Tag: Middle Grade

Featured

The Girl And The Ghost by Hanna Alkaf

Written by Hanna Alkaf, Published by HarperCollins , 2020. (Dark Fantasy, 9-11)

I read across genres but I tend to avoid horror (I have a very active imagination so I scare very easily). A friend recommended this title and by the time I realized it was plenty creepy, I was already too caught up in the writing to stop. Trust me, you will be thoroughly creeped out and guessing until the very end!

BACKGROUND

Suraya, a young Malaysian girl gets an unexpected gift from her grandmother, a pelesit. This shape shifting ghost protects her, but also has a dark side which brings much trouble and revelations to Suraya’s life. #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

A dark and thrilling middle grade novel that touches on Malaysian myths and folktales.

PAIR WITH

Lalani of the Distant Sea by Erin Entrada Kelly

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore

The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste

Written by Tracey Baptiste, Published by Algonquin Young Readers, 2015. (Dark fantasy, ages 8-12)

Happy Halloween to those that celebrate! My boys (husband included) absolutely love this holiday so I have browsed more Halloween decor and stores than I care for. That being said, I felt that this book would be a perfect pick for readers who want to be creeped out but not totally freaked out. Also, Robin Miles does an exquisite job narrating the audiobook!

BACKGROUND

Corinne La Mer ignores the local talk of jumbies, or spirits that live in the forest on her Caribbean island home. It’s only when she goes into the woods to receive her mother’s necklace does she come out with more than what she bargained for. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

A dark fantasy inspired by Caribbean folklore. A deliciously creepy read filled with suspense with a lead character with untapped powers.

PAIR WITH

Book #2 Rise of the Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste

Book #3 The Jumbie God’s Revenge by Tracey Baptiste

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading The Jumbies

Shop your local indie bookstore

Ana Maria Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle by Hilda Eunice Burgos

Written by Hilda Eunice Burgos, Published by Tu Books, 2018. (middle grade, ages 8-12)

Dreams, sisters, and identities collide to make up this fun and multi-layered middle grade read! I loved Ana’s journey and especially the nuanced relationships with her sisters.

BACKGROUND

Ana has her eyes set on a private school in New York, she just has to perfect her piano recital and win a scholarship on top of convincing her busy family amid all their obligations. Will Ana find her way to her dream? #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

A great middle grade read that deals with family relationships, identity, and community while still maintaining a playful tone.

PAIR WITH

Front Desk by Kelly Yang

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Ana Maria Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle

Shop your local indie bookstore

The Gauntlet by Karuna Riazi

Written by Karuna Riazi , Published by Salaam Reads, 2017. (Fantasy, 8-12)

When we talk about diversity in representation for all kids we need to make sure that representation includes all genres. While there have been strides in diversity in publishing, a lot of the books fall into historical and realistic fiction. However just in this year I am happy to see an uptick of diversity in fantasy. Hopefully this trend keeps going!

BACKGROUND

Bangladeshi-American Farah was just trying to enjoy being with friends on her birthday. But when her little brother gets stuck into a cursed board game, Farah and her friends Essie and Alex must follow to challenge the Architect in hopes of rescuing him. #Ownvoices

PAIR WITH

Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading The Gauntlet

Shop your local indie bookstore

The Science of Breakable Things by Tae Keller

Written by Tae Keller, Published by Random House, 2018. (Realistic Fiction, ages 10+)

Just from my reading experience I don’t see a lot of books that deal with mental illness. If it is addressed, it’s usually in combination of other obstacles and is hinted at in passing. I was therefore pretty surprised to see a children’s book where it is a major theme of the plot. Natalie’s mother has depression and it does not sugarcoat how depression can affect not only the individual, but also the people around them. I appreciated that it portrayed depression accurately as an illness, which does not mean the person is incapable or less deserving of love and relationships. This is NOT a depressing read BTW!

BACKGROUND

Natalie juggles friendships and trying to win a science egg drop competition to get a decent grade in science and hopefully win some cash. You see, Natalie’s mom suffers from depression and maybe, just maybe Natalie can find a way to make her better with her winnings. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

Kids who are a fan of realistic fiction with characters dealing with challenging family dynamics and building friendships.

PAIR WITH

Project Mulberry by Linda Sue Park

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading The Science of Breakable Things

Shop your local indie bookstore

or here is a link for the book on Amazon

BookTastings-The Science of Breakable Things

Jasmine Toguchi: Flamingo Keeper by Debbi Michiko Florence

Written by Debbi Michiko Florence, Illustrated by Elizabet Vukovic, Published by Farrar Straus Giroux, 2018. (Fiction, ages 7-10)

Jasmine reminds me of my oldest son: curious, spunky, and unapologetically proud of their unique interests. They are also singularly minded when they have a specific goal in mind, and enduringly sweet to the rest of the family. I love how relatable and fun this series is and Vukovic’s illustrations really ties it all together.

BACKGROUND

Japanese-American Jasmine receives a daruma from her obaachan (grandmother). It’s a wishing doll from Japan that requires you to work in order for your wish to come true. Jasmine decides her wish is to have a flamingo as a pet, but what can she do to make sure it comes true? #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

An everyday middle grade read. Great for series lovers about a strong willed and fun protagonist. Each book also explores a bit of Japanese culture.

PAIR WITH

Ruby Lu by Lenore Look

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Jasmine Toguchi: Flamingo Keeper

Shop your local indie bookstore

here is a link for the book on Amazon

BookTastings-Jasmine Toguchi, Flamingo Keeper

Front Desk by Kelly Yang

Written by Kelly Yang, Published by Scholastic, 2018. (Fiction, ages 9-12)

For early chapter books and middle grade reads I’ve decided to make video book talks to delve a little more into the plot. I’m happy to present to you my first one for Kelly Yang’s debut middle grade novel!

BACKGROUND

A young Chinese American girl works the front desk of the motel her family manages in California. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

Kids who like everyday stories, who like to be challenged by what they read (the book deals with socio-economic diversity, racism, immigrant worker’s rights and bullying) but it’s not sad I promise!

PAIR WITH

Ana Maria Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle by Hilda Eunice Burgos

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Front Desk

Shop your local indie bookstore

or here is a link for the book on Amazon

BookTastings-Front Desk