★★★ Hattie Mae Begins Again by Sharon G. Flake is a novel-in-verse that takes place in 1938 and is as story about a young girl, Hattie Mae, who leaves her home in rural North Carolina to Philadelphia to attend boarding school - Miss Abigail's School for Exceptional Young Ladies. As soon as Hattie Mae arrives,… Continue reading Book Review: Hattie Mae Begins Again by Sharon G. Flake
Book Review: Birdy by N. West Moss
★★★★ Eleven year old Birdy, and her seven year old brother, Mouse, are orphaned when their mom passes away from cancer. They leave NYC to live with distant, elderly cousins in Upstate New York for six-months while social workers figure out a more permanent living situation for them. While living in this wholly unfamiliar situation,… Continue reading Book Review: Birdy by N. West Moss
Incredible Middle Grade Historical Fiction Books – Non WW2 Edition
There are so many incredible middle grade historical fiction novels that center on World War II, which I absolutely love. But, I wanted to shine some love on some great historical fiction books that highlight some other historical events and eras that merit attention. In Light and Air, Halle and her mother are sent to… Continue reading Incredible Middle Grade Historical Fiction Books – Non WW2 Edition
Book Recommendation: The Teacher of Nomad Land by Daniel Nayeri
Middle grade literature loves World War II, and many of the books written about it are incredible. But The Teacher of Nomad Land stands out among the crowd for its unique and under-represented perspective. That is, what was going on in countries not directly involved in the war, but tremendously affected by it - in… Continue reading Book Recommendation: The Teacher of Nomad Land by Daniel Nayeri
Book Review: Mighty Macy by Kwame Alexander
★★★★★ Macy is in third grade. She loves her family and loves to read and write. She loves the violin too, but not so much the practicing. In this absolutely adorable novel-in-verse by the wonderful Kwame Alexander, Macy's school library is going to be reducing its hours due to budget cuts. Macy, along with her… Continue reading Book Review: Mighty Macy by Kwame Alexander
Book Review: The Ordinary and Extraordinary Auden Greene by Corey Ann Haydu
★★★★ For years, Auden Greene, or Denny as she prefers, and her best friend Runa have been creating the world of Sorrowfield through their writing of The Tale of Dragons True. It's a world with princesses, magic, and of course dragons. But now, Denny is turning twelve, and Runa makes it clear that their make-believe… Continue reading Book Review: The Ordinary and Extraordinary Auden Greene by Corey Ann Haydu
Incredible Middle Grade Books That Take Place in Washington State
We live in Washington State and it is always so fun when we come across a book that takes place there. It can serve as a beautiful, nature-filled backdrop, or allow to shed light on important subjects, such as Japanese internment or Indigenous identity. Check out these 12 books below that are not only great,… Continue reading Incredible Middle Grade Books That Take Place in Washington State
Book Recommendation: Starfish by Lisa Fipps
Starfish is a moving, honest, and hilarious novel-in-verse about a beautiful, vibrant, talented 11-year-old girl, Ellie, who also happens to be large bodied. She doesn't mind how she looks, but the others around her make sure to let her know that she is less-than because of her size. In this Printz Honor Book, we follow… Continue reading Book Recommendation: Starfish by Lisa Fipps
Book Recommendation: Whale Eyes by James Robinson
Whale Eyes is a beautiful, engaging, and interactive memoir sharing James's childhood as a kid with misaligned eyes. With interactive illustrations by Brian Rea, readers get to see how James sees; where books are held upside down, words jump across the page, strings are held up to eyes to look for an 'X'. Whale Eyes… Continue reading Book Recommendation: Whale Eyes by James Robinson
12 Incredible Middle Grade Reads to Celebrate Black History Month
February is Black History Month, so I've put together a list of incredible reads that celebrate, center, or explore Black history and lives. This list is by no means exhaustive, and I would love to hear your recommendations in the comments. All the Blues in the Sky by Renee Watson is the 2026 John Newbery… Continue reading 12 Incredible Middle Grade Reads to Celebrate Black History Month
Birdie's Bookshelf 