Maria Parr

Light Hardcover (1 lb or less)

Lena is Trille's best friend, even if she is a girl. And there is never an ordinary day when you've got a best friend like Lena.

Hardly a day passes without Trille and Lena inventing some kind of adventure that often ends in trouble. Whether it's coaxing a cow onto a boat or sledding down the steepest and iciest hill with a chicken, there is always a thrill--and sometimes an injury--to be had. Trille loves to share everything with Lena, even Auntie Granny's waffles. But when Lena has to move away and Auntie Granny leaves the world, it sometimes seems like nothing will ever be right again. The warmth of friendship and the support of family suffuse this lightly illustrated novel, proving that when times are tough, a little taste of sweetness can make all the difference.

Adventures with Waffles

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Kate Milford

Light Paperback (1 lb or less)

A rambling old inn, a strange map, an attic packed with treasures, squabbling guests, theft, friendship, and an unusual haunting mark this smart middle grade mystery in the tradition of the Mysterious Benedict Society books and "The Westing Game."

Greenglass House

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Blizzard on Moose Mountain

Natalie Standiford

The Secret Tree by Natalie Standiford is a middle-grade novel about friendship, secrets, and personal discovery.

The story follows 12-year-old Minty, who lives in a quiet neighborhood where everyone knows each other. Minty’s life takes a turn when she discovers a hidden tree in a secluded part of the neighborhood. This tree is unique because it has been a place where kids leave secrets written on scraps of paper, sharing their hidden thoughts and feelings anonymously.

As Minty becomes intrigued by the tree, she starts to explore the secrets left behind and uncovers some surprising and even troubling truths about the people in her life, including her friends, family, and neighbors. Through these discoveries, Minty must navigate the complexities of growing up, learning about trust, honesty, and how to handle the secrets of others.

The novel beautifully explores themes of self-identity, the weight of secrets, and the importance of connection. Would you like more details on how Minty’s relationships evolve throughout the story?

The Secret Tree

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Shannon L. Brown

The Feather Chase by Shannon L. Brown is a captivating middle-grade adventure novel about friendship, courage, and the pursuit of something valuable.

The story follows 12-year-old Maddy, a girl who is used to feeling invisible. When her family moves to a small town, Maddy stumbles upon a mysterious feather that seems to be connected to a long-lost treasure. As Maddy delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers clues that lead her on a chase to find the treasure—one that could change her life forever.

Along the way, Maddy befriends unlikely allies and confronts various challenges that test her bravery and resourcefulness. With each step, she learns more about herself, the power of friendship, and the importance of standing up for what’s right.

The novel combines mystery, friendship, and personal growth in an engaging way, making it a story full of heart and adventure. Would you like more details on the treasure hunt or Maddy’s character development?

They start chasing a mystery--then it chases them. Twelve-year-old cousins Sophie and Jessica don't have much in common. Sophie loves hiking and her small town. Jessica would rather be shopping in a city. The only mystery is how they'll be able to spend the summer together. Then . . . they find a briefcase in the forest with a surprise inside. When they hear footsteps behind them and bad guys run after them, they have no choice but to work together to solve the mystery of The Feather Chase.

The Feather Chase

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Jeannie Mobley

Katerina’s Wish by Jeanie Mobley is a historical middle-grade novel about hope, determination, and the power of dreams.

Set in the early 1900s, the story follows 13-year-old Katerina, the daughter of Czech immigrants who have moved to America in search of a better life. Her family settles in a Colorado mining town, where her father works grueling hours in the coal mines. But life in America is much harder than they expected, and Katerina’s father begins to lose hope of ever owning his own farm—a dream he carried from their homeland.

Refusing to give up, Katerina remembers an old folktale about a magical fish that grants wishes. Inspired by the story, she makes her own wish and takes matters into her own hands. She starts a small business selling vegetables and eggs, slowly working toward the dream of a better future. Along the way, she faces challenges, but her determination and belief in herself prove to be just as powerful as any magic.

This novel is an inspiring tale of resilience, family, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Would you like a deeper look into Katerina’s challenges and triumphs?

Katerina has a dream. It's her papa's dream, too. Her family came to America to buy their own farm. But a year later, Papa is still working in the dangerous coal mine. Each day, the farm seems farther away.
Then Katerina is reminded of the carp that granted three wishes in an old folktale. When her younger sisters hear the story, they immediately make wishes. Trina doesn't believe in such silliness--but what is she to think when her sisters' wishes come true?
A farm is still too big to wish for. But, with the help of the neighbor's handsome son, Trina starts building her dream with hard work and good sense. Then tragedy strikes, and it seems that nothing Trina wishes for will ever come true again.
With warmth and gentle humor, Jeannie Mobley tells the story of a girl whose determination is as inspiring as her dreams.

Katerina's Wish

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Barbara O'Connor

Wish by Barbara O’Connor is a heartwarming middle-grade novel about family, friendship, and finding where you belong.

The story follows 11-year-old Charlie Reese, who has been making the same wish every day for as long as she can remember. When her mother struggles to take care of her, Charlie is sent to live with her aunt and uncle in a small town in North Carolina. Feeling abandoned and out of place, she longs for the life she left behind.

Things start to change when she befriends Howard, a kind and optimistic boy with an unusual way of walking, and finds a stray dog she names Wishbone. Through these new relationships, Charlie slowly learns what it means to truly belong—not because of where you come from, but because of the people who love and accept you.

The novel beautifully explores themes of hope, resilience, and the meaning of home. Would you like more insight into Charlie’s journey?

From award-winning author Barbara O'Connor comes a middle-grade novel about a girl who, with the help of the dog of her dreams, discovers the true meaning of family.

Wish

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Sylvia Brownrigg

Juliet Bell

Kepler’s Dream by Juliet Bell is a touching middle-grade novel about family, resilience, and the power of books.

The story follows 11-year-old Ella, who is sent to spend the summer with her estranged grandmother, Violet Von Stern (whom she calls the “GM”—short for “General Major”), while her mother undergoes cancer treatment. Ella is reluctant to stay with her stern and wealthy grandmother, feeling out of place in the unfamiliar world of New Mexico.

Things take a turn when a rare and valuable book, Kepler’s Dream, is stolen from her grandmother’s library. As Ella investigates the theft, she uncovers family secrets, deepens her understanding of her past, and forms unexpected friendships. Through her journey, she learns about forgiveness, hope, and the importance of connection.

The novel blends mystery with emotional depth, making it a compelling read about finding light in dark times. Would you like a deeper look into the mystery aspect of the story?

A young girl makes her fractured family whole again with the help of a very special book

When eleven-year-old Ella's mother has to be hospitalized to undergo a dangerous cancer treatment, Ella spends the summer at "Broken Family Camp" with her eccentric grandmother, whom she's never met. The situation is hardly ideal for either of them. Ella is scared her mother may die, but her grandmother seems to care more about her library full of books than she does about her very own granddaughter.

But when a rare and beloved book, Kepler's Dream of the Moon, is stolen from her grandmother's amazing library, Ella and her new friend Rosie make up their minds to find it. Finding the beautiful book her grandmother loves so much could even be the key to healing Ella's broken family.

An affecting and beautifully written story of family, forgiveness and the wonder of the stars, Kepler's Dream is a sparkling and memorable debut.

Kepler's Dream

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A Novel

May B. 

Paperback (1 to 2 lbs)

Don't miss Barbara O'Connor's other middle-grade work--like Wish; Wonderland; Greetings from Nowhere; Fame and Glory in Freedom, Georgia; The Fantastic Secret of Owen Jester; and more!

Half of me was thinking, Georgina, don't do this. Stealing a dog is just plain wrong. The other half of me was thinking, Georgina, you're in a bad fix and you got to do whatever it takes to get yourself out of it.

Georgina Hayes is desperate. Ever since her father left and they were evicted from their apartment, her family has been living in their car. With her mama juggling two jobs and trying to make enough money to find a place to live, Georgina is stuck looking after her younger brother, Toby. And she has her heart set on improving their situation. When Georgina spots a missing-dog poster with a reward of five hundred dollars, the solution to all her problems suddenly seems within reach. All she has to do is "borrow" the right dog and its owners are sure to offer a reward. What happens next is the last thing she expected.

How to Steal a Dog is a 2008 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year. This title has Common Core connections.

How to Steal a Dog

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Lesley M. M. Blume

Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters by Lesley M. M. Blume is a charming middle-grade novel about friendship, adventure, and finding one’s voice.

The story follows Cornelia S. Englehart, an 11-year-old girl living in New York City. As the daughter of a famous pianist, Cornelia often feels lonely and overshadowed. She escapes into books and impresses (or annoys) people with her vast vocabulary, using long, complicated words to keep others at a distance.

Everything changes when a glamorous new neighbor, Virginia Somerset, moves in next door. Virginia is a world traveler with a past full of daring adventures, which she shares with Cornelia through captivating stories. As Cornelia listens, she begins to see the world—and herself—in a new light, realizing that life is meant to be lived boldly, not hidden behind words.

This novel beautifully explores themes of self-discovery, the power of storytelling, and the importance of friendship. Would you like a deeper look into Virginia’s adventures?

Cornelia, eleven-years-old and lonely, learns about language and life from an elderly new neighbor who has many stories to share about the fabulous adventures she and her sisters had while traveling around the world. Reprint.

Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters

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Liz Kessler

A Year Without Autumn by Liz Kessler is a time-travel novel about friendship, fate, and second chances. The story follows 12-year-old Jenni Green, who is on vacation with her family at their usual timeshare resort. She is excited to spend time with her best friend, Autumn, but when she takes an old elevator up to Autumn’s apartment, she finds herself mysteriously transported one year into the future.

To Jenni’s shock, everything has changed—Autumn’s family has suffered a terrible tragedy, and her once-close friendship with Autumn has drifted apart. Struggling to understand what happened, Jenni realizes she might have a chance to prevent the event that shattered Autumn’s life. But can she change the past, or is fate unbreakable?

The novel explores themes of destiny, friendship, and the consequences of our choices. Would you like more details on the story’s twists and turns?

Twelve-year-old Jenni's much-anticipated vacation with her family and best friend Autumn goes awry when an old elevator transports her to a future in which everything has changed, and she must not only return to her own time but also must find a way to prevent what she has seen from coming to fruition.

A Year Without Autumn

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J. J. Grabenstein

Chris Grabenstein

Shine! by J.J. and Chris Grabenstein is a heartwarming middle-grade novel about self-discovery and redefining success. The story follows Piper Milly, a kind and creative girl who feels out of place at her new elite school, Chumley Prep, where achievement and competition are everything.

Piper’s father, a music teacher, gets a job at the school, allowing her to attend on a scholarship. While surrounded by ambitious, high-achieving classmates, Piper struggles with self-doubt, wondering if she has any special talents. When she gets the chance to compete for the prestigious Excelsior Award, she faces pressure to prove herself. However, along the way, she learns that true success isn’t about trophies or being the best—it’s about kindness, helping others, and staying true to yourself.

The novel delivers an uplifting message about the power of character over competition. Would you like a deeper dive into Piper’s journey?

Everyone deserves to shine in this sparkling book about a girl who's trying to find her place in the universe--and middle school--from the New York Times bestselling author of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library!

Shine on! might be the catchphrase of twelve-year-old Piper's hero--astronaut, astronomer, and television host Nellie Dumont Frisse--but Piper knows the truth: some people are born to shine, and she's just not one of them. That fact has never been clearer than now, when her dad's new job has landed them both at Chumley Prep, a posh private school where everyone seems to be the best at something and where Piper definitely doesn't fit in.

Bursting with humor, heart, science, possibilities, and big questions, Shine! is a story about finding your place in the universe--a story about figuring out who you are and who you want to be. BONUS! Science experiment included!

Shine!

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Rob Buyea

Mr. Terupt Falls Again by Rob Buyea is the sequel to Because of Mr. Terupt and continues the story of seven students—Peter, Jessica, Alexia, Luke, Danielle, Anna, and Jeffrey—as they enter seventh grade with their beloved teacher, Mr. Terupt.

This year, the students face new challenges: friendships are tested, family issues arise, and the pressures of middle school become more intense. Mr. Terupt remains a guiding force, using his unique teaching style to help them navigate these struggles. However, when an accident threatens to take him away again, the students must come together, drawing on the lessons he’s taught them to face their biggest challenge yet.

The book explores themes of resilience, growing up, and the lasting impact of a great teacher. Would you like a more detailed breakdown of each character’s arc?

Several students relate their experiences helping Mr. Terupt move the old classroom to the sixth grade annex during the summer vacation.

Mr. Terupt Falls Again

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“The Perfect Score” is a middle-grade novel by Rob Buyea that follows five sixth-grade students—Randi, Gavin, Trevor, Scott, and Natalie—as they navigate personal challenges and the mounting pressure of statewide assessment tests. Each student faces unique struggles: Randi is pressured by her mother to excel in gymnastics; Gavin, passionate about football, grapples with reading difficulties; Trevor projects toughness to hide troubles at home; Scott’s well-meaning actions often lead to mishaps; and Natalie, an aspiring lawyer, is a strict rule-follower on the verge of breaking the rules. United by their disdain for the looming tests, they devise a risky plan to cheat. However, their actions lead to unforeseen consequences, teaching them profound lessons about integrity, friendship, and the true meaning of success. ￼￼￼

Told from different viewpoints, five sixth-graders, facing various challenges and under pressure to do well on statewide assessment tests, agree to a plan for acing the tests.

Smkearg

@smkearg971339

Books Listed

Following

Followers

Maria Parr

Adventures with Waffles

Kate Milford

Greenglass House

Julie Driscoll

Blizzard on Moose Mountain

Natalie Standiford

The Secret Tree

Shannon L. Brown

The Feather Chase

Jeannie Mobley

Katerina's Wish

Barbara O'Connor

Wish

Juliet Bell

Kepler's Dream

Caroline Starr Rose

May B.

Barbara O'Connor

How to Steal a Dog

Lesley M. M. Blume

Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters

Liz Kessler

A Year Without Autumn

J. J. Grabenstein; Chris Grabenstein

Shine!

Rob Buyea

Mr. Terupt Falls Again

Rob Buyea

The Perfect Score

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Maria Parr

Adventures with Waffles

Kate Milford

Greenglass House

Julie Driscoll

Blizzard on Moose Mountain

Natalie Standiford

The Secret Tree

Shannon L. Brown

The Feather Chase

Jeannie Mobley

Katerina's Wish

Barbara O'Connor

Wish

Juliet Bell

Kepler's Dream

Caroline Starr Rose

May B.

Barbara O'Connor

How to Steal a Dog

Lesley M. M. Blume

Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters

Liz Kessler

A Year Without Autumn

J. J. Grabenstein; Chris Grabenstein

Shine!

Rob Buyea

Mr. Terupt Falls Again

Rob Buyea

The Perfect Score

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