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Top 5 Middle Grade Novels

11/22/2019

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This was actually a really difficult list to compile; I have too many favorites, but I will share some of the ones I know were very popular with my 4th graders when I taught school. There will be other lists to share other great reads for middle grade (4th-6th grade mostly.) 
1. Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone 
by: J.K. Rowling
I mean, all I have to say is this is one of the best renditions of the magic & wizarding world you will ever read! Hogwarts is my ideal place to attend school & I would totally sign up to play Quidditch! Harry Potter is an endearing, resilient protagonist who makes some wizard friends (Ron & Hermoine) & I'll be surprised if you don't pick up every book in this series! 
*Recommended grade levels: 5-6

2. The Mysterious Benedict Society 
by: Trenton Lee Stewart
A group of 4 unlikely friends gets banded together after a series of strange tests (both written & actual challenges.) These friends are actually quite gifted children, but they don't exactly know what they can accomplish until they're under pressure, working together.  They are sent as spies (yes, the children!) to a boarding school where they seek to uncover some secret workings of a Ledroptha Curtain. It's a page turner! 
*Recommended grade levels: 6-8
Interest Level: 4-8 (keep this in mind if you'd like to read the story aloud to your kids or students.) 
3. Wonder
by: R.J. Palacio
This heartwarming story was actually made into a movie last year. It's an excellent book to read with your students or kids to help them empathize with kids who might look or act differently than them.  Wonder is about a boy named Auggie who had to undergo some pretty serious surgeries as a young kid that altered his face; many kids are rude to him and taunt/bully him once he starts going to public school. (His mom home-schooled him until  5th grade because of his medical issues & appearance.) It's a very relatable & emotional story about the importance of acceptance & love.
​*Recommended grade levels: 4-6
4. The Indian in the Cupboard 
by: Lynne Reid Banks
This one's a classic for everyone with an imagination! Omri is a boy who is gifted an old cabinet from his brother for his birthday, & with the turn of a magical key, he's able to bring not only an Indian, but also many soldiers and cowboys to life. He has his own little world to run! 
*Recommended grade levels: 4- 5
5. Matilda 
by: Roald Dahl 
I had to include at least one book by Dahl; his works are also perfect for this age group. Matilda comes from an unexciting home, where her imagination, wit & smarts become the tools she is able to compete with. Mrs. Honey seeks to take good care of this sweet, intelligent girl after having her as a student in her class. 
*Recommended grade levels: 2-4
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Top 5 Fall/Autumn Books for Toddlers

11/4/2019

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1. God Gave Us Thankful Hearts 
by: Lisa Tawn Bergren     
​  This author has a series of these books & they're fast becoming an absolute favorite around here! Little animals are featured in each one, & one of our previous favorites is God Gave us You.
In this adventure, Little {wolf} Pup is bummed because winter will be coming soon & many of his friends will be going into hibernation.   
His mama wisely reminds him of all the neat things they get to do when it's the fall season (i.e. eating apple and pumpkin treats, jumping in leaves, etc.)                                                               
www.amazon.com/God-Gave-Us-Thankful-Hearts/dp/160142874X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=God+Gave+us+Thankful+Heart&qid=1572884576&sr=8-1
2. The Roll Away Pumpkin
by: Junia Wonders
A little girl chases her giant pumpkin all over town & gets some help from the villagers as she does. A catchy phrase during the book is: "Diddle-dee-doo! Oh what shall I do?" The illustrations in this cute book are also everything autumnesque.
(Recommended for ages 3-8.) 
www.amazon.com/Roll-Away-Pumpkin-Junia-Wonders/dp/1495416747/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+rollaway+pumpkin&qid=1572882565&sr=8-1
3. Berenstein Bears' Harvest Festival 
by: Mike Berenstain
I have always loved the Berenstain Bears & their adventures. This book joins everyone in Bear Country preparing for their Harvest Festival. It definitely has more of a Christian focus to it, as everyone gathers together in the harvest & thanks/praises God for the gifts He has given.
www.amazon.com/Berenstain-Harvest-Festival-Living-Lights/dp/0310748658/ref=sr_1_2?crid=15S63FUX0XJ25&keywords=berenstain+bears+fall+family+fun&qid=1572884185&sprefix=berenstain+bears+fall%2Caps%2C522&sr=8-2
4. Counting on Fall (Math in Nature)
by: Lizann Flatt
Beautiful fall colors and counting activities & questions await you on every page! There are also shapes and patterns with the different animals featured & it's written in some rhyme too. 
www.amazon.com/Counting-Fall-Nature-Lizann-Flatt/dp/177147310X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=counting+on+fall&qid=1572884014&sr=8-1
5. Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn 
by: Kenard Pak
Join this young girl as she takes a stroll through the countryside, greeting all the coming signs of the autumn season. Beautiful artwork! 
www.amazon.com/Roll-Away-Pumpkin-Junia-Wonders/dp/1495416747/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+rollaway+pumpkin&qid=1572882565&sr=8-1

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    Hi, I'm Katie! I'm 37 years old, love the outdoors, reading books & being a mama! And I also enjoy literacy research for my podcast. 

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  • Home
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