Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

Interest Level: 5-8

Lexile: 670L
Reading Level: 4.9
Genre: Historical Fiction

Ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen and her best friend Ellen Rosen often think of life before the war. It's now 1943 and their life in Copenhagen is filled with school, food shortages, and the Nazi soldiers marching through town. When the Jews of Denmark are "relocated," Ellen moves in with the Johansens and pretends to be one of the family. Soon Annemarie is asked to go on a dangerous mission to save Ellen's life. 

This book has been on my want to read list for a very long time. I originally wanted to read it because I love historical fiction and it is set in Denmark. I am 1/4 Danish. My paternal grandfather was the first of his family born in the United States. I really enjoyed the book. The characters were interesting. I cared about what happened to them. I highly recommend this book to 5th to 8th graders.

The Next Great Paulie Fink by Ali Benjamin

Interest Level: 3-6
Lexile: 710L
Reading Level: 4.9
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Led by new student Caitlyn, seventh-graders at a tiny rural school in Vermont create a reality-show inspired competition to determine who will replace the school's legendary class clown, Paulie Fink.

I enjoyed the characters and the story. I did not see the ending coming which I enjoyed. The cliffhanger ending was a little frustrating. But maybe that means there may be a sequel. I would definitely read the sequel. I would recommend this book to any student 3rd to 9th grade.

Second Fiddle by Rosanne Parry

Interest Level: 3-6

Lexile: 770L

Reading Level: 4.9

Genre: Historical Fiction

When 13-year-old Jody and her friends save a badly beaten Russian soldier from

drowning, they put into motion a chain of events that will take them from Berlin to Paris

and straight into danger. Jody must quickly learn to trust herself, because in the time

directly after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the border between friend and enemy is not as

clear as it once was. I chose to read this book because I love historical fiction. I liked the

characters. I cared about them and what happened to them. My favorite part was about

their adventure in Paris. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a historical

fiction story or a story about friendship.

A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park

Interest Level: 5-8

Lexile: 720L

Reading Level: 4.4
Genre: Realistic Fiction & Historical Fiction

When the Sudanese civil war reaches his village in 1985, eleven-year-old Salva becomes separated from his family and must walk with other Dinka tribe members through southern Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya in search of safe haven. Based on the life of Salva Dut, who, after emigrating to America in 1996, began a project to dig water wells in Sudan.

A powerful story that reminds you how lucky we are to have access to something as simple as water. A must read for all middle school students. I highly recommend this book.

Kingdom Keepers: Disney After Dark by Ridley Pearson

Interest Level: 5-8

Lexile: 640L

Reading Level: 4.2

Genre: Fantasy

 Five kids are chosen to be Disney World hosts. They will be made into holograms and tell park visitors all about the park and its attractions. But there is a problem, every night when the kids go to sleep they slip into their hologram forms and return to Disney World. If that isn’t bad enough, there is an evil force at play terrorizing Disney World and beyond.

I love Disneyland. Although I have never been to Disney World, the setting is similar. I would love for it to be possible to be at Disneyland right now. I enjoyed the escape that this book provided. However, I did not find the characters or the plot engaging enough to read the next book in the series.

Squint by Chad Morris & Shelly Brown

Interest Level: 3-6
Lexile: HL560L

Reading Level: 4.1
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Flint Minett has keratoconus, an eye disease, but desperately wants to win a comic book art contest so that he and his new friend McKell Panganiban will be better accepted at middle school.

I enjoyed this book a lot. I found the story believable. I cared about the characters. I routed for Flint and McKell and became a fan of Danny's. I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages that can enjoy a young adult novel.

Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy

 Interest Level: 5-8                                                     
 Lexile: 700L                                                                                                     Genre: Fantasy

When twelve-year-old Stephanie inherits her weird uncle's estate, she must join forces with Skulduggery Pleasant, a skeleton mage, to save the world from the Faceless Ones.

I enjoyed the concept of the book but I felt that it had to many fight scenes and not enough of plot development. Still I would recommend it to any middle school that likes a good battle against some magical bad guys.

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

Interest Level: Young Adult                                                                            Lexile: HL 690L                                                                                            Genre: Science Fiction

Teenager Cassie Sullivan is a survivor of an alien invasion. She must rescue her young brother from the enemy with help from a boy who may be one of them. 

I really enjoyed this book. Although, I think that it may be a little too scary for some 6th graders. I liked that the book ended without a cliffhanger and that you do not have to read the next book in the trilogy. I would recommend this book to students and adults who like science fiction.

No Fixed Address by Susin Nielsen

Interest Level: 5-8

Lexile: 620L
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Twelve-year-old Felix's appearance on a television game show reveals that he and his mother have been homeless for a while, but also restores some of his faith in other people.

A 2021 ORCA (Oregon Readers' Choice Award) nominee, this book draws attention to the homeless situation. I liked this book but I wasn't a fan of the game show aspect of the story. I think that the story would have been more relatable without that element, I think that it masked the fact that he told his friends, his friends told an adult and Felix and his mother got the help they needed.

If I Ever Get Out of Here by Eric Gansworth

Interest Level: YA

Reading Level: 5.6
Lexile: 870
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Seventh-grader Lewis "Shoe" Blake from the Tuscarora Reservation has a new friend, George Haddonfield from the local Air Force base, but in 1975 upstate New York there is a lot of tension and hatred between Native Americans and Whites--and Lewis is not sure that he can rely on friendship.

This book is a OBOB (Oregon Battle Oregon of the Books) 2021 and a book that shines a light on racial injustice. Although this book is set in the mid-70's, it doesn't mean that the situation for Native Americans and their conditions on the reservations have improved. I think it is always a good idea to read about all different races, religions and sexuality. I believe that it can assist in creating a more empathetic individuals.

Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Interest Level: 5-8
Reading Level: 3.0
Lexile: NR
Genre: Ghost Stories

After seventh-grader Jerome is shot by a white police officer, he observes the aftermath of his death and meets the ghosts of other fallen black boys including historical figure Emmett Till.

I chose to read this book because it is a 2020-2021 Oregon Battle of the Books book and a 2021 Oregon Readers' Choice Award nominee. As I mentioned in my review of "Front Desk", this book is a well-timed read due to the recent media focus on racial injustice. I highly recommend this book to middle school student to adults. It is a powerful read.

Front Desk by Kelly Yang

Interest Level: 3-6

Reading Level: 3.7
Lexile: 640L
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Recent immigrants from China and desperate for work and money, ten-year-old Mia Tang's parents take a job managing a rundown motel in Southern California, even though the owner, Mr. Yao is a nasty skinflint who exploits them; while her mother (who was an engineer in China) does the cleaning, Mia works the front desk and tries to cope with demanding customers and other recent immigrants--not to mention being only one of two Chinese in her fifth grade class, the other being Mr. Yao's son, Jason.

Once again, I chose this book hoping to find a 3-6 interest level book that would interest 7th and 8th grade students as well. I really enjoyed this book. I think with the latest media focus on racial injustice that this book would be a great read for any middle school student. I highly recommend it.

Wild Robot by Peter Brown

Interest Level: 3-6

Reading Level: NR
Lexile: NR
Genre: Science Fiction

Roz the robot discovers that she is alone on a remote, wild island with no memory of where she is from or why she is there, and her only hope of survival is to try to learn about her new environment from the island's hostile inhabitants.

Since the LRMS library is no longer going to be adjacent to the Edy Ridge library, I have been looking at books with an interest level of 3rd grade to 6th grade. I was interested to see if the appeal could extend to 7th or 8th grade. I think that if the reader like animals that it could. The lesson of accepting each other for who they are is a good one. I enjoyed it and plan on buying it for the middle school library but will wait to buy book #2 once I see how it is received.

Hidden Talents by David Lubar

Interest Level: Young Adult

Reading Level: NR
Lexile: 630L
Genre: Paranormal Fiction

When thirteen-year-old Martin arrives at an alternative school for misfits and problem students, he falls in with a group of boys with psychic powers and discovers something surprising about himself.

I highly recommend this book for middle school students to adults. Lubar writes characters that you care about. Martin, the main character, learns a lot in this book. He learns some empathy and a lot about himself. I have already ordered book #2: True Talents. 

We Had To Be Brave: Escaping the Nazis on the Kindertransport by Deborah Hopkinson

Interest Level: Young Adult

Reading Level: NR
Lexile: 990L
Genre: Nonfiction

The Kindertransport was a rescue effort in 1938-1940 during World War II that sent children to other countries in order to escape the Nazis. Through the moving and heart-wrenching personal accounts, Kindertransport survivors tell of the rise of Hitler and the Nazis which resulted in lives and families torn apart in order to safe the children.

This book is so powerful and moving. It is so hard to believe that mankind could ever do something so horrifying as kill millions of individuals for their religious beliefs. But it did happen and so 'those who do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it'. I hope and pray that the human race never lets anything like the holocaust happen again. I recommend this book for middle school students to adults.

Sadie by Courtney Summers

Interest Level: Young Adult

Reading Level: NR
Lexile: HL750L
Genre: Thriller

Growing up on her own, she's been raising her sister Mattie in an isolated small town, trying her best to provide a normal life and keep their heads above water. But when Mattie is found dead, Sadie's entire world crumbles. After a somewhat botched police investigation, Sadie is determined to bring her sister's killer to justice and hits the road following a few meager clues to find him.When West McCray--a radio personality working on a segment about small, forgotten towns in America--overhears Sadie's story at a local gas station, he becomes obsessed with finding the missing girl. He starts a podcast as he tracks Sadie's journey, trying to figure out what happened, hoping to find her before it's too late.

I choose this book because it was one of the few young adult novels available from the public library in an online format. I enjoyed the plot. The author made me care about Sadie and Mattie. Although the subject matter maybe too mature for some middle school students, I would recommend this book for 11th graders to adults.

New Kid by Jerry Craft

Interest Level: 5-8

Reading Level: 3.6

Lexile: GN320L
Genre: Realistic Fiction/Graphic Novel

Seventh grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. But instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade. As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds--and not really fitting into either one. Can Jordan learn to navigate his new school culture while keeping his friends and staying true to himself? The book won the 2020 Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award. It was the first graphic novel to be awarded the Newbery Medal.

I highly recommend this book. Craft has created characters that are endearing. You want only the best for them. I can't wait until October when "Class Act" is released.

The Forgetting by Sharon Cameron

Interest Level: Young Adult

Reading Counts Level: 5.5

Lexile: 740L
Genre: Science Fiction

What isn't written, isn't remembered. Even your crimes. Nadia lives in the city of Canaan, where life is safe and structured, hemmed in by white stone walls and no memory of what came before. But every twelve years the city descends into the bloody chaos of the Forgetting, a day of no remorse, when each person's memories -- of parents, children, love, life, and self -- are lost. Unless they have been written.In Canaan, your book is your truth and your identity, and Nadia knows exactly who hasn't written the truth. Because Nadia is the only person in Canaan who has never forgotten.But when Nadia begins to use her memories to solve the mysteries of Canaan, she discovers truths about herself and Gray, the handsome glassblower, that will change her world forever. As the anarchy of the Forgetting approaches, Nadia and Gray must stop an unseen enemy that threatens both their city and their own existence -- before the people can forget the truth. And before Gray can forget her.

One of my favorite people, a 6th grade language arts teacher, suggested that I purchase this book for the library. I did then I read it. I really enjoyed it. The message that we are our memories, that want we experience in our lives makes us who we are is so true. I recommend this book for middle school and up.

Ali Cross by James Patterson

Interest Level: 5-8

Reading Level: 5.5
Lexile: 700L
Genre: Realistic Fiction/Mystery

James Patterson's blockbuster Alex Cross series has sold over 100 million copies--and now he's bringing those thrills to a new generation! Alex's son Ali is eager to follow in his father's footsteps as a detective, but when his best friend goes missing, what price will he have to pay to solve the mystery?

When Ali's best friend Gabe is reported missing, Ali is desperate to find him. At the same time, a string of burglaries targets his neighborhood---and even his own house. With his father on trial for a crime he didn't commit, it's up to Ali to search for clues and find his friend. But being a kid sleuth isn't easy---especially when your father warns you not to get involved!---and Ali soon learns that clues aren't always what they seem. Will his detective work lead to a break in Gabe's case or cause even more trouble for the Cross family?

I hope that there will be more Ali Cross adventures. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a mystery. I will definitely be purchasing this for the middle school library collection.

Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Interest Level: 5-8

Reading Level: 4.2
Lexile: HL 550L
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Sixth grader, Ally Nickerson, has a new teacher, Mr. Daniels, who sees the bright, creative kid underneath the trouble maker. With his help, Ally learns not to be so hard on herself and that dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of. As her confidence grows, Ally feels free to be herself and the world starts opening up with possibilities. She discovers that there’s a lot more to her—and to everyone—than a label, and that great minds don’t always think alike.

I really enjoyed this book. I liked the anti-bullying piece of the story. I felt invested in the characters. I found myself carrying the book around so that I could read a page or two whenever the opportunity presented itself. I highly recommend this book.

The Rains by Gregg Hurwitz

Interest Level: YA 
Reading Level: 5.7
Lexile: HL770L
Genre: Horror / Science Fiction

In one terrifying night, the peaceful community of Creek's Cause turns into a war zone. No one under the age of eighteen is safe. Chance Rain and his older brother, Patrick, have already fended off multiple attacks from infected adults by the time they arrive at the school where other young survivors are hiding. Most of the kids they know have been dragged away by once-trusted adults who are now ferocious, inhuman beings. The parasite that transformed them takes hold after people turn eighteen--and Patrick's birthday is only a few days away. Determined to save Patrick's life and the lives of the remaining kids, the brothers embark on a mission to uncover the truth about the parasites--and what they find is horrifying. Battling an enemy not of this earth, Chance and Patrick become humanity's only hope for salvation.

The ending was a cliff-hanger. I am now anxiously awaiting book two. I liked this book. I cared about the character. It was just a bit scary but not so scary that I wouldn't read the second book. If you like scary books, I would recommend this book. I would suggest that you may want to wait until the COVID-19 pandemic subsides.

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline

Interest Level: AD

Reading Level: 5.7
Lexile: 890L
Genre: Historical Fiction

Between 1854 and 1929, so-called orphan trains ran regularly from the cities of the East Coast to the farmlands of the Midwest, carrying thousands of abandoned children whose fates would be determined by pure luck. Would they be adopted by a kind and loving family, or would they face a childhood and adolescence of hard labor and servitude?

As a young Irish immigrant, Vivian Daly was one such child, sent by rail from New York City to an uncertain future a world away. Returning east later in life, Vivian leads a quiet, peaceful existence on the coast of Maine, the memories of her upbringing rendered a hazy blur. But in her attic, hidden in trunks, are vestiges of a turbulent past.

Seventeen-year-old Molly Ayer knows that a community-service position helping an elderly widow clean out her attic is the only thing keeping her out of juvenile hall. But as Molly helps Vivian sort through her keepsakes and possessions, she discovers that she and Vivian aren't as different as they appear. A Penobscot Indian who has spent her youth in and out of foster homes, Molly is also an outsider being raised by strangers, and she, too, has unanswered questions about the past.

I enjoyed this book so much that I am purchasing the young adult version for the middle school library. Although I liked the ending, I wanted it to continue. I found myself caring so much for Molly and Vivian I wanted to continue to follow them through their life's journey.

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Interest Level: YA - up

Reading Level: 8.4
Lexile: 990L
Genre: Science Fiction

In the year 2044, Wade Watts, like the rest of humanity, chooses to escape reality and spends his waking hours in the limitless, utopian virtual world of the OASIS, but when Wade stumbles upon the first of the fiendish puzzles set up by OASIS creator James Halliday he finds he must compete with thousands of others--including those willing to commit murder--in order to claim a prize of massive fortune.

This book was AMAZING! I decided to read it because the audio book (which I listen to while I workout) was available and it was read by Wil Wheaton. I got so into the book I was reading it when I wasn't working out. I thought at first that I would get lost in the geek speak but it wasn't necessary to know exactly what the author was saying. Cline used the terminology in such a way that I was aware that he was speaking about a computer or a game system or whatever. It didn't matter that I wasn't familiar with each device he spoke of. I cared about the characters. I routed for Wade and the High Five. I wanted the Sixers to get what was coming to them. Although I highly recommend this book, I will not be adding it to the middle school collection. I am going to write the publisher and suggest the make a middle grade edition. I think that minus a couple of passages that this book would be a big hit with the middle school students.

Sal & Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez

Interest Level: 3-6

Reading Level: 5.8
Lexile: 700L
Genre: Fantasy

When Sal Vidon meets Gabi Real for the first time, it isn't under the best of circumstances. Sal is in the principal's office for the third time in three days, and it's still the first week of school. Gabi, student council president and editor of the school paper, is there to support her friend Yasmany, who just picked a fight with Sal. Sal prides himself on being an excellent magician, but for this sleight of hand, he relied on a talent no one would guess . . . except maybe Gabi, whose sharp eyes never miss a trick. Gabi learns that he's capable of conjuring things much bigger. There's only one slight problem: their manipulation of time and space could put the entire universe at risk.

I like how this fantasy novel reads like realistic fiction. The mixture of English and Spanish is fun. In the Acknowledgements at the end of the book, Hernandez explains why he uses both languages in his own unique way; such as calling someone a sandwich. I choose to read this book because it was a Rick Riordan Presents title. I enjoyed it so much that I am buying it for the LRMS library collection.

Lost and Found by Orson Scott Card

Interest Level: 7 to adult
Reading Level: NR
Lexile: NR
Genre: Fantasy

Ezekiel Blast has a superpower, or a micropower, if you will. He can find lost things. The problem is most people think he steals them. When the police ask for help finding a missing girl, though, he may have a chance to redeem himself, Ezekiel isn't sure he can do it.

I really, really, really, really, really like this book. I so wanted it to be something that I would add to the middle school library collection. Sadly I must report that I disagree with "Publishers' Weekly"'s September review in which they reported that the book was for ages 12 and up. The topic of kidnapping and the horrors that surround that heinous crime make this book unsuitable, in my opinion, for a middle school library collection. I myself anxiously await book #2.

The Rest of the Story by Sarah Dessen

Interest Level: YA

Reading Level: 4.5
Lexile: HL660L
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Emma Saylor doesn't remember a lot about her mother, who died when she was ten. But she does remember the stories her mom told her about the lake where she grew up. Now it's just Emma and her dad, and life is good, if a little predictable, until Emma, is unexpectedly sent to spend 3 weeks at the lake with her mother's family, who she hasn't seen since she was a little girl. When Emma arrives at North Lake, she realizes there are actually two very different communities there. Her mother grew up in working-class North Lake, while her dad spent summers in the wealthier Lake North resort. The more time Emma spends there, the more it starts to feel like she is divided into two people as well. To her father, she is Emma. But to her mother's family, she is Saylor, the name her mother always called her.

I was looking for an audio book to listen to while I worked out. When I saw that Dessen had a new novel and that the audio was available through the library, I thought I would give it a listen. Although there are 14 Sarah Dessen novels in the LRMS collection, I have not read any of them. I was hoping that this would be a new Dessen novel for the middle school collection but sadly no. Due to the fact that there is under-age drinking in this story, I will not be adding it to the library collection. Although the message is a good one.. underage drinking is dangerous.

At the Sign of the Star by Katherine Sturtevant

Interest Level: 5-8
Reading Level: 6.3
Lexile: 860L
Genre: Historical Fiction

Meg is the only surviving child of a late-17th-century London bookseller whose wife died in childbirth. Interested in books and education, Meg often works with her father and has great plans as her father's sole heir of the bookstore. But her father's remarriage to a young woman who is only slightly older than Meg, appears to have ruined her plans. Her new stepmother makes friendly gestures to Meg, but headstrong Meg resists all the woman's efforts and almost alienates her father and stepmother. Through visits with another girl her age, Meg matures and learns that most girls of the era face futures out of their control.

I found this book in a pile of giveaways. I read on the back that it was about a young girl and her love of books. The first 20 pages were difficult to get through. At about page 60 I was ready to quit but I cared about Meg and wanted to see how her story ended. The book was slow and hard to stay with but since I did care about Meg and what happened to her, I give this book 2 out of 5 stars.