Our middle grade book spotlight this week is on books that are some of my all time favorites!!! These are the books that kept me reading till 3:00 in the morning, left me speechless and filled with emotions (including some crying on the couch), wanting to talk about it with someone instantly, and then telling everyone else they have to read it! Some of these books are standalone titles while a few start a series; this was such a hard list to make. These books and more can be found by searching the catalog using the search tag #elyse’sfavorites as well as on Libby and Hoopla. Check back next week for a new middle grade book spotlight and if you have any book suggestions, please let us know!!
The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty--Twelve-year-old Lucy Callahan was struck by lightning and became a math genius. Homeschooled since the incident, and technically ready for college, Lucy's grandmother insists that Lucy go to middle school for at least one year, make one friend, join one activity, and read one non-math-related book. Lucy then learns that life is more than just numbers.
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry--In 1943, during the German occupation of Denmark, ten-year-old Annemarie learns how to be brave and courageous when she helps shelter her Jewish friend from the Nazis.
Chasing Lincoln’s Killer by James Swanson--This adaptation of the original expertly details John Wilkes Booth's loyalty to the South and his determination to rid the Union of Lincoln's presence any way he could. He originally planned to kidnap Lincoln and hold him hostage. Booth's co-conspirators attempted and failed to assassinate Secretary of State William H. Seward as Lincoln lay dying, but they expertly helped Booth evade arrest for 12 days.
Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea--As the school year begins, seven fifth graders find themselves overcome by problems and internal conflicts that begin at school and lead all the way back to their home lives. Each chapter, narrated by a different student, guides readers through this turbulent year, eventually revealing the prank that resulted in tragedy and started all their problems. Through it all, Mr. Terupt, their teacher, is the one person who seems to truly understand them and accept them as they are. Though some try to shut him out, Mr. Terupt continues to offer his guidance and friendship, eventually teaching them all a valuable lesson that they will hold onto forever.
The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis--When Digory and Polly try to return the wicked witch Jadis to her own world, the magic gets mixed up and they all land in Narnia where they witness Aslan blessing the animals with human speech.
Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World by Jennifer Armstrong--Describes the events of the 1914 Shackleton Antarctic expedition when, after being trapped in a frozen sea for nine months, their ship, Endurance, was finally crushed, forcing Shackleton and his men to make a very long and perilous journey across ice and stormy seas to reach inhabited land.