Tag Archives: middle grade fiction

Shifting Friendships: a Middle School Book List

Posted on January 13, 2021 by Katy K.

When my teen librarian, Ms. D, and I started talking about a realistic fiction list for middle school, the way that formerly close friendships often start shifting in middle school came up as a particularly relevant topic. I’d been working … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Lists, Middle Grade, Realistic | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Book Club Picks for 4/5s on Hoopla

Posted on December 1, 2020 by Katy K.

Here’s a small selection of books available on Hoopla that I think fourth and fifth graders would enjoy reading and discussing. Continue reading →

Posted in Lists, Middle Grade | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

The Copycat by Wendy McLeod MacKnight

Posted on November 16, 2020 by Katy K.

Here’s a school- and family-focused contemporary fantasy for fans of fantasy and realistic fiction. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , | 3 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 , , , , , | 6 Comments

Malamander and Gargantis

Posted on June 3, 2020 by Katy K.

Continuing on with important topics, Rosemary at Mom Read it put together a great list of anti-racism resources from multiple places, while author Shanna Miles put together list of Black Kids Living books, saying on Twitter “Buy a book about … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Challenges, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Everything I Know about You and Halfway Normal by Barbara Dee

Posted on June 26, 2019 by Katy K.

Here are some more books I read for my KidLitCon panel on taboo topics in middle grade this year.  I’d previously read and very much enjoyed her Star Crossed, but she has written a lot of books, all with very … Continue reading →

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Where the Heart Is and Still a Work in Progress by Jo Knowles

Posted on March 25, 2019 by Katy K.

Kidlitcon happened!  Providence was beautiful!  I plan to pull together my notes from that soon, but for now, a couple of books by the wonderful Jo Knowles, who was on my panel called “You Can’t Say That in Middle Grade”, … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess by Shari Green

Posted on June 13, 2018 by Katy K.

Last time, I reviewed this year’s Schneider Family Teen award winner, You’re Welcome, Universe.  Here’s the middle grade winner. Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess by Shari Green. Pajama Press, 2017 Macy is in sixth grade and struggling.  She’s horrified … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

A Face like Glass by Frances Hardinge

Posted on May 8, 2017 by Katy K.

This was a book that I had been waiting for five years to be published in the US, and had hoped in vain that some family member would buy for me from the UK.  I had already read and enjoyed … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Reviews | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

Evil Wizard Smallbone

Posted on February 17, 2017 by Katy K.

Today, a review of a Cybils Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction finalist. The Evil Wizard Smallbone by Delia Sherman. Candlewick, 2017. Nick Reynaud’s life has been harsh since his mother died, leaving him in the hands of his uncle and cousin Jerry, … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments