Middle School
Mrs. Erickson recommends: "Out of My Mind" by Sharon M. Draper is an inspirational story about a young girl named Melody who has cerebral palsy. We learn of the many challenges she has to overcome to find her voice. This book hooks the reader from the very beginning as it gives a profound perspective on living with a disability. It's hard to put this book down as it pulls at your heartstrings. Melody's journey is not only heartwarming and thought-provoking, but also a reminder of the strength and potential within every individual, regardless of their physical limitations. This is truly a book you will never forget.
I recommend the book The Selection by Kiera Cass for a great summer read! I recommend this book because I love a book with an empowering female who stays true to who she is while realizing her self-worth! The lead character, America, is empowering throughout the entire story, and it is wonderful to see how her strong will leads to change and happiness for so many.
Are you the third, fourth, or fifth child in your family? If you are, then you would have to be a "hidden child". In the book Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix, the government only allows families to have TWO children. This story follows the life of some "hidden" children who no longer want to be in hiding. What will happen if they are caught by the government? What will happen to their families? For those of you that are fans of mystery stories, this is a great book and has six sequel books as part of the Shadow Children series. Definitely a MUST read that will keep you reading!!
I chose two books to share. Harris and Me by Gary Paulsen and The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger.
Historical Fiction: Once by Morris Gleitzman
Read about a Jewish boy named Felix who narrates his experience living in a Catholic orphanage as a way to hide his Jewish identity during WWII.
Realistic Fiction: The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
Read about twin basketball phenoms, Jordan and Josh Bell who are following the footsteps of their NBA star father. This story about basketball and brotherhood is written in verse and full of energy.
Science Fiction: Michael Vey: the Prisoner of Cell 25 by Richard Paul Evans
Read about 14-year-old, Michael Vey who has electric powers. He thinks he is alone until he meets a cheerleader at his school, Taylor, who has the same powers. Together they get caught in adventure/danger as they try to uncover the source of their powers.
These two books are great! The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen and The Unteachables by Gordon Korman both exude strong lessons about being a kind person told in a heartwarming or humorous way. The Running Dream deals with topics such as self-esteem, confidence, and determination after a tragedy strikes, and the life lessons are abundant in this book. The Unteachables combines humor and heart to teach readers not to give up on themselves and to look beyond the surface to see who people really are on the inside. Happy reading!
Are you looking for a book with a strong character and an underlying message of the importance of kindness? If so, I have a few books for you! Restart (by Gordon Korman) and the Out of my Mind series (by Sharon Draper) include both of those qualities. You will be taken on a ride through these characters' lives as they work to become the happiest and kindest versions of themselves with bits of humor and heartwarming moments woven in.