Marvelous Middle Grade Monday-POPULAR CLONE by M.E. Castle

Here is the book: Meet Fisher Bas: 12 years-old, growth-stunted, a geeky science genius, and son of the Nobel Prize-winning creators of the Bas-Hermaphrodite-Sea-Slug-Hypothesis. No surprise: Fisher isn't exactly the most popular kid in his middle-school, tormented daily by the beefy, overgrown goons he calls The Vikings. But he senses relief when he comes upon the idea of cloning himself--creating a second Fisher to go to school each day while he stays at home playing video games and eating cheetos with ketchup. It's an ingenious plan that works brilliantly, until Fisher's clone turns out to be more popular than him--and soon after gets clone-napped by the evil scientist Dr. Xander. (fr. IndieBound.Org)
Here is a review from Kirkus:

POPULAR CLONE by M.E. Castle | Kirkus Book Reviews

Here is the website: The Clone Chronicles by M.E. Castle

Here is my advice: Get thee on a library waiting list (or recommend your public library purchase this one). Or go get your own copy January 24. Why? This was a totally readable middle school novel about dealing with bullies and believing in yourself no matter what, that kicks in with some good humour and over the top science and invention that had me wanting more with each page turn. (whoa, long sentence?) Fisher hates school, hate it and would do anything to not go. When his parents aren't convinced he should be going to Stanford quite yet, Fisher comes up with another plan. Makes a clone! The log notes Fisher shares as he creates his clone are hilarious and the ground work the author lays out for you prior to this is wonderfully done. You will not doubt for a minute that Fisher can do this. Take all of that, mix in some espionage and a build to a climax that is thrilling, shocking and fast paced. Just the kind of climax that requires a super hi-tech hero, Fisher Bas, his clone, Two and a pet pig who flies.

Here is a list of bloggers who've been known to share some MMGM marvelousness:


Shannon Whitney Messenger (a.k.a. Fearless Leader)-Ramblings of a Wannabe Scribe
Jennifer Rumberger-Children's Author
Joanne Fritz-My Brain on Books
Danika Dinsmore-The Accidental Novelist
Shannon O'Donnell-Book Dreaming
Myrna Foster-The Night Writer
Natalie Aguirre-Literary Rambles
Brooke Favero-Somewhere in the Middle
Ally Beecher- Kid Lit Frenzy
Barbara Watson-Novel and Nouveau
Anita Laydon Miller-her middle grade blog
Michael G-G-Middle Grade Mafioso
Jessica Lei-her blog  
Pam Torres-So I'm Fifty
Akoss-Nye Louwon – My Spirit | a search for the writer in me
Gabrielle Prendergast-Angelhorn
Gina Carey

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday-Eliot and the Goblin War by Jennifer A. Neilsen

To start us off to day, I am sharing the first sentence of Eliot and the Goblin War by Jennifer A. Neilsen (a fellow From the Mixed Up Files blogger!), illus. Gideon Kendell:  "As of today, there are only seven children who have ever read this book and lived to tell about it." Seriously, how could you not keep reading. And how fun is that to read out loud to whatever group or child you may be sharing with? Plus, you're a fan of Roddy Doyle's (Giggler Treatment) humour, I'm pretty sure you'll like this one. 

To wet your appetite a little more here is the description from Indie Bound that takes you beyond the first line:

WARNING

As of today, there are only 7 CHILDREN who have ever read this book and lived to tell about it. 95 CHILDREN successfully read the first chapter, but upon beginning chapter 2, they started BLABBERING in some language known only as "flibberish." 38 CHILDREN made it halfway through this wretched book before they began SUCKING THEIR THUMBS THROUGH THEIR NOSES.

If you're VERY BRAVE, perhaps you are willing to TAKE YOUR CHANCES. Be sure that you have told your family who gets your favorite toys if you DO NOT SURVIVE this book. Read it now, IF YOU DARE. But don't say you haven't been warned, for this is the story that unfolds the MYSTERIES OF THE UNDERWORLD.

In other words, be brave be very very brave. I am an adult. I survived. Barely. But-I will not tell you to not read this book. Why? Because it is too good not to! Besides, if you want to read the next in the series, I recommend reading the first. Will help justify booking yourself a bed at the St. Phobics Hospital. More about Eliot and the Pixie Plot from IndieBound:

An entire floor of St. Phobics Hospital for Really Scared Children has been set aside just for readers of this book. You may wish to take a minute before you start reading and reserve yourself a bed there.
As you read, you may begin to understand myctophobia (mic-tofo- be-a), or the fear of darkness. However, do not expect this book to help you with arachibutyrophobia (a-rak-i-something-be-a), the fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth.
If you can't get yourself to St. Phobics, then get every lamp, flashlight, and lantern you can find and drag them into your bedroom. Turn them all on. You'll need them until you're certain there is nothing lurking in the dark. At least, that's what Elliot wishes he had done.


Wish me luck as I venture into book two. I shall return!


Check out more MMGM Marvelousness:


Shannon Whitney Messenger (a.k.a. Fearless Leader)-Ramblings of a Wannabe Scribe
Jennifer Rumberger-Children's Author
Joanne Fritz-My Brain on Books
Danika Dinsmore-The Accidental NovelistShannon Whitney Messenger-Ramblings of a Wannabe Scribe 
Shannon O'Donnell-Book Dreaming
Myrna Foster-The Night Writer
Natalie Aguirre-Literary Rambles
Brooke Favero-Somewhere in the Middle
Ally Beecher- Kid Lit Frenzy
Barbara Watson-Novel and Nouveau
Anita Laydon Miller-her middle grade blog
Michael G-G-Middle Grade Mafioso
Jessica Lei-her blog  
Pam Torres-So I'm Fifty
Akoss-Nye Louwon – My Spirit | a search for the writer in me
Gabrielle Prendergast-Angelhorn
Gina Carey

Oh MG/YA Canada Read-a-thon-March 4, 2012-March 11, 2012

"Oh (MG-YA) Canada" Read-a-thon


GOAL-Read as many middle grade and young adult books by Canadian authors as possible from a Sunday to Sunday.


WHEN-Sunday March 4, 2012-Sunday March 11, 2012


HOW TO PARTICIPATE-Add your link to the end of this post to let me know you will be taking part.  Read what you can in an 8 day time period. A book a day, every other day, or it might only be one or two. It is up to you. 


GIVEAWAYS and MORE "RULES"- participating gets you one entry into the prize packs being offered. Extra entries for sharing what you're reading either by commenting on my daily posts during the read-a-thon or writing your own post. If you read three or more MG or YA books from Canadian Authors, that will get you another entry. If there is anything that is unclear please email me justdeb AT debamarshall DOT com


In case you are wondering about some titles, authors, here are some possibles and a link to a round-up of great Canadian Reads I did a while ago:


Just Deb: Thankful (and recommending) my recent Canadian reads.

You could take a wander through past interviews and features.

And some authors off the top of my head, there's many many, er, many more, of course:
Courtney Summers (will be doing a C/S prize pack)
Margaret Buffie (I am a long time fan, Winter Shadows is in the TBR)
Janet Gurtler (have two of her books to giveaway)
Kenneth Oppel
Lena Coakley
Tim Wynne Jones
Lesley Livingston
Helene Boudreau
Kit Pearson (great historical fiction)
Eileen Cook (so excited to read her latest book!)
Shane Peacock (can you say a Sherlock Holmes as a boy?)
Joelle Anthony
Cheryl Reinfield
R.J Anderson
Erin Bow
Danika Dinsmore

AND-here is a list of more resources for you to browse through (when you're not reading, that is!)

Canadian Bookshelf

Canadian Children's Book Centre

Canadian Children's Book Week

CANSCAIP

• Children's Writers & Illustrators of British Columbia
• CM Magazine-Canadian Review of Materials
• National Library of Canada-Children's Literature Services
• Quill and Quire
• SCBWI-Canada
• Young Alberta Book Society (YABS)

SIGN UP:

Shannon Messenger Cover Reveal for Keeper of the Lost Cities.

It is made of awesome! Do head over and let her know what you think @ Shannon Messenger. It has been beyond cool following along on her journey. CONGRATS Shannon!

Marvelous Middle Grade Read-a-thon-Final Round Up, Winners & the next read-a-thon

I'm so grateful for everyone who stopped by to share what they were reading and am so looking forward to carrying on our dialogue in the months to come. Now, just in case the time flies by on us and we get busy with out other blogging and reading adventures, I've picked the dates for our next Marvelous Middle Grade Read-thon. This time it will run from a Sunday to a Sunday.

NEXT Marvelous Middle Grade Read-a-thon : Sunday, June 3-Sunday, June 10. Hope to see some of you again and say, bring freinds, your kids, their friends!


BUT (gads, am I sounding like an infomercial?) I am not waiting until then to host another read-a-thon. 


Next up is one for OH (MG/YA) Canada. Here's the deets so far:

"Oh (MG-YA) Canada" Read-a-thon

GOAL-Read as many middle grade and young adult books by Canadian Authors as possible from a Sunday to Sunday.

WHEN-Sunday March 4, 2012-Sunday March 11, 2012

HOW TO PARTICIPATE-I will be create a separate post with a Mr. Linky to sign up with. Read what you can in an 8 day time period. A book a day, every other day, or it might only be one or two. It is up to you. 

GIVEAWAYS and "RULES"- participating gets you one entry into the prize packs (TBA) being offered. Extra entries for sharing what you're reading either by commenting on my daily posts or writing your own post. If you read three or more MG or YA books from Canadian Authors, that will get you another entry. If there is anything that is unclear please email me justdeb AT debamarshall DOT com


Alright, time for the final round up for our Marvelous Middle Grade read-a-thon.


Charlotte of Charlotte's Library did a round up of her reads for the week:


Charlotte's Library: Middle grade read-a-thon wrap up

I did mine yesterday and am still in fact finishing up three books, including Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu, which is going to be one of my favorite reads of this marathon.

If you've loved doing this and don't want to leave Middle Grade too far behind, do check out Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays that Shannon Whitney Messenger started. Each Monday we talk about favorite middle grade reads, do interviews, share brand new books, look back at the classics.

Seeeoooooo....I should probably announce the winners of the giveaways? Have them all done--well, after having Charlotte win on of the books she was donating for the giveaways....yep.

Here.

We.

Go.



1. ARC-13 Gifts by Wendy Mass, The Whole Truth by Kit Pearson, Wildwood by Colin Meloy


ERICA from the Book Cellar The Book Cellar: Marvelous Middle Grade Read-a-thon


2. The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann, Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes, ARC of Liesl and Po by Lauren Oliver


Shannon Ms. Houghton's Class 


3. Signed copy of Latasha and the Little Red Tornado by Michael A. Scotto


Akoss Nye Louwon – My Spirit | a search for the writer in me


4. Signed copy of Latasha and the Little Red Tornado by Michael A. Scotto


 Charlotte of Charlotte's Library

5. e-copy of  Fright Flight by Lisa Ard


Eric of Book Man

6. e-copy of  Fright Flight by Lisa Ard


Angelhorn


7. The Book of Wonders by Jasmine Richards 

The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia


8. Fairy Lies by E.D. Baker.

The Space Between


9.THE FOURTH STALL and THE FOURTH STALL PART 2-by Chris Rylander Goes to:


Heidi Geo Librarian: Marvelous Middle Grade Readathon


10. HERO'S GUIDE TO SAVING YOUR KINGDOM by Christopher Healy goes to


Teril and her kids SNARKY MAMMA: Middle Grade Read-athon 


Congrats everyone! I will be emailing as well so I can get your snail mails.


Until next time...Happy Reading!