Let's Talk About Books
There's no doubt that team sports take top billing in real life viewership, but when it comes to books, individual sports have equal footing. Some of the best characters and plots can be found in books about golfing, gymnastics, swimming and running. Gold Medal Summer by Donna Freitas Joey is an elite gymnast who wants… Continue reading MG Books About Summer Sports
Oh, the sweet memories of summer vacation. Lazy days on the beach. Canoe rides on the lake. Summer theatre. Summer friends. Ice cream cones. Long rides in the car. Endless miles of bike riding. Puzzles and games. Sunshine. Rain. Books. Family. Nothing can quite compare to the freedom that comes with summer. Olive’s Ocean by… Continue reading Middle Grade Books About Summer Vacation
Professional soccer has been slow to catch on in the U.S., but it's finally attracting an impressive following, especially with women. It's been a mainstream youth sport for the last couple of decades, so naturally kids look for it in the books they read. Boys' Soccer Booked by Kwame Alexander Nick loves soccer and hates… Continue reading Middle Grade Soccer Stories
Is summer camp all it's cracked up to be? Depends on who you ask. These books will give you a glimpse into the trials and tribulations of camp. Crazy camp directors. Cabin raids. Dances. Friends. Enemies. Goats. And a whole lot of problem solving. Camp Average by Craig Battle Mack is back at camp for… Continue reading Books About Summer Camp
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
Throughout history infectious diseases have caused widespread epidemics, killing millions at a time. Until doctors began to understand what caused disease there was no stopping them. The detective work it took to bring down these biological villains is fascinating. Fatal Fever: Tracking Down Typhoid Mary by Gail Jarrow When the wealthy Warren family contracted Typhoid… Continue reading Middle Grade Books About Acquired Diseases
Kids like to see themselves in books, but they also crave understanding of those who are not like them. This list focuses on kids with behaviors on the autism spectrum. You're sure to walk away with a better understanding of what it's like to live with autism. The Someday Birds by Sally J. Pla Charlie… Continue reading Books About Kids on the Autism Spectrum
Certain topics in historical fiction have struggled over the years. Many books once considered classics and award winners have not stood the test of time with today's youth. They want drama, details, and an emotional connection. On the other hand, they want simplicity. Finally, after reading many Civil War books, I have narrowed the field… Continue reading Civil War Historical Fiction
Opening Day. The National Anthem. Throwing out the first pitch. Peanuts and Cracker Jacks. These books capture the spirit of the American pastime. From dedicated sports authors Mike Lupica, Tim Green, and John Feinstein to those branching out into new territory, every book on this list is a winner. Mascot by Antony John Noah is… Continue reading Middle Grade Baseball Stories
It's hard to imagine a war fought in backyards. From Bull Run to Appomattox Courthouse, and all the the battles in between, it was a war that should have been over in a month. Instead 620,000 men died. Battles. Spies. Slaves. Tactical errors. A president torn. It's all here. The BEST of the Civil War… Continue reading Civil War Nonfiction
Survival stories are high drama, high adventure, high entertainment. Everyone, including kids, loves a good survival story. Tod Olson is claiming the space with his Lost series for its easy narration packed with details. Once you've tackled those, get started on the rest of this A-list of real people facing the biggest challenges of their… Continue reading Middle Grade Survival Nonfiction
Even as the United States condemned Hitler and the Holocaust, political leaders in the south held fast to the idea that black people were inferior to white people. Policemen, the KKK, and most white people in the south ignored U.S. integration laws and continued to demoralize black people. This list captures the major resistance events… Continue reading Middle Grade Civil Rights Nonfiction
It isn't hard to figure out why we hold sports in such high regard. We love winners, but especially when they beat the odds. For many athletes, sports are the key to a better life, but getting there isn't easy. It takes hard work and rare talent. These stories are stories of inspiration. Read them… Continue reading Middle Grade Sports Nonfiction
Oh, the wisdom of grandparents. And the idiosyncrasies. And the forgetfulness. We have so much to learn before they pass to the great beyond. This list of books captures the magic that bonds the old and the young. The things they say. The things you'll learn. Don't let these books go unread. Louisiana’s Way Home… Continue reading MG Books That Bridge the Generation Gap
No moment in history is more horrific than the Holocaust of World War II. When the Titanic sunk, women and children were saved first. During the Holocaust, they were killed first. Some of these books provide darker details of the Holocaust than others. I have listed them in order from least to most disturbing. Hana’s… Continue reading Middle Grade Holocaust Nonfiction
Good Revolutionary War stories are hard to find. In all honesty, many of them are downright boring. This wasn't an easy list to create. I tried to cover many different aspects of the war. These are my top picks for books that are the most likely to keep young people's attention. The Fifth of March… Continue reading Middle Grade Revolutionary War Stories
Hitler and the annihilation of the Jews is only a piece of the World War II story. There was the war with Japan, the invasion of Normandy, civil rights issues, prisoner of war stories, the dropping of the atomic bomb, and of course, that famous photo at Iwo Jima. All of these events can be… Continue reading World War II Nonfiction
Most of us learned our history from dry, boring textbooks, and pretty much can't remember any of it. One of the most well respected children's nonfiction authors, Steve Sheinkin, admits to being one of those boring textbook writers. He's made amends, and two of his books appear on this list. Some will leave you laughing.… Continue reading Revolutionary War Nonfiction
It's time to hit the road with these excellent stories of adventure on four wheels. The best of the best are Kate DiCamillo's Louisiana's Way Home and Dan Gemeinhart's The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise. Both are Newbery worthy. If you're looking for a dose of humor with your adventure then check out Dan Gutman's… Continue reading Middle Grade Road Trip Stories
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
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