The Children’s Book Review | January 3, 2015
This month, A Boy and a Bear in a Boat, by Dave Shelton, is The Children’s Book Review‘s best selling middle grade book. Our selection from the nationwide best selling middle grade books, as they appear on The New York Times, still features books by super-talents R.J. Palacio and Rick Riordan and also includes the powerful story I Am Malala.
The Children’s Book Review’s Best Selling Middle Grade Book
A Boy and a Bear in a Boat
By Dave Shelton
Publisher’s Synopsis: A boy and a bear go to sea, equipped with a suitcase, a comic book, and a ukulele. The bear assures the boy that they are traveling a short distance and it really shouldn’t take very long. But then they encounter “unforeseeable anomalies”: turbulent stormy seas! a terrifying sea monster! and the rank remains of The Very Last Sandwich. The odds are pitted against the boy and the bear and their boat.
Will the Harriet, their trusted vessel, withstand the violent lashings of the salty waves? And will anyone ever answer their message in a bottle?
Ages 7-10 | Publisher: Yearling | September 2013 | ISBN-13: 978-0449810606
Nationwide Best Selling Middle Grade Books
I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World
By Malala Yousafzai
Publisher’s Synopsis: Malala Yousafzai was only ten years old when the Taliban took control of her region. They said music was a crime. They said women weren’t allowed to go to the market. They said girls couldn’t go to school.
Ages 10+ | Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers | June 3, 2014 | ISBN-13: 978-0316327930
House of Robots
By James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein
Publisher’s Synopsis: In this new highly-illustrated series from James Patterson, an extraordinary robot signs up for an ordinary fifth grade class… and elementary school will never be the same!
It was never easy for Sammy Hayes-Rodriguez to fit in, so he’s dreading the day when his genius mom insists he bring her newest invention to school: a walking, talking robot he calls E–for “Error”. Sammy’s no stranger to robots–his house is full of a colorful cast of them. But this one not only thinks it’s Sammy’s brother… it’s actually even nerdier than Sammy. Will E be Sammy’s one-way ticket to Loserville? Or will he prove to the world that it’s cool to be square? It’s a roller-coaster ride for Sammy to discover the amazing secret E holds that could change family forever… if all goes well on the trial run!
Ages 8-12 | Little, Brown and Company | 2014 | ISBN-13: 978-0316405911
Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods
By Rick Riordan
Publisher’s synopsis: So begins Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods, in which the son of Poseidon adds his own magic–and sarcastic asides–to the classics. He explains how the world was created, then gives readers his personal take on a who’s who of ancients, from Apollo to Zeus. Percy does not hold back. “If you like horror shows, blood baths, lying, stealing, backstabbing, and cannibalism, then read on, because it definitely was a Golden Age for all that.”
Dramatic full-color illustrations throughout by Caldecott Honoree John Rocco make this volume–a must for home, library, and classroom shelves–as stunning as it is entertaining.
Ages 8-12 | Publisher: Disney-Hyperion | Aug. 19, 2014 | ISBN-13: 978-1423183648
Wonder
By R.J. Palacio
Publisher’s synopsis: “Wonder” is the funny, sweet and incredibly moving story of Auggie Pullman. Born with a terrible facial abnormality, this shy, bright ten-year-old has been home-schooled by his parents for his whole life, in an attempt to protect him from the stares and cruelty of the outside world. Now, for the first time, Auggie is being sent to a real school – and he’s dreading it. The thing is, Auggie’s just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he’s just like them, underneath it all? Through the voices of Auggie, his big sister Via, and his new friends Jack and Summer, “Wonder” follows Auggie’s journey through his first year at Beecher Prep. Frank, powerful, warm and often heart-breaking, “Wonder” is a book you’ll read in one sitting, pass on to others, and remember long after the final page.
Ages 8-12 | Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers | Jan. 7, 2012 | ISBN-13: 978-0375869020
The Fourteenth Goldfish
Publisher’s synopsis: Believe in the possible . . . with this “warm, witty, and wise” novel from New York Times bestseller, three-time Newbery Honor winner Jennifer L. Holm.
Galileo. Newton. Salk. Oppenheimer.
Science can change the world . . . but can it go too far?
Eleven-year-old Ellie has never liked change. She misses fifth grade. She misses her old best friend. She even misses her dearly departed goldfish. Then one day a strange boy shows up. He’s bossy. He’s cranky. And weirdly enough . . . he looks a lot like Ellie’s grandfather, a scientist who’s always been slightly obsessed with immortality. Could this pimply boy really be Grandpa Melvin? Has he finally found the secret to eternal youth?
With a lighthearted touch and plenty of humor, Jennifer Holm celebrates the wonder of science and explores fascinating questions about life and death, family and friendship, immortality . . . and possibility.
Look for EXCLUSIVE NEW MATERIAL in the paperback—including Ellie’s gallery of scientists and other STEM-appropriate features.
“The Fourteenth Goldfishis a clever novel that offers depth with humor while intersecting science and childhood in a memorable story perfect for sharing aloud with boys or girls.”—The Children’s Book Review
Ages 8-12 | Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers | August 2014 | ISBN-13: 978-0-375-87064-4
This information for the best selling books was gathered from the New York Times Best Sellers list, which reflects the sales of books from books sold nationwide, including independent and chain stores. It is correct at the time of publication and presented in random order. Visit www.nytimes.com for their most up-to-date and complete list.
We know you’ll enjoy the wonderful award-winning books in this list and we also encourage you to take your time perusing The Children’s Book Review for more Middle Grade books and Best Sellers! Which middle grade books are hits in your home?
