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raethereviewer's reviews
828 reviews
The Science of Friendship by Tanita S. Davis
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was excellently written. I like the way the newspaper articles and scientific studies were added to the novel in a way that made sense for the story. It breaks it up but keeps things engaging. This topic is particularly important for middle grade and it’s addressed really well. The growth that we see from Rylee brings things together in a full circle way. This is definitely one I’d add to middle school classrooms.
A Place to Shine by Marie Arnold
5.0
I’ve read Marie Arnold’s debut, The Year I Flew Away, and I went in expecting the vivid writing but I was not expecting to cry as much as I did. This was such a beautifully told story of family, loss, and community. The way that Sunny, Miles, and Mr. Evens grow together over the course of the novel is beautiful and absolutely needed in classrooms and home libraries. The main character is 10 but I think this could work for the 6th and 7th grade end of middle grade too due to how these heavier topics are covered. This is definitely one I’ll be recommending.
Project Mercury by Ronald L. Smith
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
This was a really interesting sci-fi story. I wasn’t expecting the turn that the novel took rather than just focusing on aliens but I think the future element made it a lot more fun. Time travel is always tricky to play with and there are a few parts that I questioned but overall, this would be great for 5th - 7th graders with a love of science.
Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga
5.0
This was such a spectacular novel in verse. I read it alongside a student and it’s such a great book for bridging empathy and giving students a more global perspective. Highly recommend!
The Everybody Experiment by Lisa Moore Ramée
5.0
This was such a well told story of friendship, growing up, and figuring out what it actually means to be mature. It’s done in such an age appropriate manner where it truly is perfect for that upper elementary, lower middle school age range. This is definitely one I’ll be recommending to tweens.
Onyx & Beyond by Amber McBride
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
The amount of talent that Amber McBride has needs to be studied which is why this book should be in every middle school classroom. I devoured it in an afternoon and was left to fend for myself against my own tears. Onyx & Beyond is a masterpiece.
The Many Fortunes of Maya by Nicole D. Collier
5.0
I was not expecting the conflict to hit so hard but this was so excellent. It covers parental expectations and what it means for kids to make their own decisions about their passions. There’s also the tension of parents and how that feels for a kid to go through. I love the way the friendships were shown.
Definitely a great addition for upper elementary classrooms and 6th grade.
Definitely a great addition for upper elementary classrooms and 6th grade.
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
3.75
This is such a fun gothic novel and great for introducing students to the genre when you’re looking for something other than Edgar Allan Poe.
Heart of Darkness: A Signature Performance by Kenneth Branagh by Joseph Conrad
1.0
I have nothing but hate for this novel.
Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe
4.25
This was such an engaging read. I really enjoyed the narration style. It was experimental in a way that I felt like really served the story well. Margo is by no means perfect and that’s part of the point of this novel. Messy main characters are my bread and butter.