Companion to the Newbery Medal Winner "New Kid" The first page of this graphic novel by Jerry Craft makes the theme perfectly clear: Be kind. Be fair. Be you. While this sounds like a simple request, "Class Act" shows the struggles students face while navigating racial and cultural differences. The prestigious Riverdale Academy has students… Continue reading Class Act by Jerry Craft
Tag: #Middlegradenovels
The Lion of Mars by Jennifer Holm
A great middle grade novel that teaches readers about the importance of friendships and having a community to support us through all of life's adventures. The Lion of Mars by Jennifer Holm tells the story of a United States colony living on Mars. The story is told from the point of view of Bell, a… Continue reading The Lion of Mars by Jennifer Holm
One Jar of Magic by Cory Ann Haydu
Teacher Thoughts As we began our fantasy/dystopian unit of study, I started the read aloud Eventown by Cory Ann Haydu while a book club read her new book One Jar of Magic. While Eventown, which can be read at many levels, is the perfect read aloud for sixth graders, One Jar of Magic is a… Continue reading One Jar of Magic by Cory Ann Haydu
Bloom by Kenneth Oppel
Looking for a middle grade science fiction series? Kenneth Oppel's Bloom trilogy is one your students will not want to put down. The first book in the series, Bloom will pull in your most reluctant readers and keep them coming back for more! Auguste and Owen read Bloom in their book club and loved the… Continue reading Bloom by Kenneth Oppel
The Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane by Kate O’Shaughnessy
Kate O'Shaughnessy's first novel is one that touched the hearts of my students. The Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane is the story of a girl who perseveres through hard times with the help of a kind hearted teacher and a boy named Tommy who has struggles of his own. Sixth graders Kate and Makenzie read… Continue reading The Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane by Kate O’Shaughnessy
Saving Savannah
by Tonya Bolden There must be change! And if last night taught me anything, it's that I must be a part of that change! Part of making the world as it ought to be. -Savannah Robyn and Autumn share their thoughts about Saving Savannah by Tonya Bolden Saving Savannah by Tonya Bolden is a historical… Continue reading Saving Savannah