Super summer reads for middle grades
Reviews by Melissa Oxborrow

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[July 09, 2015]    The titles below are some of  favorites found at the Lincoln Public Library, perfect for Middle Grade students. Come in now and browse all out titles and get started on some exciting summer reading!

Drita, My Homegirl
By Jenny Lombard, c2008

An Illinois Bluestem Book Award nominee for 2015, this story about friendship is a great pick for children, grades 3 – 6. Drita and her family are refugees from Kosovo trying to adjust to life in America. Drita is desperate for friendship, but struggles to speak English so she can engage with her classmates. Enter Maxie, a big mouth, who finds herself in trouble at home and at school. When their teacher puts them together to work on a class project, initially sparks fly. But Drita and Maxie and their families are about to come together in a remarkable way. This book is a story of friendship amid differences, with likeable characters and an introduction to a remarkable part of the world with a turbulent history.

Tut: the Story of My Immortal Life
By P.J. Hoover, c2014

Great for fans of Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series or budding Egyptologists, this is the story of the immortal boy king Tut, now living in Washington, D.C. and attending eighth grade---again. Join the adventure as Tut fights the wicked General Horemheb, the man who betrayed and killed his father. Tut will have the help of his immortal “brother” Gilgamesh and his new school friend Henry, who just can’t seem to stay out of trouble. And then there’s Tia, the new girl at school. Tut is pretty sure she isn’t what she seems. Filled with humor and fabulous references to Egyptian history and mythology, this will be a big hit with reluctant readers in grades 4 – 8, especially boys.

The Lions of Little Rock
By Kristin Levine, c2012

This is the heart-warming and heartbreaking story of two girls determined to do what they can to remain friends in a world that tells them they can’t be together. Set in Little Rock, Arkansas in the late 1950s during the integration of public schools, the story of shy 12 year-old Marlee and her new outspoken friend Liz is filled with humor, sorrow, and courage. Liz has been attending Marlee’s school and passing for white. When her secret comes out, Liz disappears and Marlee feels lost. With pressure from her family and others surrounding her, what will she choose? Will she choose what’s safe---or what’s right? Will she finally find her voice? A wonderful choice for readers, grades 5 – 8, and a perfect discussion book.

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The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom
By Christopher Healy, c2012 (grades 3 – 7)

Fans of fractured fairytales will laugh out loud at this book, the first in a series about the Princes Charming! Follow Prince Liam, Prince Frederic, Prince Duncan and Prince Gustav as they fight to save their kingdoms from a nefarious plot, all while trying to figure out their relationships with Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Snow White and Rapunzel. Each of the four princes have personalities that will make you smile, but put them all together and magic happens. This is a great pick for boys and girls, grades 3 – 7, and is perfect for family read-alouds. Action, humor, heroes, princesses, monsters, witches---and a 10 year-old bandit king. Who could ask for anything more?

The Detective’s Assistant
By Katherine Hannigan, c2015

Poor Nell Warne, at only 11 years old, has had her share of trouble. And now, she’s stuck with her eccentric Aunt Kate, her only living relative---that is unless her aunt decides to push her off onto the destitute Home for the Friendless. Nell’s only hope is to make herself useful to her aunt. She figured doing the household chores would do it, but instead she lands herself in the middle of the adventure of a lifetime, as she assists Aunt Kate, first female detective of the Pinkerton Detective Agency, in saving the life of the President of the United States!

This humorous family tale is set in Civil War-era America and introduces real-life detectives of the famed Pinkerton Detective Agency. Filled with action, mystery and a whole lot of heart, it’s a great choice for readers in grades 3 – 7 that enjoy historical fiction and quirky heroines.

To check out these books or get recommendations for other great reads, please come see us at the Lincoln Public Library, 725 Pekin Street.

[By MELISSA OXBORROW, Lincoln Public Library District]

 

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