It’s summer reading guide season again, and I’m thrilled to bring you this year’s edition of the Reading Middle Grade Middle School Summer Reading Guide. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the stories on this list, and I hope you’ll love them too.
Picture Books About Summer
It’s almost summer, and these picture books about summer capture the carefree vibe of beach days, pool visits, and entire days spent wandering. If you’re looking for picture books to load up on all summer, this list is for you!
Review | In the Beautiful Country
Living in Taiwan with her mother, Ai Shi (Anna) eagerly anticipates living in the beautiful country (the US) where their father moved a few months ago. As she gives away her favorite clothes and toys to cousins in preparation for the move, she can’t help but brag about the new life awaiting them. But she’s in for a shock when they arrive at their cramped apartment. Her father was conned into buying a failing fast-food restaurant, and Anna’s parents struggle to make ends meet. At school, she feels like an outsider since she can barely speak English. On top of that, her parents are dealing with some unkind customers who mistreat them because they’re Asians. Can Anna find her way?
Books Like Nancy Drew
For this list, I’ve gathered 9 engaging mysteries for kids ages 8 and up with similar elements as Nancy Drew. You’ll find that the kids in these stories love a good mystery and aren’t afraid to do some sleuthing. If you enjoy cozy middle grade mysteries, you’ll enjoy these books like Nancy Drew.
Picture Books About Friendship
Friendship is a major part of human living and it starts when we’re kids. These picture books about friendship touch on every aspect of making friends and being a good friend. You’ll find books about having a friend move away, unlikely best friends, unhealthy friendships, and of course, bonds with animal friends.
Review | A Perfect Mistake
Max and his community are reeling from a night out gone wrong. Max and his friends Joey and Will went out with two older boys, but Will ended up unconscious and in a coma, and Joey won’t speak to Max anymore. Max also has ADHD and is over six feet tall at 11, which means he stands out in his class. Frustrated that he can’t figure out what happened to Will, Max teams up with an inquisitive classmate, but the truths he unravels aren’t pretty. Can Max get to the bottom of this mystery?