Patricia Bailey's Blog

Author Spotlight: Catherine Matthias talks about When the Sky Turned to Dust

Today I’m shining the Author Spotlight on my friend, Catherine Matthias and her middle grade book WHEN THE SKY TURNED TO DUST.

Please, tell us a little about WHEN THE SKY TURNED TO DUST?

First, thank you so much, Trish, for inviting me to be part of your author blog.

When the Sky Turned to Dust takes place during two destructive events in America—the Great Depression, 1929-1939, and the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, when a devastating drought and violent winds brought added hardship to the Midwest. It...

Guest Post – Catherine Matthias and THE WORD GOBBLERS

I am thrilled to have my friend, Catherine Matthias, share a blog post today.
Catherine is a picture book, middle grade, and adult author and a fellow Oregonian. She is also a passionate advocate for helping all children read.

As a former teacher, I have a particular interest in ways to help struggling readers. Catherine’s book, THE WORD GOBBLERS addresses one often overlooked cause of such struggles.

Catherine Matthias:  THE WORD GOBBLERS

One out of six children struggle to read the books we wr...

May New Releases at From the Mixed-Up Files

It’s May. In my neck of the woods that means it’s almost the perfect temperature for sitting outside and reading a book.
If that’s your idea of a perfect Spring day, we’ve got you covered with a great list of Middle Grade new releases.

 

The Bug Bandits by Jenni L. Walsh

Home Alone meets A Night in the Museum in this clever middle-grade heist story by USA Today bestselling author Jenni L. Walsh. When a science-loving girl and her friends overhear a plot to rob her dad’s insectarium, they embark ...

A Spring-Vibe Booklist at From the Mixed-Up Files

Yesterday was the first day of Spring here in the US, and goodness am I ready for some renewal, rebirth, and growth.

In the spirit of all things new and hopeful, I thought I’d round up a list of books with a Spring-vibe for you all.

Nature: Let’s get outside.Here in the Real World by Sara Pennypacker 

Ware can’t wait to spend summer “off in his own world”—dreaming of knights in the Middle Ages and generally being left alone. But then his parents sign him up for dreaded Rec camp, where he must ...

February New Releases at From The Mixed-Up Files

February is here! That means 2025 is well on it’s way and it’s time to stock up the To Be Read pile with some fabulous new middle-grade reads.

It’s an extra special New Release’s month here at the Mixed-Up Files as our very own Sydney Dunlap has a new book out. Happy book birthday, Sydney!!

Now, let’s get rolling with this month’s New Releases.

 Racing the Clouds by Sydney Dunlap

If thirteen-year-old Sage had done one thing differently that day last November, everything would be fine. Only she d...

February New Releases at The Mixed-Up Files

February is here! That means 2025 is well on it’s way and it’s time to stock up the To Be Read pile with some fabulous new middle-grade reads.

It’s an extra special New Release’s month here at the Mixed-Up Files as our very own Sydney Dunlap has a new book out. Happy book birthday, Sydney!!

Now, let’s get rolling with this month’s New Releases.

 Racing the Clouds by Sydney Dunlap

If thirteen-year-old Sage had done one thing differently that day last November, everything would be fine. Only she d...

Interview with Author Christine Virnig at From the Mixed-Up Files

I was over at From the Mixed-Up Files of Middle-Grade Authors talking with Christine Virnig  last month about her Halloween-themed middle grade, A BITE ABOVE THE REST. Keep reading for a sneak peek. Then head on over to From the Mixed-Up Files for the rest of the interview.

 

I had the great luck to get to read an early copy of Christine Virnig’s latest middle-grade – a Halloween themed adventure set in the very unique town of Samhain,Wisconsin. And, even though Halloween is still a few month’s ...

September New Releases at From the Mixed-Up Files

Pumpkin spice lattes are back at the coffee shop and school is back in session. It’s September. Time to pick up some new pencils, a uncreased folder, and a nice stack of new middle grade reads to see us through the cooler days. There’s a little something for everyone on the New Releases shelf this month. Take a look.

 

Team Canteen 1: Rocky Road by Amalie Jahn 

A hot pink boa that might be magic bonds 4 unlikely friends from summer camp and gives them the courage to face down the challenges they...

June New Releases at From the Mixed-Up Files

It’s June. Time for long sunny days, lots of ice-cream, and a pile of books to get you started on your summer reading lists. The June New Releases have a lot to offer this year:  Friends, road tips, fires, and new places. Take a look for yourself.

 

Asking for a Friend by Ronnie Riley

Eden Jones has exactly three friends. And they’re all fake.

From a web of lies and social anxiety to true friendship and queer joy; this is the wonderful second book from the author of the Indies Introduce and Indi...

Interview with Author Leah Cypess at From the Mixed-Up Files

I’m over at From the Mixed-Up Files of Middle-Grade Authors talking with Leah Cypess about the next book in her Sisters Ever After series. Keep reading for a sneak peek. Then head on over to From the Mixed-Up Files for the rest of the interview.

I’m a huge fairy tale lover, and I just discovered Leah Cypess’s Sisters Ever After series. How did I miss this?! Her latest book in the series, BRAIDED, is coming out May 28. I’m so excited that I got to interview her for our Mixed-Up Files readers!

Pl...