List
2018 Staff Picks: Books for Middle Grade Readers
Our favorite books for 4th-6th graders.
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The Last
2018 by Applegate, KatherineGet this itemA great quest story for fans of animals and adventure. Byx is a doglike mythical creature at risk of extinction. Her journey is not just physical, it is also an emotional trek within the heart and features a very unique and layered cast of characters.
Recommended by Mandy O'Brien
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The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle
2018 by Connor, LeslieGet this item12-year-old Mason, a kind and honest boy with learning challenges, narrates this poignant story about loss, grief, bullying, and the power of friendship. You will remember Mason and his courageous heart long after you finish this important and compelling book.
Recommended by Laura Partington
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The Night Diary
2018 by Hiranandani, VeeraGet this itemNisha is half-Muslim, half-Hindu, so when India is partitioned into two separate countries, she and her family have to embark on a dangerous and difficult journey. Recommended by Shelley Sutherland
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Mascot
2018 by John, AntonyGet this itemNoah, whose father died in the car accident that left him in a wheelchair, has to learn how to move forward with his life.
Recommended by Karen Trier
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Ice Wolves
2018 by Kaufman, AmieGet this itemIf you love Harry Potter like I do, you will love this book! Some 12-year-olds are just 12-year-olds, but others transform into ice wolves or scorch dragons on their 12th birthday. The wolves and dragons are sworn enemies, so when Anders finds out he can transform into a wolf, it's a disaster when his twin Rayna transforms into a dragon. Anders goes to train at the Ulfar Academy for wolves, but the whole time he's planning his escape to find the dragon lair and rescue his sister. Recommended by Shelley Sutherland
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The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl
2018 by McAnulty, StacyGet this itemAfter being homeschooled for a number of years after being struck by lightning gave her genius math skills, Lucy has to attend middle school (instead of college) and navigate her way through the experience.
Recommended by Meleesa Sullivan
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Breakout
2018 by Messner, KateGet this itemNora collects documents (for a time capsule project) that describe the events of one summer when two inmates broke out of the local jail and how the events affected the community.
Recommended by Meleesa Sullivan
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How to Be A Good Creature: A Memoir in Thirteen Animals
2018 by Montgomery, SyGet this itemBeautiful book about the science writer's encounters with various animals throughout her life, how animals are like us, how they can teach us to be human.
Recommended by Gudrun Premeir
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Sunny
2018 by Reynolds, JasonGet this itemThis is my favorite book in the Track series. Sunny doesn't want to run anymore, but he doesn't want to leave his good buddies on the Defenders team. What's a guy to do? Recommended by Shelley Sutherland
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Amal Unbound
2018 by Saeed, AishaGet this itemThe setting and characters are so vivid and engaging that I was completely transported into Amal’s world. This story offers a powerful example of how education and hope are powerful tools in the fight against injustice.
Recommended by Laura Antinossi
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The Adventures of A Girl Called Bicycle
2018 by Uss, ChristinaGet this itemQuirky, funny story about an introverted girl aptly named Bicycle who sets off on a cross-country quest to find a friend. I love the clever writing and the bizarre and loveable cast of characters.
Recommended by Caitlin Savage
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Harbor Me
2018 by Woodson, JacquelineGet this itemSix extraordinary 6th-graders tell their stories and bond with each other in an experimental classroom. Takes on so many issues but makes them all personal, and as always, is a story you can't put down. Recommended by Shelley Sutherland
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Front Desk
2018 by Yang, KellyGet this itemBased on the author's real life, 10-year-old Mia helps her parents run their motel and, at the same time, helps them and other immigrants overcome fears, challenges, and hard times.
Recommended by Karen Trier
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