I read twenty middle grade books in 2020. With all the changes we’ve gone through the past twelve months it seems like a lifetime since I picked up a few of them. I really enjoyed all these stories. Check out my descriptions to see if any you haven’t read tickles your fancy. I’m excited about discovering some great new reads in 2021!
A Place at the Table by Saadia Faruqui and Laura Shovan – This book about a friendship between a Pakistani-American and her Jewish classmate highlights food, friendship, and family. It was a nice read that gets those needed conversation about acceptance and anti-bullying started.
Becoming Muhammad Ali by James Patterson and Kwame Alexander – As a native of Louisville, Kentucky, I was filled with pride as I read this inspiring story of Muhammad Ali’s childhood. It was fun learning about his growing up in Louisville’s West End, where many of my family still lives. My Mom and other relatives graduated from his high school. Becoming Muhmmad Ali shows the fighter’s motivation, strong work ethic, drive, and determination and inspired me as an adult, so I know kids will be encouraged by reading it.
Benchwarmers by John Feinstein – I love a good sports story, and this book about a girl fighting to play on the boys’ school soccer team with her male friend was a fast paced, fun read. Boys and girls who like athletics should really enjoy it.
Betty Before X by Rene Watson and Illyah Shabazz–This book tells about the growing-up years of Dr. Betty Shabazz, widow of human rights activist and black nationalist Malcolm X. As a child growing up in Detroit, Betty was inspired by leaders like Thurgood Marshall and Paul Robeson, who visited her church, and she volunteered for the Housewives League, a group that supports black-owned businesses. The book touches on racism, threats, and a teen boy who was murdered by police.
Clean Getaway by Nic Stone – After an incident in school puts him on lockdown during his spring break, eleven-year-old William “Scoob” Lamar takes a runaway road trip though the South with his unconventional, white grandmother, G-ma, and gets a valuable history lesson about the segregated South.
Count Me In by Varsha Bajaj – Reading this book made me question my own prejudices against others. It’s an interesting book that should serve as a conversation starter about accepting differences and bullying.
From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks – Wrongful imprisonment and joy wouldn’t seem to go together, but this book about a sweet girl who works to free her incarcerated father had me humming songs from the story’s playlist and craving cupcakes. From the Desk of Zoe Washington is a page turner that expertly tackles tough topics in a kid-friendly way.
Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes – A couple of years ago I read Ninth Ward by this author and really enjoyed it, and this book also didn’t disappoint. One of my favorite middle grade reads this year, Ghost Boys tells the story of 12-year-old Black boy gunned down by a police officer, who comes back as a ghost and meets the ghosts of Emmitt Till and other boys who were also killed by the police. The impact of the shooting on the police officer’s daughter and family is also explored, as is school bullying. I highly recommend this book as a conversation-starter for middle graders on the Black Lives Matter movement.
Kat Greene Comes Clean by Melissa Roske – Kat Greene’s mother obsessively cleans their apartment and even cans of food in the supermarket. Kat’s embarrassed about her Mom’s obsessive-compulsive tendencies, and isn’t sure how to handle the problem. I liked Roske’s writing style, reminiscent of Judy Blume, and the handling of this sensitive topic. It was fun to step into the New York City lifestyle of the young characters.
Nightbooks by J.A. White – I’m a big fraidy cat, so I usually shy away from scary books and movies, but I gave this one a try during October, and couldn’t put it down. The twisted take on Hansel and Gretel was a fun page-turner that got me into the Halloween spirit. It’s a definite thumbs up.
Nikki on the Line by Barbara Carroll Roberts – I love basketball, and had a great time reading Nikki on the Line. This book gives an authentic view of competitive youth sports in a fun and engaging way. I cheered for Nikki and her Action teammates through their struggles and triumphs and could not put the book down. Nikki on the Line teaches wonderful lessons about friendship, being responsible, and overcoming obstacles to realize your dreams. It’s a slam dunk reading experience!
No Ballet Shoes in Syria by Catherine Burton – I learned about his book about a Syrian refugee’s experience in England while being interviewed on a British podcast and picked it up later out of curiosity. It was refreshing to learn about discrimination faced by others and the strength of the human spirit.
Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park– This book blew me away. The author perfectly captures the feel of the Little House series, but modernizes it by showing the racist micro-aggressions the Asian main character faced and how Native Americans were demonized and stripped of their land. The beautiful writing and the research that clearly went into producing this book make it one of my favorite KidLit reads of the year.
Real Friends by Shannon Hale – At times painful to read, this graphic novel perfectly captures the angst felt by young girls trying to fit in with mean girl cliques. Several times I wanted to give the main character a hug and tell off some of her “friends.” This book should get great conversations started about being true to yourself and what it means to be a real friend.
Something to Say by Lisa Moore Ramee – Jenae, the protagonist from this story, really touched me. She’s a quiet, offbeat, little girl, who is afraid to stand out, but finds her voice by the end of the book. Jenae reminds me of myself at that age, and I could identify with many of her reactions, thoughts and feelings.
Sunny by Jason Reynolds – This was my first Jason Reynold’s book, and I’m looking forward to reading more by this talented author. I was captivated by his story of a motherless track star trying to find his own path. Written in epistolary style through diary entries, it’s a fun, quick read.
The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee – I’m a big historical fiction fan, and this story about an Asian girl being discriminated against in 1890 Atlanta taught me a lot and really held my attention.
Twintuition Double Vision by Tia and Tamera Mowry – A light, fun read about twin teen girls trying to fit in at their new town and school, while discovering that they have magical powers to see the future, this cute book should keep the pages turning of even the most reluctant readers.
Ways to Make Sunshine by Renee Watson – I truly had sunshine on the cloudy day when I read this sweet little book that just makes you feel good. I’m looking forward to seeing little Ryan’s next adventures.
What Stars Are Made Of by Sarah Allen – This is a sweet story about a science-loving girl with Turner Syndrome, a condition that results when one of the X chromosomes is missing. I’d never heard about this condition that can cause a variety of medical and developmental problems, including short height, failture of the ovaries to develop, and heart defects, so I learned a lot while also being entertained by this heartwarming read about friendship, family, and self-acceptance.
Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the best selling, award winning Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and the Authors Guild.
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
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