Time to focus on middle grade again! These next two choices seem to be more for the library and school market. But the writing and the powerful storytelling in both were incredible.

OKAY FOR NOW by Gary D. Schmidt

I’m sorry. But I almost didn’t read this book – and in fact didn’t pluck it from the library shelves for weeks – because the cover is so bad. It doesn’t show you anything about the compelling journey the main character endures, his struggles, his triumphs. I am so glad I read it. Once I started I couldn’t put it down. Pure story.

CHAINS by  Laurie Halse Anderson

I’ve loved Laurie’s young adult works. Wintergirls is one of my favorite. I found CHAINS at our library and figured I’d give her historical MG a try. I loved how the story, based on the Revolutionary War, told a story we don’t often hear. That of a slave girl in the north, living with British sympathizers, and she’s a spy! I’m very much looking forward to the sequel.

Tell me about your favorites in the comments!