Thank you to author Jacqueline Houtman for the Giveaway of The Reinvention of Edison Thomas. Please leave a comment with the reason why you want to win. The most compelling comment will win. The winner will be picked in one week. I will confess that I have been thinking and working on this post for MONTHS. The gist in my mind was science-y books that are NOT non-fiction, that make science fun and accessible, and excite a child’s imagination. Yep, it’s taken a while to find enough books that fit this criteria to make it to 10 but I think these are worthy of this list. What do you think? What non-fiction science-y books do you and your children like? Are there enough to actually make this a new children’s lit. genre? Now THAT would be exciting!
Category: Reading Lists: Middle Grade
Middle grade chapter books for kids ages 9 through 14 and including 3rd grade books, 4th grade books, 5th grade books, 6th grade books, and 7th grade books.
Wendy Mass Books for Grades 3-6th
In Finally, Rory has big plans for what she gets to do when she finally turns twelve. Wendy Mass’ book has the same twists and turns of 11 Birthdays that makes every day coincidences seem like magic is at play. And in Willow Falls, you never know. Magic may be at play.
23 Children’s Books with Wonderful Dog Characters
Dogs try to win your heart much more so than a cat, and these dogs in children’s books have won untold hearts the world over. Even if you are not a dog person, these dogs will convert you! These dogs are either rescuing someone or being rescued, getting kidnapped or preventing robberies, or just a dog-about-town. Please meet some dogs to fall in love with!
22 Life-Changing Librarians in Children’s Books
Librarians are amazing people and it’s time they are recognized for their super hero qualities: an encyclopedic knowledge of everything, ability to open doors to new worlds, cultures and civilizations, and finally the keeper of a safe and inclusive sanctuary. In this way, librarians change lives and make the world a better place. Hooray for librarians… the unsung heroes of our communities!
Massachusetts Book Awards 2012 For Grades 3-7th
The fifth graders at my kids’ elementary school are challenged to try to read all the books for the Massachusetts Book Award. I’ve noticed many of them have won Newbery awards so it’s a great list. I found a breakdown for age appropriateness and have organized the books that way. I am excited about this list because there are beloved and acclaimed authors on the list as well as some who are new to me. What about you? Have you or your child read any of these books? Please share what you thought about these books as well as any other book you’d recommend for 5th grade (plus or minus two grades!).
Middle School Books Hot off the Presses
This great reading list for Middle School kids is from the Newton Free Library system. I find that they have great book lists but sometimes there are so many of them that they are challenging to locate on the website. My sixth grade daughter read and recommends these books.
20 Banned or Challenged Books to READ!
I am going to make a point of reading these banned and challenged books, if only to understand where on the continuum they belong in my children’s hands. How about you? How do you feel about banned or challenged books? Please comment!







