Category: MG Novels

middle grade novels (for 8-12 yo)

Posted in Award Winners, MG Novels, So Many Good Books

The Someday Birds

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

SomedayBirdscoverThe Someday Birds (HarperCollins Children’s Books, 2017) by Sally J. Pla is a moving and amazing story. I would have chosen this book as the Newbery winner if they’d let me.

Charlie likes routine. He’s also fascinated by birds. His younger twin brothers and older sister are not so patient with his routines or interests. With Dad in the hospital and not able to speak due to a brain injury from his time as a war journalist in Afghanistan, Gram is staying with them. None of them like the fact that Charlie speaks too directly about Dad’s condition. But life is about to change drastically for all of them, including a lady who might be a spy, a road trip, and of course for Charlie, birds.

I love how the chapter headings are related to birds in some way. I also love this story being in Charlie’s viewpoint and how he deals with his OCD/sensitivity/autism spectrum issues.

This award-winning book is the author’s debut. Read more about her here and check out her other books on the books tab of her website.

Posted in Award Winners, Graphic Novels, MG Novels, So Many Good Books

Roller Girl

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

RollerGirlRoller Girl (Dial Books for Young Readers, 2015) by Victoria Jamieson is such a delightful story of hard work, heart, old and new friends, and roller derby! The drawings are fun and really bring the story to life. If you’ve never read a graphic novel, this is the perfect one to start with. Really!
Twelve-year-old Astrid is at that age where friends are having diverging interests. Girls interested in fashion and the mall think those who are not are babies. Which makes Astrid very unhappy. And then she goes to her first roller derby. Her new hero is now Rainbow Bite. But unfortunately Astrid gets herself in trouble with assumptions and by hiding the truth. Will she make her new dream come true?
Roller Girl was a Newbery honor book in 2016! And it became a bestseller. If you go here, you can learn about the making of the book.
And go here to learn about author/illustrator Victoria Jamieson’s other books.

Posted in Award Winners, MG Novels, So Many Good Books

Hello, Universe

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

hello universeHello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly is the 2018 Newbery Medal winner and such a fun read. I loved the multiple viewpoints and how the characters are brought together despite their aloneness.
First, we meet shy Virgil Salinas, whose own family doesn’t seem to understand his quietness. He feels “like unbuttered toast standing next to them.” And they call him Turtle. Only his grandmother, newly from the Philippines, seems to get him.
Next up is Valencia Somerset who is struggling with a repetitive nightmare where she is all alone. She’s adopted a dog who lives in the woods and sneaks off to feed him.
Then we meet Kaori Tanaka, with her powers of second sight and her younger sister, Gen, who helps her out preparing for clients.
And, of course, there’s the bully–Chet Bullens–aka the Bull–who plays an important role in this story of young middle schoolers on summer break.
Each character was unique and interesting, and yet so identifiable. Except for the bully, of course.
This is Erin’s third book. Go here to read about the rest of them.

Posted in Award Winners, MG Novels, So Many Good Books

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

lifeofacactus.pngInsignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus (Sterling Children’s Books, 2017) by Dusti Bowling was so good.

Thirteen-year-old Aven was born without arms, but loves making up stories about what happened to her arms. It’s a fun joke with her friends, but when she and her family have to move because her dad lost his job and Aven has to go to a new school, she doesn’t feel like joking. Or eating lunch in front of anyone. And the “looks” and stares are hard.

Her new home is a rundown Western theme park in Arizona which has some mysteries. Eventually she meets Connor who has his own struggles and they start investigating those mysteries plus create some excitement of their own. The two also ending up helping each other.

Aven is funny, interesting, and a good friend. I like her parents and how they’ve encouraged her.
This really is a sweet book, but not too sweet. 😉 Go here and read about all the awards and lists this book has been chosen for.

Dusti’s second book, 24 Hours in Nowhere, comes out in September. Read about it here.

Posted in MG Novels, So Many Good Books

Chasing Secrets

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

Chasing SecretsAnd another historical for you: Chasing Secrets (Wendy Lamb Books, 2015) by Gennifer Choldenko, who never disappoints. I still remember crying over Notes from a Liar and Her Dog.
It’s 1900 in San Francisco and thirteen-year-old Lizzie Kennedy would rather be with her physician father than going to Miss Barstow’s finishing school. And even though Aunt Hortense doesn’t think it is appropriate she is interested in science, Lizzie goes whenever she can. But dead rats are appearing everywhere. Could the plague have arrived?
Besides secrets, the story involves mysteries, sneaking around, a new friend, danger, and more. Lizzie even learns a thing or two.
Check out Gennifer’s stupid author photos here or see her other books here. You’ll be glad you did.