Gordon Korman’s latest book is another one I can’t wait to make available for middle school readers. The story blends the past, present and hope for the future of a small Colorado town as it struggles with its racist past, swastikas appearing in the middle school, and a group of middle school students trying to change the message for their town for the future. After having tolerance education following the appearance of the first swastika and watching in dismay as the swastikas keep showing up, the students hatch a plan similar to the famous paperclip project to make a paper chain of six million links to represent the 6 million Jewish lives lost in the Holocaust. Whether or not they can complete the massive chain and where to store it are just part of the problems the students encounter. The story is told in multiple voices of students around town which helps the reader see the issue from many lenses. Korman’s masterful hand creates a story that is both funny and heartrending at the same time. He has a true understanding of what makes middle school kids tick and his characters are layered and believable. I also liked that he threw in a bit about how social media can complicate, and perhaps help, a problem once the scope of an issue is no longer just local but spread to the whole world. It is a story of facing our past -even the one we may not be very proud of – and using the present to help heal, forgive, and move forward into a better future.
The Girl from the Sea, by Molly Knox Ostertag
This graphic novel is a sweet LGBQT+ romance perfect for middle and high school readers. It tells the story of Morgan and the selkie she meets again, Keltie, and their new romantic relationship. Their romance is complicated by Morgan’s fears of coming out, a recent separation of her parents, and an ecological subplot involving Keltie’s concern for her seal friends’ safety with new environmental hazards on the horizon. I enjoyed the colorful graphics and the sprinkled text format used by Morgan and her other school friends. The combination of styles was an interesting change of pace. Morgan’s worries about coming out and her secret relationship with Keltie felt believable. I was really rooting for them to figure it all out. The ecological sub-plot felt a bit contrived and less believable, but ultimately, I was oohing and ahhing over the sweet ending of the book. The illustrations are well done, bright, and energetic. I enjoyed the multi-ethnic cast of characters, including the selkie. Middle school and high school readers looking for a sweet, gentle, gender-bending romance will be charmed by the tender connection Morgan and Keltie have, along with feeling sympathy for the concerns they both have that complicate their relationship. Even though the ecological sub-plot is not really believable in its outcome, the human (human-selkie) connection absolutely is believable and worth the read – right down to the surprise twist at the end. I can see myself handing this book to many middle school readers!
The Pug Who Wanted to be a Unicorn by Bella Swift
Peggy the pug is abandoned by her owner at a dog shelter when she is too much to handle. When there is no room for her there she is put in a foster home over Christmas. Chloe loves flying unicorns and thus starts the adventure of Peggy trying to become one. This is a great December story that can be read all year around. I would recommend it to students who are not quite ready for a full on chapter book. The story was sweet and fun. Anyone who likes dogs and warm family stories would enjoy this one.
Space Explorers: 25 Extraordinary Stories of Space Exploration and Adventure by Libby Jackson
I chose this book because I currently have a space display in the library. It’s a perfect addition to the display but I have to admit, I didn’t want to put it in the display — I wanted to keep it for myself. Back and forth it went, from the display book stand back into my hands. The writer, Libby Jackson, writes in a very compelling way, telling such interesting facts about space and those who have traveled there. Some examples:
- While the Soviets successfully launched Sputnik the U.S. was still struggling to send their first rocket to space. The problem: they didn’t have fuel powerful enough to lift the rocket into space. The person who finally came up with the right fuel to launch the first U.S. rocket into space was a woman named Mary Sherman Morgan from my home state of North Dakota!
- When Yuri Gagarin, the first human space traveler, completed his journey around the world, he was thrown off course in his spacecraft when it was time to land. His parachute opened and he landed in a large field. Yuri had no way to contact Mission Control to tell them that he landed safely. Yuri borrowed the phone of a nearby farmer to let Mission Control know that he was safe and alive.
- While stuck in a traffic jam in 1990, Helen Sharman of Slough, England, heard on the radio that they were looking for astronauts to fly into space — no experience necessary. She jotted down the phone number and requested an application, along with 5,500 other people. Helen kept making the cuts until they were down to 150 applicants. She took part of a G-force test in which candidates were spun around at incredible speeds. While most people had to stop after 5 minutes, Helen made it to 15 minutes. Eventually the final two candidates were announced line on televisions from the Science Museum in London. Helen became the first British astronaut.
These and 22 other missions are discussed. While all illustrations are drawings, the book is brightly colored and beautiful to page through.
My Name is Bana by Bana AlAbed
This book is based on the words of a Syrian child refugee and human rights activist. Bana talks about what her name means in her native Arabic language – strong. She shows how she is strong and is a survivor. How war came to her home land and her family had to flee. She flies to a new place where she has to learn the language and make friends all over again. This is a very powerful picture book written from the voice of a 12 year old now living in Turkey with her family. I would STRONGLY recommend this book for students. As I once lived in Beirut, Lebanon, I saw many refugees from Syria. This book truly resonated with me.
Llama Glamarama by Simon James Green and Garry Parsons
Larry the Llama LOVES to dance. He is part of a herd and is “grey and unexciting”. He hides his love of bright colors and dancing from the rest but is sad as he cannot share this love with others. When others find out his secret he runs away and feels very alone and sad. After a while he finds a group hosting a carnival event where they dance and sing and have fun. He immediately feels at home. He wants to return home but what will the rest of his herd think? Find out when you read this book about how being different is exceptional.
Dog Man: Grime and Punishment by Dav Pilkey
As with the first 8 of the books in the series, book 9, Grime and Punishment will be popular with students who enjoy goofy humor and overall silliness. We meet up again with the half policeman, half dog only to find he has been fired from the police. With the help of his friends will he be able to become part of the again? With the creation of a personality amplifier helmet getting in the wrong hands of the evil Petey the Cat all chaos ensues. The entire town is attacked by not only Petey but a crazed, out of control, giant lunch sack!
This book is great for students who may not enjoy reading. It is an obvious must purchase if the series of popular at your school. With the multiple endings and flip animations elementary students who love graphic and comic books will enjoy this one.
Only the Cat Saw by Ashley Wolff
When a family has their dinner and prepares for bed, what does a farm cat see and do? This picture book with rich colors, clean lines and pages where you see something new every time you read it is a lovely depiction of what a nocturnal pet can see while one is asleep. It also shows what an average family might do at night as well. With a clear progression from evening to bedtime, nighttime to morning, the author shows that life continues after one goes to sleep.
This book is another lovely, quiet, bedtime story. Parent will enjoy reading it to their student. Students will enjoy the readability and beautiful images.
The Secret Rhino Society – Written by Jonathan E. Jacobs, Illustrated by Samantha Cotterill
Three good friends, a hippo, a worm and a lightbulb band together to form a secret society dedicated to their favorite animal, the rhino. They create a clubhouse and have meetings in order to work on becoming more “rhino-like” until one day Ivy knocks on the door with a plant delivery. Ivy is not the type of CHARGING, STRONG AND POWERFUL rhino they expect and they are surprised. When they invite her into the clubhouse for lunch they realize that what they truly enjoyed about their secret society was the making and sharing of snacks and sandwiches so they decide to open a sandwich shop instead.
This is a sweet story about three friends who realize they are creative individuals as they are and do not have to try to become something else in order to have fun and be successful.
Beetle & the Hollowbones by Aliza Layne
Beetle is a goblin-witch who lives with her grandmother. She studies hard with her grandmother but does not attend school. Beetle is a lonely character who regularly goes to the mall and meets up with her ghost friend, Blob Ghost. BG is anchored in some way to the mall and cannot leave. When her childhood friend, Kat, returns from private witch school Beetle finds out Kat’s aunt is purchasing the land that the mall is on plans on tearing it down to build the family home on. What will happen to BG? Beetle has to solve the mystery as to why Blob Ghost cannot leave the mall. She also wants to reconnect with Kat and become friends (possibly more) again.
While this graphic novel is labeled grades 3 – 6 in Titlewave I would level it at grades 5 – 8 as there is a young romance between Beetle and Kat with kissing. This is a cute book that would be a nice addition to any middle school library.
The Turnover by Mike Lupica
Another sports fiction book from Mike Lupica for students to enjoy. The Turnover is a multi-generational sports story with a little mystery mixed in. Lucas is part of an all-star youth basketball team that is coached by his grandfather, a former college player himself. He thinks the world of his grandfather who has been a big part of his life since his father died when he was very young. While the story revolves around the success of the team and a possible championship future it is also intertwined with the story of Lucas and his Gramps. He is given an assignment to write a biography about someone who is not in Lucas’ immediate family and thus his Gramps is a perfect person to write about. Why is it then that Gramps does not want to be researched. What is in his past that he wants to keep secret?
Like most of Lupica’s books, I enjoyed this one as well. Titlewave recommends The Turnover to grades 4 – 6 but I feel that readers up to 8th grade, even reluctant ones, would enjoy this title, especially if they like basketball.
War Stories by Gordon Korman
Trevor loves to play war based video games, especially ones based on World War II. This is because his great-grandfather fought in Europe and was part of the liberation of a town in France. Jacob has a very close relationship with his great-grandson Trevor and tells him stories about his experiences during the war. When Jacob is invited to France to be recognized for his involvement in liberating the town he invites is grandson and great-grandson to follow his footsteps through Europe ending in the town. While in France, Trevor soon realizes they are being followed by people who don’t really want them to be there. These followers begin to sabotage their experiences making it dangerous for the three of them to be in France and Jacob starts to become anxious about going to the town. What will happen when they arrive? Will it be safe? and will Trevor’s beloved great-grandfather have the closure he truly needs.
This was a great multi-generational story that many would enjoy. While Titlewave labels it as grades 3-6 I feel that readers up to 8th grade would like this story, especially ones who are familiar with Korman’s prior titles.
Mananaland by Pam Munoz Ryan
If you enjoyed Esperanza Rising you will enjoy this one as well. While this title has the feel of a fantasy at times in reality it is a realistic fiction of a young man who is a dedicated soccer player in Mexico. Not only does Max enjoy soccer he loves his father and grandfather who are often coming and going from the house for extended times because of their jobs. When Max’s dad has to travel to another town to get a copy of his birth certificate so he can try out for the elite soccer team, Max searches through his fathers belongings to see if he can help find the documentation he needs. He soon realizes there is a mystery behind his birth and where his mother is. When someone comes to the house needing help and is grandfather and father are both away, Max volunteers to help even though he knows little about what to do.
This is another great book by Pam Munoz Ryan that many will enjoy. I would highly recommend purchasing this book for your library.
Sloth & Squirrel in a Pickle by Cathy Ballou and Kelly Collier
Close friends, sloth and squirrel decide to get jobs as pickle packers so they can earn money to purchase a bike. They run into some issues when squirrel goes too fast and sloth goes too slow. Their work becomes disastrous and soon they find themselves sadly, without jobs. Working together, these unlikely friends must find a way to earn money for a bike.
This is a story that will make you smile. It focuses on teamwork, determination and perseverance. The artwork is fun and inviting and makes you want to read it again.
Love, by Sophia by Jim Averbeck and Yasmeen Ismail
Given an assignment in art class to draw what you love, Sophia struggles until her teacher explains “perspective” and what it means in art. When she completes her project she is so proud that she want’s to put it up on the refrigerator. This entails going to the family “committee” to see if it is acceptable. Each committee member questions if it is quality enough until grandmama who finally sees Sophia’s perspective.
This is a beautiful story that teaches ways to see art from different points of view. It also show determination and family. The artwork is bright and engaging. It was an enjoyable book. Your school art teacher will enjoy this addition to the school library.
What About X?: an Alphabet Adventure by Anne Marie Houppert and Illustrated by Daniel Wiseman
When X comes to school he finds out that his alphabet class is going on a camping field trip!Having never gone camping before he is unsure as to what to bring. First he thinks of an x-ray machine (0f course) and then a xylophone but when those two items don’t work out what does he do? As all of the alphabet letters start filling the bus with their supplies X is at a loss. What happens will make you smile.
This fabulous alphabet book has wonderfully expressive letters who show true friendship and happiness. This will be a great read-a-loud for youngers learning their alphabet. So fun!
There’s a Dragon in my Closet by Dorothea Taylor and Illustrated by Charly Palmer
There is a dragon is his closet that is a prankster! The dragon does all kinds of things such as breaking plant pots, putting on muddy shoes and walking around the house and leaving candies for him when he is unwell. Will this young man continue to have issues with the dragon? Will his mother find out if the dragon exists? You’ll have to read the book to find out
This picture book has unique art that is seen more clearly from a distance than close up. Personally, I did not enjoy the book. I loved the title and thus decided to choose it to read. I found that the book was rough at the start and not very clear. The artwork was not very clear to me but I found it was easier to see from a distance as it does not have clear clean lines. If you have more of Palmer’s illustrated books you will enjoy this one as well as you are familiar with his work
A Pig in the Palace by Ali Bahrampour
When Bobo is invited to the palace to meet the new queen he is surprised. He was rolling in the dirt when the invitation came. He is a boar! A little nervous about attending, Bobo couldn’t sleep the night before and thus when the car came to get him he was still sleeping. Feeling a little unprepared and underdressed, Bobo gets in the car. When he arrives at the palace disaster after disaster occur! He destroys everything! Will he be thrown out of the palace? You’ll have to read to find out!
This humorous picture book reminds us that it is okay to be you. The art is fun and inviting and will make everyone smile at the end!
Delicious! Poems Celebrating Street Food Around the World by Julie Larios
This lovely poetry picture books sends you around the world to experience street food in a variety of countries. From New York to Dakar, from Saint Petersburg to Surabaya, the reader experiences different tastes from around the world. There is a great appendix at the end that describes each place and gives interesting facts.
This would be a great addition to any elementary library!
Poppy Takes Paris: A Little Girl’s Adventures in the City of Light
Poppy a precocious French girl decides that she and her dog, Baguette need to search the city of Paris for the “brightest light” in the city. This fun tour of Parisian highlights is a fun introduction to what makes Paris special. Traveling from the Arc de Triomphe to the Louvre and on to many other places ending in the Eiffel Tower this fun loving girl and her dog go on an adventure.
A fun tale with stunning artwork, this book is a delight that will give you a smile, especially if you have ever been to the City of Light.
Geraldine Pu – and Her Lunch Box. Too! – Maggie P. Chang
Geraldine is an average kid at school. Her favorite subject is lunchtime where she enjoys the meals her Amah makes her and sits with friends. One day, a student makes a statement about her stinky lunch and she is saddened by the fact that others are critical of her favorite food. How she overcomes this is warming and insightful for all elementary students.
Not only does this beginner book educate young students on how to read a graphic novels, it also is insightful about cultural differences and acceptance of others. I would highly recommend this book for elementary school.
Bodies are Cool by Tyler Feder
How validating it is to see a book that depicts all bodies. Bodies not only with all levels of melanin but also with scars, ostomy bags, diabetic pumps, stretch marks, wheelchairs, spots, dots, hair, tattoos – everything!
This body positive book has one simple message repeated on each page – “Bodies are cool!”
In an elementary school, you are bound to get some giggles as people are in their swimsuits and underwear in some of the illustrations, and there are nursing moms throughout, but what a great opportunity to reinforce the message of the book. We all have bodies, all of our bodies are different, and all of our bodies are cool.
The illustrations in the books show everyone, I mean EVERYONE! Each time I read the book I find another person I hadn’t noticed the time before. Tyler Feder gives us a great opportunity to sit and look at differently abled bodies and talk about them, and our own if we feel comfortable. It is perfectly normal to notice differences – let’s teach our kids how to accept all the differences and how to be respectful about them.
I would encourage everyone to purchase this book so that students and families know that everyone is beautiful and that it is ok to talk about how are bodies are different, especially if we have tubes in our bellies, pumps on our arms, or a prosthesis.
from Archie to Zack by Vincent X. Kirsch
First loves make your heart beat fast, make your cheeks burn pink, and make you shy even when they’re your best friend. Archie and Zack love eachother, and everyone knows this. Archie decides to write Zack a note, from A to Z, but he feels something is missing, so he hides it in a tree. He writes another one, but again hides it. He writes a third note, and hides that one as well. Three classmates find the notes: Zuzella, Zinnia, and Zelda. All who the note could be for since it didn’t say Zack – but each knew the note was from Archie to Zack because everyone knew they loved eachother.
This cute picture book is the perfect first love story, a perfect depiction of people who are just meant to be, and a perfect picture story of acceptance. I enjoyed that the illustrations add to the story, in fact, you need them to fully understand what Archie feels as he wonders whether this will be the note he gives to Zack.
If you are looking for an LGBTQIA+ fiction picture book to add to your collection, this sweet story is the one! Don’t forget to check out the cover under the jacket for a surprise!
Sakamoto’s Swim Club: How a teacher led an unlikely team to vitory by Julie Abery
Written in verse, this non-fiction book took me by surprise. With a few short stanzas Julie Abery has you smiling along with Coach Sakamoto’s efforts to help some of Hawaii’s young swimmers grow stronger. The poetic style of the book will make it accessible to many readers.
You find out in the Author’s Note that Coach (as he was known to his students) was not a strong swimmer himself, but was a great scientist and researched swim strokes to help guide his team. They started by swimming upstream in ditches and then a pool, soon all the swimmers had a common dream of going to the Olympics.
Sakamoto’s Swim Club is illustrated by Chris Sasaki, who easily brought to life the lush countryside of Hawaii. Some of my favorite illustrations are of the plans along the ditch the swimmers swim in and the views of the swimmers both above the water and below.
If you are looking to build add Pacific Islander books or add books with themes of courage and perseverance, this inspirational story is a must have.
The Octopus Escapes by Maile Meloy
The octopus lives in a cave where he can enjoy the big and small waves that push through his home. He loves the sand beneath his tentacles and his starfish neighbors, he especially loves to chase the crabs for his dinner!
This story follows the capture of the octopus from the ocean and into an aquarium where he is observed, tested, taught, and stared at. As he himself is being observed, he also observes the animals in their own glass cages and they all look sad. Our octopus decides he has had enough and one day, after a predictable, unchaseable, dinner falls from the top of his glass cage, he decides to escape.
The illustrations by Felicita Sala give personality to this strong willed, smart octopus. My favorite is the page where his tentacles are wrapped around the human’s arm and she removes them one by one. Both the text and the zoomed in illustration of this event left me smiling and really feeling like I was there with them.
I think the combination of the illustrations, full of motion, and the story of an octopus that just wants to be free, make for a great story. I can see using this with students to study narrative perspectives, as well as the conservation efforts of local aquariums.