Bibliotechies » Middle Readers

Spider Boy by Ralph Fletcher

carascherzer — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 02:25:11 +0000

After moving to another state, seventh grader Bobby deals with the change by telling people at school made-up stories and then retreating into his world of pet spiders and books about spiders.

Liz says:

“This book is probably best for the end of 4th grade and up. It’s very entertaining but has a lot of substance. Bobby faces many tough moments as the new kid in town. His interest in spiders provides lots of ammunition for the school bully, but Bobby figures out a way to deal with this. He’s a very believable character who comes up with some unbelievable stories! (There are also lots of spider facts!)”

Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

carascherzer — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 02:21:06 +0000

When he finds a lost beagle in the hills behind his West Virginia home, Marty tries to hide it from his family and the dog’s real owner, a mean-spirited man known to shoot deer out of season and to mistreat his dogs.

Liz says:

“This Newbery Medal winner is an example of a book that both kids and adults love. There are some very sad scenes but a happy ending awaits. This is a must read.”

Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr

carascherzer — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 13:20:08 +0000

Hospitalized with the dreaded atom bomb disease, leukemia, a child in Hiroshima races against time to fold one thousand paper cranes to verify the legend that by doing so a sick person will become healthy.

Liz says:

“This is a truly beautiful story about the power of hope in the face of great tragedy.”

Robot Dreams by Sara Varon

carascherzer — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 12:10:44 +0000

The enduring friendship between a dog and a robot is portrayed in this wordless graphic novel.

Liz says:

“I’m not always such a fan of graphic novels but this one is exceptional. It is a wonderful story of friendship. It is fun to “read” and has a terrific message.”

The Prince of the Pond by Donna Jo Napoli

carascherzer — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 12:06:19 +0000

Having been turned into a frog by a hag, a frog-prince makes the best of his new life as he mates, raises a family, and instills a new kind of thinking into his frog family.

Liz says:

“Napoli is a master at fractured fairy tales. This is a charming and poignant twist on the Frog Prince Proper. This makes for a great read-aloud!”

Poppy by Avi

carascherzer — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 12:02:56 +0000

Poppy, a deer mouse, urges her family to move next to a field of corn big enough to feed them all forever, but Mr. Ocax, a terrifying owl, has other ideas.

Liz says:

“This is an adorable story written by one of the best authors for kids and young adults.”

The Penderwicks: The Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall

carascherzer — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 22:59:33 +0000

While vacationing with their widowed father in the Berkshire Mountains, four lovable sisters, ages four through twelve, share adventures with a local boy, much to the dismay of his snobbish mother.

Liz says:

“This is a great example of modern day old-fashioned storytelling. It’s a frolic! It’s also the winner of the National Book Award.”

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

carascherzer — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 11:55:16 +0000

In 1943, during the German occupation of Denmark, ten-year-old Annemarie learns how to be brave and courageous when she helps shelter her Jewish friend from the Nazis.

Liz says:

“What an amazing story. If you want your kids to know about the Holocaust, or if they already know a little, this is the perfect book. Told with sensitivity and hopefulness and filled with historical accuracy, Lowry gives us a true gem!”

No Talking by Andrew Clements

carascherzer — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 11:51:15 +0000

The noisy fifth grade boys of Laketon Elementary School challenge the equally loud fifth grade girls to a “no talking” contest.

Liz says:

“Clements is a master at depicting school life. Kids will love the fast paced story told though the viewpoints of the kids and the teachers. This is a fun read with lots of good lessons.”

Mr. Chickee’s Funny Money by Christopher Paul Curtis

carascherzer — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 11:45:18 +0000

Flint Future Detective Club members Steven Carter, his friend Russell, and Russell’s dog Zoopy solve the mystery of a quadrillion-dollar bill with the image of James Brown on it.

Liz says:

“Curtis is one of the best authors around. I’ve read his books for older kids and am excited to try this one. I’m sure it’s a winner!”