MMGM: Not Every Spark Needs a Stage — A Review of Absolutely, Almost

 

When I was a special education teacher, I would try to identify the hidden talents of my students. Some students, for example, who were struggling to read, might be brilliant artists or know all about the solar system.

One day, I asked a student, who was a very talented artist, if she wanted to make art when she grew up, and she said, “No, I just want to draw.”

It really hit me. Why are we in such a hurry as parents or teachers to rush kids into deciding what they want to do for work? Or to turn every flash of interest into a career.

I love to play the piano just for fun. I will never be a professional musician, but that’s okay too.

Whether you're a homeschool parent or a classroom one, I think we've all had that moment of wondering — are we pushing too hard? Or should we just let them be? 

Today I’m featuring a book about a boy who just wants to be a kid. I hope you’ll enjoy meeting Albie in Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff as much as I did.

Summary

Albie has always been an almost.

He’s almost good at tetherball.

He’s almost smart enough to pass his spelling test. 

And now that Albie is starting a brand-new school for fifth grade, he’s never felt more certain that almost simply isn’t good enough. With everyone around him expecting him to be one thing or another, how is an almost like Albie ever supposed to figure out who he wants to be? (from the front cover) 

 

Why This Story Stays With Me:

1.    From page one, I related to Albie. The family pressure to be involved in sports or activities, to get good grades, is real. Although I loved school and was good at it, I so related to Albie just wanting to eat donuts sometimes. 

2.    His relationship with Calista, his babysitter. Calista gives Albie acceptance for who he is. She lets him pick his own Halloween costume, just be a kid, and encourages his art. She knows that some days are just hard, but ice cream helps.

3.    Mr. Clifton, best math teacher ever! I love stories, like Wednesday Wars, where teachers provide much needed encouragement. Mr. Clifton keeps his “F” from fourth grade framed on his wall to remind himself that 

“You can’t get where you’re going without being where you’ve been” (p. 84) 

4.    The realities of reality TV. A fun subplot was Albie’s best friend Erlan’s family's foray into reality television.  Albie needs to sign a waiver to just go to his friend's birthday party! It gave a nice counterpoint to Albie’s journey to accept himself.

5.    Bullying handled with care. Darren and the “cool rules” were portrayed realistically. What I loved: Darren wasn’t a cardboard character, and Albie wasn’t a complete victim. His growth in learning to be okay with not being cool was a lovely journey.

Reading Guide: This book would appeal to 5th grade and up for independent reading, but might appeal to younger students as a read-aloud. It would make a great book for discussing finding your passions (even if they just end up as hobbies) or social pressure/bullying. 

 

Max’s take (out of a 5-bone scale)

Max, the Reading Dog

 

 

 

 

 

 🦴🦴🦴

No dogs! But I really liked reading about all the donuts and ice cream. If only my family would let me eat as much as Albie. I’m usually stuck with just dog cookies. Sigh!
 

 

Interesting Note: I got to hear Lisa Graff speak at a SCBWI conference a few years ago when she was still an editor. One piece of advice stuck with me: Don’t show your manuscript to critique partners until you’ve taken it as far as it can go. I have found I always get better feedback when I follow her advice.

Notes from the Front Porch:

Do you or your child ever feel like you’re just “almost” because you don’t have a spectacular talent?

Is there a book that helped you or your child feel understood?

  

Check out other fabulous middle grades at Always in the Middle!  

  

If you love Anne and tender, heart-filled stories, you’re always welcome here. Never miss out on future posts by following this blog.

ISWG: A Wish List for Kindred Spirits

 

When I was growing up, my mom knew I didn’t like jam. But she often hid it in her recipes. But no matter how many times she thought I wouldn’t notice, I could tell.

It reminds me of how, as authors, we need to trust our readers.

We all have a message or a theme we want to impart; the best stories do. But we must be careful, especially with astute readers (and kids are so astute!) that they don’t sniff out the jam (our message) instead of enjoying the fruit.

If I’ve learned anything as a former teacher and homeschooler, kids want two things from their fun reading: to get lost in a book and to laugh. And maybe adults want the same thing too.

Which brings me to what I'd love to see more of in kids' publishing: books that trust young readers enough to simply delight them.

 

If you don’t already know, I am a member of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, a wonderful community of authors who share monthly about the winding paths of the creative life. It’s a place to be earnest about our hurdles and celebrate our small victories together.

This month’s question: Is there anything you’d like to see changed, added, and/or rearranged about the book publishing industry?

 

Here is my wish list of the books I’d like to see more of:

 

1.     More boy protagonists that boys can relate to. I love seeing boy protagonists that are integral to the story, make mistakes, are impulsive, yet kind, and you want to bring home with you—or that your son, grandson, or nephew would love to be friends with. 

 

Edmund is the kind of well-rounded boy I love!

 

2.     More humor! Although infusing humor into my writing is something I purposely work on, it has gotten easier as I’ve learned to take myself less seriously. And I know that practically every kid I talk to wants books that are funny. 

A very fun series with my favorite animals

3.      Strong family bonds. Most books for kids have dead or absent parents. I’d love to see more books where kids are still solving their own problems, but with a kind parent or adult guiding them. Think of Mr. Penderwick and how he is always in the background, encouraging and giving wisdom to his girls.

 

One of my favorite literary dads!

 

4.      Hopeful endings. Growing up is hard. I will never forget reading A Summer to Die as a child and worrying that something would happen to my sister. I would love to see more books that celebrate the wonder and beauty of childhood instead of loading kids down with worries they are not ready to carry.

 

A book with hard parts, but a very hopeful ending

 

I probably won’t be able to change the industry or the books placed facing out in bookstores. But I can do one small thing: write the books I love and would love to see in libraries or bookstores. Although my boys are too old for middle grade now, I know I’m not the only parent out there who would love to hand her children a book that will make them laugh, inspire them, and bring them joy.

 

photo from Canva

Notes from the Front Porch

Writers: What inspires the books you write?

Readers: What type of books would you like to see more of?

 

  

If you love Anne and tender, heart-filled stories, you’re always welcome here. Never miss out on future posts by following this blog.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It is no cost to you. Thank you for your support!

MMGM: The Story of the Story: A Review of Everything Sad is Untrue

 

Perhaps because I lived in two countries very different from the U.S., I’m always on the lookout for books that give that same immersive experience, but from my cozy reading chair. When a dear friend recommended Everything Sad is Untrue (a true story) by Daniel Nayeri, I was looking forward to reading a memoir about a topic I've never seen in middle grade: the challenges an Iranian family faces after a mother’s conversion to Christianity.

If you love novels or memoirs where you feel you’ve walked a hundred miles with a character, like Okay for Now by Gary Schmidt, Red Scarf Girl by Ji-li Jiang, or The Genuis Under the Table by Eugene Yelchin, you might treasure Everything Sad is Untrue (a true story). And if you loved 1,001 Nights (or its retelling, Shadow Spinner by Susan Fletcher), you will be enchanted by how Daniel weaves seemingly unrelated threads into a beautiful story.

Synopsis: 

Daniel (whose Persian name is Khosrou) is a twelve-year-old refugee living in Edmond, Oklahoma. Told in a somewhat stream-of-consciousness style, Daniel shares his memories the way people often tell family stories—one memory leading naturally to another. His stories of his parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents are interwoven with myths and stories of Persia. He also relates his life in Oklahoma and how his memories feel like a patchwork quilt, stitched together from stories, fragments, and things he can only partly remember. By the time I learned about his mother’s conversion and why the family had to flee Iran, I couldn’t put the book down.

Why this story stayed with me:

1.    Although the book was a little hard to follow at first, all the early backstory about his family and their Persian ancestors truly was important for the last half of the book to pack an emotional punch.
 
2.    One aspect that stood out to me was the risks Daniel's family faced after his mother converted to Christianity. When asked why she became a Christian, she says, "Because it's true." But Daniel says:

 “It’s true and it’s more valuable than seven million dollars in gold coins, and thousands of acres of Persian countryside…and even maybe your life…My mom wouldn’t have made the trade otherwise.” 

(p. 196)

3.   I keep thinking about how, despite all the hardships that they encounter (and Daniel/Khosrou and his family endure more than most North Americans can imagine), they still had hope. This shows how there is meaning and purpose in life, even in suffering.

4.  I appreciated that Daniel tells his family's story honestly. The people he loves most are shown as real people, with both strengths and flaws.

5.  Summing up this book in a few bullet points doesn’t do it justice. 

Like Daniel says, “The thing is the story of the story. The spending of time…Look how much you know about me.” (p. 301) 

I felt like when I closed the book, I was saying goodbye to another world and a family I knew well.


Reading Guide: This book would appeal to kids 12 and up. Content note: There are descriptions of bodily functions, blood, and injuries. There is mention of drug smuggling, infidelity, divorce, attempted murder, threatening torture, and extreme bullying.

Max’s take (out of a 5 bone scale)

Max, the Reading Dog

 

 

 

 

 

 🦴🦴🦴

No dogs! But Daniel tells stories the way I chase squirrels—one adventure leads to another. And I loved reading about Mr. Sheep Sheep. He reminded me of Lambie, my stuffed lamb who unfortunately was loved a little too much.

 

 

Notes from the Front Porch:

Have you read a book like Everything Sad is Untrue that left you with a deeper understanding of someone else? 

Check out other fabulous middle grades at Always in the Middle!  

  

If you love Anne and tender, heart-filled stories, you’re always welcome here. Never miss out on future posts by following this blog.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It is no cost to you. Thank you for your support!

MMGM: Gentle WWII Stories for Kids (For Sensitive Readers)

 

When I was homeschooling, the hardest eras to teach were ancient history and the modern age.
How do you explain to a young child—especially a tender-hearted one—those moments when humanity seems to lose its way?

It always troubled my oldest to hear about such things, just as it troubled me when I was young. I still remember having nightmares for years after watching a film in science class about the earth ending someday.

If you have a child like that (or are one yourself), I want to share two gentle stories set during World War II. They don’t avoid hardship, but they offer it in a way that young readers can carry.

For those who’d like to explore the French Resistance: Each and Every Spark

A story of art, courage, and quiet resistance in Paris

Each and Every Spark by Claire Swinarski is a dual-timeline novel told in alternating chapters.

In present-day Paris, Penny Marks has just moved with her family while her mother spends a year teaching art history. Penny misses her friends and her familiar life, but everything changes when she discovers a cryptic note hidden behind a painting. As she begins to unravel its meaning, she finds herself drawn into the past.

In Paris, 1943, Marie Bonnett lives with her older sister, Héloïse. Their father has been forcibly sent to Germany for labor, and their mother has died. When Marie discovers that Héloïse is secretly working with the Resistance—spying on German officers through her hotel job—she chooses to join as well, helping to smuggle paintings out of France.

Why this book stayed with me:

1. Two remarkable heroines. Both Penny and Marie are deeply rooted in family love. Penny’s relationship with her mother felt especially tender, while Marie and Héloïse’s bond carried real courage.

2. A dual timeline that truly works. I never found myself rushing through one storyline to get back to the other—both held my attention.

3. Art at the heart of the story. The author encourages readers to look up the paintings mentioned, which adds a rich layer. I could easily imagine using this as a gentle deep dive into how art was protected during the war.

3. A quiet nod to homeschooling. Penny’s online schooling is simply part of her life, and I loved how her family worked together to solve the mystery.

4. Courage worth remembering. The thread of Joan of Arc throughout the story felt especially fitting.

Reading Guide: This book works well as an independent read for roughly 3rd–7th grade or as a read-aloud. Sensitive readers should know there are references to a terrorist attack (present day), the disappearance of a Jewish classmate (before the story begins), and threats from Nazis and collaborators. These moments are not graphic and mostly occur off-page. There is a light teen romance and a few uses of the Lord’s name in vain.

If you’d like to explore children evacuated during the Blitz: A Place to Hang the Moon

 

 

A tender tale of siblings searching for home during the Blitz

A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus feels like stepping into a story written in the 1940s. The omniscient narration gives it a timeless, classic tone.

William, Edmund, and Anna have lost both their parents and, most recently, their grandmother. But they carry with them her gentle hope—that they might find someone who will think they “hung the moon.”
With the help of their grandmother’s lawyer, they evacuate to the English countryside. Along the way, they quietly search for a place to belong. Life is not easy—there are unkind foster families, hunger, and responsibilities beyond their years—but they find a steady light in the village librarian, Mrs. Müller. Yet even she is considered “unsuitable” because her missing husband is German.

Why this book stayed with me:

1. Characters who feel real. Each child is distinct—William the steady peacemaker, Edmund the quick reactor, and Anna the quiet lover of stories.

2. A gentle reminder that worth isn’t tied to circumstance. Though the children have financial means, it doesn’t shield them from hardship. And those who help them are complex and human.

3. A love of books woven throughout. Stories become their refuge and anchor in uncertain times.

4. Quiet themes of justice and belonging—and the life-changing presence of one caring adult.

“And thanks for the advice about dragons,” [Edmund] said, stifling a yawn. “I’ll try to be more mindful of them.”

“Right,” [Mrs. Müller] replied. “And I’ll try to be less.”

Reading Guide:
A lovely read-aloud for ages 8–12, or for independent readers around a 5th-grade level and up. Sensitive readers should be aware of some bullying and a brief scene involving rats being hunted.

Max’s take (out of a 5 bone scale)

Max, the Reading Dog

 

 

 

 

 

 🦴

No dogs in either book—though perhaps it was simply too dangerous for puppies. Still, I wouldn’t mind curling up with William, Edmund, and Anna, or sitting in a quiet café with Penny and Marie.

 

 

 

Notes from the Front Porch:

What World War II stories have you loved—especially ones that feel gentle enough to share?

*Please note: I will be away from social media and the blog next week, spending time with family and friends. See you back here on the 22nd.

Check out other fabulous middle grades at Always in the Middle!  

  

If you love Anne and tender, heart-filled stories, you’re always welcome here. Never miss out on future posts by following this blog.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It is no cost to you. Thank you for your support!

ISWG: Where Do Story Ideas Come From? (And How to Catch Them)

Recently, I was talking to my oldest son, who, in the spare hours he has after his engineering job, is always working on a story. I asked him how it was coming along, and he said he keeps starting things but never finishes them. I could relate. It wasn’t till my late 20s that I completed a story.

But it got me thinking about coming up with ideas. When I was teaching and homeschooling, I found that helping struggling writers (my own kids or students) wasn’t too hard if the problem was difficulty forming the words, grammar, or spelling. But if a child has difficulty coming up with ideas, it’s much more difficult.

Brainstorming or webbing can work, but how do you teach someone how to put together a good idea for a story? Whether you are eight or forty-eight, it’s still a struggle to find the heart of your story.

 

If you don’t already know, I am a member of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, a wonderful community of authors who share monthly about the winding paths of the creative life. It’s a place to be earnest about our hurdles and celebrate our small victories together.

This month’s question: Do most of your story ideas come from one place (the news, dreams, etc.) or do they hit from all over the place?

Catching Seeds

 

My youngest is showing off a butterfly he caught.

For children (and adults), the blank page is intimidating. But what’s helped me is to think not as “coming up” with an idea, but as catching ideas that are already out there, like swirling a butterfly net through the air—and finding a species I’ve never seen before.

My current project: A middle-grade humorous contemporary with Anne of Green Gables vibes (status: final edits)

The seed for this story was thinking about my own love for Anne of Green Gables as a child—and how wanting a bosom friendship just like hers blinded me to the beautiful friends I already had. 

 

Whidbey Island

My next-in-line, a middle-grade magical realism set in the San Juans (status: completed and in early, big-picture edits)

The seed for this story grew out of my trips kayaking in the San Juan and Gulf Islands, memories of childhood friends and enemies, and a work situation where showing love to a difficult person changed everything.

New-new Project (in the planning/brainstorming stage):

I only have a small seed for this one, so it’s currently in the greenhouse, where I’m watering it and patiently waiting for it to grow. The tiny seed was my aunt sending me my great-grandfather’s manuscript, unedited and unfinished. The two most interesting parts sparked an idea—what if these events happened to a kid?

Looking for seeds

 

An acorn hunt with my youngest

If you are sitting beside a young writer who is staring at a blank page—or perhaps you are yourself—here are some places to look for seeds.

We can start with wonder.

What if the hero or heroine of your favorite book made a different choice?

What if a rainy camping trip had a touch of the unexpected?

What if you could step inside that old photo of your grandparents?

I may not have all the answers for my own sons, but the best way to catch an idea is to go after them: take a nature walk, reread a favorite story, and keep a notebook for the quiet whispers. They may just grow into a beautiful plant.

 

Max’s Thoughts

Max, the Reading Dog

 

 

 

 

 

I love plants! Especially carrots and grass. What do you mean, a story? Well, as long as it has a dog, I call it a good one.

 

 

Notes from the Front Porch:

Writers: How do you come up with your ideas? 

Homeschool parents and teachers: What has worked in your family for growing writers?

 

I'm so grateful to be part of the Insecure Writer's Support Group community. 

A special thank you to this month's wonderful co-hosts: 

Victoria Marie Lees, Sarah Foster, Natalie Aguirre, and C. Lee McKenzie!

You can join us here.

 

If you love gentle, heart-filled stories, come sit awhile—I’m writing one, too. 

Never miss out on future posts by following this blog.

Photo credit: All photos by Jenni Enzor, Front Porch photo from Canva

The Poet in the Fields: A Review of Wildflower Emily

 

Do you love Emily Dickinson? Perhaps you are looking for ways to share her quiet poems with your students or children, but you weren’t sure where the winding path into her world began.

For many of us, our first introduction to a classic is a bit formal. I received a hardbound book of hers as a teen, but it remained closed for many years on my shelf while I chased the more exciting Romantic poets, like Elizabeth Barrett Browning. It wasn't until I sat down for poetry tea with my sons that I realized Emily’s simplicity is her greatest gift. Her poems are nature-heavy, brief, and full of the 'kindred spirit' energy we look for in our homeschool days.

If you are looking for a gentle 'front porch' to introduce her to your family, I’ve found a new treasure: Wildflower Emily by Lydia Corry.

Summary

Wildflower Emily: A Story about Young Emily Dickinson by Lydia Corry is a delightful slice of Emily’s young life. As a young girl, she loved to explore in the fields and woods. Her parents were worried about her safety, so they gave her a dog, her beloved Carlo (named after a dog in Jane Eyre, her favorite book). With whimsical illustrations and sparse tense, Corry shows us a day in Emily’s life with her dear dog. 

 

Why This Story Stays With Me:

1.    Beautiful illustrations! Wildflower Emily is Corry’s first graphic novel, but she has illustrated many others, including The Corgi and the Queen by Caroline L. Perry. If you love watercolor and more vintage illustrations, you will love this. And I think Emily would as well!

 

2.    An insight into a poet’s inspiration. Reading how much Emily loved exploring nature and learning about botany brings a new understanding of why her descriptions of nature are so exquisite. 

3.    Emily’s relationship with her dog. It was precious reading about Emily’s relationship with Carlo, who was her trusty companion. Animals can be kindred spirits, too.

4.    Afterword with facts about Emily’s life and a recipe. This book would make a wonderful starting point for a unit study about Emily. It would be fun to make gingerbread and deliver it to neighbors in a basket, just as she did. Or to do a little nature study, keeping a journal of insects and flowers.

5.    Emily’s poems are interspersed throughout the text. As you are reading and learning about Emily’s real-life explorations, you encounter her poems. What a lovely way to see direct inspiration for her poems. 

Reading Guide: This book would appeal to 7-10-year-olds as a Morning Time read-aloud and independent readers at the 3rd-4th  grade reading level and above. The book is 112 pages.

  

Max’s take (out of a 5 bone scale)

Max when he found out Emily wrote about a dog!

 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴

I loved meeting Carlo! He likes to explore nature and go on adventures, just like me. And Emily wrote a poem about a dog, too!

Editor's note: Max is talking about "I Started Early--Took My Dog 656," which you can read at the Poetry Foundation.

 

 

Notes from the Front Porch:

Do you have a favorite poet who feels like a kindred spirit to you or your family? 

Or perhaps there is a story about an author's life—like this one about Emily and Carlo—that has made their work come alive for you or your children lately?
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check out other fabulous middle grades at Always in the Middle!

 

  

If you love Anne and tender, heart-filled stories, you’re always welcome here. Never miss out on future posts by following this blog.

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. It is no cost to you. Thank you for your support!

MMGM: Finding Kindred Spirits in the San: A Review of Light and Air

 

Are you looking for a book to tuck into your book basket for a study of the 1930s? Or perhaps you have a child who’s fascinated by medicine or medical history—but you’re hoping for a story that feels gentle and hope-filled, without lingering in the heaviness of illness.

Today I’m featuring Light and Air by Mindy Nichols Wendell. At first, although I heard wonderful reviews of this book, I was a little afraid to take it on. I am a sensitive reader, and I was afraid a book about tuberculosis might be depressing. But when Dr. Kate Scarth, Chair of LM Montgomery Studies at UPEI, mentioned that there were references to Anne in this book, I knew I had to dive right in.

Summary: 

When Halle (short for Hallelujah)’s mama is sent to J.N. Adam Tuberculosis Hospital for a rest cure, Halle is shunned by her classmates. Children are not allowed to visit patients, but she’s determined to find a way to see her mama, convinced that she can help her get better. Her attempt to run away to the hospital causes her to get sick and be admitted herself. But despite sickness, rules, and her father’s disapproval, Halle’s determined to help her mama get well. 

This is a story of courage in small places, and of the quiet ways love endures, even in uncertain seasons. 

Why this story stays with me

1.    Real relationships between parents and children. Halle’s relationship with her mother is deep and profound. She is such a comfort to Halle. But even though her relationship with her father is strained, he is never portrayed as an ogre, but as someone carrying his own sorrow. I loved how family was so central to this novel, not just for Halle, but for the children she meets at the “San.”

2.    An insight into the tuberculosis in the 1930s. There are a lot of books about the Great Depression, but this is the first time I’ve read a middle-grade book about tuberculosis and what it was like living in a sanatorium. It made my heart glad to see that spending time outside was emphasized. Despite our advances in medicine, fresh air is still important for good health. It offers a living glimpse into a chapter of history that often goes unmentioned and would make a wonderful addition to any study of that era.

3.    Friendships! Halle had many dear friends. Thelma was like her Diana, a bosom friend from childhood. I also loved Flossie, the patient she meets later. Flossie is black, but the hospital admitted all people regardless of race. And this was dealt with in a sensitive and realistic way. 

4.    Faith was an integral part of Halle’s family life. It was refreshing to see that Halle prayed and that she found comfort in things her mother taught and lines from old hymns. To me, this gave the novel depth and hope despite its hard themes of sickness.

5.    Nods to classic novels and a writing style like them. Halle loves to read, and it was great fun seeing some of my favorites like the Anne of Green Gables series, Little Princess, and Royal Velvet mentioned. This was keeping with the time period and gave the book a vintage feel. Due to Wendell’s beautiful writing style, I felt like I was reading how Montgomery would’ve written about these kindred spirit friendships in a hospital setting.

Reading Guide: This book would appeal to 8-12 year olds as a Morning Time read-aloud and independent readers at the 4th-5th grade reading level and above. A gentle note for parents and teachers: this story touches on the realities of serious illness, including loss, handled with great tenderness and hope.

 

 

 

 

 

P.S. Mindy Nichols Wendell’s second novel, California or Dust, is set in 1939 and follows a girl relocating with her family to California during the Dust Bowl. It releases on August 25, 2026, and sounds like another thoughtful, heart-filled story from the Great Depression era.

Max’s take (out of a 5 bone scale)

Max, the Reading Dog 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴

No dogs again! Ugh! But the book was short, and I liked that they had school outside. My kind of place!  

 

 

Notes from the Front Porch

 

What books set in the 1930s have you and your family enjoyed?
If you love Anne and tender, heart-filled stories, you’re always welcome here.

Check out other fabulous middle grades at Always in the Middle!  

 

 

If you love Anne and tender, heart-filled stories, you’re always welcome here. Never miss out on future posts by following this blog.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It is no cost to you. Thank you for your support!