Book Recommendations - Kids

A Series of Unfortunate Events:
The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket

In four years of teaching grade 4, I did not seen any middle grade book or series capture students' attention as consistently and intensely as Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. Book #1 - The Bad Beginning seems to be able to grab just about every 9/10/11-year-old's attention; boy, girl, big reader, emerging reader, it doesn't seem to matter, they all love it.

The plot is familiar - rich Baudelaire orphans, big inheritance, evil villain Count Olaf, and, of course, bad stuff that happens. But this book is much more than just plot. It's a masterclass in voice and style; the creepiness and the personable narration pulls kids in and doesn't let them go. I'd highly recommend this novel for any grade 4, 5 or 6 student, especially those kids who aren't big readers yet and struggle to find novels they like.

The Girl Who Drank the Moon
by Kelly Barnhill

Newberry Medal recipient The Girl Who Drank the Moon, by Kelly Barnhill, is a beautifully crafted tale rich with life and intrigue. The novel shares the intertwined story of young Luna, who is accidentally given magical powers, a kind-hearted witch, a hideous but gentle monster, a perfectly tiny dragon, and the people of the protectorate. Barnhill pulls readers in to her complex world with a fine mixture of character development, jump-off-the-page description, and well-timed plot twists. Deserving of its top honours, The Girl Who Drank the Moon is highly recommended for students in the grade 6-7 range.

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
by Judy Blume 

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing is truly a middle-grade classic. Written by legendary children's author Judy Blume, this novel is the first of the epic Fudge series. In simple language and kid-friendly themes, Blume's story winds through a year in the life of fourth-grader Peter Hatcher and his rambunctious two-year-old brother Fudge. Young readers love Fudge's antics and the rollercoaster ride he puts his family through. This novel is a great introduction to mid-sized chapter books for grades 3-4.

Wonder
by R.J. Palacio

After a major motion picture, most are familiar with the story of Auggie Pullman. But before it came to Hollywood, Wonder was R.J. Palacio's 2012 middle grade masterpiece. Winner of numerous awards, this novel tells the incredible story of a young boy's first school experience. The catch: he's already starting fifth grade, having been homeschooled his whole life. Oh, and he has a medical condition that causes facial disfigurement.

Palacio pulls the reader in to Auggie's world, recognizing the enormous challenges he faces and the courage he shows. By jumping through character perspectives, the writing displays exceptional voice. The author captures the thoughts and motivations of kids, teenagers, and adults alike, showing readers what it means to be kind. It is certainly a must read for every kid, best to be picked up somewhere between 10-12 years old.  

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
by Kate DiCamillo

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, by Kate DiCamillo, is a children's classic. This beautiful story about the life of a china rabbit is both exciting and nuanced, allowing each young reader to connect to it in his or her own way. Although unable to move or speak, china rabbit Edward Tulane has a rich inner life and no lack of personality. Readers follow his incredible life through ups and downs, learning as he does about love and loss. Recommended for kids in grades 4-5, and for teachers to bring into their classrooms.

Chasing Vermeer
by Blue Balliett

Chasing Vermeer, by Blue Balliett, is a mystery wrapped in a riddle squeezed into an enigma. When it comes to mystery/suspense/thriller for middle grade, Blue Balliett's 2004 masterpiece deserves its various awards and accolades. It'll pull kids in within the first few pages and keep 'em guessing right until the end.

The story is, essentially, an art mystery. After a famous Vermeer painting is stolen, sixth-graders Calder and Petra take it upon themselves to figure out who did it. Through a twisted tale involving cryptic notes, surprising relationships, and many unexpected turns, the two eventually... well, can't really finish that sentence! I recommend this novel for any grade 5-7 student who enjoys a good head-scratcher mystery.

Among the Hidden
by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Among the Hidden, the first novel of Margaret Peterson Haddix's Shadow Children series, is a fantastic introduction for young readers to the dystopian genre. With intrigue and suspense right from the first chapter, it will draw readers in and keep them turning the pages!

In this fictitious future, families are limited to just two children due to overpopulation and food shortages. This means that Luke, one of many third children, is in violation of 'the population law' and must grow up hidden in his families' attic. For the sake of his family, he abides by his parent’s strict rules even while his siblings get to go to school and live normal lives. Until, one day, he chooses another path... Recommended for grades 4-6.

Rickshaw Girl
by Mitali Perkins

Literature has the power to transport kids to new places, introduce them to new cultures, and show them different ways of life. Rickshaw Girl, by Mitali Perkins, does just that. Set in Bangladesh, ten-year-old Naima faces many challenges unfamiliar to Canadian youth - she can no longer go to school because her family can't afford it, and she can't contribute financially because girls aren't allowed to work. Adept at painting Alpanas, Naima draws on her creativity to face these challenges head on and find a way to help her family. Of course, things don't go so smoothly... Both delicate and simple, this novel is an excellent introduction to multicultural themes for any young reader. Recommended for grades 3-4.

When You Reach Me
by Rebecca Stead

Rebecca Stead's When You Reach Me is a Newbery medal-winning mystery story from 2009. With a little science fiction twist, it's a personal favourite in the middle-grade range and one of the novels that led me towards my own aspiring writing career.

The story is set in New York in the late 1970s. It follows sixth-grader Miranda as a number of strange things start happening around her: peculiar notes, an odd encounter with bullies, her best friend acting weird, and her mom going on a fancy game show. But how are all these seemingly unrelated pieces connected? Things only get more complicated for her when a second and third note show up... recommended for grades 4-6.

The Giver
by Louis Lowry

The Giver, by Lois Lowry, is an excellent introduction for kids to the dystopian genre. The book follows eleven-year-old Jonas in what seems, at first, to be a utopian futuristic society. But as he begins consulting the Giver, and receiving the memories of times past, a more sinister reality becomes apparent.

Through various twists and turns, the truth behind Jonas’ world gradually comes to light, causing him to question everything he has ever known. Alone on this unique journey, conflict ensues, and the plot thickens with each chapter. Recommended for kids in the grade 6-7 range.