Part II of the series…where do I begin when trying to find
books for Christmas gifts?! Part I
included suggestions of LOTS of books for K-1st and 2nd-3rd
grade students. Here, I’m going to make
suggestions for upper elementary readers and then make suggestions for our
middle school readers. Again, when it
comes to independent reading, sometimes it is nice to just curl up with a good
book that we LOVE…regardless of what grade level it might be associated with or
its level. I know that I tend to curl up
by the fireplace during the break and enjoy reading new books that I think
students might love…definitely not worried about my level as I get lost in the
stories.
The following suggestions are books that I have read, books
that some of my co-workers have read, and books that a friend of mine…the one
mentioned in the last blog post with two middle school kids (one girl and one
boy)…says her kids simply cannot put down!
If middle school kids say the books are good…then I think I’m going to
believe them.
Upper elementary and
middle school suggestions
I’m big on exposing kids to different series…just because if
they LOVE it, then there are a lot of other books that they can then select at
the library to enjoy reading as well!
I Survived! Series
– This series is written about different events in history, to include wars and
natural disasters. The stories are from
the perspective of survivors and what it was like during that time period or in
the midst of that event. The books are
not “too big” for students who are not keen on novels, but they capture their
attention from the get-go. I know a few
middle school kids who still look for these in the bookstore, hoping to get
their hands on the newest release.
Hank Zipzer series
by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver– So, this might date me…but do you remember The
Fonz, from Happy Days?? Well, he is now
an author of a FABULOUS, funny series about a boy named Hank Zipzer. You can’t go wrong with ANY of these books in
this series!! 
Molly Moon series
by Georgia Byng – Comical, deep, and adventures…what a rare combination!!! The main character can morph and change, and
in each new book receives a new power.
Kids in upper elementary AND even into middle school enjoy these
stories!
Survivor series by
Erin Hunter – Talk about a great collection of books! Erin Hunter has written adventure stories
about animals that have captured many readers 4th grade and up! She is a New York Times Best Selling
Author…and it’s not hard to figure out why.
These books are addicting! Boys
and girls devour these stories, with characters undergoing conflict at a
variety of levels, facing tough choices, and deep themes.
Spy School and the
sequels by Stuart Gibbs – A middle school boy is recruited to work with the
CIA…both humorous and adventurous, this book will definitely capture the
attention of boys and girl alike!
The Land of Stories
by Chris Colfer and Sisters Grimm by
Michael Buckley – These stories take the main characters back into the fairy
tales that they grew up reading. The
characters…both good and evil…are confined to their kingdom, and in order to
keep trouble from brewing, they must stay that way! These two series share a very similar plot
line, so if your child loved one, then try the other!!
The Divide Trilogy
by Elizabeth Kay – A trilogy about a boy who encounters a parallel world near
Costa Rica. Mythical creatures and magic
are REALITY, and he must find his way back home!
For the sports
enthusiasts…Mike Lupica has written a TON of books about athletes who face
various challenges in the midst of their work as an athlete. Football, soccer, basketball, and
baseball…your sports fans will enjoy the context of these stories.
A collection of
stories that will capture a reader’s interest…
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate – If this one doesn’t
steal your heart and tug on its strings… An impeccably written book from the
perspective of a gorilla who has spent 27 years behind glass in a shopping
mall. He’s never questioned his life
until he meets an elephant who starts to get him thinking about his
existence. Soon to be a movie, which is
ALWAYS a fun reward for reading a book!!!
Echo’s Sister by Paul Mosier – A story about a girl who has
to learn who she is and what really matters when her sister is diagnosed with a
life-threatening illness.
The War That Saved My Life and The
War That I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley – A story set in WWII
about a girl who sneaks away with her brother to escape her mother. Highly recommended by middle school readers,
as well as a freshman in high school who devoured them both this past
summer.
The Brightest Stars of Summer by Leila Howland – A story about sisters and
the lines that they do and don’t cross in life.
Refugee
by Alan Gratz – WOW! This one has been
read and discussed and read and discussed by people all over the nation! Three characters in three different time
periods in history who face fleeing their country and the struggles they face
trying to find a safe place to live their lives. Powerful…
Keeper of the Lost Cities series by Shannon Messenger – A series full
of adventure…the main character has telepathy and is hidden in among other
humans. She must figure out who she is
and what her special gift means! New
York Times and USA Today best sellers!!
The Keys to the
Kingdom series by Garth Nix – A GREAT series for middle school students! The main character is a boy who struggles
with severe asthma. This seven-book
series captures his adventure from almost dying in the woods to being saved and
given a key…by Mister Monday. He must
figure out why he was chosen to receive the keys to the kingdom.
Well, hopefully
these two blog posts helped you to select some great new books for some special
readers in your life! There are SO many
more great books out there…keep on reading and sharing that love for great
books with kids!
