Patricia Bailey's Blog, page 2

Embrace Your Secret Artist

This post first appeared at the From the Mixed-Up Files blog.

Some time ago, a friend from grade school texted me a photo of an old news clipping he had found among his grandfather’s papers. It was a group photo of my friend and I and a couple of other kids who had won our fourth grade art contest. I was surprised at how clearly I remembered that day and the days the leading up to it when we worked on our pieces. All the time spent deciding what to make, trying to get the lines right, choosing ...

February New Releases at From the Mixed-Up Files

February is here, and it’s a leap year, which means you have a extra day to fill. Why not grab one of these New Releases to help you celebrate?  Realistic, Historical, Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Lyric Novels, even Horror – there’s a book for every reader this month.

 

 

The Liars Society by Alyson Gerber

The Inheritance Games and One of Us is Lying for middle grade — beloved author Alyson Gerber’s new series is an unforgettable mystery featuring a secret society, a mysterious island, and dangerou...

A World Kindness Day Book List at From the Mixed-Up Files

I’m over at From the Mixed-Up Files of Middle-Grade Authors today with a list of books that are all about kindness and community in honor of World Kindness Day. Keep reading for a sneak peek of the post. Then head over to From the Mixed-Up Files for the rest of the list.

 

Today is World Kindness Day – a holiday that I only learned about because it was on my calendar. For some reason that struck me as a little sad. An international day promoting large and small acts of kindness seems like someth...

October New Releases at From the Mixed-Up Files

The leaves are falling and the scent of pumpkin spice is wafting out of coffee houses everywhere. Two sure signs that October is finally here. So, find a comfy spot. grab a warm drink, and pick up one of our October New Releases to keep you company this month.

 

Rosie Frost and the Falcon Queen By Geri Halliwell-Horner

A sweeping adventure filled with a hidden island, family secrets, shocking betrayals, amazing music, and girl power, by iconic Spice Girl, songwriter and author Geri Halliwell-Ho...

July New Releases at From the Mixed-Up Files

It’s July! Time for a summer slow down. Lucky for you, we have a nice list of new middle grades coming your way – including one from our very own
Jennifer Swanson. Happy book birthday, Jennifer!!

Spacecare: A Kid’s Guide to Surviving Space by Jennifer Swanson

Have you ever wondered how astronauts stay healthy in space? What if an astronaut gets sick on the space station? Does snot run in space? This fascinating photo-illustrated look at space and medicine explores how scientists and physicians ...

Creativity Boosts at From the Mixed-Up Files

I’m over at From the Mixed-Up Files of Middle-Grade Authors with a list of books I used to boost my creativity during a long, dark winter. Keep reading for a sneak peek of the post. Then head over to From the Mixed-Up Files for the rest of the list.

 

Sometimes, a month or so before the end of a long, dark winter, I start to feel my creativity wane. Everything feels a little cold. A little hidden. A little like it’s waiting for some magical thing to energize it. This year it’s taking longer than...

March New Releases at From the Mixed-Up Files

March is blowing in with some great New Middle Grade Releases – including one by our very own Beth McMullen. (Congratulations, Beth!) Find a cozy blanket and a patch of almost-Spring sunlight and settle in with one of these new books.

 

Miracle by Karen S. Chow

When her father dies, Amie’s ability to play music dies, too. Nothing short of a miracle can bring back what she has lost.

Amie has spent her life perfectly in tune with Ba-ba, her father–she plays the violin, his favorite instrument; s...

February New Releases at From the Mixed-Up Files

In need of a cure for the winter blahs? I know I am. A pile of lovely new releases are coming our way in February. There’s so much to choose from, I don’t know where to start.

 

She’s Still Here: Paranormal Investigator Series Book One by Caitlin Alexander

When the dead speak, Kate listens.

Kate is new in town. Jane has been there for what seems like forever. Can Kate find out the truth? The one that is keeping Jane tethered to Ravendale Middle School? Find out in book one of the Kate Sablowsky...

Interview with James Ponti at From the Mixed-Up Files

I’m over at From the Mixed-Up Files of Middle-Grade Authors talking with James Ponti about the next book in his CITY SPIES series. 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 good fortune to interview James Ponti, author of the CITY SPIES series, this week. James’s fourth book in the series, CITY SPIES:  CITY OF THE DEAD comes out February 7.

I’m ashamed to admit that I am a little late to the CITY SPIES game, but I ca...

November New Releases at From the Mixed-Up Files

Grab a warm drink and a cozy blanket. There are some great books waiting for you in our November New Releases List.

Looking for True by Tricia Springstubb

When two unlikely friends bond over shared compassion for a bereft but lovable dog, they learn what it truly means to find a sense of belonging and identity.

11-year-olds Gladys and Jude live in the same small, rust belt town, and go to the same school, but they are definitely not friends. Gladys is a tiny, eccentric, walking dictionary who d...