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Middle School ReadsFebruary 2015
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"This mission is what’s been passed down to me -- to write stories that have been historically absent...to create mirrors for the people who so rarely see themselves inside contemporary fiction, and windows for those who think we are no more than the stereotypes they’re so afraid of." ~ Jacqueline Woodson, American author
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New and Recently Released!
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| Writer to Writer: From Think to Ink by Gail Carson LevineNonfiction. "Have fun, and save what you write" is the most commonly repeated suggestion in this down-to-earth writing guide from bestselling fantasy author Gail Carson Levine. Inspired by the questions she receives at her advice blog, Levine explores solutions to potential writing problems such as plot creation, "mid-story crisis," wrestling with grammar, and finding time to write. If you're an active young author who's eager to improve, you'll find plenty of useful advice in this friendly, encouraging volume; if you're a beginning writer, you may prefer Levine's earlier book, Writing Magic. For further answers to frequently asked writing questions, check out Spilling Ink by Ellen Potter and Anne Mazer.
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The Map to Everywhere
by Carrie Ryan and John Parke Davis
Fantasy. Adventurous 12-year-old Marrill doesn't mean to get stuck on a pirate ship. But when the Enterprising Kraken simply appears in a suburban parking lot, her curiosity gets the better of her, and she winds up trapped on board as the ship sails the magical waters that connect different worlds. To get back home, Marrill -- aided by Fin, a thief who's so forgettable that hardly anyone remembers him -- must outrace a crazed wizard to collect the pieces of the legendary Map to Everywhere. Twisty, fast-moving, and wildly imaginative, this swashbuckling fantasy is a promising start to the Pirate Stream series.
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| The Name of the Blade by Zoë MarriottFantasy. When London teen Mio Yamato picks up her family's heirloom katana, she's not thinking about epic consequences -- she's only looking for a cool costume accessory. But the consequences arrive soon enough: the katana's power unleashes a bloodthirsty, nine-tailed Nekomata demon as well as Shinobu, a strangely alluring warrior who might be able to help Mio master the ancient sword. The Name of the Blade's combination of edge-of-your-seat action, timeless romance, and Japanese mythology is a good fit for manga fans, as well as readers who love Rick Riordan's mythological adventure series. |
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Gracefully Grayson
by Ami Polonsky
Fiction. Despite having a boy's body, quiet 6th-grader Grayson Sender knows she's really a girl. Lonely and increasingly uncomfortable with hiding her true self, Grayson boldly auditions for the lead female role in the school play...and gets the part! Facing disapproval at home and bullying at school, Grayson finds friendship with her cast-mates, who offer encouragement both on-stage and off. This thought-provoking book about a transgender girl finding her place will appeal to fans of realistic stories with brave, likable characters, as well as to anyone who's ever felt like they didn't fit in.
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Focus on: African American Authors
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| Playground by 50 CentFiction. Thirteen-year-old Burton -- better known as "Butterball" -- has been miserable since his parents split and he had to move to Long Island with his mom. He's overweight, has almost no friends, and has just landed in detention for bashing in a former friend's face with a sock full of batteries. Now he's stuck talking to a clueless white lady about his problems...but some of the popular kids are finally giving him a little respect. Anyone who likes stories that ring true and don't shy away from the rough parts of life should give this first novel from rapper 50 Cent a try. |
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| Akata Witch by Nnedi OkoraforUrban Fantasy. Born to Nigerian parents in New York City and now living in Nigeria, 12-year-old Sunny Nwazue doesn't fit in either world. The kids at school pick on her for being an outsider and, because Sunny is an albino, they call her things like "pale-faced akata witch" ("akata" is "a very, very rude word" in Igbo). But when she turns 13, Sunny is drawn into the hidden magical realm of the Leopard People -- and learns that she may have a destined role in saving the world. With its fascinating world-building and uncomplicated yet vivid writing, Akata Witch will please fantasy fans looking for something original. |
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Brown Girl Dreaming
by Jacqueline Woodson
Autobiography. In vivid poems that reflect the joy of finding her voice through writing stories, an award-winning author shares what it was like to grow up in the 1960s and 1970s in both the North and the South. One of the best books of 2014!
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The Crossover
by Kwame Alexander
Novel in Verse. Josh and Jordan have always been there for each other both on and off the basketball court. That's what it has always been like for this pair of twin brothers. But people change and sometimes they need to try being on their own person in the world. And sometimes challenges come up when you really need your brother.
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The Great Greene Heist
by Varian Johnson
Fiction. Thirteen-year-old con man Jackson Greene has been on his best behavior ever since the ill-fated heist that lost him the friendship of his crush, Gaby. But when Gaby's run for student council is threatened by a shady plot to rig the election, the temptation of a counter-con is too much for Jackson. With the help of his diverse, funny crew of middle school schemers and swindlers, he puts together an elaborate plan to steal back the election. This twisty, page-turning caper is sure to satisfy readers looking for mystery, intrigue, and an undeniably cool main character.
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| Pinned by Sharon G. FlakeFiction. Ninth graders Autumn and Adonis almost couldn't be more different -- Autumn is great at wrestling, cooking, and being a friend, but she's not so great at academics; Adonis, who manages the wrestling team, has a physical disability (and isn't all that great at getting along with people) but is the smartest kid in school. This uplifting and affecting novel is narrated from both Autumn's and Adonis' points of view and has many memorable characters; it's sure to thrill anyone who likes reading about secrets, romance, or spirited competition. |
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Shooting star
by Fredrick McKissack
Sports Fiction. With natural ability, agility, and speed, football player Jomo is getting a lot of attention from his coach and the local media. But Jomo knows he is hitting the wall as far as his physical growth goes. If he could just add weight and muscle mass he is sure he could really go places. As the pressure to perform mounts,Jomo knows that there is something that could give him an edge, something dangerous and illegal. Find out what happens next to Jomo in this gripping novel about a young football star!
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| Camo Girl by Kekla MagoonFiction. Ella and Zachary (just "Z" for short) have been friends for what seems like forever. While they're a bit different from everyone else and they get picked on routinely, they get by because they've got each other. But when an outgoing and popular new student, Bailey, transfers to their middle school and begins to pay a lot of attention to Ella, Z gets edged out. This emotionally intense novel will pull you in with its true-to-life characters, challenges, and relationships; for a similarly character-focused read, try Sharon Flake's The Skin I'm In. |
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Planet Middle School
by Nikki Grimes
Novel in Verse. Twelve-year-old Joylin Johnson is more comfortable in jeans and t-shirts than dresses, and she can hold her own on the basketball court with the neighborhood boys. But now that she's in middle school, everything is changing -- her best friend KeeLee has turned all girly and boy-crazy overnight, and the guys that Joy plays ball with have started treating her differently. And then Joy notices Santiago...and decides to shed her tomboy image to get his attention. If you like fun, realistic stories about changing friendships (like Sherri Winston's The Kayla Chronicles), pay a visit to Planet Middle School.
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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