The two Percy Jackson movies didn’t do this series justice. They tried to take a cool, YA approach that defied what made this book (and series) so popular in the first place. The voice! Percy is fun and sarcastic, and the new TV series captures that. But the book captures it even better. 🙂
Tag: Middle grade reads
The Chance to Fly
We all need a book that breaks boundaries, and this is one that you will love. When Nat Beacon has a chance to try out for Wicked, she doesn’t let her wheelchair get in her way. Whether you love musical theater or cheering for a character with plenty of resolve, this story will touch your heart.
City of Ghosts
For middle grade, the balance between scary and not-too-scary is difficult to perfect, and Schwab does a great job giving kids the creeps without completely creeping them out
Restart
What happens when a school bully gets a second chance? When Chase Ambrose falls off a roof and gets amnesia, he’ll have to start over. But will he be able to come to terms with the type of person he was before his accident? Will his new friends in the video club ever really accept him?
Ban This Book
In this story, a brave fourth grader takes on her school and some overreaching parents to preserve the books that she loves so dearly. In Ban This Book, Alan Gratz helps young people understand both the reasons and the dangers behind what is, frankly, happening in schools today.
Brave Like That
I first heard chatter about this MG novel on Twitter, and the comments from the readers were so positive and forceful (YOU MUST READ THIS) that I decided, okay. This is such a great story on so many levels. First of all, I think most children face a moment when they want to tell their parents, “This isn’t me.”
Indian No More
In this middle grade novel, Indian No More, we learn just how devastating a situation could be when the American government suddenly decides to no longer recognize a tribe. This tale of both heartbreak and resilience will educate a whole new generation of young people, even as Regina captivates the audience with her story, which is inspired by the author’s own experience.
Rescue Princesses
The Rescue Princesses combines the love of animals with the fantasy of being a princess. The series also emphasizes friendship, courage, and diversity–perfect for little girls (and hey, even boys) navigating the social structure of elementary school.
Front Desk
I highly recommend this story as something that will encourage you to think about what the American dream means, and how we can all take tough moments in our lives to overcome the biggest hurdles.
The Witch of Blackbird Pond
This story takes place in New England, just a few years before the Salem witch trials in 1692. Katherine, better known as Kit, must leave Barbados to live with her relatives, residents of a Puritan town. Kit’s ways are not well-received by the Puritans, and this causes some trouble for her.
Night of the Amber Moon
Both creepy and heartwarming, Night of the Amber Moon tells the story of 11-year-old Izzy, a girl with a hard problem. A story of dealing with guilt, the story leads readers on a journey to forgiveness, with just the right amount of suspense.
Heartbreak Messenger
This ended up being a delightful story about first crushes, but one that really gave us a good look at a boy’s perspective. Funny situations and dialogue, in addition to a friendship that outshines any middle grade romance, puts this book in my “favorites” category.
Kid List 