JUST JAIME by Terri Libenson

 

It's the last day of seventh grade! It should be exciting and special, but Jaime is struggling. Her BFF Maya suddenly started hanging out with other girls who pick on Jaime. They criticize her clothes and the activities she likes. She is hoping to confront Maya today to find out why she ended their friendship.

First, Jaime tries to talk to Maya on the bus, but it's noisy and too many people are interrupting. Then she tries at their lockers, but Maya's new friends distract her. Jaime thinks maybe homeroom would work and then she tries during lunch. She just isn't having any luck.

As the day goes by, Jaime hangs out with a couple of her guy friends who invite her to join them and some other friends. They make her feel comfortable, so maybe she should just forget about Maya. Will anything happen to convince Maya that they should renew their friendship, or she too committed to her new friendship with the mean girls? 

JUST JAIME by Terri Libenson is a graphic novel that highlights friendship trials and tribulations. It would be a perfect classroom read with plenty of opportunities for discussion. There are also a number of other books in the series.

POCKET BEAR by Katherine Applegate

 

If you are a fan of Katherine Applegate's ONE AND ONLY IVAN, you will want to get your hands on a copy of POCKET BEAR as soon as possible. It is filled with precious characters, intrigue, and wonderful storytelling.

The backstory tells readers about a WW I tradition. Many men went to battle with a soldier (pocket) bear in their uniform pocket to remind them of those at home wishing them well. Pocket Bear in the story lives in a loving home with a mother and daughter. With the help of their cat who they refer to as a Kleptocat, they take in lost and abandoned toys and stuffed animals. 

The toys are carefully cleaned and set out in a wagon along the sidewalk to be reclaimed by owners who may have accidentally lost them. If they aren't claimed, the mother and daughter make every attempt to re-home the precious, loveable toys.

An antique toy collector visits often hoping to find something valuable among the castoffs. She is particularly interested in Pocket Bear and another rare German bear named Berwon. The mother and daughter and the toys know that Picky Vicky will not offer a fair price if she offers to buy the bears, so they set out to make sure the bears remain safe and sound.

Readers will immediately be pulled into the story and the brave friends who help protect each other and their caregivers.

WAR GAMES by Alan Gratz

 

It's 1936. Evie Harris has qualified as a member of the United States Olympic gymnastics team. She's only thirteen and can't believe she will be traveling to Germany to represent her country.

Evie grew up in Oklahoma, but recently the massive dust storms have driven her family out of the only home they've ever known. They packed up and moved to California. Her parents have not been able to find jobs so Evie, her sister, and her parents have been living in their Model T Ford. Gymnastics is the one positive thing in Evie's life.

As part of the U.S. team, Evie hopes to win a gold medal so she can return to California and maybe find a place in the movie industry in Hollywood. Another competitor she knows has been working in movies and suggested Evie could do the same.

Between practices, competition, and watching others compete, Evie receives a letter that connects her with two men who offer her a chance to "win" gold that could be even better than a gold medal. She isn't sure, but as her gymnastic dreams begin to fade, she decides their offer is the only way she can return to her family with the riches they need.

Author Alan Gratz has once again created an historical novel that will take middle grade readers on an amazing adventure. Set in Hitler's Nazi Germany, WAR GAMES depicts a threatening pre-war culture that eerily resembles some of the concerning issues we see in society today. The parallels may be lost on some younger readers, but older readers, even adults, may find it disturbing and a bit unnerving. 

WOLF CLUB by James Bird

 

In WOLF CLUB readers will join a group of three misfits as they set off on a quest to find a white wolf that has caused their community to go on high alert. The three are not normally friends, but working together will help them discover their individual strengths at the same time their weaknesses fade away.

First, there's Okan, known as Raccoon. He is a target for bullies. His gimpy walk and his thrift shop clothes make him the perfect mark, especially for the rich kids. He wishes his mother didn't have to work so hard so they could spend more time together.

Next is Sarah, or Skunk. Her odor has earned her the nickname Skunk. No one knows why she smells so bad, and if anyone asks, they soon regret it. She misses her dead mother and wishes her father wasn't hidden away in his depression.

Marcus, known as Moose, has rich parents, but living in a mansion and having everything doesn't mean his parents show him the love he craves.

When Raccoon hears about the white wolf, he is determined to find it. He enlists the help of Skunk who insists the wolf can solve all her problems, and Moose who basically just comes alone without much of an invitation. What follows is an entertaining adventure. The three adventurers will learn new things about each other and themselves.

Using the backdrop of Native American culture, author James Bird weaves a tale that is sure to capture the hearts and minds of middle grade readers everywhere.

A SEA OF LEMON TREES by Maria Dolores Aguila

 

Roberto Alvarez is twelve years old. He has grown up on the U.S. side of the southern border. For most of his life he has thought of the border as an invisible line. He and his family have traveled back and forth from one side to another with little thought of danger or the possibility of not being able to return to the U.S.

Roberto's story takes place in 1930-1931. It details a time much like current times. Those in charge of his community have decided that the children of Mexican descent should attend a separate school. This means that Roberto will be forced to leave the Lemon Grove school to go to the Olive Street school that is basically just an old barn.

Some of the students agree to make the move because their parents fear deportation. In fact, this happens to Roberto's best friend, David. It's possible that Roberto may never see David again. Roberto's parents decide to keep him at home rather than send him to the new school, and when they consult a lawyer about the situation, they decide to fight.

Roberto becomes involved in the legal fight as the lead plantiff representing all the other children. He knows this will require being in front of the court answering questions from both sides. Roberto knows how important this is as he prepares with the help of the lawyer.

A SEA OF LEMON TREES by Maria Dolores Aguila is historical fiction written in verse. Readers will feel the sense of injustice many are feeling today about immigration and the deportation of people who have lived in the U.S. for years with their families. This is a book that needs to be in classroom and school libraries everywhere.

THE INCREDIBLY HUMAN HENSON BLAYZE by Derrick Barnes

Life seems like it is all about football for 8th grader Henson Blayze. His amazing talent on the field is known by everyone, and everyone is looking forward to him starting on the high school team for the first game of the season. Everyone is expecting him to take the team to victory.

At home Henson knows that football isn't the most important thing. His family owns and operates a vineyard that has been in the family for many years. As a black family, it is unusual for them to own such a profitable enterprise. Henson is proud of his father and the history of their land, but he doesn't truly comprehend all that it entails. Events will soon unfold that will have Henson learning just how important his family inheritance is to the lives of many people.

Problems in the football part of Henson's life begin when a close friend of his becomes a victim of bullying. It happens the night of the first football game, and when Henson learns how badly his young friend is hurt, he makes a decision that has many in the town furious. Henson leaves the game at halftime to go to the aid of his friend. When he doesn't return to play, he feels the hatred of the white townspeople for the first time in his life.

Author Derrick Barnes shows readers how justice works in favor of some and against others. Fairness isn't always considered when judgements are made. Barnes illustrates how decisions are difficult and not at all easy to make.

 

MAYDAY by Karen Harrington

 

MAYDAY, told in "before" and "after" snippets, takes readers into the world of Wayne, a middle schooler who lives with his mother and grandfather.

When Wayne's uncle is killed in action, he and his mother and grandfather go to the burial at Arlington Cemetery. His grandfather decides to stay behind and drive back while Wayne and his mother decide to fly. That's when life changes. The plane crashes, but Wayne and his mother survive.

Wayne suffers a severe injury to his throat. He is unable to speak and hopes that therapy will help him regain his voice, but it could take months. In the meantime, his mother is recovering from her injuries while Wayne tries to find a way to become closer to his grandfather. Just when that begins to happen, Wayne discovers his grandfather is quite ill.

Author Karen Harrington weaves a tale that includes overcoming physical limitations, dealing with a deadbeat parent, stepping up to help others, and figuring out friendships and a bit of romance.