middle grades

Marvelous Math for Middle Grades

The Language of the Universe The language of the universe is math. Little else in the natural world reflects such a unique combination of truth, ...
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The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani

A young girl in the middle of the Indian partition of 1947 shares poignant thoughts and fears in The Night Diary. Ages 12-15 The Night ...
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Stuck in the Stone Age by Geoff Rodkey

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 ...
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Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool

Early Auden is Jack's guide to Pi as they voyage to find the giant bear and complete their quest in this thought-provoking, intricate historical novel.  Ages ...
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The Goldfish Boy by Lisa Thompson

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 ...
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*New Shoes by Sara Varon

A delightful journey into the jungle awaits Francis the Donkey on his quest to make new shoes for his favorite Calypso singer. *New Shoes by ...
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Raffie on the Run by Jacqueline Resnick

Raffie, an intrepid subway rat, embarks on a fearsome quest to rescue his little brother in this lively animal adventure with memorable characters.  Ages 8-12 ...
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Rebound by Kwame Alexander

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 ...
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The Wishmakers by Tyler Whitesides

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 ...
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The 11:11 Wish by Kim Tomsic

A wish-granting clock is the unique agent in this tweener story about forming one’s principles against the desire to be popular. The 11:11 Wish by ...
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*Sled Dog School by Terry Lynn Johnson

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, ...
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Strongheart by Candace Fleming

Strongheart, a real movie-star dog, acts out a movie scenario in this fun tale.  Ages 7-11 Strongheart: Wonder Dog of the Silver Screen by Candace ...
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Martin Rising by Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney

Martin Rising is a exuberant, poetic homage to Martin Luther King for middle grades. Martin Rising: Requiem for a King by Andrea Davis Pinkney and illustrated ...
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Chasing King’s Killer by James L. Swanson

The life-paths of Martin Luther King and James Earl Ray converge on a fatal day in Memphis, in this gripping account of a manhunt. Ages ...
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Bible Review: NIV Kids’ Visual Study Bible

The NIV Kids' Visual Study Bible presents helpful notes, illustrations, and infographics in a unique layout.  Ages 8-12 NIV Kids' Visual Study Bible, Zonderkidz, 2017, ...
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*Exploring the Bible by David Murray

Exploring the Bible, a “DIY” guide for 8-12 year-olds, introduces a practical, workable way for kids to start studying the Bible for themselves. *Exploring the ...
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*Twelve Days in May by Larry Dane Brimner

For middle grades and up: a photographic, journalistic look at those famous twelve days in May when a group of whites and blacks bravely tried ...
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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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The Girl Who Drew Butterflies by Joyce Sidman

A beautifully crafted middle grades biography of a girl who drew butterflies back in the 1600s, changing the study of natural history in the process. ...
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*Betty Before X by Ilyasah Shabazz and Renée Watson

For middle grades: A compelling look into the life of Betty before X (Malcolm X) and the influence of the black church in the racially charged 1940s. ...
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The Thrifty Guide to the American Revolution by Jonathan Stokes

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 ...
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*The Book of Boy by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

The Book of Boy breathes life into the squalor and splendor of the late middle ages, with the tale of a parentless child and a ...
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A Wrinkle in Time at Fifty Years

A Wrinkle in Time was published 55 years ago and gets the full movie-treatment this month.  In this repost from 2012 Janie wonders how well ...
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Survivor Diaries by Terry Lynn Johnson

The Survivor Diaries series present 10-and-11 year olds in life-threatening situations, who find the courage to persevere and . . . survive! Ages 7-11 Survivor Diaries: ...
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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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*Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes (Retro Reads)

75 years later, this Newbery-Award winning story about Johnny Tremain is still a great historical fiction read about the birth of America. *Johnny Tremain by Esther ...
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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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Facing Frederick: The Life of Frederick Douglass by Tonya Bolden

Facing Frederick is a well written, nuanced biography for middle grades that sheds light on both Frederick Douglass and the tumultuous times in which he ...
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Black History Month Nonfiction Book List

Black History Month Nonfiction Book List It's a month full of book lists here at Redeemed Reader! We hope you enjoyed our Love and Laughter ...
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Give Me Wings by Kathy Lowinger

The little-known story of the Fisk Jubilee Singers demonstrates black talent, initiative, faith, and determination. Give Me Wings: How a Choir of Former Slaves Took ...
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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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The Road to Ever After by Moira Young

Myth and mystery haunt this road-trip story about an orphan boy, a lovable dog, and a bitter old woman.  Ages 12-15 The Road to Ever ...
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Edge of Extinction Series by Laura Martin

Living on the edge of extinction: Cloned dinosaurs plus dystopian autocratic society plus a renegade band of treetop dwellers equals a fast-paced middle grades sci-fi ...
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Portrait of a Reader: The Nurturer

Portrait of a Reader is a new feature in which we try to "unpack" a particular kind of reader. The portraits will overlap; most people will ...
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Here Be Dragons: Mega Fantasy and Sci-Fi Booklist! (All ages)

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 ...
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Podkin One-Ear by Kieran Larwood

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) ...
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Bronze and Sunflower by Cao Wenxuan

Bronze and Sunflower is a gentle, thought-provoking peek into the cultural revolution in China, its effects on two children, and the importance of sacrificing for your family. ...
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2018 Newbery Buzz #2: Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder

We're back for our second Newbery Buzz discussion of 2019. Last week, Hayley and Janie discussed Tumble and Blue. This week, Hayley and I (Betsy) discuss Orphan ...
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*Irenaeus by Simonetta Carr

Simonetta Carr continues her outstanding series of Christian-History biographies with Irenaeus of Lyon, a hero of the early church.  Ages 8-12 Irenaeus (Christian Biographies for ...
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2018 Newbery Buzz #1: Tumble & Blue by Cassie Beasley

It’s that time of year again!  The American Library Association Youth Media Awards will be announced on Monday, Feb. 12, including the coveted Newbery Medal.  ...
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Bound by Ice by Sandra Neil Wallace

This gripping true tale of first North Pole exploration takes middle-graders into the frozen wastes for a saga of endurance.  Ages 10-15 Bound by Ice: ...
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Exploring Space by Martin Jenkins

Future astronauts will find many of their questions answered in this comprehensive, informative picture book, with fascinating cutaway illustrations.  Ages 8-12 Exploring Space: from Galileo ...
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The River Doubt and the Amazing Amazon: 4 True Stories for All Ages

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 ...
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The Real McCoys by Matthew Swanson and Bobbi Behr

A fun middle-grade series mixes classic mystery elements with wacky situations and wordplay. The Real McCoys by Matthew Swanson and Bobbi Behr.  MacMillan Imprint, 2017, ...
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Funny Girl: Funniest. Stories. Ever. Edited by Betsy Bird

Quirky, funny stories written with middle school girls in mind.  Funny Girl: Funniest. Stories. Ever. Edited by Betsy Bird. Viking, 2017. 224 pages. Reading Level: Middle ...
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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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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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The Explorer by Katherine Rundell

Nonstop action, intriguing characters, and startling observations raise this adventure tale above the pack. The Explorer by Katherine Rundell.  Simon & Schuster, 2017, 324 pages ...
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*Comforting, Training, and Teaching Minds: Catechism Devotionals by Starr Meade

Family devotionals centered around the Heidelberg and Shorter catechism are based on Scripture and are designed to help families memorize the catechisms. *Comforting Hearts, Teaching Minds: ...
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The Whydah by Martin W. Sandler

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 ...
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Sinking the Sultana by Sally M. Walker

Middle grades nonfiction takes a sobering look at the sinking of the Sultana--a worse maritime tragedy even than the Titanic. Sinking the Sultana: A Civil ...
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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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Wishtree by Katherine Applegate

The gentle story of a sympathetic red oak makes a fun read-aloud for ages 4-12. Wishtree by Katherine Applegate.  Feiwel and Friends, 2017, 211 pages ...
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*Voices of Christmas by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Eric Velasquez

Voices of Christmas is a beautiful and poetic exploration of the different characters in the Christmas story--perfect for middle grades kids! *Voices of Christmas by ...
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5 New Nonfiction Picture Books

Nonfiction picture books are one of the best ways to introduce a subject/person, enrich your study of a topic, or just learn something new! Hot ...
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Giant Christmas and Advent Book List for All Ages

We love Christmas and Advent at Redeemed Reader, and we've reviewed lots of related resources over the years. Advent begins on December 1, and the ...
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Bianca: The Brave, Frail, and Delicate Princess by Meg Welch Dendler

Bianca - The Brave, Frail, and Delicate Princess is a story about a young woman who defies expectation in order to save her kingdom.  *Bianca – ...
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Retro Read: Mr. Revere and I by Robert Lawson

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 ...
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One Last Word by Nikki Grimes

One Last Word showcases poems from the Harlem Renaissance alongside contemporary poems by Grimes that build on and reflect those earlier poets.  One Last Word: ...
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2017 Winter Book Fair List: Books for Everyone!

2017 Winter Book Fair Books for Everyone on Your Christmas List! It's that time of the year again: Christmas is coming, and all the special ...
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Retro Reads: *The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

The Witch of Blackbird Pond is a modern classic with good reason: young Kit Tyler faces the questions all adolescents face as she tries to ...
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Beneath by Roland Smith

A unique YA series-opener, Beneath takes us below the streets of New York City where trouble is brewing. Reading level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended ...
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Mystery Book List for Elementary, Tweens, and Teens!

Calling all mystery lovers! Mystery book list for all ages! Whether or not you're planning to see Murder on the Orient Express this month, you likely have ...
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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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Retro Reads: *The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

A middle grades mystery that has become a modern classic: The Westing Game is just as engaging as ever! *The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin. ...
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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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Frogkisser! by Garth Nix

Popular children’s author Garth Nix raids a storehouse of fairy-tale elements to roll out this fresh and funny quest tale. Frogkisser! by Garth Nix.  Scholastic, ...
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Brave Red, Smart Frog by Emily Jenkins

Seven classic fairy tales are retold in a concise but winning style that highlights both their humor and sympathy. Brave Red, Smart Frog: a New ...
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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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Reading Diana Wynne Jones: an Author Portrait

You just finished a good book.  Now what?  Many book lovers can relate to this sad, unsatisfied feeling.  But what if you banished that feeling, ...
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Selznick’s Invention

(Note: This post is reprinted from 2011, in connection with the movie version of Wonderstruck, due to open tomorrow.  It's a larger musing on Brian ...
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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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Growing Friendships: a Kid’s Guide to Making and Keeping Friends

This friendly guide to friendship may help fill in some gaps parents inadvertently miss. Growing Friendships: a Kid’s Guide to Making and Keeping Friends by ...
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Reformation Church History Book List

Happy 500th birthday to the Protestant Reformation! 500 years ago this month, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door in Wittenburg. Of course, the ...
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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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Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth by Frank Cottrell Boyce

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. ...
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10 New Picture Books for All Ages, All Interests, Fact and Fiction!

New picture books! Brand, spanking, new! Beautiful, silly, thoughtful, informative, and downright fun. Take a look!   (Several of these made it onto our Back-to-School ...
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The Tiny Hero of Ferny Creek Library by Linda Bailey

The six-legged "Tiny Hero" of this gentle fantasy takes on a challenge far bigger than his size. The Tiny Hero of Ferny Creek Library by ...
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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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Bird Boy Project: Discussion Forum 3 (and our third giveaway!)

Chapters 14-19 This section sees Roy Ray delivered to an entirely new setting, with new characters that, as we learn, are not entirely new.  We’re ...
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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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Panda-monium by Stuart Gibbs

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 ...
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Bird Boy Project: Discussion Forum 2 (and another great giveaway!)

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 ...
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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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The Bird Boy Project: Discussion Forum 1 (and book giveaway!)

At last count, thirty families and individuals (and a few classes) have signed up to receive daily chapters of my latest in-progress novel.  (If you ...
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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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Project Bird Boy: Launch! (with one free download)

To be fair, doubts about Roy Ray Rappaport were perfectly understandable.  Except for bats, winged mammals are so rare they're assumed to be myths.  Even ...
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The Emperor’s Ostrich by Julie Berry

A light-hearted adventure for middle-graders combines humor and redemption. The Emperor’s Ostrich by Julie Berry.  Roaring Brook, 2017, 274 pages Reading Level: Middle grades, ages ...
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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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Dragon Seed by Marty Machowski

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 ...
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Face Time by Kristen Hadden

Face Time (Your Identity in a Selfie World by Kristen Hadden.  New Growth Press, 2017, 127 pages. Reading Level: Young Adult, ages 12-15 Recommended for: ...
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Joplin, Wishing by Diane Stanley

An 11-year-old girl discovers some truths about herself and her family in this novel with a touch of magic and mystery. Joplin, Wishing by Diane ...
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Howard Wallace, P.I. by Casey Lyell

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 ...
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Last Day on Mars by Kevin Emerson

Last Day on Mars by Kevin Emerson.  Walden Pond Press, 2017. 336 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-15 A guest post ...
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Get Ready for the Eclipse! Space and Sci-Fi Booklist

Ready for the Eclipse? Have you tested out your eclipse glasses? Do you know where you're going to be on August 21 when the eclipse ...
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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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