Marvelous Middle Grade Monday
When I started reading A Good Kind of Trouble (Balzer + Bray, 2019) by Lisa Moore Ramée, I thought, here we go again with another friends-changing-when-they-enter-Junior-High story. But it’s so much more than that. It’s about your own identity and how you don’t have to fit in a box. It’s about getting rid of assumptions. And standing up for what you believe in. And, yes, changing friendships.
Twelve-year-old Shayla wants to avoid trouble, but she discovers that sometimes you have to be trouble. Whether it’s in a relationship with friends or standing up to others, Shayla learns how to do the right thing.
I love the first line: “I’m allergic to trouble.” There’s strong seventh grade voice and humor in this story. This book is a Walter Dean Meyers Honor book, and can also help explain why Black Lives Matter.
Lisa is also the author of Something to Say (2020) and has a middle grade fantasy called Mapmaker coming in 2022. Read more about her here.
I love this book. and the way Lisa Moore Ramée brings her characters to life. They could be the kids at our local school.
Loved the first line. It sounds like a great story that deals with a lot of middle grade issues. Glad you enjoyed it so much.
There is so much to like about this story. Middle grade readers should find this plot engaging and realistic. Thanks for featuring on MMGM. I’ll be adding this to my TBR list.
Yea for adding it to your TBR list.
” It’s about your own identity and how you don’t have to fit in a box. ”
OMG, sounds a lot like my WIP 😉
But, when I think of it, this is one of the classic MG themes.
Now I want to read your WIP!
Thanks for highlighting this book. Sounds like a good one!
This sounds like a terrific book with a fun main character. I love that opening line. Thanks for the post.
I really enjoy stories that encourage teens to be themselves and that they don’t have to fit into a box. The opening line really makes you want to read on. Great post. Thanks for shairng!
I’ve heard great things about this book, and it sounds like it really stands out and tackles some compelling themes! I honestly thought it was older than 2019, I think because the cover font is weirdly dated—I’m not sure why Balzer + Bray didn’t pick something a little newer-looking. Thanks so much for the wonderful review, Susan!
I read and enjoyed this book too. Glad to see it spotlighted her. 🙂