Must Have Middle Grade Monday

Welcome to this week's edition of Must Have Middle Grade Reads, a weekly feature here on Mundie Moms where I spotlight last week's middle grade books I reviewed on Mundie Kids. Unfornately I had a crazy busy week and didn't get around to getting as many MG reviews up like I wanted to. Hopefully I'll make that up this week w/ my reviews. This week's Must Have Middle Grade reads are:

By: Christopher Ford

Published by: Philomel Books

To Be Released on: May 10th, 2012

Ages: 10 & up

4 stars: I enjoyed It

Pre-Order from: Amazon  | Barnes & Noble

Greek tragedy has never been so funny

Zozimos' journey to the kingdom of Sticatha has been anything but smooth. He's survived enslavement, battled golems and a ravenous Cyclops, and generally served as plaything to gods and goddesses looking for a good laugh. All for the sake of reclaiming the Sticathan royal throne—stolen from him by an evil witch, aka his stepmother.

You'd think that a stickman would catch a break after all that, but you'd be wrong. Arriving home only brings crazy family members and a return trip to sea, where mercenary centaurs and giant boar gods keep Zozimos questing and readers laughing. It would all be an epic tragedy if it wasn't so funny.

This is a funny, slightly twisted retelling of the well known mythological story of Odyssey, that will get even the most reluctant reader to read. Christopher Ford's humor, and stick figure illustrations make this story engaging and highly entertaining. Zozimos is back and this time around his adventures land him in Sticatha. There is finds the evil witch who killed his father is actually a beloved Queen. Krata shocks him by telling him the reason why she killed his father, and who the other person was that was behind his murder. In order to get back the kingdom that's rightful his, Zozimos has to prove his worth by traveling to find the golden feather. 

You can read the rest of my review here.

By: Marian R. Carlson

CD Narrated by: David McCullough

Music on CD by: The Boston Landmarks Orchestra

Published by: Schoolmaster Press

Released on: February 22nd, 2011

5 Stars: I HIGHLY Recommend

Purchase from: Schoolmaster Press

Where would American be without John Adams?

This is the essential chapter in the John Adams story that tells of his vision and courage in making The Declaration of Independence happen. Marked for hanging by King George III, Adams risked his life to secure "Independence Forever" for America. Aided by the strong support of his wife, Abigail, Adams spoke up in the Continental Congress in Europe with a "Voice Heard 'Round the World." His dedication to the cause of American freedom separated him from his family for ten long years. -quoted from the back of the book

This is a fantastic history through music series that Scholastic has started and one I highly recommend checking out. John Adams: The Voice Heard 'Round The World not only teaches readers and listeners about the history of the birth of our nation, but gives a brief, well told story about John Adams, one of the great leaders in American history. Narrated by David McCullough, and music accompanied by the Boston Landmarks Orchestra, this is a CD that families, classes and fans of history of any age can enjoy. 

You can read the rest of my review here.

Middle Grade Monday:

Don't miss my Marvelous Middle Grade Monday meme on Mundie Kids, a weekly meme hosted by author Shannon Messenger's. You can check out this week's Mundie Kids feature here