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    The Children's Book Review

    5 Middle Grade Book Favorites Selected by Allison Varnes

    Bianca SchulzeBy Bianca Schulze5 Mins Read Ages 4-8 Ages 9-12 Best Kids Stories Book Lists Novels for Kids and Teens
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    Allison Varnes | The Children’s Book Review | October 25, 2018

    Allison Varnes, author of PROPERTY OF THE REBEL LIBRARIAN, shares five of her favorite middle grade books …

    Charlotte's WebCharlotte’s Web

    Written by E.B. White

    Illustrated by Garth Williams

    This novel touched my heart in so many ways as a child. It was the first time I realized that words could save lives. Not a single word is wasted in this heartrendingly beautiful story of friendship between a lonely pig named Wilbur, and Charlotte, the spider who saves him. I still can’t read it without crying. To this day, I catch and release spiders because one of them could be a friend like Charlotte.

    Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

    Ages 8 and up | Publisher: HarperCollins | April 10, 2012 (Reprint) | ISBN-13: 978-0064400558

    The Benefits of Being An OctopusThe Benefits of Being An Octopus

    Written by Ann Braden

    This book has been on my radar for a long time, and I’m excited to finally get to read it! When I was a teacher, I often taught kids who did not have what they needed. I think they would connect with Zoey, a seventh-grader with the weight of the world on her shoulders as she navigates hunger, precarious living arrangements, and the halls of her middle school.

    Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

    Ages 8-12 | Publisher: Sky Pony Press | September 4, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-1510737488

    Everlasting Nora- A NovelEverlasting Nora

    Written by Marie Miranda Cruz

    After losing her father and her home, twelve-year-old Nora lives with her mother in the Manila North Cemetery, which is home to both the poor and the dead. But when her mother goes missing, Nora sets out to find her in this story of perseverance and hope. I need a hopeful story, and I can’t wait to read this one!

    Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

    Ages 9-11 | Publisher: Starscape | October 2, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-0765394590

    City of GhostsCity of Ghosts

    Written by V.E. Schwab

    Now that fall is here, I want to cozy up with a spooky and suspenseful tale! I can’t wait to read about Cass, a girl who can enter the world of ghosts, and find out what happens when her parents move her family to Edinburgh, Scotland, to host a TV show about the world’s most haunted places. I suspect I’ll be adding it to my other ghostly MG favorites such as The Graveyard Bookand The Dollhouse Murders.

    Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

    Ages 9-12 | Publisher: Scholastic Press | August 28, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-1338111002

    The Truth as Told by Mason ButtleThe Truth as Told by Mason Buttle

    Written by Leslie Connor

    Mason Buttle is in big trouble. Fifteen months after his best friend was found dead in his family’s orchard, another friend goes missing. Mason also has learning disabilities and is the biggest kid in his grade. As a former special education teacher, I think this is an important tale that will keep me turning pages until the truth is revealed.

    Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

    Ages 8-12 | Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books | January 23, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-0062491435

    —

    Property of the Rebel LibrarianProperty of the Rebel Librarian

    Written by Allison Varnes

    Publisher’s Synopsis: Celebrate the freedom to read with this timely, empowering middle-grade debut in the spirit of The View from Saturday or Frindle.

    When twelve-year-old June Harper’s parents discover what they deem an inappropriate library book, they take strict parenting to a whole new level. And everything June loves about Dogwood Middle School unravels: librarian Ms. Bradshaw is suspended, an author appearance is canceled, the library is gutted, and all books on the premises must have administrative approval.

    But June can’t give up books . . . and she realizes she doesn’t have to when she spies a Little Free Library on her walk to school. As the rules become stricter at school and at home, June keeps turning the pages of the banned books that continue to appear in the little library. It’s a delicious secret . . . and one she can’t keep to herself. June starts a banned book library of her own in an abandoned locker at school. The risks grow alongside her library’s popularity, and a movement begins at Dogwood Middle–a movement that, if exposed, could destroy her. But if it’s powerful enough, maybe it can save Ms. Bradshaw and all that she represents: the freedom to read.

    Equal parts fun and empowering, this novel explores censorship, freedom of speech, and activism. For any kid who doesn’t believe one person can effect change…and for all the kids who already know they can!

    Ages 8-12 | Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers | September 18, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-1524771478

    Available Here:

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    About the Author

    Allison Varnes_author photo
    Allison Varnes

    Like librarian Ms. Bradshaw in Property of the Rebel Librarian, Allison Varnes has fought for her students. She taught English in special education for eight years and once had to convince administrators that The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is not an endorsement of witchcraft. She’s from a family of teachers and has a PhD in education from the University of Tennessee. And like heroine June, Allison is a former marching-band geek. When she’s not writing, she howls along to the Hamilton soundtrack with a trio of Chihuahuas named after Peanuts characters. Find her on Twitter at @allisonvarnes or on Facebook at facebook.com/allisonvarnesauthor.

    Allison Varnes, author of Property of the Rebel Librarian, selected these ‘5 Favorite Middle Grade Books.’ Discover more articles on The Children’s Book Review tagged with Middle Grade Books.

    What to Read Next:

    1. The Best Kids Chapter Books and Novels of 2018
    2. Best New Books for Tweens and Preteens | January 2018
    3. Best New Books for Tweens and PreTeens | March 2018
    4. The Essential Book List for Navigating Middle School

    *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.

    Allison Varnes Ann Braden E. B. White Garth Williams HarperCollins Leslie Connor Marie Miranda Cruz Middle Grade Books Random House Books for Young Readers Scholastic Press Sky Pony Press Starscape V.E. Schwab
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    Bianca Schulze
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    Bianca Schulze is the founder of The Children’s Book Review. She is a reader, reviewer, mother and children’s book lover. She also has a decade’s worth of experience working with children in the great outdoors. Combined with her love of books and experience as a children’s specialist bookseller, the goal is to share her passion for children’s literature to grow readers. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, she now lives with her husband and three children near Boulder, Colorado.

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