Staff Suggestions — Kids 10+ Years
Once again Sarah Moon has created characters I didn’t want to let go of. In addition to struggling with an alcoholic mother, the sisters each have difficulties of their own to navigate. Throughout the novel, the message of living your own life in spite of your circumstances, was empowering, and humor kept the novel hopeful and fun. This is an author to follow!
— Jamie
Your typical middle grade adventure has just been intensified! With creepy villains and horror elements, it is perfect for fans of The Stitchers. Great characters in a brooding setting, this is the first in a promising new series.
— Jamie
A fabulous new series with witches and ghosts, the first focusing on the memory thief witch. It is a complete story on its own with a thrilling promise of more adventures to come, hunting the remaining witches. Wonderful characters set in our world.
— Jamie
When a professional thief finds out the local real estate tycoon is a slum lord, she decides to give Karma a little nudge. Did I mention she’s in middle school in Greenwich, CT? As fun as the Pink Panther, I look forward to Frankie’s next heist!
— Jamie
This riveting account of a self-taught Black lawyer who must save 12 innocent men in the face of southern racism from 1919-1924, is a must read. Instead of explaining what racism is, you see it in action and what it takes to try to succeed against it. Time and time again this little-known hero dug his heels in and pushed forward, risking his life and spending all his money for this cause. A huge piece of history inexplicably missing from our middle-grade educations, this is a fantastic easy read.
— Jamie
A profoundly moving story, Just Like That follows two kids, who are both in precarious positions. One is dealing with the loss of a friend and the other has criminals following his every move. Meryl and Matt both must confront the demons that they live with while finding out who they are in the process. I loved how the humorous moments balanced out the more serious ones in this new book set in the world of Schmidt’s previous novels, The Wednesday Wars and Okay For Now.
— Lindsay A.
If you love Greek mythology like I do, then you can understand my excitement around this book! A girl who moves to Greece and attends a school full of gods and goddesses? This is my kind of book. The graphic novel format is perfect for fans of Percy Jackson and All's Faire in Middle School.
— Lindsay A.
This is the kind of story that could begin with Once Upon a Time… It is a tale of a vain king, wicked advisors, and a boy and a girl who must eventually come together to restore the kingdom. Once again Rowling creates a vivid world and a wonderful mysterious creature to ignite our imaginations.
— Jamie
This story is as wickedly delightful as a Roald Dahl story. The unlikely friendship gives it depth and kept me wondering about Bethany’s fate. Clever and well-crafted.
— Jamie
If you have ever wondered about the human body, this is THE book for you. Intricate detailed illustrations paired with anatomical knowledge that is easy to understand makes this the ideal gift for a young science fan in your life.
— Lindsay A.
This thoroughly researched look into freedom of the press is a perfect pick for those who cannot get enough of US history. Osborne provides a glance into how the press has played a pivotal role in the forming and growth of this country. I especially love that the end of the book has notes and a bibliography for its sources.
— Lindsay A.
In what is a very timely topic, Dress Coded explores some of the hypocrisy and challenges that come with having enforced dress policies in schools. I particularly love the way Molly takes to a podcast to stand up for herself and others around her. The sense of community this book puts out made me feel proud and in awe of the strengths of these characters. What a wonderful addition to our 10+ book shelf!
— Lindsay A.
This book stands on its own as a well-written adventure of a girl starting over in the 1880’s Dakota Territory, but it is also a perfect companion read for The Little House on the Prairie Books. Award-winning Korean American author, Linda Sue Park, has revisited the setting of the books she loved as a child with a greater understanding of the problems that were a part of westward expansion. Entirely age-appropriate and a great entry point into discussions of our complicated history.
— Laura
Such silky smooth writing makes this tale of magical realism irresistible and bewitching right from the first page. In fact, I dare you to try putting it down once you’ve picked it up. Erin Bowman has a compelling voice that helps carry the reader through the heavier, more challenging moments, but I do suggest for ages 10+. For fans of Ally Carter’s Winterborne Home!
— Susan
What an incredibly imaginative, and sometimes dark, story about a bunch of doodles that come to life! Have a pen and paper handy—I wanted to explore where I would have my doodles live, and I really wanted to create the perfect dark nemesis. Acknowledging the sometimes surprisingly strong and dark feelings teens can have is a great first step toward understanding those feelings and how to deal with them. So much to love about this book!
— Jamie
Hilarious, heartwarming, and charming, I just wanted Natalie to find out what makes her special, and she does! Her old best friend, alarmingly mean, also sees her in a new way at the end, with plenty of laughs in between. A great read about friendships for middle schoolers!
— Jamie
Doing something to make your parents happy is a pretty common thing, so how exactly can you break that cycle without: 1.) losing your best friend, 2.) losing your new best friend, and 3.) figuring out what makes you happy. I could really relate to Bri, and it was also interesting to get a behind-the-scenes look at a Bat Mitzvah.
— Jamie
An astounding account of a Somali refugee's life as a child in a Kenyan refugee camp. Ultimately hopeful, it is eye-opening, honest, and heartfelt. Omar's brother, Hassan, has disabilities, which adds yet another layer to this sweeping tale of humanity. I cannot recommend this memoir enough.
— Jamie
I love this stunning new work by living legend Lois Lowry. She presents a brief and focused look at two pivotal cities during WWII, and brings the concept of war into a personal focus. This is a perfect companion to any of the novels that take place during this tumultuous time in our history, and the evocative black and white illustrations are by one of my favorite illustrators, Kenard Pak.
— Jamie
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