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    The Children's Book Review

    2009 Summer Reading Suggestions: Middle School

    TCBR ContributorBy TCBR Contributor5 Mins Read Ages 9-12 Book Lists Books with Boy Characters Books with Girl Characters Chapter Books Gift Books
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    By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
    Published: June 11, 2009

    Welcome to the wonderful world where children have learned to read and are now reading to learn. The following reading suggestions are for children who you would consider fluent readers. Fluent readers can read for long periods of time and are also able to use expression when reading-aloud. They are now at a stage where they will continue to develop their reading skills independently. They are able to read a broad range of text types with accuracy, and will be able to continue challenging themselves with more difficult reading materials. The reading interests of middle-grade children vary widely, so I have selected a diverse range of very enjoyable books.

    NOTE: Please remember that all children develop at a different pace and learn in different ways. During each reading phase there will be a a wide range of development taking place.

     The Runaway Dolls

    by Ann M. Martin (Author), Laura Godwin (Author), Brian Selznick (Illustrator)

    Reading level: Ages 9-12

    Hardcover: 352 pages

    Publisher: Hyperion Book CH (October 7, 2008)

    The New York Times review: Many pleasures await young readers (and their parents) in The Runaway Dolls, not least of which is the expected delight of Selznick’s humorous illustrations—like the wordless interlude, lasting several pages, as the dolls take 20 minutes to cross a stream on a log…It’s not essential to read the first two books to read and love the third (and arguably the best). Still, why not read them all, while keeping a watchful eye on your own toys. ~ Kate McClelland

    Add this book to your collection: The Runaway Dolls

     

     Knucklehead: Tall Tales and Almost True Stories of Growing up Scieszka

    by Jon Scieszka

    Reading level: Ages 9-12

    Paperback: 106 pages

    Publisher: Viking Juvenile (October 2, 2008)

    School Library Journal review: Just try to keep kids away from this collection. Entertaining and fast-moving, silly and sweet, this homage to family life is not to be missed — starred review

    Add this book to your collection: Knucklehead: Tall Tales and Almost True Stories of Growing up Scieszka

    The Trouble Begins at 8: A Life of Mark Twain in the Wild, Wild West

    by Sid Fleischman

    Reading level: Ages 9-12

    Hardcover: 224 pages

    Publisher: Collins (July 29, 2008)

    Publishers Weekly review: “This biography of the writer who “changed literature forever” sets a standard few can meet: it is top-notch entertainment. Newbery Medalist Fleischman (The Whipping Boy) nearly channels Mark Twain’s voice, making great use of his subject’s wit to contextualize his place in American letters. …”

    Add this book to your collection: The Trouble Begins at 8: A Life of Mark Twain in the Wild, Wild West

     The Graveyard Book

    by Neil Gaiman (author), Dave McKean (illustrator)

    Reading Level: Ages 9-12

    Hardcover: 320 pages

    Publisher: HarperCollins; Later printing edition (September 30, 2008)

    Add this book to your collection: The Graveyard Book

     Savvy

    by Ingrid Law

    Reading level:
    Ages 9-12

    Hardcover: 352 pages

    Publisher: Dial (May 1, 2008)

    TCBR review: “…This is certainly a novel aimed at tweens, and manages to convey pitch-perfect messages dealing with peers, guilt and growing up. While the story is based on the family’s supernatural powers, the emotion and events are certainly the main features that carry this powerful story, and I am positive that any child who reads this will find an element to truly connect with. …”

    Add this book to your collection: Savvy

    The Way We Work: Getting to Know the Amazing Human Body

    by David Macaulay

    Reading level: Ages 9-12

    Hardcover: 336 pages

    Publisher: Houghton Mifflin/Walter Lorraine Books; 1 edition (October 3, 2008)

    Washington Post review: The appeal of Macaulay’s books is not limited to 10-year-olds, of course, and the daunting amount of information here (explaining such phenomena as actin filaments and antibody attacks) is balanced by his playful and ingenious pencil-and-watercolor illustrations. These pictures offer great detail and helpful analogies. ~ Abby Mcganney Nolan

    Add this book to your collection: The Way We Work: Getting to Know the Amazing Human Body

    Scat

    by Carl Hiaasen

    Reading level: Ages 10 and up

    Hardcover: 384 pages

    Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (January 27, 2009)

    TCBR review: “Six pages in and I was hooked on this contemporary new novel by the highly acclaimed author Carl Hiaasen. This book is full of snappy one-liners and fun references to Hiaasen’s hometown, Florida. …” Read more …

    Add this book to your collection: Scat

    Rapunzel’s Revenge

    by Shannon and Dean Hale (Authors), Nathan Hale (Illustrator)

    Reading level:
    Ages 10+

    Hardcover: 144 pages

    Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books (August 5, 2008)

    Publishers Weekly review: “…With its can-do heroine, witty dialogue and romantic ending, this graphic novel has something for nearly everybody.”

    Add this book to your collection: Rapunzel’s Revenge

    Tales from Outer Suburbia

    by Shaun Tan

    Reading level: Ages 12+

    Hardcover: 98 pages

    Publisher: Templar Publishing (March 2, 2009)

    The Washington Post review: “These 15 illustrated stories and vignettes resist easy understanding but invite reflection…Tan’s mixed-media art, with its surreal landscapes, rescued turtles and decorated missiles, both illuminates the text and highlights the strange beauty of the ordinary.” ~ Mary Quattlebaum

    Add this book to your collection: Tales from Outer Suburbia

    Have you read any of these books? Leave us a comment telling us about your favorite books!

    *Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links that share some commission. Rest assured that these will not affect the cost of any products and services promoted here. Our team always provides their authentic opinion in all content published on this site.

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    Ann M. Martin Brian Selznick Carl Hiassen Dave McKean David macaulay Dean Hale Ingrid Law Jon Scieszka Laura Godwin Neil Gaiman Shannon Hale Shaun Tan Sid Fleischman Summer reading
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    The Children’s Book Review, named one of the ALSC (Association for Library Service to Children) Great Web Sites for Kids, is a resource devoted to children’s literacy. We publish reviews and book lists of the best books for kids of all ages. We also produce author and illustrator interviews and share literacy based articles that help parents, grandparents, teachers and librarians to grow readers. This article was written and provided by one of TCBR's regular contributors.

    2 Comments

    1. Kate Coombs on June 14, 2009 8:01 pm

      Great book picks! I still need to read The Runaway Dolls and The Trouble Begins at Eight, though.

      Reply
    2. The Children's Book Review Bianca Schulze on June 14, 2009 8:45 pm

      Glad you like the suggestions!!

      Reply

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