I had a full week of reading middle grade books. I would love to hear (in the comments) what you are reading. Perhaps I will be inspired to read your pick or add it to my TBR list.
Happy Reading!
Happy Reading!
Pick and Roll by Kelsey Blair
(release date Sept. 1 2014)
Genre: Fiction/sports
Summary: Jazz is a tough, determined and talented basketball player. The last game of the regular season Jazz sets a pick that sends the opposing team's player out for the season with a serious injury. Did she do it on purpose? Do her teammates support her? Can Jazz play in the championship game that she has dreamed of winning? Read to find out.
Reflection: In addition to a competitive sports story line, Jazz also encounters the emotional roller coaster of a middle school girl friendship. It is a great combination that will keep you turning the pages.
I would recommend this to. . .those who like sports or stories about friendships; Mikayla, Elizabeth, Helen, Caroline.
(release date Sept. 1 2014)
Genre: Fiction/sports
Summary: Jazz is a tough, determined and talented basketball player. The last game of the regular season Jazz sets a pick that sends the opposing team's player out for the season with a serious injury. Did she do it on purpose? Do her teammates support her? Can Jazz play in the championship game that she has dreamed of winning? Read to find out.
Reflection: In addition to a competitive sports story line, Jazz also encounters the emotional roller coaster of a middle school girl friendship. It is a great combination that will keep you turning the pages.
I would recommend this to. . .those who like sports or stories about friendships; Mikayla, Elizabeth, Helen, Caroline.
The Mostly Miserable Life of April Sinclair by Laurie Friedman
Can you Say Catastrophe?
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Summary: April is a typical 13 year old who wants a summer free of parents and sisters. She is looking forward to summer camp away with her best friends and thinking about boys. But her parents veto her summer camp and want to spend some family time together. How will she survive the embarrassment and the feeling of being left out when her friends return from camp with stories?
Reflection: Ryann read and donated this book to the classroom before school was over, but I never had a chance to read it. I like the diary format the book is written. This is a great book for any girl who is growing up and experiences the feelings that their parents may be cramping their style, a friendship that is changing or having that first crush on a boy. Thanks for the recommendation Ryann.
I would recommend this to. . .those who like stories about friendship, family and growing up; Helen, Mikayla, Caroline, Rawi, Shalini, Rachel.
Can you Say Catastrophe?
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Summary: April is a typical 13 year old who wants a summer free of parents and sisters. She is looking forward to summer camp away with her best friends and thinking about boys. But her parents veto her summer camp and want to spend some family time together. How will she survive the embarrassment and the feeling of being left out when her friends return from camp with stories?
Reflection: Ryann read and donated this book to the classroom before school was over, but I never had a chance to read it. I like the diary format the book is written. This is a great book for any girl who is growing up and experiences the feelings that their parents may be cramping their style, a friendship that is changing or having that first crush on a boy. Thanks for the recommendation Ryann.
I would recommend this to. . .those who like stories about friendship, family and growing up; Helen, Mikayla, Caroline, Rawi, Shalini, Rachel.
Zane and the Hurricane by Rodman Philbrick
A Story of Katrina
Genre: Historical Fiction
Summary: Zane is a 12-year-old boy living in Vermont with his mom when he goes to visit unknown relatives for the first time in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hits. Zane and his dog experience the terror of Katrina's wind, rain, and horrific flooding. He meets and fights for survival with an elderly musician and a scrappy young girl--both African American.
Reflection: A great story that combines actual historical events with a heartwarming story of friendship and survival. If you ever doubt peoples' goodness this story will restore your belief in the kindness of mankind.
I would recommend this to. . .fans of the I Survived series; Aidan, Drew, David D., Ryann, Jack, Charlie, Pranav, Alex, Ben, Nick.
A Story of Katrina
Genre: Historical Fiction
Summary: Zane is a 12-year-old boy living in Vermont with his mom when he goes to visit unknown relatives for the first time in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hits. Zane and his dog experience the terror of Katrina's wind, rain, and horrific flooding. He meets and fights for survival with an elderly musician and a scrappy young girl--both African American.
Reflection: A great story that combines actual historical events with a heartwarming story of friendship and survival. If you ever doubt peoples' goodness this story will restore your belief in the kindness of mankind.
I would recommend this to. . .fans of the I Survived series; Aidan, Drew, David D., Ryann, Jack, Charlie, Pranav, Alex, Ben, Nick.
Junonia by Kevin Henkes
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Summary: Alice is returning to Sanibel Island, Florida for their annual trip. It also happens to be where she celebrates her birthday each year. This year she is turning 10. She can't wait to see her returning friends and possibly find a junonia shell. When crossing the bridge to the island she senses new feelings she has never experienced before. Will her feelings be a sign?
Reflection: I was swept away to the setting while reading. I could visualize the beach covered with shells, hear the waves and feel Alice's struggles of growing up. Alice represents all the children that sense that growing up is not as grand as we sometimes think it is and those who enjoy the routine of everyday life without changes and obstacles.
I would recommend this to. . .Elizabeth, Shalini, Rachel, Rawi, Caroline.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Summary: Alice is returning to Sanibel Island, Florida for their annual trip. It also happens to be where she celebrates her birthday each year. This year she is turning 10. She can't wait to see her returning friends and possibly find a junonia shell. When crossing the bridge to the island she senses new feelings she has never experienced before. Will her feelings be a sign?
Reflection: I was swept away to the setting while reading. I could visualize the beach covered with shells, hear the waves and feel Alice's struggles of growing up. Alice represents all the children that sense that growing up is not as grand as we sometimes think it is and those who enjoy the routine of everyday life without changes and obstacles.
I would recommend this to. . .Elizabeth, Shalini, Rachel, Rawi, Caroline.