Thought for the Day:
“Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.”
~ Louie L’Amour ~
Gifts for My Writer Friends:
Revising is the bane of my existence. I am always looking for ways to make it better for me. BookWorks has a good post HERE called Learning to Love Revision: Process is Key.
M. L. Davis at Uninspired Writers has a good post HERE to help you avoid all kinds of clichés in your writing.
I’m always looking for help with query letters. Uninspired Writers has a wonderful step-by-step approach HERE.
I am reading a book right now that I must recommend even though it has nothing to do with middle-grade. I wish I could make it required reading for every legislator in the country — state and federal. The book is If I Don’t Make It, I Love You: Survivors in the Aftermath of School Shootings. This is a most powerful book. Keep the tissues at hand.
Last week I offered gently-read ARCs of A Piglet Called Truffle and A Duckling Called Button by Helen Peters and illustrated by Ellie Snowden to one of you. This week’s winner is Carol Baldwin, a writer from South Carolina. Congratulations, Carol. I will get your books out soon. She has a very instructive blog, cleverly titled Carol Baldwin’s Blog which you can see HERE. Check it out. You won’t be sorry. No giveaway this week, but please keep reading.
I had a chance to read and review a book called The Miraculous by Jess Redman for the Tulsa Book Review a couple months ago. If I had seen this in a library or bookstore, I think I would have had to have it. That cover is gorgeous. This is a terrific middle-grade book you should know about, if you don’t already. Here is the review I wrote for them.
Wunder is a miracologist. He has collected miracles for most of his life. His parents told him he was a miracle, so no one knows more about miracles than he does. When Wunder’s little sister is born, she will need a miracle. But this time, there is no miracle. His little sister dies after only eight days, but Wunder already loves her. His mother won’t come out of her room. His father works all the time. His friends never ask him about his sister. An odd girl named Faye demands Wunder come with her to the cemetery and to an old house in the woods. A witch lives there, and Faye is convinced she can help Wunder with his grief. It is a difficult and strange journey.
Jess Redman has written a stunning debut novel that will help youngsters deal with grief — their own or that of their friends — while being enthralled with a magical, fantastical story filled with wondrous characters, gorgeous writing, and great hope. Although the subject is serious, Redman handles it deftly and brings lightness and some humor to it. This book deserves a much wider audience than its intended middle-grade readers. Don’t miss this one.
No giveaway this week. I donated my hardbound copy to the school library. But check back next week. I expect to have a giveaway then. And don’t forget to check for other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at the Greg Pattridge’s blog HERE.
Rosi Hollinbeck 
Congratulations, Rosi! You ke ep finding these fascinating books, and tempting me to spend more than I should at the bookstore. (I know I’m actually in control of whether I do it.) Anyway, thank you for sharing this.
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I use the library a LOT. I’ll bet they have this book or would buy it if you request it. I hope you can find it. It’s worth the effort. Thanks for the comment and for sharing my link.
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This sounds like a great book. Thanks for choosing me to win the mg books. My granddaughter (avid animal lover) will love them. BY the way, I’m in NC now!
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You’re welcome! I am sure your granddaughter will like them. I’ll try to keep track of where you are in the Carolinas. It’s been an interesting couple of years for you.
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I follow Carol’s blog, so this is awesome news for her. I have a copy of Miraculous, but review books are my first priority–I do hope to read this book by the end of the year.
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I do hope you can get to it soon. It’s worth your time.
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I enjoyed this one too–and I agree that it would be the perfect book for a child whose friend is grieving. Thanks for your review!
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You’re welcome. Thanks for always reading and commenting.
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I’m reading this one now so only skimmed your review. I’ll reread after I write my own review in a few weeks. Enjoyed all the links especially the helpful one on query letters.
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I look forward to reading your thoughts on this book. Thanks for the comment.
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This sounds like a great book that tackles tough topics very well! Thanks so much for the review!
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You’re welcome. Thanks for reading and commenting.
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I’ve wanted to read this since I interviewed Jess on my blog. Glad you reminded me to put it to the top of my TBR stack.
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Glad I did too. Thanks for always reading and commenting.
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Thanks for the Louie L’Amour quote at the top of your post. I love his books, and this quote is meaningful to me. I agree with you about the cover on your featured book; it is lovely. The story sounds good, too. Thanks for sharing the review and your links with us for MMGM, Rosi! :0}
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I love it when people notice the quotes. Thanks. You are welcome for the review and links. I’m glad people like them.
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What a stunning cover — I would snatch it off the shelf because it begs to be read. I enjoyed your review and like books that deal with hard topics with courage, humor and grace. Never heard the term ” miracologist” before. I’m intrigued.
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It’s a great cover and a great book. You will enjoy it. Thanks for the comment.
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I would have stopped and grabbed the book too after seeing the cover. The Victorian home, fall colors, and kids riding on their bikes would have caught my attention. Sounds like a very emotional book. Thanks for sharing.
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That cover is really a stunner, isn’t it? Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
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