REZ DOGS by Joseph Bruchac

 

Rez Dogs by Joseph Bruchac

Realistic Fiction, Native Americans, Abenaki Indians, COVID-19, Dogs, Grandparents, Novels in Verse

2021;184 pages

Description

Horn Book Magazine (September/October, 2021)
In this verse novel, Malian, a Penacook girl, is visiting her grandparents on the Penacook reservation when shelter-in-place orders are given due to COVID-19. Malian misses her parents and friends, but she spends time with a dog that has mysteriously appeared, and she enjoys listening to her grandparents' retellings of traditional stories. They also tell her about some of the more difficult parts of their history that have affected their nation, such as boarding schools and forced sterilizations, all touched on by Bruchac (Peacemaker, rev. 7/21) in an accessible and age-appropriate way. Ultimately, Malian's grandparents remind her that their people have survived pandemics before, through caring for one another. Young readers will be able to understand Malian's situation, including technological struggles in connecting to her remote classroom. The book's ending -- in which Malian waits eagerly but with mixed emotions for her parents to pick her up -- raises relatable questions of home, friendship, and belonging. Nicholl Denice Montgomery September/October 2021 p.90

My Comments

Upper elementary-middle school. A gentle story that keeps moving despite the quiet life on the Reservation during COVID. The grandparents' stories, the dog, remote school, and Malian's Penacook friends add richness to this deceptively simple book. This is the kind of story that stays with you.

LIA AND BECKETT'S ABRACADABRA by Amy Noelle Parks

 

Lia and Beckett's Abracadabra by Amy Noelle Parks

Realistic Fiction, Romantic Comedy, Magicians

2022; 296 pages

Description

Kirkus Reviews starred (May 15, 2022)

Two teens from rival families fall for each other during a stage-magic competition. Seventeen-year-old Lia Sawyer has just dumped her latest short-lived boyfriend when her eccentric Grandma Matilda, who has been missing, invites her and her older sister, Emma, to compete in a summerlong contest in Mirror Lake, Wisconsin, a lakefront resort town known for its magic shows and as the headquarters of the Society of American Conjurers. Her first day there, Lia has a meet-cute with Beckett Blackwell, the handsome, college-bound grandson of Henry Blackwell, a legendary local magician who’s also Matilda’s first husband and former stage partner. Despite their instant chemistry, the two must balance their attraction with their individual desires to win. The romance sizzles with slow-burn longing. The story also explores the sexist nature of the male-dominated magic industry that historically relegated women to being glamorously outfitted assistants in ways that will be interesting even to those unfamiliar with the culture of this community. Lia is a clever and delightful protagonist, and Beckett is a brooding and selfless love interest. The author crafts captivating descriptions of the various magic acts and ensures that even the supporting characters have fleshed-out storylines. Most characters are White; Beckett’s mother is from India. An enchanting enemies-to-lovers romance. (Romance. 12-18)

My Comments

Fun romance! An interesting look into the magic industry and magic tricks.  Appropriate for middle schoolers as well a good bet for high schoolers looking for a light read.

THE SCREAMING STAIRCASE (LOCKWOOD & CO. BK #1) by Jonathan Stroud

 

The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Lockwood

Horror, Ghosts, Supernatural

390 pages

Description

School Library Journal (September 1, 2013)

Gr 6-9-Lucy Carlyle relates the exploits of the teenage ghost-hunting agency, Lockwood & Co. The world is still reeling from an infestation of malevolent, deadly ghosts that can only be detected by Talented youngsters with rare psychic sensitivities. Anthony Lockwood heads his three-person team, including Lucy and George Cubbins, in their efforts to defeat the evil spirits-and remain solvent. A minor haunting that turns into a major problem leads Lockwood & Co. to a brooding mansion that has already claimed the lives of more experienced ghost hunters. Combe Carey Hall is "the most haunted private house in England. an ugly oppressive mongrel of a building," and the trio quickly realizes that the dangers they face have human as well as supernatural sources. Authentically spooky events occur in an engagingly crafted, believable world, populated by distinct, colorful personalities. The genuinely likable members of Lockwood & Co. persevere through the evil machinations of the living and the dead and manage to come out with their skins, and their senses of humor, intact. This smart, fast-paced ghostly adventure promises future chills.-Janice M. Del Negro, GSLIS Dominican University, River Forest, IL (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

My Comments

Fast paced, witty, scary (but just enough)!

THE SCIENCE OF BREAKABLE THINGS by Tae Keller

 

The Science of Breakable Things by Tae Keller

Realistic Fiction, School Stories, Friendship, Depression, Mental Health, Scientific Method, Racially Mixed People

298 pages

Description

Publishers Weekly (January 8, 2018)

Natalie Napoli's seventh-grade science class is working on a yearlong experiment, recording their findings in "Wonderings journals." The text of Natalie's journal comprises Keller's moving debut novel. Natalie used to like science and spent much of her childhood in her botanist mother's laboratory. But her mother, suffering from severe depression, has barely left her bedroom in months. Natalie and her best friend Twig collaborate with new student Dari to win an egg drop contest for their experiment, and Natalie imagines using the prize money to fly with her mother to New Mexico, home to a striking cobalt blue orchid, born out of a toxic chemical spill, that her mother had been studying. Natalie's Korean heritage is sensitively explored, as is the central issue of depression and its impact; Keller draws thoughtful parallels between Natalie's mother's struggles and the fragility of orchids and eggs. Natalie's fraught relationship with her mother, and her friendships with Twig and Dari, are the heart of the book, but science is its soul. Ages 8-12. Agent: Sarah Davies, Greenhouse Literary. (Mar.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

My Comments

This is a good book to recommend to 6th-8th kids looking for realistic fiction. Although a major part of the book is about Natalie coping with her mother's depression, it's also about so much more; her relationship with her father, her emerging awareness of her Korean identity, friendship, trust, and the scientific method. A great book, a great author. Highly recommend!

MAYBE HE JUST LIKES YOU by Emily Barbara Dee

 

Description

When boys in her class start touching seventh-grader Mila and making her feel uncomfortable, she does not want to tell her friends or mother until she reaches her breaking point.

My Comments

Realistic portrayal of sexual harassment of a girl in middle school that is called just joking by the boys. Mila's confusion, her unwillingness to tell anyone, and the conflict it causes in her life ring true. The story pulls in the reader from the beginning to the end. Highly recommended.

THE CROSSOVER by Kwame Alexander

 

Novels in Verse, Realistic Fiction, Basketball, Fathers and Sons, Twins, School and Education, Grief

218 pages

Kwame Alexander

Description
Horn Book Guide starred (Fall 2014)
Twelve-year-old twins Josh and Jordan (JB) are a well-oiled machine on the basketball court. But then JB gets a girlfriend, and before Josh knows it, things start to change. Josh's narration is a combination of exciting play-by-play game details, insightful observations on middle school, and poignant meditations on sibling dynamics and familial love. This verse novel has massive appeal for reluctant readers.

My Comments

Beautiful writing. Lyrical. Brilliant. Slam dunk! Recommend this book!

NEW KID by Jerry Craft

 

Graphic Novel, Realistic Fiction, African Americans, Prejudice, School, Family and Friends

249 pages

Description
"Seventh grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. But instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade. As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds--and not really fitting into either one. Can Jordan learn to navigate his new school culture while keeping his friends and staying true to himself?"--Provided by publisher.

My Comments A valuable book to read for both teachers and students. Craft skillfully portrays how Jordan feels as the new kid who is on scholarship at a predominantly white, wealthy private school. I am impressed at how Craft manages to show the oblivious insensitivity of the other students while not demonizing or stereotyping anyone. I also love the way Jordan acknowledges his own feelings while respecting others. Even though he feels like an outsider, he is kind, stands up for others, and finds true friendship in a challenging situation. The artwork is dynamic - beautiful! This is an easy book to recommend to a wide range of students and teachers.See also Stamped by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi

FASHION DISASTER by Lauren Myracle

 

Realistic Fiction, First Day of School, Friendship

135 pages.

Description

Booklist (September 15, 2005 (Vol. 102, No. 2))

“Gr. 5-8. Twelve-year-old Allison had hoped that seventh grade would be the year that she "finally stopped being invisible."But her first day of school brings more attention than she wished for: she unknowingly arrives with her mother's underwear clinging to her pant leg. Her "fashion disaster"has unexpected consequences when Rachel, queen of the popular clique, defends Allison against her classmates. Allison has conflicting feelings about her closest friend, Kathy, whose frequent jabs hurt her feelings, and she is more confused when Kathy accuses her of being a "wanna-be"in Rachel's clique. Myracle captures the stomach-twisting anxiety of middle-school friendship with spot-on details. Allison tells her own story in a diary filled with sharply authentic emotions that many kids will recognize: "I wish I were anyone but me."Supported by family members whom she finds both comforting and annoying, Allison finally learns to rely on her own instincts. Readers negotiating changing friendships of their own will find themselves in this honest, comical tour of middle school.”

My Comments

The most embarrassing possible moments of middle school in a comical setting. Myracle captures the insecurities of being new and navigating different social groups at school. This is a quick read with a positive message about friendship, loyalty, and kindness.

ANYTHING BUT TYPICAL by Nora Baskin

 Realistic Fiction, Autism,  Families, Friendship, Literary Devices, Emotional & Social Intelligence, Writing

Book Description

School Library Journal (March 1, 2009)

Gr 4-7-Baskin writes in the voice of a high-functioning boy who identifies himself as having numerous disorders, most with labels that appear as alphabet soup. In the third grade, after yet another battery of tests, Jason receives the diagnosis of autism. Now in sixth grade, he relates how he does not fit in, even though he tries to follow the instructions of his therapists and helpers. He labels the rest of his classmates and teachers as neurotypicals, or NTs for short. While humor resonates throughout the book, the pathos of Jason's situation is never far from readers' consciousness. If only he could act on what he knows he needs to do, his life would be so much easier. Jason also shows himself to be a deep thinker and an excellent writer. Through his stories and thinly veiled fictional characters, Baskin reveals not only the obstacles that Jason faces, but also his fierce determination to be himself at all costs. Jason is a believable and empathetic character in spite of his idiosyncrasies. Baskin also does a superb job of developing his parents and younger brother as real people with real problems, bravely traversing their lives with a differently abled child without a road map, but with a great deal of love.-Wendy Smith-D'Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

My Comments

Five Stars! Jason's character portrays the confusion, intelligence, and emotions of an autistic child in this spare and heartbreaking story. It brings to life the day in the life of an autistic child. Young readers will be pulled into Jason's world in this short, readable story, allowing them to empathize with people who are struggling with disabilities. A book like this could greatly benefit the social culture of a classroom, encouraging kindness and patience. I enjoyed reading Jason's descriptions of the writing process and literary devices which could be helpful examples for ELA teachers.

YOU DON'T KNOW EVERYTHING, JELLY PI by Alex Gino

Realistic Fiction, Middle School, Deaf Culture, Multiculturalism

Description
Realizing she has a lot to learn when her baby sister is born with a hearing impairment, Jilly tries to connect with fellow reader Derek, a hearing-impaired African-American ASL communicator who helps her understand how to see life in different ways. By the award-winning author of George.

MY LIFE AS A BOOK by Janet Tashjian

Humor, Realistic Fiction,

From the PublisherSummer's finally here, and Derek Fallon is looking forward to pelting the UPS truck with water balloons, climbing onto the garage roof, and conducting silly investigations. But when his parents decide to send him to Learning Camp, Derek's dreams of fun come to an end. Ever since he's been labeled a "reluctant reader," his mom has pushed him to read "real" books-something other than his beloved Calvin & Hobbes.As Derek forges unexpected friendships and uncovers a family secret involving himself (in diapers! no less), he realizes that adventures and surprises are around the corner, complete with curve balls.My Life as a Book is a 2011 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

My Comments

This would be a great recommendation for kids who love The Diary of a Wimpy Kid. It also delivers a clear message to parents and teachers to stop imposing expectations and interests on kids without truly listening and understanding the individual child. This book will resonate with many middle school readers.

MS. BIXBY'S LAST DAY by John David Anderson

Realistic Fiction, School, Friends, Teachers, Cancer, Adventure

From the PublisherA funny, heartwarming, and heartbreaking contemporary story about three boys, one teacher, and a day none of them will ever forget.Everyone knows there are different kinds of teachers. The boring ones, the mean ones, the ones who try too hard, the ones who stopped trying long ago. The ones you'll never remember, and the ones you want to forget. Ms. Bixby is none of these. She's the sort of teacher who makes you feel like school is somehow worthwhile. Who recognizes something in you that sometimes you don't even see in yourself. Who you never want to disappoint. What Ms. Bixby is, is one of a kind.Topher, Brand, and Steve know this better than anyone. And so when Ms. Bixby unexpectedly announces that she won't be able to finish the school year, they come up with a risky plan--more of a quest, really--to give Ms. Bixby the last day she deserves. Through the three very different stories they tell, we begin to understand what Ms. Bixby means to each of them--and what the three of them mean to each other.

My CommentsI warmed up to this story as the plot unfolded. Wasn't thrilled with some of his teacher portrayals, but perhaps kids will find these entertaining. It has some entertaining scenes of their antics during the journey to reach Ms. Bixby in the hospital and their kind intent brings heart to the story.

THE LIFTERS by Dave Eggers

Adventure, Fantasy, Magic, Friendship, Courage

From the Publisher

"Twelve-year-old Granite "Gran" Flowerpetal has just moved from the sunny coast to a hilly inland town full of trouble and mystery. He feels unheard at home and invisible at school--and then there's the issue of the many buildings in town collapsing into the earth. What can be done? One person, Gran's intriguing but difficult-to-please classmate, Catalina Catalan, knows what to do. But she avoids Gran like the plague. Will she reveal what happens underground? Will she tell Gran about the Hollows? The Lifters? And how the town, and the world, might be saved?"

My Comments

Intriguing. A little strange. What I found interesting is the fact that none of the adults in the book confronted the reality that the town was sinking. They continued as if this was a normal situation. You can interpret it metaphorically or take it on the face as a good adventure story.

HUNDRED PERCENT by Karen Romano Young

School Stories, Family Life, Friendship, Confidence, Kindness

From the Publisher
Christine Gouda, called Tink, and her best friend Jackie are entering sixth grade, and suddenly everything seems awkward and just plain wrong-boys are behaving differently, clothes do not fit the way they should, long term friendships suddenly seem tenuous, and most of all she needs a new nickname because "Tink" just does not fit anymore.

Booklist Review
Sixth grade seems like the perfect place for reinvention-or self-discovery-for Chris and her BFF Jackie. But their friendship strains as the girls develop at different rates and Jackie is invited into the cool kids' group. Chris tags along but isn't sure that's where she belongs, especially when her crush woofs at her, and her nerdy friend Matthew (aka Bushwhack) is considered a social pariah to be left behind. As in Stuck in the Middle (of Middle School) (2013), Young demonstrates her apt understanding of preteens, incorporating pertinent themes, such as the search for self-identity, the struggle to accept one's changing body, first crushes, the betrayal of friends, and the search for new ones. Luminous, witty writing and satirical banter between Chris and Bushwhack move the tale through the school year and offer hope that everyone can survive sixth grade. While not all of the plot is plausible, tweens will connect with Chris' struggle to find out who she is (and who she wants to be), and they'll rejoice as she emerges from her cocoon. Copyright 2014 Booklist Reviews.

My Comments
Thoughtful and authentic. This is perfect for a mature sixth grade girl. Although not a difficult read, it is a little long and focuses intently on everyday middle school social interactions and their meanings

 

A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN by Betty Smith

Historical fiction, Brooklyn, Alcoholism, Family, School, Coming of Age

Note: Current 8th grade assigned book (2017-2018)

"From the moment she entered the world, Francie needed to be made of stern stuff, for the often harsh life of Williamsburg demanded fortitude, precocity, and strength of spirit. Often scorned by neighbors for her family's erratic and eccentric behavior-such as her father Johnny's taste for alcohol and Aunt Sissy's habit of marrying serially without the formality of divorce-no one, least of all Francie, could say that the Nolans' life lacked drama. By turns overwhelming, sublime, heartbreaking, and uplifting, the Nolans' daily experiences are tenderly threaded with family connectedness and raw with honesty. Betty Smith has, in the pages of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, captured the joys of humble Williamsburg life-from "junk day" on Saturdays, when the children of Francie's neighborhood traded their weekly take for pennies, to the special excitement of holidays, bringing cause for celebration and revelry. Betty Smith has artfully caught this sense of exciting life in a novel of childhood, replete with incredibly rich moments of universal experiences--a truly remarkable achievement for any writer.

Classic! This story brings Brooklyn at the turn of the century 1900, alive, but it is also an ageless story of tenderness, family, and love. Recommended for grades 8 and up. Also try the audio version as a family read.

SAVE ME A SEAT by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan

Realistic fiction, multicultural, friendship, bullies, school stories.

"Ravi has just moved to the United States from India and has always been at the top of his class; Joe has lived in the same town his whole life and has learning problems--but when their lives intersect in the first week of fifth grade they are brought together by a common enemy (the biggest bully in their class) and the need to take control of their lives." (publisher)

Engaging light read with a lot to think about. Highly recommend as realistic fiction through 6th grade.

I AM A GENIUS OF UNSPEAKABLE EVIL AND I WANT TO BE YOUR CLASS PRESIDENT by Josh Lieb

Humor, School, Genius

302 pages; YA

"Twelve-year-old evil genius, Oliver, uses his great brain to become the third richest person in the world, and finds that overthrowing foreign dictators is easier than getting the kids in his middle school to vote him class president."
-Publisher's description

This kid is so evil. Forget role models! I couldn't stop reading it. It was grabbed up immediately by one of my students before I could finish it. He had just told me that he doesn't like to read, so if this book gets him reading, well then I love it!

OUT OF MY MIND by Sharon Draper

white Realistic Fiction, Overcoming Adversity, Assistive Technology, Friendship, Family, Courage

295 pages Grades 5-8

Starred reviews

Horn Book Guide starred (Fall 2010)
"Narrator Melody is a fifth grader with cerebral palsy. She's brilliant, but few people realize just how brilliant until she receives "Elvira," her Medi-Talker computer. Draper paints the picture of a real girl--with tantrums and attitude, problems with mean girls and oafish adults. This is an eye-opening book with an unforgettable protagonist and a rich cast of fully realized, complicated characters."

An unforgettable description of the frustration and heartache experienced by people who must cope with disabilities that cause others to stereotype and exclude them. A powerful book for class discussion or independent reading. Pair with Wonder by Palacio.

ZERO TO HERO by Henry Winkler

Fantasy, Ghosts, Bullies

170 pages, 2012

A short, fun story that empathizes with the challenges of middle school social complexities.

"Billy Broccoli is new to the neighborhood, and wants cool friends and a spot on the baseball team more than anything. But the one thing he never wanted is his own personal ghost. So imagine his surprise when he ends up sharing a room with Hoover Porterhouse, a funny ghost with a whole lot of attitude.
When an obnoxious school bully sets out to demolish Billy, the Hoove comes up with a plan for revenge. It’s all in the Hoove's Rule Number Forty-Two: Stay cool. And like it or not, Billy and the Hoove have to stick together if Billy ever wants to get in style, get even, and conquer the school." - from the publisher

THE FOURTH STALL by Chris Rylander

Realistic Fiction, School, Friends, Bullying, Mystery, Humor

"The humor of Diary of a Wimpy Kid meets a Godfather-like tale of crime and betrayal in this first book in Chris Rylander's The Fourth Stall Saga.

Do you need something? Mac can get it for you. He and his best friend and business manager, Vince. Their methods might sometimes run afoul of the law, or at least the school code of conduct, but if you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can pay him, Mac is on your side.

 His office is located in the East Wing boy's bathroom, fourth stall from the high window. And business is booming. Or at least it was, until this particular Monday. Because this Monday is when Mac and Vince find out that the trouble with solving everyone else's problems is there's no one left to solve yours.

The school setting; fast-paced, cinematic, and funny story; and engaging voice make The Fourth Stall a perfect classroom read." From the Publisher

This is a real favorite with my sixth graders. It's a page turner! Mac's business operation is outrageous and breaks a lot of rules....and the law at times, but the story works just because it is so outrageous - believable, but not really. What saves Mac in the reader's eyes is that he really is a nice kid and wants to look out for others...while making money.

This could be a good match for both reluctant and avid readers.