Book List

Best Middle-Grade Books of 2014 That Celebrate Diversity

  • CHILDREN'S

    RAIN REIGN

    OCT. 7, 2014

CHILDREN'S

RAIN REIGN

by Ann M. Martin

There is no fluff here, just sophisticated, emotionally honest storytelling. (Fiction. 8-12) Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    THE TURTLE OF OMAN

    AUG. 26, 2014

CHILDREN'S

THE TURTLE OF OMAN

by Naomi Shihab Nye

A warm and humorous peek at the profound and mundane details of moving from one country to another—a perfect pick for kids... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    THE RED PENCIL

    SEPT. 16, 2014

CHILDREN'S

THE RED PENCIL

by Andrea Davis Pinkney ; illustrated by Shane W. Evans

A soulful story that captures the magic of possibility, even in difficult times. (author’s note, illustrator’s note,... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    THE MEANING OF MAGGIE

    MAY 6, 2014

CHILDREN'S

THE MEANING OF MAGGIE

by Megan Jean Sovern

More than an issue novel, Sovern’s debut will be a boon to kids coping with a parent’s illness or the unpredictability of... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    ANGEL ISLAND

    JAN. 7, 2014

CHILDREN'S

ANGEL ISLAND

by Russell Freedman

As immigration continues to be a major issue in America, this introduction to the Angel Island experience is overdue and,... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    THE GREAT GREENE HEIST

    MAY 27, 2014

CHILDREN'S

THE GREAT GREENE HEIST

by Varian Johnson

The elaborate bait and switch of this fast-paced, funny caper novel will surprise its readers as much as the victims.... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • TEEN

    ON TWO FEET AND WINGS

    OCT. 21, 2014

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT

ON TWO FEET AND WINGS

by Abbas Kazerooni

Readers are often promised unforgettable protagonists—this memoir delivers one. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    AT HOME IN HER TOMB

    APRIL 8, 2014

  • CHILDREN'S

    THE CROSSOVER

    MARCH 18, 2014

CHILDREN'S

THE CROSSOVER

by Kwame Alexander

Poet Alexander deftly reveals the power of the format to pack an emotional punch. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    GREENGLASS HOUSE

    AUG. 26, 2014

CHILDREN'S

GREENGLASS HOUSE

by Kate Milford ; illustrated by Jaime Zollars

An abundantly diverting mystery seasoned with mild fantasy and just a little steampunk. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    LOWRIDERS IN SPACE

    NOV. 4, 2014

  • CHILDREN'S

    THE MADMAN OF PINEY WOODS

    SEPT. 30, 2014

  • TEEN

    THE PORT CHICAGO 50

    JAN. 21, 2014

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT

THE PORT CHICAGO 50

by Steve Sheinkin

An important chapter in the civil rights movement, presenting 50 new heroes. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • TEEN

    BECAUSE THEY MARCHED

    OCT. 1, 2014

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT

BECAUSE THEY MARCHED

by Russell Freedman

Richly illustrated, this deserves a place alongside other important depictions of this story. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    REVOLUTION

    MAY 27, 2014

CHILDREN'S

REVOLUTION

by Deborah Wiles

Fifty years later, 1960s words and images still sound and resound in this triumphant middle volume of the author’s Sixties... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    BROWN GIRL DREAMING

    AUG. 28, 2014

CHILDREN'S

BROWN GIRL DREAMING

by Jacqueline Woodson

For every dreaming girl (and boy) with a pencil in hand (or keyboard) and a story to share. (Memoir/poetry. 8-12) Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

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