Middle-Grade Novels
by J.D. Peabody
Everett and his younger sister Bea have been told that their beloved father—the town vicar who moonlights as a comic book writer—has been killed in a horrible train accident. But the story doesn't add up. While searching through his belongings, the siblings discover a pen filled with ink that transports them to a secret society aimed at stopping sinister "blotters" from stealing the ink that writes the good stories of the world. They join forces with a motley crew of "good guys" to find their father and save creativity from destruction.
This Narnia meets Harry Potter fantasy is the first in a three-part series. Like C.S. Lewis, J.D. Peabody has sprinkled Biblical analogies throughout this fast-paced, imaginative title without being heavy-handed, preachy, or moralistic.
Please note: Everett lies twice to protect himself and his sister. Additionally, one of the sinister evil-doers thinks one of the children has a set of "witching sticks." They are actually "divining rods" that can help lead a person to the ink they need. When confronted about the sticks, the children's father replies, “We are Christian people. We do not practice witchcraft of any sort.”
by S.D. Smith
From the desk of the "award-losing author" of The Expert's Guide to Expert Guides: An Expert's Guide comes a harrowing memoir of deserted-island living (not to be confused with desserted-island living).
This over-the-top, sketch-comedy style book introduces readers to Wally Warmbottom, a prolific writer of over ten mediocre books. Since he's stranded at sea and can not actually publish his latest story, Wally sends it to you, dear reader, via letters in a jug (similar to letters in a bottle, only bigger). In each missive, he tells of his solitary life on Peachpitistan--an island covered by peaches and pits and peach pits. Because he's a published author by trade and can't help but live his life through literature, Wally attaches stories to his letters for your reading pleasure. Each tale is a stand-alone and can be enjoyed in any order.
Move over Captain Underpants and Dog Man. There's a new funny man in town. His name is Wally, and he'll entertain you without having to resort to bathroom humor!
I'm often asked for book suggestions for tweens struggling to read. They don't want to settle for "baby" books. They want age-appropriate content but breezy writing. Mooses with Bazookas definitely fits the bill.
The Balloon Boy of San Francisco
by Dorothy Kupcha Leland
Joseph "Ready" Gates, a young paperboy who thirsts for excitement and purpose, dreams of heading north with his father to strike it rich in the gold mines. His life takes a thrilling turn when he meets Lydia, a young lady fresh from New York who's come to California in search of her brother. Eager to help his new friend and to earn enough money to buy mining supplies, the plucky redhead stows away on a riverboat, performs in a stage production with the famous Lola Montez, and eventually finds himself in Contra Costa (now Oakland), riding a runaway hot air balloon.
Based on news reports of a real boy who spent a few heroic hours riding a hot air balloon over the bay area of California, this book will give readers a colorful look at the history and culture of the 1850s gold rush days.
Please note: In the first few pages of the book, Ready admits to having sipped whiskey. Later, he uses the term, "Dadblame it!" Additionally, in a desperate attempt to find her missing brother, Lydia visits a fortune teller. Ready is quick to point out that the "gypsy's" services are a sham and that the two should stay far away from "charlatans who prey on people in dire circumstances." In the end, Lydia realizes how foolish and wrong she was to seek a "diviner." Later, another secondary character also visits the fortune teller and receives fraudulent information.
by Kimberly Bulcken Root
Great Aunts Harriet and Frances have only ever referred to their Vermont relations as "horrid." According to the cultured sisters, the Putney cousins are backwoods folk. Rural. Uncivilized. When it becomes clear that the two can no longer care for their orphaned great niece Elizabeth Ann, however, they must ship their young charge to the Putney's.
Arriving with trepidation, Betsy, who has never done a day's work in her life, is now tasked with farm chores like everyone else. This stark contrast between her past and present life underscores the depth of her character development. With great responsibility comes great privilege. Betsy is given the freedom and delight of childhood. She can run, play, and embark on daily adventures.
Don't allow the lackluster cover to fool you. This beautiful story has been entertaining kids for generations. It's an impressive look at child-rearing with plenty of humor mixed in. I cracked it open with my four sons years ago and am pleased to announce that it still stands as one of their favorite read-alouds of childhood.
Parents, Be Aware
by Rodman Philbrook
To avoid placement in foster care while his mom attends rehab for her addiction to car accident-related painkillers, twelve-year-old Sam Castine agrees to spend the summer at a sleep-away camp. When he wakes up one morning to find the entire camp evacuating because of a forest fire, he doesn't head to the bus with his fellow campers as instructed. Instead, he sneaks back to his bunk to grab his cell phone. That one split-second decision changes his life. The bus leaves without him, and Sam must find a way out of the inferno before it's too late.
Eventually, he crosses paths with Delphy, an older girl from another camp who is also lost and left behind. Together, they steal an abandoned WWII jeep and attempt to race to safety. They learn that the fire was no accident. It was arson, and the guilty pyros are in hot pursuit.
This action-packed middle grade is the first in The Wilds series, a trio of disaster dramas that focus on friendship and adventure. I've not read the sequels.
Things to know: While the mother's drug addiction is not a main element of the story, in one chapter, Sam reflects on finding her passed out on the floor from an overdose. Delphy is attending a fitness camp that she refers to as "fat camp" and mentions wearing a one-piece swimsuit when planning to meet with a boy at the lake so that she can't be pressured into skinny dipping. Additionally, One character does a "Homer Simpson impersonation," and others use a few crass words, including " sucked/sucks," "double darn rat puke." and "Oh, my Lord."
Just for you, Mom
by Abigail Shrier
Recent studies show that Gen Z is the most over-therapized generation that has ever existed, and yet, they are also the most anxious. Could it be that forced rumination of their struggles is actually making their mental health worse? Is the therapy to blame? While the author, a former op-ed journalist for the Washington Post, admits that some children need therapy to work through legitimate trauma, she concludes that most American kids do not receive the right kind of therapy and/or have been over-diagnosed by doctors, counselors, teachers, and "gentle" parents.
Her voice is grim, if not a bit sarcastic.
Whether you agree with Shrier's findings or not, her words will stay with you and force you to consider how our Western ways are coddling our very capable children. If I ever curate a Must Read for Moms book list, this one would be on it.
Please note: There are a few expletives in the text.