Thankfully, there are so many MG books being written about mental health. Some of these books are about children struggling with mental health issues and some are about a family member.  They help the kids see themselves in the story or their family in the story, as well as help  middle graders develop a better understanding and empathy for those who are struggling with a mental illness.  Here are some of my favorites from the past. These are older books – books sure to be on your library’s shelves.

FINDING PERFECT

By Elly Swartz         

Molly is a twelve year old girl who is a poet, a friend to many, a great student and a caring sister. However, she has a secret. Everything in her life must be perfect. Her glass animal collection must be spaced evenly on her desk, her hair must be combed an even amount of times, her food can’t touch another food, she washes her hands ten times before she eats and she silently counts everything by fours. (more)

OCD

NEST

By Esther Ehrlich

I couldn’t put this touching book down and finished it easily in a day. Miss Ehrlich’s beautiful descriptions of the marshes made me feel like I was trudging through the woods and climbing the dunes with Chirp, the main character. more

grief

Things that Surprise You

By Jennifer Maschari 

Emily is about to begin middle school and is feeling all of the usual angst that goes along with that. However, Emily has a lot of other issues to deal with and they all involve change.. Her parents have recently gotten divorced, her mother is working a lot more hours, her best friend is suddenly only interested in being on the field hockey team with lots of new friends and her older sister is living in a residential facility to help with her eating disorder. more

Sister with an eating disorder

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. more

Brother with bipolar depression

the Science of breakable Things

By Tae Keller

This memorable middle grade book about friendships, family, science and mental illness is Natalie’s story about surviving seventh grade, finding a second best friend and most of all, gaining a better understanding of her mother’s depression. She helps us understand the fear that she may never find her old mom again and her desperation to do so. more

Mom with depression

Bea is for Blended

By Lindsey Stoddard

Bea and her mom refer to themselves as Team Ember. It’s always just been the two of them in their townhome, plus Grandma Bea who takes care of Bea when her mom is at work, Aunt Tam (Bea’s second mom) who lives next door and Maximilian, her best friend. more

Anxiety

THE SUMMER OF JUNE

By Jamie Sumner

June will be starting middle school in the fall, but first she has the magical summer ahead of her. June has been struggling with extreme anxiety for many years, but she’s determined to move on with the help of a caring counselor and a supportive, understanding mom. She knows she doesn’t want to be “the girl who pulls out her hair because of the anxious thoughts in her head or the nervous mouse girl who is scared all the time and runs from everything”. more

Anxiety

No Fixed Address

By Susin Nielsen

Felix’s story will grab you from the very first page. We immediately feel his fear about being in a police station and being questioned by a kind, but nonetheless a police officer, about his iffy living arrangements and about his quirky, but loving mom. We learn about his astute P.O.O. (powers of observation) that help him to better understand the world around him. And then we learn a little more of Felix’s story about he and his mom have been living in a stolen van for the past four months more

Parent depression

THINGS YOU CAN’T SAY

Parent suicide

Lasagna Means I Love you

Between the Lighthouse and You

grief

Where the Watermelons Grow

Parental schizophrenia

Sidetracked

Child with anxiety

Kat Greene Comes Clean

Parent with OCD

The War That Saved My Life

Child with PTSD

Each Tiny Spark

The True History of Lyndie B. Hawkins

Parent with PTSD

The Magical Imperfect 

Parent with depression; child with selective mutism

Good Enough

Child with eating disorder

Taking Up Space (Disordered Eating)

Child with disordered eating pattern; parent recovering from eating disorder

The Battle of Junk Mountain

Grandparent with hoarding disorder 

BREATHING UNDERWATER

OPERATION FROG EFFECT

vilonia beebee takes charge

THE YEAR WE FELL FROM SPACE

Family member’s depression

It’s July, and your kids have another month for summer reading (and maybe even time this fall!).They may be searching for some new titles and I just might have a solution. Instead of books from long ago, I’m focusing on books from the recent past. These titles are books I’ve reviewed and adored, but because they are older, you may not know about them. You may know the authors from their more recent books, but their earlier ones are books you’ll also want to know (and books you’ll find on your library’s shelves!). What are some of your favorites from the past? Please let us know in the comments.

The Space Between Lost and Found This story helps us to understand those diagnosed with Alzheimers, and how it affects everyone in the family.

The Boy at the Back of the Class 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

Dan Unmasked a story about comic books, superheroes, baseball, grief and most of all the power of friendship.

The Lonely Hearts of Maybelle Lane a story about friendship, family and gaining the understanding that taking care of someone else not only helps the recipient, but also yourself.

We Could Be Heroes this memorable tale about two delightful neurodivergent children who find friendship for the first time, will grab your heart

The List of Things That Will Not Change A book about divorce, step families, therapy, gay parents

Camp Clique story about friendship, acceptance and trust

Here In the Real World a touching tale of friendship, family, the knights’ code of chivalry and heroes. 

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.

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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We all know reading aloud to children is important. Many studies have proven this time and time again. One of my reading heroes, Jennie Fitzkee, preschool teacher and the author of the blog Teacher’s Reflections: 30 Years of Wonder, has written post after post about the importance of read alouds. Many of those posts have given me chills and some have brought tears, because they share her stories of how that daily time of sharing chapter books inspires the children in her classes to become lifelong readers. In fact, children don’t need to be preschoolers or even elementary age, they can be any age. In fact, as Donlyn Miller, author of The Book Whisperer and another one of my reading heroes, recently said “We do not age out of read alouds. (If we did the audiobook industry would not be thriving)”!

With summer coming (you can tell I’m dreaming about it from my picture!) there’s more time for family read alouds. With our busy lives, though, you just might need to be a little creative to find that time! Here are a few suggestions:

• In the sandbox
• On a swing
• During play dough time on a rainy day.
• During breakfast or lunch
• Audio books as you drive to one of the kids’ summer activities. Your library has lots of titles for downloading or books on CD. It might make those traffic jams a little more bearable for all of you!
• Audio books as you cook dinner together
• And of course, bedtime.

Now, I want to offer some titles I’m sure your entire family will enjoy. That means mom, dad and kids of all ages! Jennie Fitzkee offers some great suggestions in her post, Chapter Reading.  Here are mine!

the lost boy’s gift – by kimberly willis holt 

This sweet story is full of heart, magic, endearing characters and talking animals. It takes place on a storybook street lined with rainbow colored houses full of caring neighbors who notice the world. In one of those houses you’ll find Tilda Butter, who has lived there since her parents dropped her off when she was seven years old and never returned to take her home. Soon after Tilda arrived Aunt Sippy said something rather remarkable. She told Tilda that everyone has a special gift and it’s up to us to discover it and use it. “For a gift should never be wasted.” Shortly after that conversation, Tilda learned about her special gift. She realized she can talk to animals and bugs, and in fact has delightful conversations every day.

Now Tilda is getting new neighbors. Daniel and his mother are moving in next door, but Daniel’s dad is not coming with them. He stayed in their old townhome across the county. Daniel is very sad about his dad staying behind and about moving to a new house. He doesn’t share his mother’s feelings, or his neighbors that he is very fortunate to be living on While-a-Way Lane. He explores the neighborhood and discovers the local pond, lots of animals and lots of trees. He also makes some special friends – the lightning bugs who give him a hug when he needs it the most. And he begins to notice things about his neighbors, the animals and most of all about his mother. Maybe Daniel is learning what it means to live on While-a-Way Lane.

This warm, loving story is one you will remember for a long time. It’s one you will want to read aloud to all ages as you snuggle up together and marvel at the magic you’ll find together on While-a-Way Lane. Teachers, please read it to your class (preschool – grade 3). Librarians, please order it for your elementary library.

wishtree – by Katherine applegate

Just like almost everyone else who has reviewed this beautiful book, I truly loved it. It is such a gentle story full of empathy, compassion and friendship. It would make a wonderful read aloud from preschool through middle school. The narrator is the 253 year old red oak, Red, who has grown old, strong and beautiful while he watched his neighborhood evolve around him. He has watched immigrants from all over the world live in harmony in the houses on his street.  He is close friends with all of the animals who call him home. And most importantly he is the neighborhood Wishtree. Every year on May 1, and some other days as well, his branches are adorned with wishes from young and old. They might be silly wishes like “I wish for chocolate spaghetti”, but they also might be heartfelt wishes, such as “I wish for a friend.” This was the wish from Samar, a Muslim girl who had recently moved to the neighborhood. Unfortunately, her family had not been welcomed. Red decided he would change that. He would help Samar get a friend.

This book deserves to be on every family’s forever bookshelf and shared with everyone you know.. It’s definitely going to be on mine!

the vanderbeekers of 141st street – by karina yan glaser

When I finished this book I realized I had fallen in love with the Vanderbeeker family on the very first page! I wanted to slip right into their cozy Harlem brownstone and join one of their rousing neighborhood get-togethers. I loved every member of this caring family from Laney, the 4 ¾ year old who goes through life handing out huge hugs, to 6 year old creative animal lover Hyacinth, to 9 year old book loving Oliver, to 12 year old twins, Isa and Jessie, and of course mom and dad. This is a story about community, diversity, city living and love. It’s a perfect read aloud for the entire family. I highly recommend gathering all the kids, whatever age, cuddling up under a fuzzy blanket and reading this delightful story together. You’ll find yourself yearning for a large caring family, lots of caring neighbors and wishing you could move to 141st Street in Harlem! This is just book one. Happily there is a book 2, and you’ll get to visit them with them again in September when a third Vanderbeekers will be published. I can’t wait!

the penderwicks – by jeanne birdsall

This delightful story introduces you to the four Penderwick sisters, their loving father who sometimes speaks to them in Latin, their neighbor, Jeffrey, two pet rabbits, Hound and finally Jeffrey’s stern, high society mother. The descriptions of their adventures in a run down summer rental on the shores of Massachusetts will have your kids laughing and begging for “just one more chapter.” And the great thing is there are four books in this series!

the unlikely story of a pig in the city – by jodi kimball

This is a charming story about family, friendship, teamwork and of course, animals. Josie is one of five children in a loving, lively family living in a small townhouse in an Ohio city, who often feels overlooked. When her brother brings home a piglet on Thanksgiving, the runt of the litter from a nearby farm, Josie falls in love and knows in her heart she was meant to save Hamlet.

I especially loved the relationships the five children had with each other, as well as with their loving parents, while they struggled to happily live together in a 3 bedroom city townhome. Each of the kids tries to find his or her place in the family, where there is a lot of competition, but also a lot of support and love for one another. The teamwork among the kids when they are down to the deadline for finding a new home for Hamlet, is heartwarming and brought tears to my eyes, as well as a big smile. This is great family read aloud and a special one for Charlotte’s Web fans and Penderwick fans! And don’t miss the second book in the series, Dog Days in the City.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate Dicamillo

This book was shared at my school with all ages and was loved universally. I’m sure your family will agree!

From Good Reads: “Someone will come for you, but first you must open your heart. . . .”

Once, in a house on Egypt Street, there lived a china rabbit named Edward Tulane. The rabbit was very pleased with himself, and for good reason: he was owned by a girl named Abilene, who treated him with the utmost care and adored him completely.

And then, one day, he was lost.

Kate DiCamillo takes us on an extraordinary journey, from the depths of the ocean to the net of a fisherman, from the top of a garbage heap to the fireside of a hoboes’ camp, from the bedside of an ailing child to the bustling streets of Memphis. And along the way, we are shown a true miracle — that even a heart of the most breakable kind can learn to love, to lose, and to love again.”

These are just a few of my ideas for read alouds. I’m sure you have lots more. I’d love to hear about them in the comments!

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When a family leaves their home to immigrate to a new country or to seek asylum, they very seldom want to leave. Don’t we all find comfort in the familiar; whether it be the familiar sights, familiar foods, friends or family? Immigrants and refugees have the same feelings, just as we do. However, those who flee war torn countries in pursuit of a safe place to live and raise a family, have no choice. They are simply choosing to survive and to be safe.

In these books we meet three characters who have left behind everything and everyone who is dear to them, when their families make the decision to travel to a new country and to find a home that is safe. The characters are brave and resourceful, but also lonely as they encounter prejudice from people who don’t have an understanding or empathy for their experiences. But happily the characters also discover friendship, kindness and acceptance from so many they encounter.

All of the stories provide windows into the lives of immigrants and refugees, which is important for both children and adults to understand. In each book you’ll witness the prejudice these children encounter, simply because of their Muslim faith. But you’ll also understand the hope the immigrants experience as they begin to feel at home in their new country. And you’ll see the kindness, acceptance and support that is shown to them by their classmates, teachers and community as they search for home.

I not only hope you’ll suggest these books to your middle grade children, but I hope you will read them as well. They will break your heart a bit, but they will also offer you hope about the kindness that is possible in our country.

The Eleventh Trade 

By Alyssa Hollingsworth

This book tells the heartbreaking story of a young Afghan refugee. Sami is living in a small apartment in Boston with his grandfather. We slowly learn of the trauma and the cruelty they endured at the hands of smugglers, in refugee camps and in confinement after fleeing from the Taliban. We learn of Sami’s strength, his fierce love for his grandfather, his struggle to understand American customs and his fear of both remembering and forgetting his past.

This is a compelling story you won’t be able to put down. It’s fast paced, with adventure, friendship and soccer. You’ll learn much about Afghan culture, customs and the Muslim faith. I loved every single character, who each in their own way, was so interesting and endearing.

I was especially encouraged by the friendships Sami makes and the kindnesses he encounters  as he valiantly tries to make the necessary trades to buy back his grandfather’s prized possession, a traditional Afgan instrument called a rebab, after it is stolen. Although Sami encounters much prejudice in his new hometown of Boston, he also finds so many who are empathic and anxious to help a young refugee.  

The Eleventh Trade is another necessary #windowsandmirrors book for today. This compelling story will captivate the reader as they gain a better understanding about what a Muslim immigrant might experience as they try to make a new home for themselves in the United States.

Nowhere Boy

By Katherine Marsh

This compelling book tells the terrifying saga of fourteen year old Ahmed and his father who flee war torn Syria. During their long, perilous journey across the sea and Europe, Ahmed’s father disappears and Ahmed is alone. He finally makes it to Brussels, but he has nowhere to live and nothing to eat. That is, until he meets Max, a thirteen year old lonely American boy, who along with his family, is spending the school year in Brussels.

In this fast paced adventure story, we experience Ahmed’s year in Brussels. We understand his yearning to go to school, to play soccer and to find friends, but we also feel his crushing sadness and grief about missing his family and his homeland. And we have a window into the loneliness and terror he constantly feels about being discovered by the police. Because there are two options for immigrants who are found: 1) being sent to live in an immigrant detention center 2) being sent back to Syria.

In this middle grade novel, which is told from both Ahmed’s and Max’s point of view, we witness the growth of the friendship between Max and Ahmed. Not only is Ahmed amazingly brave and resourceful, but the experience of helping Ahmed leads Max to gain strength and confidence in himself. It leads him to have the courage to approach his Belgium classmates to join him in helping Ahmed.

You’ll have a hard time putting this compelling book down. It’s an adventure that will make you hold your breath, but you’ll need tissues as well. You’ll be rooting for both boys to find the happy endings they are hoping for. And you’ll remember Ahmed and Max for a very long time.

Other Words for Home

By Jasmine Warga

Thank you to the author @jassiewarga for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

When I received this book, I immediately noticed author, Jason Reynolds, quote on the front of the book. “This is a necessary story. We’re lucky to have it in our world.” After reading this moving MG book, I so agree.

Jude lives in Syria with her Mama, Baba and her older brother. It’s the only home she’s ever known and it’s always been a happy one. But now the fighting is getting closer and closer, her brother has moved out to join the freedom fighters and her mama is pregnant. It’s decided that she and Mama will go to America to live with her uncle’s family.  They move into her uncle’s 100 year old house on A tree lined street in Cincinnati with her uncle who is a doctor, her aunt who loves to garden and create healthy meals and her less than friendly cousin. Her aunt and uncle offer them a warm welcome, but her cousin Sarah, would rather they not be there at all.

This story, which is beautifully told in verse, offers a true glimpse into the world of an immigrant. You see the world through Jude’s eyes as she navigates the halls of her new middle school, struggles to understand the American colloquialisms she constantly hears and feels an overwhelming loneliness. You begin to understand the haven of the ESL classroom where she finds other kids, who like her, are doing their best to learn not only English but also the customs of American preteens. And as the weeks and months pass by, you understand Jude’s confusion when she feels not only love for her new home, but also an aching yearning for the people and world she left behind.

This is such an important #windowsandmirrors book, not only for MG students, but for ALL of us. It is one that needs to be on the shelf of every elementary and middle school library. PLEASE add it to your order list, right now! It will be released 5.7.19.

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When I published my post Picture Book Gift Guide 2018 last week, I promised a middle grade version and here it is! These aren’t necessarily the best books of 2018, but these are the books that touched my heart, and even though I may have read them months ago, their stories are still there. Some of them may not have even been published this year, but I was lucky enough to discover them, read them and love them in 2018. The links are to the Good Reads listing of each book, where you will also find a link to purchase them at many different venues. Many were shared with me by the authors, publishers and Kid Lit Exchange. I am very grateful to all! So here we go in no particular order!

On Christmas Eve by Ann Martin

We’ll begin with this lovely book, because this is one of my favorite middle grade December books to reread each year!

Tess truly believes in magic and that includes Santa Claus. And she has a secret. She’s going to meet him at midnight on Christmas Eve and thank him for all of the special gifts he has given her through the years. Her sister, who is in 6th grade,?cautions her that this can’t happen, but it must, because Tess has a very special Christmas wish. She wants Santa to help her best friend’s dad get well. This is a story about wishes, dreams, hope and friendship that gives you a very warm and cozy feeling. You’ll want to make it a family read aloud, if your little ones are a bit older. More

The Reckless Club by Beth Vrabel

Do you fondly recall the movie, The Breakfast Club, from many years ago? If so, The Reckless Club, will bring those memories flooding back! more

No Fixed Address by Susin Nielsen 

Felix’s story will grab you from the very first page. We immediately feel his fear about being in a police station and being questioned by a kind, but nonetheless a police officer, about his iffy living arrangements and about his quirky, but loving mom. We learn about his astute P.O.O. (powers of observation) that help him to better understand the world around him. More

Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson

Oh, my! This is a book we all need to read. It’s a book that’s perfect for reading aloud to classes from grades 4-12. It’s a book for adults to share in book clubs. It’s both a heartbreaking and joyful story that tells us about six kids who come together, and despite so many hardships and differences, grow to fiercely love, respect and support each other. More

In Your Shoes by Donna Gephart 

This is a story I will remember for a long time. It’s a story about twelve year olds, grandparents, grief, disabilities, anxiety, friendship and most of all love. More

Finding Esme by Suzanne Crowley

Esme is twelve years old and lives on a peach farm in Texas with her stoic grandmother, her mother, who isn’t really aware of her or anything else, and her little brother. Until three years ago, her dad lived there, too, but then one day he said goodbye and never returned. Her grandpa also lived in their old farm house until three months ago when his heart simply stopped working. More

Louisiana’s Way Home by Kate Dicamillo 

When you see the cover of Louisiana’s Way Home, created by Amy June Bates, you know you’re in for a treat. And then you see it’s written by Kate Dicamillo, so of course you know it’s going to be a book you’ll remember for a very long time. And it is! More

DOG DAYS IN THE CITY BY JoDi KENDALL

I was so looking forward to visiting Josie and the Schilling family in their too small townhouse that’s full of love (when they aren’t in the midst of the usual sibling bickering) again and I wasn’t disappointed. This time all the familiar neighborhood characters return, including Josie’s best friends in The Three Stoops crew. More

The truth as told by mason buttle by leslie connor 

Mason is in seventh grade, lives in a “tumbledown” with his grandma and his uncle (his mom died in a traffic accident years before), is very large for his age, has dyslexia and lost his best friend a little over a year ago. Mason and Benny were inseparable and stood together against the neighborhood bullies. More 

where the watermelons grow BY CINDY BALDWIN

I absolutely loved this middle grade book! It’s definitely one of 2018 favorites! The imagery and the sense of place shines through on every page. The reader is transported to the small, close knit, coastal North Carolina town which is full of caring people who have known each other for most of their lives. More

the vanderbeekers and the hidden garden by karina yan glaser 

Oh, I simply DID NOT want this book to end! From page one I was transported to a cozy brownstone in Harlem and entered the world of the Vanderbeeker’s. I felt the love and support all five kids have for one another, as well as the love they have for their neighbors who share their brownstone. More

the right hook of devin velma by jake burt

Oh, my, Jake Burt, who wrote one of my favorite MG novels from 2017, Witness Protection, has done it again! This book definitely gets five stars! He has written a beautiful story about friendship, extended families and the impact that social media has on our lives. More 

counting thyme by melanie conklin 

This is a heartfelt and important middle grade novel with a great sense of place that I can’t stop thinking about.✨
The Owens family left their home, their beloved grandma and their friends in San Diego, and abruptly moved to the very strange and unfamiliar world of New York City. The plan is to go home once Thyme’s beloved 5 year old brother, Val, completes his trial treatment for neuroblastoma at Memorial Sloane Kettering, but Mom and Dad are making no promises. More

the last grand adventure by rebecca behrens

First of all, when I was growing up I always loved Amelia Earhart’s story and I always had the secret hope that she survived and was living happily somewhere on a desert island. When I began my freshman year at Purdue (where Amelia was a professor) and I found myself living in Amelia Earhart Hall, I was convinced it was a sign that my secret wish was true. So when I learned about The Last Grand Adventure, I knew I had to read it, and I wasn’t disappointed. More

smart cookie by ellie swartz 

Frankie is a 6th grader with a best friend, Elliott, a dad, a gram, a beagle and a hedgehog who lives in her family’s B&B in Vermont. She and her dad are terrified of thunder and lightning, because her mom died while driving home one night during a storm. So since that time when Frankie was four years old, she, her dad and her gram have been living in and running the B&B. More 

breakout by kate messner

It’s just two weeks until summer vacation and Nora and Lizzie can’t wait. That means just two weeks of homework and morning announcements until they can celebrate the last day of school with the annual field day. It also means the new girl to Wolf Creek Middle School, Elidee, only has to endure two weeks in this awful place, which is nothing like her old school in New York City. More

rebound by kwame alexander 

Oh, my! This was my first Kwame Alexander book (I’m not certain why that is!), but it certainly won’t be my last. It’s another one of those stories you can’t stop reading, but you also don’t want to end. It is the prequel to the Newberry Award Winner, Crossover, and opens in 1988. More

Finally I want to add a link to a great post about some books you’ll want to know about it!

Gift Guide: 18 Inspiring Books Young Girls Should Read in 2018

I could include so many more titles, but I’ll stop here. Check on my Instagram account to find more of my favorites. And watch for one more post this year about chapter books and series suggestions, which is coming soon!

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It’s November and in two weeks it is Thanksgiving! How did this happen? The year is passing by so quickly, but I have to admit, autumn is my favorite time of year. I love shuffling through the leaves on my daily walks, seeing all of the pumpkins and gourds at Trader Joe’s, making lots of yummy soups and smelling my spice candles. I’ve been trying to enjoy every moment, although I’ve been a little overwhelmed during the past few months with Kid Lit. I’ve been lucky to have so many books to read and review! I’ve also been really busy with Kid Lit Exchange. We’re a group of kid lit lovers who read, review and exchange new books, many before they’ve been released. Our goal is to support the Kid Lit authors and to help our readers know about the great books that will be coming soon.  In August, the founder, @kate.olson.reads decided to step back and hand over leadership to a team. It’s been a huge project for us, but we’re succeeding. We feature the new releases each week on our blog and have lots of reviews on Instagram #kidlitexchange. I invite you to visit soon.

Now, here are some of my current favorites. I hope some will be your favorites, as well!

In Your Shoes by Donna Gephart

This is a story I will remember for a long time. It’s a story about twelve year olds, grandparents, grief, disabilities, anxiety, friendship and most of all love. There is kindness shown toward a new girl desperately searching for a friend in a new school in a new town, toward a boy who is missing his grandma and has a loving, but complicated relationship with his grandpa and with Miles’ quiet understanding and concern about Amy’s disability. ~~~
I loved so many things about this book…
~The narrator, who pops up throughout the book to add just a bit more to the story; especially the page where she writes “A Sad Truth” about losing someone. It is so true and offers comfort and understanding to those of us who are feeling that pain.
~Miles determination to save enough money to take his grandfather to the Bowling Hall of Fame
~Amy’s mom, who is always surprising her with encouraging and loving thoughts, as well as that extra little push that we all need to do the right thing.
~Finally, I loved the epilogue about Miles grandparents and Amy’s mom. I want to think of my parents experiencing the same sweet moments as they watch over all of us. ~~~
This is a book that needs to be in elementary and middle school libraries. I know it’s going to be on my bookshelf!

Middle grade ~ family ~ friendship ~ disabilities ~ kindness ~ grief

Operation Rescue Dog

written by Maria Gianferrari and illustrated by Luisa Uribe

When I saw the title of this book, I knew I had to review it! We have rescued three greyhounds over the past twelve years. In every case, we feel that we were actually the ones who were rescued. These sweet girls brought so much joy to our lives, as well as companionship, humor and of course, love. Operation Rescue Dog sweetly describes just such a situation, although this time the one who is rescued is a lonely little girl.
🐶
Alma desperately misses her Mami who has been in Iraq for three months. She convinces her Abeula (grandma) that they need to rescue a dog to surprise Mami when she returns. The dog must be the color of Mami’s eyes and have a new yellow leash, Mami’s favorite color. The adoption process proves to be quite an adventure for all of them.
🐶
This engaging story, with heartwarming, colorful illustrations and told from both Alma’s and her new dog, Lulu’s points of view, is a perfect one to share with families who have adopted a dog, or who are pondering the possibility. I must warn you though, after listening to Operation Rescue Dog, your little ones may convince you that an immediate trip to your local humane society for an “operation rescue dog” is absolutely essential for your family.

Picture book ~ families ~ animals

Run Wild Written and Illustrated by David Covel 

It may be November and the winter winds are blowing, but what do so many of us wish for our children and ourselves – one more opportunity to RUN WILD. David Covell’s words and watercolor illustrations encourage you and your little ones to do just that! These pictures leap off the page as the story follows a boy and girl gleefully romping through a forest and wading in a lake. The intriguing vocabulary will initiate lots of conversations and questions as your family’s imaginations soar. You’ll find yourself yearning for one more hike through the park or forest preserve, or maybe even a weekend at a cabin in the woods. This is definitely a title you’ll want to add to your library or shopping list!🌲

Picture book ~ nature

Finding Esme by Suzanne Crowley

Esme is twelve years old and lives on a peach farm in Texas with her stoic grandmother, her mother, who isn’t really aware of her or anything else, and her little brother. Until three years ago, her dad lived there, too, but then one day he simply said goodbye and never returned. Her grandpa also lived in their old farm house until three months ago when his heart simply stopped working. Esme desperately misses Paps and the love, acceptance and attention she only received from him. I found myself wanting to hug Esme for a very long time, to tell her she really will feel better one day and to allow her the freedom to just be a child, rather than the adult everyone expects her to be.
🍑
This story is full of magic, mystery, adventure and family. I loved Esme’s resourcefulness and determination as she worked to solve her family’s financial crisis. I loved her fierce loyalty to her friends and family, including to her beloved dinosaur, Louella Goodbones, who she discovered on the farm. And finally, I loved her courage as she began to understand her gift of finding all things, as well as her ability to see ghosts.
🍑
This is a good choice for students in grades 4-7 who are looking for a magical story, with a lot of love and adventure mixed in. It would be perfect for those students who are looking for a book “just like a Wendy Mass book”! I recommend that it be added to both elementary and middle school libraries.

Middle Grade ~ families ~ magic ~ mystery

Beatrice Zinker Upside Down Thinker: Incognito                       by Shelley Johannes

Beatrice is back in her second book, and I think I may have liked it even more than the first (which is saying a lot)! Beatrice is just beginning third grade and along with her best friend, Lenny, has a secret plan, Operation Upside. They plan to make a lot of people happy by presenting “Award of Recognition” certificates.
🔹
Here are some reasons for you to order Beatrice Zinker Upside Down Thinker: Incognito
TODAY!

🔹The characters are so much fun!
🔹I loved the quiet kindness shown by Wes as he held the school door open for his classmates every single morning, his willingness to share his art supplies, and his thoughtfulness when he handed out kindness rocks to friends who might need them.
🔹Beatrice’s love of animals, her insistence that she thinks much better upside down, her creativity as she stealthily sneaks over to her neighbor’s window and her code names for Operation Upside members all added to this charming story.
🔹Ms.Johannes delightful illustrations bring so much life to the story. I would definitely love to have some of her artwork hanging in my office. You can’t help loving every character when you see their faces!
🔹The central theme of kindness in the story including the certificates, Beatrice’s plan to reward her teacher (even though it’s not too successful!) and the empathy shown by Beatrice and Lenny toward their classmates.
🔹
This is a great book to read aloud to all ages. Those ready for a chapter book are going to devour this latest addition to the Beatrice Zinker series and will be eagerly waiting for the news of her next adventure. I know I will!

Read aloud ~ humor ~ kindness ~ beginning chapter book ~ series

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How can it suddenly be Labor Day? Every year on Memorial Day weekend I vow to make every moment of summer count. Ever since I read this column almost 20 years ago, I’ve kept this in mind. Summer is precious.

This summer we’ve had some special family visits with our children, siblings and nieces and nephews. We’ve enjoyed many long hikes both in nature and in our own city. We’ve spent countless hours on our patio reading so many, many books. We’ve walked the neighborhood with Brandy, our greyhound, and had many wonderful conversations with our neighbors. We’ve tried new restaurants and laughed with friends. These are all things we could do almost any time of the year, but somehow summer makes these memorable experiences all that much more special.

I hope you’ve had some equally great experiences and moments this summer! I especially hope you found some time to lounge with some good books. Maybe even some beach reading?! I’m sharing some of my recent finds that I don’t want you to miss. Did you find some new titles you think we should try? Please share those in the comments. Have a great Labor Day!

The Dress and the Girl

By Camille Andros

Pictures by Julie Morstad

Thank you to @kidlitexchange and @abramskids for the free review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. A little girl and her dress, a dress made by her mother on a Greek Island, long to do something “singular, stunning or sensational. For something extraordinary.” Thus begins this lovely and charming story. It’s a familiar story for so many of us, that memory of a special dress you can’t forget. I have one of those I just can’t part with. It was a “Cinderella” dress chosen in a special shopping trip with my mom. Whenever I see that pink party dress in my memory bin, I’m suddenly once again gathering chocolate Easter eggs with my brother, or bouncing out the door to one of  countless birthday parties I attended. Happily, I can say this story once again brought back those warm memories of a time long ago. And isn’t that one of the reasons we read stories?
🚢
The Dress and the Girl is made even lovelier when the lyrical words of @CamilleAndrosare are joined by the amazing illustrations of @JulieMorstad, one of my very favorite illustrators. Together they help us to understand the dreams of a little girl immigrating to the United States; the dream that maybe “now was the time for something singular, stunning or sensational. For something extraordinary.” The dream shared by immigrants a hundred years ago, as well as today.
🚢
This book is available now. It’s a “must read” to add to your library holds list or your shopping list. I know it’s going on my bookshelf!

Immigration, memories, dreams for the future

the truth as told by mason buttle  

by leslie connor  

Oh my, I just added another title to my “best of 2018” list!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Mason is in seventh grade, lives in a “tumbledown” with his grandma and his uncle (his mom died in a traffic accident years before), is very large for his age, has dyslexia and lost his best friend a little over a year ago. Mason and Benny were inseparable and stood together against the neighborhood bullies. Their refuge was always their treehouse in Mason’s family’s apple orchard. At least it used to be their happy place, until one day Mason found Benny in a heap at the bottom of the ladder, dead. And Mason’s life has never been the same. The police suspect it was his fault, as do most of the town’s people, and the lieutenant won’t let him be, even though Mason has truthfully told him his story many times.

I loved everything about this book, which is a first person narrative, but the characters in this story are especially remarkable. 🌳Mason – You feel that you know exactly how Mason is feeling. You understand his sadness, his loneliness, his frustration that he is not believed, but you also admire his trust, his kindness and his optimism that all will be better. 🌳Grandma’s faith and love for her family and her fierce determination to protect Mason.🌳Ms. Blinny’s optimism, resourcefulness and support of Mason and the other kids in her social work office, The Swoof.🌳Calvin’s sense of humor, his adventurous spirit and his kindness🌳Uncle Drum’s complete trust in, and love for Mason, even though he is dealing with many problems of his own. 🌳Moonie, Mason’s neighbor’s dog who in Mason’s opinion is “the best dog” and becomes Mason’s dog.
And more. As you can see – remarkable!
🌳This was such a hard book to stop reading! It is full of unfairness and cruelty, but is also full of so much kindness and love. It’s one you will remember for a long, long time.🌳I recommend it to middle graders in grades 4-7. You’ll find in your library now, but be prepared to wait! It’s that good!

Grief, kindness, friendship, dog stories

All are welcome

by alexandra penfold

illustrated by suzanne kaufman

This is a picture book that needs to find its way into every preschool and early elementary classroom this fall. It’s the perfect book to share at the very beginning of the new year. The vibrantly colored illustrations help to tell the story of the first day of school for many children and their families. It reminds us that all children, no matter the color of their skin, where they are from, what clothes they wear, what religion they practice or who makes up their family, have a place in the school family. Your children will recognize many familiar moments of their day from circle time, to lunchtime, to recess, to the walk home, to sharing time at dinner. It offers reassurance to children that no matter their differences, they are welcome. Something we all need to think about, wherever we are. All are welcome!

Immigration, Acceptance of Differences, Windows and Mirrors

 no fixed address

 by susin nielsen

Thank you to @randomhousekids and @kidlitexchange for a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
🚌
This is a book you truly need to read the moment it is released on 9.11.18! Felix’s story will grab you from the very first page. We immediately feel his fear about being in a police station and being questioned by a kind, but nonetheless a police officer, about his iffy living arrangements and about his quirky, but loving mom. We learn about his astute P.O.O. (powers of observation) that help him to better understand the world around him. And then we learn a little more of Felix’s story about how he and his mom have been living in a stolen van for the past four months; a situation he insists is only temporary. He insists he’s definitely NOT homeless.
🚌
This book provided everything I’m looking for in a good story. It had family, friendship, resourcefulness, lovable characters and most of all kindness. I loved that Felix was surrounded by so much kindness. Even though his quirky mom stretches the truth and is a little distrusting of the world, she has a great deal of love for Felix and so much pride. Felix’s friends, Winnie and Dylan, as well as their families, were extremely welcoming and kind to Felix. Monsieur Thibault was the caring and supportive teacher we all hope our children will have. Even Mr. and Mrs. Ahmadi showed great kindness to Felix, once they realized his situation, even though he had stolen a banana from their store. I loved how all of these characters worked together to support Felix and his mom, when they finally understood their situation.
🚌
This is my first Susan Nielsen book, but I’m sure it won’t be my last! It needs to be in every public and middle school library. Be sure it’s on your fall order!

Kindness, Homelessness, Friendship, Resourcefulness, Pride

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2018 is proving to be an amazing year for children’s literature. I’ve shared many of my favorites this spring and summer, but my list keeps growing! School may have started, but I hope you’ll still be taking trips to the library. Here are more favorite kids’ books to add to your list, or maybe your children will find them in their school libraries.

be kind by pat Zietlow miller

We need so much more kindness in our world! A great place to start making this happen is during read alouds with our little ones. Be Kind is the perfect conversation starter! It not only tells the story of how kindness in a classroom can happen, but also in the neighborhood and at home. It helps children to understand that kindness is friendliness, patience and working to right a wrong. It can be a small gesture, or something more, that will lead to a greater kindness. I highly recommend this very special book be shared with children 3 – 8 years old, both in classrooms and home. It’s definitely one you’ll want to add to your family library.🌼

Kindness, empathy, friendship, school

I Walk with Vanessa: A story about a simple act of kindness by Kerascoët

This charming wordless picture book won my heart when I saw the cover and after “reading” the story I knew I needed a copy of my own. It tells the story of a young girl who has just moved into the neighborhood and is new at school, a boy who isn’t very kind, and a teacher and classmates who show little empathy to the girl’s plight. No one asks her to join the class basketball game or sit with them. After school she’s left to walk home alone, ignored by all except one little boy who says some unkind things. Since it’s a wordless book, we don’t know what was said, but the colorful and expressive illustrations – especially the interaction of the two children which is contained within a bright red cloud of color, leave us no doubt as to what unkind words might have been said. We quickly realize no one has noticed the altercation, except for one little girl. She is obviously bothered by what she saw and shares her concern with her friends. Overnight she isn’t able to forget, and the sadness lingers during her happy family breakfast. But then she suddenly has an idea about how to help the little girl.

Your little ones will be able to find so many details in this book as you all retell the story over and over again.  The vivid illustrations of the characters’ expressions will leave no doubt in children’s minds about what they are thinking and feeling.They will recognize the familiar situation of a moving truck arriving and a new family moving in, whether they have moved themselves or they have a new neighbor. They will be able to imagine how a new girl feels, and they can theorize why someone might choose to bully a newcomer. The story will provide you with the perfect introduction to talk about what they can do to welcome newcomers to their neighborhood and school, about teasing, about name-calling and about being an ally, and especially about how one small act of kindness can mean so much.

The book offers a useful guide with suggestions about helping someone who is being bullied, as well as some helpful words to use during your discussions. And finally, don’t forget to notice the difference in the end papers from the beginning of the story to the end. Those alone are a wonderful thing to discuss with your children! I recommend this book be added to your home library, as well as to every public and school library for ages 4 – 7.

Kindness, empathy, friendship, school

50 States Fun Facts: celebrate the people, places and food of the usa!

and the 50 states activities book 

by Gabrielle Balkan

Thank you to @kidlitexchange for sharing these books with me. All opinions are my own.
🚘
Are you going to be traveling this fall? If that includes a road trip, a flight or even the possibility of some rainy days, these books should definitely be in your suitcase! Both are exceptionally detailed guide books with colorful illustrations, which will help both you and your kids learn more about the cities or states you’re visiting, as well as plan your trip. You will learn fascinating, and sometimes obscure facts, as well as the usual facts we all learned when we studied the states and cities in elementary school. For example, did you know there is a tiger sanctuary in Missouri or that shark attacks in New Jersey inspired the movie, Jaws? The city guide will also help you find lots of special places to visit, that you might not know about. I especially loved reading the Portland guide which told me about The Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden, Mount Tabor, (an extinct volcano), as well as their Art museum, Museum of Science and Industry and Holocaust Memorial. It makes me want to plan a trip soon! Both books also include detailed indexes to help you easily find what you’re looking for. The activity book even includes a fold-out map/poster and 50 stickers! These books would be great additions to your family library.

Activity books, geography, 

the cure for cold feet: a novel in small moments by beth ain

Thank you to @kidlitexchange for sharing the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
🌺
Izzy is in sixth grade. Not only is she navigating middle school, she’s also adjusting to her parents’ divorce, her father’s new fiance, her mother’s new girlfriend (who just happens to be the mother of one of the FOUR ANNOYING BOYS from elementary school) and her adored older brother who has dyed his hair blue and abandoned her for his own friends. 🌺
Both middle graders and middle school kids will find a lot of themselves in this wonderful novel in verse. They will find much reassurance to learn their struggles with friendship, first crushes and family issues are not unusual, but actually very normal. I especially loved the relationship between Izzy and her mom. It made me think this would be a perfect story to partner read with your daughter. It provides so many opportunities to begin a conversation about the angsts of growing up, as well as to share many laughs. 🌺
I highly recommend The Cure for Cold Feet. This is a book that needs to be added to both elementary and middle school libraries.

Novel in verse, middle school, divorce, friendship, family 

where the watermelon grows by cindy baldwin

Thank you to the author for a review copy of this middle grade book. All opinions are my own.

I absolutely loved this middle grade book! It’s definitely one of my 2018 favorites! The imagery and the sense of place shines through on every page. The reader is transported to the small, close knit, coastal North Carolina town which is full of caring people who have known each other for most of their lives. You feel the heat and humidity as they struggle to survive the drought that is threatening their livelihoods. And Baldwin’s vivid descriptions of the characters make them come alive. You feel their kindness and their eagerness to help one another. You know exactly how they look, and what their passions are. This provides a great foundation for the important story about Della and her family.
🍉
Della is twelve years old and yearns to have a “normal” mom who gives her hugs, doesn’t worry that many of her favorite foods will make her sick and isn’t a germ aphobic. However, Della’s mom suffers from schizophrenia, so Della never quite knows what to expect from Mama. Mama has been better for a few years, but Della and her daddy begin to realize, that in addition to their need to deal with the record breaking heat and drought that is threatening their farm, they must also face the fact that she is suffering a relapse; a fact they strive to keep secret from everyone, even Della’s grandparents.
🍉
My heart ached for Della as she blamed herself for Mama’s illness, wondered if she, too, would suffer from schizophrenia when she was older and tried her best to keep the family secret. She felt completely alone, even though many neighbors reached out to help.
🍉
This is such an important story. So many families are living with a similar situation, and they, like Della’s family are keeping it a secret. But as Della’s daddy tells her after her mama returns to the hospital, schizophrenia is an illness like cancer is and they shouldn’t be ashamed. Most importantly, when the secret is shared with friends and loved ones, families will learn they are surrounded by so many caring people who want to help, just as Della learned about the kindness, support and understanding that was right there for her, if she would just accept it. People who not only would give her a hug, but would help her to understand that she was not at fault, that Mama will always have her good and bad days, but that her Mama will always love her. This is a book that should be in every elementary and middle school collection, as well as in the offices of school and hospital counselors. It offers a mirror to the kids in this situation; a mirror they need so badly.

Kindness, mental health, family, community, schizophrenia

what are some favorites you’ve found this summer? Please share them with
all of us in the comments below!

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Can you believe it’s the middle of July? The summer is truly flying by, but I’m trying to enjoy every moment. Of course, that means finding time to discover lots of new favorite reads for your summer reading, which I want to share with you. There’s a Young Adult, a middle grade, an early chapter book and one very special picture book. Let me know what books you’ve discovered this summer!

Everything You Need for a Treehouse
by Carter Higgins

Oh, my! I was so looking forward to this book and I can happily say it was absolutely worth the wait! This delightful story, along with Emily Hughes’ charming illustrations transport us into the woods and to that treehouse we’ve always dreamed of owning. It describes the adventures we’ve always hoped of experiencing and are definitely on our wishlist for our children.
🌳
This story is a perfect one to read aloud to your little ones of any age this summer. You and your kids can allow your imaginations to run wild, as you read each page and discover each hidden gem of every imaginative treehouse. You can enjoy the word choice such as speckles of sun (my favorite) or warble or rustle and let the heartwarming illustrations help you to figure out the meanings. You can reread the story as your children close their eyes and allow them to simply listen to all of the imaginatively described sounds of the wild. Finally, you can imagine your perfect treehouse together, and dream of the day when that treehouse becomes real!
🌳
I highly recommend this picture book be added to every family’s library and to every library collection. It’s certainly going to find a home on my bookshelf!

meet yasmin by Saadia Faruqi

Thank you to @kidlitexchange for sharing this book. All opinions are my own.
🌺
I am always on the lookout for new early chapter book series and this is a truly special one! It reminded me of the Katie Woo series, which if you understood how much I love Katie, you would know that’s a huge compliment! Not only is it perfect for those little ones who are yearning to move beyond readers to chapter books, but as an extra bonus the main character is a delightful, imaginative and spirited girl from a multigenerational Pakistani American family. The bright, colorful artwork perfectly illustrates the story, which includes many Urdu words and traditions. I loved the fact that there is a Urdu dictionary in the back, as well as questions to help guide the discussion of the story, facts about Pakistan and an art project.
🌺
This endearing series will be released August 1. Librarians order it now and be sure to order lots of copies!

the way the light bends   by Cordelia Jensen

Thank you @kidlitexchange for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This young adult book is my second novel in verse by @cordeliajensen and it was just as memorable as the first!

Linc and Holly are virtual twins. Holly was adopted as an infant from Ghana and Linc was surprisingly born a short time later. As children, Linc and Holly were inseparable, even though it soon became apparent that Holly was a high achiever and Linc was more imaginative and creative. Their parents, a doctor and a historian, quickly begin to favor Holly and to wonder why Linc has so little academic success. As the girls grow older, their lives become  more and more different, especially when their mother shows so much pride in Holly’s accomplishments and so much disappointment about Linc’s.

This is a story about finding yourself, about family and about the different ways to define success. It is the story of Linc and Holly, virtual twins, sophomores in high school in New York City. It is the story of their closeness while they were growing up, but also about how they have grown apart in their teen years. It is about the loneliness that Linc experiences because her parents value Holly’s academic and athletic success over her artistic success. It is about Holly’s search to gain a real understanding of her background and of the country where she was born.

I flew through this book, which is especially easy to do with books in verse, but the story itself made me want to keep reading every chance I got. I was fascinated by Linc’s pursuit of finding a way she could succeed, and her creative pursuit of photography to achieve that goal. My heart was breaking for Linc as her mother again and again refused to accept her pursuit of artistic goals; as she constantly chastised Linc for failing to work up to her potential, rather than recognizing her achievements. I found myself cheering Linc and Holly on, hoping that their parents would become more open minded, both about Linc’s artistic interests and Holly’s need to understand her heritage, and that she and Holly would find some understanding for one another. This is a book that will provide a mirror for many readers who are trying to find a place to belong.

This story in verse is best for those in grades 8 and up. It deserves a spot in every library. 

From Me to You   by K.A. Holt

Thank you @kidlitexchange for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Amelia is in 8th grade. Three years ago, her sister, Clara, died in a boating accident on their small town’s lake. And Amelia simply can’t move on. The grief is just too much. Her best friend has stuck with her, as has her sister’s best friend, Stitch, as well as all of the citizens of her small community, but it just hasn’t helped. Even her mom and dad have seemed to move on and left Amelia to face her grief by herself, at least that’s how she feels. ✨
Oh, I loved this story for so many reasons! I loved the support, patience, understanding and love that Amelia received from her best friend, Taylor, from Taylor’s grandmother, Mrs. Grant and from Stitch. All of them, along with so many more people in their small town were feeling the sadness of Clara’s death, but always put Amelia first. I loved the closeness of Amelia’s family as they struggled to find a new normal and renewed happiness. But I especially loved Mrs. Grant. We all need a grandmother like her who understands that her unbelievable grilled cheese sandwiches and chocolate shakes will not solve all of our problems, but it’s certainly a great place to start. And then willingly listens to us with a gentle ear and a big hug. I loved the support Amelia received from her sister’s friends who were on the boat with her that fateful day, even though they were dealing with their own grief and guilt. And their immediate agreement to help her with a crazy plan that might help all of them, as well as the rest of the town, to move forward. ✨
Even though Amelia is in eighth grade, and some of the main characters are in high school, this middle grade story is one that is completely acceptable for anyone in grades 4-8. From You to Me is one that will be enjoyed and loved by anyone looking for an inspiring book, which is full of heart. It needs to be added to both public and school library collections. ✨

REMEMBER, YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON:

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