#MGBOOKTOBER
Last week I was scrolling through my Instagram feed when I noticed that it was suddenly inundated with pictures of middle grade book covers accompanied by the hashtag #MGBOOKTOBER. This caught my attention for several reasons. As a former middle school teacher, I LOVE middle grade titles. I love their innocence and the way these titles help readers see the world through the eyes of their target audience, mainly, kids stuck in the hard times of middle school. Many adults have recently been drawn to read books in the YA age bracket, but as of yet, this slightly lower target age range seems to be outside of the average reader’s radar. I am thrilled that #MGBOOKTOBER is attempting to change that.
I was also drawn to this monthly challenge of naming a book for each day of October because I recently started teaching pre-service education students. Namely, I teach future teachers how to teach reading. A common woe of my current student population is that they are unfamiliar with the current book publishing landscape. Unless they were tutoring in an elementary school or it was on the required English reading list, they didn’t/don’t do much reading. (sigh.) Especially “kids books”. If a book was published after they left middle school, it’s likely they haven’t read it. I am hoping I can use #MGBOOKTOBER to highlight a few of my favorites and give them a quick peek into this niche market/audience.
So, without further adieux, I proudly present my selections for #MGBOOKTOBER. In hopes of exposing you to as many wonderful middle grade books as possible, I tried not to repeat any titles. I failed, but, please know that I tried. It is my goal, that no matter your age or genre of preference, you find something here to sink your teeth into. Happy reading!
October 1 – The book you are reading right now
Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo
This story is about a girl whose father runs off with his dental hygienist. Raymie is convinced that if she wins Little Miss Central Florida, her father will be compelled to come home. I’m only on chapter 5, but I think her flawed logic will put her in the path of several interesting characters who will support her through this difficult time.
October 2 – The Book You Love the Most
The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
I’ve professed my love for this book and author on several occasions. You can read my thoughts about them here and here and here.
October 3 – Favorite Middle Grade Adventure
The False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen
I’m a big fan of what my husband calls “Camelot Crap”. AKA: medieval stories with royalty and feudalism societies. This book has both of those and also keeps you turning pages and guessing what is going to happen next, until the very last page. Jennifer Nielsen is a MASTER STORYTELLER and you will not be lead astray by choosing to read any books she writes.
October 4 – Best Science Fiction Middle Grade Story
The Neptune Project by Polly Holyoke
This book takes place in the future, when the world is hot and overcrowded and the seas are rising. Not too hard to imagine right? A group of scientists have genetically modified a group of teens to be able to live (and breathe!) underwater. Unfortunately, such an experiment is illegal, and in addition to figuring out how to survive in the dangerous oceans, they must evade those who wish to capture them. Tons of excitement, an incredible setting, and cool science concepts make this my favorite middle grade science fiction book.
October 5 - Middle Grade Character Most Like You
I think that I am very much like Ella, in Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine. No, I’m not cursed, but I am very good and doing what I am told and will speak up for myself (ahem, rebel) if necessary. I also have a tendency, like Ella, to follow my heart. If you’ve never read this version of the Cinderella story, you are in for a treat, but please, do not judge this book on it’s abysmal movie recreation!
October 6 - Best Release of 2019
The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gameinhart
I wrote about this book here but can tell you right now that this early January 2019 release captured my heart from the very get go. As with many middle grade books, it gently and genuinely touches on tough topics in a way that is accessible and appropriate for young readers. If you are looking for a book where characters encounter death, grief, unique living arrangements, homelessness, domestic abuse, same sex relationships or unlikely friendships I can assure you this one will fit the bill.
October 7 - Most Exciting New Writer
Instead of listing one writer here, I am going to direct you to a website that features a whole host of authors who will (or have already) debut middle grade works in 2019. If you like to be the first one to try a new author, then use this site to find your new favorite before everyone else! http://novelnineteens.com/about
October 8 – Book That Made You Cry
One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
I have my own personal connections to foster care and this is likely the reason I cried near the end of this book. Julie Murphy wants to give Carley a home, at least for a little while, but she seems like the only one on board, including Carley. But throughout the story, several transformations take place and it will leave you, if you are anything like me, crying.
October 9 – Favorite Food in a Middle Grade Book
Hope Was Here by Joan Bauer
In this book, the main character moves to Wisconsin and works in a diner. As I read this book I was treated to descriptions of food that filled my childhood and it felt like home. This Newbery Honor winning book has been described as, “Filled with heart, charm, and good old-fashioned fun, this is Joan Bauer at her best.”
October 10 – Most Awesome Middle Grade Friendship
Jeffery “Maniac” Magee spends a lot of time running around the town of Two Mills and spends some time homeless before he is befriended by Grayson, a man who works at the local zoo. The man takes him in and in return, Maniac teaches Grayson to read. The two celebrate Christmas together and honestly, it is one of the most touching literary friendship moments I’ve ever read. If you’ve never read this classic, put this Newbery Award Winning book by Jerry Spinelli on your list.
October 11 – Favorite Animal Middle Grade Book
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
It is no secret that I do not like animals very much. (Go ahead and hate me. I also despise bacon!) BUT, I love The Tale of Despereaux, and the mouse main character of the same name. Others must have agreed, because this book won the Newbery Award in ___. Beautifully written with solid themes, this story is a must read in my book.
October 12 – Favorite Middle Grade Fantasy
Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
You thought I was going to say Harry Potter, didn’t you? Remember I said I was trying to do any repeating? You’ll find Harry and his wizarding world further down the list. Nope, for my favorite fantasy I chose Inkheart, a book about a father who has the ability to read to read characters to life and the consequences that follow when he accidentally unleashes a villain into the real world. This book is the first in a series and one that I wholeheartedly recommend for fantasy fans. (Be warned… it’s a big one, but so worth it!)
October 13 – A Book That Made You Feel Joyful
The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place by E.L. Konigsburg
There are a lot of problems in our world and I believe each one needs a champion. With a little help, that champion can make a big difference. This is the theme of The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place and just one reason why it brings me joy. “Thoughtful, provocative, and entertaining… a beautifully written, witty tale.” - USA Today.
October 14 – The Classic That Everyone Should Read
From the Mixed Up Files from Mrs. Basil E. Frankeweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
Even though this book was written in __ and some of the cultural references are definitely out of date, it is worth the read. Claudia and her brother Jamie run away and decide to live in the posh location of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As a kid (and adult) I loved reading about they ways they hid from the night guards, bathed in the fancy fountain and slept in the beds of royalty. Mystery lovers will also enjoy the clue-like nature of the story as Claudia and Jamie work to figure out the answer.
October 15 – Favorite Middle Grade Illustrator
Kazu Kibuishi is the author and illustrator of the middle grade graphic novel series Amulet. The images in this series are breathtaking. You might also recognize this illustrator’s style because he recently did the art for the re-released Harry Potter book covers. You can see more of his work here.
October 16 – The Book You Wish You Never Read and Why
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
When I was in eighth grade, my school did a month-long Holocaust unit. We studied this terrible time in history every day, all day for weeks! Because I’m a very vivid dreamer, the content invaded my dreams as well. Let’s just say it was a pretty traumatizing experience. To this day, I choose not to read, watch or study, or think about WWII, especially in the realm of concentration camps. I realize that it is important to study so that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past. I realize that there are several other troubled times in history that should evoke the same reaction in me, but based on my childhood experiences, they just don’t. Therefore, the book I wish I never would have read is The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. This book about the family that lives next to a concentration camp is slow and plodding, all the way up until the end when it hits fast forward and BAM, hit you with a gut punch ending that left me sick to my stomach for days. It’s a great book, but just not for me.
October 17 – The Middle Grade Character You Love to Hate the Most
Professor Delores Umbridge from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Professor Umbridge is the worst kind of villain. She is the kind of person who truly, in the bottom of her heart, believes she is right. Through her swayed brand of logic, she will break rules to enforce others in hopes of convincing you she is right, even when she has to be cruel. Professor Umbridge is the WORST!
October 18 – A Book With a Great Theme
Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper
Melody is a non-verbal child confined to a wheelchair. Everyone things she has the cognitive functioning of a fruit fly, but in fact, she has a photographic memory and is darn-near brilliant. The theme of this story is that first impressions and judgements based on opinion will often lead you astray. On a separate note, I feel that EVERY teacher and middle schooler should read this book. We all know students like Melody, and reading this book will most likely change how we interact and treat people with disabilities.
October 19 – The Book You Wish You Had Written
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle
This book has impacted the writing world in so many ways. Not only has it won awards and catapulted the author into the author hall of fame, it broke the mold of all that came before. A Wrinkle in Time was one of the first middle grade books to tackle serious issues (bullying, levels of intelligence, complicated marital relationships). This book also stretched the boundaries of our imagination, pushing us to wonder, what if… in a scientific and plausible way. This book put forth a flawed protagonist and let her be the hero. I hope that one day, I can write a book that allows readers to stretch and grow and imagine… and while being fantastically entertained.
October 20 – Which Middle Grade Character Would Be Your BFF?
My best friends like to write and read and say yes to fun ideas. My best friends are smart and creative and encouraging. My best friends are feisty and kind and unique. One character that embodies all of these traits is Matilda, from the book of the same name written by Roald Dahl. I think that if we were to have met, perhaps in Miss Honey’s class, Matilda and I would have been very good friends.
October 21 – Best Middle Grade Detective Story
Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief by Wendelin Van Draanen
I’m not the only one who thought this fun mystery featuring a spunky middle school girl plagued by curiosity and an inability to sit still was a good read. It won the Edgar for Best Juvinile Mystery the year it was published, in 1998. In this first book of an epic 18 title series, Sammy will grab your attention and inadvertently steal your heart. Learn more about the book, the incredible author and the series, here.
October 22 – Which Middle Grade World Would You Like to Live in?
Harry Potter. Duh.
And to pretend this actually happened, I’ll share this picture of me, in Universal Studios Wizarding World of Harry Potter. 😊
October 23 – The Middle Grade Book That Made You Laugh The Most
The Fourth Stall by Chris Rylander
I taught middle school for a decade, so I can tell you that the character descriptions in this book are spot on, and absolutely hilarious. Mac runs a mafia business out of the fourth stall in his middle school’s bathroom. Need the answers to a test? Tickets to a PG-13 movie? Help getting a bully off your back? He’s the guy. Until the high school bully comes down to the middle school and Mac must pull all the middle school bullies together to form a super-team of evil to fight against a greater enemy. Pure story perfection and loads of laughs.
October 24 – Favorite Middle Grade Book Cover
Yeah, go on. Admire it. It’s pretty, right? Green is my favorite color and I love anything to do with fantasy, so this dragon clad, shimmery cover grabbed my attention right away. If you open it up all the way and completely remove the dust jacket, you will see more of the dragon’s scaly tail, sprawled out and wrapping around. So, so cool.
October 25 – Favorite Middle Grade Realistic Fiction
Alibi Junior High by Greg Logsted
Middle school is a rough place to spend time. It’s confusing, and just when you think you learn the lay of the land, everything changes. For the first time in his life, Cody finds himself not with his dad doing secret agent work, but in public school. Despite his ability to speak fie languages and his travels around the world, he feels completely lost as he attempts to navigate the halls of his new school. I loved this book because despite it’s James Bond in middle school set up, it tackles very real day to day problems from a unique vantage point. It also does a great job of looking at the complexities of parental/kid love, life after military service and first relationships.
October 26 – Favorite Middle Grade Author
Hands down, no questions asked. Kate DiCamillo.
October 27 – A Book In your To Read Pile You Are Excited To Read
The Line Tender by Kate Allen
Does in my Amazon cart count? I am really looking forward to reading this book for a few reasons. One, it sounds heat breaking and lovely. Two, the author lives in Minneapolis, and just as I do with Kate DiCamillo, I imagine that when I am in that city visiting my family, that I might just randomly bump into them, maybe at Red Balloon Bookshop or by Lake Calhoun and that even though I am writing a run on sentence now, we will become writer friends forever. Also, in her website bio, she said this, “I still keep a journal in my bag, just in case I’m hit with a what-if.” I do that. I love that.
I am also very interested to read Dear Sweet Pea by Julie Murphy.
October 28 – Favorite Grown Ups in a Middle Grade Book
Again, it’s hard not to jump to Harry Potter on this one. Have you ever considered that over half of the characters in those books are adults? Between the Weasly Parents, Albus Dumbledore, the rest of the professors, Hagrid, the Dursley’s the Order of the Phoenix, and many other side characters… it’s a wonder J.K. Rowling managed to keep them in check and not let them steal the show! That being said, I think I’d have to go with Professor Minerva McGonagall. And, uncharacteristically, I’m going to say that Maggie Smith’s performance of the character in the movie version, sealed her bad-assery, and cemented her as the winner for this #MGBOOKTOBER entry.
October 29 – Which Middle Grade Book Will Be a Future Classic
Ghost by Jason Reynolds
This book, about a diverse team of track athletes at an urban school, has something for everyone… the sports lover, the loner, the outsider, the curious, the social justice activist, the big hearted. Short and easy to read, this eye opening book will be loved by many for a long time to come. (It’s also the first in a Point of View cycling four book series!)
October 30 – Favorite Middle Grade Scary Story
The Thief of Always by Clive Barker
I am not a fan of scary things. I do not like roller coasters or scary movies or walking through haunted houses. But I did like this book. It was creepy without being gruesome. It was trippy without going to far. The description and word choice far outweighed my fear and that is why it is my favorite MG scary story. (A close second is Doll Bones by Holly Black!)
October 31 – Most Scary Middle Grade Character
LOD from Beneath by Roland Smith
LOD is the ruler of a subterranean secret society that lives beneath the streets of New York City. When Pat’s brother Coop disappears and he discovers where he has gone, this single character is creepy and controlling enough to put goosebumps on the back of my neck… even when I am safe and sound, warm and tucked into my blankets, firmly above ground. If you are looking for a uniquely suspenseful and mysterious story, look no further!
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