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Pick a Peck of Middle Grade Books

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 "Pick a peck" literally means to gather a large quantity of something and with fall just around the corner and winter close behind, I thought it would be a good time to start gathering some reading materials. Many good middle grade books have been published recently and I thought I would share a few of my favorites. So... pick a peck of some of my favorite middle grade books!


Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey
Written by Erin Entrada Kelly
Greenwillow Books, 2021. Fiction.

It's summer and Marisol is looking forward to spending her summer days playing and making movies with her best friend Jada. In Marisol's backyard there is a tree that Jada loves to climb and Marisol, with her big imagination, imagines all the terrible things that could happen if she fell from the tree. She can't seem to find the courage to climb the tree but maybe, just maybe, this summer Marisol will be brave enough to try. This is an engaging story that is perfect for readers moving up to chapter books.  


Deadman's Castle
Written by Iain Lawrence
Margaret Ferguson Books, Holiday House, 2021. Fiction.

This creepy adventure story is about Igor and his family who have been on the run from the Lizard Man since Igor was five years-old. After his father witnessed a terrible crime Igor's family has moved all over the country constantly running from the Lizard man who threatened to kill Igor's father. When Igor turns twelve years old he decides he has had enough running and wants to experience life as a normal kid. He convinces his parents to let him go to school and he begins making friends. But what happens when he starts to break some of his father's rules and goes past the safety boundaries he has been given? This well-paced story will keep you turning pages as you wonder, along with Igor, whether his father is just paranoid or if someone really is after them.


One Jar of Magic
Written by Corey Ann Haydu
HarperCollins, 2021. Fiction.

Rose Alice Anders has grown up thinking that magic will fix everything but when she participates in the annual capturing magic on New Year's Day she begins to question everything she has been taught. She begins to question who she is and why magic has played such a big roll in her life up to this point. Her world is beginning to change and she must figure out what is beyond the magic and learn how to adapt without it. A well-written story about discovering who you are and finding your way in life. A good book for readers who enjoy magical fantasy with emotional family relationships. I would recommend this book for older readers, fifth grade and up.


The Okay Witch and The Hungry Shadow
Written by Emma Steinkellner
Aladdin, 2021. Comic.

Moth Hush is still trying to work out her new life as a witch when school starts up again after winter break. Things at school haven't really changed. She is still being bullied by peers at school and to make things even worse her mom begins dating one of her teachers. Moth wants to be brave and stand up for herself against the bullies but she can't seem to find the courage until she discovers a magical charm. The charm seems to bring out the best in Moth a part of herself that she didn't know existed. Now she is confident, cool and popular but what price is she going to have to pay for her new popularity? A charming relatable story about discovering your own identity and who you want to become.


Dark Waters
Written by Katherine Arden
G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2021. Fiction.

Three friends Brian, Ollie, and Coco are going with their parents on a fun boat trip around Lake Champlain to search for Vermont's mysterious sea monster. The day seems pretty ordinary and things are going according to plan when a sudden freak rainstorm sneaks up on them and surrounds the boat with mist. When the mist dissolves they can see a mysterious island in the distance and as they make their way to the island they are attacked by a silvery monster. This attack is only the beginning of the problems waiting for them on the island.

This third book in the small spaces series by author Katherine Arden is thrilling and you won't be disappointed as you begin a new journey into dark waters with Brian, Ollie and Coco. This spooky tale will keep you in suspense until you have turned the last page.

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