Praise for 7th Grade Revolution

"Reminiscent of a modern day Goonies." ~Goodreads
“Combine a detective mystery, blend in history from Colonial America, and include the usual 7th grade school angst and what do you have? 7th Grade Revolution, a genre-defying story that revolves around 7th graders who stage a successful school revolt that ejects adult guidance, only to stumble into a treasure hunt that pits them against the FBI. 7th Grade Revolution quickly becomes a compelling survey of not just a student revolt, but its unexpected aftermath. It's unusual to have an adventure mystery wound into actual history based on real-world events … A formidable story that proves hard to put down." ~Midwest Book Review (click for full review)
“I arrived home earlier today to find [7th Grade Revolution] on my porch and I have just come up for air, realizing I hadn't even eaten since I picked it up. I don't even know where to begin. Should I start with the dedication that brought me to tears? The first time I saw my name as the teacher and I gasped? The fact that the beginning of the book is so very reminiscent of the real thing? The illustration toward the end when I saw myself? All of those things were beyond my expectations, but what I really want to say is that the book held me captive from beginning to end. You captured the middle school mind perfectly, showing their insecurities as well as the amazing strength that is just below the surface. Bravo! It is a wonderful book and I can see it being used during a study of government as a class read. The illustrator is also superb. I could go on and on. (I also am really amazed at how you captured me as a teacher ... how did you do that?) So thank you, thank you, thank you! I loved every part of this book and am so very proud, as I said earlier, to have had any part in it.” ~Karen Rectanus, Exploris Middle School
“A thrilling and engrossing ride through past and present based on real events in North Carolina. Readers of all ages will enjoy this novel. Trust me, you won't want to put it down.” ~NetGalley
“Gardner draws inspiration from real students who led a revolution at their school as part of a project. 7th Grade Revolution brings this to life, beginning with the students succeeding, but the story quickly weaves in a thriller and adventure twist, tying in a mysterious connection to history … The students defend their school in ways reminiscent of Home Alone … as the students race against the FBI to find this hidden treasure. 7th Grade Revolution is a treasure hunting adventure exploring themes of friendship, growing up, teamwork, and history. ~Liz Konkel, Readers’ Favorite

“An exciting, smartly written book filled with adventure, intrigue, and history in a modern school setting. I can’t wait for my daughter to read this, and there’s no higher compliment than that.” ~Mercedes M. Yardley, Bram Stoker Awards® Winning Author of Little Dead Red
“I am publishing this review for my sons who both just read the book. They picked it up and could not put it down. Both would read at every opportunity and finished the book in three days. My oldest son (who just turned 11) told me upon completing it, 'The book is so good I couldn't stop reading it. I forgot about my iPad.' From a young man who loves playing video games all the time, that is the best possible review.”
~Kevin, Sony Interactive Entertainment



Silver Medal Winner: Middle Grades Fiction
Nautilus Book Awards
Gold Medal Winner: Pre-Teen Fiction
New York City Big Book Award
Finalist: Best Juvenile or Young Adult Fiction
Silver Falchion Award
Semifinalist
Screencraft Cinematic Book Awards
Finalist: Best Book (Children’s)
Digital World Book Awards
Gold Medal Winner: Backlist Fiction
Feathered Quill Book Awards
Gold Medal Winner: Best Use Of Social Media In Book
Digital Book World Awards
2nd Place: Mystery
Purple Dragonfly Book Awards
Story Monsters Approved: Tween Novels (Ages 10-14)
Middle-Grade Books (Ages 8-12)
Finalist: Children's Fiction
International Book Awards
Gold Medal Winner: Pre-Teen Fiction — General
Moonbeam Children's Book Awards
Gold Medal Winner: Preteen (10-12) Fiction
American Fiction Awards
Honorable Mention: Middle Grade Fiction
Purple Dragonfly Book Awards
Finalist: Gertrude Warner Book Awards for Middle Grade Readers
Honorable Mention: Children's Fiction
Hollywood Book Festival