06/01/2024
Looking for a summer read for your middle grade reader? Here’s a stack of page turners just for them!
☀️The First Magnificent Summer by R.L. Toalson
A modern day Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret. Told from main character Victoria’s journal entries about her summer with her dad, it is a story of the imperfections of families and life with an empowering ending. From the author’s note: “You deserve to be loved simply because you’re you. And who you are is magnificent.”
☀️The Firefly Summer by Morgan Matson
For fans of The Penderwicks and The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street. Ryan is a young girl who gets to know her mom’s side of the family and hunts for hidden treasure over the course of one chaotic summer. It is a funny and entertaining read but also touches important topics particularly self esteem and finding your place in the world.
☀️Something Maybe Magnificent by R.L. Toalson
This is a standalone companion to The First Magnificent Summer. Victoria is spending this summer with her mom who has a new boyfriend that she is NOT happy about. Told again from her journal entries, it tackles the awkwardness and complicated feelings of being thirteen. This one even has a little bit of romance!
☀️When Sea Becomes Sky by Gillian McDunn
Inspired by the author’s own family, this mystery explores loss, sibling bonds and summer on an island that is being threatened by environmental issues and new development. It’s suspenseful, heartfelt and perfect for the car ride to the beach.
☀️Deep Water by Jamie Summer
Told in verse this novel tackles mental health, imperfect families and determination in a very age appropriate way. Main character Tully takes on a 12 mile marathon across Lake Tahoe, in the hopes that maybe it will bring her absent mother back to her family. Perfect for fans of Dusti Bowling.
