Gr3 - 5

❶ 6/16 - 6/27      Because of Winn Dixie

 ❷ 6/30 - 7/11      The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is a children's novel by Kate DiCamillo, published in 2006. It follows the journey of Edward Tulane, a china rabbit who starts as a self-absorbed toy owned by a girl named Abilene. Edward’s cushy life unravels when he’s lost overboard during a sea voyage, launching him into a series of adventures and misadventures. He passes through the hands of various owners—a fisherman, a hobo, a sick child—each teaching him about love, loss, and resilience.

The story’s core is Edward’s transformation from a cold, vain creature to one capable of deep empathy, shaped by heartbreak and connection. DiCamillo’s prose is spare yet emotionally rich, blending whimsy with raw human truths. The book’s themes of love’s endurance and the fragility of existence resonate across ages, though its heavier moments, like death and abandonment, might hit hard for younger readers. Illustrations by Bagram Ibatoulline add a timeless, wistful tone.

❷ 6/30 - 7/11      The Summer of Bad Ideas

❸ 7/14 - 7/25     The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale
 

The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall, published in 2005, is a delightful middle-grade novel that captures the charm of a classic, family-centered summer adventure. It follows the four Penderwick sisters—Rosalind (12), Skye (11), Jane (10), and Batty (4)—as they spend three weeks vacationing in a cottage on the Arundel estate in Massachusetts with their widowed father and dog, Hound. There, they befriend Jeffrey, the son of the estate’s snooty owner, Mrs. Tifton, and encounter adventures, mishaps, and heartwarming moments. The story, told across 20 chapters and an epilogue, blends humor, sisterly bonds, and gentle life lessons, evoking the feel of timeless classics like Little Women or The Secret Garden.

The book is widely praised for its warm, authentic portrayal of sibling dynamics, with each sister’s distinct personality shining through—responsible Rosalind, fiery Skye, dreamy Jane, and shy Batty. It tackles themes of friendship, family, growing up, and standing up to prejudice (embodied by Mrs. Tifton’s classism) in a way that’s accessible to young readers yet resonates with adults. Its lighthearted tone, vivid setting, and endearing characters make it a beloved read, earning it the 2005 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature.

❹ 7/28 - 8/8       Shirly & Jamila Save Their Summer

Shirley & Jamila Save Their Summer by Gillian Goerz, published in 2020, is a vibrant middle-grade graphic novel that blends mystery, friendship, and summer fun. Set in a diverse Toronto neighborhood, it follows 10-year-old Jamila Waheed, a basketball-loving girl new to the area, who dreads being sent to science camp. At a garage sale, she meets quirky Shirley Bones, who’s facing an unwanted dance camp. The girls convince their mothers to let them spend the summer together at the local basketball court instead. There, Jamila discovers Shirley’s secret: she’s the neighborhood’s kid detective, solving small mysteries like a stolen gecko. As they tackle the case, their friendship grows, though not without challenges, exploring themes of trust, forgiveness, and belonging. The book has 224 pages, divided into a continuous graphic novel format without numbered chapters.

Praised for its engaging mystery and well-developed characters, the book nods to Sherlock Holmes (Shirley as the observant sleuth, Jamila as her Watson-like partner) while staying original and accessible. Goerz’s expressive, colorful art and diverse cast—Jamila is a brown-skinned Muslim girl, Shirley is white—add depth and relatability. Reviews highlight its balance of fun and meaningful relationships, comparing it to Cam Jansen and Raina Telgemeier’s works like Smile. It’s a standout for its clever plotting, multicultural setting, and focus on friendship over villainy, earning starred reviews from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly. Some note the characters’ static outfits (e.g., Shirley’s trench coat) as slightly unrealistic, and adults might want deeper character development, but it’s widely loved for ages 8-12.

❺ 8/11 - 8/22      Jake and Lilly

Jake and Lily is a middle-grade novel that explores the evolving relationship between fraternal twins, Jake and Lily, as they navigate identity, independence, and bullying during the summer they turn 11. With 34 chapters narrated in alternating perspectives, the story follows the twins, who share a special connection they call “goombla,” allowing them to sense each other’s thoughts and feelings, even across distances. Born on a train, they mysteriously sleepwalk to a train station each birthday, sharing the same dream. However, when their parents give them separate bedrooms, Jake starts hanging out with a group of boys led by a bully, Bump Stubbins, while Lily struggles with feeling abandoned. Guided by their ex-hippie grandfather, Poppy, they confront personal growth, with Jake grappling with his role in bullying and Lily seeking her own identity.

The book is praised for its heartfelt and humorous storytelling, authentic twin dynamics, and Spinelli’s signature ability to capture the “grade-school world of qualified innocence” (New York Times Book Review). Readers appreciate the distinct voices of Jake (calm, introspective) and Lily (spunky, emotional), with the alternating narration mirroring their growing apart. Themes of individuality, sibling bonds, and standing up to bullying resonate, though some find the pacing slow in the middle and Lily’s fixation on their twin bond repetitive., The bullying subplot, involving targeting “goobers” like Ernie, adds tension but can be upsetting, though it resolves positively. It’s recommended for ages 8-12, with minor cautions for mild language (e.g., “moron,” “crap”) and bullying themes. Reviews highlight its appeal as a read-aloud for grades 3-6, sparking discussions on relationships and empathy.

                             G6 - 8

❶ 6/16 - 6/27     Magnus Chase The Sword of Summer

❷ 6/30 - 7/11      Hoot

oot is a young adult novel by Carl Hiaasen, published in 2002. It’s a humorous, eco-themed mystery aimed at middle-grade readers but enjoyed by all ages. The story follows Roy Eberhardt, a new kid in Florida, who gets caught up in a mission to save a group of endangered burrowing owls from a construction site where a pancake restaurant is planned. Roy teams up with a tough girl named Beatrice and a mysterious runaway known as “Mullet Fingers” to expose the shady dealings of the construction company.

The book blends environmental activism with coming-of-age themes, featuring quirky characters, witty dialogue, and Hiaasen’s signature Florida setting. It won a Newbery Honor in 2003 and was adapted into a 2006 film starring Luke Wilson and Logan Lerman. It’s often praised for its balance of humor, heart, and a message about standing up for what’s right.

❸ 7/14 - 7/25     The Parker Inheritance

The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson, published in 2018, is a compelling middle-grade mystery novel that skillfully weaves themes of racial injustice, family legacy, friendship, and perseverance. Set in Lambert, South Carolina, it follows 12-year-old Candice Miller, who, after her grandmother’s death, discovers a letter hinting at a hidden treasure tied to a historical injustice. Teaming up with Brandon Jones, a local boy, Candice unravels a puzzle that connects her family’s past to the town’s history of racial segregation, particularly through a 1957 tennis match and the struggles of the Washington family. The novel alternates between Candice’s present-day investigation and flashbacks to the 1950s, revealing layers of systemic racism and personal sacrifice.

The book is praised for its engaging mystery, well-developed characters, and thoughtful exploration of heavy topics like racism and economic inequality, presented in an accessible way for young readers. It balances humor and heart, with Candice and Brandon’s friendship providing emotional grounding. The story’s structure, with 26 chapters and an epilogue, keeps readers hooked through clever clues and emotional stakes. It won multiple accolades, including being a 2019 Coretta Scott King Honor Book and a Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Honor.

❹ 7/28 - 8/8       We Were Liars

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart, published in 2014, is a young adult novel that blends mystery, family drama, and psychological suspense. Set on a private island off the coast of Massachusetts, it follows Cadence Sinclair, a teenage girl from a wealthy, seemingly perfect family, who spends summers with her cousins Johnny and Mirren, and their friend Gat. After suffering a mysterious accident at 15 that leaves her with amnesia and migraines, Cadence returns two years later to piece together what happened. The story unfolds through her fragmented memories, poetic prose, and fairy-tale-like interludes, building to a shocking twist. With 78 short chapters divided into five parts, plus a family tree and map, the book keeps a brisk, gripping pace.

Praised for its lyrical writing, unreliable narrator, and emotional depth, We Were Liars explores themes of privilege, family secrets, love, grief, and the consequences of denial. It’s often lauded for its haunting atmosphere and clever plotting, though some readers find the twist polarizing—either brilliant or manipulative. It’s a bestseller, frequently recommended for fans of psychological thrillers like Gone Girl or The Secret History, and has a strong following, especially among teens and adults who enjoy emotionally intense reads. It won the Goodreads Choice Award for Young Adult Fiction in 2014.

❺ 8/11 - 8/22      Divergent

Divergent by Veronica Roth, published in 2011, is a young adult dystopian novel, the first in a trilogy, that has captivated readers with its fast-paced action, intricate world-building, and exploration of identity and societal control. Set in a future Chicago where society is divided into five factions based on virtues—Abnegation (selflessness), Amity (peace), Candor (honesty), Dauntless (bravery), and Erudite (intelligence)—the story follows 16-year-old Beatrice "Tris" Prior. During her aptitude test to determine her faction, Tris learns she is Divergent, meaning she doesn’t fit neatly into one faction, a dangerous secret in a rigidly controlled society. She chooses Dauntless and navigates brutal training, romance with her instructor Four, and a growing conspiracy threatening her world. The book has 39 chapters, blending high-stakes action with introspective moments.

Praised for its gripping plot, relatable protagonist, and thought-provoking themes, Divergent explores identity, conformity, courage, and the dangers of a divided society. Tris’s journey from self-doubt to strength resonates with teens, while the dystopian setting appeals to fans of The Hunger Games or The Maze Runner. Critics note its intense pacing and world-building, though some find the later books in the series less consistent. It became a bestseller, spawning two sequels (Insurgent and Allegiant), a 2014 film adaptation, and a massive fanbase. It won the Goodreads Choice Award for Favorite Book in 2011.