Boys

A middle grades novel packed with life in ancient Egypt and an orphan's adventure among the tombs of the dead. *The Golden Goblet by Eloise ...

Find out why that poor coyote never actually catches the speedy roadrunner in these clever science books for young physicists. Wile E. Coyote, physical science ...

The "last day of summer" turns into a literal race against time for two intrepid, legendary sleuths. The Last Last-Day-of-Summer by Lamar Giles.  Versify (HMH), ...

A disgruntled boy gifted with "time sight" discovers a way back into his own family's history. *Time Sight by Lynne Jonell.  Henry Holt, 2019, 389 ...

Ronan Boyle is the hapless hero of this hilarious new fantasy series that pits special-unit Irish police against nefarious leprechauns. Ronan Boyle and the Bridge ...

When you are ready to introduce your family to a classic edition of Pilgrim’s Progress, two simplified versions complement each other beautifully, providing solid familiarity ...

This graphic-novel adaptation of The Odyssey has some beautiful panels and a few problems. The Odyssey: a Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds.  Candlewick, 2010, 248 ...

Gareth Hinds' adaptation of The Iliad is an excellent introduction to Homer's classic for middle graders and teens. *The Iliad: a Graphic Novel Adaptation by ...

Shakespeare fans who have room on their shelves and a box of freshly sharpened colored pencils will find good application for both with three fun ...

Black cowboy George Fletcher, the "People's Champion," is the subject of this story from the old west. Let 'er Buck! George Fletcher, the People's Champion ...

David Macaulay again turns his drafting ability and clear prose on a massive engineering project, and this time it's personal. Crossing in Time: Steam Engines, ...

The Wimpy Kid's long-suffering best friend takes the narrative helm in the latest from the wildly successful book franchise. Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid: ...

The Defend Your Faith Bible equips middle graders for apologetics with arguments for the reasonableness and accuracy of the scriptures. CSB Defend Your Faith Bible: ...

Jack and Praiseworthy must use their wits and resourcefulness if they are to strike it rich in California's goldfields in this funny middle grades novel. ...

A days-long power outage is the premise for Zap, a STEM-based, character-driven novel for middle graders. Zap by Martha Freeman.  Simon & Schuster, 2018, 288 ...

Holling Hoodhood comes to appreciate more than Shakespeare in this humorous historical fiction middle school novel. Starred review for The Wednesday Wars! *The Wednesday Wars ...

In Checked, one family's deep involvement in hockey provides the background for life questions. Checked by Cynthis Kadohata.  Atheneum, 2019, 404 pages. Reading Level: Middle ...

A dauntless 11-year-old boy confronts a possible Russian spy in this Cold-War-era thriller. Spy Runner by Eugene Yelchin.  Henry Holt (Godwin Books), 2019, 343 pages ...

Chiko and Tu Reh learn to face challenges and love their enemies in modern day, war-torn Burma in this realistic fiction novel for teens. Starred ...

To "pay attention" to the world around you is rule #1 of a life well lived, as this winning middle-grade novel shows. *Pay Attention, Carter ...

New Kid offers a fresh and funny graphic-novel take on the middle-school blues. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 8-14 From Washington ...

Krosoczka, author of the Lunch Lady graphic novels, tells his own story in Hey Kiddo, a graphic novel memoir that is by turns harsh and tender. ...

Literaritea is a fresh series in which Megan offers a taste of her experiences reading picture books and poetry aloud to her five boys, ages 2-12. Ideally we have teatime with our literature, but not always. These are the books that resonate with all of us and if I don't own these titles yet, I ...

Foundling, Lamplighter, and Factotum by D. M. Cornish. G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2006-2010. Ages 12 & up. Reading Level: Young Adult, ages 12-14 Recommended for: ages 12 & ...

The Young Man's Guide to Awesomeness is a well-organized, humorous, straight-talking guide for young men as they mature into godly adults. *The Young Man's Guide to Awesomeness: How to Guard Your Heart, Get the Girl, and Save the World by Barrett Johnson. INFO For Families, 2017. 158 pages. Reading Level: Teen, ages 12 and up Recommended For: Upper middle grades and up (ages 10+) Growing up is never easy. There are physical changes, ...

In these four tales inspired by Kipling's Jungle Book, Mowgli the man-cub learns the backstories of his fellow creatures. *Into the Jungle: Stories for Mowgli ...

In The Biggest Win, players from the 2018 Super Bowl championship team coach young athlete in winning the kingdom of God. The Biggest Win: Pro ...

A sports reporter who was with the Eagles as their dream team came together tells the story of their amazing Super Bowl Win. Birds of ...

Nobody said “No” to Cyrus Field once he got his brain around a big idea that transformed the history of communication—and history itself. Cyrus Field’s ...

“The Disappearing Spoon” is one mystery solved by the periodic table, in this entertaining grab-bag of historical oddities from chemistry. The Disappearing Spoon (Young Readers ...

It’s that time again!  Children’s book titles are pouring into every librarians’ website as the kidlit community speculates on who will win Newbery gold this ...

Imagination literally runs wild in Inkling, the latest middle-grade novel from popular novelist Kenneth Oppel. Inkling by Kenneth Oppel, with illustrations by Sydney Smith.  Knopf, ...

Oliver realizes he doesn't yet know everything about the Civil War in this engaging middle grades novel.  The Not-so-Boring Letters of Private Nobody by Matt ...

Three boastful knights bite off more than they can chew in this legendary tale by a popular graphic novelist. Knights vs. Dinosaurs by Matt Phelan.  ...

An instant friendship leads to potential trouble in this engaging, character-driven story for middle grades and early teens. The Season of Styx Malone by Kekla ...

The juvenile version of the Atlas Obscura travel guide may spark a taste for travel in middle graders. The Atlas Obscura Explorers Guide for the ...

To date this school year, our Love Your Neighbor Book Club has read Save Me a Seat and A Long Walk to Water, both of ...

What if God took the very instrument that caused your suffering and turned it into a tool of blessing for many? Six Dots: A Story ...

This fascinating true account of a prison escape during World War I will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The Grand Escape: the ...

*The Faithful Spy is an outstanding biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer—and one of the best biographies for kids ever. The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the ...

John McCain had more guts and more patriotism than most of his American contemporaries--read all about him in this detailed young adult biography. John McCain: ...

This latest in our Gladys Hunt series, which we affectionately call The Hive, looks at the types of books boys enjoy and muses over why so ...

Wilder Good, now thirteen, continues his outdoor adventures with his biggest challenge yet. Black Rock Brothers (Wilder Good #5) by S. J. Dahlstrom.  Paul Dry ...

A new series about advances in technology begins with the indomitable spirit of the Wright Brothers. The Wright Brothers: Nose-Diving into History (Epic Fails #1) ...

Illegal, a graphic novel, puts readers into the perils of a refugee from Africa while stimulating important questions about refugees worldwide. Ages 12-15 Illegal by ...

The latest installment in the "Tales from Alcatraz" series deals with mature themes in a sympathetic, engaging way.  Ages 12-15 Al Capone Throws Me a ...

A humorous and action-packed take on the updated-legend genre (a la Percy Jackson) also offers interesting characters and conflict dynamics.  Ages 12-15. The Legend of ...

Near the end of his prolific career, Newbery medalist Sid Fleischman published remarkable biographies of three remarkable men. Samuel Clemens (a.k.a. Mark Twain, 1835-1910), Ehrich ...

Float is a fun summer read about boys being boys, but some of the reviewers had a problem with that. The protagonist of Float, by ...

The latest addition to the "Guts and Glory" series is a readable and engaging history of the American Revolution for middle graders.  Ages 10-15 The ...

A well-known scientist and autism advocate challenges middle-graders to put down their phones and make something.  Ages 10-15 Calling all Minds: How o Think and ...

Three new series bearing the Rick Riordan name share an interest in pagan deities and a neo-pagan worldview. When Rick Riordan introduced his signature character, ...

Read Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's adventure classic, The Lost World, a book that has clear links to Jurassic Park! The Lost World by Sir Arthur ...

Mysterious maps, sea creatures, and an island kingdom where dark secrets threaten to emerge . . . All the makings for an excellent story. Isle ...

Zayd's dream of playing basketball on his school's A-team clashes with his Muslim family's goals for him.  Ages 6-10 Power Forward (Zayd Saleem, Chasing the ...

Sunny takes us into the interior life of a track runner who doesn't want to run--so how can he stay on the team?  Ages 10-14 ...

Liam, a super tall 12-year-old, goes on a cosmic adventure in this light-hearted British science fiction story that includes subtle emotional weight. Cosmic by Frank ...

A realistic sports story that is so much more than a sports story, Tangerine blends soccer, environmentalism, bullying, racism, and physical disability into a well-written, ...

A “super-gifted” boy genius bites off more than he can chew in this middle school story told from multiple perspectives.  Ages 10-15 SuperGifted by Gordon ...

Stuck in the Stone Age offers a short course in story writing as well as a wacky time-travel adventure.  Ages 8-12 Stuck in the Stone ...

Matthew, housebound because of his OCD, uses his detailed observations of his neighbors to help solve the disappearance of a toddler in this middle grades ...

Charlie is struggling to rebound after his dad's death in this well crafted, middle grades verse novel full of comics, basketball, and a strong family ...

This fantasy series opener sends one young “wishmaker” and his personal genie on a wild ride to save the world—with consequences attached. The Wishmakers by ...

An academically-challenged boy gains confidence and learns responsibility when he opens a sled dog school. *Sled Dog School by Terry Lynn Johnson.  Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, ...

In his Confessions, Augustine wrote this on the subject of "time": “I understand well enough what time is, so long as no one asks me.” ...

This jokey introduction to the American Revolution, latest in the “Thrifty Guide” series, presents accurate history along with the laughs.  Ages 10-15 The Thrifty Guide ...

Invictus takes science-fiction to the max with a wild ride that involves time travel, doppelgangers, and parallel universes.  Ages 15-up Invictus by Ryan Graudin.  Little, ...

If you want to read this hilarious and thoughtful poetry book, hide it from your kids or else you'll never get a turn. I'm Just ...

Janie and Pamela continue our Newbery discussions with Refugee, a novel that carries political significance as well as literary value.  Ages 12-15. Janie: Alan Gratz ...

A mega fantasy and sci-fi booklist with books for all ages and all types of fantasy lovers (even those who don't think they ARE fantasy ...

Podkin One Ear is the first volume in an exciting fantasy series that celebrates individual courage and determination. Ages 8-12 Podkin One Ear (Longburrow #1) ...

Teddy Roosevelt travels the River Doubt, Percy Fawcett hunts for the City "Z," and a tiny fish is making headlines in conservation efforts for the ...

In rural Minnesota,  friendship and rolling pigeons combine in an enjoyable middle grade debut novel.   Roll by Darcy Miller.  HarperCollins, 2017, 224 pages Reading ...

Nonstop action, intriguing characters, and startling observations raise this adventure tale above the pack. The Explorer by Katherine Rundell.  Simon & Schuster, 2017, 324 pages ...

Fascinating middle grades nonfiction about the Whydah: a slave ship turned pirate ship turned treasure hunter glory. The Whydah: A Pirate Ship Feared, Wrecked and Found ...

Bottom line: When the big trucks take over the streets of New York, the pushcarts push back. Support your local vendor. The Pushcart War by ...

Mr. Revere and I: History as told by a horse in this humorous middle grades historical fiction. Mr. Revere and I: An account of a ...

A boy takes to the Appalachian Trail to ease a guilty conscience, in this adventure novel for middle grades The Trail by Meika Hashimoto.  Scholastic, ...

Slider uses the world of competitive eating as a context for exploring the agony and ecstasy of family relationships. Slider, by Pete Hautman.  Candlewick, 2017, ...

In this far-out fantasy, an alien named Sputnik has to prove earth is worth saving. Sputnik's Guide to Life on Earth by Frank Cottrell Boyce. ...

Panda-monium offers plenty of hi-jinks, animal facts, and quirky characters as Teddy solves the mystery of the theft of a prized giant panda. Panda-monium by ...

By chapters 8-13, we’re well into the development part of the novel, which (you may recall) I mentioned is the often the most difficult part ...

This young-reader history of the early days of the American Revolution views events through the experience of 12-year-old Ben Russell. Ben’s Revolution: Benjamin Russell and ...

This young reader edition of an adult nonfiction book explores the glory and agony (mostly the latter) of Magellan's epic voyage. Magellan: Over the Edge ...

A “sea dog” adventure chronicles a key event during the age of explorers: Magellan's epic voyage around the world. Leo: Dog of the Sea (Dog ...

(Originally published on Labor Day 2012) Labor Day, according to Wikipedia, was born of the Management/Labor battles of the late 19th century--particularly the Pullman strike ...

Dragon Seed by Marty Machowsky. New Grorwth Press, 2017, 179 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-14 Nick is furious. He’s ...

A 7th-grade detective and his feisty sidekick sets up shop in this new mystery series with a distinctive, humorous voice.     Howard Wallace, P.I. by ...

This middle-grade science fiction novel includes enough human interest to make it engaging, enough real science to make it educational. The Many Worlds of Albie ...

Shipwreck Island (Shipwreck Island #1) by S. A. Bodeen.  Feiwel & Friends, 2014, 184 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 10-14 ...

This rollicking adventure tale for middle grades by prolific author Avi takes us back to England of the 18th century. The Unexpected Life of Oliver ...

The hardworking construction team needs help! Working cheerfully, they get a big job done. Mighty, Mighty Construction Site by Sherri Dusky Rinker, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld.  Chronicle ...

Henry is too shy to share his artistic talent, until one of his creations comes to life and threatens to wreck the whole school. Henry ...

Underachieving Marc learns how to shape up and think straight in this fictionalized self-help book by a former Navy SEAL. Way of the Warrior Kid: ...

Undefeated is a fascinating account of how a group of talented, creative, and brave young Indians changed the game of football forever. Undefeated: Jim Thorpe ...

A little known slice of American history comes to life in this Christian middle grades historical fiction novel about the Battle of Seattle. The Battle of ...

Storm Horse pits a boy and a horse against a greedy land developer in the modern-day Netherlands. Storm Horse by Nick Garlick.  Scholastic, 2017, 242 ...

An enterprising 10-year-old and his teenage brother join the Alaska gold rush “stampeders” for a good-hearted “Call of the Wild” adventure. Jasper and the Riddle ...

The Will Wilder adventure series, though not marketed as Christian, draws its inspiration from the Bible, with numerous biblical references embedded in a fast-paced narrative. ...

This exciting graphic-novel series opener pits a fatherless boy and an adventurous home-schooling girl against aggressive garden vegetables. Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke.  First Second, ...