Top Ten Tuesday 3

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week's topic is any list of our choosing. As it is a Tuesday, and I am missing my darling middle school ski clubbers, I thought I'd do a list about middle grade books. So many of the books we see out in the blogosphere are more mature young adult books that the younger books go un-noticed. Without further ado...

Top Ten Middle Grade Books (that I've read in recent years... :)

1. A Mango-Shaped Space by Wendy Mass:

Actually, any Wendy Mass book could go in this spot. Her writing is pure magic. This particular tale is all about a girl named Mia, and her struggles to accept her family, and her unique condition called synthesia (she associates colors with everything - sounds, letters, numbers etc). For example, her cat is named Mango not because he has orange eyes, but rather because when he purrs, she sees mango-colored puffs. A great book for any pet lover!

2. Elephant Run by Roland Smith:

Set during WWII in Burma, Nick Freestone is sent to live with his father on his elephant plantation after the bombs are dropped on London. But when invading Japanese soldiers take his father prisoner, Nick is forced to escape the plantation and rescue his father, or risk both their lives. This book has been complete magic for many a reluctant reader!

3. The Schwa Was Here by Neal Shusterman:

Technically, this one could transcend age groups. Antsy Bonano is the only one who takes a second to notice Calvin Schwa, a student who considers himself "functionally invisible." Using the Schwa's unique talent starts out as a way to make money, but soon gets the two in trouble - trouble that might ruin their friendship. Sweet, hilarious, and totally creative!

4. Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick:

Steven is a thirteen-year old who seems to have it all: a great gig drumming for the Jazz Band, a tutoring job with the cutest girl in school... and a twerpy little brother named Jeffrey. But when Jeffrey is diagnosed with leukemia, Steven is forced to try and accept the truth about how much he really loves the bane of his existence, and keep his family together. If you want to find out what Dangerous Pie is, you have to read this book. Rare is a book that is so entertaining and heartbreaking at the same time!

5. Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz:

The entire Alex Rider series (a series about a teenage spy) is completely wonderful. I've seen many readers, especially my squirrelly boys who couldn't sit still, become enthralled with the novels. Books that can do that are worth their weight in gold to a teacher!

6. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan:

Ok, I think the whole Percy Jackson series has appeared on my Top Ten lists every week. But, the narration is adorable, the characters are believable and good role models, and it awakens students' curiosity about Greek mythology. These are fast paced reads that can't go wrong. I owe Rick Riordan SO MANY thanks!

7. Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech:

This book quite possibly belongs on my all-time favorite list. This is a touching story about Salamanca Hiddle, her cross-country quest to find her mother, and the entertaining tale of her friend Phoebe Winterbottom and the lunatic. I used it in my classroom as a lesson on foreshadowing and literary theme, but I suggest it just as a pleasure read too.

8. Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix:

The Shadow Children series is a great introduction for young readers into the world of dystopian fiction. It explores a world where only two children are allowed per family - and what happens to the children who are born third. The books are quick and easy - perfect for students who are nervous about trying a new genre.

9. When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead:

I am absolutely in love with this book. The story follows sixth-grader Miranda as she navigates the streets of New York, the trials of friendship, and the mysterious notes being left on her doorstep. I recommend this Newbery winner for anyone who loved A Wrinkle in Time as kids, as this book explores that story as well.

10. Rules by Cynthia Lord:

Rules follows the story of Catherine, a 12 year old whose family (and life) revolve around her autistic brother David. She's spent years trying to make her life normal by teaching David "the rules," but when she meets Jason, a paraplegic boy, she begins to question everything she thought she knew. This is a great story about love, acceptance, and understanding - plus, it's good for a few laughs.

Honestly, I could continue for so much longer with this list, but I will stop and let others add. Any other middle grade books that should be on there?