GREEN by Alex Gino

 

Author Alex Gino revisits the Rainbow Spectrum gang with a character named Green. Green uses the pronouns they/them and is thrilled that their friends, family, and even teachers are using their name Green consistently. With the help of their supportive dad and friends like Melissa and Rick, they have gained confidence and found a great place in their middle school.

Green has been interested in forming a closer friendship with Ronnie, a classmate they've known for a while. Hanging out with Ronnie has been fun, but now Green is hoping to take that fun to another level. They aren't sure if Ronnie is into guys or girls, and any conversations they have that head in that direction are inconclusive. 

Getting involved in the backstage crew for the school musical offers Green a chance to get closer to Ronnie, but they still aren't sure Ronnie is into someone nonbinary. Green is ready to take some risks, but will things turn out the way they hope?

GREEN is sure to connect with readers feeling similar feelings and will also introduce readers unfamiliar with nonbinary individuals to the thoughts and feelings of those who identify as they/them. Gino tackles this topic with the directness and tact that they do in MELISSA and RICK. I definitely recommend adding this to the collection.

THE DEATH AND LIFE OF BENNY BROOKS (sort of a memoir) by Ethan Long

 

THE DEATH AND LIFE OF BENNY BROOKS by Ethan Long is a heartbreaking read, but worth every page. Long's illustrated novel is a "sort of memoir" based on Long's own childhood experiences. It is very relatable for kids with rough childhoods and would help other kids better understand the experiences others might be living through.

Fifth grader Benny Brooks is struggling to survive. His parents recently divorced so he is living with his dad, his older brother, and his little sister. They haven't seen their mother for months. Benny's father is a heavy smoker, and he has just found out that the lump discovered in his lung is cancer. 

Benny is seeing a therapist and has plenty to talk about, but how can he trust a stranger. He'd like to talk about his father and how grumpy and irritable the cancer is making him. He'd like to talk about how his annoying older brother picks on him. He'd like to talk about how his mother doesn't seem to love them anymore. He'd also like to mention that it might be possible that he will fail 5th grade.

When Benny begins acting out violently, his father lectures him and grounds him, but the cancer means the punishments don't really stick. Benny feels alone most of the time as he watches his father seemingly disappear before his eyes.

At times this is not an easy book to read, but it is an example of courage and resilience that middle grade and older students need to learn about.

WRECKER by Carl Hiaasen

 

Author Carl Hiaasen, known for books like HOOT, FLUSH, and SCAT, is going to please his young fans with his latest release, WRECKER. Set in Key West, Florida, it involves smuggling, the pandemic, and protests aimed at keeping the huge cruise ships from destroying the Keys.

Valdez Jones VIII aka Wrecker loves living in Key West. He is out on the water in his skiff whenever possible. He fishes for snapper and looks for marine wrecks. He comes from a long line of wreckers who earned a living salvaging wrecks back in the day. 

When he's not in school (mostly online due to the pandemic), he's working part-time at Fausto's. He also earns money cleaning a grave marker for an old man whose sister is buried in a nearby cemetery. Wrecker finds himself involved with a smuggler who wants his help watching over another grave in the cemetery. This turns into an arrangement that makes Wrecker nervous, but he isn't sure how to break free of the bad guy and his accomplices. Fortunately, Wrecker is clever, and with the help of a friend, he manages to stay one step ahead of the law and two steps ahead of the smugglers. 

Author Carl Hiaasen's use of plot twists and turns and plenty of humor will keep readers turning pages in this action-packed adventure. Fans of his other books, or the movies based on them, will want to get their hands on WRECKER as soon as possible.

DOGTOWN by Katherine Applegate & Gennifer Choldenko

 

What a fun book for dog lovers! What a fun book for everyone! Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko have teamed up for this funny, courageous, and heart-warming story. Designed as an illustrated novel with illustrations by Wallace West, DOGTOWN is sure to be in demand in libraries and classrooms everywhere.

When you put together a three-legged dog, a mechanical dog, and a brave mouse, you get an incredible journey like story that will melt your heart. 

All the dogs at Dogtown have tragic stories. Chance was unlucky enough to have a horrible dog-sitter whose boyfriend ditched Chance letting the dog's owners think she ran off. Metal Head, the mechanical dog, seems aloof and unfriendly, but inside he misses his young owner and can't understand why he ended up in Dogtown. Mouse and his brothers and sisters live hidden in Dogtown and rely on the kindly Chance for the kibble that keeps them alive.

These three are the heroes of Dogtown. Readers will love their madcap adventures and cheer when they escape on the search for their real homes. They are clever beyond belief and willing to stand in the path of danger to achieve their goals. Hurry out to your local bookstore or library to get your copy today!

AN IMPOSSIBLE THING TO SAY by Arya Shahi

 

Omid has been living in the shadow of his parents, his best friend, and even his younger brother. It's time to step into the world in his own way, but it may be easier said than done.

Omid's parents immigrated from Iran. Since 9/11 it has been difficult. He needs to be cautious at certain times and in certain places. He has tried so hard to be American that he is losing his ability to speak Farsi and remember the traditions of his culture. When his grandparents move to live near him in Arizona, he thinks maybe he can recover some of what he has lost.

Having a crush on Emily is also turning his world upside down. When she convinces him to try out for the school play, Romeo and Juliet, he ends up with a part he loves. Studying his part and listening to a rap CD his friend Sammy makes for him, turns Omid into a poet. He discovers writing rap gives him courage and a voice he never knew he had.

Author Arya Shahi's novel in verse takes readers into the life of a confused teenager. There's family drama, humor, peer pressure, and self-discovery enough to satisfy every reader.

HANNAH SHARPE CARTOON DETECTIVE by Janet Tashjian

 

Hannah Sharpe is on the autism spectrum. She is curious about everything and determined to find answers for the many questions she encounters. One thing that helps her make sense of the world is her sketchbook. Drawing what she sees and how she feels helps her understand things and also solve the many mysteries that seem to pop up.

Right now Hannah is trying to solve the mystery of all the crimes suddenly occurring in her neighborhood. When she begins to suspect the new renters in her parents' garage apartment, she has mixed feelings. The couple that just started renting the apartment have exhibited some odd behaviors. Hannah has become friends with the girl, but the guy has Hannah wondering if he could be responsible for the recent crimes.

With the help of her friend Remy and her trusty sketchbook, Hannah attempts to find the answers she needs to convince her parents they should listen to her ideas.

Author Janet Tashjian partners with her son to create this awesome illustrated novel. Tahjian's experience with autism is first-hand since her son is on the spectrum. He partners with her to draw the illustrations and create the cartoon strip Dusty Pickle. This will no doubt be the beginning of a popular new series for middle grade readers.