I had a really good blog post swirling about in my mind yesterday, but I didn’t write it. For some reason the ideas just aren’t mature enough to go out into the world. And maybe they never will.
Instead, I’m passing on some good word-of-mouth middle recommendations.
I experienced so much emotion last weekend over a middle grade book I was reading, crying on and off, that I gave myself a nosebleed. Seriously. I have trouble in the winter with them anyway.
A few years ago, I watched this author sign with her agent. I read her query on Chuck Sambino’s site and agreed, that indeed, the query was fantastically written. Even though it wasn’t high action or super commercial, I could tell the writer knew how to write. I’ve wanted to read the book ever since.
Last weekend, I finally got my chance to read SWAY by Amber McCree Turner. Amazing. Loved it.
But I wasn’t done with the tears. That same weekend, I also read THE GREAT UNEXPECTED by Sharon Creech. It’s her newest book and she’s speaking at NESCBWI this spring, so I figured I should read one of her books. Really liked it. I shed more tears but not as many.
But I still wasn’t done.
My son has read this one book at least 8 times in the past year. He continually signs it out and reads it. I saw it as a Diary of a Wimpy Kid type book and never bothered to read it. Clearly, it was for boys.
Out of curiosity, I read it. Loved it. Maybe because my expectations were low? I don’t know why. But I cried again in the whole last part of the book. Such a talented writer.
Who would think that a book called MILO: Sticky Notes and Brain Freeze by Alan Silberberg was really a book adults would love in disguise? Obviously, kids love it too. I don’t want to give anything away, but this book is about a lot more than sticky notes and brain freeze.
Have you read any of these books?
I haven’t read any of these books. But you’re making me think I need to. Thanks for spotlighting them.
Lately, I’ve been on a middle grade kick after being burnt out on them. 🙂
Now that is a serious reaction to a book!
No kidding. But it’s winter too….
I have SWAY on my kindle and I’m reading Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech. But I’m thinking I need to get my hands on a copy of MILO!! 🙂
You’ll like Sway! 🙂
I really need to start back reading some good MG books. Now that my god-daughter is getting older, we can read these together. I love Sharon Creech books.
I can’t believe it was the first one I’d read! I think I might’ve read some of her verse novels though.
Ohhhh, I haven’t read any of these, but they sound wonderful!! My kiddo is just getting into middle grades and I couldn’t be happier!!!
Thanks for the Milo recommendation!! I will pass it along to my son. It is difficult to find books he might enjoy but this sounds like it has great possibilities!!
I remember when Amber signed with Sway as well … I must get this book.
The other’s look terrific too, I definitely want to check out MILO.
Thanks for the reviews, Laura.
Cried so much you got a nosebleed…that does sound like a good recommendation:)
I’ve read Sharon Creech’s Walking Two Moons (?). Can’t remember the title for sure, but I liked it. I should try to fit in more MG.
I haven’t read these, but I’m ready for some good recommendations, so I’m going to put them in my TBR pile. Thanks for spotlighting them.
I sympathize with your nosebleeds. My husband, son, and daughter all get them. Some kind of an inherited tendency from my MIL.
I’ve been neglecting MG books too much lately, then I picked up Wonder and suddenly remembered why I love them so much (which reminds me, I have your Crazy Kings book still to read too. yum).
These books sound wonderful and tempt to get on a serious MG spree. Hopefully not toooo much of a crying spree.