ABSENT by Rex Ogle

Author Rex Ogle takes readers into the lives of three boys. Calvin, late to school every day because he is the caretaker for his three younger brothers. Liam, constantly bullied but doesn't see a way to stop his tormentor. Manny, filling his notebook with rhymes and lyrics he hopes will someday make him famous.

All three boys are consistently late for school, each for his own reason. Their families are busy with  work and their own responsibilities, so the absences fly under the radar. Liam counts on the librarian for support. She offers to talk to the bully, but Liam knows that won't help. Calvin relies on drawing to hold his life together. Unfortunately, his favorite class, art, is first period, so it is the class he constantly misses. Manny knows his Lito and Lita try hard, but he just doesn't see the point of school until his English teacher introduces him to poetry. When the trio of school skippers end up in three weeks of detention, they learn to work together to help support each other. 

ABSENT is written in a variety of text structures that express the boys perfectly. This is one that needs to be in classrooms and libraries for all middle grade readers

 

LANDSLIDE by Betty Culley

 

Waste material and garbage are an ever-increasing problem in the world. LANDSLIDE takes a look at the problem through the eyes of a young boy trying to solve the problem in his own backyard.

Nathan Savage has been watching the huge landfill across the street from his home. It has been growing, and thanks to what he calls his I-sight, he is watching it closely because he is convinced it is beginning to shift. He is concerned this massive pile of waste is going to fall. Nathan's is extra worried because his father works on the landfill. He drives a huge compactor back and forth over the pile every day. What if it collapses when his dad is a work?

Members of the town council are preparing to vote to approve an expansion of the landfill. It is already accepting garbage from other towns and even from out of state. Nathan believes something must be done.

Author Betty Culley tells a story that we all should be watching carefully. This middle grade book is perfect for reading and creating conversations about an ever-growing crisis.

PERFECT ENOUGH by Meg Eden Kuyatt

 

PERFECT ENOUGH by Meg Eden Kuyatt is the companion novel to GOOD DIFFERENT. Selah is learning how to adapt to her autism diagnosis. She now knows why she does some of the things she does, and why she feels the way she feels about some things. She now has tools to help her cope.

Selah loves writing, especially poetry. Now that school is out for the summer, she has enrolled in Writing Camp. This means three weeks to concentrate on what she loves best - poetry - with other people with similar interests. She is looking forward to the experience, but she knows it will be a challenge.

Selah is roommates with Brooklyn and Rheya. At first all is well, but loud noises and bright lights when Selah needs quiet and darkness makes getting along a problem Selah isn't sure how to deal with. She also discovers her enemy Ezra is in the camp. Surprisingly, she and Ezra hit it off and actually begin working together on a project.

Kuyatt's novel in verse takes readers into the thoughts and processes of the autistic mind. This book is sure to connect with all readers interested in learning more about those who are neurodivergent.

EVA TO THE MAX by Rebecca Caprara

 

Author Rebecca Caprara takes readers on a wild ride into girls' motocross racing. This novel in verse follows Eva and her new friend Cam as they try to qualify for the AMA AMATEUR NATIONAL MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIPS.

Eva is only twelve. She has been riding bikes since she could grip the handlebars. Her father and his business partner were great riders until they tried a trick that went wrong, ending with Eva's father in a wheelchair. They are now her trainers and the mechanics for her motorcycle. They are also her number one fans. 

Eva's mother is definitely not a fan. She wishes Eva would stop riding motocross and pick something more feminine. She is thrilled when Eva meets the new girl at school and strikes up a friendship. Unfortunately, Cam is also into motocross and has the same goals to ride into the championship.

The sport is rough and expensive, so Eva faces challenges that threaten her dreams to win and go professional. Readers will follow the ups and downs as Eva braves dangerous courses and challenging competition.

STRAYS by Gia Gordon

 

Everyone has a time when they feel left out and alone. Campbell has felt that way since her mother died. Even before that, her mother wasn't always "present." Campbell's father hasn't shared his feelings about what happened. He has had his own tragedy to deal with.

Luz is Campbell's best friend. She also has family issues, but Campbell feels safe and comfortable when she is at Luz's house. They share their feelings and usually try to help each other.

One day Campbell witnesses a man in a creepy, white van dumping a little puppy along the side of the road. She tries to find the little dog, but he hides in an empty lot. Campbell is torn about what to do. She would love to rescue the puppy, but her father is the director of the local animal control. He is obsessed with keeping strays off the streets. She knows if a stray is picked up, it has three days to be adopted or it will be euthanized. Hopefully, Campbell can figure out a way to save the dog before her father picks it up.

Author Gia Gordon takes readers on an adventure with two friends, a little dog, and emotions aplenty. STRAYS teaches we all need understanding and a place to feel safe and at home.

WOMBAT WAITING by Katherine Applegate

 

Fans of THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN and the rest of Katherine Applegate's books will want to get their hands on WOMBAT WAITING as soon as possible.

Everyone has their special someone and their special purpose in life. Wombat is a small dog looking for that purpose. Her search is complicated by the fact that she isn't always comfortable with humans. There is also the wildfire that has driven everyone from their homes with no idea when life will get back to normal, if ever.

With the help of what Wombat calls Voice, this shy dog learns what it means to be alone and be patient. Even when she thinks she may have found her special someone, it isn't as easy to connect as she thought it would be.

Inspired by the horrible fires in California, Katherine Applegate shows readers how to find their way in difficult times.

IN THE BLOOD by April Henry

Tessa was adopted as a newborn baby after her birth mother left her wrapped in a nightgown outside a fire station. She just turned eighteen and decided to use a DNA/Ancestry kit to see what she can learn about her biological parents.

She doesn't tell her adoptive parents about her search, but when information turns up that might indicate she is related to a notorious serial killer, her search may become well known.

April Henry's latest novel follows many characters and countless twists and turns. Fans will be fascinated by Tessa's story as she discovers her history.