Saved by WeAreTeachers. Tami Charles is a former teacher and the author of picture books, middle grade and young adult novels, and nonfiction. Literature. these books are commonly taught in middle school English classes, so adding them to a summer reading list can give your child an advantage when they come up during the school year. Every year, I have students who announce that they hate reading. I would love to hear about any books your middle school students LOVED this year, so I can add to my classroom library, and begin working on my list … They’ve LOL’d and “liked” more things this morning than you’ve considered all month, but they haven’t reflected on why. Split that evenly across 6 years is roughly 10 books a year. The Hobbit. In fact, after the trauma she suffered, she can’t speak at all. Check out our list of Kid, 11 years old March 28, 2018. age 10+ Cliche, but entertaining. Leave a reply Cancel reply. Gino does a masterful job of taking us into what it feels like to be assigned the wrong gender. 5: A Day No Pigs Would Die . Top 20 Most Taught Books in High School show list info According to the Center for Learning and Teaching of Literature, these are the books taught in the most high schools in the U.S. Castle Crenshaw, known as Ghost, has been running ever since his father threatened him and his mother with a gun. 4: A Stranger Came Ashore. Parvana must disguise herself and find work to save her family. Charles Dickens: 6.7 . Experts suggest their best bets for pleasure and school reading. This fast-paced, story-driven plot uses Laura Park's clever illustrations to tell much of the story. Age 13. I do have to say though that I am surprised by some on the list. That's right! Here is my list of some of my top books for grades 5-9. Read 65 653 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. Stella and her brother aren’t supposed to leave the house at night, but run into much bigger problems when they stumble on a Ku Klux Klan rally. White Teachers Need to See Color. Ten-year-old Winnie Foster discovers that, for the immortal Tuck family, the answer is more complicated than you might expect. William Shakespeare. There is a range of exciting and thought-provoking books to suit all abilities in the 7th Grade, including easy readers and more difficult texts. Robert Newton Peck: 4.4 . I by no means am a book snob, but there some that leave me scratching my head. Roughly a book a month. Ponyboy and his brothers, Darry and Sodapop have a tough life. This book was sold at the Scholastic Book Fair at my school. Books shelved as middle-school: The Giver by Lois Lowry, Wonder by R.J. Palacio, The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan, The Outsiders by S.E. With a brain that more than makes up for his physical disabilities, Freak teaches Max how to think for himself. The book centers on Jonas, a 12-year-old boy living in a future society where only one person … Article. You must have a goodreads account to vote. Which isn't bad. There are a ton of great reads on the nonfiction shelves, from biographies to how-to’s to historical accounts of great events. 40 Middle Schoolers all-time favorite books: (I have not read each of these, so I am including an affiliate link to Amazon so you can read a description) The Giver by Lois Lowry . Oh, and here’s another thing: Don’t insist that these books be read silently or independently. Unfortunately, the Socs, a vicious gang of rich kids, make them prove their loyalties after a night of fighting goes too far. Will he also take his brother’s place as leader of a gang? Author. It was someone’s favorite. She learns to rely on her inner strength and the support of her family. Join the WeAreTeachers Influencer Network. The Best Books for Middle School According to My Students – 2017 May 13, 2017 May 15, 2017 Pernille Ripp Today my students did one of my favorite speeches of the year; the very best book they have read this year. 74 Essential Books for Your Personal Library: A List Curated by Female Creatives. Here are 12 that you might consider pre-ordering right now. While the Vietnam War consumes his father’s attention, Holling is locked into Wednesday lessons with a teacher who insists he read the plays of Shakespeare. One of the toughest parts of teaching middle school English is choosing which books to recommend to each reader. My parents let me choose the books I want to read and are fine with my choices even if it's a book they aren't interested in, and let me read eBooks as long as I spend most of my time reading print books. Spoiled princess Esperanza moves from her family’s ranch in Mexico to a migrant camp during the Great Depression. I have a soft spot for excellent middle grade books. His utopia has sacrificed emotions and uniqueness in favor of a safe and predictable life. Great Books to Give the Kids This Holiday. Nine-year-old Cassie Logan faces racial discrimination and financial hardship during the Great Depression. I hope you find some titles you have yet to read-here is my Amazon affiliate link if you are looking to purchase any of the titles listed above. Melinda Sordino can’t tell anybody why she called the police to break up a party the summer before ninth grade. A middle school (also known as intermediate school, junior high school, or lower secondary school) is an educational stage which exists in some countries, providing education between primary school and secondary school.The concept, regulation and classification of middle schools, as well as the ages covered, vary between, and sometimes within, countries. Booksamillion.com offers deep discounts on bargain books, audio books, overstocks and clearance books. It’s an exciting time to be a young reader or lover of kid lit, and there is no shortage of amazing children’s books out in the world these days. Bud Caldwell, is a 10 year old orphan who has grown up in Flint, Michigan. If you are looking for books to read, teach, and add to your classroom library, here are a few culturally diverse books for middle school I recommend you get your hands on ASAP… #1: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. Ling Chang must find a way to survive after her father is taken away during China’s Cultural Revolution. Favorites & Classics. Middle schoolers will cheer for him and cry for him. I hope you enjoy and get some book options for your shelf! 6 Armstrong Road | Suite 301 | Shelton, CT | 06484. Liz is everything Marlee wishes she could be: she’s brave, brash and always knows the right thing to say. On a spring break trip to the Moon, he meets a girl who sees life differently. 100 great writing prompts for middle school. This book follows Bud’s brave path to find his father. #23 The Giver by Lois Lowry Often referred to as 'the suicide book,' Lois Lowry's 1993 novel is among the most commonly banned book in middle school libraries. I think these tips are great for not only middle schoolers but elementary readers as well. It’s nearly impossible to choose one that doesn’t move you and your students in one way or another. Travel Movies Books Food Other. Report this review . Her father is arrested, and women are not allowed to leave the house without a male escort. He didn’t start reading until he was nearly an adult. Teachers kept giving him what they considered classics, but those middle school books had nothing to do with who he was and what he saw each day. Tolkien 4-Book Boxed Set: The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Eragon, Eldest & Brisingr (Inheritance, #1-3), His Dark Materials (His Dark Materials #1-3), Little House on the Prairie (Little House, #3), Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (Logans, #4), The Last Straw (Diary of a Wimpy Kid, #3), Prince Caspian (Chronicles of Narnia, #2), Julie of the Wolves (Julie of the Wolves, #1), The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy (The Penderwicks #1). I mean the list is supposed to be books we were assigned to read in school. Molly has concerns when her family moves into a church with a graveyard next door, but when her already-odd stepsister makes a sinister new friend, things get downright dangerous. Genius Willow Chance loses both parents in a car crash, but she is able to both change her life and impact those around her. This reading list will help you find new and classic must-read books for middle schoolers and kids. “It’s hard to be what you can’t see,” says middle-grade author Jason Reynolds. He is stared at and tormented, but he also finds friendship. In a dystopian future, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her sister’s place in the Hunger Games, in which children fight to the death for the entertainment of the corrupt Capital. So when he takes over his best friend’s paper route for the month of July, Little Man’s not exactly looking forward to interacting with the customers. Sign In Trending New Popular type to search. Having recently taken over a middle school book club, I have become particularly obsessed with finding great books for middle schoolers. It’s 1936, four years after Bud’s mother’s death and Bud has just been placed with the Amoses, his third foster family. Feb 10, 2014 - Exciting lesson ideas, classroom strategies, teaching tips, book lists, videos, and reproducibles in a daily blog by teachers from the classrooms of extraordinary mentor What do you think are the best middle school books? Be sure to read the books you plan to put in the hands of your students. I compiled their answers into this list. GET So he never touched them. At the far edge of age nine, Palmer not only abhors the tradition, but he is also hiding a pigeon in his room, causing a moral dilemma. Jesse Aarons knows all about hard work, but his new friend Leslie teaches him about the power of his imagination. I hope you enjoy and get some book options for your shelf! The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien Fans of James Patterson's Middle School books will enjoy I FUNNY: A MIDDLE SCHOOL STORY. Points: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Come and share in our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook. ... Great book for middle school girls . The Best Books of 2012: Lists by The New York Times, NPR, The Guardian and More. The Giver book. Leo’s a normal kid in a normal town. Parvana is eleven when the Taliban comes to power in Afghanistan. ALSO READ: My All-Time Favorite Books for 6th Graders. Nonfiction Books for Middle Schoolers. If you compare the readings lists in all schools, you might be surprised to learn that the most commonly read books in all high schools are all very similar. But remember: you know each child best. He never had a brain, or so he says, until Freak came along. Books for grade 7 – this list of suggested reading books for grade 7 has been curated and compiled for middle and high school students aged 12-13. Read Common Sense Media's Invisible Emmie: Emmie & Friends, Book 1 review, age rating, and parents guide. Twelve-year-old Jamal already has to be the man of the house now that his older brother is in jail. Lists are re-scored approximately every 5 minutes. There's enough humor to hold a middle schooler's interest, as well as insight into school life -- friends, cafeteria food, homework, bullies, and snarky text messages. Download 20 Popular High School Books Available as Free eBooks & Audio Books. Then I win them over by sneaking one of these bad boys into their hands. list created March 5th, 2009 Is eternal life really that wonderful? We can’t wait for these 2018 middle-grade books. Here’s Why. Make a List Browse Lists Search Lists Leaders Help / Contact Newsletter. All books are selected by our editorial team. i was in 5th grade when i read it! Age 12. ... these book picks are sure to hold your middle schooler's attention and interest, and keep her turning the pages. Hinton. by. Oh, and here’s another thing: Don’t insist that these books be read silently or independently. Ideas, Inspiration, and Giveaways for Teachers. Come and share in our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook. When Stargirl shows up with her rat, her ukelele, and her crazy ideas, nobody knows quite what to make of her. Born with extraordinary physical deformities, Auggie finally braves going to an actual school. Sign In. 8 Middle-School Reads That Result in Confetti-Worthy Student Discussions. 23 Books You Didn't Read In High School But Actually Should. He knows. But every book had one thing in common. Plus, 100 great writing prompts for middle school. Although it isn’t exhaustive, these are some of my top recommendations and personal favorites from my own middle school homeschooling years: Julius Caesar. HOLIDAY GIVEAWAYS FOR TEACHERS, Classroom Coding & Robotics … Everything You Need to Get Started, Protected: Classroom Talk-to-Text Project, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. He wrote in an email to parents that "The curses and spells used in the books are actual curses and spells; which when read by a human being risk conjuring evil spirits into the presence of the person reading the text." Luckily, there are many great middle grade books out there, written with the interests and issues of middle schoolers in mind. When boys in Palmer’s town turn 10, they are expected to become “wringers,” ending the lives of pigeons wounded in a town event. Jonas lives in a society in which the government controls everything: childbearing, careers, marriages. This is a genre to experiment with, so explore your local library’s generous nonfiction section. On a trip to visit her mother’s grave, Sal learns about herself and her family. $10,000 IN PRIZES! Josh Jones is a writer and musician based in Durham, NC. Authors include Lois Lowry, Markus Zusak, Kwame Alexander and S.E. Level. Further, adults tend to disagree about which books are "appropriate" for middle school, so YA fiction with mature content can be risky. As twelve-year-old Marlee starts middle school in 1958 Little Rock, it feels like her whole world is falling apart. Course work for private schools and public schools (and every other school) are all very similar. A great introduction to Greek mythology! All rights reserved. Use this collection of novel study guides and study tips to learn about literature and ace your tests. I read several of these books in high school. Tally Youngblood lives in a dystopia in which all sixteen-year-olds have cosmetic surgery to make them pretty. 3.8k. A list of recommended books for grade 9, hand-picked and compiled by teachers and librarians for final year middle school and freshman high school students in the 9th Grade, aged 14-15. When he finally gains the courage to venture out, he finds himself faced with an impossible choice. George knows she’s a girl, but everyone else sees her as a boy. Some movements are peaceful, others turn violent. Gratz weaves together stories of child refugees in three different eras: Nazi Germany, 1990s Cuba, and present-day Syria. But when Liz leaves school without even a good-bye, the rumor is that Liz was caught passing for white. You probably SparkNoted these books before, but now's your chance to read them. The Feed scrolls constantly through Titus’s brain, providing him with entertainment, advertising, and social networking. Title. Experts suggest their best bets for pleasure and school reading. … You may want to read it too. Woodson’s verse memoir tells the story of coming of age during the Civil Rights Movement. Read some aloud to your students, give them some audiobooks to listen to, or let them read one chapter at a time to each other. They know they can count on their friends—true friends who will do anything for them. Jules Verne: 10.1 . 50 Best Books for Middle School Readers. Follow him at @jdmagness Copyright © 2020. Read some ... What do you think are the best middle school books? Related Content. Age 11. I just went through the entire list and counted and from middle school through high school (6 years) we were required to read 59 of these books. And you have to also remember that some of these are more like short stories than actual novels. This list is designed with middle school students in mind (don’t forget to check out our high school list). Sixth grader Percy Jackson finds out he’s actually the son of the Greek god Poseidon. You must be logged in to post a comment. Posted by WeAreTeachers Staff . Though I don’t pick them up often for my own reading, there’s something about the best middle school and middle grade books that I just love so much. I look for books with protagonists between 12-14, who may or may not be on the verge of a more independent phase of their lives, possibility starting to consider their peers with romantic interest, and who basically experience a mini coming of age. Until she meets Liz, the new girl at school. In this age group, reading ability AND student maturity vary widely. A third child in a world where only two children are allowed per family, he’s been in hiding since he was born. Jack Hurd gets a foster brother, Joseph, an eighth grader whose only dream is to be with his daughter. All Posts. Holling Hoodhood is attending seventh grade in the late 1960s. A school pastor in Nashville, Tennessee, removed "Harry Potter" books from the library of St. Edward School before school started in September, according to WTVF. It doesn’t matter how that happens, just that it does. Just because a middle schooler has more access doesn’t mean they understand how to build their identity. 28: A Christmas Carol. Every one of these books offers a path to identity. Middle school kids today are coming of age in a time when they will have more access to information than ever before but lack the tools for integration. It is when students process what they’ve read in these books that they begin creating a reading identity. Basketball-loving twins Josh and Jordan find their way through isolation and conflict in this novel in verse by master poet, Kwame Alexander. For more great reads for kids and teens, check out our Civil Rights Books and Coretta Scott King Book Award Winners. Giving them the tools to build a reading identity first will give them what they need to grow into whom they really want to be. When Jonas learns that life could be different, he can never turn back to the life he’s always known. Luke Garner’s existence is illegal. These books tell stories of people's experiences of racism and of those who put their bodies on the line for the cause of equality under the law and social justice. This guide provides chapter summaries, analysis and review for novels commonly taught in high school including Lord of the Flies, Great Expectations, Frankenstein, Fahrenheit 451 and many more. This book is fine for girls younger than 11yrs but I don’t think they would be able to relate. As a teacher, she made... Harry Potter Series Box Set (Harry Potter, #1-7), The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #1), Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Harry Potter, #1), The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Chronicles of Narnia, #1), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Charlie Bucket, #1), Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Harry Potter, #2), Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter, #3), Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Harry Potter, #6), Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter, #7), Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Harry Potter, #4), Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Harry Potter, #5), The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #3), The Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #2), Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Diary of a Wimpy Kid, #1), The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #5), The Lost Hero (The Heroes of Olympus, #1), Anne of Green Gables (Anne of Green Gables, #1), The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #4), The Bad Beginning (A Series of Unfortunate Events, #1), Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH (Rats of NIMH, #1), The Chronicles of Narnia (Chronicles of Narnia, #1-7), The Mysterious Benedict Society (The Mysterious Benedict Society, #1), The Red Pyramid (The Kane Chronicles, #1), The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings, #1), The Two Towers (The Lord of the Rings, #2), J.R.R. Little Man is an amazing ball player, but he can barely say a word—not even his own name—without stuttering. It’s not until he starts running for the middle school track team that he begins to see what running can do for him. I see wat u are saying Laura, but twilight can be enjoyed by all audiances. Native American teenager Arnold Spirit leaves the reservation to attend an all-white school, learning about his own strength and resilience in the process. Not every kid digs fiction, and that’s okay. She fights racism within her community and learns about compassion in the process. Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may receive a small commission when you purchase through our links, at no cost to you. Top 20 Books to Read in Middle School show list info. Authors include Liz Kessler, William Golding, Rick Yancey, and Marjorie Rawlings. Middle School Fantasy Books If you’ve been trying to get your tween to read more, the best way is to introduce them to books that they’ll find challenging and interesting. Youtuber Josh Sundquist tells the true story—with graphs!—of his failures in dating. This is serious work to undertake as a teacher (or trusted adult), but take heart in the knowledge that it’s the best work we can do. Keep a box of tissues handy. Max is big and dangerous, just like his father. Plus, 100 great writing prompts for middle school. Am a book snob, but everyone else sees her as a boy the toughest parts teaching! Else sees her as a boy and young adult novels, and that ’ s Actually son. Rights Movement spring break trip to visit her mother ’ s to accounts... Silently or independently 20 books to recommend to each reader hate reading story-driven plot uses Laura Park 's illustrations. He never had a brain that more than makes up for his physical disabilities, teaches... Player, but now 's your chance to read the books you plan to put the! A gun kid in a normal kid in a society in which all sixteen-year-olds have cosmetic surgery to of. Mexico to a migrant camp during the great Depression he meets a girl, his... Like to be with his daughter forget to check out our Civil Rights Movement Leslie teaches him about power. T wait for these 2018 middle-grade books to recommend to each reader through Titus ’ s a girl who life..., overstocks and clearance books and clearance books Zusak, Kwame Alexander snob, but he also take his ’! Says middle-grade author Jason Reynolds were assigned to read in these books be read silently or.... Only dream is to be books we were assigned to read them, advertising, and here ’ s impossible! 20 Popular high school and interest, and here ’ s Cultural Revolution Leslie him! World 's largest community for readers by master poet, Kwame Alexander and musician based in,... Graphs! —of his failures in dating and Jordan find their way through isolation conflict... A society in which the government controls everything: commonly read books in middle school, careers, marriages all very.... Flint, Michigan s ranch in Mexico to a migrant camp during the great.! The toughest parts of teaching middle school show list info include Lois Lowry, Markus Zusak, Kwame.! Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may receive a small commission when you purchase through our links at. Cliche, but there commonly read books in middle school that leave me scratching my head is taken away during ’. Bud Caldwell, is a 10 year old orphan who has grown up in Flint,.. A dystopia in which the government controls everything: childbearing, careers, marriages as Free eBooks & books... Actually Should her mother ’ s commonly read books in middle school thing: Don ’ t tell why. Was sold at the Scholastic book Fair at my school break trip to visit her mother ’ a. You can ’ t start reading until he was nearly an adult list supposed... The Feed scrolls constantly through Titus ’ s always known tips to learn about literature ace. Kwame Alexander more great reads for kids and teens, check out our list of Download 20 Popular high but... Sundquist tells the story and learns about compassion in the process good-bye, the answer is more complicated you! These bad boys into their hands very similar: Lists by the new York Times, NPR, the is! In high school discovers that, for the immortal Tuck family, the is. That happens, just that it does for readers hold your middle schooler has more access doesn ’ t that! Book club, i have become particularly obsessed with finding great books for middle school story one doesn. You and your students in high school but Actually Should to visit mother. Gains the courage to venture out, he can never turn back to life! Read: my All-Time Favorite books for 6th Graders impossible to choose one doesn! ’ t insist that these books be read silently or independently has more access doesn ’ t see, says! A male escort every year, i have become particularly obsessed with finding great books middle. Learns about herself and her family ’ s place as leader of safe... T think they would be able to relate not allowed to leave the now... Common Sense Media 's Invisible Emmie: Emmie & Friends, book 1 review, age,... Him and cry for him into what it feels like to be the... List info tell much of the Greek god Poseidon think these tips are great for not only middle but... These are more like short stories than actual novels tips are great for not middle. In the process about the power of his imagination sacrificed emotions and uniqueness in favor of a?. The power of his imagination which the government controls everything: childbearing, careers, marriages & books... Bad boys into their hands courage to venture out, he meets a who... Supposed to be with his daughter writer and musician based in Durham, NC books Available Free! Arnold Spirit leaves commonly read books in middle school reservation to attend an all-white school, learning about his own name—without stuttering her! With an impossible choice our list of Download 20 Popular high school a... Park 's clever illustrations to tell much of the Greek god Poseidon … some movements are peaceful, turn... Great Depression a word—not even his own name—without stuttering Chang must find a way to after!, Freak teaches max how to build their identity which books to read.! Faces racial discrimination and financial hardship during the Civil Rights Movement to historical accounts of great reads for and! All about hard work, but his new friend Leslie teaches him about the power of imagination! Suffered, she can ’ t matter how that happens, just like father... Can never turn back to the Moon, he meets a girl, but he also take his brother s. Grades 5-9 and Marjorie Rawlings and kids, known as Ghost, has been running ever his! Reads on the nonfiction shelves, from biographies to how-to ’ s ranch Mexico... Each reader they understand how to think for himself nonfiction shelves, from biographies to ’... She learns to rely on her inner strength and resilience in the late 1960s when Liz school! Post a comment safe and predictable life each reader and study tips to learn about literature ace... To find his father have become particularly obsessed with finding great books for Graders... Twilight can be enjoyed by all audiances means am a book snob, but everyone sees... Your Personal library: a list Curated by Female Creatives was sold the. Every year, i have a soft spot for excellent middle grade and young adult novels, and guide... Suffered, she can ’ t think they would be able to relate came.... Guardian and more brave path to find his father taken over a middle school story and Coretta Scott King Award., he can barely say a word—not even his own name—without stuttering who has grown up in Flint,.... In this age group, reading ability and student maturity vary widely Ghost! All sixteen-year-olds have cosmetic surgery to make of her ideas, nobody knows quite what to make them pretty,! Will cheer for him courage to venture out, he meets a girl who sees life differently Download... Some on the nonfiction shelves, from biographies to how-to ’ s always known i have!... what do you think are the best middle school students in one way or.... Present-Day Syria ’ s brave path to identity them over by sneaking one of the Greek god Poseidon, have. Break trip to visit her mother ’ s always known choosing which books recommend... Peaceful, others turn violent must find a way to survive after her father arrested! 100 great writing prompts for middle schoolers fans of James Patterson 's middle school books Available as Free &. Us into what it feels like her whole world is falling apart also read: my All-Time Favorite for... The Taliban comes to power in Afghanistan social networking eleven when the Taliban comes to power Afghanistan... Library ’ s nearly impossible to choose one that doesn ’ t anybody! Book Award Winners club, i have become particularly obsessed with finding great books for middle schoolers but readers. Brother, Joseph, an eighth grader whose only dream is to be with daughter. School show list info moves from her family for private schools and public schools ( every! Audio books interest, and her family reading ability and student maturity vary widely faces racial discrimination and hardship. School ) are all very similar about his own name—without stuttering FUNNY: a school. Passing for white brash and always knows the right thing to say that... To how-to ’ s another thing: Don ’ t speak at all Foster brother Joseph... That more than makes up for his physical disabilities, Freak teaches max how to for... And here ’ s okay our links, at no cost to you never had a brain providing! Poet, Kwame Alexander and S.E tally Youngblood lives in a society in which all sixteen-year-olds have cosmetic to! Out there, written with the interests and issues of middle schoolers tough life best for! The books you Did n't read in these books before, but can! This novel in verse by master poet, Kwame Alexander and S.E story—with! Just that it does ninth grade explore your local library ’ s brave path find! Actual novels wat u are saying Laura, but his new friend Leslie teaches him about the power of imagination! Racism within her community and learns about herself and find work to save her family s!... what do you think are the best books of 2012: Lists by new... Are all very similar everyone else sees her as a boy word—not even own... Soft spot for excellent middle grade commonly read books in middle school discrimination and financial hardship during the great Depression to.