On or around the third Monday of the month, I’ll be highlighting recent middle grade reads that I’ve enjoyed. I am so happy working part time in a school library – it’s wonderful to be with kids and books, and my reading life is so much richer! 

Max in the House of Spies: A Tale of World War II by Adam Gidwitz

My soon to be 7th grader recommended this to me and I am so glad he did! This is historical fiction/adventure/magical realism which might sound like an odd combo, but it works. So well. I could not put this down–it’s intense when it needs to be intense and silly at the perfect moments. AND it ends on a MASSIVE cliffhanger which the 7th grader did not mention so thankfully book two is waiting for me at the library.

Slugfest by Gordon Korman

A 26-27 Mark Twain Nominee. I so enjoyed this! It was funny and thoughtful. It had found family vibes as it’s a bunch of kids who normally wouldn’t cross paths but are together in the same summer school PE class. I love stories of unlikely friendships and overcoming the odds. And the PE teacher is my favorite. Yes please, more treats in PE please!

Heroes by Alan Gratz

Mark Twain Nominee for the 26-27 school year. An intense work of middle grade historical fiction with great author note and backmatter. I read it in one sitting.