Book Recommendations From Teachers

Ms. Nussbaum

“Warcross, by Marie Lu. It's a sci-fi novel about a girl who's a hacker and everybody in the world where she lives is obsessed with playing this particular VR video game. The girl accidentally glitches herself into the World Cup of the video game, and then exciting antics ensue.”

Ms. Lowe

“I would recommend Persepolis, by Marjane Satrapi (2003). It's a graphic novel from the perspective of a 14 year old girl about her experience in Iran which is going through a revolution in 1979. It helps to understand how civil war, revolution, and other political issues impact regular people.”

Ms. Ferguson

Ms. Ferguson: “The Giver, by Lois Lowry. It is a book about a dystopian society where children, at age 12, are assigned jobs that they will hold for a lifetime. In fact, everything is chosen for them. The upside is that they don't experience uncomfortable emotions like pain and sadness. The Giver is part of a quartet, so it's great for students who like series books. I used to teach this book to my sixth graders, and it continues to be a favorite of mine today.”

Ms. Buchanan

“Impossible Creatures, by Katherine Rundell. In this fantasy, a kid named Christopher accidentally discovers that mythical creatures are real. He is swept away into a connected world where he helps a girl named Mal save both worlds. The book is exciting, fast moving, and full of lovable characters. Best of all, this is book one in a series and the next book is due out in 2025!”

Ms. Hussain

“In the library world there is a saying by S.R. Ranganathan, ‘for every book its reader.’ The spirit of this means that in the library we collect widely, and broadly, so that all students may have an opportunity to see themselves amongst many different kinds of stories and characters. I hope that all students feel comfortable asking me for book recommendations that reflect their range of interests. That being said, you asked if I could recommend a book or a few as a middle school read. This is a big challenge because Middle Schoolers can range in age from 10-15 during the year.

“Here are a couple recommendations: A funny book: Well, That Was Awkward by Rachel Vail, Gracie has a crush on A.J., A.J. has a crush on Gracie's bff Sienna. Gracie would never stand in her way, but when Sienna asks Gracie to text AJ on her behalf, feelings become more convoluted and incredibly awkward.

“A graphic novel: Lunar Boy by Jes and Cin Wibowo. (This book has a special place in my heart as the authors are Indonesian and it is one of the few books that I have seen in the last few years featuring Indonesian characters). Indu, an adopted boy from the moon, is relocating with his mom from life in space to live on Earth with their new blended family. Having a hard time adjusting to school, language, family, and possible rejection from his crush, Indu wishes to go back to the moon. The moon hears him and agrees, even as life starts getting better. But when the moon calls again will Indu be given a choice of where is home?

“An epic adventure: Dragonfruit by Makiia Lucier In legends a sea dragon's egg, known as dragon fruit, has the power to undo a person's greatest sorrow, but every wish demands a price. Hanalei and her father are forced into exile when her father steals a sea dragon egg meant for an ailing princess. Years later Hanalei is given a slim, but dangerous chance to return home but wonders what price she will have to pay?”

Mr. Xiong

“I love the Inheritance Cycle Series, by Christopher Paolini. I am a huge science fiction fan, and this book series had it all - an intriguing storyline with plot twists, lots of action, fighting, dragon riders, and a relatable protagonist. I would recommend it because it took me into a world of mythical creatures and wonder!”

Ms. Wagner

“I loved Ender's Game. It has been a long time since I read it, but I remember really liking the characters and thinking it was a quick, fun read.”

Ms. Souvignier

“Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman, because it inspires me to be my best!”