Hands by Torrey Maldonado

Trev is a 12-year-old kid with adult problems. His stepfather, who is in jail for hitting his mother, is scheduled to be released soon. Trev believes it is his job to protect his mom and sisters, and he decides to go to a gym and learn to fight. As you can see from the cover, Trev has two sides--he is both a fighter and an artist--and the theme of this book is Trev choosing how to use his hands. Trev lives in the projects, and even though he feels the weight of the world on his shoulders, there is a village around him that advises him and tries to protect him. I love that his book is short (we need more short books!), and the chapters are only a couple of pages long which makes it very appealing to pick up and read in short bursts. I know that lots of kids are going to see themselves in this book, or they are going to gain some empathy from walking in Trev's shoes. I'm not going to spoil things, but the ending was abrupt for me and I think kids are going to wish they had a few more scenes to wrap it up. This is a great choice for upper elementary readers--I recommend it for 4th-6th graders. 

Sunshine by Jarrett Krosoczka

 

Jarrett Krosoczka's book Hey Kiddo has touched many hearts (it's very popular with my 8th grade students in particular), and his follow-up also brings heart and humor and heartbreak to the world of graphic novels for middle schoolers. When Jarrett was in high school he was selected to work at Camp Sunshine, where seriously ill children were able to have some moments of fun and freedom. He was nervous and a little bit awkward, but he rose to the challenge and forged meaningful relationships with some kids and their families. The experience changed Jarrett's life more than the lives of the campers, and that is his focus in this heartfelt graphic novel. Several book clubs at my school have read it this year, and kids have been moved to tears. I even had one 6th grade boy who usually only reads manga thank me for "making him" read this book--and he said it is now his favorite book. Recommended for middle and high school collections. 

A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat

 

An awkward kid goes on a 3-week school trip to Europe in 1989 in this "embarassingly true" memoir. Dan Santat is an illustrator, so it was natural for him to write up his teenage memories into a graphic novel. In this book, Dan is off on a trip to Paris, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and England. He doesn't have any friends signed up for the trip, and doesn't even want to go, but his parents want him to see the world and he is eager to shed his middle school humiliations and missteps. As he travels from country to country, his friendship with Amy turns into his first romantic relationship, and it is helped and hindered by the other kids on the trip. He also experiences an amount of freedom that kids today would never enjoy--and along with it he has some harrowing adventures. It is rare to find a romance story for middle schoolers that is about kids who are 13 years old. The illustrations beautifully capture the sights of Europe, and the writing is full of humor and compassion for the kid that Dan once was. A wonderful story about first love and so much more that is perfect for middle schoolers (and anyone who ever was that age). 

New Kid by Jerry Craft

I loved this semi-autobiographical graphic novel about a boy's first year attending an elite New York City private school. Kids will relate to the day-to-day insults and injuries that Jordan suffers, and adults will wince and recognize the ways that teachers and other adults slight students of color in ways big and small. The art is intriguing and fun and kids can't resist this book. Recommended for all middle schoolers.

Piecing Me Together by Renee Watson

"I am learning to speak. To give myself a way out. A way in."

The opening lines of this story resonate through the entire book. Jade lives in Portland, Oregon. Her life is focused on making something of herself and that includes learning Spanish, working on collage art, and going across town to a prestigious private school. Jade's mother doesn't always have money for even the basics, but Jade has a strong family and friends in her own neighborhood. When Jade is offered the opportunity to have a mentor in the "Woman to Woman" program she is wary--she doesn't want to always feel like people are doing things for her, but she accepts and Maxine becomes her mentor. But Jade has a lot to offer, and as she learns how to speak up and use her voice, she opens herself up to new opportunities. Renee Watson is a brilliant writer, and this book takes you deeply into Jade's life and let's you see all it's complications and possibilities.