Middle Grade

Bookie Blogger's
Middle Grade Reviews

Summary: Jordan is a tween who is caught between making the right decisions and living on the edge. He often feels that no matter what he chooses, he will never be as good as his older sister who appears perfect in the eyes of his parents. When a crisis that involves racial tension occurs, he sneaks away from home with a backpack on a quest to attempt to help his father. However as a 12-year-old he is lured into the pressure of his peers and struggles to hold on to his secret possession. Getting to his family's business to redeem himself responsible and repair the conflictual relationship with his father is what he has in mind. But will he get to his father before it’s too late? Will his family understand his attempt to redeem himself? Will he succumb to the pressure of his peers? Has he placed himself in more danger with the backpack?
Strengths: This story portrays the challenges tweens face to make sound decisions. Oftentimes, they have good intentions just like Jordan, but the level of maturity can be a barrier.
Weaknesses: In many ways, it unimaginable to do what Jordan does and places him in more danger along the way.
Thoughts: Students will be able to make connections but will need prior knowledge of the LA riots and Rodney King.

Summary: This story is about Homer, a twelve-year-old boy who bravely takes on the responsibility of escaping slavery with his little sister. His strong-willed personality seems timid until he finds a level of comfort in his newfound maroon community. He is in awe with the way that the community has created a new world for themselves within the greater distance of surrounding plantations. The relationships, methods of survival and new way of living is captivating. Throughout his journey to the newly found freedom, he knows that he will have to return to check in on his mother. In the quest, to check on her he confirms that the life that he once lived is no longer one that is familiar or desired. Will Homer decide that his priority is to be committed to serving his new community? Will he embrace “Freewater” as his own?
Strengths: This story is fascinating and gives insight on the maroon community. It is a revelation and exposes another perspective on how people lived in the escape to freedom.
Weaknesses: You will have to do a little research to understand the basis of maroon communities. This story is doable for students who are established readers; however, it may be challenging for those who are emerging and strategic.
Thoughts: Do not let the cover or length fool you! This is a beautifully written story with characters that are adventurous, sacred, and courageous.

Summary: The sounds of melodic music in Tyron, North Carolina was a gift identified at an early age for Eunice Kathleen Waymon. Growing up in a home where her father was a jazz musician and mother a church minister made the crossroad of life somewhat challenging for Eunice who later changed her name to “Nina Simone”. Nina attended Julliard School of Music in New York City which created opportunities to showcase her talent in the bustling times of the “Harlem Renaissance”. As a pianist she inherited the great ability from her father and later as a vocalist she became strong on demand in the night club. Nina experiences several upsetting moments throughout her journey which include segregation, discrimination, and sexism. She was known for her aggressive activism during the civil rights movement which played out in her music.
Strengths: This story is well written. The illustrations are beautiful and speak volume.
Weaknesses: The details of this story that have been included are plentiful, however parts of her life are excluded specifically her battle with mental health. Also, there is very little information about her personal life such as marital status, motherhood, and relationships.
Thoughts: This is a colorful biography for intermediate and middle grade students. There was room for “more” regarding the history of Nina Simone however the collaboration between the author and illustrator makes this biography stellar.

CHAPTER BOOKS

Graphic Novels

LGBTQ

Jayson Reynolds