Our Middle Grade book spotlight this week is focused on books that have Blue Covers!!! As we start entering into the snow and cold months of Winter, why not get in the spirit by reading some books that have covers featuring various shades of blue so check out one of these and then snuggle up with a mug of hot chocolate or tea and enjoy an amazing story completely chosen because of the front cover. Since we are choosing these books based on their front covers, then we have an amazing selection that are all completely different from realistic to fantasy, nonfiction, graphic novels, and even some award winners! These books and more can be found by searching the catalog using the search tag #youthcolorfulcovers 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!!
We Dream of Space by Erin Entrada Kelly--In 1986, Cash, Fitch, and Bird Thomas are in seventh grade. Cash loves basketball, but just broke his wrist and is in danger of failing seventh grade for the second time. Fitch spends every afternoon at the local arcade and deals with an explosive temper. His twin sister, Birdie, dreams of being NASA's first female shuttle commander, but feels like she's disappearing. They all exist in their own little orbits in their tense home, with little in common. But after the disastrous launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger, their lives change in unexpected ways.
Wishtree by Katherine Applegate--An old red oak tree tells how he and his crow friend, Bongo, help their human neighbors get along after a threat against an immigrant family is carved into the tree's trunk.
The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden--Seventh-grader Zoey Albro cares for her three younger siblings after school as her mother works at a pizza parlor. Living on the fringes of society, Zoey’s only friend is Fuchsia, who has her own issues, and the two do their best to avoid the wealthy kids in school. She has a fascination with octopuses, and sees how helpful it would be to have eight arms to do all the things she needs to do, and their ability to camouflage. One day, Zoey’s teacher forces her to join the debate team, and though initially resistant, Zoey begins to see things in new ways.
Lincoln’s Grave Robbers by Steve Sheinkin--In 1876, the body of Abraham Lincoln was almost stolen from the Lincoln Monument outside of Springfield, Illinois. Author Sheinkin illuminates this nearly disastrous moment in American history, creating a suspenseful tale that will capture readers' attention from beginning to end. James Kennally, leader of a large Midwestern counterfeiting ring, plotted to steal the president's corpse and hold it for ransom - not only for easy cash, but in order to secure the release of a jailed engraver that would ensure the continued success of his counterfeit production. Although a story pulled straight from history, the book reads with all the excitement of a novel and will keep readers guessing up to the ultimate conclusion.
Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds--Presents ten stories featuring ten protagonists who live and walk ten different town blocks who are all walking home from school and learning important things about life, talking about boogers, committing petty theft, skateboarding, inventing new handshakes, and learning to be brave.
Roll With It by Jamie Sumner--Twelve-year-old Ellie Cowan's family moves to a trailer park in Eufaula, Oklahoma to take care of her dementia-suffering grandfather. In a wheelchair due to cerebral palsy, Ellie is forced to start over at a new school that isn't very wheelchair friendly. Luckily, she meets some eccentric new friends who help her understand that Eufaula might be the perfect place for them all.