Great Middle Grade Reads discussion

March has come and gone, so let's share what we've been reading. What middle grade books were stand-outs for you this past month?

I think my two top favorites were *both* about a main character who gives advice. I Speak Boy by Jessica Brody borrows a little inspiration from Jane Austen's Emma. Main character Emmy has an app on her phone that translates what boys say into what they really mean. Hijinks ensue. And in Dear Student by Elly Swartz, Autumn is trying to find her "one thing" and applies to be the secret voice behind her school newspaper's advice column. Also a notable read, I finished the Farwalker trilogy by Joni Sensel, which has some of the most unique world-building I've had the pleasure to read.

Is the Farwalker an epic fantasy? You mentioned it has a lot of world building.

B.E. wrote: "Is the Farwalker an epic fantasy? You mentioned it has a lot of world building."

It's technically dystopian, in the sense that it's set on Earth. A terrible war/weapon rendered the entire population of the planet blind, but gradually, humanity regained sight. By then the population was decimated, scattered. And humans are more closely linked to the planet now. Some can hear trees, stones, etc. Others have a healing touch or the ability to find things or to manipulate fire.

I loved the world-building. Good, solid storytelling. It starts in upper middle grade territory. I'd say by the third book it's teetering close to teen/YA realms. Main character is 14 by that point.

Thanks CJ! I appreciate the info. It sounds very interesting.

Apart from our book of the month, I managed The Valley of Lost Secrets, a historical fiction about 2 brothers evacuated from London to Wales during WW2.

Needle, five stars from me, on the short list for the 2023 Carnegie Medal and definitely the best MG book I read in March.

I enjoyed City Spies, Book 1.

Amusing banter, interesting main character, original backstories, some twists and turns. A fun romp for someone looking for a light but page-turning adventure.

C.J. I am really interested in the "I Speak Boy" by Jessica Brody. I love modern takes on Jane Austen's work. I also find it fun as a middle grade book.