List
Staff Picks 2022: Books for Grades 6-8
From fantasy to finding your own voice, from making bad decisions to living with the consequences, from friendships to romance, there are a lot of books here to love.
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Azar on Fire
2022 by Abtahi, OliviaGet this itemI love this wonderful story of music, learning to find your own voice, and going out of your comfort zone to achieve your dreams. Suggested by Rummanah.
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Iveliz Explains It All
2022 by Arango, Andrea BeatrizGet this itemI love the way this book does not shy away from the fact that it's not easy being human, and all of us need some help sometimes. Such a lovely and compassionate portrayal of someone who is working to be better. Suggested by Caitlin.
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The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen
2022 by Blum, IsaacGet this itemI fell in love with Hoodie, the quirky, socially awkward narrator of this peek into an Orthodox Jewish community. His observations of his family, his community, and the larger community are hilarious, and offer us a new perspective on marginalized groups in our country. I recommend this book for teens as well. Suggested by Mary M.
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All That's Left in the World
2022 by Brown, Erik J.Get this itemThere is nothing I appreciate more than two lovable characters who spend a good chunk of a book going back and forth bickering as they slowly fall in love with each other. I wasn't expecting this apocalyptic novel to be so funny and lighthearted while also exploring deeper themes of guilt and survival. Suggested by Elise.
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Flirting with Fate
2022 by Cervantes, JenniferGet this itemI love this sweet romantic comedy that uses magical realism to help the main characters learn to open up and learn to love. I love the Granados sisters and learning about Mexican culture. Suggested by Rummanah.
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The Marvellers
2022 by Clayton, DhonielleGet this itemI loved this novel that, like the works of Brian Selznick, mixes prose with illustrations to tell a story of a teen who has to run away from a violent home. Suggested by Sharon.
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Troublemaker
2022 by Cho, JohnGet this itemThis was a book I had a hard time putting down. I loved the way the main character's narration reveals so much about his character. Every ill-conceived decision Jordan makes had me wanting to reach into the pages and scream, "No, Jordan!" Great writing! Suggested by Mary M.
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Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone
2022 by Keller, TaeGet this itemI loved how genuine and real this book about experiencing bullying as a middle school girl is. It would be great for anyone in middle school, but I especially appreciated that it could easily resonate with older audiences as well. I thought it did a great job of capturing the voice of someone young without downplaying the pain and cruelty of early adolescence. Suggested by Elise.
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Wingbearer
2022 by Liu, Marjorie M.Get this itemI came to the dark worlds of Marjorie Liu through her fantasy comic book series MONSTRESS, and this younger graphic novel is just as lush. Zuli is truly a heroine I rooted for—she’s full of spirit and noble intentions and as brave as any hobbit or questing knight. I loved how Orien the goblin has a sparkling smirk reminiscent of many mischievous Disney scamps, and there is even a gruff bird sidekick—Frowly—whose comedic grumpiness makes him all the more lovable! Suggested by Grace.
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Witchlings
2022 by Ortega, Claribel A.Get this itemA middle-grade, coming-of-age, coming-into-your-powers story that has wonderful messages about friendship and classism. Suggested by Sharon.
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The Leak: For the Love of Truth
2021 by Petty, Kate ReedGet this itemI loved this graphic novel about a 12-year-old investigative journalist determined to expose a local country club's role in water pollution. It's a great portrayal of the real grunt work involved in chasing down a story, full of dead ends and angry, uncooperative interviewees. Great fun! Suggested by Mary M.
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Ain't Burned All the Bright
2022 by Reynolds, JasonGet this itemI've never read a book for kids quite like this before. Speaking to our particular moment in 2022, Reynolds and Griffin talk directly to kids about the undeniable pain of living through a pandemic and witnessing racial violence. Beautifully told and illustrated. I recommend this book for teens and adults as well. Suggested by Mary M.
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Ellen outside the Lines
2022 by Sass, A. J.Get this itemMiddle school is tough, and this book doesn't pretend that it isn't. I love the way the author allows the characters to be flawed and introspective--sometimes making big mistakes--the way that all the best middle schoolers do. I couldn't put this one down. Suggested by Caitlin.
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The Hideaway
2021 by Smy, PamGet this itemI loved this novel that, like the works of Brian Selznick, mixes prose with illustrations to tell a story of a teen who has to run away from a violent home. Suggested by Mary M.
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This Golden State
2022 by Weisenberg, MaritGet this itemThis quietly simmering, heart-achy coming-of-age story is both a puzzle of family secrets and a teen romance--set against the sun-dappled streets of Northern California and viewed through a soft Instagram filter. I cared so much for Poppy--I think I felt more empathy for her than for any other book character this year--and loved unravelling the mystery of her identity as the stakes became higher and the tension built to an almost unbelievable and empowering choice. Suggested by Grace.
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