Middle Grade Mavens

By Julie Grasso+Pamela UeckermanArts Books

Middle Grade Mavens episodes

April 29, 2021 Episode 85: Eliza Vanda's Button Box / The Magicians Map / Planet Alterra
Today on Middle Grade Mavens, Pamela reviews, "Eliza Vanda's Button Box," by Emily Rodda, and Julie reviews, "The Magicians Map," by Kelly Ngai and Mikki Lish.

Author Links: Welcome | Emily Rodda
Want this at your local library? Here's what you will need!
Author: Emily Rodda
Title: Eliza Vanda's Button Box
Format: Book
Publisher: Harper Collins
Date: 5th May 2021
ISBN: 9781460759608
BOOK

Author Links: Chicken House Books - The Magician's Map
Want this at your local library? Here's what you will need!
Author: Kelly Ngai and Mikki Lish
Title: The Magicians Map
Format: Book
Publisher: Chicken House
Date: 1 June 2021
ISBN: 9781913322564

To purchase Madeline and Lyla's book, "Planet Alterra," head to planetalterra.carrd.co

To learn more about the Mavens, head on over to https://www.middlegradepodcast.com
Or to find Julie online drop by https://www.julieannegrassobooks.com
And for Pamela online find her at https://www.ueckerman.net
Have a question or comment? Email us at [email protected]
To learn what books are in the pipeline, follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/middlegrademavens
21 min
April 21, 2021 Episode 84: Interview with Catherine Doyle / Interview with Belinda Murrell
Today on Middle Grade Mavens, Pamela chats to Catherine Doyle, author of "The Storm Keepers Battle," book 3 in the Storm Keepers Trilogy and Julie chats to Belinda Murrell, author of "The Golden Tower."

About Catherine's Book:
The Storm Keepers Battle:
Fionn Boyle, Storm Keeper of Arranmore, is facing the fight of his life. The terrifying all- powerful sorceress Morrigan has been raised from the dead and has sealed off the island from all help.

Fionn is the only thing that stands between her and a dark future. He's got to find a way to defeat her. But there are some terrible choices in store for Fionn as the dark sorcerer begins to take his nearest and dearest for her own. With only two candles left to burn, will Fionn master his powers in time to stop her?

Author Links: Home | catherinedoylebooks
Want this at your local library? Here's what you will need!
Author: Catherine Doyle
Title: The Storm Keepers Battle
Format: Book
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Date: 30 March 2021
ISBN: 9781526607966

About Belinda's Book:
The Golden Tower:
In her wildest dreams, Sophie never thought she might be kidnapped by a cat and taken to a world of flying horses and wonder – but also magic, mystery and danger!
Transported to the land of Tuscia, Sophie accidentally saves the daughter of a wealthy family and is swept along on their journey to the Golden Tower. Now she is the only one standing between sisters Isabella and Bia and the terrible fate their stepmother has planned.
Sophie doesn’t think she is brave enough, but with the help of a talking cat, a stableboy and some very tiny mischief-makers, she might be able to save the day.

Author Links: Home · Belinda Murrell
Want this at your local library? Here's what you will need!
Author: Belinda Murrell
Title: The Golden Tower
Format: Book
Publisher: Puffin
Date: 2 March 2021
ISBN: 9781760897093

To learn more about the Mavens, head on over to https://www.middlegradepodcast.com
Or to find Julie online drop by https://www.julieannegrassobooks.com
And for Pamela online find her at https://www.ueckerman.net
Have a question or comment? Email us at [email protected]
To learn what books are in the pipeline, follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/middlegrademavens
1 hr 14 min
April 14, 2021 Episode 83: Storm Keepers' Battle / The Golden Tower / The Vanishing at the Very Small Castle
Today on Middle Grade Mavens, Pamela reviews, "Storm Keepers' Battle," by Catherine Doyle, and "The Vanishing at the Very Small Castle," By Jackie French, and Julie reviews, "The Golden Tower," by Belinda Murrell.
Author Links: Home | catherinedoylebooks
Want this at your local library? Here's what you will need!
Author: Catherine Doyle
Title: The Storm Keepers' Battle
Format: Book
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Date: 30 March 2021
ISBN: 9781526607966
Author Links: Home · Belinda Murrell
Want this at your local library? Here's what you will need!
Author: Belinda Murrell
Title: The Golden Tower
Format: Book
Publisher: Puffin
Date: 2 March 2021
ISBN: 9781760897093
Author Links: Home | jackie-french
Want this at your local library? Here's what you will need!
Author: Jackie French
Title: The Vanishing at the Very Small Castle
Format: Book
Publisher: Harper Collins
Date: April 7, 2021
ISBN: 9781460757734
To learn more about the Mavens, head on over to https://www.middlegradepodcast.com
Or to find Julie online drop by https://www.julieannegrassobooks.com
And for Pamela online find her at https://www.ueckerman.net
Have a question or comment? Email us at [email protected]
To learn what books are in the pipeline, follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/middlegrademavens
29 min
April 07, 2021 Episode 82: Interview with Susanne Gervay / Interview with Kate Foster
Today on Middle Grade Mavens, Pamela chats with Susanne Gervay, author of "Heroes of the Secret Underground," and Julie chats to Kate Foster, author of "Paws."
About Susanne's book:
Heroes of the Secret Underground:
A timely and powerful time-slip story inspired by the author's family in Budapest during the Holocaust

Louie lives with her brothers, Bert and Teddy, in a hotel run by their grandparents. It is one of Sydney's grand old buildings, rich in history ... and in secrets.

When a rose-gold locket, once thought lost, is uncovered, it sends Louie and her brothers spinning back in time. Back to a world at war: Budapest in the winter of 1944, where their grandparents are hiding secrets of their own ...

From bestselling author Susanne Gervay comes a heart-racing timeslip story inspired by her own family's escape from Budapest during the Holocaust.
Author website: Susanne Gervay (sgervay.com)

About Kate's book:
Paws:
At home, Alex's best friend is Kevin the cockapoo, although what he wants most of all is a friend at school. But that is harder than he ever expected.

A touching story about learning that friendship isn't one size fits all and is often found where you least expect it.

Everything is changing for 11-year-old Alex and, as an autistic person, change can be terrifying. With the first day of high school only a couple of months away, Alex is sure that having a friend by his side will help. So, he's devised a plan - impress the kids at school by winning a trophy at the PAWS Dog Show with his trusty sidekick, Kevin.

This should be a walk in the park . . . right?
Author website: kate foster, children's AUTHOR! - Home (kfosterbooks.com)

Kate's Middle Grade Book recommendations:
Crater Lake by Jennifer Killick Crater Lake by Jennifer Killick | 9781913102203 | Booktopia
Theodora Hendrix and the Monstrous League of Monsters by Jordan Kopy Theodora Hendrix and the Monstrous League of Monsters, Theodora Hendrix by Jordan Kopy | 9781406392616 | Booktopia
The Switching Hour by Damaris Young The Switching Hour by Damaris Young | 9781407195049 | Booktopia

To learn more about the Mavens, head on over to https://www.middlegradepodcast.com
Or to find Julie online drop by https://www.julieannegrassobooks.com
And for Pamela online find her at https://www.ueckerman.net
Have a question or comment? Email us at [email protected]
To learn what books are in the pipeline, follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/middlegrademavens
1 hr 7 min
March 31, 2021 Episode 81: Heroes of the Secret Underground / Huda and Me / Paws / Interview with H. Hayek
Today on Middle Grade Mavens, Pamela reviews, "Heroes of the Secret Underground by Sussanne Gervay, and "Huda and Me," by H. Hayek whilst Julie reviews, "Paws," by Kate Foster.
Author links: Susanne Gervay (sgervay.com)
Want this book at your local library, here's what you will need?
Title: Heroes of the Secret Underground
Author: Susanne Gervay
Publisher: Harper Collins
Available: 7th April 2021
ISBN: 9781460758335
Number Of Pages: 240
For Ages: 9+ years old
Author Links: Home - H Hayek
Want this book at your local library, here's what you will need?
Title: Huda and Me
Author: H. Hayek
Publisher: Allen and Unwin
Available: 30th March 2021
ISBN: 9781760526023
Number Of Pages: 208
For Ages: 9 - 13 years old
Author Links: kate foster, children's AUTHOR! - Home (kfosterbooks.com)
Want this book at your local library, here's what you will need?
Title: Paws
Author: Kate Foster
Publisher: Walker Books Australia
Available: 7th April 2021
ISBN: 9781760652661
Number Of Pages: 240
For Ages: 9 - 13 years old
To learn more about the Mavens, head on over to https://www.middlegradepodcast.com
Or to find Julie online drop by https://www.julieannegrassobooks.com
And for Pamela online find her at https://www.ueckerman.net
Have a question or comment? Email us at [email protected]
To learn what books are in the pipeline, follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/middlegrademavens
48 min
March 24, 2021 Episode 80: Interview: Elizabeth Honey: Author of From Stella Street to Amsterdam
Today on Middle Grade Mavens, Pamela interviews, Elizabeth Honey, author of "From Stella Street to Amsterdam," published by Allen and Unwin in September 2020.
About the book:
When Henni's stubborn old neighbour Willa insists on returning to her childhood home in the Netherlands for a wedding, Henni leaps at the chance to be her travelling companion. 'Lucky duck! Fantastic opportunity!' That's what everyone in Stella Street said. 'Oh boy, chance of a lifetime.'

But during the long flight to Amsterdam, Willa reveals to Henni the real reason for her journey: a terrible family secret stretching back to the Second World War. As Henni makes friends with more and more of Willa's relatives, she must decide if they should know the truth. And is that the only mystery?

A triumphant return to the wonderful, warm and witty world of Stella Street by the much-loved author Elizabeth Honey.
Author Bio:
Elizabeth Honey grew up on a farm, went to Swinburne art school, had adventures abroad and a variety of jobs before becoming an illustrator, then also a writer, for children.

She lives in Richmond, Melbourne in a house of books: picture books, poetry, art (Matisse particularly) and weird books. Fortunately, her retired graphic designer husband is also a bibliophile. They have two grown-up children and a granddaughter in Amsterdam. All her life Elizabeth has zoomed around on her bike - not a lycra rider, just a charging-round-the-place rider - and that vibrant bike city in the Netherlands has become an inspiration. She's also passionate about streets for people not cars, public parkland and place-making, and an abiding passion is habitat for wildlife, for the survival of our unique animals.

Want this at your local library, here's what you will need.
Title: From Stella Street to Amsterdam
Author: Elizabeth Honey
ISBN: 9781865084541
Publisher: Allen and Unwin Children's
Date: September 2020

To learn more about the Mavens, head on over to https://www.middlegradepodcast.com
Or to find Julie online drop by https://www.julieannegrassobooks.com
And for Pamela online find her at https://www.ueckerman.net
Have a question or comment? Email us at [email protected]
To learn what books are in the pipeline, follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/middlegrademavens

35 min
March 17, 2021 Episode 79: From Stella Street To Amsterdam / Girl Of The Southern Sea
Today on Middle Grade Mavens, Pamela reviews, "From Stella Street to Amsterdam," by Elizabeth Honey, and Julie reviews, "Girl Of The Southern Sea," by Michelle Kadarusman.
Author Links: Elizabeth Honey - Official Website - Home
Want this at your local library, here's what you'll need.
Author: Elizabeth Honey
Title: From Stella Street to Amsterdam
Format: Book
Publisher: Murdock Books
Date: Feb 2021
ISBN: 9781911631972
Author Links: Michelle Kadarusman | UQP
Want this at your local library, here's what you'll need.
Author: Michelle Kadarusman
Title: Girl of The Southern Sea
Format: Book
Publisher: University of Queensland Press
Date: 2 February 2021
ISBN: 9780702262937
To learn more about the Mavens, head on over to https://www.middlegradepodcast.com
Or to find Julie online drop by https://www.julieannegrassobooks.com
And for Pamela online find her at https://www.ueckerman.net
Have a question or comment? Email us at [email protected]
To learn what books are in the pipeline, follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/middlegrademavens
19 min
March 10, 2021 Episode 78: Wend Orr interview / Kelly Ngai and Mikki Lish interview
Today on Middle Grade Mavens, Pamela chats to Wendy Orr, about her latest book "Cuckoo's Flight," and Julie chats to Mikki Lish and Kelly Ngai about their debut book, "The House On Hoarder Hill."
About Wendy's Book:
When Clio's town in Bronze Age Crete is threatened by seafaring raiders, she faces the greatest sacrifice of all. Can Clio, her herd of horses and a new young friend find a way to change their destinies?

Another wonderfully engaging historical middle fiction adventure from the author of Dragonfly Song and Nim's Island.

If she had stayed to load the kiln as she should have, she'd never have seen the ship. Mama said the ship still would have been there, so everything had to happen the way it did. But that's not true. Clio saw it, and the world changed.

When a raiders' ship appears off the coast, the goddess demands an unthinkable price to save the town - and Clio's grandmother creates a sacred statue to save Clio's life.

But Clio is torn between the demands of guarding the statue and caring for her beloved horses. Disabled in an accident, she must try to put aside her own grief at no longer being able to ride - and in the process, save a friend's life and stop a war.

Rippling with emotion and drama, war and resistance, fear and determination, this novel is a brilliant companion to the highly acclaimed Dragonfly Song and Swallow's Dance.
Website: Home · Wendy Orr

About Mikki and Kelly's Book:
Magical, spooky and mysterious: welcome to the House on Hoarder Hill ...

When Hedy and Spencer start receiving messages on dusty picture frames, Christmas at their grandfather's spooky house turns into a mission to solve the mystery of their grandmother's disappearance. What is their magician grandfather not telling them? With the help of a (talking) mounted stag head, an (also talking) bear rug, and other (currently) disembodied spirits, and against the resistance of gargoyles and ravens, Hedy and Spencer set out to find the truth.
Website: Chicken House Books - House on Hoarder Hill
To learn more about the Mavens, head on over to https://www.middlegradepodcast.com
Or to find Julie online drop by https://www.julieannegrassobooks.com
And for Pamela online find her at https://www.ueckerman.net
Have a question or comment? Email us at [email protected]
To learn what books are in the pipeline, follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/middlegrademavens
1 hr 8 min
March 03, 2021 Episode 77: Cuckoo's Flight / The House on Hoarder Hill
Today on Middle Grade Mavens, Pamela reviews, "Cuckoo's Flight," by Wendy Orr, and Julie reviews, "The House on Hoarder Hill," by Mikki Lish and Kelly Kgai.
Author Links: https://wendyorr.com/
Want this at your local library, here's what you'll need.
Author: Wendy Orr
Title: Cuckoo's Flight
Format: Book
Publisher: Allen and Unwin
Date: 2nd March 2021
ISBN: 9781760524913

Author Links: Chicken House Books - House on Hoarder Hill
Want this at your local library, here's what you'll need.
Authors: Mikki Lish and Kelly Ngai
Title: The House On Hoarder Hill
Format: Book
Publisher: Chicken House Books
Date: 1 June 2020
ISBN: 9781912626212
Youtube House On Hoarder Hill Trailer https://youtu.be/thW2Md9s6Ks

To learn more about the Mavens, head on over to https://www.middlegradepodcast.com
Or to find Julie online drop by https://www.julieannegrassobooks.com
And for Pamela online find her at https://www.ueckerman.net
Have a question or comment? Email us at [email protected]
To learn what books are in the pipeline, follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/middlegrademavens
19 min
February 27, 2021 Episode 76: Interview Jacqui Jones: Author of The Greatfulness Guide
Today on Middle Grade Mavens, Pamela chats to Jacqui Jones, author of "The Greatfulness Guide; Next level thinking, how to think, not what to think,' Published by Murdock Books on January 5 2021.
Author Links: Home - Jacqueline Jones
About Jacqui's book:
A mental wellness toolkit for tweens
If life is a journey, then this book is an unmissable stop along the way.
The Greatfulness Guide is a practical and interactive resource that sets the foundations for strong mental health and positive, resilient thinking. This entertaining guidebook provides a map that teaches children step-by-step how to use their minds to care for themselves in times of stress or worry, and to truly flourish.
Packed with fun, engaging activities and real-life examples from Novak Djokovic, Mel Robbins, Andy McCann, Isaiah Dawe and many others, The Greatfulness Guide teaches young people HOW to think, not WHAT to think, giving them the power, the self-belief, and the tools to bounce back from life's challenges.
Based on the Greatfulness wellbeing program which has been taught to thousands of school children aged 8-13 and endorsed by education standard authorities, this book is an essential read for every child before they hit their teenage years.
About the author:
Jacqui Jones has over 20 years' experience in the field of education & social work with qualifications in social work, positive psychology and as a meditation teacher.
Jacqui is also the Founder of the Greatfulness wellbeing program and has inspired thousands of students through her work and ongoing commitment to empowering our younger generations.
Jacqui has also delivered transformational learning for teachers, parents and organisations such as TAFE NSW, NSW Police Force (PCYC) and NSW Government teams. She is a visiting facilitator at the University of Sydney's Centre for Continuing Education where she teaches 'Mindfulness for Busy Lives'.
She is an in-demand guest speaker for wellness providers, mental health events and teachers conferences and her work has been featured in the media including The Sydney Morning Herald and Channel 7's, The Daily Edition.
Jacqui truly believes in the revolutionary power of meditation and credits this tool for helping her overcome major depression. She is living proof that meditation works and feels driven to share this tool with others to also enable them to live from a place of authenticity and joy.
Title: The Greatfulness Guide
Author: Jacqui Jones
ISBN:9781922351319
Publisher: Murdoch Books
Date: January 2021
Ages: 8-13
Book links: The Greatfulness Guide - Jacqui Jones - 9781922351319 - Murdoch books
To learn more about the Mavens, head on over to https://www.middlegradepodcast.com
Or to find Julie online drop by https://www.julieannegrassobooks.com
And for Pamela online find her at https://www.ueckerman.net
Have a question or comment? Email us at [email protected]
To learn what books are in the pipeline, follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/middlegrademavens
20 min

About Middle Grade Mavens

From the publisher's feed

The Middle-Grade Mavens are two Australian authors reviewing middle-grade children's books. We also chat with authors and illustrators about their inspiration, processes and experience and sometimes we interview publishers and agents to find out more about the industry. Whether you're a writer, school librarian, teacher, or just a book fan, this is for you. Julie Anne Grasso is the author of the Frankie Dupont Mystery series, cupcake enthusiast and part-time library book wrangler. Pamela Ueckerman is a dance teacher, writer, book reviewer, editor and home educator.