Thought for the Day:
“Get it down. Take chances. It may be bad, but it’s the only way you can do anything really good.”
~ William Faulkner ~
Gifts for My Writer Friends:
HERE is a good article from Writer’s Digest with 5 Story Mistakes Even Good Writers Make.
I often say I don’t read Science Fiction, but there are a couple exceptions to that: Ray Bradbury and Octavia Butler. One of my top-five books is Kindred by Ms. Butler, and I think EVERYONE should read it. It’s not really Science Fiction; it’s a time-travel book and a great one, but she also writes SciFi, and I have read some of hers. Anyway, I found the article HERE about her quite interesting. Maybe we should all be our own cheerleaders.
Revision — the bane of my existence. Janice Hardy at Fiction University has such a good post HERE to help you be more successful at revision.
2020 isn’t ready to give us a break yet. The news of the virus shows it continuing on an upward trajectory, one that will keep us home a lot longer, and the political news seems to be on a downward spiral which makes containing the virus even more difficult which will keep us home longer and the beat goes on. C’mon, November! The writer’s block of ice that has had me locked into doing no writing seems to be cracking a bit. I have started to make some submissions and even do a little new writing. Maybe there is a light at the end of my impossibly long and dark tunnel. I hope all of you are being successful at whatever you are trying to accomplish.
As I have said in the past, when a book gets buried at my house, it sometimes is forgotten for a while. I should have reviewed this book sooner. It came out in December, and here I am now finally posting my review. And it’s such a good book. The Unteachables by Gordon Korman should not be missed. I reviewed it for the San Francisco Book Review. When I see a Gordon Korman book come up for review, I try to grab it, although I’m not always successful. His books are pretty popular with the reviewers. But I got this one, and I’m really glad I did. Here is the review I wrote for them.
Kiana is a short-timer. She will only be at this school until her mother’s movie is done. Staying with her father, step-monster, and their new baby is something she has to get through, like two months at this school. The step-monster doesn’t register Kiana. She finds her way to the Unteachables, a class of misfits and losers. Their teacher, Mr. Kermit, does crossword puzzles while the kids do worksheets. One of the kids, Barnstorm, was a big sports star, and it seems the only reason he’s in this class is that he broke his leg. When told the class can’t go to the rally, Mr. Kermit gets on the phone and fights for Barnstorm to not only go but to sit with the team. The kids realize Mr. Kermit will fight for them, and that changes everything.
Author Gordon Korman understands what makes kids tick. The characters are well rounded, the dialogue is spot-on for middle schoolers, and the story is compelling, funny, and sweet. Readers will root for the kids and Mr. Kermit as they all fight for each other and for what is right. This book is such a winner! Don’t miss it.
I have a gently-read ARC for one of you. All you need do is be a follower or subscriber (it’s free!), have a U.S. address, and leave a comment below. If you would like extra chances, please share the link to this post on Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media outlet and let me know you have done that. And don’t forget to check for other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at the Greg Pattridge’s blog HERE.
Rosi Hollinbeck 
Gordon’s books are always fun!!
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Yes they are. Thanks for stopping by, Linda. Good luck in the drawing.
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The Unteachables sounds like a terrific little story ! My young reader is 13… is it too juvenile a story?
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I think a 13-year-old would love it. Heck, I loved it and I am a lot older than 13. Thanks for the comment. Good luck in the drawing.
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This one sounds like something I’d love to read and share.
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I think you would love it. Thanks for the comment. Good luck in the drawing.
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I never read a book by Gordon Korman and this sounds like a winner. Thanks for the chance. And glad you’re starting to write again. Me too.
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He’s very prolific. I’ve only read a couple others, but I liked them very much, and I’ve only heard good things about his books. This is a good one. Thanks for the comment. Good luck in the drawing.
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This was a fun book, and I remember enjoying it!
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Yup. Sure is. Thanks for stopping by.
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This book sounds great! I’ve enjoyed Korman’s Swindle series, as well as his book Ungifted, so I imagine this one is great as well! The focus on the teacher as well as the kids reminds me of the book Because of Mr. Terupt. Congrats on getting through your writer’s block! I love the quote and the meme for the week. I’ll pass on the giveaway, but thanks for the great post!
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I liked Ungifted too. I’d never heard of Because of Mr. Terupt but I looked it up and it sounds great. I’m always so pleased when someone mentions liking the quote. Thanks! And thanks for the comment.
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I always enjoy whatever Gordon Korman writes. I added this title to my TBR list many months ago but have not pursued a copy with so many others above it. Your review motivates me to change that omission soon.
I’m more into rewriting these days but can’t keep the same intensity I had pre-March. I hope to start something new real soon and November sounds perfect. Loved the Writer’s Digest and Janice Hardy link today. Very helpful!
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Who knew a pandemic would stop so many writers in their tracks, but I have heard this over and over. Rewriting is writing, but it’s always nice to start something fresh. You will enjoy this book when you get to it. So much fun. Thanks for the comment. Good luck in the drawing.
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I have a copy, but Korman is always great. Glad you enjoyed it.
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Thanks for stopping by.
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I have not read a book by Korman, so it looks like I’m in for a treat. What an intriguing book — I love how the class supports one another.
The book you sent me on the wackiest animals, arrived today. Thanks! Can’t get it away from my husband.! Ha!
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He is an author worth getting to know. The Wackiest Animals is such a fun book. I’m glad your husband enjoyed it. Thanks for stopping by. Good luck in the drawing.
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I enjoy this author’s books and this one is new to me. I shared on pinterest, tumblr, facebook, and twitter.
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Thanks for sharing my link. I appreciate it. This is a fun book and the other books of his I’ve read are fun as well. Thanks for the comment. Good luck in the drawing.
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Hi, Rosi ~ I have not yet read any of this author’s works, but it sounds as if I need to check out his books. The class of misfits and losers sounds like an interesting twist for a MG novel. Thanks for sharing this book with us for MMGM. :0}
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You’re welcome. He’s a good author to get to know for MG books, and this is a terrific book. Thanks for the comment. Good luck in the drawing.
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I’m a huge fan of Korman. I’ve reviewed a few of his on my blog. He does have such a gift of capturing the middle school mind set. I also love how his books usually have a school setting as well. Loved your meme this week!
Can’t wait to get my hands on this book!
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Thanks, Jenni. So glad the memes are popular. Thanks for coming by and leaving a comment. Good luck in the drawing.
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Great! Two books on my to-read list! Ha ha.
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