SHORT LIST 02: MIDDLE GRADE BOOKS FOR RELUCTANT READERS

I've been meaning to share this for a while, and a couple of requests made me hurry to finish up this short list of a few good middle-grade books for reluctant readers! 

    

1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney
A HUGE hit!                                

2. The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
The beautiful artwork in this book seems to really capture kids' attention.

3. Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

A great fantasy series that has a lot of appeal to imaginative middle-grade readers. 

4. Graphic novels

There's more and more good ones out there; Percy Jackson is one that has been very popular among my students. Which leads me to . . .

5. Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Rick Riordan has been very prolific lately, and other series by him are big hits too; I would recommend to start with Percy though. 

6. Stories from Guys Write for Guys Read by Jon Scieszka & various authors

Part of a wonderful series edited by Jon Scieszka . . . so fuuny! Great to read out loud or to pass along to kids. They'll like some better than others. 

7. Sports memoirs/biographies

I can't really recommend a specific one, but for the majority of my middle grade reluctant reader male crowd, short nonfiction texts about their favorite sports stars are absolutely necessary. 

. . . And some favorites of mine--great middle grade books but not necessarily the top of the list for reluctant readers (although they have been successful):

8. Wonder by R.J. Palacio

A perspective changing story.

9. Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen

Hilarious and heart warming. 

Any suggestions for other middle-grade reluctant reader winners?

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READ, WHITE, & BLUE

A few patriotic picks for your 4th of July holiday:

Bunker Hill

by Nathaniel Philbrick

Like the blurb says, this book is about the " . . . Boston battle that ignited the American Revolution." Really, though, I can't wait to get this one because Philbrick is one amazing storyteller. I first became a fan after In the Heart of the Sea, and Bunker Hill is really being talked about. The detail and suspense that Philbrick endows these moments of history with are not to be missed. (Nonfiction)

Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10. 
by Marcus Luttrell

I listened to this on audio book and it was such an incredible, intense experience. Intense. He talks about how SEAL team members are selected and trained, and takes you through the play-by-play experience of Operation Redwing--the goal of which was to take out an al Qaeda leader in Taliban territory. This made me feel pride in our troops like never before. Plus, this book has really been a hit with reluctant readers of all ages--lots of teen readers, mostly boys, really find this book to be thrilling. Which, really, it is for any level of reader. (Nonfiction)

Eleanor & Park
by Rainbow Rowell

This one might not be as directly patriotic as the others, but I thought of it because it really provides a fun, interesting snapshot of America in a certain special decade (the 80s). It's just fun to read books that give you nostalgia for a decade, or if you weren't alive in that decade (I barely was)--you can laugh and learn about all the crazy things that American teenagers loved (Walkmans! Mix tapes! etc.) The story is about an unlikely couple--quirky Eleanor and quiet but strong Park. See my review here. (YA)

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WHY FICTION IS DANGEROUS

Neil Gaiman shared a very interesting story at BEA last week, and an article I read via Shelf Awareness made me want to share it with you: 

Neil Gaiman: Why Fiction is Dangerous

"Fiction is dangerous because it lets you into other people's heads," Gaiman said. "It shows you that the world doesn't have to be like the one you live in." At the first nationally recognized science fiction convention in China in 2007, Gaiman took a party official aside and said, "While not actually illegal, science fiction is regarded as dangerous and subversive in China. Why did you say yes to a science-fiction convention?"

The party official answered, "In China, we're really good at making things people bring to us, but we don't invent, we don't innovate." When Chinese party officials visited Google, Apple and Microsoft, they asked what the executives read as children. The official continued: "They all said, 'We read science fiction. The world doesn't have to be the way it is right now. We can change it.' " "That," said Gaiman, "is the big dangerous thing." (by Jennifer M. Brown)

I never thought of fiction as being dangerous. But I like the connection between innovators and inventors and science fiction books. Seeing the world as something you can change. Reading science fiction--or really, any kind of fiction--can broaden your perspectives and make room for crazy, impossible things. 

Additionally, this story holds a powerful lesson for reluctant readers. Seeing examples of executives at recognizable brands such as Google, Apple, and Microsoft can help readers see that reading is part of being successful. Reading science fiction growing up was perhaps part of what helped those executives to become the great innovative and inventive (and extremely financially successful) people they are today. 

Science fiction, or even just fiction, or really--even just reading in general-- can be dangerous! It can also be lucrative, world-changing, mind-enlightening, perspective broadening, etc., etc. So here's a short selection of science fiction reads that are perfect for readers of all types--reluctant or not. 

Ender's Game

by Orson Scott Card

Desperately preparing for a defense against another attack from an alien race, Ender Wiggin is part of a school that develops children into battle generals and a new kind of soldier. This book is a classic, and a basis for a lot of other science fiction books. Plus it's going to be a movie soon! (Watch the trailer here)

The 5th Wave

by Rick Yancey

See my review here. 

Cassie is one of the survivors of the first four waves of alien attacks. She has to find her brother, and trusting no one is the name of the game until Evan Walker shows up. Meanwhile, Zombie does his best to lead Nugget and other kids as part of a defense against the 5th wave of attacks. But trust is often misplaced, or not given to those who deserve it. 

The Adoration of Jenna Fox

by Mary E. Pearson

Jenna Fox wakes up from a coma, remembering an accident that happened over a year ago. Things are different, and she has to figure out what is going on with herself. She begins to question those around her as well as her own identity, and confront things she never thought were possible in the area of bio-medicine and humanity. 

Across the Universe series

by Beth Revis

See my review here. 

Amy wakes up early from a frozen sleep aboard the spaceship Godspeed, and has to find out who it was that tried to wake her up--or kill her. Elder, the future leader of the ship, tries to help Amy in discovering the secret behind what is happening. 

Cinder

by Marissa Meyer

See my review here. 

It's a retelling of Cinderella, but there's much more that involves cyborgs as well as lots of juicy secrets and volatile diplomatic dynamics between a futuristic China and Lunar (a Moon kingdom). 

Insignia

by S.J. Kincaid

The earth is in the middle of WWIII, and it's natural resources are almost at an end. In a fight to gain access to resources elsewhere in the solar system, the 14 year old Tom Raines, with exceptional visual reality gaming skills, might be able to help.

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REVIEW: BEAUTIFUL CREATURES (PLUS A QUICK NOTE FOR RELUCTANT READERS)

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia
My rating: 1 of 5 stars


I read this because it's a hit with a lot of my older middle school & high school students, and hey! It's a movie! and I can see why a lot of them like it. There's a sense of the anxiety and rebelliousness against the lack of control you have over your life, which some people could relate to. There's also the "electrifying" feeling of first love, despite the outcast or popular nature of the girl or boy involved. The mysteriousness and secretive nature of one of those persons involved in the relationship. The annoying presence of irresponsible and obtuse adults. Sound a little familiar? These ever-present elements of paranormal YA are very much present in this book, but maybe that's why so many other readers like it.


There was plenty about the "Caster" (witch, essentially) aspect that felt original, and the setting in the South gave it a mysterious and slightly old-timey Gothic feel. However, the rest of the South-ness about it was so narrow minded and cliche, I could barely stand it. And Ethan sounded like a girl. This would have been so much better told from 3rd person perspective.

So I'm not a fan. But if you're into this genre, you might also like Hush Hush, Shiver (The Wolves of Mercy Falls series), Evermore, Fallen, . . . And here's a quick, IMPORTANT note on these: even though they're not my personal preferred reading, I really enjoy the fact that they have enough appeal to some reluctant readers to get them into reading. Sure, they're not reading highest quality stuff, but getting into these books, and their innumerable sequels, actually is a fabulous gateway into other (perhaps better) books. So while I might not rank them very high, they do have an important place on the shelf, particularly for reluctant readers.

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SHORT LIST 01 FOR RELUCTANT READERS

Presenting the first Short List! Check out some of these books that I hand picked for reluctant readers. Not a reluctant reader? You'll enjoy them anyway!

And remember, when finding a book for the reluctant reader it's best to go for a book on their reading level that will deliver a powerful reading experience. That's what we're going for here-- the experience of reading! You know-- that I'm hooked and can't put it down, just finished and still thinking about it, now I want another--kind of reading experience. If you're going to attain that, a book has to be fairly close to the target reader's reading level. If it's too hard (even if it delivers a whopper of a reading experience) than the reluctant reader won't get into enough to enjoy it. So build up the positive reading experiences with books close to their level, then as their reading muscles get stronger you can give them a greater variety of books.

You wouldn't go weightlifting as a beginner and start with lots of weight, would you? Nope. Hopefully some of these books fit the reading level of your intended reluctant reader, and if not, I always take requests! With that being said, here's Short List 01 for The Reluctant Reader:

You by Charles Benoit
This is a fairly short, direct novel that will greatly appeal to boys. The main character, Kyle, tells the story of how he ended up in a rather terrible spot: somewhere he shouldn't be at a times he shouldn't be there, surrounded by shattered glass and blood. Told expertly in 2nd person, Kyle's story really gets you in his head, and to the point that you are understanding and sympathetic to his choices and his fate. Like I said, this would have great success with a boy audience, but I wouldn't hesitate giving it to girls either. (910 Lexile)

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
This book will provide a powerful reading experience--it's emotion packed and the action gets deeper and deeper the more you read, and you'll be sucked in, guaranteed. Definitely better for a girl audience, it's about a girl who leaves 13 tapes behind . . . 13 tapes for 13 people with 13 reasons why she couldn't stand living anymore. It's really a thought-provoking book with everyday drama that people can relate to-- even as it escalates. (550 Lexile)








Cinder by Marissa Meyer 
Click here for my review.
At a 790 Lexile level, this book will do great with lower level readers looking for a good time. It's a retelling of Cinderella, but there's much more that involves cyborgs as well as lots of juicy secrets and volatile diplomatic dynamics between a futuristic China and Lunar (a Moon kingdom). Perfect for readers who like manga/anime type stuff, or for readers who like fantasy. But I'm neither of those, and I still really liked this book. Bonus: it's a series so if that reluctant reader likes this one, they'll probably get hooked on the rest of them! 

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RECENT RECOMMEND SUCCESS

I've had some crazy success with book recommendations lately. I recommend books a lot-- to family, friends, friends of friends, co-workers, random strangers, etc. I'm always elated when they liked the book I suggested. Especially if it's a book in a series, then they tell me about their mad rush to get their hands on the sequel and I feel a little thrill of happiness. The books below are a few that I've recommended to people lately that have been a huge hit. If you haven't read them yet, well, I recommend that you do.

For those who like YA, some romance, and a little paranormal, or who won't mind being totally sucked into a book for a little while:

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, by Michelle Hodkin
Mara wakes up in the hospital, the only survivor of an accident that killed her friends and ex-boyfriend. She can't remember anything. Her family soon thereafter moves to Florida, where she starts in a new school and tries to remember and deal with what happened. And hello! hot boy at school with a British accent who seems to be everywhere and also interested in Mara! And whoa! crazy things start happening to Mara that she can't explain, but memories are starting to come back and with Noah's help she's starting to figure things out. Just as you think that you have it figured out, another piece of the puzzle shakes things up. And the relationship between Mara and Noah is something you will easily get caught up in. (See my review here.)

Yes the sequel is out (The Evolution of Mara Dyer), and don't scream, but the last one (The Retribution of Mara Dyer) comes out this fall.



The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
From the chilling and atmospheric beginning in a graveyard where sixteen year old Blue sees the spirit of a boy that is either her true love or that she will kill . . . all the way through the end--this book is fabulously sinister and beautifully written. Blue becomes friends with a tight knit group of boys who go to a local private school, and who are involved in solving an ancient mystery (which is a somewhat re-imagined version of a real Welsh folk tale). But as she is brought into their strange and sometimes haunting search, she is also reminded of a warning that she will bring about her true love's death with a kiss. That warning goes off in her head more and more as she feels stronger and stronger about the boys--one in particular. While the fascinating details and the complex characters might seem a little much at first, stick through the first bit and you will be thrilled with the way this turns out.

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
So this one is nonfiction, but I would put it on everyone's must-read list. Seriously, I have it out on like quadruple loan and it's never sitting on my shelf for very long. So let me tell you, this guy makes it through a rather rough and delinquent childhood in which he learns to channel his energy into running, then becomes an Olympic track star/record breaking athlete, joins the Air Force in WWII, flies these ridiculously high-fatality planes, is shot down in the ocean and survives on a raft for 47 days just to get picked up by the enemy, spends the rest of the war and then some in various horrific POW camps, and eventually is able to come home. For sure this guy is some kind of Odyssean rockstar and his story is so amazingly written by the lovely Hillenbrand. (See my review here.)




So, have you read any of these? What books that you loved came your way on recommendation? I'd love to hear!

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