I've been reading new middle grade books, as I do. :) Here are my favorite choices from the new release bookshelf for spring 2018. What's Good in New Middle Grade Books Elementals: Ice Wolves by Amie Kaufman FANTASY If you like adventurous fantasy stories with unique plots, this book is for you. Homeless, orphaned 12-year old twins, Anders and Rayna, unexpectedly discover that they … [Read more...]
Wholesome Middle Grade Chapter Books for Girls
Because you requested this, I've made another wholesome middle grade chapter book list for girls ages 9 - 12 with nice (not catty or mean) female main characters. (Go here for the list for boys.) My criteria for books on this list is this: excellent writing books with main characters you'd like for your kids' friends books with nice main characters (for the most part, we all have bad … [Read more...]
Wholesome Middle Grade Chapter Books for Boys
You asked for it. Here it is -- a wholesome middle grade chapter book list for boys ages 9 - 12 with nice (not rude) main characters. There's a lot of subjectivity in a list like this. So my criteria (besides excellent writing) is the following: books with main characters you'd want your kids to be friends with books with main characters who are kind, helpful, and / or determined books … [Read more...]
Children’s Books About India, Indian Culture, and Indian Mythology
I'm so excited about the beautiful picture books and interesting chapter books about India, Indian culture, and Indian mythology that have arrived in the children's literature world recently. Standouts include the gorgeous The Festival of Colors picture book and the historical chapter book Ahimsa. But they're all amazing. These books will help kids learn and appreciate what makes India … [Read more...]
Recommended Books for Kids About Families with Divorced Parents
Are you looking for recommended books that show families with divorced parents? Children's books with divorced parents (picture and chapter books) help kids know that other kids experience similar family situations as them. Bibliotherapy! This is a good thing. And I have lots of books to recommend... Recommended Picture Books About Divorce Thee picture books show your children what it can be … [Read more...]
New in Chapter Books, Winter 2018
My goodness, so far this year's chapter books have been a mixed bag. I probably abandoned about 20 titles that weren't worth my time -- or yours. Fortunately, all is not lost. Thankfully, good chapter books still are being published. Here are the books I recommend from the last few months. I hope they give your readers enticing new options for what to read next. Beginning Chapter Books (Ages 7 - … [Read more...]
2018 Newbery and Caldecott Awards
The ALA (American Library Association) announced the 2018 John Newbery and Randolph Caldecott awards today. Honestly, I'm disappointed with the Newbery winner. The Newbery winner and honors books are meant to be the most outstanding contributions to children's literature. Of the whole year. This year's choice did not resonate with me. I love the Caldecott winner though. The Caldecott medal … [Read more...]
Best New Middle Grade Books to Read, January 2018
From a young girl's escape from Syria to a boy's passion for hockey, you'll find many incredible middle grade chapter books to read and enjoy this January 2018. Books like Just Like Jackie and Escape from Aleppo. Best New Middle Grade Books to Read, January 2018 Just Like Jackie by Lindsey Stoddard REALISTIC / AGING Jackie's story is so emotionally rich, you'll feel her angst, … [Read more...]
Thrifty Guides for Time Travelers Make History Irresistible
The Thrifty Guides Handbooks for Time Travelers are irresistible, wildly imaginative romps through history. These books are filled with tongue and cheek hilarity while also being boldly informative about their historical topics, so far The American Revolution and Ancient Rome. If you're looking for the BEST history books of your life, look no further than The Thrifty Guides. Kids will love the … [Read more...]
Best Children’s Chapter Books of 2017
I've read so many amazing chapter books in 2017 and finally picked what I think are the best children's chapter books of the year. You can't go wrong with any of these! You know those (expensive) subscription book boxes? My kids love getting the goodies that come with the books. So I thought why make your own book box gift? Give your children a book plus a related bookish gift. Fun, right? … [Read more...]
What to Read Next? More Exceptional Late Fall 2017 Chapter Books
It's almost the end of 2017 yet there are still books to read. I've culled and found even more amazing middle grade books to recommend to you. If you're looking for what to read next, try one of these. (Several are going on my BEST OF 2017 list!) What to Read Next? More Exceptional Late Fall 2017 Chapter Books Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti … [Read more...]
Amazing Chapter Books for Ages 8 – 12, Late Fall 2017
Maybe publishers saved the best for last this year because holy smokes are there some amazing chapter books for late fall (2017)! You're not going to know which one to read first. Seriously. So. Many. Good. Books. Amazing Chapter Books for Ages 8 - 12, Late Fall 2017 Timeless Diego and the Rangers of the Vastlantic by Armand Baltazar SCIENCE FICTION Lush, full-color illustrations … [Read more...]