MORE 'MIDDLE-GRADE-FICTION' POSTS
Nothing about this novel is wholly ideal except possibly its intentions and its ability to charm some readers into a general state of submission. The question now is: Are you such a reader?
Oo. The penultimate list! We've had a fun ride but it's almost over. So today, enjoy books for older child readers. Tomorrow? Picture Books!
Ms. de León takes a learning opportunity for kids and couches it in enough chase sequences and fistfights to almost make you forget how much information is crammed into this little package. Prepare for exciting nuance!!
From the food to the clothing, the weather to the history, this is a book worth discovering and adoring. Go on. Read it. You’ll feel lucky that you had.
Typical bully books lack nuance. This book? A deeply nuanced take, unafraid to declare loudly that when it comes to human nature, there are no easy answers.
In Zia Erases the World author Bree Barton takes on that challenge. Her concept is small, even silly, when you hear it. But the implications? You may find yourself grasping for words to describe them.
The Last Mapmaker offers readers proof positive that you can write succinctly, sacrificing nothing, while showing your readers absolutely everything.
The Lock-Eater is a marvelous example of how you may render old ideas new, if only you’ve the ability to combine smart, timely writing with the current zeitgeist. Our kids are lucky they get to tap into books like this. Let’s hope for more of the same.
I review the latest from Kyle Lukoff and, yes, there will be spoilers. A brave title for a time when we need brave books for kids more than ever.
Let's talk about the great middle grade novels of 2021 a little early this year! A collected list of some of the best books my librarians and I have seen.