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The Best Middle Grade Books of September

Submitted by Mrs. Nelsons Blog on Sun, 09/04/2011 - 11:44am

Any of these books would be great for elementary school kids!

Bigger than a Bread Box (Hardcover)

By Laurel Snyder
$16.99
ISBN-13: 9780375869167
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Random House Books for Young Readers, 9/2011
Other Editions of this Title
Laurel Snyder's books always feel so cozy to me, fun and sweet and relatable. Her newest, about a magical breadbox that grants wishes (and it doesn't work out as well as you'd imagine!) is a must read for middle readers!

With a Name like Love (Hardcover)

By Tess Hilmo
$16.99
ISBN-13: 9780374384654
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), 9/2011
Other Editions of this Title
With A Name Like Love manages to be sweet without ever getting treacle-y. Hilmo's debut is a great, positive read that demonstrates the power of compassion and friendship.

The Fingertips of Duncan Dorfman (Hardcover)

By Meg Wolitzer
$16.99
ISBN-13: 9780525423041
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Dutton Juvenile, 9/2011
Other Editions of this Title
Another wonderful adult author whose foray into kid lit is a rousing success! Wolitzer's fresh, quirky adventure reminded me of "The View From Saturday", while still remaining unique. I couldn't put it down!

The Unwanteds (Hardcover)

By Lisa McMann
$16.99
ISBN-13: 9781442407688
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Aladdin, 8/2011
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This new series by McMann is sure to be a hit with middle grade readers - it's an exciting cross between "The Giver" and "Harry Potter"!

Reel Life Starring Us (Hardcover)

By Lisa Greenwald
$16.95
ISBN-13: 9781419700262
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Harry N. Abrams, 9/2011
Greenwald's latest is sweet, uncomplicated fun; as uncomplicated as things can be when you are the new girl at school, that is. Two girls are paired up for a class project: one is popular, the other is the aforementioned new girl (who sadly, isn't super cool). It's a recipe for disaster - did I mention they are middle school girls? But they end up learning a lot about each other and themselves, making this a great, feel-good pick for tween girls!

Wonderstruck (Hardcover)

By Brian Selznick, Brian Selznick
$29.99
ISBN-13: 9780545027892
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Scholastic Press, 9/2011
What can I say about Selznick's newest novel, other than what I'm sure every other reader will say? It left me wonderstruck. As in "Hugo Cabret" Selznick combines his beautiful drawings with a charming, enchanting story. Wonderfully done and sure to be considered a classic in years to come!

Ten Rules for Living with My Sister (Hardcover)

By Ann M. Martin
$16.99
ISBN-13: 9780312367664
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Square Fish, 9/2011
In her newest book, Martin has created a character who is a loveable cross between Ramona Quimby and Fudge. Pearl doesn't mean to annoy her older sister, she just does, and doesn't know how to stop - thus, the rules are born. This would be a great pick for middle grade readers, whether they are the older sister or younger sister. Ever after the trillions of books she's written, Ann M. Martin's still got it!

The Aviary (Hardcover)

By Kathleen O'Dell
$15.99
ISBN-13: 9780375856051
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Knopf Books for Young Readers, 9/2011
Other Editions of this Title
A spooky, turn-of-the-century mystery, perfect for kids who want something that's scary, but not so scary it will give them nightmares!

A Monster Calls: Inspired by an idea from Siobhan Dowd (Hardcover)

By Jim Kay, Patrick Ness
$16.99
ISBN-13: 9780763655594
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Candlewick, 9/2011
Other Editions of this Title
A beautiful, unexpectedly lovely novel about pain, loss, and forgiveness. The scary beginning will draw adventurous kids in, the heartfelt story will keep them there.