Let's Talk About Books
From fantasy to realism, fiction to nonfiction, middle grade to YA, there are inspirational books out there with characters exploring their Christian faith. They aren't always easy to find, so I've done the leg work for you. Choose your genre. These are my favorites. FANTASY The Prince Warriors by Priscilla Shirer Four kids are swept… Continue reading Middle Grade Christian Books
What to do when you've outgrown early elementary series, but aren't quite ready for middle grade? Check out these excellent bridge series. Whether you like historical fiction, realistic fiction, or fantasy, there's a book for everyone on this list. Even though these are targeted for boys, girls will enjoy them as well. Danger and excitement… Continue reading Series For 4th Grade Boys
4th grade is the year when kids are moving out of elementary books (K-3) and into middle grade books (5-8). Some kids need more time to acclimate to the lengthy, descriptive, middle grade books. These series are sweetly entertaining, with characters in grades 6-8, but with reading levels for grades 3-4. Definite winners for fun… Continue reading Series For 4th Grade Girls
You don't have to look any further than AGT to know Americans love magic. Magician Shin Lim stole the show in 2018 and Americans voted him the winner. Secretly, we probably all wish we could perform magic. While you work on that, check out these fantastic stories about young magicians and the magical worlds they… Continue reading Books About Magicians and Carnivals
Escape to a fantasy world where mermaids and unicorns really do exist. Looking for a successful book with a ton of sequels? The Tail of Emily Windsnap is your book. Looking for a short read with a modern day vibe? Go for Aquamarine. Are graphic novels more your thing? There's two on this list. Fish Girl… Continue reading Books About Mermaids and Unicorns
There's something about motels and inns. The adventure of being away from home. A place to rest after exploring new places. Interesting people. Are you with me? Whether you're more interested in the mom and pop roadside motel or the grand hotel in the country, there's an adventure waiting on the pages of these highly… Continue reading MG Books Set in Motels/Inns
Ever since Percy Jackson hit the shelves, kids haven't slowed in their quest for more stories about the ancient gods. Turns out, many cultures have their own set of gods and it all makes for one action-packed adventure. If you're ready for something new, check out these other fantastic series. Percy Jackson and the Lightning… Continue reading Middle Grade Mythology
Few iconic creatures stir up thoughts of fantasy worlds as well as dragons. Fans of Erin Hunter's animal series should feel right at home with the Wings of Fire series. Reluctant readers who need a good dose of absurd humor can't go wrong with How to Train Your Dragon. Those who like tales of wisdom… Continue reading Middle Grade Books About Dragons
Graphic novels are hotter than hotcakes right now. They are quick, easy, full of great artwork, and let's face it, very entertaining. These titles are a must for fans of fantasy adventure. Though I've chosen these for boys, girls will like some of these titles just as much. The same goes for the titles chosen… Continue reading Graphic Novels for Boys
You won't find any Disney fairies in these books. These stories are about the hidden Fae world of fairies, goblins, trolls, sprites, kelpies, etc. Those typically tiny creatures who live in your midst undetected until a barrier is breached between the Fae world and the human world. Books like Fablehaven and Artemis Fowl continue to… Continue reading Middle Grade Fairy Fantasy
Nothing says Halloween like witches. These books are perfect for kids who love a good scare. J. A. White loves witches and two of his books appear on this list. Roald Dahl's book is the classic. Kelly Barnhill wrote the Newbery winner. You can't go wrong with these Halloween picks. The Girl Who Drank the… Continue reading Middle Grade Witch Stories
Books with talking animals are nothing new. You need look no further than The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe or Charlotte's Web to get examples of the best. We are fascinated by the question, "What goes on in the minds of animals?" Look to these authors for a possible glimpse into their world. Pax… Continue reading Middle Grade Animal Stories
Fractured fairytales are the latest and greatest in fairytale literature. They present themselves in many different ways. Some are set in modern times. Some combine many tales into one. Some crossover between reality and make-believe. Fairytales continue to be very popular with all ages. Check out these books for a modern twist on an old… Continue reading Middle Grade Fractured Fairytales
We all love the classic fairytales, but the retellings are even better. They entertain us with all the backstory that the Grimm brothers and H. C. Andersen left out. Check out these retellings and if you love them, try out some of the other fairytales by the same authors. Rump by Liesl Shurtliff This is… Continue reading Middle Grade Fairytale Retellings
Rick Riordan staked his claim on the adventure fantasy genre with his wildly humorous take on Greek mythology. Peter Lerangis followed a similar path by introducing a series on the ancient world wonders. Other authors, such as Eoin Colfer, Suzanne Collins, and John Flanagan, have put out fantasy series with staying power. After nearly a… Continue reading Middle Grade Adventure Fantasy
No book has influenced the fantasy genre like Harry Potter. Kids and adults alike continue to pay homage to a genre that was once reserved for the die-hards. Now it's mainstream and people want more fantasy. Modern. Relatable. Fun. My personal favorite from this list is The Uncommoners about a secret society under London. It… Continue reading Middle Grade Magical Fantasy
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