HomeBooks by AgeAges 9-125 Amazing Middle Grade Books | Selected by Kelly Jones, Author of Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer
5 Amazing Middle Grade Books | Selected by Kelly Jones, Author of Unusual Chickens-3

5 Amazing Middle Grade Books | Selected by Kelly Jones, Author of Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer

The Children’s Book Review | June 10, 2015

When I read an amazing middle grade book, I remember what I felt like at that age: often awkward, hesitant, opinionated, unsure of myself, excited for what came next, and yet terrified of so many changes, all at once. I’d recommend these middle grade novels to kids who enjoy Sophie’s [the protagonist from Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer (Random House Children’s Books, 2015)] strong voice and humor and who might like a peek into someone else’s world.

The Great Greene HeistThe Great Greene Heist

Written by Varian Johnson 

Jackson Greene is done with schemes and cons — right up until he realizes the biggest bully is buying the school election right out from under his former best friend. Now it’s up to him and his crack middle school team to make things fair again — without anyone finding out.

Ages 10-15 | Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books | 2015 (Reprint) | ISBN-13: 978-0545525534

Roller GirlRoller Girl

Written by Victoria Jamieson

Astrid falls in love with roller derby. But will derby camp be any fun when her best friend goes to dance camp instead? This graphic novel is for anyone who’s growing apart from a friend, and finding out who they are on their own. Particularly recommended for girls who are more interested in having fun than hanging out with boys.

Ages 9-12 | Publisher: Dial Books | 2015| ISBN-13: 978-0803740167

Unstoppable Octobia MayThe Unstoppable Octabia May

Written by Sharon Flake

When Octabia May comes to live in her aunt’s boarding house, she’s sure something strange is going on. Why does her upstairs neighbor only go out at night? Could he be a vampire? Soon, she’s up to her ears in this historical mystery, set in the 1950s. I’d say Octabia May is just as unforgettable as she is unstoppable.

Ages 8-12 | Publisher: Scholastic Press | 2014| ISBN-13: 978-0545609609

Murder Is Bad MannersMurder Is Bad Manners

Written by Robin Stevens

When Hazel Wong finds the body of her science teacher in the gym, she runs to fetch Daisy Wells; after all, isn’t this exactly what their detective club is for? But when the body disappears before they return, things get even more mysterious. Set in an English boarding school in the 1930s.

Ages 10 and up | Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers | 2015| ISBN-13: 978-1481422123

A Snicker of Magic By Natalie LloydA Snicker of Magic

Written by Natalie Lloyd

When Felicity Pickle comes to Midnight Gulch, she wonders if there might be a snicker of magic left in the place, and if maybe it might break the curse on her mother, letting her stay in one place at last. For anyone looking for home, a friend, and some magic left in the world. Best with ice cream nearby, even if you don’t have that magical Blackberry Sunrise.

Ages 8-12 | Publisher: Scholastic Press | 2014| ISBN-13: 978-0-545-55270-7

About Kelly Jones

KELLY JONES’S first novel, UNUSUAL CHICKENShas been named to the Winter/Spring 2015 New Voices List by the American Booksellers Association. For more information, visit her at www.curiosityjones.net or on Twitter at @curiosityjones.

Unusual ChickensUnusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer

Written by Kelly Jones

Publisher’s Synopsis: Fans of Polly Horvath or Roald Dahl will love this quirky story of a determined girl, and some extraordinary chickens.

Twelve-year-old Sophie Brown feels like a fish out of water when she and her parents move from Los Angeles to the farm they’ve inherited from a great-uncle. But farm life gets more interesting when a cranky chicken appears and Sophie discovers the hen can move objects with the power of her little chicken brain: jam jars, the latch to her henhouse, the entire henhouse….

And then more of her great-uncle’s unusual chickens come home to roost. Determined, resourceful Sophie learns to care for her flock, earning money for chicken feed, collecting eggs. But when a respected local farmer tries to steal them, Sophie must find a way to keep them (and their superpowers) safe.

Told in letters to Sophie’s abuela, quizzes, a chicken-care correspondence course, to-do lists, and more, Unusual Chickens is a quirky, clucky classic in the making.

Ages 8-12 | Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers | 2015| ISBN-13: 978-0385755528

Available Here: 

 

Kelly Jones, author of Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer, selected these five middle grade books. Discover more articles on The Children’s Book Review tagged with  and Books for Kids Age 9-12.

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The Children’s Book Review, named one of the ALSC (Association for Library Service to Children) Great Web Sites for Kids, is a resource devoted to children’s literacy. We publish reviews and book lists of the best books for kids of all ages. We also produce author and illustrator interviews and share literacy based articles that help parents, grandparents, teachers and librarians to grow readers. This article was written and provided by a guest author.

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