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Middle-grade novel
Red, White, and Whole

Red, White, and Whole

by | Jan 26, 2021 | , ,

by Rajani LaRocca; Quill Tree, 2021.
Red, White, and Whole by Rajani LaRocca, a novel-in-verse the author calls “the novel of my heart,” is a story sure to touch the hearts of readers. Set in the 1980s, it centers on thirteen year-old Reha, who is endeavoring to manage her two worlds: a warm and loving home, but one that is not fully assimilated to life in America; and school, where possibilities—exciting, inviting, and perplexing—beckon. The story of how Reha comes to realize, cope, and ultimately grow from a devastating personal loss is at once heart wrenching and hopeful.

A Place at the Table

A Place at the Table

by | Sep 26, 2020 |

by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan; Clarion, 2020.
Told in alternating viewpoints, A Place at the Table by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan is a middle-grade contemporary novel that chronicles the growing friendship between 11 year-olds Sara and Elizabeth. As they grapple with family dynamics, school and friendship challenges, growing awareness of racism, and a cooking competition, they learn about themselves and claiming their space in the world.

A Home for Goddesses and Dogs

A Home for Goddesses and Dogs

by | May 15, 2020 | ,

by Leslie Connor; Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins, 2020.
A Home for Goddesses and Dogs is one of those stories that holds you in its capable arms and wraps you in its goodness. Books such as this one reinforce why I prefer reading stories meant for kids over those written for adults. This middle-grade novel is impeccably crafted; there’s such care in the writing, skill in the rendering of authentic characters, and art in the measured unspooling of their journey. A Home for Goddesses and Dogs is a joy to read and share.

The Night Diary

The Night Diary

by | Jul 8, 2019 | , ,

by Veera Hiranandani; Kokila/Dial, 2018.
Set in India in 1947, this moving middle-grade historical fiction novel won a Newbery Honor. Written in diary form, it examines the effects of India gaining independence from Britain and becoming two countries: India and Pakistan. Known as the Partition, the division brought about widespread violence between Hindus and Muslims and resulted in the largest mass migration in human history. The novel, composed of diary entries written by twelve year-old Nisha to her deceased mother, personalizes the ramifications of this pivotal historical decision. Readers journey with Nisha and her family across new boundaries, navigating dramatic changes in the world they once knew and loved.