Realistic Fiction

Learning to Lead: Another RedeemedReader Booklist!

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.” ...
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Classic Reads: The Story of the Treasure Seekers by E. Nesbit

This often-overlooked classic by the beloved fantasy writer introduces six children with lively imaginations and not much prudence.  Ages 10-14 The Story of the Treasure ...
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The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

The Hate U Give, one of this year’s most acclaimed YA novels, offers a well-rounded, realistic picture of challenges faced by the black community (see ...
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Piecing Me Together by Renee Watson

In Piecing Me Together, a Newbery honor book, a black teen in a low-income neighborhood carves out a place in the world through art and ...
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Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly

Four sixth graders come together in a serendipitous turn of events in this year's Newbery award winner, Hello, Universe. Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly. Greenwillow, ...
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2018 Newbery Buzz #5: Real Friends and All’s Faire in Middle School

It's our final Newbery Buzz of the 2018 season. Betsy and Alysha discuss two graphic novels for this last round. Graphic Novels as Newbery Winners? ...
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Family Game Night by Mary E. Lambert

A trio of siblings and their detached father come to the breaking point with their mother’s hoarding habit. Family Game Night and Other Catastrophes by ...
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Littler Women by Laura Schaeffer

Littler Women pictures the four March girls as 9-to-13-year-olds growing up in a tight-knit family in modern-day Massachusetts. Littler Women: a Modern Retelling by Laura ...
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Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

In Long Way Down, a grief-stricken and confused 15-year-old in "the projects" has a desperate choice to make after the death of his brother. Long ...
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Worthy YA: the Best Teen Reads of 2017

The world of Young-Adult publishing can be dicey territory for Christian readers.  Nowhere are the latest cultural trends more vigorously promoted than in books marketed ...
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*Disappeared by Francisco X. Stork

Disappeared offers teens a complex look at making moral choices amid drug crime and kidnapping along the Mexican border. *Disappeared by Francis X. Stork.  Scholastic, ...
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Roll by Darcy Miller

In rural Minnesota,  friendship and rolling pigeons combine in an enjoyable middle grade debut novel.   Roll by Darcy Miller.  HarperCollins, 2017, 224 pages Reading ...
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*The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser

The Vanderbeekers, a loving family with normal unloving moments, face a Christmas-eve challenge with humor and heart. *The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan ...
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best christmas pageant ever cover

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson: the Kids Discuss….

Four middle grades kids discuss The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: what stands out in this funny, modern Christmas classic? The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara ...
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Auma’s Long Run by Eucabeth Odhiambo

Auma, a bright girl living in a remote Kenyan village, seeks to escape a cycle of poverty made desperate by the AIDS epidemic. Auma’s Long ...
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Caleb and Kit by Beth Vrabel

Caleb and Kit brings together a boy struggling with Cystic Fibrosis and a girl over-compensating for a neglectful parent. Caleb and Kit by Beth Vrabel.  ...
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The Pushcart War by Jean Merrill

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 ...
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The Trail by Meika Hashimoto

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, ...
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Patina by Jason Reynolds

Patina gets passed the baton in more ways than one in this middle grades novel revolving around an elite track team. Patina (Track) by Jason ...
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Slider by Pete Hautman

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, ...
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*You Bring the Distant Near by Mitali Perkins

In this appealing multicultural novel, three generations of a Bengali family find life and love in America. *You Bring the Distant Near  by Mitali Perkins.  ...
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All’s Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamieson

An unusual setting makes this graphic novel a worthwhile perspective on navigating the treacherous waters of those middle years. All’s Faire in Middle School by ...
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Garvey’s Choice by Nikki Grimes

Garvey's Choice, a gentle verse novel, charts the course of an overweight African American preteen toward self-respect. Garvey's Choice by Nikki Grimes.  Wordsong, 2016, 105 ...
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The School Ship Tobermory series by Alexander McCall Smith

The School Ship Tobermory series takes a crew of likable middle-graders to exotic ports in pursuit of adventure. School Ship Tobermory and The Sands of ...
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Refugee by Alan Gratz

Refugee weaves the stories of three children fleeing intolerable situations in their home countries, from 1939 to the present. Refugee by Alan Gratz.  Scholastic, 2017, ...
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*Almost Paradise by Corabel Shofner

This funny but thoughtful novel takes Christian faith seriously as a factor in the lives of real people. *Almost Paradise by Corabel Shofner.  Farrar Strauss ...
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Labor Day Repost: Heart of a Shepherd

(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 ...
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In the Shadow of the Sun by Anne Sibley O’Brien

This excellent character-driven adventure saga sheds light on the darkness of North Korea while exploring family and cultural relationships. In the Shadow of the Sun ...
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No Good Deed by Goldy Moldavsky

In spite of language and sexuality issues, this satiric YA novel skewers Political Correctness and provides some welcome perspective on “Social Justice Warriors.” No Good ...
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Superstar by Mandy Davis

This sympathetic portrait of an autistic youngster explores relationships, coping strategies, and the scientific method. Superstar by Mandy Davis.  HarperCollins, 2017, 320 pages Reading Level: ...
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*Cody and the Fountain of Happiness by Tricia Springstubb

Eight-year-old Cody's enthusiasm for life is contagious in this sunny chapter-book series. Cody and the Fountain of Happiness (Cody series #1) by Tricia Springstubb, illustrated ...
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Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham

Newbery-honor author Shannon Hale’s graphic memoir charts the ups and downs of elementary- age friendship. Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham.  First Second, ...
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Way of the Warrior Kid by Jocko Willink

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: ...
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Storm Horse by Nick Garlick

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 ...
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The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies

Winner takes all in a bet between siblings Jessie and Evan Treski as they battle it out lemonade-stand style in this realistic fiction novel for ...
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The Sweetest Sound by Sherri Winston

A shy ten-year-old comes to recognize that both talents and personality are gifts of God and not to be disparaged. The Sweetest Sound, by Sherri ...
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Blooming at the Texas Sunrise Motel by Kimberly Willis Holt

In this likeable middle-grade novel, a grieving 13-year-old builds a new life in a new place with extended family. Blooming at the Texas Sunrise Motel ...
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Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

The movie version of Before I Fall has revived interest in this novel of a teen girl’s opportunity to relive her last day six times ...
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The Midnight War of Mateo Martinez by Robin Yardi

A new best friend, a pushy little sister and two thieving skunks cause no end of trouble for Mateo in this quirky tale. The Midnight ...
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American Ace by Marilyn Nelson

Engaging and short, one teenager's search for answers will leave readers wanting to learn more about the Tuskegee Airmen.   American Ace by Marilyn Nelson.  Dial ...
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Every Single Second by Tricia Springstubb

This thoughtful novel about growth, change, and community sensitively explores a girl’s relationship to her Italian-American family and Catholic faith. Every Single Second by Tricia ...
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2017 Newbery Buzz: Ghost and Booked

Janie: Last Friday, we discussed two middle grade novels that were filled with sadness.  Today we turn to a couple of sports-related novels by authors ...
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*Tiger Boy by Mitali Perkins

Tiger Boy, set in the Sundarban Islands, is a satisfying tale of courage and responsibility for younger middle-graders. a review from our archives! (originally published June ...
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A Shiloh Christmas by Phillis Reynolds Naylor

The long-running Shiloh series wraps up with appropriate Christmas cheer but not too much theological clarity. A Shiloh Christmas by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor.  Atheneum, 2015, ...
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*Sam the Man and the Chicken Plan

Likeable characters and a gently-humorous style introduces early-elementary readers to the rewards of hard work and free enterprise. *Sam the Man and the Chicken Plan ...
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*Ghost by Jason Reynolds

A kid from “the projects” learns to put speed in service of character building and achievement. *Ghost by Jason Reynold.  Atheneum, 2016, 180 pages Reading ...
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Hundred Percent by Karen Romano Young

This insightful novel about the awkward years between 11 and 14 could make a useful discussion starter for mothers and daughters. Hundred Percent by Karen ...
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Kid Owner by Tim Green

A 12-year-old inherits the Dallas Cowboys, leading to a unique set of challenges and opportunities for character growth. Kid Owner, by Tim Green.  Harper, 2015, ...
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The Candymakers by Wendy Mass

Four children simultaneously solve a mystery and learn about teamwork in this sweet, chocolate-y mystery. The Candymakers by Wendy Mass. Little, Brown, 2010. 480 pages. ...
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Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes

A tender exploration of the aftermath of 9/11 as one girl begins to understand her father's connection to the events. Towers Falling by Jewell Parker ...
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Spirit Week Showdown by Crystal Allen

Mya Tibbs is the perky, enthusiastic narrator of this family- and school-based series for advanced chapter-book readers. Spirit Week Showdown (Magnificent Myra Tibbs #1) by ...
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Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan

"Don't judge a book--or a 5th grader--by its cover" is the message that comes through loud and clear in this heart-warming middle grades title. Save ...
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*Calvin by Martine Leavitt

A schizophrenic teen embarks on a quest for self-discovery and truth that becomes a struggle for survival. Calvin by Martine Leavitt.  Farrar Strauss and Giroux, ...
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Katie Friedman Gives up Texting by Tommy Greenwald

Middle-graders who swear of texting for one week have to discover other means of communication, with mixed results. Katie Friedman Gives up Texting by Tommy ...
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Josh Baxter Levels Up by Gavin Brown

A 12-year-old video gamer learns to “level up” his academic and social skills to meet real-life challenges. Josh Baxter Levels Up by Gavin Brown.  Scholastic, ...
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It Ain’t So Awful, Falafel by Firoozah Dumas

An Iranian girl in a California middle school struggles to bridge cultures in this compelling, semi-autobiographical narrative. It Ain’t So Awful, Falafel by Firoozah Dumas.  ...
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*Frank and Lucky Get Schooled by Lynn Rae Perkins

Frank and Lucky’s close friendship leads them into countless adventures in learning, where “school subjects” never see the inside of a classroom. *Frank and Lucky ...
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Mayday by Karen Harrington

In Mayday, 13-year-old Wayne discovers that even a plane crash can have a silver lining, and treasures may hide under life’s hard knocks. Mayday by ...
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Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

The rough, tough world of girls' roller derby is the setting for this surprisingly sweet depiction of friendship, breakup, and change. Roller Girl by Victoria ...
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What Elephants Know by Erick Dinerstein

Lowland Tibet is the exotic setting for this coming-of-age story featuring an 11-year-old boy and the elephants he loves. What Elephants Know by Erick Dinerstein.  ...
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Talking about Books That Talk about Race

Not a "Newbery Buzz" post because these titles were published before 2016 and are already award winners! But, for similar posts in which Janie and Betsy ...
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When I Was the Greatest by Jason Reynolds

A black teen in the 'hood struggles to maintain his focus when his best friend takes a wrong turn with potentially serious consequences. When I ...
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All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely

Rashad (a black guy) and Quinn (a white guy) take turns narrating this timely and moving young adult realistic fiction story about police brutality and ...
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The Mother-Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick

In this series opener, four sixth-grade girls discover that reading the classics can change contemporary attitudes. The Mother-Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick.  Simon ...
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The Mother-Daughter Book Camp by Heather Vogel Frederick

The Mother-Daughter Book Club series wraps up with all five members of the club serving as camp counselors together before launching their adult lives. The ...
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The Big Dark by Rodman Philbrick

A small England Community fights for survival when a solar flare wipes out all sources of power, in this taut thriller with a 12-year-old hero. ...
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Terror at Bottle Creek by Watt Key

In a fast, thrilling read, a 13-year-old boy must display courage, ingenuity, and persistence in extremely dangerous circumstances. Terror at Bottle Creek by Watt Key.  ...
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Soar by Joan Bauer

In this cozy sports story, Jeremiah has learned through difficulty, but may not be able to pass the lessons on to his teammates. Soar by ...
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Sunny Side Up by Jennifer Holm

In this graphic novel with a bittersweet twist, Sunny's disappointing “vacation” in her grandfather’s retirement community conceals some family secrets. Sunny Side Up by Jennifer ...
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My Life in Pictures by Deborah Zemke

Bea Garcia learns to deal with disappointment and make the most of her artistic gifts in this first cartoon-illustrated installment of a series. My Life ...
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Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo

Three 10-year-old girls cope with life’s ups and downs by learning to rely on each other, in a story with "magical" elements. Raymie Nightingale by ...
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Good Reading for Teens–Except for One Thing . . .

Lately I read two books for teens, one fiction and one nonfiction, that conformed to time-honored, even classic, storylines.  The novel, A Step toward Falling, ...
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The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson

Though probably the most honored children's writer of her generation, Katherine Paterson hasn't seen many of her books translated to film.  This weekend will be ...
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Newberry Buzz: Orbiting Jupiter by Gary Schmidt

Today wraps up our discussion of middle-grade novels being touted as possible contenders for the 2016 Newbery Award.  The awards will be announced early this ...
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Newbery Buzz: The Thing about Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin

Betsy and Janie are continuing their discussion of possible 2016 Newbery Award winners.  On deck today is a novel  by a debut author which has ...
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Flying Ponies and Dump Trucks

Do little kids love fantasy? NPR recently reported on a study done by three academic psychologists on the subject of children and fiction. They asked ...
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Matthew Muddles Through by Glenda Mathes

Matthew Muddles Through (Matthew in the Middle #1) by Glenda Mathes. CreateSpace, 2014, 220 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 8-12 ...
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13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Since its publication in 2006, 13 Reasons Why has become the go-to novel on the subject of teen suicide, but it’s more sensational than useful. ...
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Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead

Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead

Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead. Wendy Lamb Books, 2015. 304 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12Recommended For: Ages 12-15 Bottom Line: Three best friends attempt ...
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Fort by Cynthia DeFelice

Fort by Cynthia DeFelice. Farrar Strauss Giroux, 2015. 200 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 10-12 (especially boys and reluctant readers) ...
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A+ Attitude (Morgan Love Series) by Stephanie Perry Moore

A+ Attitude (Morgan Love Series) by Stephanie Perry Moore

A+ Attitude (Morgan Love Series #1) by Stephanie Perry Moore. Lift Every Voice Books (a Moody Imprint), 2011. 144 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages ...
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Just Jump! (Double Dutch Series #1) by Mabel Elizabeth Singletary

Just Jump! (Double Dutch Series #1) by Mabel Elizabeth Singletary

Just Jump! (Double Dutch Series #1) by Mabel Elizabeth Singletary. Lift Every Voice Books (a Moody Imprint), 2007. 160 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages ...
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Making the Team by Stephanie Perry Moore and Derrick Moore

Making the Team by Stephanie Perry Moore and Derrick Moore

Making the Team by Stephanie Perry Moore and Derrick Moore. Alec London Series. Lift Every Voice Books (a Moody Imprint), 2011. 160 pages. Reading Level: Middle ...
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*Mikis and the Donkey by Bibi Dumon Tak

*Mikis and the Donkey by Bibi Dumon Tak, illustrated by Philip Hopman. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2014. 89 pages Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages ...
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ling and ting cover

Ling and Ting books by Grace Lin

A delightful early reader series about Asian American twins, Ling and Ting. Ling and Ting books by Grace Lin. LB Kids, 2011 (and to the ...
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*Red Butterfly by A. L. Sonnischen

*Red Butterfly by A. L. Sonnischen. Simon & Shuster, 2015, 392 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 12-15 Bottom line: In ...
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Paper Things by Jennifer Jacobson

Paper Things by Jennifer Richard Jacobson. Candlewick, 2015, 376 pages Reading Level: Middle grades ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-14 (especially girls) Bottom Line: The ...
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The Only Game by Mike Lupica

The Only Game by Mike Lupica (Home Team series, #1). Simon & Shuster, 2015. 321 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages ...
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cover of Jasper John Dooley

Jasper John Dooley: You’re in Trouble! by Caroline Adderson

Jasper John Dooley: You're in Trouble! by Caroline Adderson and illustrated by Ben Clanton. Kids Can Press, 2015. 124 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages ...
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cover of Jasper John Dooley: Left Behind

Jasper John Dooley: Left Behind by Caroline Adderson

Jasper John Dooley: Left Behind by Caroline Adderson and illustrated by Ben Clanton. Kids Can Press, 2011. 132 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages 4-8 Recommended ...
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cover of The Penderwicks in Spring

The Penderwicks in Spring by Jeanne Birdsall

The Penderwicks in Spring by Jeanne Birdsall. Knopf, 2015. 352 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-12 Recommended for: Ages 8-12 Bottom Line: The best ...
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cover of The Penderwicks at Point Mouette

The Penderwicks at Point Mouette by Jeanne Birdsall

The Penderwicks at Point Mouette by Jeanne Birdsall. Yearling, 2012 (originally 2011). 320 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-12 Recommended for: Ages 8-12 Bottom ...
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The Penderwicks on Gardam Street by Jeanne Birdsall

The Penderwicks on Gardam Street by Jeanne Birdsall. Knopf, 2008. 302 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-12 Recommended For: ages 8-10 and up Bottom ...
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The Distance Between Lost and Found by Kathryn Holmes

The Distance Between Lost and Found by Kathryn Holmes. HarperTeen, 2015. 306 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12-15 Recommended for: ages 15-18 Bottom Line: ...
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Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff

Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff.  Penguin, 2014, 305 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Bottom Line: Absolutely Almost is a reassuring tale for middle ...
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Absolutely Truly by Heather Vogel

Absolutely Truly by Heather Vogel Frederick. Simon & Shuster, cheap 2014. 354 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ed ages 10-12 Recommended For: ages 10-12 and ...
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George Washington’s Breakfast by Jean Fritz

George Washington’s Breakfast by Jean Fritz, illustrated by Paul Galdone (cover image by Tomie DePaola). Putnam & Grosset, 1969. 48 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ...
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Running Lean By Diana Sharples

Running Lean by Diana Sharples.  Zondervan/Blink, 2013.  400 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 15-18 Recommended For: ages 16 and up Bottom Line: Running Lean ...
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cover of All the Answers

All the Answers by Kate Messner

All the Answers by Kate Messner. Bloomsbury, 2015. 256 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12Recommended For: ages 10-12, especially girls Bottom Line: In this middle-grades ...
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First Date by Melody Carlson

First Date (Dating Games #1) by Melody Carlson. Revell, 2013. 212 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12-15 Maturity Level: 6 (ages 15-18) Bottom Line: ...
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