Friends are always asking me what they should read next with their children . I loved these three middle grade novels for their unique worlds and dynamic characters. Appropriate grade levels and independent reading levels are included.
The Heartwood Hotel: A True Home by Kallie George
Mona the mouse gets separated from her family in a terrible storm. She wanders through the woods and stumbles upon The Heartwood Hotel. On a stormy night she finds shelter, and the most magnificent home. There are perches for the birds, burrows for the badgers, and a home for little Mona. The kind owner gives her a job and a place to stay. Life at the Heartwood is not always easy. Her co worker Tilly is nothing but a pest, and Mona misses her family terribly. However, she finds community and belonging. This book is enchanting, and delightful. The world building is charming, and any animal loving child will eat these books up.
Read Aloud to K-4th Grades. 3rd Grade Independent Reading Level.
To Purchase this book on Amazon, click here: Heartwood Hotel, Book 1 A True Home
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
Roz the robot washes up on an isolated Island. When her button is pushed, and she is turned on, she explores and meets all the wild inhabitants of the Island. She soon discovers a little gosling in need of care. Roz begins a journey of learning to mother the gosling and trying to fit in with all the other animals. Not every animal is trusting of outsiders, and Roz faces many challenges. This book is engaging and sweet. The themes of acceptance and friendship are a wonderful springboard to conversation with children. Read Aloud to 2-5th graders. 5th Grade Independent Reading Level.
To Purchase this book on Amazon, click here: The Wild Robot
Winter House by Ben Guterson
Elizabeth comes home from school to find her mean aunt and uncle have left for the holidays. She is being sent to the mysterious Winter House hotel. This is the best twist of fate Elisabeth has had in years. Winterhouse is an unusual and enchanting old hotel at the foot of a mountain. Elisabeth meets the all the quirky guests and the peculiar owner, Norbridge Falls. Soon she has met a friend her age, and life has never been better. With fluffy treats baked fresh each day, skiing, ice skating, and the most extensive library anyone has ever seen, Winter house is truly paradise. Until some strange events begin to unfold, and Elisabeth finds herself in the middle of an old family mystery. This book was fantastic, you will wish you could book a room in Winter house, it is reminiscent of the world of Harry Potter. I loved it, and I know children will too. Perfect for 3rd-6th grades. 6th grade independent reading level.
To purchase this book on Amazon, click here: Winterhouse
Bixby Alexander Tam, nicknamed Bat, likes his routine. One afternoon, his routine is interrupted by an extraordinary surprise. A newborn skunk. Bat’s mother is a veterinarian, and brings home a motherless skunk to be nursed back to health. This small animal, who cannot yet open its eyes, becomes Bat’s whole world. His mission becomes finding a way to keep the skunk forever. Bat has autism, and relating to others is a challenge. However, connecting to animals is second nature to Bat. The story is told through Bat’s perspective. The author does a magnificent job of showing the reader what it is like to have a brain that processes social and emotional information in a different way. Bat is relatable for young readers, however, he has challenges navigating his world, as most children do. This book can spark important discussion with young readers about autism, and social thinking. I have always had a compassionate heart for children on the Autistic spectrum, and this book gives a voice to their struggles, and shows their amazing gifts and strengths as well. A brilliantly thoughtful, and important book.
Beginnings and Book Ends 