Middle-Grade Summer Reading Ideas

The following is the small list of Middle-Grade books that I've read in the first half of 2012. Some of these books would be fine for any age, while others definitely won't garner raves from adults, or even older teens. I've added a few notes to help you sort them out. (Do check-out the Top 3!)

The Top 3!
These three books were written by two authors: Tom Angleberger and Jeff Kinney. They are funny and poignant and I can't rave about them enough. Suitable for Tweens, teens, and adults. Good Stuff.

1. The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger

2. Darth Paper Strikes Back by Tom Angleberger

The above two books are just marvelous and probably my favorite books so far in 2012, bar none. Like Jeff Kinney's books they are personable and humorous in a gentle way. They are simply magic.

3. Cabin Fever by Jeff Kinney

Great addition to the Wimpy Kid series. I actually thought the humor in this one was a little more mature than that found in the earlier books.

The Others
None of the following books are dreadful (with the possible exception of Empty). They aren't books though that will be for everyone. Not even every middle-grader. The Enemy, for example, has quite a bit of violence and gore, and some swearing. Other books just wouldn't make good reading for people who have 'read around'. They lack innovative ideas or the depth of character development or plotting that adults (young and older) frequently need to be satisfied. Hopefully my notes to help you sort them out.

Adventure -- more guy oriented

The Enemy by Charlie Higson
Dystopic adventure with lots of gore. It's the first in a series. Sample it at the library or in a book preview.



Lockdown: Escape from the Furnace
A great read for middle grade guys, I'm not sure older readers will find enough of interest with this one. It's grim and involves boys thrown into a prison --sometimes rightly, sometimes wrongly -- but with no chance of reprieve. Paranormal elements.


Adventure -- more girl oriented

Deadly Pink

I really liked this book which is about a teen who has to go into a simulated computer world to rescue her sister who plans to commit suicide --by staying in the world until the interface destroys her mind. The writing is very good, and subtle humor abounds as the 'weapon of choice' happens to be a little girl's sparkly fairyland game. The suicide aspect might seem a problem, but it's handled very well and really the topic lays in the background. Even better, there's a strong MESSAGE in the story that running away from your mistakes is stupid, and that with family you can handle your problems head on. I didn't put it in the Top 34 because a female lead might not appeal to every guy. If you're an adult, sample it at the library or in a book preview.

Empty
Dystopic book with a huge ax to grind. Not for adults or anyone who doesn't liked being smacked upside the head with an agenda. Also not for teens looking for strong action.

Also Ran

The Unwanteds
Lots of young adults like this dystopic story about brothers divided by a society that sees worth in one, but not in the other (an artist). I thought the message was okay, but the tension was slow to build and it felt bloated and longer than it needed to be.


Over Sea, Under Stone

This little book (the first in a series) is written in a very classic style. The children in it have a mystery to solve and there's elements of magic. Suitable for many age groups. There are plenty of adults and young adults that like it, but I found it a bit dull.

Crispin: Cross of Lead by Avi **

The first book in a series set in the 14th Century, I didn't like it because it was very predictable. It would however make a grand introduction to the middle ages as Avi has done his research. Opinions everywhere are divided despite the fact that this book won a Newbery Medal.

So that's it. The short list of MG lit I've read thus far in 2012. Not a long list, but truly some of the books are very worthwhile and some of my favorites in any category. As for the rest of the year? I can't wait to see what comes to the home shelves.

Here's hoping we all have great a reading-summer,

Pam T