The food is better. 30. This coming of age story is both hilarious and poignant. It’s a new school year, and Greg Heffley finds himself thrust into middle school, where undersized weaklings share the hallways with kids who are taller, meaner, and already shaving. The 50 Best Books for 11- and 12-Year-Olds 15 Classics That 8- to 12-Year-Olds Say Are Worth Reading Today The Most Exciting Middle Grade & Chapter Books Hitting Shelves in 2021 ... 10 Kid-Recommended Books Guaranteed to Make 4th, 5th, and 6th Graders Laugh by Kari Ness Riedel. Little Women brought her lasting fame and fortune, and far from being the “girl’s book” her publisher requested, it explores such timeless themes as love and death, war and peace, the conflict between personal ambition and family responsibilities, and the clash of cultures between Europe and America.”. “When Dorothy and her little dog Toto are caught in a tornado, they and their Kansas farmhouse are suddenly transported to Oz, where Munchkins live, monkeys fly and Wicked Witches rule. Skateboarding. Six more books followed, and together they became known as The Chronicles of Narnia. You bet. Radiant. Here are some hand-picked suggestions from our librarians. Then Cece makes a startling discovery. Now that’s trouble, for real.”. “A space-obsessed boy and his dog, Carl Sagan, take a journey toward family, love, hope, and awe in this funny and moving novel for fans of Counting by 7s, Walk Two Moons, and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Number 1: She lives in a motel, not a big house. Then her teacher announces that their class play is going to be Charlotte’s Web. There is never any doubt that Matilda will carry the day. To learn the truth, Pri must travel farther than she’s ever dared and find the family she never knew.”. They want to change her and never let her go. The reader cares about Matilda because in addition to all her other gifts, she has real feelings.”. Just a quick light, Aru thinks. This edition presents all seven books—unabridged—in one impressive volume. The imaginative storyline twists and turns in a way that is both silly and charming. “The fourteenth is locked, and on the other side is only a brick wall, until the day Coraline unlocks the door to find a passage to another flat in another house just like her own. “Generations of readers young and old, male and female, have fallen in love with the March sisters of Louisa May Alcott’s most popular and enduring novel, Little Women. In order to join, she must compete in four difficult and dangerous trials against hundreds of other children, each boasting an extraordinary talent that sets them apart – an extraordinary talent that Morrigan insists she does not have. By shoving poor Jaime and running away! Every day, while her immigrant parents clean the rooms, ten-year-old Mia manages the front desk of the Calivista Motel and tends to its guests. Exciting? . That is, until she find a mysterious pashmina tucked away in a forgotten suitcase. After relying on Moon for everything, can Christine find it in herself to be the friend Moon needs? 12. “Magnus Chase has seen his share of trouble. The murder gets under Ponyboy’s skin, causing his bifurcated world to crumble and teaching him that pain feels the same whether a soc or a greaser.”, “As soon as Anne Shirley arrives at the snug white farmhouse called Green Gables, she is sure she wants to stay forever . But no one saw it happen. “Out of gratitude for the poet’s art form, Newbery Award–winning author and poet Kwame Alexander, along with Chris Colderley and Marjory Wentworth, present original poems that pay homage to twenty famed poets who have made the authors’ hearts sing and their minds wonder. While her father, the freethinking reformer and abolitionist Bronson Alcott, hobnobbed with such eminent male authors as Emerson, Thoreau, and Hawthorne, Louisa supported herself and her sisters with “woman’s work,” including sewing, doing laundry, and acting as a domestic servant. And is she in The Group—or out? But once she befriends Orlu and Chichi, Sunny is plunged in to the world of the Leopard People, where your worst defect becomes your greatest asset. Can Cece channel her powers into finding the thing she wants most, a true friend?”, “Raina just wants to be a normal sixth grader. Finland proper was the most densely populated area. “I would say it’s a pleasure to meet thee, Prosperity Oceanus Redding, but truly, I only anticipate the delights of destroying thy happiness. Can she stand up for herself? Inside the gated woods, ancient laws keep relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. Stories about the gods of Asgard, wolves, and Doomsday bubble up from Magnus’s memory. Alli, 11, says, “Very funny, and definitely relatable!! At first, everything in America seems too fast and too loud. sad But this life also brings unexpected surprises—there are new friends, a whole new family, and a school musical that Jude might just try out for. Cece is on her way to becoming El Deafo, Listener for All. The novel tells the story of Ponyboy Curtis and his struggles with right and wrong in a society in which he believes that he is an outsider. But, she can’t help but find mischief. Then she can get herself out of this mess and never ever fib again. I am eleven years old. Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea that their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Who reassure her that earth isn’t where she really belongs. Father disappeared from Ferenwood with only a ruler, almost three years ago. This coming-of-age true story is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever been in middle school, and especially those who have ever had a bit of their own dental drama.”, “This is the story of two totally different girls—quiet, shy, artistic Emmie and popular, outgoing, athletic Katie—and how their lives unexpectedly intersect one day when an embarrassing note falls into the wrong hands.”. There’s a shipwreck off Kirrin Island! But when Rowley’s star starts to rise, Greg tries to use his best friend’s newfound popularity to his own advantage, kicking off a chain of events that will test their friendship in hilarious fashion. “Acclaimed author and Pura Belpré Award honoree Lulu Delacre’s beautifully illustrated collection of twelve short stories is a groundbreaking look at the diverse Latinos who live in the United States. Too bad it also seems certain to repel potential friends. To find more illustrated books for 6th graders, check out our graphic novels recommendations for middle graders. Well, actually, quite the opposite. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. Winner of the 1963 Newbery Medal, A Wrinkle in Time is the first book in Madeleine L’Engle’s classic Time Quintet.”. To read the last is to know he and his story will stay with you a long, long time.”. Sal prides himself on being an excellent magician, but for this sleight of hand, he relied on a talent no one would guess . Having been born on Eventide, the unluckiest day for any child to be born, she’s blamed for all local misfortunes, from hailstorms to heart attacks–and, worst of all, the curse means that Morrigan is doomed to die at midnight on her eleventh birthday. Funny books are a great way to keep kids reading way past their obligatory twenty minutes a night. With a school bus falling from the sky. To find more great, diverse books for 6th graders, check out our middle grade books collection. But where is the treasure? At her old school, everyone in Cece’s class was deaf. When she wraps herself in it, she is transported to a place more vivid and colorful than any guidebook or Bollywood film. Anne knows she’s not what they expected—a skinny girl with fiery red hair and a temper to match. Braving up. After experiencing a powerful protest, though, Shay decides some rules are worth breaking. By the time you read this, I will probably be dead.”, Sam loves facts. Luckily for us, what Greg Heffley says he won’t do and what he actually does are two very different things.”. Read, read, read!”, by Mac Barnett and Jory John, illustrated by Kevin Cornell, In another epic story about pranking, Miles and Niles compete to be the best prankster in the school. On her first day at her new school, Penelope–Peppi–Torres reminds herself of these basics. Shannon and Adrienne have been best friends ever since they were little. and his friend Gloria are on a mission to save their beloved motel. This orphan girl dreams of the day when she can call herself Anne of Green Gables.”. Tom Gates is a master of excuses, a creative storyteller, and a middle-school class clown. “Twelve-year-old Shayla is allergic to trouble. Jack Cheng’s debut is full of joy, optimism, determination, and unbelievable heart. And on top of all that, there’s still more to deal with: a major earthquake, boy confusion, and friends who turn out to be not so friendly. Not Carmen and Pickle, not his Mathletes teammates, and definitely not Chris, an eighth-grader who gives Martin butterflies. Sal is in the principal’s office for the third time in three days, and it’s still the first week of school. Wait, what? But Lewis did not stop there. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance.”. She is albino and thus, incredibly sensitive to the sun. “Cardinal rule #1 for surviving school: Don’t get noticed by the mean kids. And most importantly, who is her father, and why did her mom leave him behind? Maybe even superpower! 31. Moon even tells Christine her deepest secret: that she sometimes has visions of celestial beings who speak to her from the stars. “Journeys to the end of the world, fantastic creatures, and epic battles between good and evil—what more could any reader ask for in one book? Here are talented tomboy and author-to-be Jo, tragically frail Beth, beautiful Meg, and romantic, spoiled Amy, united in their devotion to each other and their struggles to survive in New England during the Civil War. With a timeless charm it tells the story of a little boy who leaves the safety of his own tiny planet to travel the universe, learning the vagaries of adult behaviour through a series of extraordinary encounters. Stunning mixed-media images by Ekua Holmes, winner of a Caldecott Honor and a John Steptoe New Talent Illustrator Award, complete the celebration and invite the reader to listen, wonder, and perhaps even pick up a pen.”, “In this collection of poetry, Nikki Grimes looks afresh at the poets of the Harlem Renaissance — including voices like Langston Hughes, Georgia Douglas Johnson, and many more writers of importance and resonance from this era — by combining their work with her own original poetry. Picture books to help kids understand physical differences. Both have a value and a purpose. Charlotte’s spiderweb tells of her feelings for a little pig named Wilbur, who simply wants a friend. Soon everyone is taking sides. Then there’s the large, busty nightmare of a school principal, Miss (“The”) Trunchbull, a former hammer-throwing champion who flings children at will and is approximately as sympathetic as a bulldozer. at the same time. In the Iron Age population grew especially in Häme and Savo regions. From Colorado to New Mexico, Las Vegas to L.A., Alex records a journey on his iPod to show other lifeforms what life on earth, his earth, is like. Sign up to The Kids Are All Right to receive news and recommendations from the world of kid lit and middle grade books. And because he has leukaemia he wants to know the facts about dying. Planning an escape. He would much rather doodle, listen to his favorite band, or find ways to talk to Amy Porter than pay attention to his teachers. Instead, though, she has to travel to Vietnam with her grandmother, who is going back to find out what really happened to her husband during the Vietnam War. Sam needs answers to the questions nobody will answer. The stream of consciousness writing style that reads like a direct conversation with a witty elementary school student makes this book funny and relatable. “Matilda is a little girl who is far too good to be true. For Pri, her mother’s homeland can only exist in her imagination. The hazards of growing up before you’re ready are uniquely revealed through words and drawings as Greg records them in his diary. After Jake fakes his way into a prestigious music school, he needs to come up with a plan before the last laugh is on him. “This book is funny, mysterious, and filled with physical comedy,” raves Landon, 11. She will have to fight with all her wits and all the tools she can find if she is to save the lost children, her ordinary life, and herself. But is this the real India? And when the two clubs go to war, Peppi realizes that sometimes you have to break the rules to survive middle school!”. Here are ten books recommended by young readers on Bookopolis.com, a social network and book discovery tool made especially for kids. The Best Informational Books for Toddlers, The Most-Anticipated Picture Books of 2021, Kid-Approved Books for Struggling Second and Third Grade Readers, The 50 Best Books for 11- and 12-Year-Olds, 15 Classics That 8- to 12-Year-Olds Say Are Worth Reading Today, The Most Exciting Middle Grade & Chapter Books Hitting Shelves in 2021, The Best YA Books Being Published in 2021, 10 Books That Promote Positive Thinking in Teens, Pride and Less Prejudice: LGBTQIA+ Books for Teens, By submitting my email, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Penguin Random House's. These are the words in Charlotte’s Web, high up in Zuckerman’s barn. Humble. And the funny, lost, remarkable people he meets along the way can only partially prepare him for the secrets he’ll uncover—from the truth about his long-dead dad to the fact that, for a kid with a troubled mom and a mostly not-around brother, he has way more family than he ever knew. But one night after Girl Scouts she trips and falls, severely injuring her two front teeth, and what follows is a long and frustrating journey with on-again, off-again braces, surgery, embarrassing headgear, and even a retainer with fake teeth attached. But she will have to travel through the mythical, dangerous land of Furthermore, where down can be up, paper is alive, and left can be both right and very, very wrong. Jake the Fake series by Craig Robinson & Adam Mansbach. When Martin discovers that his first-ever drag show is the same night as the most important Mathletes tournament, he realizes that he can only pull off both appearances by revealing his true self to his friends—and channeling his inner drag superstar.”. Will she be able to hold on to her job, help the immigrants and guests, escape Mr. Yao, and go for her dreams?”, “A California girl born and raised, Mai can’t wait to spend her vacation at the beach. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse. . They don’t believe her claim that the museum’s Lamp of Bharata is cursed, and they dare Aru to prove it. From picture books to readers, early chapter books to activity kits and more, Scholastic Book Clubs offers the best children's books for first grade reading. Critically acclaimed and award-winning author Neil Gaiman will delight readers with his first novel for all ages.”, The launch of an exciting and innovatively illustrated new series narrated by an unforgettable kid every family can relate to. If Sal’s not who he thought he was, who is he?”, “My name is Sam. Roald Dahl, while keeping the plot moving imaginatively, also has an unerring ear for emotional truth. Books for grade 5 – this list of recommended reading books for grade 5 has been curated and compiled by teachers and librarians to appeal to elementary school children in the 5th Grade, aged 10-11. Gabi, student council president and editor of the school paper, is there to support her friend Yasmany, who just picked a fight with Sal. A greaser, on the other hand, always lives on the outside and needs to watch his back. There they hope to meet the legendary, all-powerful Wizard of Oz, who alone may hold the power to grant their every wish. . Besides barely speaking the language, she doesn’t know the geography, the local customs, or even her distant relatives. Award-winning author Richard Peck uses the gentle touch of humor to address serious topics like gay marriage and the power of male role models. Maybe America, too, is a place where Jude can be seen as she really is.”. Our panel of children's book experts recommends these great books for 5th graders. “A warmly humane look at universal questions of belonging, infused with humour, from the bestselling author of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. And, weirdly enough, four-thousand-year-old Alastor isn’t exactly the forgiving type. In fact, her best friend, Jacob, just happens to be one. When Magnus tries to outmaneuver his uncle, he falls right into his clutches. August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Humor meets adventure in this wild ride that is like “Goonies,” “Indiana Jones,” and “National Treasure” rolled into one. Things are already awkward enough between the two, but to make matters worse, he’s a member of her own club’s archrivals–the science club! But how is one girl in Spider-Man pajamas supposed to do all that? “Coco meets Stranger Things with a hint of Ghostbusters in this action-packed supernatural fantasy. Eventually, they enlist the help of a small mechanical rabbit named Miskit. As Lottie, he is braver than he’s ever been; but as Martin, he doesn’t have the guts to tell anyone outside of his family about her. David, 10, says “this is an amazing book if you like pranks and funny tricks.”. New Movie Releases This Weekend: March 5th - March 7th Janette Becerra Make a movie date with 3 of Hollywood’s best men Jaime Hutkin 9 tips for safely going back to the movie theaters Jaime Hutkin “The Outsiders is about two weeks in the life of a 14-year-old boy. Lotioning up. He befriends Wendy, John and Michael and teaches them to fly (with a little help from fairy dust). Perhaps you can encourage them to try the opposite format of what they normally seek out to encourage variety in their reading life. At first, things seem marvelous in the other flat. Jude never thought she’d be leaving her beloved older brother and father behind, all the way across the ocean in Syria. Stealing pocket change. One day, three schoolmates show up at Aru’s doorstep to catch her in a lie. As Greg says in his diary, “Just don’t expect me to be all ‘Dear Diary’ this and ‘Dear Diary’ that.†? Shortly before Halloween, Lucely and her best friend, Syd, cast a spell that accidentally awakens malicious spirits, wreaking havoc throughout St. Augustine. But to Mai, those are their roots, not her own. Find free books online and check out Project Gutenberg  and Read Print for classics. “Graphic novel star Kazu Kibuishi creates a world of terrible, man-eating demons, a mechanical rabbit, a giant robot—and two ordinary children on a life-or-death mission. Simone, 11, gives five stars to this “hilarious series about 12-year-old twins who constantly play pranks on each other.” Claudia and Reese take sibling rivalry to a whole new level as their pranks escalate throughout the story. Includes an index.”, “This story was going to begin like all the best stories. Set in the 1970s, this is the story of Zomorod (aka Cindy), an Iranian girl growing up in California. Cardinal rule #2 for surviving school: Seek out groups with similar interests and join them. To survive her trip, Mai must find a balance between her two completely different worlds.”. Ever since that terrible night two years ago when his mother told him to run, he has lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, staying one step ahead of the police and the truant officers. But Pri’s mom avoids these questions–the topic of India is permanently closed. After the tragic death of their father, Emily and Navin move with their mother to the home of her deceased great-grandfather, but the strange house proves to be dangerous. The witty dialogue and girl power take on these classic stories are laugh-out-loud funny. But she knows she’s not a boy. When Sal Vidon meets Gabi Real for the first time, it isn’t under the best of circumstances. A sassy entropy sweeper, a documentary about wedgies, a principal who wears a Venetian bauta mask, and heaping platefuls of Cuban food are just some of the delights that await in this mind-blowing novel gift-wrapped in love and laughter.”. With only days to break the curse and banish Alastor back to the demon realm, Prosper is playing unwilling host to the fiend, who delights in tormenting him with nasty insults and constant attempts trick him into a contract. But she soon discovered she could make more money writing. Number 2: Her parents hide immigrants. George really, really, REALLY wants to play Charlotte. The girls share their favorite music videos, paint their toenails when Christine’s strict parents aren’t around, and make plans to enter the school talent show together. In book one of this debut series, Greg is happy to have Rowley, his sidekick, along for the ride. In a partnership with We Need Diverse Books, industry giants Kwame Alexander, Soman Chainani, Matt de la Peña, Tim Federle, Grace Lin, Meg Medina, Walter Dean Myers, Tim Tingle, and Jacqueline Woodson join newcomer Kelly J. Baptist in a story collection that is as humorous as it is heartfelt. His mother is an artist, his colorful Tío Billy works in theater, and his best friends Carmen and Pickle are outgoing and don’t care what other people think. In this book from Chris Grabenstein, the bestselling author of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library, 11-year-old P.T. Will she and Adrienne stay friends? But he doesn’t have time to consider it all before a fire giant attacks the city, forcing him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents. To stay in the safety of Nevermoor for good, Morrigan will need to find a way to pass the tests – or she’ll have to leave the city to confront her deadly fate.”. She loves America and wants to fully embrace her new life, but fitting in at a time when her home country is getting bad press is a serious challenge. Funny and honest, it is one of the most powerful and uplifting books you will ever read.”. They were all too busy—. There, humans live uneasily beside giant spiders, bats, cockroaches, and rats–but the fragile peace is about to fall apart. To save their family, Fablehaven, and perhaps even the world, Kendra and Seth must find the courage to do what they fear most.”, “Akata Witch transports the reader to a magical place where nothing is quite as it seems. Everyone in The Group wants to be Jen’s #1, and some girls would do anything to stay on top . Anne is not like anyone else, the Cuthberts agree; she is special—a girl with an enormous imagination. Very clever writing from two award-winning authors, Mac Barnett and Jory John, transform a familiar storyline into a laugh-out-loud reading experience. Prosper is the only unexceptional Redding in his old and storied family history — that is, until he discovers the demon living inside him. Mai’s parents think this trip will be a great opportunity for their out-of-touch daughter to learn more about her culture. The toy box is filled with wind-up angels that flutter around the bedroom, books whose pictures writhe and crawl and shimmer, little dinosaur skulls that chatter their teeth. The Library has everything kids and their families need to make learning fun, from e-books to learning aids to help with homework and projects. We are a group of school teachers and we have created this website to spread the word about the very best books available for kids -- the books we use with our students everyday in our own classrooms and books that other teachers and parents use with their kids. And she is given an ultimatum. But when they’re least expecting it, catastrophe strikes. 11-year-old Alex Petroski loves space and rockets, his mom, his brother, and his dog Carl Sagan—named for his hero, the real-life astronomer. But instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade. Talking about boogers. For the past fifty years, The Chronicles of Narnia have transcended the fantasy genre to become part of the canon of classic literature. Keep an eye on your inbox. Alice must first find herself—and hold fast to the magic of love in the face of loss.”, “A cursed girl escapes death and finds herself in a magical world – but is then tested beyond her wildest imagination. Cultural contacts to the Baltics and Scandinavia became more frequent. She is determined to prove that somehow, Sal planted a raw chicken in Yasmany’s locker, even though nobody saw him do it and the bloody poultry has since mysteriously disappeared. Featuring art by: Cozbi Cabrera, R. Gregory Christie, Pat Cummings, Jan Spivey Gilchrist, Ebony Glenn, Nikki Grimes, E. B. Lewis, Frank Morrison, Christopher Myers, Brian Pinkney, Sean Qualls, James Ransome, Javaka Steptoe, Shadra Strickland, and Elizabeth Zunon.”. But lighting the lamp has dire consequences. . But in junior high, it’s like all the rules have changed. Executing complicated handshakes. The Famous Five are on the trail – looking for clues – but they’re not alone! Enchanting? But when she trips into a quiet boy in the hall, Jaime Thompson, she’s already broken the first rule, and the mean kids start calling her the “nerder girlfriend.” How does she handle this crisis? “I won’t describe what I look like. Desperate to return home, and with the Wicked Witch of the West on their trail, Dorothy and Toto – together with new friends the Tin Woodsman, Scarecrow and cowardly Lion – embark on a fantastic quest along the Yellow Brick Road in search of the Emerald City. Anyone who remembers the awkward years of middle school—or is currently experiencing them—understands the anxieties and possibilities that come with that tender age. Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die.”, “Alice Alexis Queensmeadow 12 rates three things most important: Mother, who wouldn’t miss her; magic and color, which seem to elude her; and Father, who always loved her. “Whether it is basketball dreams, family fiascos, first crushes, or new neighborhoods, this bold anthology—written by the best children’s authors—celebrates the uniqueness and universality in all of us. Someone else has got the same idea. “Seventh-grader Martin McLean has always been surrounded by people who can express themselves. Together, Sunny, Orlu, Chichi and Sasha form the youngest ever Oha Coven. This edition contains newly color illustrations by Garth Williams, the acclaimed illustrator of E. B. White’s Stuart Little and Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House series, among many other books.”, “After a tumble down the rabbit hole, Alice finds herself far away from home in the absurd world of Wonderland. The Wonderland is a truly magical place — with all-you-can-eat poolside ice cream — but it will require outrageous actions to save it. If you’re looking for a good book series for your 5th graders (10- to 11-year-olds), here are great choices for every interest. Looking for suggestions on what your 5th grader could be reading? Will Sunny be able to overcome the killer with powers stronger than her own, or will the future she saw in the flames become reality?”. When people look at George, they think they see a boy. except maybe Gabi, whose sharp eyes never miss a trick. Full of words of encouragement, solace, and hope, this collection offers a message of peace and empathy. “Acclaimed and award-winning poet, teacher, and National Book Award finalist Naomi Shihab Nye’s uncommon and unforgettable voice offers readers peace, humor, inspiration, and solace. Born in New York, but living in Aba, Nigeria, twelve-year old Sunny is understandably a little lost. Our panel of children's book experts recommends these great books for 5th graders. “For centuries mystical creatures of all description were gathered into a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. As Kaitlin, 9, says, “Harriet's adventures are wild and exciting.