March Forward, Girl: From Young Warrior to Little Rock Nine by Melba Pattillo Beals

I couldn't stop reading this middle school-level memoir of a Little Rick Nine survivor's early years. I confess I know the basics of the Little Rock Nine experience, but haven't read any of the participants' autobiographies. I thought that this book would tell that story, but I was wrong. Rather than delve into her better-known year as a member of the Little Rock Nine, Mrs. Beals recounts her life up to the point of being chosen to integrate Central High School in Little Rock. Melba was a precocious child--aware from a very young age that she lived in a divided society where she not only had fewer luxuries than white peers, she had to live in deep and persistent fear at all times. At first I thought that there was no way such a young person could have perceived her situation so accurately, but I was won over in the end. Melba stood apart from many other children in her Little Rock neighborhood and she rightly felt the terror that white people wanted her to feel. I have read numerous books about Civil Rights era conditions, but I was shocked and appalled by several things that happened to Melba--most notably a KKK lynching that took place during a church service. The trauma she and all the Little Rock people of color experienced, should never happen to anyone, anywhere, ever again. In spite of how it may sound, this book is well-tuned to middle school and maybe even middle grade readers. It's a story that should be read widely--by adults and children.

Anne Frank's Diary: The Graphic Adaptation by David Polonsky and Ari Folman

This graphic adaptation of Anne Frank's Diary is moving and surprising and beautiful. I was entranced by seeing Anne's familiar story brought to life to creatively. Anne and the other residents of the Secret Annex are vividly portrayed in images and in the words of Anne's famous diary. As I began to read this I was thinking that this would be the book that brings Anne's story to middle school children who may not be exposed to her full diary in school. I ended up thinking that this book needs to go to somewhat older students due to a couple of choices by the authors to highlight Anne's sexual awakening. Unfortunately, the two instances in this book, though true to her diary and her character, are going to scare away middle school teachers from using this book in schools. However, it is still a gorgeous, important book that should bring adults as well as young people to look anew at Anne's timeless and tragic story. 

Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke

In this retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk, there is no beanstalk that grows up to the sky. What there is is an overgrown magical garden with strange and frightening plants and creatures running amok. Jack's single mom works two jobs leaving him to take care of his sister, who doesn't speak except to trade the family car keys for some seeds at a flea market. And thus the summer adventure begins. The kids and an enthusiastic neighbor girl wield swords and garden tools to take on a variety of dangers which are not necessarily evil. The kids confront their fears and solve their problems without intervention from adults.  It's bright and colorful and adventurous and definitely a story that middle school graphic novel fans will race through.

Darius the Great is Not Okay by Adib Khorram

Darius never feels good enough--he has trouble making friends, he struggles to connect with his father, and he takes medication for depression. He is half Persian but has never set foot in Iran. His family's journey there to meet his maternal grandparents is the catalyst for this story and the opening he needs to meet a new friend and gain an understanding of his father, his heritage, and his own abilities. This charm of this book is Darius--his thoughts, his constant Star Trek references, and his awkward and funny self-assessments. Khorram beautifully captures Darius's family and the new friend he meets in Iran. This is a gem that may not have a wide audience, but thoughtful readers will treasure this story and come away feeling like they made a friend. Highly recommended for grades 8-up.

The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater

This nonfiction book looks at a crime that some called a hate crime from multiple viewpoints. Sasha, a white private school student, wore a gauzy skirt on an Oakland city bus. Richard, an African American student, pulled out a lighter and set Sasha on fire, badly burning Sasha. Slater looks at both of their lives--Sasha, privileged in some ways, but living with Aspberger's syndrome and choosing not to be defined by male or female pronouns, and Richard, trying to make something of himself in spite of his socioeconomic status and with friends in and out of the justice system. This story is resonating with 8th grade readers who are seeing things from multiple perspectives. Recommended for readers who are tackling books such as The Hate U Give and Speak (the graphic novel). #readwoke #projectLIT

I Am Still Alive by Kate Alice Marshall

There is no way to talk about this book without talking about Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. It's about a girl who is left alone in the Canadian wilderness who must survive (much like Brian) with very little in the way of survival skills or equipment. Jess goes to live with her estranged father in the wilderness after the death of her mother. But when her father is killed and his cabin burned to the ground, Jess is on her own (except for her father's loyal dog). At it's heart it's a survival story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and toward the end it's a nail-biting story as Jess focuses on getting revenge on her father's killers. Jess has faced devastating loss, but turns her energy on survival. Middle school books about outdoor survival have gone out of style in the last 10 years (remember when Will Hobbs and Gary Paulsen were the most popular authors in the library?), but this book may usher in new interest in overcoming adversity in the great outdoors.

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling

Aven was born with no arms, but that doesn't stop her from eating lunch, buttoning her own jeans, and playing guitar. She's a capable, well-adjusted 13-year-old, but when her parents move to the Arizona desert it throws her for a loop. For the first time in her life, she's the new girl at school and kids stare at her and treat her like she is disabled. She ends up making friend with a boy who has Tourette's Syndrome and together they navigate their challenges and support each other. There's also a bit of a mystery to be solved at the run down theme park her parents are managing, but the main story centers around Aven and her adjustment to new possibilities in her new town. I think kids will love her friend Connor (whose tics include barking at inappropriate times) and gain some empathy by walking in these kids' shoes.

Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol

This is the next graphic novel for kids who love Raina Telgemeier, Victoria Jamieson, and Jennifer Holm's books. It's one miserable summer in the life of the author--a Russian immigrant who struggled to fit in with her American classmates. Vera lives in an apartment, has a mother that cooks Russian foods, and spends her summers at home with her little brother. Vera's classmates have fabulous stories about summer camp and all the activities they participate in. When Vera hears that there is a summer camp for Russian kids, she begs her mother to send her. She can't wait to make lifelong friends and have the summer of her dreams. Unfortunately, summer camp is miserable--the kids are mean, there are no real toilets, and the girls keep losing at capture the flag. Students will empathize with Vera and her struggles--and they will love this book.

What to Say Next by Julie Buxbaum

Kit and David are unlikely friends. Ever since the death of Kit's father she has been isolating herself from her friends--they just don't fit with her new reality. David has experience with being alone. He is on the autism spectrum and doesn't interact with people like other students do. However, David has long admired Kit from afar, and when she starts sitting with him at lunch, he is on top of the world. This is Kit and David's story--both have things to overcome and things they can help each other with. It's a delightful and surprising book, and one I recommend for 7th-up students who like realistic fiction as well as friendship and romance.

Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson

Harbor Me is a story about six students who are classmates in a special education classroom. Every Friday their teacher puts them in a room together so they can talk without adults listening or guiding their conversations. The story is narrated by Haley, who is both Irish and African American. She has never told her classmates that her father has been in prison. Esteban is worried about deportation, Amari is worried about racial profiling, and each other student has something to share that brings the group closer together. Of course it is well-written since Jacqueline Woodson is the author, and it is a pretty quick read. I think it would make a nice read-aloud for a 4th-6th grade classroom, but I don't think it's going to be a big favorite with kids because there is really not much happening plot-wise.

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.

A Time to Dance by Padma Venkatraman

Veda is a classical dancer who loses a leg in a car accident. This is her story of starting over, pursuing her dream of dancing again, and finding people who share her passion. It is told in verse, so it is not a difficult read, and it will resonate with anyone who dances. Readers with an interest in Indian culture and religion will enjoy this book, as well as people who enjoy a coming of age story set in a culture outside of the United States.

The Ethan I Was Before by Ali Standish

Ethan's family moves to a seaside town in Georgia to escape from trauma. Ethan's best friend, Kacey, is gone and Ethan blames himself (read the book for more on her and what actually happened). The family uproots itself, believing a new start will help Ethan. However, Ethan is still wracked with guilt, Grandfather doesn't seem to want the family there, and Ethan's older brother Roddie is holding a grudge. There's a mystery to be solved and a hurricane to survive, and ultimately Ethan makes a new friend, comes to terms with what happened to Kacey, and saves some endangered animals. It's a nice middle grade story that will appeal to readers who like emotional stories about friendships and hardships.

Caraval by Stephane Garber

Caraval is a mysterious fantasy game played once a year, open only to those with special invitations. Scarlett and her sister Tella grew up hearing stories about Caraval and dreaming of taking part. Scarlett writes letters to Legend, the mastermind behind Caraval, for many years, but gives up hope of attending when she is forced into an arranged marriage by her abusive father. However, before the wedding can take place, Scarlett and her sister are whisked away to Caraval by a handsome rogue named Julian. Once there, Tella disappears and becomes the object of the game--the one who finds Tella will be the winner. Scarlett finds romance and deception with Julian as she desperately searches for her sister before losing her forever. This story felt flat to me--I didn't like Tella or Julian, and the mythology of Caraval didn't pique my interest or hold together very well. Middle school readers of romance and fantasy may enjoy it, but there are better books out there for them. 

Bang by Barry Lyga

This is a book about gun violence and suicide and guilt and desperation. But it's also about YouTube videos and making pizza and a Muslim girl and smart kids having great conversations. I read this book knowing nothing about it. I recommend not even reading the blurb in the front of the book. But if you must know the plot, Sebastian is a 14-year-old boy haunted by an incident that happened when he was four years old. His father left a gun out, and Sebastian picked it up and shot and killed his baby sister. That event consumes him and his family, and he is convinced that his only option is to kill himself. This story takes place during the summer, when Sebastian's best friend is away and he meets a new girl in the neighborhood who convinces him to make online cooking videos. Much like in the book A Monster Calls, these characters come to a point where they must say out loud the unspeakable truth. Read the first pages and you will be hooked by Barry Lyga's writing. It's powerful and it comes to a beautiful, cathartic conclusion. I can't wait to give this to my eighth grade book club.