Middle-Grade Novels
by Jennifer Trafton
Henry is quiet and a bit of an outcast at school. Other than his best friend, Otis, he doesn't know how to relate to other kids his own age. But, once inside the safety of his bedroom, with chalk, pencils, or markers in hand, he becomes a brave knight, a space explorer, or a superhero. Henry is an artist with a wild imagination. But when the ferocious shape-shifting dragon he drew at home suddenly appears at school, Henry must summon his courage, learn to rely on the help of others, and use his hidden gifts to save the day.
This is a whimsical tale of friendship, forgiveness, and the importance of creativity.
by Patricia MacLachlan
Answering an advertisement, Sarah Elizabeth Wheaton boards a train in Maine--the only home she has ever known--and heads to the prairie to be the mail-order mother for two children being raised by their widowed father. When she arrives, the dogs love her first. But with her simple ways and keen perception, she eventually wins over the heart of young Caleb. Anna, the eldest of the siblings and narrator of the story is not so easily swayed. Unlike her brother, she still remembers their real mother and sees Sarah's arrival as a betrayal of the past.
This is the first in a 5 book series set in the late 19th century. The subsequent books follow the growth of the family and are equally enjoyable.
Adventures with Waffles
by Maria Parr
Originally written in Norwegian, this is a coming-of-age story about Trille and his best friend Lena, the girl next door. They live on a small island off the coast of Norway and have an idyllic childhood filled with outdoor adventures, imaginative capers, and lots and lots of waffles. Things couldn't be more perfect for Trille until one day, he learns two things that completely shake his world: Lena and her single mom are moving to the mainland and his beloved Great Aunt--the waffle maker--has passed away. Understandably, Trille is not sure he can handle so much change. He must find a way to keep Lena from leaving.
This is a modern story written with the same wholesome undertones as the cherished favorites Charlotte's Web and The Boxcar Children.
Justin Morgan Had a Horse
by Marguerite Henry
At first glance, Little Bub looks like nothing special--just an orphaned colt given to Justin Morgan, a Vermont schoolmaster, as payment for a debt. But Joel Gross, Mr. Morgan's favorite student, sees in Bub some extraordinary potential. Under Joel's loving care and faithful training, the castoff horse begins to outpace all the other mounts in town and eventually the entire country.
This underdog (or underhorse) classic is based on the true story of how an everyday workhorse became the sire for America's most celebrated stallion breed, the Morgan.ifferences and similarities of the boys in a way that does not make one life better or worse than another. Both lives are celebrated.
Parents, Be Aware
by Kevin Henkes
Billy has never been a nervous kid. But when he falls and bumps his head, he grows anxious about starting second grade. Will the giant lump affect his ability to learn? To make friends? With the help of a supportive teacher, a trusted best friend, and even his pesky little sister, he not only survives plenty of misadventures and missteps but thrives all year.
Things to know: On the plus side, the author has accomplished something with this book the likes of which haven't been seen in middle-grade lit since Beverly Cleary's Ramona series--portrayed a very young boy accurately without having to rely on trite tropes like an obsession with sports, crude language, or gross humor. The protagonist is a three-dimensional boy with real feelings, fears, and reactions. (Nowadays, most well-written boys in kid lit are usually 10+)
That said, Billy's inability to control his feelings, often at the risk of his relationships, was unsettling. His parents were always quick to acknowledge and talk with him about how sad or mad he was, but they never addressed his poor behavior or gave appropriate consequences for his actions.
Additionally, the entire premise of the book is based on a conversation Ms. Silver, Billy's teacher, has with her students about the Chinese zodiac or classification system that attributes an animal to each calendar year.
Parents should know that Billy views his younger sister as "the enemy." He struggles to resist the constant urge to hit or pinch her. Additionally, there are brief mentions of a pearl having supernatural powers, Billy imagining a scary zombie-like monster to keep himself awake one night, and a classmate having two mommies.
Typically, a 240-page book would be marketed to middle-grade readers, but because of the age of the main character and because of the simplistic plot sequences, the publisher has deemed this book appropriate for 7-8-year-olds.
Just for you, Mom
The Italian Ballerina
by Kristy Cambron
Present Day- Delaney Coleman has just lost her beloved grandfather Courtney Coleman, a small-town doctor and WWII veteran when she receives a strange message from a family in Italy demanding she return a vintage suitcase from her grandfather's estate. Confused and grief-stricken, she travels to Italy to sort out the mistake only to discover there's more at stake than just a timeworn piece of luggage. Its return will unlock the history of dozens and dozens of forgotten Jews.
1943- Famed British Ballerina Julia Bradbury and her dance partner must take refuge in Fatebenefratelli Hospital on Timber Island in Italy after their train car is bombed. While there, Julia lends a hand to the doctors and priests as they care for patients suffering from Syndrome K. When two US medics are smuggled in along with a young Jewish girl, Julia must make some decisions that will change the course of all of their lives.
This incredibly clean dual-timeline historical fiction is a sweeping saga that will introduce readers to a lesser-known portion of WWII history.