Jenn's Picks of 2017 - Middle Grade Edition

I read a lot more Middle Grade books this year since I started running a Mock Newbery Club. It was an interesting experience that led to some intriguing books. Here are some of my favorites.

Fiction

Amina has a beautiful voice but a severe case of stage fright. But when her best friend decides to pick a more "American" name and disaster strikes her family's mosque, she must find the courage to sing out for herself and those she loves.

A simple road trip to spread her mom's ashes in the city the family loved best turns into an adventure and exploration of grief. It also explores the meaning of family since Fella's moms were not considered by some to be "real" parents and Fella just wants her family back.

12-year-old Crow knows little about her past other than that she washed up on a small island as a newborn and that the man she calls Osh has taken care of her since then. When a stranger shows up looking for treasure on a nearby island, she has the opportunity to discover more about her past.

Clayton loves his grandfather, Papa Byrd, and the blues. But when one dies and his mother forbids the other, his whole world is in chaos. How can he respect his mother and still do what he loves best?

The final chapter of the Lockwood & Co series delivers in a big way. The real villains are revealed and defeated; the identity of the Skull is discovered; the true nature of the Problem is explained; and Lockwood finally confesses his feelings for Lucy. All in all, a satisfying conclusion.

After a tragic accident, Ethan and his family move from Boston to live with a grandfather he barely knows on the Gulf coast of Georgia. He makes friends with Coralee, a girl with big dreams and even bigger secrets, and finds a mystery involving several townsfolk, a missing mom and a few wolves.

Olive loves to sing but she always freezes up when her famous mom watches her auditions. Then she discovers Maudville, a strange theater full of interesting performers who want her to star in their new show. But everything is not quite what it appears to be. Recommended for lovers of Coraline and Glee.

Princess Cora loves her parents and her governess, but she feels trapped in their routine and just wants a bit of freedom. When her fairy godmother fulfills her request for a pet in a very strange way, she takes the opportunity to explore her newfound freedom. Great lessons for helicopter parents and hilarious pictures.

Harper hates her family's new home in Washington, DC, and wishes they had never moved. But when something strange begins to happen to her little brother, she searches out some unusual assistance to discover what, exactly, is going on and how she can stop it.

Stef hates working with her dad in the family taco truck and wants to attend a pop concert by her favorite singer instead. But when the city threatens to change the rules and the family business is in jeopardy, she uses her talents and her friendships to save the day.

Rydr is on her way from California to Chicago on an Amtrak train by herself, moving in with an uncle she has never met. Along the way she meets a bus full of new friends and discovers new things about herself.

Non-Fiction

Amazing illustrations and interesting facts about the greatest apex predators of today and yesterday.



Fun book full of information about all the strange and interesting sounds animals make.



Fascinating factoids about some of the most amazing carnivores on the planet.



In depth discussion about what the fossil record tells us about the relationship between dogs and humans from the very beginning.



Super-cute book about Planet Earth that includes good scientific facts as well as puns.



Fun, cool and interesting. Plus you get to see the real flowers at the end.



Gorgeously detailed and lush paintings surrounded by a historically appropriate border make this a striking book on an interesting topic. The rhyme and the use of a father and daughter are also nicely done.


This is a nearly perfect non-fiction picture book for all ages. The telling style of writing with the collage like pictures works quite well. There are facts but not too many for a young reader, with additional information and photos at the end. And the topic could not possibly be more timely.



Astonishingly good photographs teach the complex life-cycle of a toad. At the end the author also describes the differences between frogs and toads.



Good information, great photographs and a very charismatic kitten make this a fun way to learn about servals and wildlife rehabilitation.



Lush illustrations and an elegant but simple rhyming text make this a great introduction to the pond ecosystem. Perspective shines on pages like the one from above with the trees descending to the center of the page. Also striking is the water ripples that also reflect the stars above.



Short biographies of 13 amazing women who changed the world.



Nicely done, diverse book about kids around the world and their normal day.

Biography



What an amazing woman! Discover where the term "bug" entered computer programming and what is possible when you are determined and intelligent.



Took a bit to get used to Henson's beard when he was young, but overall a great bio for younger kids. I found myself singing along with the Muppets several times.



Fascinating glimpse into the Pinkerton Agency and the first female detective.

I could be a bit biased about this one, but I really hope children find it.

Comics



Fun graphic with some strong messages about identity and friendship. And also subtle messages about what it means to be female in today's world.



Pig's father built and maintained the windmill and dam that protects his town from a dark, killing fog. But when a tidal wave of fog sweeps he and his friends over the edge, they must find a way to get back before the next wave hits.


Jack and Lilly search for Maddy in the land beyond the beanstalk. I like the unexpected identity of the Goblin King.



Very effective explanation of geology and deep time using a groundhog and a worm as our hosts.



Awesome book about friendship, insecurity, and finding out who you are. Perfect read-alike for Smile and Sisters. In fact, I think I liked this one even better than those.



Rudy, a dog who can break the barriers of time and space, takes us on a journey to learn the origin of dogs and how they came to be man's best friend.



Narwhal decides to be a superhero and convinces Jelly to be his sidekick. In his search for his own super power, he helps his friends find theirs.



The illustrations are gorgeous with fully saturated colors and outstanding designs. The children are so expressive, even when they are in the background. And the story is fun and interesting and doesn't tell kids everything, they have to figure part of it out themselves. Easily one of my favorites for the year.

So there are my picks for school age kids. What are yours?