Candle Island by Lauren Wolk*

A great summer read! 

Lucretia & her mom move to Candle Island, Maine to escape---her father's death, journalists who want to interview her artist mother. Candle Island contains its own secrets-vandals, children with special gifts, a hidden room. 

I was captivated by the author's poetic sentences, her development of the setting (I wanted to move to Candle Island & explore it!), and her plot pace-how she revealed the secrets to the reader. Ms. Wolk also created likable, distinct characters. I appreciated Lucretia's relationship with her mom-so sweet.

The description of yummy meals Mrs. Sanderson made & served gave me the desire to knock on their door & ask to partake!

*Highly recommend but--Lucretia seemed too wise beyond her years . . .yet when I learned her full story, I could understand why she seemed a lot wiser than a typical 12-year-old.. . . Despite this slightly downside to the book, I still consider this novel as one of my favorite middle grade novels I have read in awhile.

-Borrowed from the library.

No Purchase Necessary by Maria Marianayagam

 I almost read this book in one day! The plot will keep the reader engaged from the start until the end.

Eighth grader Ajay always gets straight As. His parents expect it. Their high expectations apply to many situations. Their strictness affects his and his sister's ability to maintain friends and to fit in. Ajay's priority at his new school is make the most popular boy, Jacob Underson, like him. Huge problem-Jacob does not like Ajay and finds ways to manipulate him each day. In desperation, Ajay agrees to steal a candy bar at the convenience store across from the school. This one act of dishonesty paves the way to more lies and deceit. How will he stop from lying so he can return to a life of integrity?

Faith is integrated but not Ajay's source of strength. The family is Catholic and attends Mass each Sunday. Ajay confesses to a priest about his sins. Families not from a Catholic background may want to discuss this belief system.

Discuss: lying, stealing, bullies, Catholicism, immigrants, heart attack, Ajay likes a girl, Mindy, and expresses his interest in different ways-they develop a good friendship

Readers who like characters who are flawed and realistic will appreciate this story.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Together Tree by Aisha Saeed illustrated by LeUyen Pham

 Rumi is a new student. The other students do not protest when Asher, a bully, is mean to him. When Asher throws a rock, and it scrapes Rumi's knee, other students finally gather their courage and befriend Rumi. 

A didactic story  Based on the author's son experience

-Borrowed from the library.

The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh by Helen Rutter

 Billy Plimpton wants a fresh start at Bannerdale Middle School, where people will laugh at his jokes, not at his stutter. Since he was five years old, eleven-year-old Billy has contended with his stutter. He researches ways to stop stuttering and is determined that this year it will "go away"! In his new school he discovers true friends, his own selfishness, a bully who may need a friend, an understanding teacher, the drums, and jazz music. 

Towards the end it seems like everything is going wrong for Billy. Some of his choices create unnecessary hardships for him. Although this author is British, the book felt like it took place in the U.S. and the characters were American. Maybe a huge culture difference between the U.K. and the U.S. doesn't exist? Typically I love reading books that take place in the U.K. and that are written by British authors because I love escaping to that place and culture. 

Points to discuss: stuttering, other differences (ADHD,growth syndrome, hearing aids, learning difficulties), bullies, death of a grandparent,Billy prays to the "gods"

-Borrowed via ILL (inter-library loan)

Jesus Superpowers and the Bully by T.M. Barton

Adventures from the Throne Room #1 

My aunt gave this autographed book to me. 

Troy's parents run a hotel. Luke, a guest Troy's age, leads Troy to Christ. Whenever Troy prays, he enters God's throne room and interacts with Jesus. Jesus outfits him with armor to combat the enemy. As Troy matures in his faith over the next few weeks, he learns how to use his armor and to recognize demons and their lies. He also befriends Brock, a new boy who relentlessly had made fun of him. Born with a partial arm, Troy experiences a miracle; Jesus heals him! Troy has a guardian angel and interacts with him.

Points to discuss: demons, spiritual warfare, lying, skipping school, guardian angels, angels who appear to be human,  healing, Brock's grandma had died before he moved to Troy's town, Jesus tells Troy to share with Brock that his grandmother is in heaven with him

The book ended abruptly. More plot development was needed to make the ending credible.  A lot of scripture was incorporated into the book and then listed in the book to encourage memorization. As I was reading, I was reminded how I can become apathetic about spiritual warfare.

-I own this book.

Being Clem by Lesa Cline-Ransome*

 A companion to Finding Langston

Out of the three characters from Ms. Cline-Ransome's companion books, I like Clem the best. His humor, sweetness and sincerity endear him to his readers. After Clem's father dies in the Port Chicago explosion, Clem's family struggles to deal with the grief and the ecomonic impact. Being the youngest, Clem feels like he is treated like a baby and strives to prove he is his own person.

Having read the other novels in this trilogy, I enjoyed viewing Langston and Lymon from Clem's eyes as I read this book.  Ms. Cline-Ransome reinforces the importance of considering all the perspectives of a story and how every person has a story and reason for how they respond to life.

Points to discuss: Port Chicago disaster, Bud Billiken parade, treatment of blacks during this time period, bullies, physical abuse, death of parent/grieving, faith-God is mentioned a few times but not central to the characters' beliefs

Read also: Finding Lanston and Leaving Lymon.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Six by M.M. Vaughan*

Parker, his sister Emma and their father communicate through wrist inserts that allow them to hear each other's thoughts.  Emma, who is deaf, can read them on special glasses.  This British family recently moved to the United States because of their father's job.  Parker hates his new school . . . plus they live near where his mother died three years ago.  

When his father is kidnapped, Parker must rely on his new wealthy best friend Michael, his chauffeur Brendan, a conspiracy theorist and a pyschiatric patient.    Uncovering more secrets, Parker is thrust into incomprehensible situations.  

I do not like science fiction, but Ms. Vaughan's plot development and her likable characters kept me reading late into the night.  The ending was not very satisfying and seemed to indicate there would be a sequel. I hope so.  

It was encouraging to read a book that portrays a traditional family and wholesome characters.

This book raises a lot of questions and will provide opportunities for discussion.

Warning/points to discuss: Michael can hack into computers.  The boys consider changing their art grades but do not.  They, however, skip school and Michael hacks in to mark that they are attending.  An important character dies.  

*Highly recommend (except for "puttering out" ending).

-Borrowed from the library.

White Bird by R.J. Palacio inked by Kevin Czap

Julian, the boy who bullies Auggie in Palacio's book Wonder, interviews his grandmother for a school project.  He asks her to relate her story when a boy and his family hides her from the Nazis during World War II in occupied France. 
The story she tells brings to life the horror Jewish families must have experienced when separated and the courage others had who dared to help. 
Ms. Palacio has written a beautiful story that draws you into the characters and the time period.  Because it was so compelling, I read it in one sitting! 
In the back, Ms. Palacio includes tons of information about WWII via a glossary and a list of resources for further research.
I, however, did not appreciate nor see the need how she draws a direct line of the horrors of WW II and Hitler to current day Trump and the refugees. 
Warnings/points to discuss: cruelty/bullies, violence (by Nazi, two characters are shot-blood shown, Julien dies/is shot), Julien and Sara share a kiss.
-Borrowed from the library.

Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan*

I read this book aloud to my nine year old.  He loved it.
Ms. Weeks and Ms. Varadarajan alternate writing the chapters.  Ms. Weeks tells the story from Joe's point of view and Ms. Varadarajan shares Ravi's story.  They seamlessly weave together the boys' stories and create a satisfying ending. 
Joe has Auditory Processing Disorder.  For years he has endured the scorn and teasing from the class bully, Dillon Samreen. To make his situation worse, his mother now has job as a cafeteria monitor.  She sees first hand the bullying and tries to intervene, only to make Joe's circumstances dire.
Ravi has moved from India to New Jersey with his parents and grandparents.  In India he was a top student and athlete, and also very popular.  Now he finds himself frustrated at teachers' and classmates' lack of understanding of him and his culture.  Will he ever adjust to America, and will he find a friend?
The chapters are short.  The plot moves quickly.  I like how the book is divided up based on the school's lunches. 
I appreciated the glossaries for both of the boys.  Each author also included a recipe that represents each of the boys' cultures!  My son wants to make both recipes (Apple Crisp and Naan Khatais).
--**Eating peanut M and Ms during or after this book is a must!!
Points to discuss/Warning: bullies, cruelty, inferred swearing  Dillon is kleptomaniac and hides his stolen items in the front of his pants.
*Highly recommend (for 4th grade and up).
-Borrowed from the library.

The Disappearing Bike Shop by Elvira Woodruff

My nine year old read this book to himself to support our study of Leonardo da Vinci.
He really enjoyed it.
Tyler and his friend Freckles see an entire building rise up and disappear.  When it reappears, they decide to enter and investigate.  The sign above says Quigley's Bike Shop.  They meet the eccentric Mr. Quentin Quigley.  Does he do more than repair bikes?
-Borrowed from the library.

Sled Dog School by Terry Lynn Johnson*

I read this book aloud to my sons.  My nine year old loved it; my twelve year did not (it was too stressful for him-Matt was failing math and not wanting to get help, he thought some his choices were not very smart and was frustrated with him!).
I thoroughly enjoyed reading it aloud!
Matt is failing math.  When his teacher, Mr. Moffat, offers an extra credit assignment where students start their own business, Matt seizes the opportunity.  Mushing dogs comes easily to him so he offers to teach individuals how to run a dog sled.  He needs three clients.  Tubbs and Alex, individuals from different schools, sign up.   As Matt teaches them the basic for dogsledding, he learns a lot about himself, family, life and friendship.
I liked how the author included all the math involving to running a business.  Great book to use with an economic unit.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Point to discuss: bullies, Matt's parents' unique parenting style!

Wonder DVD

We all thoroughly enjoyed this movie version of the book Wonder.
Although there were definite differences and many parts excluded, we still thought the producers did a good job staying true to the original story and including vital portions of the story.  They even switched points of view throughout the movie like R.J. Palacio did in the book!
We did not like how they left out how Auggie starts wearing his hearing aids.

Some warnings: bullies, physical fights, kissing b/t Via and her boyfriend Justin, Jack says he would kill himself if he looked like Auggie and it is revisited again in the movie (I skipped this in the book because I did not want my boys hearing about killing oneself.), Miranda's mom drinks excessively and viewers see her passed out on the couch from drinking too much, Miranda then downs the rest of the wine in the glass (underage drinking), Auggie's parents are alone without the kids and whip out the wine and proclaim to each other, "let's get drunk" and the father gives the mother a gift which one infers is lingerie, 7th graders at the camp call Auggie Jack's boyfriend (another part I skipped when reading the book aloud to my boys).

-Borrowed from the library.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio*

I first read this book when it was newly published and immediately bought it, vowing to read it aloud to my boys someday.  I think every late elementary/junior student should read this book or hear it read aloud.

August (Auggie) was born with a facial deformity and has been home schooled all of his life.  Since his genetic disorder required so many doctor visits and surgeries, he would have missed a lot of school days in the regular system.  Now that he is entering fifth grade and the need for surgeries has decreased, his parents think it is time he enrolls into school outside of the home.  Beecher Prep is their choice.
But will the students at Beecher Prep choose to see Auggie as an ordinary kid, who is just like them on the inside?
Told from different characters' points of view (but mostly Auggie's).
My boys were spellbound by this story.  We were able to discuss kindness and judging others by appearance.
Auggie's family is incredible!

Warning/points to discuss: middle school/people's cruelty (very cruel!), bullying, Via mentions a girl being "flat"/chest size (thankfully I could skip over it since I reading it aloud!), Miranda mentions smoking over the summer (again, I could skip over), Via and her boyfriend Justin kiss, some characters' parents are divorced
Pair with Ugly by Robert Hoge.
*Highly recommend.
I own this book.
I have not seen the movie yet.

The Thing About Georgie by Lisa Graff

Georgie is a dwarf.  Thankfully his parents, teachers and best friend are supportive. 
The only thing in his life that truly bothers him is Jeanie the Meanie, who constantly picks on him.  Then two major changes occur . . .his best friend Andy wants to ask Russ to join their dog walking business and Georgie's mom is pregnant. 
This book thoughtfully shares the frustrations of someone who is a dwarf plus regular friendship/parental issues.  Throughout the book the author speaks directly to the reader and asks them to try a task and then points out how Georgie is not capable of doing it.
-Borrowed from the library.

Side Tracked by Diana Harmon Asher*

Joseph has ADD and finds solace in the resource room with his teacher Mrs. T.  For all of his life his peers have made fun of him.  As far as friends, he has none.  Little does he know how pivotal his decision to join the cross country team is.  Not only does he toughen up physically, but also mentally and emotionally.  He also finds his first friend.  Heather.
A beautiful story about friendship and perseverance.
Ms. Asher has developed a very likable character.  She permits us to perceive life from a person with ADD.  Humor abounds too!  I also loved how Ms. Asher integrates the grandfather and how he helps Joseph.  The grandfather has more of a role than Joseph's parents.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly

Winner of the 2018 John Newbery Medal
Four middle schoolers meet unexpectedly on the first day of summer vacation.  Kaori believes the universe has a way of bringing people and situations together.  So when shy Virgil shares with her about a girl he likes, she is not surprised when this exact girl shows up at her house the next day. 
Then Virgil is missing.  Can Kaori, her little sister Gen and their new friend Valencia find him before he gives up hope?
The chapters alternate between the four characters' point of view.
Virgil's family members irritated me!  I liked the variety of cultures represented.
Points to discuss: bullying, deafness, learning disabilities; Kaori consults the stars and believes in the signs-claims to be psychic 
-Borrowed from the library.

The Watcher by Nikki Grimes illustrated by Bryan Collier**

Inspired by Psalm 121
I love this book for several reasons-it is poetry, it displays the power of kindness and incorporates God's Word!
The story of Tanya and Jordan is told via poetry and each page alternates between their points of view.  As the reader progresses, he will infer and discover traits and reasons behind each character's behavior.

The poetry format is one I have never read- "golden shovel".  The poet takes lines from an existing poem and creates a new poem using the words from the original.  The poet arranges the original line vertically in the right margin.  Then the lines in the new poem must end with those words placed vertically.  Difficult to explain so I would recommend just reading this book!!

**Highly, highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library (but one I plan to buy).

Welcome Comfort by Patricia Polacco

Welcome Comfort, a foster child, is having a challenging time fitting in at his new school.  Fortunately, Mr. Hamp, the school custodian, befriends him.  Throughout the years, Mr. and Mrs. Hamp provide a consistent relationship with him which bolsters his confidence.
One Christmas Eve, Welcome joins Santa Claus as he delivers gifts all over the world.  Welcome thinks he dreamed the entire event, but when Mr. Hamp retires as a custodian, Welcome discovers Mr. Hamp may be retiring from another job!
-We own this book.

We're All Wonders by R. J. Palacio

Ms. Palacio places her character, Auggie, in a picture book so younger readers/listeners can ponder how to be kind to all people.
Auggie has a facial deformity and shares his struggles about being "different".
-Borrowed from the library.
A movie based on her chapter book called Wonder will  be showing in theaters in November 2017.

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai*

Award Winner- Newbery Honor Book; National Book Award Winner
Ha, her mother and three brothers leave Saigon in 1975 right before the Communist bomb it.  Their father has been missing in action for years and are reluctant to leave in case he would return home.
This novel in verse reveals the events and emotions a child feels fleeing a country being ruled by evil and adjusting to a country where individuals are a mixture of kindness and insensitivity.
Ms. Lai, the author, actually experienced the events and emotions shared in this book.  It is based on real events in her own life.
Expertly written so the reader feels the frustration and longing Ha experiences as she and her family adjust.
One part particularly upset me when Ha and her family attend church and are baptized so people will accept them more readily.  They had no idea what they were doing. . .only if they were baptized and attended church people would be nicer to them.  A sad commentary on Christians, I think.
Points to discuss: Communism, war, bullies (one child was really mean to Ha), refugees, different cultures
*Highly recommend for junior high (because of the content-see above)
-Borrowed from the library.
Guided Reading Level: U (5th grade)