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lakecountylibrary · 4 years

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Magical Reads for Middle Grade

Cathy recommends some perfect middle grade reads for our Imagine Your Story summer reading theme!

A Tale Of Magic by Chris Colfer

AR book level: 6.3, 18.0 points Lexile 890

In a time when reading is forbidden for girls, and performing magic is a crime, Brystol savors every book she can get her hands on. In an effort to read more, she takes a job cleaning the library. One night, in a secret section of the library, she discovers the book The Truth About Magic by Celeste Weatherberry. Brystol learns that she has magic within herself and her world changes forever.

Magic and adventure abound in this first book in a new series that is a prequel to Colfer's The Land of Stories series. Learn about young Xanthous, Skylene, and Tangerina and other fairies, before they were a part of the Fairy Council. This book is for everyone who fell in love with the popular The Land of Stories series. (The second book in this series is due in September.)

Emily Windsnap and The Pirate Prince by Liz Kessler

AR book level: 3.9, 7.0 points Lexile 530

Emily is traveling on a cruise ship with her mom and boyfriend, Aaron, when Aaron is taken prisoner by pirates! Emily must join forces with a scruffy pirate prince, Sam, to save Aaron. Making things more difficult, Sam finds himself in a contest with his ruthless brother, in which they must figure out difficult riddles and complete tasks to locate the Trident's Treasure. Helping Sam win the contest may be the only way Emily has to ever see Aaron again. Unfortunately for Emily, the pirates consider mermaids to be bad luck, so Emily must try to remain in her human form or risk being found out.

Full of fantasy and adventure, this eighth book in the Emily Windsnap series is winner!

A Tale of Highly Unusual Magic by Lisa Papademetriou

AR book level: 4.9, 8.0 points Lexile: 710

Kai and Leila are on opposite sides of the world. Kai is in Texas visiting her great-aunt and Leila is visiting family in Pakistan. Each girl discovers a copy of a beautiful old book, The Exquisite Corpse. But how disappointing, beside the title page and one page of print, the books are blank.

But, someone has handwritten the name “Ralph T. Flabbergast” on the printed page. Kai takes out her pen and writes, “was a complete fool” after it. The next time she opens the book, someone has written about Ralph. In fact, every time either Kai or Leila open their books, more and more of the story of Ralph and his friend, Edwina Pickle, appears on the pages in each of their copies! Sometimes Kai or Leila add comments to the story and those appear in each of their copies as well!

Not only is A Tale of Highly Unusual Magic the tale of a magical book narrating Ralph T. Flabbergast and Edwina Pickle's turn of the century story, but it is also a tale about Kai's and Leila's summer adventures and their connections to the past. A magical and engaging summer read indeed!

See more of Cathy’s recs...

#the land of stories #emily windsnap #middle grade fiction #fantasy #a tale of magic #chris colfer #liz kessler #a tale of highly unusual magic #lisa papademetriou #LCPL recs #cathysrecs #recommended reading #YES recs

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lakecountylibrary · 4 years

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eBooks and Testable Books

Suggestions from LCPL Youth Librarians

We’ve put the summaries, links to check out the books, and our reviews under a cut to save your dash (you’re welcome).

We’ve made sure to note the AR and Lexile levels (and point value) of these books for middle schoolers who are required to read within a certain range of levels for their school. If your school requires you to choose books that have tests available, these books are also likely candidates - they’re not too new or too obscure (but check with your school to make sure!)

And, of course, all of them are available online in our digital collection so you can read them safely from home.

Cathy Suggests: Ban This Book by Alan Gratz AR Book Level: 4.5 Points: 7 Lexile: 690 Overdrive/Libby eBook - Overdrive/Libby audiobook

Amy Anne can't believe that her favorite book, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg, has been removed from the school library, along with several others! It seems a well-meaning parent didn't think they were appropriate for elementary school. Amy Anne starts a secret Banned Book Library in her locker. As word spreads, other students add more books, and the locker library becomes very popular. When Amy Anne attends the school board meeting, a banned book battle begins.

I love that this quiet girl, who usually keeps her thoughts to herself, finds the courage to stand up for something she believes in – books.

Class Dismissed by Allan Woodrow AR Book Level: 4.4 Points: 8.0 Lexile: 640 Overdrive/Libby eBook

Something is always going wrong in Class 507. When a science experiment goes awry, it is too much for the teacher and she resigns – right in the middle of the lesson. A mix-up prevents anyone in the office from finding out, which means... Class 507 is teacher-free! The students determine that if they don't tell anyone, they can spend the school year doing whatever they want! But how can they possibly keep everyone from finding out?

The chapters fluctuate between various student points of view, allowing the reader to get a better feel for the class. The lengths the students go through in order to keep everyone from finding out their class is teacher-free are both ingenious and hysterical. This was a fun read.

See more of Cathy’s recs

Alissa Suggests: The Unteachables by Gordon Korman AR Book Level: 5.1 Points: 8 Lexile: 740 Overdrive/Libby ebook - Overdrive/Libby audiobook

The Unteachables are the end of the middle school line. It’s where they put the worst of the worst students until they can be forced onto the high school to deal with. Bad behavior, delinquency, and the lowest of the low in academia find themselves here, along with Mr. Kermit – world’s most burned out, and also worst, teacher. But when a new student ends up there on accident, a ball starts into motion and the Unteachables start to show their school and the whole town that they aren’t going to be written off.

This was an enjoyable and quick read. Told in alternating chapters that bounce from the points of view of each of the students as well as Mr. Kermit, their teacher, the novel slowly unfolds the Unteachables’ world, showing that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to these kids. Though a little slow to start and slightly outlandish when it comes to some of the plot points, readers will quickly be swept away with the story. What really drew me to the book was the growth of each of the characters and how their hope and determination grew with every page. You can’t help but root for them and the ending is very satisfying. I highly recommend this book for anyone, especially if you have ever felt that you don’t fit in or can’t make it academically. You might even find the Unteachables inspiring. I know I did.

Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams AR Book Level: 4.5 Points: 8 Lexile: 670 Overdrive/Libby ebook

Genesis is tired of moving. Tired of seeing all their things strewn out across the lawns of houses they’ve been kicked out of. Most of all she’s tired of being in her own skin, skin too dark according to the kids at school, her grandma, her dad, and herself. When her Dad pulls a miracle and get them a nice house in the upscale Farmington Hills, Genesis starts at the swanky middle school there and starts to hope that things will be different this time. When the cracks start to show again, threatening this new beginning, Genesis knows she must do whatever it takes to fix her family and fix herself so she can finally really look like her Mama and make her Dad proud

Genesis’s story is both enthralling and heartbreaking. Williams’ story specifically highlights many of Genesis’s experiences as an African American and what it’s like to be very dark skinned and the societal aggression she receives because of it. Her story and honest narration is very identifiable. Genesis hates herself, and it takes a long time for her to realize it. Sometimes it can be so easy to fall into self-hatred and focus on any reason to put yourself down.

Though a hard read, this story is too important to pass up. It not only speaks to young people of color who have directly experienced what Genesis has, but also reaches out to anyone who harbors pain and negativity about themselves. It is a story of hope, new beginnings, and persevering to find your best self.

See Alissa’s recs

#LCPL recs #YES recs #alissasrecs #cathysrecs #middle grade novels #graphic novel #ban this book #genesis begins again #the unteachables #class dismissed #contemporary fiction #alicia d williams #gordon korman #allan woodrow #alan gratz

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lakecountylibrary · 4 years

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Middle Grade Contemporary Reads

Suggestions from LCPL Youth Librarians

Cathy Suggests: Restart by Gordon Korman AR book level: 5.1 Points: 9 Lexile: 730 Overdrive/Libby ebook - Overdrive/Libby audiobook

Chase wakes up in a hospital room, after falling off a roof, and doesn't recognize his mom or his brother - he doesn't even know his own name! When he returns to school, he gets different reactions from different people. Some people treat him like a hero – he was the star of his school's football team, but most kids seem terrified of him. He needs to remember who he was and he must figure out who he wants to be.

This is a wonderful read about engaging characters and second chances, and one of my favorite books.

The Friendship War by Andrew Clements AR book level: 5.0 Points: 5 Lexile: 770 Overdrive/Libby ebook

When Grace collects several boxes of old buttons, she starts a fad at school. Can you imagine, the kids are trading, collecting and fighting over buttons!

An enjoyable read, this book illustrates how easily a fad can start, get out of control, and how it can affect those who take part in it.

See more of Cathy’s recs

Carla Suggests: The VanderBeekers of 141st Street by Karina Glaser AR book level: 5.3 Points: 7 Lexile: 810 Overdrive/Libby ebook

When the five VanderBeeker children learn their landlord will not renew their lease at their beloved brownstone, they formulate a plan to convince their landlord to change his mind---and they only have until Christmas.

Children will adore this large, quirky family. You will laugh out loud at the antics the children create in order to save the only home they’ve ever known.

The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall AR book level: 4.7 Points: 8 Lexile: 800 Overdrive/Libby ebook - Overdrive/Libby audiobook

The Penderwick sisters look forward to a wonderful summer vacation at the magical Arundel hall. After befriending Jeffery, the girls realize they are in for a summer they will never forget.

This is a great read for fans of Little Women! Children will laugh at the misadventures of the four sisters being raised by their dad as they explore and play during a summer at Arundel. By the end, you will wish to visit Arundel too!

See more of Carla’s recs

#LCPL recs #YES recs #carlasrecs #cathysrecs #middle grade novels #contemporary fiction #restart #gordon korman #the friendship war #andrew clements #the vanderbeekers of 141st street #karina glaser #the penderwicks #jeanne birdsall

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lakecountylibrary · 4 years

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Let Your Book Take You Away!

Middle grade reads for summer, suggested by Alissa and Cathy

Alissa recommends: Stargazing by Jen Wang (Contemporary fiction, graphic novel) Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga (Contemporary fiction, poetry)

Cathy recommends: Swindle by Gordon Korman (Contemporary fiction, humor) Loot: How to Steal a Fortune by Jude Watson (Contemporary fiction, heist novel)

Summaries, our reviews, and links to check out below!

Stargazing by Jen Wang, color by Lark Pien Lexile: 510 Scholastic Reading Counts:19 points AR: 2.5 level 1 point Overdrive/Libby ebook

Christine and Moon are as different as can be. Perfectionist Christine sees Moon as everything she isn’t, confident, unique, and free. When Moon and her Mom move into Christine’s guest house, the two become friends and Moon opens up her life to Christine, including telling her about the visions she receives of celestial beings. As Christine tries to figure out who she wants to be, Moon struggles with her anger and then has to come to terms with the real consequences of her visions.

This tale of friendship is poignant and feels real. It is easy to identify with both the characters. Wang’s easy style shows their world with clarity. The two friends struggle with their own ideas of themselves and the world, making this a perfect coming of age story.

Something I specifically like about this books is the two different looks at Asian American culture. On the one side Christine feels a lot of pressure from her parents’ expectations and her own expectations. Moon on the other hand is much more free in her upbringing, and lives as a vegetarian Buddhist. The two of them make mistakes but they find ways to make up for them. Their story is one of hope and new beginnings.

Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warge Lexile: 930 Scholastic Reading Counts: 10 points AR: 5.3 level 5 points Overdrive/Libby ebook - Overdrive/Libby audiobook

As it becomes increasingly dangerous to stay in Syria, Jude and her mother are sent to live with her uncle in America. In this new temporary home she struggles to fit in and worries about her father as well as her politically involved brother who is missing. But as time goes by Jude learns how to grow into herself and find peace with both the places she has called home.

This novel is one that brings awareness of what it is like for some Syrian refugees. Jude deals with the scary reality of war coming to her home in Syria, and then experiences Islamophobia in America. Her narrative highlights a real picture of her home country, as the place she loved and called home, not just of devastation and war. Though a deep subject, it is delivered in verse that is easy to read and understand.

This is a great conversation starter and not only gives voice to those experiencing this crisis, but gently sheds light on the politically tense and often misunderstood experiences of the Syrian people.

See more of Alissa’s recs

Swindle by Gordon Korman AR book level: 4.9, 5 points Lexile: 710 Overdrive/Libby ebook Griffin Bing finds an old baseball card and is confident it's worth a fortune. The local collectibles dealer, Mr. S. Wendell Palomino, tells Griffin it’s a fake and that he’ll only give him $100 for it, that’s all that it’s worth. Later, Griffin sees Mr. Palomino on TV proclaiming what a rare card it is and that it may go for over a million dollars in an auction! Griffin had been swindled!

Griffin comes up with a plan to get his card back and enlists the help of a group of kids, each with a special “talent”. The kids find themselves up against a tough adversary in Palomino, with his scary guard dog and top-of-the-line security system.

One of the first Gordon Korman books I ever read - I enjoyed it so much I knew I had to read more. A bit of mystery, a bit of suspense, and a lot of fun!

Loot: How to Steal a Fortune by Jude Watson AR Book Level: 4.2. 8 points Lexile: 560 Overdrive/Libby ebook - Hoopla audiobook

Alfred McQuin is a notorious jewel thief. During a heist in Amsterdam, Alfred falls from a roof. As he lies dying, he tells his son, March, to “find jewels”. Although March tries to elude police after his father's death, he is picked up and turned over to child services. On the way to a group home, March meets his twin sister, Julia (nicknamed “Jules”), whom he never knew existed. The group home turns out to be a dump run by a corrupt couple, and neither March nor Jules plan to stay there. With Alfred's words guiding March, the skills Alfred taught him, along with Jules's acrobatic skills, March and Jules team up to follow in their father's footsteps.

With many twists and turns to the page-turning plot, even reluctant readers will enjoy this one!

See more of Cathy’s recs

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lakecountylibrary · 4 years

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Middle Grade Animal Stories

Suggestions from LCPL Youth Librarians

Cathy Suggests: Because of the Rabbit by Cynthia Lord AR Book level: 4.3 Points: 4 Lexile: 660 Overdrive/Libby ebook - Hoopla audiobook

Emma's dad is a game warden. The night before she starts public school, after being home-schooled, Emma goes along with her dad on a routine call. They find an adorable little bunny, someone's lost pet, not a wild rabbit, stuck in a picket fence. They bring the bunny home, just for the night, because the animal shelter is closed.

This is a sweet tale about family, friendship, and the comfort and delight of a rabbit.

Hero by Jennifer Li Shotz AR Level: 4.5 Points: 6 Lexile: 640 Overdrive/Libby ebook

Hero is a retired search-and-rescue dog. While practicing for baseball tryouts, Hero's 12-year-old owner, Ben, hits one out of the park and into a wooded area nearby. Hero searches for the ball and finds an injured puppy. Unwilling to leave the puppy in the woods, Hero forces Ben to take the puppy home. Hero is very protective of the puppy, so when the puppy goes missing, Hero is determined to find him. The search leads Hero and Ben into some serious danger, but they are determined to save the puppy's life.

I loved Hero's heartwarming relationships with both Ben and the puppy, as well as his dedication and fearlessness. Although I found the part when they were in danger upsetting, I truly enjoyed reading Hero.

Carla Suggests: Chester and Gus by Cammie McGovern AR Level: 4.7 Points: 7 Lexile 680 Overdrive/Libby ebook - Hoopla ebook

Chester, a chocolate lab, is disappointed when he doesn't receive his service dog certification; however, he finds his niche in life when he meets a ten-year-old boy with autism who needs his help and realizes he can serve in his own way.

Readers will love the relationship between Chester and his owner. Anyone who has ever had a pet will appreciate the love and dedication that Chester has for his owner especially since the boy needs his help.

#LCPL recs #YES recs #animal stories #autistic character #because of the rabbit #cynthia lord #cathysrecs #carlasrecs #chester and gus #cammie mcgovern #hero #jennifer li shotz #middle grade books

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