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2010 Best Children's Books: Realistic Fiction for Middle Graders

Cover art for VIOLET IN BLOOM
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010
Kirkus Star VIOLET IN BLOOM
by Lauren Myracle
"A triumph. (Fiction. 9-13)"
Fifth grade BFFs Katie-Rose, Yasaman, Violet and Camilla ride again in this stride-hitting second entry in the Flower Power series (Luv Ya Bunches, 2009). Read full book review >
Cover art for WHAT HAPPENED ON FOX STREET
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
Kirkus Star WHAT HAPPENED ON FOX STREET
by Trisha Springstubb
"Love, belief and caring. (Fiction. 8-12)"
Mo mostly loves living on Fox Street, which has everything except foxes, girlfriends and her mom (who died when she was young). Read full book review >
Cover art for THE FANTASTIC SECRET OF OWEN JESTER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 31, 2010
Kirkus Star THE FANTASTIC SECRET OF OWEN JESTER
by Barbara O’Connor
"O'Connor has spun a lovely read that perfectly captures the schemes and plans of school-age kids in the long days of summer. (Fiction. 8-11)"
"The short, sad life of Tooley Graham was over," doesn't sound like a happy conclusion but is pitch perfect in this short, simple and endearing middle-grade novel that follows on the heels of The Small Adeventure of Popeye and Elvis (2009). Read full book review >
Cover art for DOODLEBUG
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2010
Kirkus Star DOODLEBUG: MY BOOK IN DRAWING AND WRITING
by Karen Romano Young, illustrated by Karen Romano Young
"Charming and thoughtful. (Fiction. 9-12)"
Those who might be tempted to dismiss this heavily illustrated saga of middle-school angst and family upheaval as a Wimpy Kid knock-off will miss an engaging, original heroine, a satisfying story and lots of great pictures. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE OTHER HALF OF MY HEART
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 8, 2010
Kirkus Star THE OTHER HALF OF MY HEART
by Sundee T. Frazier
"An outstanding achievement. (Fiction. 9-12)"
Funny and deeply affecting, this novel by the Steptoe Award winner for Brendan Buckley's Universe and Everything in It (2007) revisits the still largely unexplored world of multiracial heritage. Read full book review >
Cover art for CRUNCH
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2010
Kirkus Star CRUNCH
by Leslie Connor
"Charming and original. (Fiction. 10-14)"
Readers are thrust immediately into the trials and tribulations of 14-year-old Dewey Mariss and his family. Read full book review >