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2020 MEMORABLE MIDDLE GRADE BOOKS, PART 2

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Yesterday I posted my first list of favorite MG books of 2020. I had so many favorites, I decided to split the list into two posts. Here are the MG books that were most memorable to me from later in the year. In case you missed the first list, here it is. 

2020 MEMORABLE MIDDLE GRADE BOOKS.

I hope you find some new favorites!

we dream of space

By Erin Entrada

This is a story about the days of January 1986 leading up to the flight of the Challenger. It’s a story about hope and a story about tragedy. It’s a story about a caring, enthusiastic teacher. It’s a story about three siblings, twins Fitch and Bird and their brother Cash. It’s a story about their dreams; their dreams of hope, of love, of belonging and of space. And finally it’s a story about how tragedy brought them together.

The three siblings are all in the seventh grade, because Cash was held back the previous year. They live with their mom and dad who are constantly fighting. Each one of the family lives in their own world, never eating together and rarely spending time with each other. Although, the children are provided for, there is very little love or support. Cash might fail again, Fitch’s focus is video games and dealing with his explosive anger and Bird is the responsible one. She is thoughtful, loves school, dreams of going to space and is determined to bring her family together.

This book takes you back to that month in 1986 when school children all over the country counted down the days until the Challenger would blast off into space; when they impatiently waited for Christa McAuliff, who was not only an astronaut, but also a teacher, to teach a lesson in space. You feel the excitement, but also remember the profound sadness. It took me back to my family room where I was playing Chutes and Ladders with my five year old as we watched the launch. It made me remember his words as he calmly explained to me they were okay, because teachers can’t die.

This is one of those books you don’t want to end. It’s one of those you want to tell every MG child you know, please read this book!

beginners welcome

By Cindy Baldwin

Eighty three days ago, Annie Lee’s daddy dropped dead on the church basketball court. And every morning since then, Annie Lee has awakened to her mama crying in the bathroom. The bathroom is in a cramped apartment in a new neighborhood they moved to, because no one had planned for her daddy to be gone. Her best friends are still in her old neighborhood and have pretty much forgotten about her, because what do you say to someone who suddenly loses her daddy? All of this means a new school, no friends, becoming a latchkey kid and feeling completely alone. The only protection from her heartbreak and loneliness is her magic cloak which makes her invisible to the world.
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Part of Annie’s new life means coming straight home after school with the promise to never leave the apartment. However, Annie feels so alone and haunted by her daddy’s ghost (his prized record player begins playing his favorite song even when it’s not plugged in, his whiskers fill the bathroom sink every morning and the air is rich with the scent of his aftershave), she is compelled to take her skateboard out and explore the neighborhood. In her travels she discovers an intriguing urban mall built into two old red brick buildings connected by a fancy courtyard. And what she discovers in the courtyard changes her life. When she allows her cloak to slip a bit, she makes some new friends, finds the support she so badly needs and maybe even discovers a way to heal her broken heart. 🎹
I loved everything about this book. I flew finished it in a day (although after anxiously anticipating Cindy Baldwin’s latest book, I wanted to slow down and savor every word, but oops didn’t work😉) In fact it was so good, I read it again, even though my TBR pile was staring at me!
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First of all, I loved Annie Lee’s name. Somehow, it seemed so perfect for this story set in Durham NC. Then I discovered the lovely language especially when describing the sparking lights of every color that appear above Ray’s head as Annie Lee listens to him play; and don’t miss the description of Queenie’s smile,(It couldn’t be more beautiful; I can only hope someone feels that way about my smile one day), also the memorable relationships, the gentle magic, the warm feelings of love among the characters, the friendships and finally the healing. The healing that only occurs because Annie Lee allowed her cloak to slip and ran the risk of being hurt, but instead found the much needed support and love she needed from her new friends. 🎹

brave like that

By Lindsey Stoddard

Cyrus doesn’t know who his birth parents are, but he certainly knows who his father is. He’s a hero! He’s not only the fire chief, but he’s also the football star the town has never forgotten. So it just makes sense that Cyrus is a hero too. The problem is Cyrus doesn’t feel heroic. He’s afraid of being tackled in football and has no interest in fighting fires. What he does have an interest in is music, but in order to admit to his dad his true feelings about it all he needs to be brave and he’s never been “brave like that”.🎼

This is such a great story. There are so many special characters!
♦️I especially loved Cyrus’s relationship with his grandma, whose voice has been silenced by a stroke. I loved the understanding they gave to one another, even though she couldn’t speak. I loved her feistiness and her determination to be independent, but most of all I loved her patience with Cyrus when she helped him read.

♦️Sam, the first female firefighter in Cyrus’s dad’s firehouse, was wonderful and provided a great role model for Cyrus when he needed to gather the courage to be true to his self.

♦️Cyrus’s dad who showed so much support and understanding.

♦️And finally Cyrus’s buddies at the animal shelter, who though they were two years older and girls, couldn’t have been kinder.

🎼I also loved how the story addressed accepting differences and finding the courage to do this, which is especially hard in middle school. And most of all, I loved the importance the “Classroom book a day” played in Cyrus’s classroom. When Mr. Hewett takes the time to share a picture book everyday, it leads to so much learning and so much classroom unity.

scritch scratch

By Lindsay Currie

WOW! I wanted to get lost in a story and get my mind off the craziness in our world and this ghost story certainly did the trick! I started reading and had trouble putting it down. I loved Lindsay’s first book, #thepeculiarincidentonshadystreet so I expected to like SCRITCH SCRATCH. Well, I might have loved it even more!

Clair, a seventh grader who is passionate about science, lives in an old house in Lincoln Park (a section of Chicago) with her older brother, mom and dad. Much to Clair’s dismay, her dad, who is so fascinated by Chicago history and ghosts that he wrote a book about it, now has a Ghost Tour Bus company! Clair, the scientist who doesn’t believe in ghosts, tries her best to distance herself from her dad’s business, so when he asks her to assist him one Saturday night, it’s the last thing she wants to do. She really shouldn’t be able to go with her dad. She should be spending the evening with her best friend like she always does, but lately she’s worried her friend has moved on without her. So reluctantly, Clair becomes her dad’s assistant for the evening tour. It’s fairly uneventful, although a bit spooky, until she sees something that changes her life. She sees a little boy staring at her from the back of the bus. He has a sad face, dark eyes and is wearing knickers. But when she looks for him at the end of the tour, he’s gone! Even though he seems so real, she convinces herself it was just her imagination UNTIL she is awakened by a scritch scratch sound in her wall! And the next morning her dresser is full of water! And so it goes, as her life spirals out of control!

I loved this spooky mystery, which is also very much a story about trust, friendship, empathy, courage and Chicago history. It would make a perfect read aloud in October or anytime. It will not only satisfy your kid’s thirst for spooky stories, but it will also give you SO MUCH to discuss about friendships, facing your fears and trusting one another.

clean getaway

By Nic Stone

In CLEAN GETAWAY William Lamar (or Scooby Doo, as Grandma fondly calls him) shares the story of the road trip through the south with his grandma in her Winnebago. It’s a story about the history of the the fight for Civil Rights and it’s a story about racial discrimination in the “60s and how it continues today. It’s a story about the importance of the GREEN BOOK. But it’s also a story about the love and support between a grandma and her grandson and how the black child and white grandma repeatedly face discrimination during their adventure. It’s a story with lots of heart and lots of laughs, too.
This is a story you’ll long remember. It’s a windows and mirrors book for all ages. I listened to the audio book and it was excellent. It’s one that’s perfect for a family road trip for all ages and is sure to prompt lots of questions and much discussion. Please make it a must read for your family!

a home for goddesses and dog

By Leslie O’Connor

The author of one of my all time favorite MG books, THE TRUTH AS TOLD BY MASON BUTTLE, has once again created an unforgettable book that will touch your heart.  It’s a story of a young girl who recently lost her mom after a long illness, and her rescue by a loving aunt, her aunt’s wife, a 95 year old landlord, a close knit mountain community and, perhaps most importantly, a very special dog.

I loved so many things about this book –

  • Her new family who are a little bit quirky and are full of much love and respect for one another *How Lydia’s mom prepared her for her death and left her with a legacy of happy and loving memories, plus a love of art
  • Lydia’s determination to always be helpful and kind in her new household, which included caring for and training their new dog, even in the midst of her grief
  • The kindness and hospitality of the kids in Lydia’s school
  • Lydia’s bravery when she accepted their friendship, even when she would have preferred curling up alone with her memories
  • The camaraderie in her very small class
  • Guffer, the big yellow “best, bad” dogThis story about finding home is for everyone and is a perfect choice for a family read aloud, too!

    alone in the woods

    By Rebecca Behrens

    After reading THE DISASTER DAYS, I knew I had to read Rebecca Behrens next book and I wasn’t disappointed! Jocelyn and Alex have been best friends forever. Even their families are close and always share a remote cabin in the woods for one week in the summer. This year is different though. Alex is changing and Jocelyn doesn’t understand why. Alex is hanging out with a different group of friends and suddenly cares more about the perfect bikini and a great manicure than all of their summer traditions. Jocelyn is hopeful all will be back to normal when they share a tube on their families rafting trip.

I’m not really an outdoors girl. I love hiking in the woods and being outside, but I still require all my little luxuries like comfy hiking shoes, bug spray, jackets to fight off the cold, lots of water bottles and especially the knowledge of always knowing where I am. In other words, I have a rather narrow comfort zone! So when I began to read about Jocelyn and Alex’s adventure in the isolated north woods of Wisconsin, I was both terrified and drawn to their story. The descriptions of the wilderness, the river rapids, the bugs and the wild animals were so vivid, I was right there! I felt the horrible itching of the ticks, the mosquito bites and the poison ivy. I felt the girls terror when the darkness and the unfamiliar sounds enveloped them. I felt their frustration and fear as they struggled to find a way out of the woods. I felt the cold when all they had to shield them from the elements was a flimsy coverup and a sweatshirt. And I felt their thirst and their hunger.

This story is about the wilderness, but it’s also about a middle school friendship: How friendships change in middle school, how kids evolve at that age and how kids make new friends. These new friends may be an addition to their friendship circle, or it may mean the friends begin to grow apart. ALONE IN THE WOODS offers comfort to those who are having similar experiences. It’s a book that will not only make the reader feel the fears of the wilderness, but also the fears of middle school friendships.

every missing piece

By Melanie Conklin

Maddy finds danger everywhere. In fact, she’s called the sheriff so many times, he’s quit believing her. It all began three years ago when her dad drowned while trying to save her from a surprise undertow. How could they be having a perfect family day at the beach and then suddenly he is gone? Since that time, she and her mom have learned to cope with the missing piece in their lives, but now things are changing. Her mom has remarried, and though Stan is kind and trying his best to become the missing piece, Maddy’s certain it won’t work.

Maddy’s sadness about missing her dad will tug at your heart, especially the texts she writes to him descriting  her loneliness or her confusion about why her best friend is slipping away. But you’ll also love her resourcefulness and determination as she tries to find a missing boy and how she reluctantly accepts her stepfather’s help. And you’ll love the slowly emerging relationship between Maddy and her new stepfather, as he tries so hard to be the stepfather Maddy needs.

This is a story about grief, domestic abuse, middle school friendships and step families. But importantly, it’s also a story about friendship, compassion and love. It’s a story you won’t want to end, but at the same time you’ll be cheering Maddy on and hoping she finds the missing piece for her new life puzzle. It’s on my “best of 2020 MG list”!

my life in the fish tank

By Barbara Dee

Zinny is one of four children in a perfectly normal family who is living a perfectly normal life. Her brother Gabriel is 18 and about to begin college. Her sister Scarlett is 16, and then there’s her little brother Aiden who is in the third grade. Summer is ending, Gabriel is moving into his college dorm and the rest of her family is about to begin the new school year. Zinny and her two best friends (girls she’s been best friends with for years) walk to school together, talk about boys together and eat lunch together. So all is normal, until the night the phone call changes her family’s life to anything but normal. It’s the night they learn Gabriel wrecked his friend’s car and is in the hospital. It’s the night they learn he’s shouting crazy things in the ambulance and the emergency room. And it’s the night when, just maybe, he wrecked the car on purpose. And finally it’s the night Zinny’s family’s life became very, very different.

This MG book is a story of how a family member’s mental illness, in this case bipolar disease, can affect everyone in the family. Zinny shares her story of how their family changes, especially because her mother stresses this is a secret; it’s definitely not something to share with anyone whether it be teachers, friends or even the guidance counselor. So Zinny has to keep it all to herself. And she’s also the one who has to hold her family together. She’s the one who has to help her little brother with his homework and even does the shopping and the cooking when neither her mother or father can think of anything, but Gabriel.

I loved how the story shows us how someone diagnosed with a mental illness deserves the same help and support as anyone with any other disease; it’s not a diagnosis to be ashamed of or to be kept secret. And I loved how it gives us an inside look at the benefits of counseling and opening up to others, whether it be friends or professionals.

This book is such an important one that needs to be in every middle school library and on every counselor’s book shelf. 

It’s a book that will offer comfort and understanding to kids who are experiencing a similar situation, whether they have been diagnosed with mental illness or know someone who has.

Three keys

By Kelly Yang

Once again, Kelly Yang, author of FRONT DESK, has given us a glimpse into Mia’s world at the Calavista Motel. This time, however, she, her parents and several immigrant investors own the motel, thanks to Mia’s hard work, strength and kindness. Her story is at times heartbreaking and at times so hopeful. She is determined to be the best friend, the best daughter, the best writer and the best motel owner she can possibly be. However, it’s 1994 Los Angeles when proposition 187, which would prevent all undocumented immigrant children from attending school, is up for a vote. If it passes, her best friend and so many more classmates won’t be allowed to go to school.

I had a hard time putting this book down. Sadly, the events of the story are very similar to what’s happening in our country today, when undocumented immigrants are being deported and families torn apart. It shows us the descrimation and fear immigrants and people of color face everyday, when, despite their hard work, they are unfairly denied privileges citizens take for granted, as well as live with the fear they will be sent back to their native country at any time. Mia’s best friend Lupe expressed those feelings early in the story when Mia discovered she is undocumented. This awareness prompted Mia to ask her what it’s like to live with that worry everyday. Lupe responds “It’s like being a pencil when everyone else is a pen. You worry you can be erased anytime.” Her words say it all. (this quote is from an ARC, so is subject to change)

This book for grades 4+ is one for both children and adults and is available now. It’s one to read aloud to your children or to your class and to follow up with some deep conversations and insights. It’s one that will show kids how powerful they can be!

before the ever after

By Jacqueline Woodson

ZJ tells us all about his life. His best friends “The Fantastic Four” who all in their own way support ZJ as he moves from “Before the Ever After” to what happens next. He tells us about his loving, kind Daddy, the pro football hero who is worshiped by his neighborhood and by the world. He’s the daddy who picks ZJ and his friends up from school, who takes them for ice cream and plays football with them in the backyard. He’s the one who steps in to be a father figure when one of ZJ’s best friend’s father dies. He’s the one who struggles to pull himself out of bed every Monday, no matter how his aching body or his throbbing head feels, so he can be there for his family. But then ZJ’s daddy changes. He suddenly switches from being the hero to being the scary dad who yells at his friends and family. He’s the one who can’t play football, because he forgets the plays. And he’s the one who begins going from doctor to doctor in a quest to understand what’s happening to him.

The love and compassion in this story, which is shown by so many, will warm your heart, but at the same time you will need a box of tissues nearby. Your heart will break as ZJ struggles to understand what’s happening to his daddy. You will cheer the kindness and compassion shown by the Fantastic Four toward ZJ. You will question the wisdom of the national sport of football, but you will also understand the love for the sport that makes this impossible. Once again, Jacqueline Woodson has created a spectacular book which will be loved by all ages.

watch for my favorite

2020 picture books next week!

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2020 MEMORABLE MIDDLE GRADE BOOKS

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2020 may not have been the year we anticipated, but it was a great year for MG fiction! If you’ve been following me on Instagram, you’ll know I’ve posted many of these 5 star books, but with the craziness of the year some may have slipped your mind. To help you find your favorites for your holiday shopping list, here are my top MG picks of 2020. You may also want to keep the list handy for your next trip to the library. With winter coming (at least where I am!) there will be lots of extra time to curl up with a good book. Finally, be sure to check out my post from last month to find some more five star MG books, ALL KIDS CAN BE HEROES. 

Look for part 2 of my 2020 favorite MG books tomorrow!

The Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane

By Kate O’Shaughnessy

First of all, let’s talk about the cover. Isn’t it gorgeous?! It offers a small peek into Maybelle’s story and gently asks you to step into her life. When you do, you’ll find your heart breaking a bit time and time again, but you’ll also find yourself cheering for every character as each one searches for the courage to face their fears and follow their dreams.

Next, let’s talk about the characters. I loved every one!

💙Gemma, Maybelle’s mom who works two jobs to keep a rickety roof over their head, and loves Maybelle with all her heart, while all along dreaming of a singing career.
💙Maybelle, who has an amazing voice of her own, spends her lonely hours recording the everyday sounds we shouldn’t ever forget and dreaming of meeting the daddy she’s never laid eyes on. She’s a girl who shares her mama’s kindness, patience and understanding of others.
💙Mrs. Boggs, Maybelle’s neighbor who lives in a Winnebago, is a teacher with a strict and gray exterior, but a heart of gold. She desperately misses her young husband, who died recently, and thoughtfully steps up to help when she is needed by her young neighbors.
💙Tommy, Maybelle’s neighbor and classmate, hangs out with the mean kids and tries to hide the bruises that mysteriously appear whenever his dad is out of town and he stays with his stepmom. But he’s also the boy who can secretly fix anything, reads engineering textbooks for fun and is kind to Maybelle when she really needs a friend.

When Maybelle, Mrs. Boggs and Tommy take off in her Winnebago on a road trip to Nashville to find Maybelle’s dad, the fun really begins. Not only was it an adventure for two kids who had never left their state, but it gave them all an opportunity to thoughtfully help one another gather their courage to face their obstacles and dream their dreams. They all learned some important lessons during their long trip, but none more important than the understanding that taking care of someone else not only helps the recipient, but also yourself.

This is a book you’ll both race through to see what happens next, but also read slowly knowing it’s going to end before you’re ready to say goodbye. It’s a book you’ll remember for a long time.

 

The Space Between Lost and Found

By Sandy Stark-McGinnis

My mom, who had Altzheimer’s disease, died nine years ago, but those difficult years are still a fresh memory. It was so hard watching the caring, independent woman fade away. However, it is so much worse for Cassie, because she is just twelve years old and her mom, who is a vivacious woman with a courageous bucket list, has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. 
🐬This awful news means Cassie’s family must struggle to find a new normal. Her Dad’s objective is to keep her mom safe, while Cassie’s main objective is to keep her mom happy. However, in the process she pushes her best friend away and loses the inspiration for her artwork. Finally, the day her mom forget’s Cassie’s name, Cassie decides no matter what the danger involved, she must help her mom achieve at least one goal on her list.
🐬
This is a powerful story about courage, determination, families, friendship and love. It is about Cassie’s growth and bravery as she supports her mom and fights for what she is certain is best for her. It is about the fragile friendship between Cassie and her best friend and how that friendship, not only with Bailey, but also with Bailey’s family gives her the support and understanding she so badly needs. It is a story about Cassie’s dad’s love for both Cassie and her mom and his struggle to do what is best for both of them. It’s a story that will break your heart, but will offer hope in the end.
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This story helps us to understand those diagnosed with Alzheimers, and how it affects everyone in the family. It helps us understand the frustration, the anger and the grief felt by all involved. It’s such an important story for MG and middle school students. Hopefully, few will experience a parent with this diagnosis, but unfortunately many will have grandparents who suffer from Alzheimers, and this book will give them both understanding and comfort.

The Boy at the Back of the Class

By Onjali Q. Rauf

Suddenly there’s a new boy, Ahmet, in their class and the rumors are swirling. Why doesn’t he speak? Why doesn’t he go to recess? Why doesn’t he go to lunch? Does he have a super contagious disease? Is he too dangerous to be with the other students? This doesn’t stop four best friends decide to be his friends. And they have no idea what that decision will mean in the weeks to come.
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This amazing book offers a child’s perspective of the refugee crisis. It’s about bravery, compassion, empathy and friendship, inspiration and most of all hope. It’s a book that needs to be read aloud and discussed in classrooms across the country, as well as shared in parent child book clubs. It’s a book that will cause tears, cheering and frustration. It’s a book that will help all who read it to understand the meaning of what a refugee truly is and how important it is that refugees are treated with respect and kindness. It’s a book that will make you thankful there are so many compassionate and kind people in the world, and make you angry how a few loud voices can sometimes drown out the kindness. And finally it’s a book that is great for ages 8 – 98!
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Teachers and librarians, please make certain this is part of your collection, share it with your students and staff and encourage read alouds and discussion. Parents, please share it with your children! And please, whatever your age, read this book! You’ll be so glad you did.
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Finally, Ahmet’s poignant drawings describing his journey from Syria to London are the turning point in the story; the point when Ahmet’s classmates begin to understand and support him. Everyone, that is, except the class bullies. There are always bullies though aren’t there, no matter their age?

Dan Unmasked

By Chris Negron

This is a story about comic books, superheroes, baseball, grief and most of all the power of friendship. Dan, his best friend, Nate and their baseball team are on their way to winning the championship. There are several games yet to go in the tournament, but with the team’s great playing, Nate’s amazing pitching and Nate and Dan’s uncanny ability to always know what each other is thinking (they know they’re on the same page when each lays a finger next to his nose) it seems they can’t miss.
⚾️
Not only does the team share the love of baseball, but they also share the love of comics, especially the Captain Nexus series. In fact when a new issue comes out, they all gather in Nate’s basement, along with his brother Ollie to read it together. Each issue ends with a cliffhanger, which gives everyone lots to theorize about what will happen next.
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The next day at practice that’s exactly what Dan and Nate are doing; brainstorming about the next issue when they should really be watching the ball; the ball that changes everyone’s lives.
Nate is suddenly in a coma and Dan is certain it’s all his fault. Dan is convinced the only way Nate will wake up, is if he, Ollie and Ollie’s friend, Courtney, write a comic starring Nate.
⚾️
This story had me on the edge of my seat, as it also brought tears to my eyes. Dan’s determination to find a way to save his friend was inspiring, but the fear and loneliness he felt as he faced the real possibility of losing Nate, broke my heart. At the same time, the supportive friendships and the kindness which surrounded Dan and his friends filled me with warmth as I read.
⚾️
DAN UNMASKED  is for the baseball lover, the comic book geek and especially for anyone who wants to read a story which fills them with hope. Grades 4+.

Don’t Check Out This Book!

By Kate Klise

This story had me grinning from page one! It was full of fun, puns and fighting for what’s right. It’s all about a caring librarian who wants what’s best for her kids, even if it means going against the school board and the principal. She’s all about finding the most enticing book for her students; one that will lead them to staying up way way past their bedtime or one which enables them to research topics questioned by the school board president. (my kind of librarian!!) It’s also about some determined fifth grade sleuths, a caring and supportive school secretary (who actually runs the school, OF COURSE!) and the wacky school board president who is just a wee bit shady. 📚
I flew through this mystery, which is written in a series of letters, notes, texts and newspaper articles. It’s the perfect book for those kids who come into the library asking for a funny book or for the reluctant readers who aren’t really sure they’ll ever find a book they like. I’m certain almost anyone in grades 3+ will have a great time curling up with this story and being transported to the craziness of Appleton, Illinois, population of 83!

We Could Be Heroes

By Margaret Finnegan

Oh, WE COULD BE HEROES is one of those stories you’ll be thinking about for a very long time. This memorable tale, about two delightful neurodivergent children who find friendship for the first time, will grab your heart. It allows us to view the world through their eyes and to experience their feelings as they struggle to understand it.
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It also allows us to meet their parents who are supportive, loving and firm. Your heart will break a bit when you witness the surprise and joy they all feel when Hank and Maisie become friends. And you’ll admire them as they gently guide their children to understand how to be a good friend. Most of all you’ll love the way they teach their children “different is not less”.
🐶
Then there is the story of how the kids work together to save Booler, a neighbor dog with seizures who is tied to a tree 24 hours a day “for his own protection”. Hank, who has autism, and can tell you anything you’d ever want to know about rocks, has learned to know the “a’a” feeling when he’s losing control and tries his best to use his coping strategies. Maisie, the girl who just moved to Hank’s Montana town has decided she and Hank are going to be friends and save Booler, no matter the cost. And the costs turn out to be huge!
🐶
This is a #windowsandmirrors story for all of us. It’s a great one to read aloud and will lead to lots of good discussions about some of the decisions Hank and Maisie make, as well as their feelings. You’ll also have lots of fun talking about all of the idioms Maisie uses. I was laughing out loud more than once!

WE COULD BE HEROES is for grade 3+ and is sure to become a favorite!

The List of Things that Will Not Change

By Rebecca Stead

Bea’s parents are divorced, but when they first shared the news, they gave Bea a green notebook and a green pen (her favorite color) containing a list of the things that would not change. These things would never change, even though her mom and dad wouldn’t be living together anymore and she would spend half her time with her mom and half with her dad. That happened two years ago when she was eight. She still carried that notebook everywhere and through the years the list of things had grown, but nothing had changed. But now something WAS changing. Her dad was marrying Jesse and she would soon have two dads AND a sister because Jesse has a daughter just her age! more

This story came at just the right time for me. I was struggling to find a book I really loved; since I’m a mood reader, that happens to me, though not often. When I read the first page, I was at peace once again. I found a story to love. It’s a story I didn’t want to put down and one I didn’t want to end. Here’s some of the reasons why.

  • I loved the supportive adults in Bea’s life; her parents, her dad’s fiance; her babysitter, her teacher and her therapist. I especially loved Miriam, her therapist. We all need a Miriam in our lives. I wanted to take notes about the advice and tidbits of wisdom she kindly offered to Bea.
  • I loved Bea’s joy and optimism, and also identified with her worries about both the small and large things in her life.I also loved how we were allowed to see her anger and her guilt
  • l loved how kids will see themselves in Bea, whether their parents are divorced or are gay; whether they share some of her fears or whether they, too, feel anger or guilt about something in their lives.

I loved how Bea’s friends supported her and forgave her mistakes. There’s an extra special moment with her best friend and an oyster. Be sure and look for that one!

I’m certain you, too, will love this book.

The Popularity Pact: Camp Clique: Book One

By Eileen Moskowitz-Palma

Camp Clique is story told in two voices. It’s the story of Bea and Maisy who have been friends since pre-school, until Maisy mysteriously ghosted Bea at the beginning of sixth grade. This led to a year of extreme loneliness for Bea, while it was a full year for Maisy who became a member of the popular girls group, the M&Ms.

Now it’s summer and Bea is on the bus with her BFFs enroute to the camp she has gone to every summer, Camp Amelia. Then Maisy steps on the bus. Maisy, the least adventurous girl Bea knows, is going to adventure camp, because her dad wants her safe and busy for the next six weeks. AND it turns out not only is Maisy going to be at camp, but will also be her bunkmate.

Bea and her bunkmates are not in the least bit happy to have Maisy join their group and perhaps ruin their chances of winning the all important bunk tournament at the end of the summer. Maisy is miserable and willing to do almost anything to be accepted by her bunkmates. In fact she’s so desperate, she offers a deal to Bea. If Bea helps her fit in at camp, she’ll make sure Bea is a part of the M&Ms. Bea accepts and the summer begins.

Eileen Moskowitz-Palma’s story immediately transported me back to 7th grade (a VERY LONG time ago!), which tells me twelve year old girls haven’t really changed. They are still desperate to be accepted and to be part of a group. This desperation makes them willing to do almost ANYTHING to make that happen, even if it means going against what they know in their hearts is wrong. This is the foundation of this great story.

This story about friendship, acceptance and trust is one that will pull you in and not let go. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Dr. Beth, the hippy camp psychologist who kindly helps Maisy work through some of her many fears and to talk about the reason she doesn’t read her mom’s letters.
  • The bunkmates respect and admiration for each other’s talents.
  • Bea’s mom for her understanding, her support and her honesty.
  • Maisy’s bravery and determination to overcome her fears and to become a better athlete.
  • Bea and Maisy’s memories they can’t ignore.

This book is first in the POPULARITY PACT series. School Squad is out now, too. These are great choices for grades 3+

Here in the Real World

By Sara Pennypacker

Ware can’t wait for summer. He’ll be spending it with his beloved grandmother and will be swimming everyday. His plans suddenly change when Grandma, “Big Deal”, falls and breaks both hips. This means Ware has to return to the dreaded Rec Center for another boring summer full of “meaningful social interactions” which will hopefully turn him into his mom and dad’s version of a “normal kid”; one who loves sports and wants to spend every waking minute with friends. On the first day of Rec Center, Ware climbs a tree and discovers another world beyond the fence. He meets a fiercely proud and determined girl, Jolene, who is creating an urban garden with the seeds from rotten fruit, amongst the ruins of a church. Slowly, together they create a refuge out of the ruins; a true urban oasis.

Sara Pennypacker, the author who brought us the memorable story of PAX a few years ago, has created a touching tale of friendship, family, the knights’ code of chivalry and heroes. She slowly introduces us to Jolene and Ware, two twelve year old children who desperately need each other, even though they would never admit it.

I loved Ware’s endless energy and creativity as he worked to build a castle from the remnants of the old church, and his vow to always follow the knight’s code of chivalry “thou shalt do battle against unfairness whenever faced with it” even when it leads Jolene to accuse him of living in “magic fairness land”. I was thrilled when, after days and weeks of hearing this accusation, Ware finally realized “I don’t want things to be magically what they’re not. I want them to be what they could be. And somebody has to want that, or nothing bad will ever get better.” 

I loved seeing Jolene’s resourcefulness and determination as she created her urban garden. I admired her when she found the courage to allow Ware a glimpse into her life and to understand she not only needed a friend, but she needed help. In other words, she needed a hero. She needed someone to teach her the real world could be more than she thought. She needed to understand “bad stuff happens. But the real world is also all the things we do about the bad stuff. We’re the real world, too.” 

I’ll be thinking about Ware and Jolene for a very long time. Their story is one that grabs your heart and doesn’t let go. It’s the book so many of us are looking for right now. Please read this book and please share it with anyone in grades 3+. You’ll be so glad you did!

watch for part 2 of my list of

favorite mg books tomorrow!

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Joyful Picture Books about Black Families

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There are so many children’s books about the problems Black kids face in their day to day lives. It’s vitally important to share these with our children to allow them to see themselves in a book or to give children a window into children’s lives which are different from their own. However, Black kids are just like all children who try to find joy with their families everyday. These stories are about kindness, fears, family outings and joy. You’ll smile, you’ll laugh and you’ll discover loving, diverse families who are finding happiness in their daily lives.

Jabari Jumps

By Gaia Cornwall @gaiacornwall

Published by Candlewick Press

Jabari reminds me so much of myself when I was his age. I was terrified of jumping into a pool, even though my mother had sent me to countless swim lessons. To stand on the side of a pool, let alone a diving board as everyone was expecting me to jump, was completely overwhelming. Even though Jabari feels the same, he announces to his dad “I’m jumping off the diving board today.” Of course, though, that’s a little easier said than done! Gaia Cornwall’s illustrations capture his fear, but also his determination and courage. I loved that every page included “pool turquoise” in some way, whether it was the sky, the water or the surrounding trees. This helped me feel like I was standing right there on the board with Jabari as he curled his toes around the edge. If you have a little one who may be wondering if they have the courage to jump in, this is a wonderful book that might provide just the encouragement they need to succeed.

Saturday

Written and illustrated by Oge Mora @oge_mora

Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

First of all, look at this cover. Do you see the pure love and delight between Ava and her mother? After a long week of being apart, they get to spend one entire day together, just the two of them without interruptions. But one disappointment after another greets them as they move through their day. First, story time was canceled, then an exploding puddle ruins their new hairstyles, the park is too noisy and finally Mommy loses the tickets for the puppet show. But as the long day draws to a close and they return to their apartment, they realize something rather amazing. Their day was truly splendid because they were together.

This small moment story will draw you in with it’s vibrantly colored collage illustrations, as you feel the warmth and love of Ava and Mommy’s day. It’s a true joy to read and you’ll want to share it with someone special in your life.

The Thing about Bees: A Love Letter

Written and illustrated by Shabazz Larkin @shabazzlarkin

Published by Readers to Eaters @readerstoeaters

This delightful journey describes a day in the life of a black family when they go on a picnic in the park. You see the joy on the faces of Dad and his sons as they chase a balloon and fly a kite, as well as their distress when they encounter some bees. Yes, dad says, there are bees in the park, and they can be annoying and their sting can hurt, but he points out without the bees all of the yummy food on their overflowing picnic table wouldn’t exist; no strawberries, no watermelon, no apples for pies, no cucumbers for pickles, no fruit for smoothies. And then he makes my favorite observation in the book. He lovingly compares his boys to bees, reminding them they can be a bit annoying, too, but he never stops loving them. 

This book came to be because the author always had a “ridiculous fear of bees.” When his sons were born he was determined NOT to pass his fear along to his children. To accomplish this, he learned all he could about bees, and as he did the less scary they seemed. Not only did he create this sweet story, but he also included simple drawings illustrating what happens when “a bee and a flower love each other,” which are perfect for teaching your little one the importance of bees in our world. Finally, he has included lots of information in the back matter including bee etiquette and types of bees from “kind to kinda mean”.

Me and Mama

By Cozbi A. Cabrera

Published by Denene Millner Books/Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers

One rainy morning a little girl creeps down the stairs to find her mama. She’s hoping for some quiet time just with mama, while her brother and Papa are still asleep. The word choice and the vibrant, expressive illustrations immediately invite you into the little girl’s world. You feel the coziness of the home and the smell of cinnamon in the air. You hear Mama’s cheerful voice as she calls out good morning and then optimistically finds joy in the rainy day, when she declares “the perfect day for boots and puddles”. You understand the little girl’s joy in their familiar everyday rituals they do together. You see her happiness when they help each other choose their clothes and dress, eat breakfast together, brush their teeth, take their dog for a walk and splash in the puddles. 

All in all, it’s a book about joy and family. It’s a book your little ones will find familiar and comforting as you share it together.

hair love

By Matthew A. Cherry      @matthewacherry  

Illustrated by Vashti Harrison @vashtiharrison

Published by @kokilabooks

It’s a very special day and Zuri’s hair needs to be perfect. There are only two problems. First, her curly, kinky hair has a mind of it’s own. Secondly, her daddy is exhausted from getting her to school, working, bringing her home, going on a bike ride and fixing her dinner, so Zuri really doesn’t want to disturb him. Soooo, Zuri and Rocky (her faithful cat) decide to take care of it themselves. All is well, until she drops her tablet and wakes Daddy. That’s when Daddy swoops into to save the day. After MANY attempts and some online help, Zuri has the perfect hairdo.

The love between this little girl and her daddy is a joy to see. Even though Zuri has doubts about her hair, Daddy assures her it is truly beautiful making her beam with pride.This reminded me of some everyday moments with my daddy very long ago. When I was doubting myself and lacking confidence, he assured me I truly was beautiful and I just needed to be myself. It’s a reminder that these small moments are so important to our children. 

You will love the illustrations, too. The love between Zuri and Daddy pours out of every page. Their eyes, especially, are full of adoration and joy. These, along with the sweet story, will speak to all children and make lots of little girls think of special times with their daddy.

you matter

Written and Illustrated by Christian Robinson @theartoffun

Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

This gentle book is for all of us, young or old, any color, any gender. The lovely diverse illustrations, along with the simple text remind all of us that we matter. Even if we fall down, even if we need to start over, even if we feel lost or alone, even if we are small or old, we matter. It’s a story that will touch your heart and make you pause. It’s a story to share with your children and discuss with your children as you remind them, they do indeed matter.

 

 

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coming soon!! 

2020 picture book and mg favorites!

 

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