Middle School Reads!

Edited by Carrie Ryan Lexile:  ??? Genre:  Fantasy Foretold is a collection of short stories about how the future will come to pass.  Each one has a unique take on how predictions can help write your future and how sometimes you have the power to change what has been foretold.

by Rick Riordan Lexile:  690 Genre:  Fantasy Annabeth and Percy have been apart long enough.  The quests and battles they have endured should have earned them some quiet time alone together.  But that is not to be.  Annabeth receives a startling message:   Follow the Mark of Athena.  Avenge me.  So the demigods are off again, trying to keep the evil powers at bay and make the world a better, safer place for everyone.

by Thalia Chaltas Lexile:  990 Genre:  Realistic Fiction, Novel in Verse Anke is invisible.  Part of the background.  And that's how she needs it to be, if she is to survive life with family.  Her father is abusive towards Anke's older brother and sister and her mother isn't doing anything about it.  Anke wonders why they don't speak up and tell someone what's going on.  Anke wonders why she doesn't either.  Is it because having this family is better than having none at all?  If Anke wants to stop being invisible, she is going to have find the courage to confront her father and move on with her life.

by Natalie Dias Lorenzi Lexile: 610 Genre:  Realistic Fiction Sorano, also know as Skye, doesn't really think about the half of her family that lives in Japan.  She is American - speaks English, plays soccer, and doesn't know how to use chopsticks.  But one day, her parents share some news.  Her aunt, uncle, cousin, and grandfather are moving to the United States and she is going to have to learn Japanese to be able to speak to them.  Skye isn't sure how she feels about this disruption to her life.  Her parents even tell her she might have to give up soccer!  What will her life be like when her family arrives?

by Jen Bryant Lexile:  ??? Genre:  Historical Fiction/Novel in Verse This novel in verse reports the story of the Scopes trial from 9 different perspectives, all from the small town of Dayton, Tennessee.  The trial pits high school teacher Mr. Scopes against the State of Tennessee.  At issue is his teaching of Darwin's theory of Evolution which is in conflict with the Butler Act passed by the State of Tennessee.  The controversy brings a crowd to this small town and with it comes the promise of fame and new revenue.  But the excitement is short lived as townspeople take sides and turn on one another. What will the final outcome be?

by Ann E. Burg Lexile:  680 Genre:  Historical Fiction/Novel in Verse Matt is trying to adjust to his new life in America.  He was one of the Vietnamese children airlifted to the United States during the Vietnam War.  While he loves his new family, he is also constantly thinking about the mother and brother he left behind.  Matt's new baseball teammates are not always very accepting of him, and now that their coach is sick, will the team be able to come together and win?

by Ann E. Burg Lexile:  590 Genre:  Historical Fiction/Novel in Verse Serafina has a secret:  she wants to become a doctor.  She knows that education is the only way that she will be able to make her dream come true.  However, school is very expensive and her family doesn't have much money and her mother needs her to help at home.  But dreams are important and Serafina isn't willing to give up on hers, even despite the obstacles that continue to challenge her and her family.

by Caroline Starr Rose Lexile:  680 Genre:  Historical Fiction, Novel in Verse May B. can't read.  Her teacher has told her she will never be able to read.  She advises that May she should stop going to school.  May's parents decide she should go and work for a neighbor.  May's father drops her off and says he'll be back for her by Christmas.  May's life is filled with hard work and very little companionship.  One day, the people she is staying with disappear.  May is alone on the Kansas prairie and winter is coming.

by John Green Lexile:  850 Genre:  Realistic Fiction Who is Margo Roth Spiegelman?  Quentin has lived in her shadow since they were kids, at times as her friend, and other times as an outside observer.  But one night, Margo climbs in Quentin's window and convinces him to join her in a night of revenge.  As the two travel the city at night, Quentin learns many new things about the girl he thought he knew everything about.