Hands by Torrey Maldonado. 138 p. Nancy Paulsen Books/ Penguin Random House, January, 2023. 9780583323793. (Review of a finished purchased copy.)
Happy final Monday of the school year! Middle Grade Monday features Hands by Torrey Maldonado. The last time twelve-year-old Trev saw his stepfather was two years earlier after his mom called the police to have him arrested for assault. He threatened her as he was put in cuffs and taken away. Trev has good hands and a good heart. He's a talented artist who does well at school because that's what's going to get him a good life. With the imminent release of his stepfather, Trev wonders if he should use his hands to protect himself and his family and decides to begin training to box. The problem is, the trainers at the rec center made a promise to Trev's uncle not to train him. Once Trev starts to train himself, he finds it harder to keep up in school and keep his anger in check.
This slim book tells an intense story fast. Trev is thoughtful and likable and his situation seems dire. Thankfully, there are many in the community to help. Readers will root for Trev. Recommended!
Nothing is Little by Carmella VanVleet. 304 p. Holiday House, July, 2022. 97810823450114. (Review of finished purchased copy.)
Middle Grade Monday features Nothing is Little by Carmella VanVleet. Sixth grader Felix may be short in stature, but he's long in heart and humor. He often sports tee shirts with funny messages about being short. He doesn't even mind his nickname, Shortlock. He'd love to know more about his bio-dad, but his mom avoids those questions. He appreciates his stepfather, Paul, who is trying to make Felix feel included, but with a baby sister on the way, he can't help but feel like an outsider.
He joins the forensics club at school with his best friend and discovers he and his teammates are very good at solving mysteries and have a good chance of representing their school at a regional competition. Felix thinks this might be a good way to find his bio-dad. What is he willing to do in order to get there?
Felix is an appealing character. The plot is fast-paced, switching between school and forensics club to home scenes. Readers looking for a fresh and funny read will find much to like here.
Every Missing Piece by Melanie Conklin. 284p. Little, Brown and Company, May 26, 2020. 9781368048958. (Review of arc courtesy of publisher ALAMW.)
Normally, a review for a book like this would go in a "Middle Grade Monday" post. Those are scheduled through June and this sweet book is publishing next month. Given that marketing events like book tours and school visits are cancelled, I wanted to spread the word about another 2020 MG favorite and encourage you to pre-order the book, preferably from an indie. (Rec below.)*
Eleven-year-old Maddie Gaines is very aware that tragedy can strike at any time. This happened to her three years ago when her father died. Since then, Maddie is ever-vigilant, always searching for ways accidents can happen. Her mom indulges her weekly safety checks but has to draw the line at calling the police. After a few panicked calls to 911, the sheriff insisted that they stop except for a true emergency. But what about the mysterious boy who's setting booby traps in the woods? The one that looks suspiciously like the boy who went missing six months ago?
That's not all Maddie's worried about. There's Stan, her mother's new husband. Stan is perfectly nice. Maddie acknowledges he is trying hard. But what about her dad? Stan is a puzzle piece that does not fit and her dad is a missing piece that can't be found. Maddie keeps his picture by her bed and texts him each night. She knows he won't answer but it helps.
Maddie's voice charms from the start when she misses the bus due to tornadoes. Well, potential tornadoes drove her to hide in the culvert and her bus driver has a reputation for being tough. She's surrounded by a community of appealing characters and a vivid southern setting. It is very easy to get folded into the warmth of this book and not want to leave. There's laughter, mystery, longing, friend drama, a potential tragedy, and a few tears. Something for everyone.
There are quite a few TMS students who are fans of the author's debut, Counting Thyme who are very eager for Every Missing Piece. I can't wait to introduce them to Maddie Gaines.
*I'm pretty sure Ms. Conklin was planning a launch at Words in Maplewood. I've trekked to this treasure of store for quite a few launches and would've for this one. If you are in the north Jersey area, it's an easy hop off the NJ Turnpike, for when the quarantine is lifted. In the meanwhile, they are filling online orders: https://store.wordsbookstore.com/pre-order-signed-copy-every-missing-piece
