Middle Grade Book Recommendations for each of the 5 Middle Grade March reading prompts

[@Samanthakreads]

Because of Winn Dixie is one of my absolute favorites. The One and Only Ivan was so cute... I also loved The One and Only Ruby so much (elephants are my favorite animal).

[@BooksAndJams]

So many good books, right!?

[@mollyalladin2431]

Just when I thought I had my TBR together! I am going to have to reconsider some options! 😊

[@kayhammock]

Me too!!!

[@BooksAndJams]

Haha. Sorry...not sorry!

[@BekahBooksandBujo]

Thanks for all of the recommendations! I’m going to read Front Desk for the immigration prompt!

[@BooksAndJams]

I think you'll love it!

[@kimberleywebbsuddenlyshesp568]

I don’t know if I’m late, but just noticed you’re at 10k subscribers. Congratulations 🎉

[@BooksAndJams]

It just happened this week. Crazy! Thank you so much.

[@maryannhorner1900]

I just finished The Women by Kristin Hannah today so now I have to add Until Tomorrow Mr Marsworth to my #TBR thanks for another great video 🤓📚❤️

[@BooksAndJams]

I got The Women in my Book of the Month box. I've been hearing it's just so good. I can't wait to read it.

[@crochetmima1443]

Thought my list was all set until you came along and added a bunch more 😜 Can’t wait till March 🎉

[@BooksAndJams]

Oops! haha.

[@phague85]

I was waiting for this video…put many on my Middle Grade March TBR…I may re-read Echo, just loved that one

[@BooksAndJams]

Woohoo! I have been thinking about rereading Echo. I didn't do the audio the first time around and think I would just love that.

[@inspiringlynaturalwithlesl3918]

Echo is my absolute favorite MG book!

[@phague85]

@@BooksAndJams I didn’t think about doing the audio next time. That is a great idea!

[@ABookLikeYou]

I echo Until Tomorrow Mr. Marsworth! It remains one of my favorite middle grade stories of all time!

[@BooksAndJams]

So good! I hope more people pick it up.

[@GothicLenne]

So glad to see Mandy on your list! I read it in elementary school and it was one of the few books that left an impression on me, and I haven’t forgotten it 20+ later. I will have to reread it in March and experience it as an adult now!

[@BooksAndJams]

I love that! I never knew about Mandy until a few years ago. Glad to share the love!

[@sarahdavies3789]

Thank you for the recommendations! Middle grade got me back into reading in 2019, but I haven’t made as much time for it lately. Excited to participate this year! Also The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones is a great debut that I read last year - highly recommend!

[@BooksAndJams]

Thanks so much for the rec. I'm not familiar with that one.

[@susanjimenez62]

I’m not a big Middle Grade reader, but I want to read almost every book you talked about on this video! I always really love the way you describe books, and this video provided an abundant feast!! Thank you. ❤

[@BooksAndJams]

I love that! Hopefully you feel inspired to at least try one in March!

[@TheNichole1988]

Definitely interested in counting by 7s.... I read Elephant in the room by her for animal on th cover and it became a forever favorite of mine.

[@BooksAndJams]

Counting by 7s is so good! I hope you do get to it.

[@paperbacksandponytails]

I really enjoyed Refugee, so I'm hoping to add another of his books to my tbr next month. I really loved Finding Langston too. I have read When Stars Are Scattered I think three times.

[@BooksAndJams]

I hope you enjoy other Alan Gratz books. I have only read a couple others, but really enjoyed them as well...just not as much as Refugee.

[@CandlewickLibrary]

I really liked Mandy too and have been surprised I don’t hear about it more.

[@BooksAndJams]

I know! It's such a sweet story.

[@JenniferWilliams-l7u]

I love all these! Today (2/18/24) I get to meet Alan Gratz. Thanks for the recs Krista. Your neighbor in Danville Va, Jennifer

[@BooksAndJams]

Very cool! How was it?

[@annasmom2009]

Thanks to you, I have read a majority of the books that you recommended. Wishtree is one that completely wrecked me. I balled my eyes out. Those illustrations too! Love.love.love.So many fantastic 😉 reads. Thanks for sharing!

[@Readingindarknesss]

I might read the penderwicks this year. I keep meaning to!

[@BooksAndJams]

Fun! It's a lovely story.

[@Kittyzero13426]

Oh some great recommendations!! I still have to figure out my read for the immigrant/refugee prompt. I am reading three Bunnicula books for three of these prompts because I did not read these series as a kid but my husband did so I will be reading them to my kids. I did not know that Amari and the Night Brothers is a debut novel so will be starting that series, my daughter is excited.

[@BooksAndJams]

I never read that series either...don't think it's for me. haha.

[@sirvashae1726]

I have my TBR together and was kind of stretching the immigration/refugee prompt….As soon as you talked about Other Words for Home I immediately borrowed it from the library!

[@BooksAndJams]

I hope you love it! IT's one of my faves.

[@sirvashae1726]

@@BooksAndJams I read it and loved it. Easy 5 ⭐️. I’ve already purchased A Rover’s Story and can’t wait to read more from Jasmine Warga.

[@lupitaochoa9529]

The One and Only, Ivan ✅❤️ Because of Winn-Dixie ✅❤️ When Stars are Scattered ✅❤️ Wonder ✅ I feel like I missed out on Sweep, but it's on my Kindle, so I can try to get to it. I also feel like I have missed out on The Girl Who Drank the Moon, but I have a physical copy of that, so chalk up another one to try to get to. I have read A Monster Calls, but after your description, I think I might have missed out on it in the way I read it because I have no real recollection of it. Might have to reread it. Thanks for the content, Krista!

[@BooksAndJams]

Looks like we have a few in common! Hope you love the ones you haven't read yet. I think my experiences with loss and grief definitely impacted my response to A Monster Calls.

[@msdecker11]

those sound amazing thanks

[@Bookish_Blonde]

I put Sweep, Amari, and Coyote Lost and Found on hold at the library! I also have Refugee.

[@geminigem599]

I have only read 1 from yr show n tell, Otter.

[@melissapalmer9140]

Read For Lamb...great book by the author of Finding Langston.

[@BooksAndJams]

Oh nice. I would like to read more from her.

[@theresepazell7875]

Thanks for answering. Was very concerned for you Scary..Take care b safe..

[@BooksAndJams]

No worries. Thanks for your concern! ❤️

[@kavrees5622]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I used to read middle grade almost exclusively a decade back but then discovered Christian Fiction and haven't read much MG since, except for revisiting a few favourites each year. You've made choosing books for the prompts very easy. I have put Echo, Rump and Wishtree on hold at my library. They should be available right around the beginning of March so that's perfect timing.

[@BooksAndJams]

Sweet! I love those three so much and hope you will too.

[@jenniferdobbs7092]

I made a list the day y'all announced it. Then I'd see something else and change to that, then again, 😂. So as of now I'm clueless of what I'm going to read. The Girl Who Drank The Moon is a definite though.

[@BooksAndJams]

Haha. I just filmed my TBR but I wouldn't be surprised if I pick a whole different stack when the time comes. We'll see.

[@maryhunt3279]

I have read several of these and loved them. I collect Katherine Applegate’s books and Kate DiCamillo too! I am glad to hear there will be another One and Only…title. I am adding 7 of these books to my TBR. Thanks so much for the great recommendations.

[@lupitaochoa9529]

The One and Only Family Doesn't that title just give you all the warm and fuzzies?

[@BooksAndJams]

Glad you found a few to add!

[@kfp10596]

Great recommendations!! I’ve read a lot of them but I still managed to pick titles for all the prompts from this video. I am hoping that mgm pulls me out of my current slump.

[@BooksAndJams]

I hope so too, Kim! Love ya.

[@HamsavahiniVajraasthra]

Hi Krista🥰!This is an amazing recommendations video , will be posting my TBR and POP video tomorrow. Waiting for the readathon to begin!🤩😍🥰

[@BooksAndJams]

Love that! I will head over to watch.

[@emilyreads5207]

I plan on reading The Last Cuentista next month. Glad it fits a prompt!

[@jeanshelbybooks4154]

I love your energy in this and the recommendations!! 😊

[@drewsambitiousreading2752]

Thank u for doing this Krista!! To let u know Amari is going to be a trilogy and book 3 just got their cover revealed

[@BooksAndJams]

You're welcome. I just added the second book to my tbr for March. Can't wait to read it.

[@drewsambitiousreading2752]

@@BooksAndJams haha I was also thinking of adding book 2 to my tbr as well

[@pamelamcarthur5131]

I'm so looking forward to Middle Grade March! I have all my books chosen for the prompts along with a list of additional books I would like to get too! Thank you for the recommendations. I was able to get Refugee from the library. I may have to rethink some of my choices!!

[@BooksAndJams]

I have SO many I want to read. It's a problem every year.

[@Angelareadsalot]

Front desk is fabulous! Kelly Yang has another outstanding immigrant story called Finally Seen published in 2023, which I gave 5 ⭐️ I think I loved it even more than Front Desk.

[@BooksAndJams]

I really want to read more from her for sure.

[@pageswithpostelwait9720]

Wow- wonderful recommendations I love Rump and the Penderwicks!! The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone was by far one of the most enjoyable books I read last year! The Last Cuentista was by far one of the best books ever- truly one of my top 5 Middle grades ever!!! 📚

[@BooksAndJams]

I'm so glad you also loved so many of these. There are just so many fantastic MG books out there!

[@ReadinginSpurts]

Thank you for so many good recommendations! I too loved The War that Saved My Life, Until Tomorrow Mr. Marsworth and When the Stars were Scattered. I have Mandy and listening to you talk about it makes me want to pick it up soon. I think I might also pick up Wishtree.

[@BooksAndJams]

Yes!! Please read Wishtree. It's such a lovely story. Mandy is so good too!

[@theresepazell7875]

Enjoyed ..

[@BooksAndJams]

I'm glad!

[@BrittanyLovesReading]

So many great recs here! Other Words For Home ❤ I read that last year and it’s now a fav!

[@BooksAndJams]

It's fantastic!

[@charollatecrowe6475]

A lot of good recommendations

[@BooksAndJams]

Thanks.

[@Samanthakreads]

I'm excited to participate in Middle Grade March this year💛

[@BooksAndJams]

Yay! I'm so glad!!

[@BookLoverAmanda]

I’m planning to read Refugee and Echo!

[@BooksAndJams]

They're both so so good!

[@ladyking119]

I read a lot of your one word titles, except for Pony. I also read The War that Saved My Life. so good, love that book. I also loved Odder and Wonder, both favorites of mine. Thanks for your other recommendations, not sure what I will choose, all depends on my library.

[@BooksAndJams]

It's fun to go browsing at the library kids section and see what pops out to you! I am determined to only read from my shelves though this year and really get some of these read!

[@kayhammock]

I'm inspired to join middle grade March. I love your enthusiasm; it's definitely addicting! So far I have Starfish Beyond the Bright Sea Will add Echo! Esperanza Riding The Girl who Drank the Moon Old Yeller There are several you mention today that I will add. Can't wait to get started!!

[@leighcochran8276]

I remember old seller, as well as where the red fern grows, from school teachers reading them out loud during class. I love them, but SO heartwrenching

[@BooksAndJams]

I'm so pleased! I hope you do pick up a few of those and read them. You have a great list started!

[@nicolespivey9521]

I think The One and Only Family by Katherine Applegate comes out in May. I think I have my TBR for MGM, but it may change. One word title, Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine, Debut- My Heart and Other Black Holes by Jasmine Warga, Refugee story- Refugee by Alan Gratz, Animal on cover- Pug Love by JJ Howard, Book Missed out on- Starfish by Lisa Fipps.

[@BooksAndJams]

I can't wait for the final book in the One and Only series. I made my official tbr today and I'm sure it will change along the way! haha. You have a great list started.

[@theresas709]

Pony and The War That Saved My Life are 5 stars from me but I haven't read a lot of these.

[@BooksAndJams]

Hope you get to pick up some good ones this March.

[@leighcochran8276]

Wishtree sounds amazing. Hello! I've seen wonder in little free libraries but I'll have to get it. It sounds really good.

[@BooksAndJams]

YES! You will love Wishtree. AND Wonder. Read them both!! haha. Not me being book bossy.....

[@jengillespie5114]

I have to finish reading Mandy with my daughter. We have been loving it. Nevermind that the author is the Julie Andrews! :) love her... love the book so far. I will add Echo to my TBR. I want to read The One and Only Ivan so that I can listen to The One and Only Bob on audio. It's read by Danny DeVito.

[@BooksAndJams]

I loved the audio of One and Only Bob. So fun!

[@lupitaochoa9529]

OMG. I am anti audio "reading," not judgement, but listening to Danny DeVito read The One and Only, Bob...Well. Let's just say I might have to make an exception. I mean, I can't think of a better character/voice match!

[@starlasell5698]

Thank you for all the suggestions. Your excitement gets me excited too! I've read some of these amazing books, and added the rest to my Goodreads, lol. I have my books chosen already, but I won't limit middle grade to March anyway. 😘 1. Savvy 2. Manatee Summer 3. When We Were Free 4. Circus Mirandus 5. Wonder😊 ...because these are already on my shelves.

[@BooksAndJams]

I don't limit MG to March either, but I do read mainly middle grade for the month. It's fun to flood my reading with so many great books.

[@starlasell5698]

@BooksAndJams Yes! Last year was my first MG March, and I read thirteen books. My favorites were Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster, The Marvellers, A Snicker of Magic, and A Pinch of Magic... so many great books!

[@rebekahmackenzie]

Thanks for the recs. Odder is one of my absolute favorites!

[@BooksAndJams]

It's so sweet!

[@books_and_bocadillos]

Yay! I'm excited for middle grade March🎉

[@darleneking101]

Oh boy Krista I have been waiting on this video and I was surprised at the books I had already read, and I might add that is because of your past recs. Can't wait to pick out books for this year!!! Thanks for all you do!!!! 📚♥

[@BooksAndJams]

I can't wait to hear what you choose to read!

[@catreadsbooks]

I love Because of Winn Dixie too. I had no idea that is Kate DiCamillo’s debut novel. That’s pretty impressive considering they made that book into a movie which I also love. You can’t go wrong picking a Kate DiCamillo book in my opinion. Fun fact: most of the middle grade books I’ve read have animals on the cover. Obviously this is my favorite type of middle grade story.

[@BooksAndJams]

I agree. I just hauled one of her newest, The Beatrice Prophecy and really want to read that one this year...hopefully.

[@catreadsbooks]

@@BooksAndJams I haven't read the Beatrice Prophecy yet but I heard it's good so I'm going to get to that one soon too.

[@emilyspencer2767]

Super random request 😂 I would love to read all past group read and want to make sure I’m not missing any. Could you give me a list of all past MGM group reads? Thank you so much!

[@BooksAndJams]

Ooo you're testing my memory. Ok we have 2018 - The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill 2019 - Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster by Jonathan Auxier 2020 - The Book of Boy by Catherine Gilbert Murdock 2021 - The Brave by James Bird 2022 - Pony by RJ Palacio 2023 - A Rover's Story by Jasmine Warga

[@emilyspencer2767]

Yay. Thank you so much! I WAS missing one haha😂

[@breannawilliamson9787]

Oh, so many good ones! I don’t know if you’ve also read Fighting Words by Kimberly Brubacker Bradley but it is sooo good! The audiobook in particular. Also, I bawled reading A Monster Calls and cried reading Wonder and probably plenty of other books on this list! 😆 Also, I haven’t been on booktube much lately and I didn’t know about your brother. I am truly so sorry and am going to pray for you right now. ❤️

[@BooksAndJams]

I loved Fighting Words. It's very different from her historical books, but still so so good! Thanks so much for your prayers.

[@lindawarner9406]

Krista my library knows I read middled grade in March. Do my my library bis combining my middle grad with match madness to do tournament of books thought you would like this I read most of library picks in pile

[@BooksAndJams]

Fun!

[@jordienaomi]

I have been so looking forward to this video! Thank you Krista! 🎉

[@MLLatUtube]

This is a great list and includes some books I have loved! I need to watch the announcement video - not sure how I missed it - but I love your recommendations.

[@BooksAndJams]

We only posted the announcement on the Middle Grade March youtube channel this year. That might be why you missed it.

[@MLLatUtube]

@@BooksAndJams I subscribe to that channel also. Must have been KZbin being quirky.

[@kirstyhatton1857]

My first time taking part in Middle Grade March. I plan to readi Heidi by Johanna Spyri. Not sure if it does count as middle grade but it's a great reason to finally read the whole book (l hope!)

[@BooksAndJams]

It absolutely counts as a middle grade! So glad you'll be participating this year. It's so fun!

[@SCCatarino]

Thanks for this video! My kiddo has read most of these and has loved them all. I am having a really hard time finding books for her these days... She is 13 years old and wants books with no death and no kissing... It seems all YA books have one or the other. Sigh.

[@Readingindarknesss]

Refugee is a really great book! But it’s not for the faint of heart.

[@BooksAndJams]

I agree.

[@marymetz3595]

I was wondering if you will be doing the monthly middle grade books to read as a group? I enjoyed last year so much ❤

[@BooksAndJams]

We haven't nailed it all down yet, but we will continue. It will just look a little different.

[@novelideea]

I love so many of these!!🥰

[@darlenefarley8193]

Out of all the books you mention I read ten of them. Pony, Wind Dixie. Amari and the second one, A Home for Words, All The Stars, The War that Saved my Life, and the second one, The Girl That Drank the Moon, The One and Only Ivan and Bob and Ruby. And have put more on my list I did not read. What is the group read for this year?

[@BooksAndJams]

The group read this year is called The Mona Lisa Vanishes. It's a nonfiction about an art heist. It's going to be so fun!

[@AlmasBookJourney]

thank you so much for all the great recommendations!!

[@BooksAndJams]

You're so welcome!

[@cathyvanderheide6875]

have you read any of the City Spies books, my grandson is interested and his Mom asked me if I knew anything about them. My grandson is almost 10 and reads way above his grade level. Thanks

[@BooksAndJams]

I haven't read City Spies, but I have the first one on my shelves. I know a few people on Instagram who just love that series.

[@DinoReader]

When you say The Girl Who Drank the Moon doesn't "sit right" with some people and is more heavy hitting, what does that mean? Is it like super triggery? Or? It's been on my list for ages and I was considering it for this March but I am just wondering what that statement meant? I am already planning on reading Dear Mothman which I know is going to be brutal, but likely wonderful.

[@BooksAndJams]

Thanks for your question. I should have been a bit more specific. From those I know some didn't like the writing style of Girl Who Drank the Moon. It's a bit more flowery than I normally like, but I was very into it. It's just not for everyone. There is a lot of discussion of grief in it as well, especially from those who have had to "give" their children to the witch in the woods. I suppose that was another reason some people didn't care for it.

[@ChautonaHavig]

Oh, goodness. I haven't read any of your "if you haven't reads". EEEP!

[@BooksAndJams]

Looks like you now have a tbr for next month! haha. Kidding...but not. Of the ones I mentioned I would say you should go with Sweep and One and Only Ivan.