series. This book is a lighthearted, engaging read, perfect for middle grade readers-- especially those who have been bitten by the show biz bug. I look forward to seeing what's in store for the rest of the series! A review copy of this book was generously provided to me by the author. Posted by [Allison](https://www.blogger.com/profile/06628530227439660832) at [7:00 AM](https://readingeverywhere.com/2012/08/book-review-famous-for-thirty-seconds.html) Labels: [book review](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/book%20review) , [contemporary](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/contemporary) , [middle grade](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/middle%20grade) , [realistic](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/realistic) ## Monday, July 30, 2012 ### [Book Review: Liar & Spy, by Rebecca Stead](https://readingeverywhere.com/2012/07/book-review-liar-spy-by-rebecca-stead.html) Stead, Rebecca. Liar & Spy . 192 p. 2012. Random House Children's Books. Hardcover $15.99. ISBN 9780385737432. I was so excited to get ahold of the ARC of the upcoming title from Newbery Medal winning author, Rebecca Stead. I absolutely loved her Newbery-winning title, [When You Reach Me](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375850864/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0375850864&linkCode=as2&tag=readineveryw-20) . I still get chills thinking about the way she wove all the plot elements together in that book! On the other hand, I really didn't connect with her debut novel, [First Light](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0440422221/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0440422221&linkCode=as2&tag=readineveryw-20) . Having had such drastically different reactions to her books, I was curious to see how I would like [Liar & Spy](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385737432/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0385737432&linkCode=as2&tag=readineveryw-20) , a story about a kid trying to survive the awkwardness of middle school and navigate a strange but compelling friendship when he moves to a new apartment building. My verdict? I loved it. This slim volume, clocking in at under 200 pages, is a quick read that's jam-packed with thought-provoking themes and memorable, multilayered characters. It has the feel of an indie movie-- quirky and brilliant, and will undoubtedly appeal to fans of The Westing Game , by Ellen Raskin. The main character, Georges, is someone the reader really roots for. He's matter-of-factly morose at times, in the most endearing way. The themes of bullying, friendship, and fitting in versus standing out provide much fodder for discussion and insight, making this title a good choice for a middle school book group. Stead also weaves in unexpectedly delightful motifs like spelling and silent letters, choosing one's own name, and painter Georges Seurat's pointilism as a metaphor for life-- whether you see the big picture or examine all of the little dots individually. | | |---| | A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grand-Jatte, by Georges Seurat, 1884-86 | As she did in When You Reach Me , Stead weaves a tight storyline with subtle clues and red herrings that keep the reader guessing and wondering-- and then brings it all together with a twist at the end. I love a good unreliable narrator, and this book has a great one. Brilliantly plotted, tightly written, and deeply satisfying. Look for [Liar & Spy](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385737432/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0385737432&linkCode=as2&tag=readineveryw-20) on bookstore shelves on August 7. ARC for review acquired at ALA Annual from [Random House](http://www.randomhouse.com/) . Posted by [Allison](https://www.blogger.com/profile/06628530227439660832) at [7:00 AM](https://readingeverywhere.com/2012/07/book-review-liar-spy-by-rebecca-stead.html) Labels: [book review](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/book%20review) , [children's](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/children%27s) , [contemporary](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/contemporary) , [middle grade](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/middle%20grade) , [realistic](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/realistic) ## Friday, April 20, 2012 ### [Author Interview and Giveaway: Double Dog Dare, by Lisa Graff](https://readingeverywhere.com/2012/04/author-interview-and-giveaway-double.html) Today, I'm thrilled to host the final stop in [Lisa Graff's *Double Dog Dare* blog tour](http://www.lisagraff.com/) ! | | | |---|---| Double Dog Dare is a middle grade novel filled to the brim with humor and heart-- I had a great time reading it. In this book, fourth graders Francine and Kansas find themselves competing for the position of news anchor in their school's media club, and the winner will be decided by a competition of dares. The two can't stand each other at first, but it turns out they have something in common: their parents' divorces. Lisa Graff strikes a neat balance between the hilarity of the dares and the tough stuff kids have to deal with, and young readers will really relate to this book. When I ask elementary school aged readers what kind of book they want, the most common response is: "something like real life and kinda funny." Double Dog Dare definitely fits the bill! It's a solid story that will appeal to both boys and girls, and I can't wait to recommend at my library. ***** As part of her blog tour, Lisa was kind enough to answer a few questions for me! Reading Everywhere: Your writing authentically captures the feel of being a kid-- you really hone in on the things kids worry about and laugh about. How do you get in touch with your inner kid when you’re writing? Lisa Graff: Thanks so much! That's something I try really hard to accomplish with all of my books. There are a lot of ways to get into that "kid zone" - I read a ton of children's books, for one thing, and visit elementary schools fairly often to talk about writing, so that helps. But most of it is just a matter of remembering. I’m pretty lucky in that I kept a diary for most of my growing-up years, so now it's easy to go back and see what a hilarious weirdo I was as a child. Case in point: I would like to share two pages from my actual fourth-grade diary. | | | |---|---| (In case you have trouble reading my stellar nine-year-old handwriting, I will decipher for you:) > 11/2/90 This year I'm in forth grade. I havent writen in a year, so I'm sort of out of date. It is still the 1990's but alot has changed. I havent written in so long because I lost my diary. This year I don't relly have a boy friend and I'm not relly poplaur, but I'm Ashley's best friend. And Ashley's relley poplaur this year, so I'll be more poplaur than Ashley soon. [Please note that this is a PHENOMENAL plan to take over the world. Please also note that it did not work in the slightest.] I relly like my theacher but, he gives me alot of homework, which I hate. His name is Mr. Oliver, [written before I got in trouble for passing notes in class later that year:] he's relley cute. [Text as altered after said note-passing incident:] no way!! Reading Everywhere: I LOVE IT. I think my elementary school diaries were very similar. You're no stranger to writing for kids-- in fact, Double Dog Dare is your fifth novel for young readers. What do you like best about writing for a middle grade audience? Lisa Graff: I really enjoy the themes of middle-grade novels-- family and friends and figuring out your place in the world. Something as slight as a snub from a friend can be so life-or-death at that age, and I love that. Because those things are extremely important, and we tend to forget that as we get older. I also enjoy that my audience is very honest, and they know what they like and what they don’t. If they think my book is boring, they will just stop reading it. And then they will probably write me a letter to tell me how boring it is. I like being held to such a high standard. Reading Everywhere: That's so true-- kids will always tell you what they think! You have a very memorable cast of young characters in Double Dog Dare . I empathized most with Francine and her determination to get the long-coveted role of news anchor in the fourth-grade media club. Which character in this book is most like you, and why? Lisa Graff: I think I'm probably most like Francine, in that she has a lot of trouble dealing with things that don't end up the way she thinks they’re supposed to, like her plan for becoming news anchor, or her parents' marriage. That kind of thing always throws me off my game, too, and I sometimes have a lot of trouble recovering. But I think I'm also a little like Kansas, in that I have a tendency to take care of others before myself. (I wish I was also as good at basketball as he is!) Reading Everywhere: They're both great characters! This book contains some really unique character names-- you don't meet a lot of little Kansas and Francines running around! How did you come up with the names in this book? Lisa Graff: Sometimes characters just pop into my head with names already attached, and that was the case with these two. I have no idea where the name Kansas came from. Once I came up with his first name, I gave him the last name Bloom, which I thought was completely random, but later I wondered if I was subliminally channeling actor Orlando Bloom (another place name!). Reading Everywhere: Well, it's not hard to see why Orlando Bloom might be on your mind! I mean... Anyway! So, you're originally from Southern California, but are now living on the East Coast. As a Southern California girl myself, I have to ask-- what do you miss most about SoCal? Lisa Graff: Most people expect me to say that I miss the weather, but I actually grew up in a weird little pocket of Southern California (the San Bernardino mountains, to be precise) where it snows fairly frequently. So, eschewing the obvious answer (my family), I am going to have to say that I desperately miss the Mexican food. New Yorkers think they know what Mexican food is, but they do not. Some days I would murder someone for a really decent taco. Reading Everywhere: Oh yes, Mexican food is part of the essential Southern California experience. I promise I will eat some authentic tacos in your honor! Lisa, thank you so much for this fabulous interview. ***** Readers, now that you've learned more about Lisa and her latest book, I know you must be eager to get a copy. I have good news for you! Philomel is giving away one copy of Double Dog Dare to one reader of this blog. All you need to do to enter is to email Lisa at graff [dot] lisa [at] yahoo [dot] com with the subject line READING EVERYWHERE . The winner will be chosen at random on May 1st. Good luck! And if you're looking for another way to win, Lisa has just the thing for you! Together with Penguin Books, she is sponsoring a contest to see who can build the best Rube Goldberg Machine. Check out Lisa's video to learn more! Many thanks to Lisa for inviting me to participate in her Double Dog Dare blog tour. I've had a blast! To catch up with the other tour stops and learn more about Lisa, visit the following: Tuesday, April 10th: [Mundie Kids](http://mundiekids.blogspot.com/2012/04/double-dog-dare-author-interview.html) Thursday, April 12th: [Smack Dab in the Middle](http://smack-dab-in-the-middle.blogspot.com/2012/04/wheres-my-funny-hat-lisa-graff.html) Sunday, April 15th: [Pragmatic Mom](http://www.pragmaticmom.com/2012/04/blog-tour-double-dog/) Monday, April 16th: [Novel Novice](http://novelnovice.com/2012/04/16/blog-tour-guest-blog-double-dog-dare-by-lisa-graff/) Wednesday, April 18th: [From the Mixed-Up Files...](http://www.fromthemixedupfiles.com/2012/04/double-dog-lisa-graff/) Thursday, April 19th: [Greetings From Nowhere](http://greetings-from-nowhere.blogspot.com/2012/04/lisa-graff-is-in-house.html) And be sure to look for [*Double Dog Dare*](http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&keywords=double%20dog%20dare&tag=readineveryw-20&index=aps&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325) in bookstores everywhere! Posted by [Allison](https://www.blogger.com/profile/06628530227439660832) at [6:30 AM](https://readingeverywhere.com/2012/04/author-interview-and-giveaway-double.html) Labels: [author interview](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/author%20interview) , [children's](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/children%27s) , [contemporary](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/contemporary) , [giveaway](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/giveaway) , [middle grade](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/middle%20grade) , [realistic](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/realistic) ## Wednesday, April 4, 2012 ### [Audiobook Review: Dead End in Norvelt, by Jack Gantos](https://readingeverywhere.com/2012/04/audiobook-review-dead-end-in-norvelt-by.html) | | | |---|---| | The *Dead End in Norvelt* audiobook along for the ride on my commute. | | Gantos, Jack. Dead End in Norvelt . 2011. Macmillian Audio. Audiobook $29.99. ISBN 9781427213563 . Ah, the 2012 Newbery Medal winner. What can I say? I was rooting for Gary D. Schmidt's [*Okay For Now*](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0547152604/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0547152604) , so I couldn't help but experience [Dead End in Norvelt](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0374379939/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0374379939) through the lens of my disappointment. I can't get over the fact that Okay For Now wasn't honored by any of the ALA Youth Media Awards. (It did just win big over at [School Library Journal's Battle of the Kids' Books](http://battleofthebooks.slj.com/2012/04/02/the-big-kahuna-match-between-shades-of-gray-vs-life-an-exploded-diagram-vs-okay-for-now/) , which is completely awesome... but still!) So, although my perspective on this book may be somewhat biased, I liked Dead End in Norvelt quite a lot. I didn't love it-- but I did enjoy this semi-autobiographical tale of a wacky and life-changing summer in the life of young Jack Gantos as he ends up grounded and spends much of his time transcribing obituaries for an elderly neighbor. That may not sound like an enticing plot, but surprisingly, my favorite parts of the book were the obituaries. I was so moved by the thought of one very dedicated woman dictating not only tributes to her friends and neighbors, but documenting her beloved town's history. Really, really lovely stuff. Indeed, the overall theme of history- Gantos' affection for studying it, the idea that we should all learn from it- is woven throughout the story to great effect. Still, this book isn't quite as cohesive as I would expect from a Newbery award winner. There are a lot of plot threads and a lot of characters, and I was expecting them to all intersect and come together in some sort of awe-inspiring way, but... they don't. A mystery is solved, the main character learns an important lesson, and the book just seems to trail off in the end. That said, I'm very much looking forward to attending this year's Newbery Caldecott Wilder banquet at the [ALA Annual Conference](http://alaannual.org/) in June to see Jack Gantos speak. If his solid performance on this audiobook recording is any indication, his speech should be fantastic. I did find myself missing the variety of character voices I enjoy in audiobooks narrated by professional actors-- but Gantos has a gift for presenting his own writing in an engaging way with a great deal of heart. At my library, I often help middle school students who are assigned to read a Newbery winner. I would certainly recommend [*Dead End in Norvelt*](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0374379939/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0374379939) to any reader looking for a humorous pick. Posted by [Allison](https://www.blogger.com/profile/06628530227439660832) at [7:00 AM](https://readingeverywhere.com/2012/04/audiobook-review-dead-end-in-norvelt-by.html) Labels: [audiobook](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/audiobook) , [book review](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/book%20review) , [historical fiction](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/historical%20fiction) , [middle grade](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/middle%20grade) , [newbery](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/newbery) , [realistic](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/realistic) ## Monday, March 5, 2012 ### [Audiobook Review: The Mighty Miss Malone, by Christopher Paul Curtis](https://readingeverywhere.com/2012/03/audiobook-review-mighty-miss-malone-by.html) Curtis, Christopher Paul. The Mighty Miss Malone . 2012. Listening Library. Audiobook $44.00. ISBN 9780307968227. Is it too much to say that Deza Malone is the most memorable young girl in children’s literature since Anne of Green Gables? Would I be going too far to suggest that we just put a gold sticker on this book right now? I mean, honestly. This book is SO. GOOD. In this story of a young girl and her family weathering hard times during the Great Depression, Christopher Paul Curtis returns to a character from his Newbery Medal winning title, [*Bud, Not Buddy*](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553494104/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0553494104) . So, first things first: does this story stand on its own if you haven’t read Bud, Not Buddy ? Well, I have something to confess. I read Bud, Not Buddy several years ago. Like, we're talking library school, pre-kids-- it was a whole different life. And while I remember loving it, I confess that I did not remember how and where Deza came into Bud's story. Like, at all . I’m so ashamed. But my faulty memory serves you well, dear reader, because I can say with absolute confidence that, YES, you can jump into this one without having read the previous volume. Having looked it up, I was amused to note that the interaction between Deza and Bud differs significantly between the two books-- each character tells their own version of their meeting, and I LOVE that Curtis sets them both up as slightly unreliable narrators. That suits the almost "tall tale" tone of these books just perfectly. So back to the excellence of [*The Mighty Miss Malone*](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385734913/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0385734913) ... I experienced this book on CD, and let me tell you, I cried in the car on the way to work listening to it. Not once, not twice, but THREE times! Seriously, you would think I would have learned after the first time to stop listening on my commute, but I couldn’t help it. This is a powerful story with exhilarating highs and devastating lows-- I sometimes found myself laughing and crying at the same time. And other times, just crying. In particular, the aftermath of a certain boxing match and what it meant to Deza, her family, and her whole community absolutely wrecked me. I came to love the characters in this book to the point that they became almost real to me-- as if this weren't historical fiction, but a biography. Deza herself is a delightfully flawed character who changes and grows as she experiences more than her fair share of challenges. The adult characters in the book, especially Deza's mother, are well-rounded and fully developed in their own right. I found myself wanting to know what would become of Deza and her family beyond the scope of this book. Basically, I want Christopher Paul Curtis to write Deza's entire life, because I need to know what happens to her. And I would want to have Bahni Turpin narrate the whole thing. As wonderful as Curtis' writing already is, her performance as the audiobook narrator really brings this story to life. She has an incredible range, doing a masterful job with women, men, and children's voices alike. Notably, when one character goes through a physical change after an accident, Turpin maintains the recognizable voice she had created for the character, but manages the distinct difference caused by his new circumstances. And her character voice for Deza's "second brain" made me laugh every time. I am floored by Turpin's talent. I was struck by the way this story begins with "Once upon a time," and ends with a hopeful yet ambiguous ending. The reader is left with a sense of optimism, but there's no easy "happily ever after" here. This is a story about poverty, and though it's historical fiction, the youth of today will relate as we all struggle with the current economy. [The Mighty Miss Malone](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385734913/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0385734913) is already one of my favorite reads of 2012. I want my children to read it when they're older, and I want Christopher Paul Curtis to win a Newbery for it. If he does, I want to be at the banquet to see him speak. And I'll probably cry through the whole thing. Posted by [Allison](https://www.blogger.com/profile/06628530227439660832) at [7:00 AM](https://readingeverywhere.com/2012/03/audiobook-review-mighty-miss-malone-by.html) Labels: [audiobook](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/audiobook) , [children's](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/children%27s) , [historical fiction](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/historical%20fiction) , [middle grade](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/middle%20grade) ## Saturday, December 31, 2011 ### [Book Review: Dumpling Days, by Grace Lin](https://readingeverywhere.com/2011/12/book-review-dumpling-days-by-grace-lin.html) Lin, Grace. Dumpling Days . 272 p. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. 2012. Hardcover $15.99. ISBN 9780316125901. I once took a trip to China just for the food. True story! Of course, I was living in Japan at the time, so it wasn't that far, but still... I am dedicated to experiencing good food and interesting travel. Given that this book combines both of these things, it’s no surprise that I absolutely loved it. The third installment in Grace Lin's semi-autobiographical "Year of..." series sees the Lin family on a month-long trip to Taiwan. It's a first for Pacy, who is not exactly in touch with her Taiwanese heritage, having lived in upstate New York all her life. She doesn't feel like she belongs in Taiwan, and is caught between her two cultures. As Pacy navigates an unfamiliar language, a daunting new art style in Chinese painting class, and her own insecurities, her only comfort is dumplings. Luckily, there are a lot of delicious dumplings to be had in Taiwan! | | | |---|---| | Soupy dumpling photo by flickr member keepwaddling1 | | Filled with vivid descriptions of Taiwan, an exuberant extended family, and a rich array of new experiences for Pacy, this book is a treat for the senses. As in the previous books in the series, charming black and white line drawings accompany the narrative. In this volume, the illustrations give the feeling of a travel journal. One need not be familiar with Taiwan to enjoy the narrative; in fact, since it’s all new to Pacy, the reader is introduced to the sights and customs of Taiwan along with her. The wonder of discovering a new place deftly parallels the theme of self-discovery, and Pacy's struggle with the sense that she doesn’t belong in her parents’ homeland will ring true for many bicultural readers. The process of her coming to terms with her identity and finding balance is layered, realistic, and ultimately heartening. Those who have gotten to know Pacy through the first two books in the series will love witnessing her continued growth in [*Dumpling Days*](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316125903/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0316125903) . Here, in learning more about herself, she also forges deeper connections with her family, displaying increasing maturity as she considers how her parents must have felt when they left Taiwan to make a new home in the United States. I found this book to be completely enchanting, and so true to the confusing, amazing, exhilarating experience of travel. I'm so excited to give it to my niece as a Lunar New Year gift-- she'll get a red envelope too, don't worry... but a new book by her favorite author will be quite a bonus! I recommend reading the first two books in the series before this one, but [*DumplingDays*](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316125903/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0316125903) stands on its own quite effectively if you want to jump right in. Warning: you may feel an urgent need to run to the nearest dim sum restaurant and order up a mountain of dumplings while reading this book. I say go for it! [*Dumpling Days*](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316125903/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0316125903) will be available in bookstores everywhere on January 2, 2012. ARC for review kindly provided by [Little, Brown](http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/publishing_little-brown-and-company.aspx) . Posted by [Allison](https://www.blogger.com/profile/06628530227439660832) at [7:00 AM](https://readingeverywhere.com/2011/12/book-review-dumpling-days-by-grace-lin.html) Labels: [children's](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/children%27s) , [contemporary](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/contemporary) , [illustrated](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/illustrated) , [middle grade](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/middle%20grade) , [realistic](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/realistic) , [review](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/review) ## Monday, December 19, 2011 ### [Audiobook Review: Moon Over Manifest, by Clare Vanderpool](https://readingeverywhere.com/2011/12/audiobook-review-moon-over-manifest-by.html) Vanderpool, C. Moon Over Manifest . 2010. Random House Audio. Audiobook $25.00. ISBN 9780307941930. When this year's Newbery winner was announced, I had the same reaction as a lot of readers: Moon over WHAT? It kind of came from left field to win the medal. But let me tell you, that Newbery committee knew what they were doing when they chose this title. It's good. Really, really good! To be honest, I had my doubts about how I would like it, but ended up completely riveted. It's a book in which different threads of story come together in an satisfying conclusion. In 1936, Abilene is sent to the town of Manifest, Kansas, while her father works on the railroad, which he says is no place for a young girl. Her father had spent some time in Manifest as a boy, and Abilene is determined to find out more about his connection to the town. In her efforts to discover the history of her father, she discovers the history of the town itself. Moon Over Manifest is one of those seemingly quiet books that kids may not pick up on their own. But if they do, they’ll undoubtedly be drawn into the mystery of the story as it unfolds layer by layer. Boys and girls will both enjoy this book equally, as there are two main characters: Abilene in 1936, and Jinx, the boy whose letters she discovers from 1918. Of the dual narratives that make up the story, it’s Jinx’s story that really grabs the reader. His story is filled with lively characters, high stakes, and brilliant schemes, and Abilene's story is more of a frame. The storytelling is masterfully executed, as neither portion of the story would have the impact of the two combined. Abilene’s determination to find out more about her father gives emotional weight to the flashbacks, and the structure of the narrative makes for a fascinating puzzle as the reader wonders how the town went from a place full of hope in 1918 to a near ghost-town in 1936. If we didn’t have the picture of the town in 1936, the events of 1918 wouldn’t mean as much to the reader. This novel works very well as an audiobook. The three modes of storytelling (the main narrative, a newspaper column, and a young soldier's letters home from war) are differentiated nicely with three actors reading the parts. The two secondary narrators, Kirby Heyborne and Cassandra Campbell, bring their roles to life and are a pure pleasure to hear. The primary narrator, Justine Eyre, has a very distinctive texture to her voice that makes her unconvincing as a young girl, so I’m not sure she’s the best choice for a first-person youth narration. That said, she has excellent pacing, and does a fabulous job with the adult characters. She’s got quite a range, creating distinct voices for each character and using a variety of accents. Also, I enjoyed that her speech is clipped and precise in a way that sounds old-fashioned, like something out of a 1930s movie, making her performance perfect for historical fiction. I still find myself thinking about this book months after finishing it. I'm so glad I gave it a try, and recommend it enthusiastically to anyone looking for a solid, uplifting story. Posted by [Allison](https://www.blogger.com/profile/06628530227439660832) at [8:00 AM](https://readingeverywhere.com/2011/12/audiobook-review-moon-over-manifest-by.html) Labels: [audiobook](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/audiobook) , [historical fiction](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/historical%20fiction) , [middle grade](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/middle%20grade) , [review](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/review) ## Thursday, November 10, 2011 ### [Audiobook Review: Turtle in Paradise, by Jennfer L. Holm](https://readingeverywhere.com/2011/11/book-review-turtle-in-paradise-by.html) Holm, Jennifer L. Turtle in Paradise . 2010. Random House Audio. Audiobook $25.00. ISBN 9780307738301. Slowly but surely, I'm catching up with the last round of Newbery books before the next batch is announced in January! I liked this story about a girl who is sent to live with her aunt and cousins in Key West, Florida, during the hard times of the 1930s. I didn't quite love it, but I liked it. With its spunky main character and lighthearted tone, I would hand Turtle in Paradise to any elementary schooler with a historical fiction assignment. Despite the fact that there's a girl on the cover, boys and girl readers can enjoy this story equally-- there are plenty of hilarious boy characters. The episodic feel of this book had me wondering where the plot was, even as far as halfway through the story. And then, after much meandering, I was a bit thrown off by the book's implausible climax, and an ending that felt abrupt to me. But if you like episodic plots, this is the book for you! To me, it's the setting and characters that shine in this book. The character of Turtle provides some great laugh-out-loud moments with her snappy one-liners, especially involving her distaste for the saccharine child actress, Shirley Temple. The Depression-era setting is effectively evoked through references to pop culture of the time, such as radio shows and comic strips-- which were called "the funny pages," of course. My grandma used that phrase! When did it go out of fashion, I wonder? I listened to this book on CD, and highly recommend it in audio format. The narrator, Becca Battoe, is completely delightful. She has a soft Southern accent, which sometimes comes through even in the characters who are supposed to be Northern, but I was so charmed by it, it's easy to overlook any inconsistency. Her pacing is perfect, and (hooray!) she sounds appropriately youthful for a middle grade novel told from a first-person point of view. She suits the sassy character of Turtle perfectly, and her performance really enhanced my experience with this book. Any young reader who likes historical fiction will find a great deal of charm in Turtle in Paradise . Posted by [Allison](https://www.blogger.com/profile/06628530227439660832) at [8:00 AM](https://readingeverywhere.com/2011/11/book-review-turtle-in-paradise-by.html) Labels: [audiobook](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/audiobook) , [historical fiction](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/historical%20fiction) , [middle grade](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/middle%20grade) ## Monday, October 17, 2011 ### [Audiobook Review: One Day and One Amazing Morning on Orange Street, by Joanne Rocklin](https://readingeverywhere.com/2011/10/book-review-one-day-and-one-amazing.html) Rocklin, Joanne. One Day and One Amazing Morning on Orange Street . 2011. Listening Library. Audiobook $38.00. ISBN 9780307879745 Once upon a time, Southern California was covered in orange groves. Nowadays, you’re lucky if you spot one here or there. That’s how it is on Orange Street: just one tree left standing from what used to be hundreds. Over the span of a day and a half, the reader gets to know the residents of Orange Street, past and present, and learn what this wonderful tree means to all of them. Normally, the kind of story where seemingly unrelated threads come together in surprising ways is my favorite. I love that that spine-tingling moment where it all clicks. Unfortunately, I found this middle grade read to be a little lacking in the plot department. Rather, the emphasis here is on character development. Which isn't a bad thing! Character development is a good thing! BUT- but… there's a lot of time spent developing the various characters and their wants, hopes, and concerns, and I feel that their personalities and issues could have been more seamlessly integrated into the narrative, rather than forcing the plot into slow motion. Too, I have some quibbles with the storytelling. The object that sets everything in motion a suspicious orange cone placed near the neighborhood’s beloved tree, but the cone seems to be forgotten for the bulk of the book. Moreover, the orange tree’s fate is wrapped up with the appearance of a mysterious stranger, but his motivations were never entirely clear to me even after his backstory was revealed. That said, there's plenty to like about this book. Rocklin really captures the little rituals and worries and superstitions kids rely on. The gentle writing style and timeless setting are enjoyable, and the subtly diverse cast of characters is a plus. The highlight of the book for me was Ms. Snoops, the oldest resident on Orange Street, written with great sensitivity as she recalls the most minute details about the past, but can't seem to remember what happened an hour earlier. Oh dear-- I just want to give her a reassuring pat on the hand. Additionally, there are some genuinely stirring moments at the book's conclusion, and a comforting feeling of just-rightness with a satisfying epilogue. I love a good epilogue! Orange Street has received several glowing reviews from journals and has been getting some Newbery buzz, so I’ll be curious to see if the committee recognizes it. I think this title may only appeal to the most patient young readers, and in fact, feels like the kind of book that will appeal more to adults than kids-- but since child appeal is not one of the criteria for the Newbery, who knows? I listened to this book on CD, and I found myself ambivalent about Lisa Baney’s performance. I enjoyed her depiction of some of the adult characters-- Ms. Snoops and a cheerful set of grandparents in particular-- but her younger characters were unconvincing to me. So, the book itself and the audiobook experience were both a bit uneven for me. Still, I would recommend this title to an avid young reader looking for a realistic story, especially if they want something about friendship and community. I’m not sure it will appeal to everyone, but those who do connect with it will wholeheartedly enjoy it. Posted by [Allison](https://www.blogger.com/profile/06628530227439660832) at [8:00 AM](https://readingeverywhere.com/2011/10/book-review-one-day-and-one-amazing.html) Labels: [audiobook](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/audiobook) , [children's](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/children%27s) , [middle grade](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/middle%20grade) , [realistic](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/realistic) , [review](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/review) ## Thursday, September 29, 2011 ### [Book Review: Pie, by Sarah Weeks](https://readingeverywhere.com/2011/09/book-review-pie-by-sarah-weeks.html) Weeks, Sarah. Pie . 192 p. Scholastic. 2011. Hardcover $16.99. ISBN 9780545270113. In this cozy mystery for middle grade readers, Alice’s beloved Aunt Polly, a famous but humble pie maker, has unexpectedly passed away. It seems Aunt Polly has left her secret pie crust recipe to her cat, Lardo, and the cat is left to Alice. But there’s a catnapper on the loose, and everyone in town is suddenly trying to bake award-winning pies... which means almost anyone could be a suspect. While reeling from the loss of her aunt, Alice sets out to solve the mystery. Young readers will enjoy this book's whodunit mystery combined with themes of healing, friendship, and self-discovery. Language is straightforward and simple, and the 1950s setting provides a charming backdrop for a heartwarming story. The author skillfully captures the crushing loss of a loved one, subtly depicting those small moments in which the sadness overtakes everything else, yet the narrative is never bogged down by Alice's grief. Characterization takes a bit of a backseat to plot, but the reader gets a good sense of who Alice and her friend, Charlie, are, as well as who Aunt Polly was. Alice’s mother is unrealistically unpleasant, but I suspect that she and other adult characters are purposely written as almost caricatures-- they are adults as seen through a child’s eyes, which is appropriate for the intended audience. A child doesn’t always see adults as well-rounded people with real concerns, after all. While an adult reader might view Alice's mother's change of heart in the end to be a little too convenient, it will likely be reassuring to a younger reader. Now, perhaps my favorite part of this book is that it comes with TASTY PIE RECIPES. The beginning of each chapter is marked by a recipe from Aunt Polly’s notebook, and each one looks easy and delicious. I was only three chapters into this book when I broke down and HAD to make a pie. I chose the buttermilk pie recipe, and am IN LOVE. It was so easy! My 2.5 year old helped mix the ingredients, proudly proclaiming, “I'm a baker!” and alternately asking with his typical curiosity, “Why makin’ pie, mama?” (Well, sweetie, so mama can EAT it, of course!) It was the first time we baked together, and both of us were very pleased with the results. The pie was creamy with a perfectly mild sweetness and just a hint of lemony tartness. It was especially good fresh out of the oven- isn’t that true of everything?- but also delicious after being chilled in the fridge. I admit, I had to go back for more than one slice. (Ahem... okay, considerably more than one slice.) Pie will be available in bookstores everywhere on October 1st. I received the ARC at the [YA in Bloom](http://www.bridgetobooks.org/2011/04/ya-in-bloom.html) event hosted by [Bridge to Books](http://www.bridgetobooks.org/) earlier this year. Posted by [Allison](https://www.blogger.com/profile/06628530227439660832) at [1:59 PM](https://readingeverywhere.com/2011/09/book-review-pie-by-sarah-weeks.html) Labels: [middle grade](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/middle%20grade) , [mystery](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/mystery) , [review](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/review) ## Tuesday, March 29, 2011 ### [Tween Tuesday: Warp Speed, by Lisa Yee](https://readingeverywhere.com/2011/03/tween-tuesday-warp-speed-by-lisa-yee.html) Tween Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted at [GreenBeanTeenQueen](http://www.greenbeanteenqueen.com/) to highlight great reads for tweens. Warp Speed . Yee, Lisa. 320 p. Arthur A. Levine. 2011. Hardcover $16.99. ISBN 9780545122764. Fourth in the series that began with Millicent Min, Girl Genius , the focus shifts to Marley, an earnest seventh grade Star Trek fan who feels invisible and is often bullied as he navigates the complex social structure of junior high. As always, Yee tackles some serious issues while keeping the book's overall tone light and funny, and there are some laugh-out-loud funny Star Trek vs. Star Wars vs. Batman debates in this one. Yee really has a gift for understanding how kids think and experience the world around them. Although it's not necessary to have read the other books in the series, it's a pleasure to revisit characters from the previous volumes, as Marley encounters Stanford Wong, Emily Ebers, and the most excellent Millicent Min. Is it wrong that I'm sorta shipping Millicent/Marley?? Come on! They'd be adorable together! And I can't get enough of Emily Ebers. She's just so likable, non-judgmental, and nice to everyone she meets. My new motto: WWEED? In addition to the well-rounded, genuine youth characters in this book, I love that the story includes adults who are different- Marley's blind mom and agoraphobic dad- but clearly find their niche and truly enjoy their life, providing positive models for Marley as he tries to find his place. The book's central theme is that you don't have to fit in to be happy, and that's a message that bears repeating over and over. Warp Speed is a great choice for middle school book groups. Hilarious, endearing, and thought-provoking, it will lead to some great discussions about self-esteem and bullying. Posted by [Allison](https://www.blogger.com/profile/06628530227439660832) at [2:45 PM](https://readingeverywhere.com/2011/03/tween-tuesday-warp-speed-by-lisa-yee.html) Labels: [contemporary](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/contemporary) , [middle grade](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/middle%20grade) , [realistic](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/realistic) , [review](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/review) [Older Posts](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/middle%20grade?updated-max=2011-03-29T14:45:00-07:00&max-results=20&start=20&by-date=false) [Home](https://readingeverywhere.com/) Subscribe to: [Posts (Atom)](https://readingeverywhere.com/feeds/posts/default)