Welcome to the Middle School Book Life newsletter. Every other week, you'll receive a deep dive into one middle grade or young adult novel that belongs in your classroom library. Subscribe and I'll help you curate the best books for your students.
Dear Reader,
Happy 2024! We're starting the year with another book that's great for 6th, 7th and 8th graders. Even if you don't teach those grades, I'd check it out as it's one of a new wave of books that explicitly takes place in a world that knows COVID. Your high schoolers might benefit from using this story to reflect on their middle school COVID years. Happy reading!
Title: Eli Over Easy
Author: Phil Stamper
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age range: 9+ (Best for 11-13 year olds)
Summary: Eli and his dad are new to New York City, having recently moved from Minnesota for his mom's new job. But Eli's mom died a few months previously—from COVID—and he and his dad are grieving deeply and struggling to adapt. As summer break begins, Eli joins a challenging online coding course, discovers his mom's secret series of unpublished cooking videos, and meets the cute boy next door. His new friendship, new skills, and new connection to his mom just might be enough to help Eli move forward—though he's not sure his dad is ready to do so.
Hey, Kiddo by Jarrett Krosoczka (young teenage boy using a newfound passion to find his way in light of a missing parent)
Hope in the Valley by Mitali Perkins (young teenager leans on community support and personal interests in order to move forward after their mother's sudden death)
Eli Over Easy is a great option for independent reading. It offers strong character development in an authentic world—one that knows COVID and its harrowing impact. Recommend it first to students who care about:
🤩 Do you have your Middle Grade Literature BINGO card? All of January, challenge yourself to read a few books that will help you connect with your middle school students. These titles are favorites in the 10-14 crowd. Read them, talk about them with your kiddos, and enjoy your deepening relationships. Share your progress on Instagram by tagging @middleschoolbooklife!
😍 Look at all of these Young Adult and Middle Grade titles releasing in 2024! Any you are particularly excited to read?
Have a good one and learn everything you can,
Hannah
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Teachers Pay Teachers |
Welcome to the Middle School Book Life newsletter. Every other week, you'll receive a deep dive into one middle grade or young adult novel that belongs in your classroom library. Subscribe and I'll help you curate the best books for your students.