ISWG: Writers on Writing: Annika Klanderlud

I'm doing something a little different for ISWG today, but read to the end of this post to see my answer to this month's question. Today I'm handing over the mic or rather the keyboard to my friend, Annika Klanderlud. We met several years ago while attending the same church and immediately bonded over writing and our experiences living overseas. Until she recently moved to Ohio, we met weekly over coffee to share pages and talk writing. Without her, I probably wouldn't have continued to press on with my writing when it got hard. She recently sold a short story to an anthology and will be speaking at the Mt. Zion Ridge Christian Writing Conference in May. I hope you will enjoy hearing from her as well!

Hi Annika! Thank you for joining us today. Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you decided to become a writer.

In high school I traveled to Japan as an exchange student with the Rotary Club. Found out I had a talent for the language, and I earned a degree in Japanese Studies in college after living in Japan for a total of two years. I was successful in this field, but the language was extremely challenging. After marrying and starting a family, I realized that I had my own language—English. And I started using it to write stories. The other thing I learned from studying Japanese was that I was always translating something. But what was I translating? Rather than translating other people’s content, I wanted to create my own content. So character growth and the theme of the stories I wrote became very important to me. 

"Skeleton Key" is featured in this anthology

I love how translating led you to creating your own content! You have a short story forthcoming in This Old House: ACFW Ohio 2025 Anthology. How did you get the idea for “The Skeleton Key”? Where can readers find your story?

I wrote “The Skeleton Key” for an anthology with the theme of “This Old House.” So an old house needed to be central to the story somehow. Also, I wanted to write a middle grade contemporary story.

By the way, this anthology was the first one that the ACFW Ohio Chapter put together with the purpose of supporting young authors. All proceeds from this anthology go into a scholarship fund to support Christian teenagers throughout Ohio. I was happy to contribute a short story to this cause.

The This Old House ACFW Ohio 2025 Anthology can be purchased wherever books are sold, such as Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

I often get inspired by prompts as well. That's where a lot of my short story ideas come from too. What are you working on now?

In 2022, my YA novel, RED ROCK, won the Cascade Christian Writers Award. After querying the novel, getting a few bites, but not quite getting it traditionally published yet, I have picked it up again, and I am now rewriting it into first person which really fits the genre a whole lot better. You can visit my website annikaklanderud.com to see descriptions of RED ROCK and a few of my other novels.

Coffee in person last August

That's very brave to rewrite the whole book. And I love how well you've done at writing contests. You have a background in public speaking. How has that helped you make connections and give back to the writing community?

As I said previously, I have a background in the Japanese language. Much of the speaking experience I have gained is from speech contests that were in Japanese. It was an amazing experience that I truly enjoyed. So I jump at the opportunity to speak when I can. I have headed up Bible study groups for women at church. I have facilitated several critique groups. And I have spoken at organizations like the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Most recently I have been asked to teach a writing workshop online for Mt. Zion Ridge Press. My passion is to revitalize the Christian writing industry. Specifically, I enjoy helping one author at a time to make their writing stronger.

 Wow, I can't imagine entering a speaking contest in a foreign language, especially such a challening one as Japanese.The Mt. Zion Writing Conference is an online conference held May 1-3 on Zoom. What is your  your upcoming webinar at the Mt. Zion Ridge Writing Conference about?

This webinar will be specifically geared toward KIDLIT authors. I will be talking a bit about the differences between middle grade and young adult novels. The guidelines and requirements will definitely be included in this workshop. Such as word count and age of the main character. Yes, the industry is pretty strict about those numbers. But this workshop will also contain some universal tips on the craft of writing in general. I specifically plan to talk about how every story well told follows the outline of the gospel and how authors can use the gospel to figure out how to make their stories read smoother.

What authors have influenced you? What is the best middle grade or YA book that you or your kids have read recently? Do you have any favorite books on the writing craft?

One thing I can say is that the dystopian genre has always been my favorite, though I have had a hard time finding a favorite author in any genre. What I find instead is that I have a lot of favorite stories by many different authors. I have a list of those books on my website: annikaklanderud.com

Some books include The Maze Runner by James Dashner and Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt. In the Christian market, I enjoyed There You’ll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones, Catching the Wind by Melanie Dobson, More Than We Remember by Christina Suzann Nelson, and The Memoir of Johnny Devine by Camille Eide.

The best YA that I’ve read recently is THIS GOLDEN STATE by Marit Weisenberg. Hands down.

As far as the craft of writing goes, I am currently spending a lot of time going through Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody.

 

I love Tuck Everlasting, Jenny Jones (so funny), and Save the Cat has been an inspiration for me too. Thanks for joining us today! You can find Annika on her website or at the Mt. Zion Conference May 1-3.
 

Update: 

Annika Klanderud's first middle-grade novel, I Lived Through a Windchill Advisory, was released in November 2025. Perfect for fans of The Vanderbeekers (Karina Yan Glaser) and family-centered stories with a lot of heart.

This Month's ISWG Question: What fantasy character would you like to fight, go on a quest with, or have a beer/glass of wine with?

I'd love to go on a quest with Ella from Ella Enchanted. I always thought I didn't like fantasy until I encountered Ella. If you haven't read it, think Cinderella with incredibly fun (and funny) world building and depth. She was willing to sacrifice her own desires to save her kingdom, just the type of person I'd love to count as a friend. I also wouldn't mind learning to speak a fantasy language along with her.

 

If you'd like to read more ISWG posts or sign up, please go HERE. You won't be disappointed.

Your turn

What books or authors have inspired you? How did you get started writing? What fantasy character would you like to meet?

 

MMGM: If You Love Pippi Longstocking, Try Maria Parr

This week is spring break in Oregon, so I thought I’d feature a series that is full of fun and the joy of being a kid. These would make a perfect spring break or summer read.

Don’t we need more books like that?

If you love stories about fun heroines with silly antics, you will love these books.

Think: Pippi in Norway

Adventures with Waffles by Maria Parr

Lena is Trille’s best friend, even if she is a girl. And there is never an ordinary day when you’ve got a best friend like Lena.

Hardly a day passes without Trille and Lena inventing some kind of adventure that often ends in trouble. Whether it’s coaxing a cow onto a boat or sledding down the steepest and iciest hill with a chicken, there is always a thrill—and sometimes an injury—to be had. Trille loves to share everything with Lena, even Auntie Granny’s waffles. But when Lena has to move away and Auntie Granny leaves the world, it sometimes seems like nothing will ever be right again. The warmth of friendship and the support of family suffuse this lightly illustrated novel, proving that when times are tough, a little taste of sweetness can make all the difference.
(from Amazon)

Lena, the Sea, and Me by Maria Parr

In a charming sequel to Adventures with Waffles, Trille and Lena navigate the rough waters of friendship when a new soccer coach and a new girl in school disrupt their seaside escapades.

Trille and Lena may be getting older, but they still find everyday adventure - and trouble - in their coastal village, including sinking every raft they build, getting little sisters stuck up flag poles, and attending those dreaded music lessons. But that’s not all. The arrival of a less-than-encouraging new soccer coach is putting twelve-year-old Lena's goalkeeping career in doubt. And Trille is wondering how to impress the girl who has just joined his class. As the best friends battle the elements and their own emotions, one thing is for sure: they're not giving up, not if Lena has anything to do with it! 

In Maria Parr’s follow-up to Adventures with Waffles, the acclaimed author returns to Mathildewick Cove with a rib-tickling story of growing up.
(from Amazon)

What I love about this series:

1.Lena! I had a friend a lot like Lena as a kid, although she was a little more like a frenemy than Lena is. Lena has a huge personality and often Trille is just struggling to keep up with what she’s up to. But she also has a huge heart. You’ll love her.

2. The warmth of family: Trille has a big family and a grandfather that lives with them. For Lena, at least in book 1, it is just her and her mom. Both families and parents give their kids a safe place to fall and enough freedom to explore. (Not that they don’t get in trouble at times!) I just loved spending time with these people.

3. Silliness and seriousness: Book 1 is definitely more silly than Book 2. Trille and Lena go on lots of adventures (including the aforementioned chicken sledding incident). Book 2 is a little more upper middle grade in dealing with crushes, jealousy, and girls not being allowed to play on the boys’ soccer team. I loved how Parr could combine all these elements to make a good story and a beautiful picture of growing up in Norway.

4. Norway! I loved learning about cultural traditions and foods and just how life was a little bit different than here in the States. It is so important to read outside your comfort zone sometimes and novels in translation are a perfect way to do that.

5. Humor! You can probably guess from the description that these books are both laugh out loud funny, which are my favorite types of books to read, and yet are often hard to find. I know it is a key element that my sons always look for as well. So, please, authors, include more humor. (As a writer myself that’s something I’m trying to include myself.)

Max’s Take (on a five bone 🦴scale):

Adventures with Waffles 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴
Lots of animals in this one! A horse, a chicken, but my favorite part was when Lena and Trille write an advertisement for a dad (for Lena), but someone brings them a dog instead. 

Lena, the Sea, and Me 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴

Trille's new friend/crush Bridget has a dog. The best part is when Lena finds the dog in the forest and thinks it's an answer to her wish for a brother.

Good book choices this week! Hooray for Maria Parr!
 

Your Turn:

Any plans for the spring? Is it spring break where you are? What types of books do you like to read on vacation or holiday?

Another book I previously featured by Maria Parr: Astrid the Unstoppable

If you'd like to read more middle grade reviews or join in the MMGM fun, go to Greg Pattridge's Always in the Middle blog.

MMGM: Lucky Reads: Top Middle Grade Books to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Although I am only a tiny bit Irish on my paternal grandmother’s side, this is one of my favorite holidays. We love playing Irish music, eating Irish food, and of course, eating or drinking something green. 

So, in honor of today, I picked out a few books for the middle grade set which have Irish themes. Strangely enough, these were not easy to find.

 

SET in Ireland:

 

For Younger Middle Grade and/or a Classroom Read Aloud:

 

 

Megan’s Year: An Irish Traveler’s Story (Tales of the World) by Gloria Whelan

 

Through the voice of a young girl, the life of the people known as Irish Travelers is explored. Megan spends her summers traveling around the Irish countryside with her family. They move from place to place, hauling their camper behind their old car. But they aren't on vacation. This is their way of life. Megan and her family are Travelers. As part of their summer life, Megan's father works odd jobs, from fieldwork to roofing houses. Despite the rough living, Megan loves her life and the freedom that comes from traveling the open road. But at summer's end, when there's no more work to be had, the family moves to the city of Dublin. The camper is parked and they move into a cramped house. Megan and her siblings attend the local school as their parents struggle to make ends meet. And as the seasons pass, Megan counts down the days until she can return to her summer life.  (from Amazon)

 

My Take

This book is actually a picture book but is longer and more detailed than your typical picture book. Anything by Whelan is guaranteed to be filled with rich details and research, and I found this title particular interesting because I learned so much about Irish Travelers. Megan’s father moves throughout Ireland taking odd jobs in the summer, but then during the colder months, they must live in Dublin, where she sometimes encounters prejudice, but also understanding teachers. I thought this book presented this Irish subculture in a beautiful way, and I loved how the family was depicted.

This could be an interesting book for teachers to share while learning about other cultures or Ireland.

Upper Middle 

 

Breda’s Island by Jessie Ann Foley

After Breda Moriarity gets caught stealing one too many times, Breda's mom sends her to Ireland, a place she has never been, to live with the grandfather she has never met.

While Breda doesn’t want to be in this strange land, she finally gets to meet Granda, her mom’s father. He’s a grumpy farmer who is also a seanchaí, a traditional Gaelic storyteller. But the most important story is the one nobody will talk about: what happened to her absent father. If nothing else this summer, Breda is determined to figure out the truth about her family’s history—and herself. (from Amazon)

My Take

This book for upper MG gripped me right away. Breda is sent to live with her Irish grandfather on his farm for the summer because she’d been caught stealing—and her mom has a third time you’re out policy. Grandma is difficult to live with, and Breda starts off the trip quite angry. But throughout the book, she learns how to care for animals (and helps birth a baby calf, Bo!), make friends with outsiders, and figure out the mystery of her father. I really loved the themes of forgiveness, letting go of past hurts, and how knowing a person's history helps you be more compassionate. The characters and the setting were also richly detailed. After reading this, I felt like I just came back from a trip to the Emerald Isle.

Caveat: This book does deal with some more mature themes (estrangement and abandonment, immigration issues, and abuse at an orphanage) and might not be for sensitive readers.

NOT set in Ireland, but with Irish-American characters:

 

Lower Middle Grade 

 

Sophie Steps Up by Nancy Rue
 
Sophie knows how it feels to be the new girl—different and "weird." She also remembers needing a friend. When a new girl in class is assigned to Sophie's drama group, she wants to get to know her. Sophie learns to accept her new friend's culture. But how will the other Corn Flakes teach others about acceptance if they cannot seem to learn themselves? (from Amazon)
 

My Take

Although this is the only book I've read of this series, it wasn't too difficult to pick up in the middle of Sophie's story. I loved the warmth and support of Sophie’s family, and how that didn't mean they always got along perfectly. I also enjoyed her friend group, The Corn Flakes, who treat each other and even their rivals with respect. Her imaginative daydreams were also fun. It was refreshing to see a child seeing a therapist in a positive light. But the best part of this book was Sophie’s character growth in learning to accept a new classmate from Northern Ireland, whom she doesn't like at first. It’s Sophie’s counselor and a Bible story that convince her to include stories of the classmate’s life in Northern Ireland in their play. This is a great faith-based read that also centers on family and school situations.

Max’s Take (on a five bone 🦴scale):

 

Max’s Take (on a five bone 🦴scale):
 
Megan’s Year: 5/5 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴
There’s a dog in all the pictures! Even though he doesn’t get a speaking part.
 
Breda’s Island: 4/5 🦴🦴🦴🦴
I’d like to meet Bo the cow. Moo!

Sophie Steps Up: 1/5🦴
No dogs! Again!

Your Turn:

Do you have any special traditions for St. Patrick’s Day? What is your favorite read set in Ireland or about Irish-Americans?

If you'd like to read more middle grade reviews or join in the MMGM fun, go to Greg Pattridge's Always in the Middle blog.

MMGM: Philip Reeve: Master of Historical Fantasy and Steampunk

It's so refreshing when I encounter a historical book that is true to the time and accessible for kids. Bonus points if it’s also humorous.

Recently, my younger son, who still loves middle grade fiction, discovered Phillip Reeve. First, we read the Larklight series, a Victorian steampunk/alternative history set in space. Next, we tackled a stand alone novel by Reeve, No Such Thing as Dragons. Although these books are completely different, they both remain authentic to their time periods with interesting characters that kids will relate to. In the case of Larklight, especially, they are also laugh out loud funny.

 

Larklight

Arthur (Art) Mumby and his irritating sister Myrtle live with their father in the huge and rambling house, Larklight, travelling through space on a remote orbit far beyond the Moon. One ordinary sort of morning they receive a correspondence informing them that a gentleman is on his way to visit, a Mr Webster. Visitors to Larklight are rare if not unique, and a frenzy of preparation ensues. But it is entirely the wrong sort of preparation, as they discover when their guest arrives, and a Dreadful and Terrifying (and Marvellous) adventure begins. It takes them to the furthest reaches of Known Space, where they must battle the evil First Ones in a desperate attempt to save each other - and the Universe.

Recounted through the eyes of Art himself, Larklight is sumptuously designed and illustrated throughout.

(from Amazon)

 

Starcross (the sequel)

There is an old saying: if something is too good to be true, it probably is. Take the holiday that Art Mumby, his irritating younger sister Myrtle, and their mother take to Starcross, the finest sea-bathing resort in the entire Asteroid Belt. The fact that there are no seas anywhere should give you a clue. Sure enough, Art and family quickly find themselves grappling with French spies, Yankee rebels, and man-eating starfish. With stops to the future and prehistoric Mars, it's all Art can do to keep his head about him - which is essential, since everyone else is losing theirs!

(from Amazon)

My take:

Reeve's voice is spot with the tongue-in-cheek Victorian humor. Most of the chapters are from Art's point of view, but we get chapters from Myrtle’s diaries as well. While some people (like Art) find Myrtle annoying, I thought she was a hoot, always trying to be a proper Victorian lady. You don’t want to miss the part in Starcross where her extravagant Victorian bathing costume comes in handy or her "attachment" with pirate Jack, who has his own interesting back story. The Author/Illustrator bio at the end about “Two Gentlemen of Devonshire" is as entertaining as the rest of the book. The best part, of course, is the incredibly intricate and imaginative world with Britain is leading the space race in the Victorian times. I enjoyed traveling to Venus and Jupiter and all the incredible creatures and technology Reeve created. Whether you are encountering enormous spiders or sentient hats that control people's mind, this whole series is a lot of fun.

*There is a third book, Mothstorm, but I haven't read it yet. 

If you love steampunk or alternate fantasy that doesn't take itself too seriously, you will love this. The world building reminded me of a kid's version of Jasper Fforde's work. (The Eyre Affair)

No Such Thing As Dragons

 

A thrilling new adventure from award-winning master storyteller Philip Reeve!

Ansel is a mute boy whose master is a dragon-slayer. Brock has shining armor, and scars that prove his heroic stories. Ansel suspects there are no such things as dragons. So what is the man-eating monster that haunts the crags of Dragon Mountain? (from Amazon)

My Take:

This book was much different from the Larklight series. There is still some humor, but this read more like a straight historical in the setting and details. What I loved about it is how authentic and grounded the world was. Although the setting is never explicitly stated,  it felt like somewhere in Northern Europe during the Middle Ages.  The beliefs of the villagers about dragons felt authentic and true to the time period. Although this is a short book, it has very realistic violence in parts, so it’s not for the more sensitive reader. Reeve includes a lot of perspectives on dragons but doesn’t force the reader to come to a certain conclusion. I also enjoyed the bit of humor, especially at the end, with Brock, the dragon slayer.

If you enjoy realistic historical fiction with a dose of fantasy, you will enjoy this.

Max’s Take (on a five bone 🦴scale):

The Larklight Series:

🦴Giant spiders and hats that take over your brain! This was funny, but you know I don't like bugs.

No Such Thing as Dragons

🦴 A really cool dragon, but he was scary. Big claws and teeth. And he eats cows! You really need to choose books with nice animals.

If you'd like to read more middle grade reviews or join in the MMGM fun, go to Greg Pattridge's Always in the Middle blog.

Your Turn:

Have you read anything by Philip Reeve? Do you like alternate history, steampunk, or historical fantasy? What are your favorites?

 

 

 

ISWG: Are you a Storyteller or a Wordsmith?

What type of writer are you? Recently a freelance editor commented in her newsletter that most authors she works with are good storytellers but not good writers. By good writer, she means someone good with words or grammar, which I like to call a wordsmith.

Storyteller (my definition): Someone whose strengths lie in plotting and telling the story. People who are good storytellers often have studied film or read a lot of plot-driven fiction.

I am the opposite, or at least, I think. I struggle with plotting and despite using every craft book with its fill-in-the-blank beats, it never gets easier for me. Critique partners tell me I’m good at big picture stuff, but I can only see it in other people’s work.

Wordsmith (my definition): Someone who’s good with words, grammar, and loves to play with language. People who are wordsmiths tend to read a lot, especially literary-type fiction.

Am I a wordsmith?

I love finding the “just right” word for a sentence. I love using motifs and metaphors. But like with storytelling, I usually catch grammar errors in other people’s work but struggle to find those in my own writing. 

In Novel Metamorphosis, Darcy Pattison says there are four stages of learning (p. 5):

Unconscious Incompetence: You’re completely unaware that you can’t do something.

Conscious Incompetence: You're aware of not knowing a skill, but don’t know how to fix it.

Conscious Competence: You are consciously working on skills.

Unconscious Competence: You have internalized the skill and don’t think about it.

Maybe we don’t know yet what we still need to work on. I make a conscious effort on checking grammar and plot holes. But voice and character come easier for me.Voice was something I once struggled with, so maybe I’ve moved up the ladder on that one.

Often what readers or critique partners enjoy about your work are those unconscious competencies. 

I’ve also learned that it’s important to learn to lean into my strengths and get help with the things I struggle with. Like I never send out my work now unless I’ve read it out loud multiple times.

What about you? Is telling the story or playing with words your thing? How do you overcome your weak side?

*Photo by hannah grace on Unsplash

If you'd like to read more ISWG posts or sign up, please go HERE. You won't be disappointed.

All Creatures Great and Small Shows People Still Love Quiet Stories

 

All Creatures Movie Poster from pbs.org

Every time I attend a webinar about what readers are buying now, it is discouraging. For a writer (like me) who has just written a contemporary, quieter story, the news is never good.

Horror is "having a moment" right now, perhaps due to its popularity in movies. Or some say that scary stories are popular because they are a safe way for kids to deal with their fears and anxiety. 

May I present another choice? One that won’t give kids more things to be afraid of.

My family loves All Creatures Great and Small. Season six starts this weekend, which must mean someone likes it and not just us.

Nothing of significance happens in the show. The stakes are low. Usually there’s a problem with an animal or personal relationship that is resolved by the end of the episode. James and Helen—a married couple on the show—get along and work as a team. It seems a given that no important characters will die.

                                             All Creatures Great and Small Season 6 Preview from pbs.org

Last year, I was inspired by a post on Facebook by Karen Andreola, author of the novel, Michael’s Gentle Wife and nonfiction books about homeschooling.

She talked about having a glimmer of sunshine in your stories instead of filling it with things that might trigger your reader.

If you do add those glimmers of goodness, she says, you might have to write outside the norm.
It seems every writing book I’ve read says, “Make it darker, darker, darker.” That’s what makes people turn the page. It’s like watching a car accident on repeat.

Is that the only thing that makes people turn the page?

I’m not saying that all books or stories need to be quiet, because I also enjoy fantasy and mysteries. But if you are a reader who likes quiet, everyday stories, remember that there is a long legacy of popular books in this genre, especially for children and teens. And hopefully, there will still be people who write them.

Books that people come back to again and again. Because they feel like friends.

Here are a few of my favorite quiet reads, both old and new:

Anything by Kate diCamillo, but especially The Three Rancheros Series

Anne of Green Gables (of course!)

Nancy Cavanaugh's books

Maud Lovelace (Although I love her Betsy, Tacy series, Emily of Deep Valley is my favorite.)

The Penderwicks series by Jeanne Birdsall

The Vanderbeekers series by Karina Van Glaser

Wonderland by Barbara O'Connor

 

Your Turn:

Are you drawn to more quiet stories or action-packed or does it depend on your mood? What types of books would you like to see more of? Do you have any quiet books you love? I'm always looking for new gems!

I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase a book from a link, I receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support!

 

MMGM: 90s Gems: The First State of Being and The Kid Who Ran for President

 

What’s not to love about the 90s? A return to more subdued hair styles and clothing after the over-the-top styles of the 80s. (I’m looking at you, Wall-a-Bangs.) Great music. And some of my favorite movies of all time. 

When I read the premise for this year’s Newberry winner, The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly (Time travel during Y2K!), I had to check it out. Also, I recently read a book written during the 90s, The Kid Who Ran for President by Dan Gutman. The Homework Machine was a huge hit at my house when my kids were in middle graders, and Gutman did not disappoint on the humor.

Although these books couldn’t be more different, they are both thought-provoking reads.  If you’re love time travel, are nostalgic for the 90s, or you like funny books about class clowns running for president, check either of these out.

 

The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly

When twelve-year-old Michael Rosario meets a mysterious boy from the future, his life is changed forever. From bestselling author Erin Entrada Kelly, also the winner of the Newbery Medal for Hello, Universe and a Newbery Honor for We Dream of Space, this novel explores themes of family, friendship, trust, and forgiveness. The First State of Being is for fans of Rebecca Stead’s When You Reach Me.

It's August 1999. For twelve-year-old Michael Rosario, life at Fox Run Apartments in Red Knot, Delaware, is as ordinary as ever—except for the looming Y2K crisis and his overwhelming crush on his sixteen-year-old babysitter, Gibby. But when a disoriented teenage boy named Ridge appears out of nowhere, Michael discovers there is more to life than stockpiling supplies and pining over Gibby.

It turns out that Ridge is carefree, confident, and bold, things Michael wishes he could be. Unlike Michael, however, Ridge isn’t where he belongs. When Ridge reveals that he’s the world’s first time traveler, Michael and Gibby are stunned but curious. As Ridge immerses himself in 1999—fascinated by microwaves, basketballs, and malls—Michael discovers that his new friend has a book that outlines the events of the next twenty years, and his curiosity morphs into something else: focused determination. Michael wants—no, needs—to get his hands on that book. How else can he prepare for the future? But how far is he willing to go to get it?

A story of time travel, friendship, found family, and first loves, this thematically rich novel is distinguished by its voice, character development, setting, and exploration of the issues that resonate with middle grade readers.

Finalist for the National Book Award and Winner of the Newbery Medal.(From Amazon)

My Take:

This book definitely deserves all the praise it got. It does remind me of When You Reach Me, but has its own twists on time travel, including using documents, audio recordings, and manuals from the future time and a different take on the whole butterfly paradox. I also liked how Kelly portrayed poverty in a realistic way and showed there can be still be love and joy in a family whatever its circumstances. Michael (not Mike) was a great main character. His loyalty and care for his mama, his desire to be older than he was, and his curiosity about the world won me over from the start. I loved how Michael learned about being thankful and grateful for the moment he’s living in, and that we can’t control the future.

 

The Kid Who Ran for President by Dan Gutman

Bestselling author Dan Gutman's sharp, funny farce about the youngest candidate to ever run for President of the United States!

""Hi! My name is Judson Moon. I'm twelve years old and I'm running for President of the YOU-nited States."That's how I introduced myself to about a zillion people. I must have kissed a zillion babies, said a zillion hellos, shaken a zillion hands . . . Will I get a zillion votes? The answer might surprise you.Can you picture a kid as President? Imagine what we can accomplish -- together -- in a country where parents listen. Where teachers give no homework. Where every lawmaker obeys a single kid -- me! How am I going to pull this off? Who knows! Read the book to find out." (from Amazon)

My Take:

This book requires a huge suspension of disbelief. It reminded me of School Story by Andrew Clements, which chronicles a kid getting a publishing contract. Like that book, there were a lot of things that couldn’t possibly happen. But if you don’t take it too seriously, this book is super fun. Judson Moon is the kid I wouldn't want to have in class, but was so fun to read about. I really enjoyed the contrast between his easy-going, careless attitude and his serious campaign manager. His character arc is very rewarding. There were too many funny moments to count, and it'd make for great discussion for studying President’s Day (today!) or during Election Season in the classroom or homeschool.

Max’s Take (on a five bone 🦴scale):

The First State of Being:

🦴More cats! I can't believe you picked another cat book. C'mon! What's with the focus on the future? I live in the eternal now.

The Kid Who Ran for President:

🦴 🦴 🦴There was a bird, Snot, renamed Cuddles for the campaign. He sounded tasty! Plus, this was really funny.

 If you'd like to read more middle grade reviews or join in the MMGM fun, go to Greg Pattridge's Always in the Middle blog.

Your Turn:

Have you read either of these books? What is your favorite thing from the 90s? If you could time travel, where would you go?