Totally Worthwhile Middle Grade Novels

[@alexdelano2062]

Video starts at 3:13

[@taraa1996]

THANKS!!

[@Pokey7064]

You're a hero

[@kimberly1661]

Wow a whole 3 minutes

[@thegroundedone]

Can't say how much I love Kate DiCamillo. "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane " is one of my most favorites. And yes, I was so moved by this beautiful tale. It had me in tears. Have you started your kids on her Mercy Watson series? highly recommend. Great video!

[@zurse7524]

School ended for me and I’m now going to 6th grade so I just want the vibes of elementary again.

[@krissyn.3366]

What a lovely video Katie! I completely agree. It always kind of frustrates me when I'm in the bookstore trying to purchase a children's book and the seller asks who it's for. When I say it's for me, they always say "oh" in a cheerful voice, like I'm not all there. I truly love the C.S. Lewis quotes. I will have to check out a couple of these. Thank you for the recommendations. Happy reading!

[@duffrizky9439]

I couldn't agree with you more, I feel the exact same way. Recently I've started getting into more middle-grade books for the exact same reasons you mentioned. When I read a book I want to learn something whether it's about politics, cultures, the environment, human emotions or general issues that exist within our world. But I want to learn about these issues in a more positive and pleasant way. I want to leave a book feeling uplifted, inspired and hopeful. These are the kind of messages we should be sending not only to our children but to people of all ages, especially adults. Unfortunately, not enough adult books handle this well which can sometimes be very disheartening and like you said depressing. Middle-grade is a fantastic genre for all readers and book lovers. When I read middle grade books I feel inspired, uplifted and happy. This is exactly how I want to feel both during, and after I have read a book. Overall great video and recommendations!

[@calliopeblink]

I teach 6th grade and my students love all of these! Great choices!

[@callie8848]

I LOVED this video of middle grade book recommendations...and Yes, Yes & YES I think you should read the rest of the Penderwick series :) I have read bits and pieces of the other books and love what I've read so far. I also love the Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo...it had such a beautiful message and to me spoke very keenly of what it means to give love to others no matter what they look like or what circumstances they're in. And YES the illustrations are phenomenal!! (I'm considering writing a middle grade story and illustrating it myself...centered on the message of Faith & Trust. Seeing someone else's perspective on MG books really helped give me a more complete view of what is treasured in MG.) Thanks for the video!

[@ClaireDuggins]

0:50 - 1:14 : You pretty much summed up perfectly why I enjoy middle grade books. Edward Tulane is my favorite DiCamillo book, too. I recently read The Wild Robot by Peter Brown and it was so fantastic that I pre-ordered the second book immediately after finishing it (it doesn't come out til March though!!!)

[@LifeBetweenWords1]

Ooo! I just looked up The Wild Robot and it sounds WONDERFUL! I added it to my tbr (which is huge, but at least it's on there!).

[@pleasepleasethebees]

Thank you for your recommendations! Occasionally I'll throw a book party for my kids and their friends, so I'm always looking for good middle grade reads. We just had our Wonder party last week (everyone loved it of course) but haven't seen the movie yet.

[@splitreads]

This video is fantastic! You expressed exactly why I love middle grade and children's fiction. I go to it for the same "explore humanity" thing as adult fiction, but with an optimistic twist. I love reading middle grade in the summer time and in the winter time (esp December). I need to try some of these, especially The Penderwicks or the Gary Schmidt books you mentioned. I want to cry reading some children's books! (I just cried watching Coco in theaters and need more heartwarming reads in my life)

[@Tinahgirl83]

I loved this video. I’m a huge fan of Middle Grade, for exactly the reasons that you listed. I would also add that they have such pleasant worlds to escape into. I will definitely give Wonder a try. Also Kate DiCamillo and the Penderwicks. Thank you so much!

[@chelseaandrews200]

I love your videos so so so much! The books you feature are much different than the other booktubers I follow and it is so refreshing. Please keep doing what you are doing!

[@SaraiTalksBooks]

What a great video! I absolutely loved Wonder when I read it a couple of years back, it actually made me emotional (which doesn't happen often!) and I recommended it to at least five people after I read it, it was just so good! I really need to read more middle grade fiction, because I agree with you, there's something hopeful and moving about middle grade fiction.

[@ThatBronxgirl7]

You're doing fine! Brief and to the point. I love that CS Lewis quote. I think that's why I fell in love with Harry Potter and Anne of Green Gables and why I'm still in love with them. I actually purchased Wonder just haven't read it yet. As a mom that book must really yank the heart strings especially when you look at your own beautiful boys. Heading online now to purchase the Penderwicks.God Bless and keep up the great work.

[@LifeBetweenWords1]

Thank you so much, Regina!! Editing does a world of good to my communication. ;) And yes, totally - when you find a children's book that speaks to you as an adult, you hold onto it! There's something about them that connect to your heart in such a beautiful way! I hope you enjoy The Penderwicks! It's such a throwback book - it feels like a classic. It's such a pleasure to read. :)

[@carolinethereader]

This is such a great video! I always love Middle Grade books but I don't seek them out as often as I should. One of my favourites that I read as an adult is The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, full of such whimsy and so much wit and I just adored it!

[@melissabrown3976]

Just found your channel & love your detailed descriptions of the books & why you love them. I adore middle grade books! Have you read The Mysterious Benedict Society trilogy? It's fantastic!

[@sterlingmccord]

Your videos are wonderful! I'm glad that they are spontaneous. Keep up the good work.

[@LifeBetweenWords1]

Thanks so much! I have moments of insecurity, but I love making videos so much. :)

[@AGirlandaBook]

I can't wait for my girls to read some of these books. I'm always adding books to a list of ones that I want them to read and I'll read them too so we can talk about them 😊 such a great video idea Katie!

[@bookishfairygodmother]

Awwww I loved this video! You are always articulate! Don't second guess yourself. I think I'd like to get Savvy for my niece at some point. Aaaaaand maybe I'll have to read it too!

[@LifeBetweenWords1]

It's so whimsical!! I hope your niece (and you!!) enjoy it, too!!

[@TheCraftBin]

Yes! Keep going with the Penderwicks! I've read the first three, and each time I finish one I think I won't like the next one because each of the books has something distinctly different (different setting, missing character, etc.) and I always figured it would mar the story. It didn't. At all. They're beautiful books.

[@booksnakeaaron2147]

I love wonder I’m currently reading the companion Auggie And Me!

[@anandakumarsanthinathan3523]

Even iam reading the book Augie and me and it is amazing

[@jennamorganbooks]

You’re always beautifully articulate and descriptive of your books Katie! But I understand the urge to second guess whether or not you said what you meant to say. It’s a struggle for me sometimes too! Especially in book review/Vlog videos. ☺️ It makes me so happy that you love Edward Tulane as much as I do! Now I want to re-read it. Maybe I’ll do a chapter every night before bed. It just seems like the perfect book to do that!

[@LifeBetweenWords1]

Thanks, Jenna! I just always wonder if I scripted my videos whether I'd say more precisely what I want to say. But my videos usually turn out just fine no matter what. And I'm glad that I come across as more articulate than I feel when I'm making the video - I think editing does wonders! ;)

[@LynnetteReads]

Of adults don't read middle grade and YA books and enjoy them how are we supposed to introduce them to younger generations who haven't discovered them yet! I am loving going to the bookshop and looking at all the books I am waiting for my nephew to be old enough to read.

[@lenib9530]

Hey Katie, as always this video was amazing, I‘m always happy when I see that you put up a new video! I have read the first two sequels of The Penderwicks and I own the forth book! I didn‘t like them as much as the first book because I love the setting in and around Arundel, which is missing in the following books! I did however love to learn more about those characters I love so much! I read the first book when I was quite young and it is still probably my favourite middle grade novel! And you just reminded me of Edward Tulane! I used to love that book but I somehow forgot all about it, I need to buy a copy and read it again! Same goes for Despereaux! Have a lovely day☺️

[@LifeBetweenWords1]

Thank you!! I think I'll try the rest of the books - keeping in mind that they don't take place at Arundel (what a bummer). :)

[@ABlackbirdsBooks]

I definitely want to read Wonder and The Penderwicks now! But all these recommendations sounds so good! I don’t think you need scripted videos at all, you always sound so eloquent and say such interesting things about the books in your videos!

[@LifeBetweenWords1]

Merel, you'll love Wonder!! It's a beautiful story.

[@salmarsh8377]

I went to the library and put all of these books on hold but I managed to get the miraculous journey of Edward Tulane and I’m about a 1/3 through it and loving it! I have read both of the wonder books and loved them! Thanks for this video would love to see another on middle grade as No one talks about this genre enough!

[@angelascott672]

I love C.S Lewis!savvy sounds great!okay for now cover is funny but good to know what's inside!

[@rcredinger]

This was great! Love the promotion of middle grade books, they're the best! And I have a confession: I have not read any DiCamillo, nor Savvy, which is surprising. I'll get on that. I loved the Wednesday Wars, so Ok for Now is going on my to-read list soon too! I have mis-givings about seeing Wonder, but I probably will anyway.

[@ninadubois2842]

Do you have a YA book recommendation video? I am loving your channel.

[@LifeBetweenWords1]

Nina Dubois no! But I should do one. I don’t read a *ton* of YA, so I should probably talk about my favorites sometime!

[@TheJane1775]

Thank you for that video! It's such a perfect time for it too. I personally love children literature, it can be as thought-provoking as works of very adult philosophers. Not every adult understand that unfortunately. There is very limited number of my friends that I can speak openly about reading children books. That is also why I am so happy you posted that video and I agree with you 100%!

[@LifeBetweenWords1]

I've never read Mary Poppins, but I've wanted to! I hear it's QUITE different from the movie!

[@ZzZivaReads]

This video is wonderful❤ all the love to middle grade books who are so often over looked and that's something I think should change as well. And this video is an amazing step toward achieving that goal. LOVE this video😊

[@an80slady]

Have you read The Land of Stories series by Chris Colfer. I'm in the middle of the 3rd book. I think k Chris Colfer was in a tv series a little while back, Glee, I think it was.

[@LifeBetweenWords1]

I haven't!! But I'll check it out! Do you enjoy them?

[@an80slady]

Life Between Words So far I have. I'm in the third book. Usually, I don't like fantasy, but this is very different than most I read or,at least tried to read. It might be a form of magical realidm.

[@joinbookland]

Great video! I love Edward Tulane, read it with my daughter when she was 11. We own the book in French. There are such sad moments in it. I might have shed a tear at some point. My daughter who's now 12 is currently reading Wonder. I'll have to read it too as well as your other recommendations!

[@lindsaypitre2711]

I love childrens literature! Check out "The Girl Who Drank The Moon" by Kelly Barnhill. Loved that story and I'm curious to see if you would enjoy it :)

[@LifeBetweenWords1]

I have TGWDTM on audiobook - but I'd like to read the physical copy, I think. I've heard WONDERFUL things!! It's been on my radar for some time!

[@rreer]

I love that book too

[@BedtimeBookworm]

I feel the same after I film, I always feel like I didn’t make any sense. But once I get it edited I’m always surprised at how coherent I sound.

[@shellyseward6321]

I loved Wonder and both of my girls did too. Most recently, my grade 7 daughter read it and did and a book report on it. P.S. I thought there was something missing in this video, and then I realized there was no background noise. You actually got to film a video with no distractions! LOL But honestly I love all your videos, especially the ones with your kids. :)

[@LifeBetweenWords1]

That's hilarious! YES! This video was without distraction! It felt very weird to film!

[@breannacraft4551]

I need a book that challenges and has high-level vocabulary for a rising 6th grader. Which one of these books would do that?

[@dr.suezettealoysiaandcarla1664]

Our book is great for 6th graders 🥰👈🏽

[@desertrat1516]

I love every middle grade novel Kate DiCamillo has ever written! She's amazing! I'm so glad you brought up Edward Tulane. It's one of my very favorite books that I've ever read. Part of what makes her books so wonderful is exactly what you articulated; she doesn't pander to kids. She writes with the assumption that children can handle more complex or "dark" themes. I think that's part of why her books are also enjoyable to adults.

[@user-rl6vo1rj6d]

I would also definitely recommend flipped.

[@kbilly1]

Chim Chimmy I’m currently reading it right now

[@monikalewandowska4425]

I love the book Cogheart, I really recommend it

[@kaileyrodriguez3818]

i’m just using these to write on my reading log 💀

[@GameofTomes]

This is a beautiful video. Thank you so much for sharing ✨

[@vickysbooknook]

I read Wonder this month and absolutely loved it! I definitely need more middle grade in my life. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane sounds like it’s right up my alley.

[@shulkiee]

I absolutely love Edward Tulane! I read that book when I was in about 3rd grade and it has stuck with my ever since. It is also my favorite Kate DiCamillo book! I really need to pick up Wonder, everyone seems to love it.

[@LifeBetweenWords1]

Yes! You really should pick up Wonder! It is a book everyone should read. :)

[@lisadalessandro7905]

I loved Wonder! I can't wait to see the movie. One of my favorite middle grade books that I read as an adult is Forget Me Not by Ellie Terry. It's about a little girl with Tourette syndrome who's dealing with starting a new school. It's told partly in free verse. I think you would really like it!

[@LifeBetweenWords1]

DEFINITELY adding Forget Me Not to my tbr! It sounds wonderful! (I just found it on book outlet, so I may need to add it to my cart...)

[@sarahfenlonfalk]

Love the Penderwicks! Read on!

[@lindawarner9406]

Love Wonder. I work library with kids like giving kids what to read

[@JessMcGlynn]

Loved this Katie, a couple I hadn’t heard of which I am going to pick up for Meg 😁

[@LifeBetweenWords1]

Yay! Which one(s) did stuck out to you for her?

[@JessMcGlynn]

Life Between Words Definitely Savvy and I thought perhaps Penderwicks too :)

[@jessiesshelf5597]

I'm currently reading Wonder for a book club! So far I like it but it breaks my heart into a million pieces!

[@andreanestp9330]

I know that I’m late but you should read One Half From The East, it’s a middle grade book and I realllllyyyyy loved it

[@luxraygaming7368]

A great middle read for me was The night gardener and The star thief

[@keimemommy]

I've been watching your videos for awhile and love them. You have a very similar taste in books to me and my tbr list has grown tremendously. Seeing your passion for children's literature I wanted to share something with you. I don't know if you have considered the possibility of homeschooling Wilder and Fox when the time comes, but if you do PLEASE look into Charlotte Mason and her educational philosophy. She was an 19th century educator who put a heavy focus on quality literature and living books as she called them as well as observing and studying nature and the arts. I think you would be really interested.

[@tiffanyclark-grove1989]

I loved Okay for Now

[@willa4484]

I love the Penderwicks series! It's one of my favorite series and I've reread them all so many times❤️ I highly recommend them!

[@LifeBetweenWords1]

I love them, too!! My favorite middle grade family! 🥰

[@BaileeWalsh]

Those CS Lewis quotes are so great and so true!

[@LifeBetweenWords1]

They're pretty perfect aren't they!?

[@victoria9663]

I love what you said about the tension between hope and darkness (in middle grade) being far more true than just darkness (in adult books)!! I find that Emily St John Mendel writes excellent novels that have adult, dark themes but end on a strong note of goodness and hope. I wish I could find more adult fiction writers like her!

[@LifeBetweenWords1]

YES! Love love love Station Eleven so much!

[@victoria9663]

@@LifeBetweenWords1 Yes! I want to reread Station soon. I finished The Glass Hotel recently and it had the same feeling of goodness!

[@ARRRGHSchooling]

I love this video - you know I adore children's literature. I am embarrassed to admit I've never read Wonder. Somehow it slipped under my radar. I am going to have to remedy that. The same with Gary Schmidt. I own The Wednesday Wars but I have yet to read it. And don't second guess yourself - you are always very articulate, even amidst the chaos going on around you!

[@LifeBetweenWords1]

Don't be embarrassed!! But you should definitely read both! I think you'll love Wonder - I don't know anyone who isn't moved by it. :)

[@Imaginetheday1967]

More Penderwicks? Yes, yes yes!!

[@savc_theavenger1574]

I love absolutely Wonder!❤📑 I need to watch the movie. The Penderwicks sounds really good. I think I will try it out.

[@LifeBetweenWords1]

The Penderwicks is so wonderful!! Such a sweet story!

[@debbifaust3106]

Savannah, I went to see Wonder today. It was fantastic.

[@annabanabanana]

Middle grade is just refreshingly innocent. It isn’t tainted by politics and societal issues like YA and adult fiction. Sometimes it’s nice to escape all that.

[@almalovebooks7338]

Auggie, Via, Summer, Jack Will, Miranda and Justin. If you want Julian's perspective then check out the "Sequel"

[@LifeBetweenWords1]

THAT'S right!! Thanks for reminding me!! I need to reread it.

[@ConejoLiterario]

I really like your videos, I use it to practice my english and learn about different kinds of books :)

[@LifeBetweenWords1]

I love that!!

[@campoida]

Love the paenderwicks!

[@angelamisovski2223]

A really good book you should read is Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson ❤

[@kaortega1120]

After hearing of Edward Tulane, it reminded me of the Velveteen Rabbit. I will need to look into this one. Love your videos xx

[@asmakashif85]

The penderwicks is definitely the next children's book for me....loved Wonder

[@LifeBetweenWords1]

Oh it's so good!! Just such a sweet story!

[@Yesica1993]

I am terrified of beginning most kid's books these days. Today's teen books (I hate the label "YA") are pushing all sorts of sexual stuff, among other things. I can only imagine younger kid's books are no different. I LOVE Kate DiCamillo's books! I am always disappointed when I look in the store and there's nothing new by her. I had not heard of "Savvy". Road trip? I'm in! Also, I love your spontaneity. I much prefer that, than something that looks and sounds fake.

[@LifeBetweenWords1]

Ooooh, you should definitely read Savvy! It's such a delightful, whimsical story!

[@Yesica1993]

Just Julie Thanks.

[@glfleur]

I do not like books to leave me hopeless and depressed either. Lately, I have enjoyed books from Kasie West; my favorite book from this author is P.S. I Like You, i think. But, this is not a middle-grade book. If anyone has any feel-good reads, in any genre, please let me know them.

[@quackhead1084]

I read Edward in 2nd grade

[@campoida]

I swore off those books that depress. Call me shallow, but I don't need to pay someone to make me miserable; no matter how wonderful.

[@nargisali8214]

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