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!

Will’s Race for Home by Jewell Parker Rhodes

This was such a fascinating and fast-paced work of historical fiction for middle grade. I was reading it in the waiting room of a doctor’s office and they had to call my name twice because I was so absorbed! I was so glad to have this adventure story and the story of a Black family during the Oklahoma Land Rush, and I think kids will absolutely be drawn to our main character Will.

Beyond the Kingdoms (The Land of Stories, Book 4) by Chris Colfer

“The Masked Man is on the loose in the Land of Stories, and it’s up to Alex and Conner Bailey to stop him—except Alex has been thrown off the Fairy Council, and no one will believe they’re in danger.” Such a great series and so creative. Excellent on audio.

Busted by Dan Gemeinhart

“Oscar Aberdeen is a bit of an oddball. He’s an ace at playing bridge, loves Frank Sinatra, and attends a whole lot of funerals. He’s also the youngest resident of Sunny Days retirement home by more than a half-century.” I absolutely adored this middle-grade adventure story. It’s funny and heartfelt and touches on hard topics with a grace that had me laughing and nodding along. I love odd-ball kids and Oscar might just be my new favorite. And I also love odd-couple friendships and this book is full of them. This would be a wonderful read-aloud.