Let's Talk About Books
Drama. What's middle school without the "D" word? We hate it. We love it. Throw together some friends and enemies. Top it off with a crush or two. Voila. Instant drama. If you're looking for middle school disasters, mix-ups, and competitions, all of that is also in store for you with any of these picks.… Continue reading Friends, Enemies, and Crushes
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
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
Can't get to Florida? Let a book take you there. Kate DiCamillo, Jennifer Holm and Carl Hiaasen have cornered the market on Florida, the setting of most of their books. But don't miss Chris Grabenstein's Welcome to Wonderland series about a family's beach motel or Ginny Rorby's How to Speak Dolphin about dolphinariums. Tiger Rising… Continue reading Middle Grade Books Set in Florida
Whether your kids like to cook or not, these are great stories about the ups and downs of life and how cooking is the perfect outlet for creativity and success. Bottom line? Follow your passion and you can't go wrong. It’s Raining Cupcakes by Lisa Schroeder (series) Isabel has never been anywhere but Willow, Oregon.… Continue reading Stories For Kids Who Like to Cook
Kids who crave realistic fiction where main characters struggle with dysfunctional family problems will love these selections. Each of the characters are wise beyond their years and step up to the plate to help their parents. Where the Watermelons Grow by Cindy Baldwin Della’s family owns a watermelon farm in North Carolina. It’s been a… Continue reading Middle Grade Books That Tackle Mental Illness
Graphic novels continue to gain in popularity with boys AND girls. Many graphic novels for girls address the challenges of friendships, popularity, and social blunders. Everyone's favorite is Raina Telgemeier with her fun, colorful illustrations. Once all of her books are exhausted, give a few of these others a try. Smile by Raina Telgemeier Telgemeier… Continue reading Graphic Novels for Girls
CHATTERING LIBRARIAN 