I'm back with another Marvelous Middle Grade read! Marvelous Middle Grade Monday is the brainchild of Shannon Whitney Messenger, who thinks Middle Grade deserves more online attention that it's been getting, and I agree! So check back every Monday for my take on great Middle Grade reads.*
This week I wanted to highlight JUSTIN CASE: SCHOOL, DROOL, AND OTHER DAILY DISASTERS, by Rachel Vail. Here's the blurb from Goodreads:
It’s the start of the school year, and nothing feels right to Justin. He didn’t get the teacher he wanted, he’s not in the same class as his best friend, and his little sister, Elizabeth, is starting kindergarten at his school. Elizabeth doesn’t seem nervous at all. Justin is very nervous about third grade. And to top it off, he’s lost his favorite stuffed animal, but he can’t tell anyone, because technically he’s too old to still have stuffed animals. Right? Here is third grade in all its complicated glory—the friendships, the fears, and the advanced math. Acclaimed author Rachel Vail captures third grade with a perfect pitch, and Matthew Cordell’s line art is both humorous and touching. As Justin bravely tries to step out of his shell, he will step into readers’ hearts.
And I have to say that this book does not disappoint. The voice is pitch perfect - I can hear my son, who is quite the third-grade worrywart himself, on every page. And I was struck by the skill with which Vail captures the diary voice, while at the same time managing to make every plot point and turn of events relevant to the story and to the development of the character. This was a great read, and it was one that both my son and I enjoyed. Check it out!
And be sure to check out Shanon's blog HERE for more MMGM!
*Except for the past couple of weeks. I dislocated my shoulder - pantyhose + wooden stairs = bad, people. Don't do it. And typing with one arm in a sling? Slower than frozen molasses. So I haven't posted in a while - but I'm back! My shoulder is stiff, but at least I can move it enough to type!
I'm glad to see so many great MG titles being featured, because my daughter's teacher heard about my blog, and asked for recommendations.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your fall down the stairs and your dislocated shoulder. Ouch! Glad you're back.
ReplyDeleteI've been looking at this book on the shelves at work and wondering if I should read it. Sounds great! Thanks. I love a pitch perfect voice.
Ouch! Hope your shoulder feels better soon. Thanks for another great review.
ReplyDeleteDislocated shoulder, yikes! That's terrible and no good for typing either! That looks a great read. I've given up on writing Middle Grade for now, but I love reading it.
ReplyDeleteThe book sounds great! Interestingly, there's an excellent YA book by Meg Rosoff titled, Just in Case, wherein a character named David Case changes his name to Justin. It's a wonderful play on these words.
ReplyDeleteI can't remember the last time I read a middle grade book, but you make a great pitch for this one so I'll check it out. I'm glad you're feeling better. I hope the fall doesn't keep you from your dancing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review. This sounds like a fun book. Sorry about your arm. It must be frustrating trying to type with one hand.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review, Ishta. I'll definitely check this one out.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're back in the saddle, or whereever it is you write.
Hope that shoulder continues to mend...! Thanks for sharing Justin...really need to get reading these!
ReplyDelete