Category Archives: Middle Grades

Hot, Sour, Salty, Sweet

Hot, Sour, Salty, Sweetby Sherri Smith Ana’s middle school graduation day is going to be just perfect.  She’s Salutatorian and at night there’s going to be a school dance and a chance to finally connect with her crush Jamie Tabata. … Continue reading

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Gone Away Lake

Gone-Away Lake by Elizabeth Enright I didn’t discover Gone-Away Lake until I was an adult and it’s a shame that I didn’t because it’s the kind of thing I would have adored as a child.  A pair of cousins discover … Continue reading

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Bayou Magic

Bayou Magic by Jewell Parker Rhodes Jewell Parker Rhodes has a way of drawing me in completely when she writes.  It’s not just that her characters vibrate with life, it’s that you can practically smell the air, feel the heat, … Continue reading

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The Great Good Summer

The Great Good Summerby Liz Garton Scanlon Kids think about things. They think about God and religion and wonder and the world.  And when things are difficult, they question their faith, regardless of what it is that they have faith … Continue reading

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The Garden of My Imaan

Garden of My Imaan by Farhana Zia Author Bio:  Farhana Zia grew up in India. Friends, boys, religious identity, The Garden of My Imaan is just the thing for middle-school readers who are figuring out who they are and how … Continue reading

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A Beautiful Lie

A Beautiful Lie by Irfan Master Author Bio: English author of Pakistani and Indian heritage. Are you the type who leafs past the prologue, eager to get on with the story?  Don’t do it!  Read the first line, only the … Continue reading

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Starry River of the Sky

Starry River of the Sky by Grace Lin This is a companion to Lin’s lovely book,  When the Mountain Meets the Moon. A young boy runs away from home with no destination, only the wish to be far away from … Continue reading

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The Slippery Map

The Slippery Map by N.E. Bode (took me a while to get that) Gah.  Unlike the charming letter Suzanne Selfors used to begin Smells Like Treasure, N.E. Bode’s letter feels adult and dry.  Evidently our author is dealing with a … Continue reading

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Smile

Smile by Raina Telgemeier In sixth grade, Raina is not looking forward to getting braces. But then a freak accident turns what was going to be a routine procedure into an ongoing dental hell.  And so, Raina’s journey through middle … Continue reading

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Ms. Rapscott’s Girls

Ms. Rapscott’s Girls by Elise Primavera It must be acknowledged that many parents are too busy to properly care for their children.  But Ms. Rapscott’s School is only for those children of the very busiest parents in the world. These … Continue reading

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