MORE 'MIND-THE-MIDDLE' POSTS
In the book, Mendel is convinced he's been cursed, and it might be true. But I think it's safe to say we, cursed or not, all have aspects of ourselves we find troublesome.
Well-written, complex, and unique. An excellent read.
Charlotte was my student in a university fiction course during the pandemic. A couple years later, I was delighted to find out that my publisher had chosen Charlotte to illustrate my cover!
Dog's story is not an easy one or one that quickly turns hopeful and positive. It's rough ride. But in Hautman's ever-capable hands, it's a rough ride full of adventure, suspense, emotion, and a feeling that the path Dog is on, and maybe even the path Evan is on, is a profound one, that their connection will change their lives.
Scary stories allow us to explore the dangers inherent in the world from a place of safety. Kids need this—we all do.
I wondered why, after writing twenty-five books for young readers, I had never addressed the bond between a child and an animal.
Can you imagine a better way to find inspiration, insight, or the compassion necessary to write stories for this age than having been in the classroom?
Ultimately, the answer is more. More books, more choices, more different experiences represented, more depictions of what life can be like. Because there is no single authentic story.
I work with young readers who vent to me about fiction books their teachers assign. Ugh, not another book about mean people. There’s just so much sad stuff in this book. Can’t we just read? I hate [insert generic comprehension check here]. Ah, middle grade readers. Such a mix of tender sensibilities, growing toughness, and […]
This well-written story of adjusting to life in a new place and a new culture is a compassionate look at identity, history, belonging, and understanding. An excellent read.
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