Middle Grades

Rosa by Starlight by Hilary McKay

Rosa by Starlight is a sweet story of an orphan finding her way home, with the help of a host of sympathetic cats. Rosa by ...
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cover image of shakespeare's first folio

Shakespeare’s First Folio: All the plays, a children’s edition

Shakespeare's First Folio is a wonderful introduction to the plays, suitably shortened for children, a gorgeous addition to any home library. *Shakespeare's First Folio: All ...
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*The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

A wild robot explores an island and learns more than how to survive nature from the animals; she develops relationships and makes it home. A ...
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*Evangelical Heroes by Joel Beeke and Douglas Bond

Evangelical Heroes presents famous and lesser-known Christian role models throughout the modern era. *Evangelical Heroes, Vol. 1 and 2 by Douglas Bond and Joel Beeke. ...
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Out of My Dreams by Sharon Draper

Melody Brooks, a 13-year-old with cerebral palsy, concludes her trilogy by stepping onto a global stage in Out of My Dreams. Out of My Dreams ...
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Radar and the Raft by Jeff Lantos

Radar and the Raft traces the invention of Radar through the harrowing story of a missionary family torpedoed and rescued during World War II. Radar ...
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The Best This World Can Do: Thoughts about “Not Nothing” by Gayle Forman

Christian book reviewers face certain challenges. We could review only Christian books and be reasonably assured that we won’t run into glaring content problems like ...
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The Sherlock Society by James Ponti

The Sherlock Society kicks off a fun mystery series by popular MG author James Ponti. The Sherlock Society (#1) by James Ponti. Aladdin (Simon & ...
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The Science of Friendship by Tanita S. Davis

In The Science of Friendship, an 8th-grade girl takes an analytical approach to keeping friends and discovers some important truths about herself. The Science of ...
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Growing Up under a Red Flag by Ying Chang Compestine

Growing Up under a Red Flag introduces China’s Cultural Revolution in a way picture-book readers can understand. Growing Up under a Red Flag: A Memoir ...
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Jack Zulu and the Girl with the Golden Wings by S. D. Smith

Jack Zulu and the Girl with the Golden Wings is an exhilarating installment in the Jack Zulu series, but it will leave you wanting more! ...
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The Minor Miracle by Meredith Davis

The Minor Miracle is a light-hearted, fun read with lots of heart, perfect for fans of comic books, superheroes, and friends. The Minor Miracle: The ...
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*Joni Eareckson Tada by Kristyn Getty

A new biography of Joni Eareckson Tada for kids demonstrates how anyone can honor God no matter the circumstances. *Joni Eareckson Tada: The Girl Who ...
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Mama’s Chicken and Dumplings by Dionna L. Mann

Mama’s Chicken and Dumplings features a winsome protagonist trying her hand at parental matchmaking. Mama’s Chicken and Dumplings by Dionna L. Mann. Holiday House/Margaret Ferguson ...
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The Legend of the Last Library by Frank L. Cole

The Legend of the Last Library pictures a dystopian future without books or paper, and one intrepid reader who holds the key to restoration. The ...
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*The Wilderking Trilogy by Jonathan Rogers (20th anniversary editions)

Aidan, fifth son of a Lord of Corenwald, befriends Feechies, defeats a giant, and leads a loyal group of followers in the Wilderking Trilogy, a ...
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*Ben Washington Is the Newbie on the Block by Jasmine Mullen

Young Ben Washington, the star of this new middle-grade series, is funny, flawed, and fully relatable. *Ben Washington Is . . . the Newbie on ...
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The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry

A sweet middle-grade historical fiction recounting some of the Luminous Life of Lucy Landry, an Ojibwe orphan. The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry, Anna Rose ...
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Faker by Gordon Korman

In Faker, a boy faces critical ethical questions involving his own immediate family. Faker by Gordon Korman. Scholastic, 2024, 214 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ...
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Majestica by Sarah Tolcser

Majestica takes readers on a thrill ride through a wildlife park filled with magical creatures. Majestica by Sarah Tolcser. G.P. Putnam’s Sons (PRH), 2024, 307 ...
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Uprising by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Uprising is the story of a Polish girl’s experience of World War II, based on the experiences of a real-life teenage resistance fighter. Uprising by ...
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The Treasure by Marty Machowski

Two children living on a Greek island discover a sealed clay pot containing two scrolls and a book. A treasure hunt, a ship, special coins, ...
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Wander Lost by Laura Martin

Wander Lost features hidden worlds within a variety of board games, and twin brothers launched on a desperate rescue mission. Wander Lost by Laura Martin. ...
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The Secret Language of Birds by Lynne Kelly

A neurodivergent tween finds friends and makes an amazing discovery at summer camp. The Secret Language of Birds, Lynne Kelly, Delacorte Press, 2024. 240 Pages ...
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Evan Miller Is Waking Down by Jerel Law

Evan Miller Is Waking Down ... and dreamwalking in this inventive dystopian series opener for middle schoolers. Evan Miller Is Waking Down by Jerel Law. ...
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And Then, Boom! by Lisa Fipps

And Then, Boom! features a winsome protagonist who suddenly finds himself abandoned. And Then, Boom! by Lisa Fipps. Nancy Paulsen (PRH), 2024, 244 pages Readling ...
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*Mercy Watson is Missing! by Kate DiCamillo

What could possibly entice Mercy Watson to wander away from home? And who will help Mr. and Mrs. Watson recover their beloved porcine pet? Mercy ...
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With Just One Wing by Brenda Woods

An adopted boy comes to identify with an orphaned mockingbird With Just One Wing. With Just One Wing by Brenda Woods. Nancy Paulsen Books (PRH), ...
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Born Naughty by Jin Wang

Born Naughty introduces us to Jin Wang, a lively little girl growing up in Inner Mongolia. Born Naughty: My Childhood in China by Jin Wang ...
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*Indescribable Atlas Adventures by Louie Giglio

Indescribable Atlas Adventures is a large format picture book full of interesting details about the world God made, including people, places, and animals. *Indescribable Atlas ...
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Life After Whale by Lynn Brunelle and Jason Chin

Life after Whale pictures the phenomenon of “Whale Fall”: how the earth’s largest living creature supports thriving ecosystems for decades after death. Life after Whale: ...
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The Kid by Jeff Schill

The Kid is an old-west legend about old-west legends, featuring a 13-year-old tale-spinner, a Philadelphia tenderfoot, and a vicious desperado. The Kid by Jeff Schill. ...
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Elf Dog and Owl Head by M. T. Anderson

Clay befriends a strange elf dog in this tale that mixes friendship and the fae. Elf Dog and Owl Head by M. T. Anderson. Candlewick, ...
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*Risen Hope: The Church Throughout History by Luke Davis

Risen Hope is an engagingly written church history resource from Christian Focus for middle grades and teens. *Risen Hope: The Church Throughout History by Luke ...
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How Do You Spell Unfair? by Carole Boston Weatherford

In this award-winning picture book, we learn about MacNolia and her fight for the National Spelling Bee championship as a Black girl in 1936. How ...
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Light and Air by Mindy Nichols Wendell

Light and Air follows its 11-year-old protagonist through a rocky path of tuberculosis and family upheaval. Light and Air by Mindy Nichols Wendell. Holiday House, ...
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Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All by Chanel Miller

Magnolia Wu finds adventure in her own neighborhood while chasing down the owners of orphan socks. Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All by Chanel Miller. Philomel, ...
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What the World Eats: A Roundup of Global Food Books

Do you know what people eat around the world? What do those missionaries from your church eat when they move to Ghana or Gambia or ...
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*Wang Mingdao by Simonetta Carr

The latest volume of the Christian Biographies series introduces Wang Mingdao, a father of the Chinese evangelical church, to young readers. *Wang Mingdao by Simonetta ...
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Global Prayer Resources: Operation World and Window on the World and More

How can we better pray for our brothers and sisters around the world? Operation World and Window on the World help us pray for God's ...
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The Misunderstandings of Charity Brown by Elizabeth Laird

Charity Brown, raised in a strict fundamentalist Christian sect, is beginning to ponder the meaning of life and God. The Misunderstandings of Charity Brown by ...
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*Rwendigo Tales by J. A. Myhre

Dr. Myhre wrote the engaging Rwendigo Tales, a middle grades series with spiritual overtones, based upon her experience as a doctor serving in Africa. Note: ...
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Picture Books about Making a Difference in Print: Amazing Abe and Holding Her Own

Two recent picture books show how trailblazing newspaper writers gave a voice to racial and ethnic minorities in America. Amazing Abe: How Abraham Cahan’s Newspaper ...
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Tree. Table. Book. by Lois Lowry

Newbery author Lois Lowry poignantly depicts a cross-generational friendship in Tree. Table. Book. Tree. Table. Book. by Lois Lowry. Clarion (HarperCollins), 2024, 194 pages. Reading ...
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The Selkie’s Daughter by Linda Crotta Brennan

The Selkie’s Daughter presents its protagonist with a profound choice between two natures. The Selkie’s Daughter by Linda Crotta Brennan. Holiday House, 2024, 202 pages. ...
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Making Sense of Dog Senses by Stephanie Gibeault

Making Sense of Dog Senses is a fascinating introduction to the way dogs experience their world. Making Sense of Dog Senses: How Our Furry Friends ...
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*Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin

We've updated our review of this gem: a lovely story about gratitude and Chinese mythology for middle grades. Note: this is one of our featured ...
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This Day in History for Kids by Dan Bova

This Day in History for Kids is a year-long tour through historical events political and cultural, trivial and profound. This Day in History for Kids: ...
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The Night War by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

The Night War is the WWII story of a Jewish girl in Paris choosing to be brave when Nazis take everything from her. The Night ...
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Kentucky Derby Book List: Books for Young Horse Lovers

The Kentucky Derby runs every first Saturday of May. Will there be another Triple Crown winner this year? Will an underdog horse come from nowhere ...
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Operation: Happy by Jenni L. Walsh

Operation: Happy is the story of a girl and her dog experiencing the attack on Pearl Harbor and challenges that followed. Operation: Happy: A World ...
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Animal Albums from A to Z by CeCe Bell

Animal Albums from A to Z is an alliterative avalanche of amusing, applause-winning auditory adumbrations from the zoological zeitgeist. Animal Albums from A to Z ...
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On All Other Nights, edited by Chris Baron, Joshua Levy, and Naomi Milliner

On All Other Nights uses the perspective of 14 authors to detail every step of the Seder Meal observed by Jewish families during Passover (recipes ...
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Olivetti by Allie Millington

Olivetti features an uncommon protagonist—a manual typewriter—with the keys to unravel a mystery. Olivetti by Allie Millington. Feiwel and Friends, 2024, 246 pages. Reading Level: ...
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Poetry Comics by Grant Snider

Poetry Comics offers budding poets a lot of ideas to think about in an appealing visual format. Poetry Comics by Grant Snyder. Chronicle, 2024, 96 ...
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Small Poems and Peacock by Valerie Worth (and illustrated by Natalie Babbitt)

Small poetry books full of small poems and small drawings: just right for small hands and small listening ears. All the Small Poems and Fourteen ...
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Maple’s Theory of Fun by Kate McMillan and Ruthie Prillaman

Maple, an analytical (and anal) 6th-grader, applies the scientific method to becoming a fun person. Maple’s Theory of Fun by Kate McMillan and Ruthie Prillaman. ...
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The Wild River and the Great Dam by Simon Boughton

Follow the construction of the Depression era’s greatest building project in The Wild River and the Great Dam. The Wild River and the Great Dam: ...
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The Book Scavenger Series by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman

The Book Scavenger Series is an engaging middle grades mystery series for book lovers and puzzle aficionados. Book Scavenger Series by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman. Square ...
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*One Big Open Sky by Lesa Cline-Ransome

One Big Open Sky fills a history gap with the story of black settlers heading west in wagon trains. *One Big Open Sky by Lesa ...
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*Ferris by Kate DiCamillo

Ferris, the latest novel by two-time Newbery author Kate DiCamillo, embraces a world full of sorrow but ruled by love. *Ferris by Kate DiCamillo. Candlewick, ...
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Something Like Home by Andrea Beatrix Arango

A poignant novel-in-verse explores the question: "What is home when your world turns upside-down?" Something Like Home, Andrea Beatrix Arango, Random House Books for Young ...
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A Few Beautiful Minutes by Kate Allen Fox

A Few Beautiful Minutes is a beautiful way to prepare for the April 8 solar eclipse. A Few Beautiful Minutes: Experiencing a Solar Eclipse by ...
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Finding Normal by Stephanie Faris

In Finding Normal, a 12-year-old girl must learn to make a new life when her home is made uninhabitable by a flood. Finding Normal by ...
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Max in the House of Spies by Adam Gidwitz

Max in the House of Spies begins the story of an 11-year-old German boy who believes he has what it takes to be a secret ...
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Juana and Lucas by Juana Medina

The Juana and Lucas chapter-book series offers entertaining glimpses into the daily life of an exuberant Colombian 8-year-old. Juana and Lucas by Juana Medina. Candlewick, ...
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*Houses with a Story by Seiji Yoshida

Houses with a Story offers both a fascinating tour of storybook dwellings and a springboard to imagination. *Houses with Story: A Dragon’s Den, a Ghostly ...
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The Observologist by Giselle Clarkson

The Observologist is a fun and fascinating introduction to wonders of creation available for viewing in your own back yard. The Observologist: A Handbook for ...
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Across so Many Seas by Ruth Behar

Across So Many Seas tracks the destiny of a Jewish family exiled from Spain in 1492. Across So Many Seas by Ruth Behar. Nancy Paulsen ...
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Eagle Drums by Nasugraq Raney Hopson

The Newbery Honor novel Eagle Drums portrays the mythical origin of a cherished tradition of the Iñupiat people. Eagle Drums by Nasugraq Raney Hopson. Roaring ...
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Between Two Brothers by Crystal Allen

In Between Two Brothers, a boy struggles for forgiveness and reconciliation after his older brother is seriously injured in a traffic accident. Between Two Brothers ...
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Newbery Gold: The Eyes and the Impossible by Dave Eggers

It wasn’t on our Bingo Card, maybe because it was published early last year and we (I) kind of forgot it. But The Eyes and ...
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Hope in the Valley book cover

2024 Newbery Buzz #5: Hope in the Valley by Mitali Perkins

It’s no secret to long-time RR readers that we love Mitali Perkins (*and* her books). We’ve reviewed nearly all of them to date, from picture ...
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2024 Newbery Buzz #4: Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow

Simon Sort of Says was longlisted for the National Book Award for Young People's Literature. Could it win the Newbery? We're continuing our long-running Newbery ...
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The Boy, the Cloud, and the Very Tall Tale by Heather Smith

A 12-year-old works through grief in The Boy, the Cloud, and the Very Tall Tale. The Boy, the Cloud, and the Very Tall Tale by ...
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Newbery Roundup 2: Mexikid, The Swifts, and Shira and Esther’s Double-Dream Debut

This is second of our roundup series of possible Newbery contenders for 2024. See the first roundup here. Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir by Pedro Martin. ...
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Newbery Roundup 1: Jawbreaker, When Sea Becomes Sky, Duel

Two weeks from now (January 22), the American Library Association will announce their Youth Media Award winners, including the Newbery and Caldecott. We’ve kept an ...
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2024 Newbery Buzz #3: The Puppets of Spelhorst

Kate DiCamillo's very first book won a Newbery honor, and she has won two Newbery medals on top of that. Is The Puppets of Spelhorst ...
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2024 Newbery Buzz #2: Nothing Else But Miracles by Kate Albus

Traditionally, the Newbery Medal has been awarded to many historical fiction novels. That trend has shifted a bit in recent years. Today, we're looking at ...
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Attacked! by Marc Favreau

Attacked! is an engaging, accessible account of the “day that shall live in infamy,” seen through the eyes of individuals on both sides. Attacked! Pearl ...
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Who’s Got Mail? by Linda Barrett Osborne

Who’s Got Mail? is a friendly introduction to the long history of an everyday convenience. Who’s Got Mail? The History of Mail in America by ...
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Family Style by Thien Pham

In Family Style, cartoonist Thien Pham recalls his escape from Vietnam and growing up in America through a series of meals. Family Style: Memories of ...
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2024 Newbery Buzz #1: A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat

A First Time For Everything has already won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature. Could it also win the Newbery? We're kicking off ...
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What It’s Like to Be a Bird by David Allen Sibley

What It’s Like to Be a Bird is an endlessly browsable resource for budding birdwatchers by a well-known authority in the field. What It’s Like ...
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Mooses with Bazookas by S. D. Smith

Mooses with Bazookas is a light-hearted, funny romp through humorous letters and stories; they remind us not to take ourselves too seriously! Mooses With Bazookas ...
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Back to the Bright Before by Katherin Nolte

Back to the Bright Before is a touching tale that mixes medieval imagery with a contemporary story of guilt and redemption. Back to the Bright ...
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Remember Us by Jacqueline Woodson

Remember Us is a quiet novel that ponders the conundrum of change and permanence. Remember Us by Jacqueline Woodson. Nancy Paulsen Books (PRH), 2023, 192 ...
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Two Picture Books on Words and Storytelling: Sholem’s Treasure and The Language of Angels

The Language of Angels and Sholem’s Treasure illustrate how great an influence word and history has had on Jewish culture. The Language of Angels: A ...
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Babble! And How Punctuation Saved It

Babble! is a short, lively, memorable story that SHOWS writers understand the importance of those little indicators. Babble! And How Punctuation Saved It by Caroline ...
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Tomfoolery! by Michelle Markel

Tomfoolery! tells the story of Randolph Caldecott, the iconoclastic illustrator who lent his name to the prestigious award. Tomfoolery! Randolph Caldecott and the Rambunctious Coming-of-Age ...
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*Saving H’Non: Chang and the Elephant by Trang Nguyen

Saving H'Non beautifully employs a graphic-novel format to tell the true story of an animal rescue and faithful human stewardship. *Saving H’Non: Chang and the ...
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The Winterton Deception 1: Final Word by Janet Sumner Johnson

Final Word introduces the Winterton family, dictionary magnates with lots of money and plenty of secrets to hide. The Winterton Deception 1: Final Word by ...
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Hidden: A Child’s Story of the Holocaust by Loic Dauvillier

Hidden: A Child’s Story of the Holocaust is a suitable introduction for grades 2-4 to this terrible chapter in history. Hidden: A Child’s Story of ...
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*Watership Down: The Graphic Novel by Richard Adams, James Sturm, and Joe Sutphin

The graphic-novel version of Watership Down combines the dramatic force of the original story with winning art. *Watership Down: The Graphic Novel by Richard Adams, ...
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*Bea Wolf by Zach Weinersmith & Boulet

Calvin and Hobbes meets the Nickelodeon channel to retell Beowulf in a colorful, creative, graphic novel. Bea Wolf by Zach Weinersmith & Boulet. First Second, ...
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A Stubborn Sweetness by Katherine Paterson

"A Stubborn Sweetness" is one of 15 short stories that celebrate the truth, beauty, and goodness of the real meaning of Christmas. A Stubborn Sweetness ...
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*Memories of Survival by Esther Nisenthal Krinitz and Bernice Steinhardt

A Jewish woman who lived through World War II in Poland and had to hide in order to survive tells her story through fabric and ...
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Wicked History Series: Henry VIII, Leopold II, and Rasputin

A Wicked History: A nonfiction book about a historical figure who was, well, wicked! Nonfiction series for the middle school age-range vary quite a bit ...
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Nothing Else but Miracles by Kate Albus

Nothing Else but Miracles features a spunky and imaginative protagonist making the most of hardships on the WWII home front. Nothing Else but Miracles by ...
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A Walk in the Woods by Nikki Grimes and Jerry Pinkney

A Walk in the Woods features Jerry Pinkney’s last illustrations in a sensitive portrayal of childhood grief. A Walk in the Woods by Nikki Grimes, ...
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