Lunch Ladies and the League of Librarians (Lunch Lady, #2) by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Lunch Lady and the League of Librarians by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love & recommend the Lunch Lady graphic novel series! Funny, relatable, and superheroes all in one!

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Lunch Lady and the Author Visit Vendetta (Lunch Lady, #3) by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Lunch Lady and the Author Visit Vendetta by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love & recommend the Lunch Lady graphic novel series! Funny, relatable, and superheroes all in one!

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Dear Student by Elly Swartz

Dear Student by Elly Swartz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As Autumn begins middle school, her best friend has moved away and she is devastated (but they do keep in touch!!!) She makes 2 new friends and is awarded the coveted SECRET Dear Students letters. This throws her life into turmoil because there are letters that cause much drama with Autumn caught between her 2 friends! What will she do? Keeping in touch with her friend who has moved away & the teacher who believes she is the best for this voice, help her as she navigates this year in school and life. I love Elly Swartz's book, everyone should read this one!

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Eb & Flow by Kelly J. Baptist

Eb & Flow by Kelly J. Baptist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Two seventh graders get into a fight in the cafeteria; they are expelled and have 2 weeks to think about their actions...will they be able to look into themselves and see they are not so different? I loved this middle grade novel in verse about 2 black children getting to trouble and the resulting decisions they make through contemplation, discussions with family & friends & school teachers. A must read!

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Four Eyes by Rex Vogle and illustrated by Dave Valeza

Four Eyes: A Graphic Novel by Rex Ogle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this 2nd graphic novel from Rex Ogle about his middle grade year of needing glasses & hating the whole experience!!! His mother is divorced & works at a minimum wage job waitressing while his stepdad stutters and also makes minimum wage. In school his best friend dumps him and helps the school bully pick on Rex. When he needs glasses, his family can't pay for the GREAT looking ones he wants & he is picked on because of the cheap glasses. Rex really has a tough time & becomes friendly with a kid at lunch and as 6th grade progresses, Rex experiences lots of highs and lows. I highly recommend this graphic novel!!!

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Twin Cities by Jos Pimienta

Twin Cities by José Pimienta
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Twins, Fernando & Teresa live in Mexicali, Mexico but in the fall they will be going to different schools for the first time ever with Teresa crossing the border to a private school. There is the normal brother and sister drama but it reaches a hostile roar---will Fer & Teresa ever be close again? I learned alot about the different sides of the border and I loved the illustrations!

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The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat & illustrations by Joanna Cacao

The Tryout: A Graphic Novel by Christina Soontornvat
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this because it was a Nerdie Award Winner for 2022 and it was such a great middle school graphic novel with awesome illustrations by Joanna Cacao! Based on Christina's life (she is Asian American) like her best friend Megan, life gets chaotic when they decide to tryout for the cheerleading team in 7th grade. There are those friends who are supportive and other students with their racist remarks. Readers will love the fierce inner musings of Christina as she questions everything while falling in love with cheerleading, making new friends, and chasing dreams. Highly receommended!!!

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Vanished! (Framed #2) by James Ponti

Vanished! by James Ponti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Once again, I loved and could not stop reading the adventures of Margaret and Florian Bates as they continued to be kids in middle school but also working with the FBI and Marcus (using TOAST) to uncover who is pulling pranks at the elite Chatam School. Ponti keeps the thrill pulsing with this latest mystery and I enjoyed seeing Florian and Margaret at a rival school, making new friends (well really spying, even the President's daughter!), involving gangster Nic the Knife to help and try to find master cellist Yin as he vanishes during a concert! Highly recommended!

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Unsettled by Reem Faruqi

Unsettled by Reem Faruqi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nurah's story of her family moving from Pakistan to Georgia contains some autobiographical elements of author Reem Faruqi's life when she moved to America. In the Author Notes, her experiences are explained. This novel in verse was about finding your place in a new place, making friends, dealing with racism and bullies, and finding your voice and using it for good. My heart broke for Nurah as she struggled to adapt to her new life, it broke further when her brother was attacked and Nurah feels responsible, but my heart began to feel joy as Nurah learned and grew from her new experiences in America---school bus problems, bullies, parental abuse into friends helping each other, Nurah's mom helping Stahr's mom, learning to swim competitively, Owais learning tennis, her father having Breakfast Club friends, learning and expressing in art class, and found her own special voice.

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Fighting Words by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Fighting Words by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, just as I finished Dark Horses by Susan Mihalic (adult book about child sexual abuse) I read this as part of #BitAboutBooks Spring Reading Challenge because my librarian friend, MaryAlice, recommended it along with another book I will be reading for this challenge! Della and Suki are burned into my heart; they have had a tough life and it is about to get much more difficult. When their drug addled mother has a psychotic break and burns a hotel room down while doing meth---Della and Suki were there. When they are taken into protective custody their mother's boyfriend arrives and sweeps them away. Clifton drives a tractor trailer all week and comes home Friday nights. the way Kimberly Brubaker Bradley unfolds this story about sisters is gripping...When Clifton tries to sexually abuse Della, Suki sweeps in with a cell phone taking pictures and quickly sends to next door neighbor, Teena. The girls are placed in a foster home with Francine, going to a new school, a trial and trying to deal---but as we learn from Della---her sister Suki is always her protector, singing to her and taking care of her since age 6---but who is taking care of Suki? As Suki gets a job at Food Giant, tries to ignore her friend, Teena, and keep her away from Della, Della begins noticing/remembering things (both past and present) about Suki and she grows concerned, so is foster mother, Francine but no one seems to hear their cries and act on it. This was a harrowing book to read, process, and follow along as these traumatized sisters deal with abandonment, drug abuse and sexual abuse, suicide, the foster system, bullying in the classroom, consent and much more...but the author's words, characters, and plot are all strong, important, authentic, and compassionate. A must read for all in the school system teachers, guidance counselors, school nurses and principals and the middle grade and YA reader and parents. This book tells the reader how often this occurs, urges healing through therapists and doctors, and encourages speaking up (sometimes maybe again and again until you are heard) and always the power of love in healing. A must read!!!

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Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee

Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book as part of my 2nd challenge (I did the first challenge in January and loved it so I made a new challenge for February) for #BitAboutBooks Winter Reading Challenge 15 points for Book by the Same Author. This is my first Barbara Dee book and it was gut wrenching and such a needed book for middle schoolers but also parents, administrators, guidance counselors, and teachers. Mila begins 7th grade as a happy girl with a group of friends but being raised by a mom and sister and dog. Money is tight but life is good. When boys from the basketball team begin to ask for hugs, touch her sweater and say things that make Mila uncomfortable, a fall out begins. Her friends Omi and Zara don't understand, Max urges her to go to her guidance counselor or the assistant principle. Mila's female guidance counselor is on maternity leave and she is left to speak to Mr. Dolan who does not understand/help at all. Mila's conflicting feelings she keeps to herself but the reader sees her inner devastation questioning why this is happening. Without revealing all that happens in this MUST READ book, Mila hits rock bottom, is devastated by friends, teachers, and others reactions to her many ways she reaches out and draws back with all that happens. I rooted for Mila to grasp her inner strength and rise above the torment she is going through. Barbara Dee's characters are authentic - Zara is a prickly, jealous friend while Omi is not into conflict at all, Max begins to pull away from Mila when she does not take his suggestions, her mom is dealing with her own life problems and when she loses her job, Mila pulls back. The plot is riveting and will have all middle schoolers sharing this and talking about this book!

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Mockingbird by Katherine Erskine

Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Caitlin has Asperger's Syndrome, has lost her brother, and her father can't seem to understand or help her now that Devon is gone. I liked the way Erskine showed Caitlin's side of things, like trying to find closure, dealing with the bully Josh and then his befriending of her little friend, Michael. I liked the school counselor so much and the way she worked hard but honestly with Caitlin. This is the kind of book students, teachers and counselors need to read; it is not one size fits all, it is an honest, messy look at a girl trying to figure things out (she sees black and white in things) and realizing she can do it!

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When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson & Omar Mohamed

When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Victoria Jamieson in collaboration with Somali refugee, Omar Mohamed, hits it out of the park with this graphic novel depicting Omar and his brother, Hassan's life in a refugee camp. The reader feels their boredom, anger, frustration, hope, and community as they live each day in a camp with thousands of others. Omar is a true caregiver to his brother yet he is able to attend school, look for his mother, and work to leave the camp for a better life. All students MUST read this book; highly recommended!

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The Witches of Willow Cove by Josh Roberts

The Witches of Willow Cove by Josh Roberts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to @joshwhowrites (Josh Roberts), #BookJunkies, Owl Hollow Press, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members’ Titles, for allowing me to be an early reader of The Witches of Willow Cove by debut author, Josh Roberts, in exchange for an honest review. I loved this middle grade magical mystery! Best friends, Abby and Robby, get the surprise of their life on Halloween when they ride a witches’ broom through the sky! Quickly Abby finds out she is a witch from Miss Winters (a witch herself) but posing as a substitute teacher. With Miss Winters urging Abby identifies five other witches, but everyone must keep this secret, which is a problem for Abby because this secret causes a rift in her friendship with Robby. Robby is perplexed by Abby’s behavior and they grow apart. What I totally enjoyed about this debut novel was the quick and suspenseful pace of the plot; I could not stop turning the pages. As Abby and her “new” witch friends learn more about their powers from Miss Winters, Abby is also trying to figure out what happened to Robby’s mom and most recently, the disappearance of Robby’s stepmom. At the same time, Robby is trying with two friends to find out more about the Abby, the witches and their history in Willow Cove. Is the disappearance of his mom and stepmom connected? The pacing of the plot, the mysteries as they are revealed, and the friends’ relationship drama was authentic and gripping. Readers will relate to the friends’ drama; both Abby and Robby do not want to expose their friends to any danger, so they keep secrets and this causes judgments on both sides. I really enjoyed this debut novel, the teen witches, and the past of Willow Cove which definitely includes witch history. What will happen to teen witch Abby and her witch friends? Readers will be treated to an exciting, suspenseful read; highly recommended!

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The Queen Bee and Me by Gillian McDunn

The Queen Bee and Me by Gillian McDunn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I must admit I was getting really uncomfortable with Beatrix's meanness and her best friend, Meg's fear of getting on Beatrix's bad side because of a freeze out the year before middle school begins. But I also knew Gillian McDunn was spot on writing about the drama and bullying that can go on in friendships and middle school. With the introduction of Hazel as the new girl, Beatrix's anger and hostility knew no bounds, worse yet, her mother fanned the flames of keeping Hazel friendless. Readers young and old will see the real world in this book about friendship, being true to yourself, feeling alone (in the classroom, being bullied with words, actions, and buzzing). I was glad to see the different types of teachers represented in Meg's school- Ms Dupart, the advanced science teacher who does not put up with any student drama while a male teacher will not even listen to Meg as she tries to tell her teacher about the problem between Hazel and Beatrix (I found it interesting that Meg later realizes if she wanted to tell that teacher about boy problems, he would have listened and not shut her down while girl problems were DRAMA). I loved the way McDunn writes---the science project, Hazel and Meg's growing friendship (because they talk out problems, likes & dislikes, unlike with Beatrix) and Meg's supportive family. I rooted for Meg and was in awe of her speech about the positives of bees! A must read!

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Sisters by Raina Telgemeier

Sisters by Raina Telgemeier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Raina has always wanted a sister, until she got one. Amira is not easy to get along with and a road trip with Mom and baby brother Will during the summer really stretches the familial bonds. I laughed out loud with the authentic family scenes of fighting, arguing, one-upping, and drama all around. Raina's childhood rings true with her bright illustrations; this is a cross over book as well since Raina is entering high school. A book one and all will enjoy.

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Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling

Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Aven's life has gotten more complicated with her entrance into high school; oh did I love Dusti Bowling's writing, her characters, her honesty and Aven's adventures in friendship, family, horses and making her way in the world. I could not stop reading and admiring Aven; how she loves life but is crushed by the bullies who want to destroy her high school experience. And I loved how her friends Zion and his brother to name just a few, band together to help their friend. Another awesome book by Dusti Bowling and a must read for all.

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The Line Tender by Kate Allen

The Line Tender by Kate Allen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an awesome book- combining the beauty of life, the despair and grief of death, family, friends, sharks, the sea and just a very special book! I loved every word from debut author, Kate Allen and the realistic B&W shark drawings were breathtaking in their stark beauty. Lucy and her Dad are still grieving the loss of shark expert, mom, and wife. As Lucy and her best friend Fred work on a field guide for extra credit for school the reader learns just how special these 2 kids are. But every single character in Allen's book was special; I could not put this book down! I think everyone should read it for so many reasons; I am running out and getting a copy of this book to give to my friends to read! Highly recommended!

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My Life As An Ice Cream Sandwich by Ibi Zoboi

My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich by Ibi Zoboi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ebony Grace's life is in turmoil; her beloved grandfather who was a NASA engineer since the 1960s and Ebony's best friend (and only friend, since she has trouble making friends) has suddenly disappeared. Her mother will not explain anything except to send Ebony Grace to her father's Harlem home for a week that ends up being the summer. As Ebony Grace struggles, she alienates her friend from times she has visited her father. As Harlem becomes her reality, Ebony Grace keeps immersing herself in the fantasy world of Star Trek and Star Wars. I wished a few things for this book as I read it---the adults had their own agendas- Ebony's mom was an angry, thinks she is better than everyone person---she never tells Ebony to have fun in Harlem but always admonishing her stay away from the junkyard, and the kids. Her grandfather, her hero, does not help at all in keeping Ebony grounded in reality and supporting her visits with her father. Her father had me fooled; I really liked him and thought he was getting a raw deal, but when he deliberately takes Ebony's wired $$$ from her grandfather, I threw up my hands with all these supposed trusted adults and their agendas and the harm it was doing to Ebony Grace. What I did love about this book was the nerd element and how effectively Zoboi's portrayal is of Ebony Grace. I do not think this is a book all middle school kids will read, but the geeks will see themselves in Ebony Grace.

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Look Both Ways: a tale told in ten blocks by Jason Reynolds

Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jason Reynolds is a must read author for ALL! Even though this book is a middle school read, we all laugh and learn so much about kids as the navigate school, going to and from school---all in their journey of life! What I loved most about this book was the authenticity that pops off each page, Reynolds gets kids, life on the streets and in neighborhoods! In the first tale told in this tale told in ten blocks, Jasmine and TJ's friendship is deep, strong and special. The "friendship bags" are called litter of love AND notes that say I've missed you. In Five Things Easier to do Than Simeon and Kenzi's Secret Handshake also have a special friendship, but Jason Reynolds has awesome descriptions, such as Fredo's Corner Store "always smelled like incense smoke trying to mask dirty mop water." Finally, the special way Jason Reynolds uses to describe his characters---handshakes "they grab hands, shake, shake, slide, finger grip, shake, shake. Then point to themselves, double fist pump throw a peace sign beside each of their right ears, point to each other, slap their individual fingertips together, rub the air as if they are holding a ball---bigger than the one in Kenzi's bag--then they thumb their chins and shake their heads at each other before ending it with a big hug." A must read that will thrill all Jason Reynolds fans and friends.

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