Middle School Reads!

Edited by J. Patrick Lewis Lexile:  ??? Genre:  Poetry This is a collection of 200 poems - all about animals!  Each poem is accompanied by amazing real life animal photographs.  You'll recognize many of the poets, and some will be new.  But all tell wonderful stories about the amazing animals in our midst.

by Pam Munoz Ryan and Peter Sis Lexile: 650 Genre: Poetic Novel/Biography/Fiction As long as he can remember, Neftali has felt different. He loves words and writing and hears the call of a mysterious voice. He must heed the call even when it means disobeying his cruel father. Neftali is determined to make a difference with his life and do things on his own terms. With the help of his older brother and his uncle, he is able to share his many gifts.

by Laura Whipple Lexile: ??? Genre: Poetic Novel This is the classic fairy tale story of Cinderella told through a series of 33 poems told from the perspective of all of the different characters, including the glass slipper. Read this collection of poems if you want to hear a new version of this classic fairy tale come to life.

by Jacqueline Woodson Lexile: ??? Genre: Poetic Novel Lonnie's life changed forever when he was 7. He's now 11 and a student in Ms. Marcus' class. She teaches him to discover the power of words and suddenly all the thoughts he's had tumbling around in his head have tumbled out onto paper. Writing helps him cope with the problems he faces dealing with his new foster mom and not being able to live with his sister.

by Katherine Applegate Genre: Realistic Fiction, Novel in Verse Kek arrives from Africa to the United States without his family. He knows his brother and father are dead and holds on to hope that his mother will be found in another refugee camp and join him later. With the help of his cousin, aunt, his ESL teacher, and a cow named Gol, he attempts to create a new life for himself in a country he doesn't always understand.