Our Middle Grade book spotlight this week is all about books that have been chosen for the Virginia Reader’s Choice (VRC) award over the past years!! The VRC award was started back in the 1980s with the goal being that students across the state choosing what they thought the best book of the year is instead of adults. Every year, there are 10 Middle Grade books nominated for the award by a committee; readers then have a few months to read as many of the 10 as they can and then they will cast their vote for which one they think is the best. The book with the most votes wins the award!! Every teen, as long as you live in Virginia, qualifies to participate in this amazing experience and you can vote right here at your local Handley Regional Library System library (if you are interested just stop by and see someone in Youth Services!). The books we are featuring today have been ones that have won the title in their respective year and they are worthy of the title These books and more can be found by searching the catalog using the search tag #vrcmiddlewinner 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!!
Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech--After her mother leaves home, Sal and her grandparents take a trip retracing her mother's route. Along the way, Sal tells the story of Phoebe, whose mother also left.
The Dead Man In Indian Creek by Mary Downing Hahn--When Matt and Parker learn the body they found in Indian Creek is a drug-related death, they fear Parker's mother may be involved.
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan--Life is tough for Percy, having gone to six schools in six years. To make matters worse, his ADHD allows his self-control to know no boundaries, getting him into trouble repeatedly. After being expelled again, Percy's mortal mother sends him to Camp Half-Blood Hill where he learns that Greek Gods still exist and that there are other half-bloods (the outcome of a relationship between a god and a human) like him. When he learns that a lost lightning bolt will spark a war between the gods, Percy and his friends Annabeth and Grover set out to retrieve it from the Underworld (by way of L.A.).
No More Dead Dogs by Gordon Korman--Eighth-grade football hero Wallace Wallace is sentenced to detention attending rehearsals of the school play where, in spite of himself, he becomes wrapped up in the production and begins to suggest changes that improve not only the play but his life as well.
One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt--Carley Connors' home life is troubled. Although she loves her mother, she is unable to forget the violence that pervades her life, especially in the form of harsh physical punishment doled out by her stepfather. Eventually, Carley's secret gets out and she is placed in the care of the seemingly idealistic Murphy family. Although Carley initially resists this transition – in part because she believes her punishment at home may be deserved – she gradually opens up to the Murphys and accepts the love they have to offer. When it comes time to leave the family she has grown to adore, Carley is the one who speaks up, finally giving voice to her own emotions.
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen--13-year-old Brian Robeson learns to survive alone in the Canadian wilderness, armed with his hatchet and resourcefulness.