Middle Grades
The Legend of Hobart by Heather Mullaly
By Janie Cheaney |
The Legend of Hobart pays affectionate tribute to fairy-tale tropes in a story about becoming a true hero. The Legend of Hobart by Heather Mullaly. ...
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Sparrow Rising by Jessica Khoury
By Janie Cheaney |
Sparrow Rising, the first volume of a promising new fantasy series for middle-graders, depicts a race of winged humans. Sparrow Rising (Skyborn #1) by Jessica ...
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Erik Vs. Everything by Christina Uss
By Janie Cheaney |
Erik, who fears Everything, learns to live up to his Viking heritage with the help of his Norse-struck family. Erik Vs. Everything by Christina Uss. ...
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The Thing I’m Most Afraid Of by Kristin Levine
By Janie Cheaney |
An American girl learns to overcome her fears against the background of the Bosnian Civil War. The Thing I’m Most Afraid Of by Kristin Levine. ...
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Friends Forever by Shannon Hale
By Janie Cheaney |
Shannon Hale wraps up her "Friends" trilogy with a heartfelt graphic memoir of eighth grade anxiety. Friends Forever by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham. First ...
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*Linked by Gordon Korman
By Janie Cheaney |
The 7th-graders of a small western town discover that the Holocaust is "linked" to aspects of their own history. *Linked by Gordon Korman. Scholastic, 2021, ...
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Smaug’s Kind: A List of Dragon Books
By Betsy Farquhar |
In honor of Bilbo Baggins and his birthday this week (September 22), we have a book list celebrating his defeat of Smaug, the great dragon: ...
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*Little Pilgrim’s Progress
By Megan Saben |
The greatest allegory of the Christian life, retold for younger children, is significantly improved with masterful illustrations. Little Pilgrim's Progress by Helen Taylor, Illustrated by ...
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Amazing Rivers by Julie Agnone
By Janie Cheaney |
This information-packed picture book introduces young middle-graders to the wide world of waterways. Amazing Rivers: 100+ Waterways that Will Boggle Your Mind by Julie Vosburgh ...
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The Gilded Girl by Alyssa Colman
By Janie Cheaney |
The Gilded Girl, a magical take on A Little Princess, takes readers to an alternative turn-of-the-century New York City. The Gilded Girl by Alyssa Colman. ...
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Attack of the Killer Komodos by Summer Rachel Short
By Betsy Farquhar |
Action, adventure, and chimeras await Maggie and Nate in Yellowstone in the Attack of the Killer Komodos. Attack of the Killer Komodos (A Maggie and ...
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The Raconteur’s Commonplace Book by Kate Milford
By Betsy Farquhar |
15 storytellers each tell a mesmerizing tale for the Raconteur's Commonplace book, a book as clever as any Milford has written. The Raconteur's Commonplace Book ...
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Happy “We Love Memoirs” Day!
By Janie Cheaney |
It’s for real—two memoir writers cooked it up on Facebook almost two decades ago and their page has over 5000 followers who throw an online ...
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Weird Kid by Greg Van Eekhout
By Janie Cheaney |
Weird Kid blends humor with the "aliens among us" theme to make an entertaining read for middle graders, (especially boys). Weird Kid by Greg van ...
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Reading Afghanistan
By Janie Cheaney |
For a country many of us can't even point to on a map, Afghanistan has held a consequential place in world history. This mountainous district ...
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Homer on the Case by Henry Cole
By Janie Cheaney |
Homer, a literate homing pigeon, uses his unusual skills to solve a mystery, in this gentle story for young middle-graders. Homer on the Case by ...
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Crossing the Stream by Elizabeth-Irene Baitie
By Janie Cheaney |
Crossing the Stream takes us to Africa, where a young teen is facing spiritual and practical challenges. Crossing the Stream by Elizabeth-Irene Baitie. Norton, 2021, ...
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The Republic of Birds by Jessica Miller
By Janie Cheaney |
The Republic of Birds takes us to an alternate czarist Russia, where humans are at war with an avian nation. The Republic of Birds by ...
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*The Most Perfect Thing in the Universe by Tricia Springstubb
By Janie Cheaney |
A shy, timid girl learns that "the most perfect thing in the universe" is right under her nose. *The Most Perfect Thing in the Universe ...
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Boy from Buchenwald by Robbie Waisman
By Janie Cheaney |
Robbie Waisman, the "Boy from Buchenwald," tells a gripping story of suffering and a hard-won peace after World War II. Boy from Buchenwald: The True ...
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Outdoor School: Hiking and Camping by David and Blevins
By Janie Cheaney |
The Outdoor School series offers interactive guides to experiencing, understanding, and appreciating nature. Outdoor School: Hiking and Camping by Jannifer Pharr Davis and Haley Blevins, ...
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The Way of the Hive by Jay Hosler
By Janie Cheaney |
The Way of the Hive follows the life of a honeybee in clever graphic-novel style. The Way of the Hive: A Honey Bee’s Story by ...
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*The Ship of Stolen Words by Fran Wilde
By Janie Cheaney |
The Ship of Stolen Words is light, enjoyable fantasy anchored by a worthy theme. *The Ship of Stolen Words by Fran Wilde. Abrams, 2021, 386 ...
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Wordsmith Curriculum Review: A Writing Curriculum by our own Janie Cheaney
By Betsy Farquhar |
NOTE: We're taking a week off our Summer Reading Challenge to think ahead about the coming school year. Welcome to Wordsmith Week! Leading off with ...
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Juneteenth Roundup
By Janie Cheaney |
Juneteenth, our newest national holiday, commemorates the 19th of June, 1865, when slaves in Texas learned of their emancipation. These four books offer experiential perspectives ...
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Loot and Sting by Jude Watson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Loot and Sting are light-hearted "heist" novels for middle grades. Loot and Sting by Jude Watson. Scholastic, 2015 (Loot) and 2017 (Sting). 272 pages (both). ...
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City Spies Series, Books 1 and 2 by James Ponti
By Betsy Farquhar |
City Spies is a fun, middle grades mystery series featuring undercover teen spies from around the world, each with a special talent. City Spies Series ...
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Mad for Ads by Erica Fyvie
By Janie Cheaney |
Mad for Ads opens the eyes of readers to the countless ways they are data-mined and targeted for advertising. Mad for Ads: How Advertising Gets ...
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Teaflet & Roog Make a Mess by Jeanne Birdsall
By Janie Cheaney |
Tousle-haired siblings Teaflet & Roog narrowly avert a domestic disaster in this chapter book by Penderwicks author Jeanne Birdsall. Teaflet & Roog Make a Mess ...
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Atlantis: The Accidental Invasion by Gregory Mone
By Janie Cheaney |
This series-opener promises a clash of civilizations between Earth’s terra firma and the “lost” continent of Atlantis. Atlantis #1: The Accidental Invasion by Gregory Mone. ...
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The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst by Jaclyn Moriarty
By Janie Cheaney |
The familiar “child of destiny” trope receives a fresh, funny, and magical twist in The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst. The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst by ...
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Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice (Awesomely Austen Series)
By Janie Cheaney |
The "Awesomely Austen" series makes Jane Austen accessible to elementary-age readers. Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice by Katherine Woodfine, illustrated by Eglantine Ceulemans. Hodder Children’s ...
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A Shot in the Arm! by Don Brown
By Janie Cheaney |
A Shot in the Arm traces the history of vaccination in graphic-novel format, from the 18th century to the present day. A Shot in the ...
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Unspeakable by Carole Boston Weatherford
By Janie Cheaney |
Unspeakable exposes a terrible chapter in American history but ends in hope for reconciliation. Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by ...
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Jonesy Flux and the Gray Legion by James Pray
By Janie Cheaney |
Jonesy Flux is a spunky space voyager with unsuspected potential, in this action-packed science fiction debut. Jonesy Flux and the Gray Legion by James Pray. ...
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Teaching Kids Church History
By Betsy Farquhar |
Today, we're happy to welcome a friend of mine and fellow writer, Christina Fox, to RR. Christina is a real life friend of mine, as ...
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War and Millie McGonigle by Karen Cushman
By Janie Cheaney |
Millie McGonigle is an appealing 12-year-old who is struggling to deal with tough things in life, like death and war. War and Millie McGonigle by ...
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2021 Summer Reading: Faith & Fortitude Is Here!
By Betsy Farquhar |
2021 Summer Reading Theme We're very excited about the 2021 summer reading theme: Faith & Fortitude: the EPIC Story of God's People. Why? We're big ...
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The Accidental Apprentice by Amanda Foody
By Janie Cheaney |
The Accidental Apprentice kicks off this middle-grade fantasy series with a rush of wind and a menagerie of fantastic Beasts. The Accidental Apprentice (Wilderlore vol. ...
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Thornwood by Leah Cypess
By Janie Cheaney |
Thornwood recasts the tale of Sleeping Beauty as a castle-bound mystery, with twists and turns at every corner. Thornwood by Leah Cypress. Delacorte Press, 2021, ...
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The House that Wasn’t There by Elana K. Arnold
By Janie Cheaney |
In The House That Wasn't There, neighbors start off on the wrong foot, but soon discover a mysterious connection. The House That Wasn’t There by ...
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5 Minutes in Church History and In the Year of Our Lord
By Betsy Farquhar |
5 Minutes in Church History and In the Year of Our Lord each view church history through an engaging and refreshing lens. ***Giveaway Is Now ...
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The Many Mysteries of the Finkel Family by Sarah Kepit
By Janie Cheaney |
The Finkels, a close-knit but complicated Jewish family, pose mysteries for the two middle sisters. The Many Mysteries of the Finkel Family by Sarah Kepit. ...
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Meltdown by Dierdre Langeland
By Janie Cheaney |
Meltdown traces the events that might have led to nuclear Armageddon in Fukishima, Japan, 2011. Meltdown: Earthquake, Tsunami, and Nuclear Disaster in Fukushima by Dierdre ...
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The Hedgehog of Oz by Cory Leonardo
By Hayley Morell |
The Hedgehog of Oz is a tribute to Oz from the perspective of a very small but determined hedgehog. The Hedgehog of Oz by Cory ...
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*Tell God How You Feel by Christina Fox
By Betsy Farquhar |
Tell God How You Feel equips parents and teachers to help kids with hard emotions from a biblical framework. *Tell God How You Feel: Helping ...
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*A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus
By Hayley Morell |
Young readers will find kindred spirits in A Place to Hang the Moon, a story of three displaced children in wartime Britain. A Place to ...
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Across the Pond by Joy McCullough
By Janie Cheaney |
A young teen who's lost her footing at home must reestablish herself in a castle "Across the Pond." Across the Pond by Joy McCullough. Atheneum, ...
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The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
By Betsy Farquhar |
An intriguing mystery for middle grades: what happens when someone gets on the London Eye, a closed system, and doesn't get off? The London Eye ...
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*Go and Do Likewise! by John Hendrix
By Janie Cheaney |
In Go and Do Likewise, as in Miracle Man, John Hendrix offers a fresh take on the life and teachings of Christ. *Go and Do ...
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Rescue by Jennifer A. Nielsen
By Janie Cheaney |
In Rescue, a 12-year-old girl joins the French Resistance to free her father from the Nazis. Rescue by Jennifer A. Nielsen. Scholastic, 2021, 379 pages. ...
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The One Thing You’d Save by Linda Sue Park
By Janie Cheaney |
The One Thing You’d Save asks middle-graders in a fictional classroom to consider the value they give material objects. The One Thing You’d Save by ...
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Bible Infographics for Kids
By Janie Cheaney |
Bible Infographics for Kids presents Bible facts and concepts in an entertaining, memorable way. Bible Infographics for Kids by Harvest House Publishers, illustrated by Brian ...
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Bible Review: NLV Brave Boys and Courageous Girls
By Janie Cheaney |
The Bible for Brave Boys and The Bible for Courageous Girls: New Life Version. Barbour, 2020, 944 pages (text size unavailable) Reading Level: Middle Grades, ...
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Bible Review: NLT Girls Life Application Study Bible
By Janie Cheaney |
NLT Girls Life Application Study Bible. Tyndale House, 2016, 1568 pages (8 point font). Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: Ages 9-13 Girls ...
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*All He Knew by Helen Frost
By Janie Cheaney |
All He Knew pictures grace in the midst of gloom as a deaf child learns to navigate life in an institution. *All He Knew by ...
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The Ambassador of Nowhere Texas by Kimberly Willis Holt
By Janie Cheaney |
"Nowhere Texas" is better known as Antler, the small town that Zachary Beaver visited in an earlier novel that bears his name. The Ambassador of ...
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Nicky & Vera by Peter Sís
By Janie Cheaney |
Nicky & Vera, by Caldecott illustrator Peter Sís, celebrates the quiet heroism of Nicholas Winton, who saved 669 Czech children from the Holocaust. Nicky & ...
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The Lion of Mars by Jennifer L. Holm
By Janie Cheaney |
In The Lion of Mars, when the adults succumb to illness, the kids of the space colony must find a way to survive. The Lion ...
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Saucy by Cynthia Kadohata
By Janie Cheaney |
Saucy, a smart, obstreperous, and very large pig tests the patience of the parents and the coherence of a set of quadruplets. Saucy by Cynthia ...
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Attacked at Sea by Michael J. Tougias
By Janie Cheaney |
Attacked at Sea tells the harrowing story of surviving a U-Boat submarine attack in the early days of World War II. Attacked at Sea: A ...
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Amari and the Night Brothers by B. B. Alston
By Hayley Morell |
Move over Percy Jackson and Harry Potter, there's a new girl on the block in Amari and the Night Brothers! Amari and the Night Brothers ...
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The Puppetmaster’s Apprentice by Lisa DeSelm
By Janie Cheaney |
The Puppetmaster’s Apprentice explores what it means to be human in an interesting twist on the Pinocchio story. The Puppetmaster’s Apprentice by Lisa DeSelm. Page ...
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Class Act by Jerry Craft
By Betsy Farquhar |
Class Act picks up right where New Kid left off, offering insight with humor and great art. Class Act by Jerry Craft. Quill Tree Books, ...
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Medieval Africa: a Resource for Middle School
By Betsy Farquhar |
Discover the glories and weaknesses of Medieval Africa in this well researched history for middle grades. The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay: Life ...
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Black Heroes of the Wild West by James Otis Smith
By Betsy Farquhar |
Black Heroes of the Wild West introduces young readers to three exciting and legendary figures in this graphic novel style history for middle grades. Black ...
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Into the Clouds by Tod Olson
By Janie Cheaney |
Into the Clouds is the grueling saga of three expeditions that failed to summit the second-highest--but most dangerous--mountain in the world. Into the Clouds: The ...
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*Creative God Colorful Us by Trillia Newbell
By Betsy Farquhar |
Creative God Colorful Us invites students to enjoy God's diverse family by loving God and their neighbor and celebrating God's human creation. *Creative God Colorful ...
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Mulan: Before the Sword by Grace Lin
By Betsy Farquhar |
The "prequel" to the new Disney Mulan movie, this middle grades story weaves together Chinese legend with Mulan's own tale to great effect. Mulan: Before ...
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2021 Newbery Buzz #6: Echo Mountain by Lauren Wolk
By Janie Cheaney |
We wrap up our Newbery Buzz series for this year with a discussion of Echo Mountain a historical novel set during the Great Depression. Joining ...
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2021 Newbery Roundup #2: When You Trap a Tiger, Efren Divided, Magnificent Monsters of Cedar Street
By Janie Cheaney |
Three more possible Newbery contenders we never got around to reviewing. When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller. Random House, 2020, 302 pages Lily, ...
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2021 Newbery Buzz #5: Stamped by Jason Reynolds.
By Janie Cheaney |
Continuing our discussion of possible Newbery winners, we pick up a book that has everybody talking: Janie: Betsy, there are two books that I think ...
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2021 Newbery Buzz #4: Everything Sad Is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri
By Janie Cheaney |
We've been scanning the starred review lists and listening in on the chatter to tell you about the likely Newbery contenders for this year. So ...
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All Thirteen by Christina Soontornvat
By Janie Cheaney |
All Thirteen gives the rescue of the Thai boys’ soccer team the drama and excitement it deserves. All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the ...
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The Next President by Kate Messner
By Janie Cheaney |
The Next President takes a unique approach to the list of presidents by looking at their backgrounds--and speculating on the future. The Next President: The ...
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2021 Newbery Roundup #1: Rick, Clean Getaway, A Game of Fox and Squirrels
By Janie Cheaney |
We’re keeping an eye on children's books that have been talked up as possible contenders for the 2021 ALA Youth Media Awards (to be announced ...
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2021 Newbery Buzz #2: Chirp and The List of Things That Will Not Change
By Betsy Farquhar |
We're continuing our annual "Newbery Buzz" series today with round #2 for 2021. (We discussed King and the Dragonflies earlier this month.) As a reminder, ...
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Becoming Muhammad Ali by James Patterson and Kwame Alexander
By Janie Cheaney |
In verse and prose, Becoming Muhammad Ali traces the early life of Cassius Clay, "The greatest" heavyweight boxer ever. Becoming Muhammad Ali by James Patterson ...
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Black Brother, Black Brother by Jewel Parker Rhodes
By Janie Cheaney |
Donte, the "Black Brother" of a biracial family, must decide if his identity will be based on his color or on his character. Black Brother, ...
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2021 Newbery Buzz #1: King and the Dragonflies
By Janie Cheaney |
Betsy: Readers, we’re kicking off our annual Newbery Buzz discussion series with a book that has already garnered a major award: King and the Dragonflies, ...
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The Prince Warriors Series by Priscilla Shirer with Gina Detwiler
By Betsy Farquhar |
Battles on earth mirror those in the spiritual realm, and these young Prince Warriors learn to wield their spiritual armor in both places in this ...
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*The Simple Art of Flying by Cory Leonardo
By Hayley Morell |
A charming middle grade debut featuring a fractious, poetic parrot and a lonely little boy. *The Simple Art of Flying by Cory Leonardo. Aladdin, 2019. ...
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Wishes and Wellingtons by Julie Berry
By Janie Cheaney |
Wishes andWellingtons is a light-hearted Victorian fantasy about being careful what you wish for. Wishes and Wellingtons by Julie Berry. Sourcebooks, 2020, 363 pages. Reading ...
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Courageous World Changers by Shirley Rae Redmond
By Janie Cheaney |
Courageous World Changers briefly covers the lives of 50 women throughout the world and history who lived for Christ. Courageous World Changers: 50 True Stories ...
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What Happens Next
By Hayley Morell |
A debut MG novel tackles eating disorders from the unique perspective of a younger sibling. What Happens Next by Claire Swinarski. HarperCollins, 2020. 256 pages. ...
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A Hopeful Heart by Deborah Noyes
By Janie Cheaney |
A Hopeful Heart engagingly presents the life of one of America's first best-selling authors: Louisa May Alcott. A Hopeful Heart: Louisa May Alcott before Little ...
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*A Long Road on a Short Day by Gary Schmidt
By Janie Cheaney |
The unspoken bond of family comes through in this gentle winter's tale by Gary Schmidt and his late wife Elizabeth Stickney. *A Long Road on ...
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Willa the Wisp by Jonathan Auxier
By Janie Cheaney |
With Willa the Wisp, Jonathan Auxier introduces a magical chapter book series . The Fabled Stables: Willa the Wisp by Jonathan Auxier, illustrated by Olga ...
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Bee Fearless by Mikaila Ullmer
By Janie Cheaney |
In Bee Fearless, Mikaila Ulmer tells how she grew a multimillion-dollar business out of a lemonade stand--but not by herself. Bee Fearless: Dream Like a ...
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Chance: Escape from the Holocaust by Uri Shulevitz
By Janie Cheaney |
In Chance: Escape from the Holocaust, a Caldecott-winning illustrator recalls his harrowing wartime childhood. Chance: Escape from the Holocaust by Uri Shulevitz. Farrar Strauss Giroux, ...
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Picture Books about the Middle Ages for Middle School
By Betsy Farquhar |
Picture books aren't just for little kids! Picture books are every bit as enjoyable—and beneficial—for middle school kids. Use one (or all) of the books ...
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The Best of Iggy by Annie Barrows
By Janie Cheaney |
Iggy learns not all bad deeds are created equal in this humorous tour of relative morality. The Best of Iggy by Annie Barrows, illustrated by ...
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Fly on the Wall by Remy Lai
By Janie Cheaney |
The hero of Fly on the Wall hatches a daring scheme to remake his self-image. Fly on the Wall by Remy Lai. Henry Holt, 2020, ...
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3 Picture Book Biographies: Beatrix Potter, Edmund Hillary and Tensing Norgay, and … a Horse
By Betsy Farquhar |
Picture book biographies are one of my favorite categories of picture books. Today, I have three new ones for you: a childlike look at Beatrix ...
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Ancient Romans, Alphamaniacs, and Incredible Jobs
By Megan Saben |
Three illustrated non-fiction books share fascinating information about ancient cultures, unusual wordsmiths, and careers you might not have considered. Ancient Romans and Their Neighbors: An ...
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The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found by Karina Yan Glaser
By Janie Cheaney |
The Vanderbeekers are back, with all the humor and good-heartedness that makes their family so loveable. The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found by Karina Yan Glasser. ...
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Premeditated Myrtle by Elizabeth Bunce
By Janie Cheaney |
Premeditated Myrtle introduces a precocious 12-year-old Victorian detective with a trusty governess sidekick. Premeditated Myrtle by Elizabeth Bunce. Algonquin Young Readers, 2020, 355 pages. Reading ...
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A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat
By Janie Cheaney |
A Wish in the Dark pits literal darkness against light in a unique Asian setting. A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat. Candlewick, 2020, ...
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*On the Horizon by Lois Lowry
By Janie Cheaney |
On the Horizon recalls two pivotal events of World War II through the eyes of witnesses, victims, and two children who would meet much later. ...
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Little Bird by Cynthia Voigt
By Janie Cheaney |
Little Bird, a young crow, embarks on a quest that will expand her world and reward her curious mind. Little Bird by Cynthia Voigt, Illustrated ...
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