Ms. D.'s Middle School Recommended Reads

Author

Series

Notes

Ms D. says: "'Unseelie' is a story of strength and resilience for two sisters who have been pushed to the edge of society. This fantasy novel covers mythology in a whole new way."

Description

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Iselia "Seelie" Graygrove looks just like her twin, Isolde...but as an autistic changeling left in the human world by the fae as an infant, she has always known she is different. Seelie's unpredictable magic makes it hard for her to fit in---and draws her and Isolde into the hunt for a fabled treasure. In a heist gone wrong, the sisters make some unexpected allies and find themselves unraveling a mystery that has its roots in the history of humans...

2) Becoming who we are: real stories about growing up trans

Author

Lisel, Sammy

Notes

Ms D. says: "Real stories from trans people across the world. This graphic novel is powerful for those interested in learning about the LGBTQ+ community, those a part of the community, as well as for families of people who are transgender. The art in this graphic novel is also beautifully done, piecing together dynamic and compelling stories."

Description

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A collection of stories by members of the trans community about their childhoods, specifically their life goals and how they achieved them, including musicians, actors, teachers, scientists, forest rangers, and activists.-- Publisher.

3) Bye forever, I guess

Author

Meadows, Jodi

Notes

Ms D. says: "'Bye Forever, I Guess' is a book that will capture the attention of any teen who loves Dungeons and Dragons or fandoms. The mix of texting as well as novel prose really adds depth and fun to the page."

Description

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Thirteen-year-old Ingrid's been living a double life. At school, she's the Girl With Dead Parents, her popular friend Rachel's charity case. In her online fandoms, she can be her own person: one who's constantly talking to her long-distance BFF Lorren, crushing it at her favorite MMORPG, and geeking out over her favorite book series. But when Ingrid stands up to Rachel and "starts drama" at school, it suddenly feels like she has no life at all (and...

4) The museum of lost and found

Author

Sales, Leila

Notes

Ms D. says: "Teens are full of creative and innovative ideas, so why not put them on display! This book explores the importance of having space to express ourselves. This realistic fiction read is perfect for fans of stories about community, expression, history, and secrets."

Description

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When eleven-year-old Vanessa discovers an abandoned museum, she starts filling it with her own projects and art and memories, thinking maybe, if she can put them all together in just the right way, she can finally understand why she and her relationships are the way they are.

5) Dating and dragons

Author

Boyce, Kristy

Series

Dungeons and Drama

Notes

Ms D. says: "Moving to a new town and new school is hard, especially in the middle of the year. When Quinn is invited to join a Dungeons and Dragons game, perhaps this new town isn't so bad after all. I loved how this book combined one of my favorite genres (romance) as well as my love for DnD!"

Description

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After starting at a new school, high school junior Quinn joins a D&D group to make friends but finds herself torn between her feelings for a charming yet annoying teammate and the drama stirred up by ex-friends from a previous campaign.

6) Ultraviolet

Author

Salazar, Aida

Series

Ultraviolet

Notes

Ms D. says: "When faced with a lot of firsts—first love, first fight, first breakup—Elio is overwhelmed. This teen coming-of-age story sheds an important light on the struggles teen boys face. 'Ultraviolet' is a book of strength, compassion, and perseverance."

Description

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Thirteen-year-old Elio is struggling with "coming of age"--first love, first heartbreak, first real fight (which lands him in the hospital), and what it means to be a "man", a true friend, and an ally, as well as how to overcome a culture of toxic masculinity.

7) Blood in the water

Author

Jackson, Tiffany D

Series

Blood in the Water

Notes

Ms D. says: "Another one of my favorite genres (thriller), 'Blood in the Water' is a creepy read. This book keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering and wanting to know what really happened to a local Black teen in Martha's Vineyard."

Description

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"Brooklyn girl Kaylani McKinnon is thrust into an intricate web of lies when a shocking murder on Martha's Vineyard threatens to expose dangerous secrets"-- Provided by publisher. "Brooklyn girl Kaylani McKinnon feels like a fish out of water. She's spending the summer with family friends in their huge house on Martha's Vineyard, and the vibe is definitely snooty. Still, there are beautiful beaches, lots of ice cream, and a town full of fascinating...

8) Star splitter

Author

Kirby, Matthew J., 1976-

Notes

Ms D. says: "Eerie and unsettling is the best way I could describe this book. When Jessica Mathers is transported to a blood-covered planet, you are immediately sucked into the story. Each twist and turn of this book keeps you wanting more."

Description

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"For Jessica Mathers, teleportation and planetary colonization in deep space aren't just hypotheticals--they're real. They're also the very real reason her scientist parents left her behind six years ago. Now she is about to be reunited with them, forced to leave behind everyone she knows and loves, to join their research assignment on Carver 1061c, a desolate, post-extinction planet almost 14 lightyears from Earth. Teleportation is safe and routine...

9) Alebrijes

Author

Higuera, Donna Barba

Series

The Last Cuentista

Notes

Ms D. says: "The exploration of mythologies is always interesting to me, so picking up this book, I was interested to learn about Alebrijes. Throughout this book, I was able to explore a new world—one of science fiction, monsters, and more."

Description

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When thirteen-year-old Leandro takes the fall for his sister and is exiled into an ancient drone, he embarks on a perilous journey beyond the city's walls where he encounters mutant monsters, wasteland pirates, and fellow outcasts as he tries to save his sister and fellow Cascabeles from the oppressive regime.

10) Warrior on the mound

Author

Headen, Sandra W

Notes

Ms D. says: "Historical fiction and sports fiction are two genres that can be hard for me to read, though 'Warrior on the Mound' proved me wrong! This book shares an important voice, one of a Black baseball player during segregation. I recommend this read to anyone wanting to read about history, baseball, and social justice."

Description

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In 1939 North Carolina, an all-Black baseball team "trespasses" on the whites-only baseball field, and the resulting racial outrage can only be resolved on the mound. 1935. Twelve-year-old Cato wants nothing more than to play baseball, perfect his pitch, and meet Mr. Satchel Paige--the best pitcher in Negro League baseball. But when he and his teammates "trespass" on their town's whites-only baseball field for a practice, the resulting racial outrage...

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