Middle-Grade Novels
by Robert L. Fuller
One day, while out looking for cherries near their New Mexico home, the O'Ryan siblings—Slugger, Flint, and Scout—discover a shapeshifting alien dog named Robin Hood. Soon, sinister things begin happening.
Together, the trio, with help from their newly found mut, must find the legendary Sapphire Sword, the only weapon powerful enough to defeat the creeping, shadowy vines threatening to destroy the earth. If they fail, the life they knew will be consumed by fear and darkness.
This is the first in a Christian sci-fi trilogy that has themes of family, forgiveness, and faith in the face of overwhelming odds.
Please note: At the beginning of the book, the siblings bicker quite a bit. But they soon learn that they must protect each other and work together.
The text contains a few uses of the words "heck" and "dang." In addition, one character says, "Oh my, ever-loving gosh!"
by Virginia Sorensen
Father has not been quite the same since he came home from World War II. He's withdrawn and unable to work. Marly, along with her parents and older brother Joe, moves from the city to a farmhouse in rural Pennsylvania in hopes that Father can heal. The family discovers "miracles" throughout the year, including the beauty of the changing seasons and the warmth of their community. The spring "sugaring time" is especially helpful for Father, as he can help their neighbor, Mr. Chris, make maple syrup after the elderly man becomes ill. This act of kindness solidifies the family's connection to the community. and they decide to make a permanent life in the small, wooded neighborhood.
Fans of Little House on the Prairie will enjoy this story of the simple pleasures of home life.
Please note: One character says, "Just shut up about it." Also, when promising that he was not exaggerating about how much he liked the family's maple syrup attempts, the elder Mr. Chris says, "I swear on the Bible."
In one scene, Joe sneaks out one morning before anyone else is awake in order to climb the hill all by himself.
by Mindy Nichols Wendell
Hallelujah "Halle" Newton's life is turned upside down when her mother develops a severe case of tuberculosis and is sent to a special sanatorium in upstate New York. Halle and her father both test positive for the disease but are asymptomatic. This, however, does not stop Halle's classmates from shunning her at school. Tensions also rise at home when she and her father must take on the extra chores her mother is no longer able to do.
Upset by her father's temper and longing for her mother, Halle attempts to walk to the faraway hospital. She collapses en route and, having developed a cough, is admitted as a patient.
In the children's ward, Halle bonds with other girls and makes new friends, forming a "found family." She discovers joy and community in this isolated place, where patients are treated regardless of race or socioeconomic status. Despite her own improvements, Halle learns her mother's health is still deteriorating. Will Halle ever be able to go home, and if so, will her mother be able to join her?
This sweet historical fiction explores themes of hope, resilience, forgiveness, and the power of family bonds to overcome hardship.
Please note: On Halloween, a nurse comes into the children's wing wearing a witch's wig and hat. The children parade through the hospital in various costumes. This scene spans a couple of pages but is neither dark nor scary.
by Marion Bauer
In a wolf pack in the forests of northern Minnesota, four healthy pups are born: Leader, Sniffer, Runner, and Thinker. A fifth, very small pup is born last, and the father, the alpha male King, names him Runt. In a world where a name often determines one's worth, Runt soon learns that his name is an insult. As he grows, he desperately tries to gain his father's approval and earn a more respectable name. Unfortunately, his attempts to keep up with his siblings often backfire, leading to mistakes, the pack's displeasure, and even harm to his brothers and sisters. When he gets entangled with Bider, a disgruntled older wolf who constantly challenges King's authority, Runt learns the importance of obeying authority and making decisions for the sake of his family's safety.
Please note: In a show of rebellion, when the pups are initially born, Bider says to their mother, "Too bad you didn't have these pups with me."
At one point, the pack attacks a bull moose, and one of the pups dies, which may be troubling to some sensitive readers.
Parents, Be Aware
by Greg Howard
Eleven-year-old Riley is struggling with the mysterious disappearance of his mother four months ago. The police investigation is stalled, his family becomes distant in their grief, and Riley finds himself bullied at school. In his distress, Riley clings to the bedtime stories his mother used to tell him about the "Whispers," magical wood creatures that grant wishes if given tributes. Desperate for answers and convinced his burgeoning sexual orientation is the reason his mother left, Riley decides to find the Whispers himself. Along with his best friend, Gary, his crush, Dylan, and his loyal dog, Riley ventures deep into the woods to leave gifts for the creatures and ask for his mother's return.
Things to know: Much of the book centers on Riley's struggle with same-sex attraction and his desire to be understood. Additionally, there are two mentions of a girl's breasts and one mention of a male animal's genitals.
Just for you, Mom
by Bethany Turner
On February 4, 2003, Olivia had a "meet-cute" with a handsome, struggling actor in a coffee shop. They made a spontaneous pact to meet at the same place in exactly ten years to make a film together, once they have both found success. The only problem: Olivia was so flustered she forgot to get his name.
Over the next ten years, every February 4th brings significant coincidences and ironies in Olivia's life. When the 10-year anniversary arrives, she comes face-to-face with her very own plot twist.
This rom-com is a story of personal growth, second chances, and realizing that sometimes the perfect story is the one being written right in front of you, not the one you are trying to force onto the page.