The Bookshelf – Page 13

Writing middlegrades: Do you inspire wonder, or horror?

15SeptemberSuzanneMarvelous Middle Grades, Writing

As I sit here typing this post, I have the creepy feeling there’s a spider in my hair. Â There’s the echo of a tickle at the roots of my hair, and a kind of slithering sensation across my scalp. Â Of course I know there isn’t LIKELY a spider in my hair…but I have been out

The Way of the Warrior, by Chris Bradford

7SeptemberSuzanne7 CommentsMarvelous Middle Grades, The Bookshelf

Before launching into my MMGM spotlight for today I have to put in a plug for author and writing coach David Farland. Â He’s been on my radar for an embarrassingly long time, but I recently followed an impulse and dove into one of this books on writing. Â It’s called Million Dollar Outlines, but I’m finding

MMGM: Princess Posey and the Monster Stew

31AugustSuzanne5 CommentsMarvelous Middle Grades, The Bookshelf

If you’re a blog regular you’ll notice that I owe you a Flash Friday post or at least an update…and I’d like to apologize for missing that. Â I say, I’d LIKE to apologize, but I think I won’t! Â You see, an apology implies the resolution to do better, but I’m pretty sure I’ll continue to

Ice Dogs, by Terry Lynn Johnson

24AugustSuzanne6 CommentsMarvelous Middle Grades, The Bookshelf

Ice Dogs will be a tricky book to review, as it hasn’t become a new favorite and actually took me a couple tries to get into. Â But, it’s not one of the books that I just set aside, or pass on reviewing because I can’t find enough positive to say…it’s more that this is a

Here Lies Linc, by Delia Ray

18AugustSuzanne2 CommentsMarvelous Middle Grades, The Bookshelf

Life is a bit of a tumble for me just now, with the upcoming move and our son heading off to college this week, but I couldn’t resist giving this delightful book it’s moment in the spotlight. Â Many thanks to my fellow MMGM reviewers for tipping me off to Here Lies Linc, and my apologies

The Ordinary Princess, by M. M. Kaye

10AugustSuzanne7 CommentsMarvelous Middle Grades, The Bookshelf

Another lovely ‘throw back’ book, which has been a fav of since I was a middlegrader myself. Â It’s soft, and sweet, but never insipid, and I’ve recently tried it out on the current generation of middlegraders and found it to be an instant favorite. Â So, without further ado, let’s turn the spotlight on The Ordinary

Airman, by Eoin Colfer

28JulySuzanne3 CommentsMarvelous Middle Grades, The Bookshelf

I’ve been a big fan of Eoin Colfer and especially the Artemis Fowl series for quite some time, so it was with mixed feelings that I approached Airman. Â On the one hand, it was another Eoin Colfer book and that couldn’t be bad, right? Â On the other hand, while I enjoyed his standalone The Supernaturalist

Lawn Boy, by Gary Paulsen

20JulySuzanne14 CommentsMarvelous Middle Grades, The Bookshelf

This is another one of those ‘throw backs’ I mentioned, that weren’t around when we were in middle school (yes, I’m assuming you’re all the same age as I am) but aren’t exactly debuts, either. Â But it’s so awesome! Â And it’s so perfect for summer! Â I’m talking about Lawn Boy, of course, by Gary Paulsen.

Keeper of the Lost Cities, by Shannon Messenger

13JulySuzanne10 CommentsMarvelous Middle Grades, The Bookshelf

I feel just a little guilty that I’m only now getting around to reading Shannon‘s books, given what a great host of MMGM she’s been. Â And, being the contrary individual that I am, I also feel a little awkward posting a spotlight! Â I guess it feels kind of like talking about someone in the room,

Circa Now, by Amber McRee Turner

6JulySuzanne6 CommentsMarvelous Middle Grades, The Bookshelf

I won my copy of Circa Now in a giveaway held by the marvelous Barbara Watson–many thanks! Â She’s a regular MMGM participant, and offers great reviews on her blog, so go check her out. Â I’m always grateful to people who connect me with great books, and this one is definitely a keeper! My initial impression

Suzanne Warr

Narrative designer, game designer, author

Category Archives: The Bookshelf