5 Smart Books for Middle-Grade Readers
- By Mary Daisey Shockley
- March 29, 2017
A handful of choices for the choosiest young story-lovers.
The Dog, Ray
By Linda Coggin
Recommended for ages 12+
(Candlewick)
When 12-year-old Daisy dies in a car accident, her soul returns to earth as a dog — but the girl’s human memories remain. Daisy, now a dog named Ray, is desperate to see her mom and dad again. As she adjusts to life on four legs, she attempts to use her new canine instincts to locate her family.
Love, Ish
By Karen Rivers
Recommended for ages 8-12
(Algonquin Young Readers)
Mischa “Ish” Love, aka “Dead Star #7,320,100,901,” is ready for her trip to Mars. Been ready ever since she read and then reread The Martian, in fact. Earth is okay, but it’s not really for her. So although she’s fighting cancer, Ish never gives up hope that she’ll be one of the first to settle on the red planet.
Harry Miller’s Run
By David Almond (author) and Salvatore Rubbino (illustrator)
Recommended for ages 8-12
(Candlewick)
Liam needs to practice for the big race. But Mom needs help cleaning out old Harry Miller’s house before the elderly man heads to a nursing home. When Harry notices Liam’s racing bib, he begins to tell the story of when he was 11 and ran in the exact same event Liam is training for.
We Have No Idea: A Guide to the Unknown Universe
By Jorge Cham and Daniel Whiteson
Recommended for ages 12+
(Riverhead Books)
The perfect book for kids who always ask “Why?” This guide to the unknown universe is part textbook, part funny graphic novel. Bonus: Since co-author Daniel Whiteson is a particle physicist, students can even cite this one as a source during science-fair season!
Isaac the Alchemist: Secrets of Isaac Newton, Reveal’d
By Mary Losure
Recommended for ages 12+
(Candlewick)
This nonfiction retelling of Sir Isaac Newton’s life reads like fiction (that’s a good thing!). Thoroughly researched and filled with rare photographs of Newton’s journal, this book is great for budding scientists.
Mary Daisey Shockley is an avid reader who spends her free time with her family on the coast of Delaware. You can find more of her thoughts on books and life by clicking here.
