Tag: Middle grade reads

Ban This Book

In this story, a brave fourth grader takes on her school and some overreaching parents to preserve the books that she loves so dearly. In Ban This Book, Alan Gratz helps young people understand both the reasons and the dangers behind what is, frankly, happening in schools today.

Brave Like That

I first heard chatter about this MG novel on Twitter, and the comments from the readers were so positive and forceful (YOU MUST READ THIS) that I decided, okay. This is such a great story on so many levels. First of all, I think most children face a moment when they want to tell their parents, “This isn’t me.”

Indian No More

In this middle grade novel, Indian No More, we learn just how devastating a situation could be when the American government suddenly decides to no longer recognize a tribe. This tale of both heartbreak and resilience will educate a whole new generation of young people, even as Regina captivates the audience with her story, which is inspired by the author’s own experience.

Rescue Princesses

The Rescue Princesses combines the love of animals with the fantasy of being a princess. The series also emphasizes friendship, courage, and diversity–perfect for little girls (and hey, even boys) navigating the social structure of elementary school.

Front Desk

I highly recommend this story as something that will encourage you to think about what the American dream means, and how we can all take tough moments in our lives to overcome the biggest hurdles.

The Witch of Blackbird Pond

This story takes place in New England, just a few years before the Salem witch trials in 1692. Katherine, better known as Kit, must leave Barbados to live with her relatives, residents of a Puritan town. Kit’s ways are not well-received by the Puritans, and this causes some trouble for her.

Night of the Amber Moon

Both creepy and heartwarming, Night of the Amber Moon tells the story of 11-year-old Izzy, a girl with a hard problem. A story of dealing with guilt, the story leads readers on a journey to forgiveness, with just the right amount of suspense.

Heartbreak Messenger

This ended up being a delightful story about first crushes, but one that really gave us a good look at a boy’s perspective. Funny situations and dialogue, in addition to a friendship that outshines any middle grade romance, puts this book in my “favorites” category.

Wonder

There is no doubt something special about this book. In a world where I get the sense that many people are letting hate and ill will grow, we could use many, many more books like Palacio’s Wonder. I wish there was one like this coming out every month.

Crenshaw

I’ve already featured one of my favorite Katherine Applegate books on this blog. It’s hard to beat a book like The One and Only Ivan. But while reading Crenshaw aloud to a first and third grader, I learned these things:

Fuzzy Mud

Maybe all I need to tell you is that the author of Fuzzy Mud, Louis Sachar, is the author of Holes. Maybe that’s all you need to know to want to read this. Or, maybe you’re like me. Maybe you love contemporary science fiction based on what could really happen. As a former employee of the CDC, I’m a sucker for any book with an epidemic as an external conflict.

Maiden Voyage

I ran across this novel on a recent trip to Branson, Missouri, home of the largest Titanic museum (you had no idea, did you?). While the story had my children swearing off cruise ships for life, I found myself fascinated once again by history of this tragedy. Maybe that’s because I had relatives who had planned to take the ship (and they were not of the first-class variety). Maybe it’s because folly led to death, and the personal stories of loss still get me in the gut.