Middle Grade Monday
‘Tis the season…for summer reading! Middle grade books are geared towards kiddos who are around eight to twelve years old. They can also be good as read alouds to younger, mature readers or great for teens and adults who want a chill summer read.
The Witch Boy
By Molly Ostertag
In Asher’s family, boys are raised as shapeshifters and girls are raised as witches. But Asher is thirteen and still hasn’t shifted…and is fascinated by witchery, no matter how forbidden it might be. When a mysterious danger threatens the other boys, Asher knows he can help — as a witch.
This graphic novel trilogy was a huge hit in my 4th grade classroom. Almost every student read at least one of them – and several read the whole trilogy multiple times! I read the first one and absolutely loved the characters and representation. The plot is fast moving, and will keep you on your toes! I can’t wait to finish the series.
Aru Shah and the End of Time
By Roshani Chokshi
Has your middle grade reader dove into the Rick Riordan universes? My students are obsessed! Rick Riordan has several middle grade series – the first is the Percy Jackson series, which is based in Greek mythology. More recently, multiple diverse series have come out under a small imprint publisher as “Rick Riordan Presents” these books are funny and action-packed, and usually draw on myth or folklore.
One of the most popular series is based around 12-year-old Aru Shah and her adventures, but honestly, I would recommend any of them.
This Promise of Change
By Jo Ann Allen Bryce and Debbie Levy
Do you have a budding historian at home? This book follows fourteen year old Jo Ann Allen in 1956, as she becomes one of the first black students to integrate Clinton High School in Tennessee.
This book is an autobiography, is written in verse, and also uses primary sources like newspaper headings and clips to tell the story. It was an absolutely gripping read, and was able to talk about an extremely difficult part of American history at an age-appropriate level. As someone who doesn’t read nearly enough poetry or biographies – this is a great read for both kids and adults!
King and the Dragonflies
By Kacen Callender
Ok – fair warning – this book is sad. Hopeful and beautiful, but sad. Pick it up if you’re looking for a book that will make you feel!
Twelve-year-old Kingston James is still reeling from the loss of his older brother, Khalid. He wishes that he could talk about it with his best friend, Sandy Sanders…but he promised Khalid he would end their friendship. When Sandy goes missing, King finds his former best friend hiding in a tent in his backyard. And King knows he has to help him.
YA readers might recognize author Kacen Callendar from their smash hit Felix Ever After. One of his middle grade books, King and the Dragonflies, won the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature in 2020.
I would love to hear about the middle grade books that you or a kiddo you know is enjoying!
Happy reading,
Jana
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