Totally Worthwhile Middle Grade Novels

CS Lewis said, "A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not good a good children's story in the slightest." I agree wholeheartedly!
Inspired by the release of the movie Wonder - here are some of my favorite Middle Grade fiction. All of them are worthwhile whether your 8 or 80 or anywhere in between.
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Пікірлер: 111

  • @alexdelano2062
    @alexdelano20626 жыл бұрын

    Video starts at 3:13

  • @taraa1996

    @taraa1996

    4 жыл бұрын

    THANKS!!

  • @Pokey7064

    @Pokey7064

    3 жыл бұрын

    You're a hero

  • @kimberly1661

    @kimberly1661

    Жыл бұрын

    Wow a whole 3 minutes

  • @zurse7524
    @zurse75245 жыл бұрын

    School ended for me and I’m now going to 6th grade so I just want the vibes of elementary again.

  • @thegroundedone
    @thegroundedone6 жыл бұрын

    Can't say how much I love Kate DiCamillo. "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane " is one of my most favorites. And yes, I was so moved by this beautiful tale. It had me in tears. Have you started your kids on her Mercy Watson series? highly recommend. Great video!

  • @calliopeblink
    @calliopeblink6 жыл бұрын

    I teach 6th grade and my students love all of these! Great choices!

  • @duffrizky9439
    @duffrizky94393 жыл бұрын

    I couldn't agree with you more, I feel the exact same way. Recently I've started getting into more middle-grade books for the exact same reasons you mentioned. When I read a book I want to learn something whether it's about politics, cultures, the environment, human emotions or general issues that exist within our world. But I want to learn about these issues in a more positive and pleasant way. I want to leave a book feeling uplifted, inspired and hopeful. These are the kind of messages we should be sending not only to our children but to people of all ages, especially adults. Unfortunately, not enough adult books handle this well which can sometimes be very disheartening and like you said depressing. Middle-grade is a fantastic genre for all readers and book lovers. When I read middle grade books I feel inspired, uplifted and happy. This is exactly how I want to feel both during, and after I have read a book. Overall great video and recommendations!

  • @splitreads
    @splitreads6 жыл бұрын

    This video is fantastic! You expressed exactly why I love middle grade and children's fiction. I go to it for the same "explore humanity" thing as adult fiction, but with an optimistic twist. I love reading middle grade in the summer time and in the winter time (esp December). I need to try some of these, especially The Penderwicks or the Gary Schmidt books you mentioned. I want to cry reading some children's books! (I just cried watching Coco in theaters and need more heartwarming reads in my life)

  • @krissyn.3366
    @krissyn.33666 жыл бұрын

    What a lovely video Katie! I completely agree. It always kind of frustrates me when I'm in the bookstore trying to purchase a children's book and the seller asks who it's for. When I say it's for me, they always say "oh" in a cheerful voice, like I'm not all there. I truly love the C.S. Lewis quotes. I will have to check out a couple of these. Thank you for the recommendations. Happy reading!

  • @booksnakeaaron2147
    @booksnakeaaron21476 жыл бұрын

    I love wonder I’m currently reading the companion Auggie And Me!

  • @anandakumarsanthinathan3523

    @anandakumarsanthinathan3523

    4 жыл бұрын

    Even iam reading the book Augie and me and it is amazing

  • @desertrat1516
    @desertrat15165 жыл бұрын

    I love every middle grade novel Kate DiCamillo has ever written! She's amazing! I'm so glad you brought up Edward Tulane. It's one of my very favorite books that I've ever read. Part of what makes her books so wonderful is exactly what you articulated; she doesn't pander to kids. She writes with the assumption that children can handle more complex or "dark" themes. I think that's part of why her books are also enjoyable to adults.

  • @AGirlandaBook
    @AGirlandaBook6 жыл бұрын

    I can't wait for my girls to read some of these books. I'm always adding books to a list of ones that I want them to read and I'll read them too so we can talk about them 😊 such a great video idea Katie!

  • @SaraiTalksBooks
    @SaraiTalksBooks6 жыл бұрын

    What a great video! I absolutely loved Wonder when I read it a couple of years back, it actually made me emotional (which doesn't happen often!) and I recommended it to at least five people after I read it, it was just so good! I really need to read more middle grade fiction, because I agree with you, there's something hopeful and moving about middle grade fiction.

  • @TheCraftBin
    @TheCraftBin6 жыл бұрын

    Yes! Keep going with the Penderwicks! I've read the first three, and each time I finish one I think I won't like the next one because each of the books has something distinctly different (different setting, missing character, etc.) and I always figured it would mar the story. It didn't. At all. They're beautiful books.

  • @pleasepleasethebees
    @pleasepleasethebees6 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for your recommendations! Occasionally I'll throw a book party for my kids and their friends, so I'm always looking for good middle grade reads. We just had our Wonder party last week (everyone loved it of course) but haven't seen the movie yet.

  • @callie8848
    @callie88483 жыл бұрын

    I LOVED this video of middle grade book recommendations...and Yes, Yes & YES I think you should read the rest of the Penderwick series :) I have read bits and pieces of the other books and love what I've read so far. I also love the Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo...it had such a beautiful message and to me spoke very keenly of what it means to give love to others no matter what they look like or what circumstances they're in. And YES the illustrations are phenomenal!! (I'm considering writing a middle grade story and illustrating it myself...centered on the message of Faith & Trust. Seeing someone else's perspective on MG books really helped give me a more complete view of what is treasured in MG.) Thanks for the video!

  • @ABlackbirdsBooks
    @ABlackbirdsBooks6 жыл бұрын

    I definitely want to read Wonder and The Penderwicks now! But all these recommendations sounds so good! I don’t think you need scripted videos at all, you always sound so eloquent and say such interesting things about the books in your videos!

  • @LifeBetweenWords1

    @LifeBetweenWords1

    6 жыл бұрын

    Merel, you'll love Wonder!! It's a beautiful story.

  • @annabanabanana
    @annabanabanana5 жыл бұрын

    Middle grade is just refreshingly innocent. It isn’t tainted by politics and societal issues like YA and adult fiction. Sometimes it’s nice to escape all that.

  • @salmarsh8377
    @salmarsh83776 жыл бұрын

    I went to the library and put all of these books on hold but I managed to get the miraculous journey of Edward Tulane and I’m about a 1/3 through it and loving it! I have read both of the wonder books and loved them! Thanks for this video would love to see another on middle grade as No one talks about this genre enough!

  • @Tinahgirl83
    @Tinahgirl836 жыл бұрын

    I loved this video. I’m a huge fan of Middle Grade, for exactly the reasons that you listed. I would also add that they have such pleasant worlds to escape into. I will definitely give Wonder a try. Also Kate DiCamillo and the Penderwicks. Thank you so much!

  • @GettingHyggeWithIt
    @GettingHyggeWithIt6 жыл бұрын

    Awwww I loved this video! You are always articulate! Don't second guess yourself. I think I'd like to get Savvy for my niece at some point. Aaaaaand maybe I'll have to read it too!

  • @LifeBetweenWords1

    @LifeBetweenWords1

    6 жыл бұрын

    It's so whimsical!! I hope your niece (and you!!) enjoy it, too!!

  • @ThatBronxgirl7
    @ThatBronxgirl76 жыл бұрын

    You're doing fine! Brief and to the point. I love that CS Lewis quote. I think that's why I fell in love with Harry Potter and Anne of Green Gables and why I'm still in love with them. I actually purchased Wonder just haven't read it yet. As a mom that book must really yank the heart strings especially when you look at your own beautiful boys. Heading online now to purchase the Penderwicks.God Bless and keep up the great work.

  • @LifeBetweenWords1

    @LifeBetweenWords1

    6 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much, Regina!! Editing does a world of good to my communication. ;) And yes, totally - when you find a children's book that speaks to you as an adult, you hold onto it! There's something about them that connect to your heart in such a beautiful way! I hope you enjoy The Penderwicks! It's such a throwback book - it feels like a classic. It's such a pleasure to read. :)

  • @carolinethereader
    @carolinethereader6 жыл бұрын

    This is such a great video! I always love Middle Grade books but I don't seek them out as often as I should. One of my favourites that I read as an adult is The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, full of such whimsy and so much wit and I just adored it!

  • @chelseaandrews200
    @chelseaandrews2006 жыл бұрын

    I love your videos so so so much! The books you feature are much different than the other booktubers I follow and it is so refreshing. Please keep doing what you are doing!

  • @ZzZivaReads
    @ZzZivaReads6 жыл бұрын

    This video is wonderful❤ all the love to middle grade books who are so often over looked and that's something I think should change as well. And this video is an amazing step toward achieving that goal. LOVE this video😊

  • @kaileyrodriguez3818
    @kaileyrodriguez38184 жыл бұрын

    i’m just using these to write on my reading log 💀

  • @TheJane1775
    @TheJane17756 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for that video! It's such a perfect time for it too. I personally love children literature, it can be as thought-provoking as works of very adult philosophers. Not every adult understand that unfortunately. There is very limited number of my friends that I can speak openly about reading children books. That is also why I am so happy you posted that video and I agree with you 100%!

  • @LifeBetweenWords1

    @LifeBetweenWords1

    6 жыл бұрын

    I've never read Mary Poppins, but I've wanted to! I hear it's QUITE different from the movie!

  • @LynnetteReads
    @LynnetteReads6 жыл бұрын

    Of adults don't read middle grade and YA books and enjoy them how are we supposed to introduce them to younger generations who haven't discovered them yet! I am loving going to the bookshop and looking at all the books I am waiting for my nephew to be old enough to read.

  • @jennamorganbooks
    @jennamorganbooks6 жыл бұрын

    You’re always beautifully articulate and descriptive of your books Katie! But I understand the urge to second guess whether or not you said what you meant to say. It’s a struggle for me sometimes too! Especially in book review/Vlog videos. ☺️ It makes me so happy that you love Edward Tulane as much as I do! Now I want to re-read it. Maybe I’ll do a chapter every night before bed. It just seems like the perfect book to do that!

  • @LifeBetweenWords1

    @LifeBetweenWords1

    6 жыл бұрын

    Thanks, Jenna! I just always wonder if I scripted my videos whether I'd say more precisely what I want to say. But my videos usually turn out just fine no matter what. And I'm glad that I come across as more articulate than I feel when I'm making the video - I think editing does wonders! ;)

  • @vickysbooknook
    @vickysbooknook6 жыл бұрын

    I read Wonder this month and absolutely loved it! I definitely need more middle grade in my life. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane sounds like it’s right up my alley.

  • @rcredinger
    @rcredinger6 жыл бұрын

    This was great! Love the promotion of middle grade books, they're the best! And I have a confession: I have not read any DiCamillo, nor Savvy, which is surprising. I'll get on that. I loved the Wednesday Wars, so Ok for Now is going on my to-read list soon too! I have mis-givings about seeing Wonder, but I probably will anyway.

  • @lenib9530
    @lenib95306 жыл бұрын

    Hey Katie, as always this video was amazing, I‘m always happy when I see that you put up a new video! I have read the first two sequels of The Penderwicks and I own the forth book! I didn‘t like them as much as the first book because I love the setting in and around Arundel, which is missing in the following books! I did however love to learn more about those characters I love so much! I read the first book when I was quite young and it is still probably my favourite middle grade novel! And you just reminded me of Edward Tulane! I used to love that book but I somehow forgot all about it, I need to buy a copy and read it again! Same goes for Despereaux! Have a lovely day☺️

  • @LifeBetweenWords1

    @LifeBetweenWords1

    6 жыл бұрын

    Thank you!! I think I'll try the rest of the books - keeping in mind that they don't take place at Arundel (what a bummer). :)

  • @sterlingmccord
    @sterlingmccord6 жыл бұрын

    Your videos are wonderful! I'm glad that they are spontaneous. Keep up the good work.

  • @LifeBetweenWords1

    @LifeBetweenWords1

    6 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much! I have moments of insecurity, but I love making videos so much. :)

  • @lindsaypitre2711
    @lindsaypitre27116 жыл бұрын

    I love childrens literature! Check out "The Girl Who Drank The Moon" by Kelly Barnhill. Loved that story and I'm curious to see if you would enjoy it :)

  • @LifeBetweenWords1

    @LifeBetweenWords1

    6 жыл бұрын

    I have TGWDTM on audiobook - but I'd like to read the physical copy, I think. I've heard WONDERFUL things!! It's been on my radar for some time!

  • @rreer

    @rreer

    5 жыл бұрын

    I love that book too

  • @angelascott672
    @angelascott6726 жыл бұрын

    I love C.S Lewis!savvy sounds great!okay for now cover is funny but good to know what's inside!

  • @victoria9663
    @victoria96633 жыл бұрын

    I love what you said about the tension between hope and darkness (in middle grade) being far more true than just darkness (in adult books)!! I find that Emily St John Mendel writes excellent novels that have adult, dark themes but end on a strong note of goodness and hope. I wish I could find more adult fiction writers like her!

  • @LifeBetweenWords1

    @LifeBetweenWords1

    3 жыл бұрын

    YES! Love love love Station Eleven so much!

  • @victoria9663

    @victoria9663

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@LifeBetweenWords1 Yes! I want to reread Station soon. I finished The Glass Hotel recently and it had the same feeling of goodness!

  • @Yesica1993
    @Yesica19936 жыл бұрын

    I am terrified of beginning most kid's books these days. Today's teen books (I hate the label "YA") are pushing all sorts of sexual stuff, among other things. I can only imagine younger kid's books are no different. I LOVE Kate DiCamillo's books! I am always disappointed when I look in the store and there's nothing new by her. I had not heard of "Savvy". Road trip? I'm in! Also, I love your spontaneity. I much prefer that, than something that looks and sounds fake.

  • @LifeBetweenWords1

    @LifeBetweenWords1

    6 жыл бұрын

    Ooooh, you should definitely read Savvy! It's such a delightful, whimsical story!

  • @Yesica1993

    @Yesica1993

    6 жыл бұрын

    Just Julie Thanks.

  • @BedtimeBookworm
    @BedtimeBookworm6 жыл бұрын

    I feel the same after I film, I always feel like I didn’t make any sense. But once I get it edited I’m always surprised at how coherent I sound.

  • @sarahfenlonfalk
    @sarahfenlonfalk6 жыл бұрын

    Love the Penderwicks! Read on!

  • @breannacraft4551
    @breannacraft45514 жыл бұрын

    I need a book that challenges and has high-level vocabulary for a rising 6th grader. Which one of these books would do that?

  • @dr.suezettealoysiaandcarla1664

    @dr.suezettealoysiaandcarla1664

    3 жыл бұрын

    Our book is great for 6th graders 🥰👈🏽

  • @monikalewandowska4425
    @monikalewandowska44253 жыл бұрын

    I love the book Cogheart, I really recommend it

  • @BaileeWalsh
    @BaileeWalsh6 жыл бұрын

    Those CS Lewis quotes are so great and so true!

  • @LifeBetweenWords1

    @LifeBetweenWords1

    6 жыл бұрын

    They're pretty perfect aren't they!?

  • @shellyseward6321
    @shellyseward63216 жыл бұрын

    I loved Wonder and both of my girls did too. Most recently, my grade 7 daughter read it and did and a book report on it. P.S. I thought there was something missing in this video, and then I realized there was no background noise. You actually got to film a video with no distractions! LOL But honestly I love all your videos, especially the ones with your kids. :)

  • @LifeBetweenWords1

    @LifeBetweenWords1

    6 жыл бұрын

    That's hilarious! YES! This video was without distraction! It felt very weird to film!

  • @user-rl6vo1rj6d
    @user-rl6vo1rj6d6 жыл бұрын

    I would also definitely recommend flipped.

  • @kbilly1

    @kbilly1

    5 жыл бұрын

    Chim Chimmy I’m currently reading it right now

  • @savc_theavenger1574
    @savc_theavenger15746 жыл бұрын

    I love absolutely Wonder!❤📑 I need to watch the movie. The Penderwicks sounds really good. I think I will try it out.

  • @LifeBetweenWords1

    @LifeBetweenWords1

    6 жыл бұрын

    The Penderwicks is so wonderful!! Such a sweet story!

  • @debbifaust3106

    @debbifaust3106

    6 жыл бұрын

    Savannah, I went to see Wonder today. It was fantastic.

  • @GameofTomes
    @GameofTomes6 жыл бұрын

    This is a beautiful video. Thank you so much for sharing ✨

  • @ARRRGHSchooling
    @ARRRGHSchooling6 жыл бұрын

    I love this video - you know I adore children's literature. I am embarrassed to admit I've never read Wonder. Somehow it slipped under my radar. I am going to have to remedy that. The same with Gary Schmidt. I own The Wednesday Wars but I have yet to read it. And don't second guess yourself - you are always very articulate, even amidst the chaos going on around you!

  • @LifeBetweenWords1

    @LifeBetweenWords1

    6 жыл бұрын

    Don't be embarrassed!! But you should definitely read both! I think you'll love Wonder - I don't know anyone who isn't moved by it. :)

  • @jessiesshelf5597
    @jessiesshelf55976 жыл бұрын

    I'm currently reading Wonder for a book club! So far I like it but it breaks my heart into a million pieces!

  • @willa4484
    @willa44843 жыл бұрын

    I love the Penderwicks series! It's one of my favorite series and I've reread them all so many times❤️ I highly recommend them!

  • @LifeBetweenWords1

    @LifeBetweenWords1

    3 жыл бұрын

    I love them, too!! My favorite middle grade family! 🥰

  • @shulkiee
    @shulkiee6 жыл бұрын

    I absolutely love Edward Tulane! I read that book when I was in about 3rd grade and it has stuck with my ever since. It is also my favorite Kate DiCamillo book! I really need to pick up Wonder, everyone seems to love it.

  • @LifeBetweenWords1

    @LifeBetweenWords1

    6 жыл бұрын

    Yes! You really should pick up Wonder! It is a book everyone should read. :)

  • @joinbookland
    @joinbookland6 жыл бұрын

    Great video! I love Edward Tulane, read it with my daughter when she was 11. We own the book in French. There are such sad moments in it. I might have shed a tear at some point. My daughter who's now 12 is currently reading Wonder. I'll have to read it too as well as your other recommendations!

  • @ClaireDuggins
    @ClaireDuggins6 жыл бұрын

    0:50 - 1:14 : You pretty much summed up perfectly why I enjoy middle grade books. Edward Tulane is my favorite DiCamillo book, too. I recently read The Wild Robot by Peter Brown and it was so fantastic that I pre-ordered the second book immediately after finishing it (it doesn't come out til March though!!!)

  • @LifeBetweenWords1

    @LifeBetweenWords1

    6 жыл бұрын

    Ooo! I just looked up The Wild Robot and it sounds WONDERFUL! I added it to my tbr (which is huge, but at least it's on there!).

  • @lisadalessandro7905
    @lisadalessandro79056 жыл бұрын

    I loved Wonder! I can't wait to see the movie. One of my favorite middle grade books that I read as an adult is Forget Me Not by Ellie Terry. It's about a little girl with Tourette syndrome who's dealing with starting a new school. It's told partly in free verse. I think you would really like it!

  • @melissabrown3976
    @melissabrown39766 жыл бұрын

    Just found your channel & love your detailed descriptions of the books & why you love them. I adore middle grade books! Have you read The Mysterious Benedict Society trilogy? It's fantastic!

  • @Imaginetheday1967
    @Imaginetheday19676 жыл бұрын

    More Penderwicks? Yes, yes yes!!

  • @ConejoLiterario
    @ConejoLiterario6 жыл бұрын

    I really like your videos, I use it to practice my english and learn about different kinds of books :)

  • @LifeBetweenWords1

    @LifeBetweenWords1

    6 жыл бұрын

    I love that!!

  • @lindawarner9406
    @lindawarner94064 жыл бұрын

    Love Wonder. I work library with kids like giving kids what to read

  • @luxraygaming7368
    @luxraygaming73685 жыл бұрын

    A great middle read for me was The night gardener and The star thief

  • @almalovebooks7338
    @almalovebooks73386 жыл бұрын

    Auggie, Via, Summer, Jack Will, Miranda and Justin. If you want Julian's perspective then check out the "Sequel"

  • @LifeBetweenWords1

    @LifeBetweenWords1

    6 жыл бұрын

    THAT'S right!! Thanks for reminding me!! I need to reread it.

  • @JessMcGlynn
    @JessMcGlynn6 жыл бұрын

    Loved this Katie, a couple I hadn’t heard of which I am going to pick up for Meg 😁

  • @LifeBetweenWords1

    @LifeBetweenWords1

    6 жыл бұрын

    Yay! Which one(s) did stuck out to you for her?

  • @JessMcGlynn

    @JessMcGlynn

    6 жыл бұрын

    Life Between Words Definitely Savvy and I thought perhaps Penderwicks too :)

  • @asmakashif85
    @asmakashif856 жыл бұрын

    The penderwicks is definitely the next children's book for me....loved Wonder

  • @LifeBetweenWords1

    @LifeBetweenWords1

    6 жыл бұрын

    Oh it's so good!! Just such a sweet story!

  • @tiffanyclark-grove1989
    @tiffanyclark-grove19896 жыл бұрын

    I loved Okay for Now

  • @andreanestp9330
    @andreanestp93306 жыл бұрын

    I know that I’m late but you should read One Half From The East, it’s a middle grade book and I realllllyyyyy loved it

  • @kaortega1120
    @kaortega11205 жыл бұрын

    After hearing of Edward Tulane, it reminded me of the Velveteen Rabbit. I will need to look into this one. Love your videos xx

  • @ninadubois2842
    @ninadubois28424 жыл бұрын

    Do you have a YA book recommendation video? I am loving your channel.

  • @LifeBetweenWords1

    @LifeBetweenWords1

    4 жыл бұрын

    Nina Dubois no! But I should do one. I don’t read a *ton* of YA, so I should probably talk about my favorites sometime!

  • @campoida
    @campoida5 жыл бұрын

    Love the paenderwicks!

  • @keimemommy
    @keimemommy6 жыл бұрын

    I've been watching your videos for awhile and love them. You have a very similar taste in books to me and my tbr list has grown tremendously. Seeing your passion for children's literature I wanted to share something with you. I don't know if you have considered the possibility of homeschooling Wilder and Fox when the time comes, but if you do PLEASE look into Charlotte Mason and her educational philosophy. She was an 19th century educator who put a heavy focus on quality literature and living books as she called them as well as observing and studying nature and the arts. I think you would be really interested.

  • @campoida
    @campoida5 жыл бұрын

    I swore off those books that depress. Call me shallow, but I don't need to pay someone to make me miserable; no matter how wonderful.

  • @angelamisovski2223
    @angelamisovski22235 жыл бұрын

    A really good book you should read is Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson ❤

  • @glfleur
    @glfleur6 жыл бұрын

    I do not like books to leave me hopeless and depressed either. Lately, I have enjoyed books from Kasie West; my favorite book from this author is P.S. I Like You, i think. But, this is not a middle-grade book. If anyone has any feel-good reads, in any genre, please let me know them.

  • @an80slady
    @an80slady6 жыл бұрын

    Have you read The Land of Stories series by Chris Colfer. I'm in the middle of the 3rd book. I think k Chris Colfer was in a tv series a little while back, Glee, I think it was.

  • @LifeBetweenWords1

    @LifeBetweenWords1

    6 жыл бұрын

    I haven't!! But I'll check it out! Do you enjoy them?

  • @an80slady

    @an80slady

    6 жыл бұрын

    Life Between Words So far I have. I'm in the third book. Usually, I don't like fantasy, but this is very different than most I read or,at least tried to read. It might be a form of magical realidm.

  • @quackhead1084
    @quackhead10845 жыл бұрын

    I read Edward in 2nd grade

  • @nargisali8214
    @nargisali82143 жыл бұрын

    6:15

  • @dececanem
    @dececanem6 жыл бұрын

    The how to train your dragon books are amazing too