These past few months I have been rediscovering the wonderfulness that is middle grade literature. When I taught fifth grade I read middle grade books all.the.time so that I could keep up on the genre and be able to recommend and introduce my students to amazing books. However, since teaching I slowly stopped reading as many middle grade books in a way that progressed so gradually that I hardly even noticed. But then, I started seeing and hearing about all these beautiful new releases and I just HAD to get in on the fun. Now I am happily enjoying middle grade books just as much as ever and today I couldn’t resist sharing the last seven that I read because they are all just so wonderful. Each one is a new or upcoming release (with the exception of ECHO which was released in 2015) and I loved them all.
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“York: The Shadow Cipher” by Laura Ruby and Dave Stevenson- This book is full of codes and mystery and riddles that young detective-minded readers will adore. It reminded me of a middle grade book version of the movie “National Treasure” which I love. (If you haven’t watched it, check it out immediately!) The plot was pretty stagnant with the exception of each progressing clue and that normally would bore me except for the fact that the writing was full of so much wit and the characters were so spunky and likable that I didn’t mind a bit. The only thing I didn’t like was the fact that the ending left so many unanswered questions and now I have to wait for the sequel!
Short Synopsis: In this story a cipher (or intricate puzzle) has been left behind in new york from a famous inventor due by the name of Morningstar’s in 1798 which should leave to a discovery of incredible value. The clues are hidden all over New York city and the book takes place mostly in the present day where a few unlikely friends band together to try and solve it in the attempt to save their apartment building from being torn down for a new building. Things aren’t quite what they seem, however, and it appears that there are more secrets to be found than they bargained for.
“The Girl Who Drank The Moon” by Kelly Barnhill- You know those books that come out of nowhere and make your head spin with all the thoughts and concepts it introduces you? That is this book. It is full of the most beautiful and poignant metaphors that had me delving through layers of meaning and ideas and I loved every second of it. It is so beautifully written that I could hardly put it down because I was hanging on every word. Let’s just say it’s no surprise that this book has a medal.
Short Synopsis: It is about a young girl named Luna who got sacrificed by her community to a witch who then accidentally fills her with magic by feeding her moonlight. Upon discovering this she decides to hide the magic and all memories of it from Luna until her eleventh birthday. What ensures is Luna’s journey to discovering who she is, the dark secrets of the people who abandoned her and, most importantly, the power of hope over fear.
“Dragons Green (Worldquake)” by Scarlett Thomas- This book is a fun fictional adventure of children who are on a mission to save a library of books to protect the magic that they hold. Although it features many cliche elements of it’s genre, there are some ideas that feel fresh and new. I can especially see this book being popular with middle graders who love fantasy card games and video games. It is also the beginning a new series and I’m sure it will be well received and embraced by many.
Short Synopsis: Effie Truelove is a young girl who possesses the power of magic but doesn’t realize it and struggles to understand it as it reveals itself in her because she lives in a world that mostly discredits all credibility of it. Along the way she makes some unlikely friends, all of which are discovering their magical powers along with her and the small group end up banding together to complete a mission of saving her grandfathers books which all turn out to be magical portals that leave the reader a powerful token upon completion of passing through. It is vital that they save them to keep this power from the wrong hands and in order to save the world.
“The Crowns of Croswald” by D.E. Night (releases July 21)- This is one of those books that I simply couldn’t put down! Seriously, so much fun to read! The mystery and delightful magical details like fields of purple Slurry flowers that glow pulled me in and I could hardly put it down. Let’s just say it is one that you don’t want to miss and one that I am anxiously awaiting the sequel for.
Short Synopsis: Ivy Lovely is a scaldron maid in the kitchens of a large and very boring castle who never dreamed that her life could be much more. However, things take an exciting turn the day she gets thrown out for making a mess and finds herself picked up by a majestic, flying cabby and delivered to the prestigious school Halls of Ivy to learn magic. Along the way she discovers her secret past and her grand destiny that include her fate in bringing peace to the magical world she just got introduced to and already loves.
“Echo” by Pam Munoz Ryan- Oh how I love this book! I read a library copy but you can bet I will be purchasing one for my bookshelves and begging my kids to read it when they are older. This is the type of book that dances it’s way into your heart, pulls on your emotions, and stays inside your heart long after it is read. I honestly cannot praise it enough! All the thought and brilliance that Pam weaved into this book is sheer art and perfection. Another book so well deserving of its award!
Short Synopsis: This book is essentially three main stories and two side stories all rolled into one, which results in the most masterful story and one that is difficult to explain. It starts with a young boy who comes across three cursed sisters in a forest who plead for his help and give him a magical harmonica to pass on as a messenger to worthy individuals who need to find their way. The harmonica gets passed to three different children in three very different situations and locations during the time of World War 2. Each story is one that is touching and each one is connected in incredible ways. The climax in the ending is where everything comes together and is one you don’t want to miss!
“The Unicorn in the Barn” by Jacqueline Ogburn and Rebecca Green (releases July 17th)- This is a book that I wish had been released when I was a child. The eight year old me especially would have adored it and I am sure it would have been one of my favorites. Especially with it’s inclusion of so many magical creatures! Its slow, sweet and perfectly endearing. The type of book that you want to cuddle up with and read outside under the sunshine on a lazy afternoon.
Short Synopsis: Eric Harper is surprised one day to learn that his new neighbors, who just moved in and started a vet business, have a magical secret that they are hiding. They caretakers not only to your average pet, but to magical creatures as well! Once Eric learns this secret he finds himself drawn to these animals, particularly and expecting unicorn, and becomes very involved in their care. Along the way he makes a dear friend, learns some important lessons about life, and discovers that his family has secrets of their own waiting to be discovered.
“Real Friends” by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham: Confession, this is the first graphic novel that I have ever read! It’s true! I have never been a huge comic fan (with the exception of Calvin and Hobbes of course) so I haven’t been that interested in reading a graphic novel. However, when this one was released by one of my favorite children’s book authors, I knew it was time to give them a try. And guess what? I really enjoyed it! This book was a lot more raw and real than I expected it to be and I loved that. I found myself relating to bits of Shannon’s childhood and you can totally tell that she put her heart into this book. Plus, LeUyen’s illustrations are perfection.
Short Synopsis: This book is a loose memoir of the Shannon Hale’s childhood. It’s focus is on her friendships that came and went through her middle grade years. That’s pretty much it as far as a plot line, but it leaves a lot of room for fun anecdotes and creates a good picture of the awkwardness and progression of that age group. In this book you see the struggles and triumphs she has in these friendships and it really is beautifully done.
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