Ain’t it Funny provides a story of family issues, awkward moments, and how life’s difficulties affect mental health. It follows a young girl named Maya whose parents have recently split in pursuit of business and dreams. She also struggles with OCD and intrusive thoughts, a problem amplified by the issues in her family. She aims to perform at her school’s talent show in order to bring together her family. Overall, this novel is an excellent read for teenagers who are also struggling with familial issues or mental health.
Across So Many Seas presents several unique perspectives on immigration, belonging, and familial difficulties. The novel has been split into four separate stories, within several diverse time periods, all detailing Jewish journeys through persecution, violence, and treks. The vast difference in years between the stories provides a position on the issues the girls face and their relevance to the world today. Overall, the book is an excellent read for people researching changes in Jewish culture today, or readers looking for a riveting story of travel and self-discovery.
The trend of survival stories has been continued in Caroline Starr Rose’s novel, The Burning Season. A young girl named Opal lives on a mountain far away from society, where she longs to attend a regular middle school away from the wilderness. She had been training as a fire lookout, a job for which she must alert people of a possible forest fire. As someone who is afraid of fire, she questions whether the job is for her. When an emergency fire takes place when she is left alone, she must be brave and work fast under pressure. The novel is an excellent story of survival, belonging, and tenacity, and a fantastic read for readers interested in firefighting or who have enjoyed literary classics such as Lord of the Flies.
The novel takes place in a moment of distress for the main character, Addy, whose town has just been hit by a difficult storm. Although the story is not a difficult one to understand, the concepts of grief, trauma, and moments of need are significant parts of the story. The concepts are presented with a digestible tale of a young girl trying to carry on her parents’ legacy by making her way through the storm and to a survival camp. Through this journey, however, she discovers tools of strength in character, friendship, and courage. Overall, the book is an excellent read for readers who may relate to the trials presented to Addy, both mentally and physically.
The novelfollows a young girl and her exciting journey towards stardom. It is also a nostalgic read, as it takes place before the 2000s, and in an era of rock, pop, and guitar music. The book will be particularly enjoyable for incoming middle school readers, who will be able to relate to the main character’s values, conflicts, exciting times, and big dreams. Cat Patrick’s story is motivational, drama-filled, and a thrilling read for middle-level readers or people who have enjoyed novels such as Out of My Mind or Every Last Word.
This book is an extraordinary read for people hoping to expand on their knowledge of Mexican culture. Rooster and the Dancing Diablo, the second book in a series, follows a town where children have mysteriously gone missing. A young man named Rooster goes on a magical adventure with friends in order to save the town. It also includes Mexican folklore, and is an engaging way to learn about different cultures. Diana Lopez has written a story that is inspirational, depicts the ups and downs of friendships, and is overall a fantastic story for people of all ages.
Out of My Dreams is an outstanding continuation of the Out of My Mind trilogy. It details Melody’s journey following an exciting accomplishment regarding the aid of an elderly neighbor. After being called for an interview on television, she goes through physical and emotional challenges, feeling excited and scared through the process. She provides a unique perspective on the issues and stigmas surrounding the world today, and a perspective from a one-of-a-kind source. The novel will empower young minds to strive towards excellence and overcome obstacles in their way. Overall, this story is an excellent read for teens, and is a necessity in middle-grade libraries.
This story presents a thoughtful story about two friends, Dee and Juniper, who have drifted apart. Dee misses her friend and wants to hide from difficulties in the school bathroom. She later discovers a talent in helping and listening to other people. The novel offers a perspective on introverted and quiet teenagers who are unable to speak out about their problems, but secretly have hidden talents. Readers who may be confused about identity and their changing friendships will enjoy and relate to this story. The novel provides a superb view on companionship and relationships that many may overlook. The modern problems this story presents will relate to a plethora of teens struggling with connections with their fellow peers. All in all, this tale is an excellent book for middle school readers and an outstanding read overall.
All My Bests is an excellent middle-grade novel by Britnee Meiser that demonstrates the importance of the balance between romantic relationships, familial relationships, and friendships. Fans of Every Last Word or Real Friends will enjoy a coming-of-age story about a young girl named Immie who is entering high school. She discovers difficulties in new friendships and long-standing relationships as she navigates a new world, and begins to steer through new, foreign emotions. Readers who enjoy stories of perseverance, companionship, and transformation will enjoy this story of self-discovery. The simplicity of this story provides a strong account of the difficulties in growing up that many teenagers will relate to. This novel is endearing and an outstanding book in middle-grade literature.
This second book in the graphic novel series by twin sister authors, Tegan and Sara Quin, will appeal to all middle grader readers who’ve ever taken on a new challenge, lost themselves in music, and found themselves in music, all while enduring middle school and establishing an identity. Songwriters will appreciate the challenge of capturing big teenage emotions in song lyrics and the risk it requires to share your truth with an audience. LGBTQIAP+ readers will see themselves and like that reflection, as these authors walk their talk and provide a candid opportunity for readers to feel represented and seen. Most of all, put this book in the hands of your music fans, the ones who may also want to start a garage band, or join a battle of the bands contest, who think best with earbuds in, who see themselves in lyrics, who find themselves in beats and rhythms. I LOVED the authors’ notes in both this 2nd book and the 1st book, as we hear not only what inspired this series, but we get a blast from their pasts, including pictures and a window into their real lives, which ultimately inspired this series. A must have for your graphic novel shelves.
