My 5 Favorite 2018 Middle Grade Novels

[@sharoncreech1563]

Your enthusiasm for books and students is beautiful to witness.

[@LaurieButts]

YESSS...same for The Night Diary! This book touched my heart!!

[@ColbySharp]

It is an unforgettable book.

[@marcihoyt3668]

Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson is one of my favorites for this year. Currently reading Love, Sugar, Magic and am loving it so far!

[@Dierre]

great recommendations, my kids loved these as well.

[@mackisle809]

Here's something I often struggle with (as I teach middle school): How do you ensure that what you are offering is appropriately challenging to your students? Or is this something that you don't really worry about? I know some teachers are more focused on developing a love of learning. A difficult balance. PS big fan of Sharon Creech here too

[@ColbySharp]

What part of your time with your readers are you wondering about ‘appropriately challenging’ materials/activities?

[@mackisle809]

@@ColbySharp I'm not sure I understand your question. If you are asking how much time I'm teaching on grade level, then I would try to spend 100% of my time teaching grade-level material. But I was concerned about how a teacher makes that judgement. How does a teacher determine what is grade-level? Do you use external / objective resources to assist your? Is it just a personal judgement call?

[@fearfifofum4650]

Courage by Barbara Binns, Harper. Barbara was able to transport me into the minds of two African American boys who live on Chicago’s Southside, and see their world through their eyes! I will nominate for a Nerdy!!!

[@ColbySharp]

I need to read that book!

[@angiemoore8367]

I loved The Night Diary! The rest are waiting to be read. (only 15 more days in the semester!)

[@aburns66]

Interested in knowing what the 15 books were. My favorites this year were Amal Unbound, Louisiana’s Way Home; Bob; Book of Boy.

[@monty3740]

So hard to choose. My favorites this year so far. The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson, The Endling by Catherine Applegate, and Grump by Liesl Shurtliff.

[@ColbySharp]

Great picks!

[@gaylel8722]

Restart, The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl and The Trials of Morrigan Crow

[@ColbySharp]

Super list!