Staff Suggestions — Kids 10+ Years
Lynda Mullaly Hunt always writes such poignant realistic fiction. She shows that there can be challenges in life, but they are always balanced with the light of hope and, in this case, the realization that life is good just the way it is.
This story absolutely left me humming with positive thoughts because of Delsie and who she is. Let me show you with a quote from the book: “Some people aren’t dealt easy hands, and it isn’t fair. But if you play a difficult hand with courage and compassion, you end up stronger. The thing you really have to ask yourself is…are you going to live your life as a victim? Or a survivor?”
— Susan
I’m such a big fan of Erin Dionne. She always tackles subjects that challenge many a middle school kid and shows how any of them can make change in their lives or can handle those difficulties and even thrive…just like Sarah Anne, who’s figuring out who she is, cool or not, and owning it instead of hiding it. Thank you, Erin Dionne, for reminding all of us to be true to ourselves! Perfect for 7th and 8th graders.
— Susan
If you loved Invisible Emmie and Positively Izzy, Just Jaime is going to be your next go-to. Navigating growing friendships is a dangerous and confusing feat. This is for those who may have grown apart but can learn to come together again.
— Lindsay A.
Wonderful, summery, Cape Cod realistic fiction. Plenty of sadness and loss, but family and friends are there to help Lucy through it. Great writing and cool shark science will make this a popular book this summer, especially for fans of The Thing About Jellyfish.
— Jamie
Through a broken future we follow cursed mute Ye, a boy with a shadow in his soul on a quest for redemption. Ye is a beautifully crafted metaphor for ... well that would be telling. So I’ll take a page from our protagonist and say it’s a Ye from me.
— Matt
The Breakaways - a team of middle school, misfit soccer players who don’t really like soccer at all! This quirky graphic novel displays a diverse crew of girls who, although they don’t find much fun in the game, do find friendship, understanding, and acceptance in each other. These unique characters bring an honest, oddly charming story to life about the tough world of middle school, and finding where you belong in the world.
— Tonya
Never have I liked a main character more than I do Jordan. Never! And what a thoughtfully written middle grade (graphic) novel that opened my eyes, my mind, and my heart. Jerry Craft skillfully put me in the heads of all these very different kids. This is a book for every guy and girl to read no matter what your reading style is. Teachers of 5th grade and up, here’s a story you’ll want to have in your library. Loved it, loved it, loved it. Well done, Jerry Craft!
— Susan
How easy it is to hate a part of you you’re born with, that which you cannot change! This poignant story of learning to love yourself and forgive your family will have you cheering by the end! Perfect for older young readers who are into music, theater, or social work.
— Jamie
An encouraging story about being true to yourself while finding your place with friends and classmates. Although this could be considered a heavy topic, it was handled in such a way that it was a light and lively read. Great for tweens.
— Susan
Superb writing, an authentic voice, a moving plot, and a character you can’t help but love, makes this a book you’ll sail through in no time. The master of realistic fiction, Sharon Draper brought Isabella and her challenges to life for me. Many will find her situation familiar; for others it’s an important, eye-opening story about divorce, identity, race, and more. Everyone should read this book!
— Susan
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