Category Archives: Middle Grade

3 Tales of Kids Countering Prejudice with New Passions

Posted on September 16, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are three stories of kids working against prejudice to find pride in who they are, as well as learning new skills along the way, with books by Nikki Grimes, Alyssa Zaczek, and Jewell Parker Rhodes. Continue reading →

Posted in Middle Grade, Print, Realistic, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Adventures with Charlie Hernández

Posted on September 11, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are the first two books in a new contemporary mythology-based series perfect for Rick Riordan fans, the Charlie Hernandez series by Ryan Calejo. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Summer and Winter: Stepping Stones and Midwinter Witch

Posted on September 8, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two graphic novels my daughter and I have been enjoying – Stepping Stones by Lucy Knisley and the Midwinter Witch by Molly Know Ostertag Continue reading →

Posted in Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Realistic | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

12 Middle Grade Books for Fans of Role-Playing Games

Posted on September 5, 2020 by Katy K.

Every so often I come across books that feel like they would make a great start to a role-playing game. I love the collaborative story-telling they encourage. And while the fantasy dungeons of Dungeons & Dragons are where it started, any setting with an ensemble cast and the possibility for adventure will do. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Lists, Middle Grade, Mystery, Realistic | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments

Homerooms & Hall Passes by Tom O’Donnell

Posted on September 2, 2020 by Katy K.

My library purchased this book when it was named a Cybils finalist in January this year.  I was trying to read all the middle grade speculative fiction finalists, of course, as it was the first year in awhile I hadn’t … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Compelling Nonfiction Graphics: Astronauts and When Stars are Scattered

Posted on August 31, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two recent nonfiction graphics, both with stories strong enough to be interesting for readers who don’t naturally gravitate towards nonfiction as well as those who do.   Astronauts: Women on the Final Frontier by Jim Ottaviani and Maris Wicks. … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, nonfiction | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Into the Tall, Tall Grass by Loriel Ryon

Posted on August 26, 2020 by Katy K.

Into the Tall, Tall Grass by Loriel Ryon. Margaret K. McElderry, 2020. ISBN 978-1534449671. Read from library copy.  Yolanda Rodríguez-O’Connell has a little too much on her plate and not enough support.  Her grandmother, Wela, has been asleep for weeks … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Middle Grade | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Just South of Home by Karen Strong

Posted on August 3, 2020 by Katy K.

Just South of Home by Karen Strong, a spooky summer story with ties to African-American history, was perfect vacation reading this year. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Magical Middle School: 12 Speculative Fiction School Stories

Posted on July 23, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are twelve tales of magic at middle school – you only wish your school were this exciting! Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Lists, Middle Grade, Sci-Fi | Tagged , , , | 10 Comments

Show Me a Sign and Indian No More

Posted on July 22, 2020 by Katy K.

There are two very exciting things about these books – first, they are both fantastic, and from underrepresented voices.  Secondly (okay, maybe more exciting for me than for you, dear reader) is that I got both of these books in … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Historical, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments