Middle Grade Books: Chapter 2

middle grade reading list.

Last week we shared Chapter 1 of our Middle Grade Book List, a compilation of the favorite books of our brilliant friends, a few book industry people we know, a few passionate librarians we love, our readers, and of course us and all of our amazing bookworm kids. I was thrilled to hear that Scarlet picked up Stick Dog Tries To Take the Donuts based on Clare’s recommendation last week and loved it. Here are 9 more to pick up or reserve at the library!

Wonder by R. J. Palacio

Wonder is a rare gem of a novel–beautifully written and populated by characters who linger in your memory and heart. August Pullman is a 10-year-old boy who likes Star Wars and Xbox, ordinary except for his jarring facial anomalies. Homeschooled all his life, August heads to public school for fifth grade and he is not the only one changed by the experience.

Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales: The Underground Abductor (An Abolitionist Tale about Harriet Tubman) by Nathan Hale

Araminta Ross was born a slave in Delaware in the early 19th century. Slavery meant that her family could be ripped apart at any time, and that she could be put to work in dangerous places and for abusive people. But north of the Mason-Dixon line, slavery was illegal. If she could run away and make it north without being caught or killed, she’d be free. Facing enormous danger, Araminta made it, and once free, she changed her name to Harriet Tubman. Tubman spent the rest of her life helping slaves run away like she did, every time taking her life in her hands. Nathan Hale tells her incredible true-life story with the humor and sensitivity he’s shown in every one of the Hazardous Tales—perfect for reluctant readers and classroom discussions.

El Deafo by Cece Bell

Going to school and making new friends can be tough. But going to school and making new friends while wearing a bulky hearing aid strapped to your chest? That requires superpowers! In this funny, poignant graphic novel memoir, author/illustrator Cece Bell chronicles her hearing loss at a young age and her subsequent experiences with the Phonic Ear, a very powerful—and very awkward—hearing aid.

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

After Reynie Muldoon responds to an advertisement recruiting “gifted children looking for special opportunities,” he finds himself in a world of mystery and adventure. The 11-year-old orphan is one of four children to complete a series of challenging and creative tasks, and he, Kate, Constance, and Sticky become the Mysterious Benedict Society.

Quinny and Hopper by Adriana Brad Schanen

“This is a delightful, amusing chapter book with lively, relatable characters. Black-and-white drawings add to the overall mood of the story. Fans of Sara Pennypacker’s Clementine and Judy Blume’s Super Fudge will flock to this entertaining chapter book.”―School Library Journal

Wildwood : The Wildwood Chronicles by Colin Meloy

Wildwood is a spellbinding tale full of wonder, danger, and magic that juxtaposes the thrill of a secret world and modern city life. Original and fresh yet steeped in classic fantasy, this is a novel that could have only come from the imagination of Colin Meloy, celebrated for his inventive and fantastic storytelling as the lead singer of the Decemberists. With dozens of intricate and beautiful illustrations by award-winning artist Carson Ellis, Wildwood is truly a new classic for the twenty-first century.

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell

This is the story of Karana, the Indian girl who lived alone for years on the Island of the Blue Dolphins. Year after year, she watched one season pass into another and waited for a ship to take her away. But while she waited, she kept herself alive by building shelter, making weapons, finding food, and fighting her enemies, the wild dogs. It is not only an unusual adventure of survival, but also a tale of natural beauty and personal discovery.

The Wishing Spell (The land of stories) by Chris Colfer (yes, Kurt Hummel from Glee)

The Land of Stories tells the tale of twins Alex and Conner. Through the mysterious powers of a cherished book of stories, they leave their world behind and find themselves in a foreign land full of wonder and magic where they come face-to-face with the fairy tale characters they grew up reading about.

The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney

“A likable hamster narrates this novel for newly independent readers….Birney succeeds in developing the animal’s character without the narrative becoming too cute or contrived. Humphrey’s views underscore the importance of knowing the full story before making judgments, and his presence makes a positive difference in the lives of the people he meets. All in all, a winning book that will appeal to children who like tales about animals, school life, and friendship.”—School Library Journal

Did we miss your favorite?

by

2 Comments

Amanda

I have a ten-year-old boy as well and was looking for just the thing for him. He’s a pretty big jock but loves sci-fi geeky stuff as well. I think I’ll give wonder a try, thanks for the recommendation.

Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *