Archive for the ‘Middle Grade’ Category

THE CLONE CHRONICLES BOOK 1: POPULAR CLONE
M.E. Castle
Egmont USA
January 24, 2012
ISBN-13: 978-1606842324
ISBN-10: 1606842323
Kindle ASIN: B004ZZP6B4
Middle Grade Fiction
Hardcover

Twelve year old Fisher Bas struggles to fit in at Wampanog Middle School. As the geeky, scientific genius son, of two Nobel Prize Winning scientists, kids aren’t exactly clamoring for his friendship. In fact, the only kids after his attention are the Vikings, a ruthless group of bullies who delight in torturing Fisher daily. But then Fisher comes up with a fabulous idea—why not clone himself and let his clone go to school in his place? It’s a fool-proof, brilliant plan, until his clone turns out to be more popular than him. As Fisher’s carefully crafted idea unravels, his clone is kidnapped by the evil Dr. X, and Fisher is the only one who might be able to save him.

POPULAR CLONE is a delightful middle grade book featuring a quirky, humorous boy protagonist. This is one book guaranteed to get your children reading! As the mother of a twelve and ten year old, I love nothing better than finding a book that holds my boys’ interest from first page to last. While I’m sure the idea of a clone to take their place at school initially drew them to the story, Fisher’s unique brand of humor and the non-stop action kept them glued to the pages.

As for me, I not only loved the fact that POPULAR CLONE makes science just a little bit cool, I also loved the fact that Fisher learns a valuable lesson in liking himself along the way. The positive message is a great one for adolescents, and the fact that it is delivered in such a funny, unique way, is a huge plus. If your child is a fan of Jimmy Neutron or Phineas and Ferb, I guarantee they will love this book.

PETER NIMBLE AND HIS FANTASTIC EYES
Jonathan Auxier
August 1, 2011
Amulet Books
ISBN 10: 1419700251
ISBN 13: 978-1419700255
Middle Grade / Fantasy
Hardcover

Ten-year-old blind orphan, Peter Nimble, is a master thief. There isn’t a lock he can’t pick. So when he encounters a haberdasher with a difficult locking mechanism on his carriage, Peter can’t resist trying to pick it. He finds a curious box inside and steals it. Once he picks the box’s lock as well, he discovers a set of three magical eyes. Trying on the first pair, he is transported to a magical place, and sets about on a journey that will change his life forever.

As a mother of two boys, I am always searching for good middle grade books featuring boy protagonists. Most middle grade is girl dominant and I have found it increasingly difficult to search out really meaty books that I know my children will enjoy. The description alone for PETER NIMBLE AND HIS FANTASTIC EYES caught my attention as something my boys would enjoy. Fantasy? Adventure? Mystery? It sounded perfect.

And it was. This book is absolutely amazing. From the first page to the last, my boys and I were completely spellbound by Peter Nimble and his incredible journey. Superbly crafted, with beautiful prose, and wonderful illustrations, this book has an Oliver Twist meets steampunk feel to it. The pacing is delightful—there is never a dull moment—and Peter is such a valiant and worthy hero that the reader can’t help but root for this compelling thief.

PETER NIMBLE AND HIS FANTASTIC EYES is fresh and unique.  I’ve never read anything else like it. I loved the fact that Jonathan Auxier does not “dumb down” the book, either in vocabulary or theme. There is a heart to this book that will stick with you long after the last page is turned. My twelve-year-old called it “epic” and immediately asked if there was a sequel. I really hope we’ll be seeing more of Peter’s adventures in the future.

This is a book that both adults and children can enjoy. I read it out loud to my boys and every night they would pull the ‘just one more page’ whine on me. I highly recommend this book!

NICE SHOT, CUPID!
Kate McMullan
Stone Arch Books
August 1, 2011
ISBN 10: 1434234355
ISBN 13: 978-1434234353
Middle Grade
Paperback

Do you think you know the story about how the handsome Greek god Cupid met Psyche? Think again! Let Hades, King of the Underworld, tell you the real story!

My boys loved Kate McMullan’s Dragonslayer’s Academy books so they were very excited to get their hands on NICE SHOT, CUPID. Kate McMullan’s trademark wit shines in this tale told from the POV of Hades.

We learn that Cupid was not a handsome god when he met Psyche, but rather a gawky, pimply faced, shy teenager who couldn’t get up the courage to approach the beautiful Psyche. Only with Hades’s help does Cupid find a way to win Psyche’s heart.

The hijinks that ensue are guaranteed to keep your child smiling and turning the pages. My boys couldn’t wait to get to the next chapter each night. NICE SHOT, CUPID is highly recommended for middle grade boys and girls. It’s a winner!