One of the keys to helping reluctant readers find books books that they want to read, is helping them find books that appeal to them and get them excited about reading. If you have a reader who enjoys books about real life issues, challenges, friendships and family, check out one of these books.
Written by Erin Bow
Los Angeles; New York: Disney-Hyperion, 2023. Fiction. 305 pages.
Simon and his parents have just moved to Grin and Bear It, Nebraska, a small town located in a National Quiet Zone - with no internet, cell service, or television. Simon is looking for a fresh start in order to get away from the instant fame of surviving a school shooting. Things are going well for Simon since nobody can google him, but the worry that he will be discovered is always in the back of his mind. But as Simon makes new friends he starts to worry less about being discovered and enjoys the friendships he is making.
Simon and his friends Kevin and Agate, are eccentric fun characters that readers will relate to and root for. The three friends find themselves on crazy adventures in this small town that will make you laugh out loud.
Written by Gary D. Schmidt
New York: Clarion Books, 2023. Fiction. 347 pages.
Hercules Beal lives in the most beautiful place on the planet Truro, Massachusetts, with his older brother Achilles. Their parents died in a car crash a year and a half ago and the two brothers are doing their best to run the family business and carry on with life. When Hercules starts middle school at a new school, he is given an assignment to write twelve essays on each of the twelve labors of Hercules. The essays must be based on experiences from Herc's own life that relate to the twelve mythological labors. As Hercules looks for experiences and completes each of the labors he learns some valuable lessons about life.
This book will make you both laugh and cry and there are some great life lessons in this novel that are relatable and fun. A perfect read for middle grade readers who enjoy fun stories with mythological references.
Written by Christal D. Giles
New York: Random House, 2023. Fiction. 245 pages.Lawrence was suspended from school for fighting and now his family has moved in with his grandmother and he is expected to follow her strict rules and stay out of trouble. In order to keep busy and stay out of his grandmothers way he begins volunteering at a local recreation center. At the center, Lawrence meets some new kids from the area and learns about the chess club. He hasn't played chess before but he discovers that he is an okay player. He decides to join the chess club and begins taking chess lessons to improve his game. As he studies the game of chess and learns more about strategy, patience, and controlling his emotions, he starts to apply these skill to his life. The changes he makes brings about positive results for him and his family.
A compassionate story about a boy who is working through some hard things and who really does deserve to win. Changes are not always easy, but readers will see through Lawrence's example that hard work pays off.
Written by Kelly Yang
New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2023. Fiction. 298 pages.
Lina is excited to come to America and be reunited with her family, but she finds that things in America are not what she expected. After arriving, Lina discovers that her family is struggling financially and they don't live in a house but a tiny apartment. At school Lina struggles to fit in and after some classmates make fun of her English she vows never to speak again. Eventually, Lina finds friends and teachers who want to help her succeed and she begins to find her voice. When one of her favorite books is threatened to be banned Lina discovers the courage she needs to speak up for what she knows is right.
A moving authentic book with relatable characters that will help readers better understand the challenges immigrant children face when moving to a new country.
Written by Celia C. Perez
New York: Kokila, 2022. Fiction. 352 pages.
Adela "Addie" Ramierez is twelve and lives with her mother and stepfather. Addie loves her stepfather, he is wonderful and he is the only father she has known. But when Alex, her stepfather, asks her how she would feel about him adopting her, Addie begins thinking more about her biological father. Her mother doesn't want to talk about her father, so Addie decides to find answers herself. With the help of her friend she starts looking for information about her father. Her sleuthing leads to discovering family she didn't know about and helps her feel more connected to who she is.
A heartwarming story about family, identity, culture, and family secrets. This is a wonderful book that gives readers a closer look at families, a look at the world of pro wrestling, and Latin American culture.
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