Middle Grade

For ages 8-12

Hurricanes

A hurricane is tropical storm in which wind speeds are greater than 74 mph. Catastrophic damage to shorelines is possible, as are flooding and storm surges. The term applies to storms in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Web links to additional information and activities about […]

Zoos

We’re going to the zoo, zoo, zoo! Experience all sorts of zoo adventures as well as learn the ins and outs of zoos in these selections. Web links to additional information and activities about follow these reviews. Contributor: Peg Glisson Reviews 1 Zany Zoo By: Lori Degman Illustrated by: […]

Mexican-American

Mexican? American? What is it like to be a Mexican American today? These books, mostly novels, explore life and issues for Mexican American youth. Like many first, second, or third generation immigrants, it’s not uncommon to have a foot in both worlds, especially if relatives still live in Mexico. To better understand their history and […]

World War II: Fact

D-Day, June 6, 1944, was the beginning of Operation Overlord, which resulted in the Allied liberation of Western Europe. Hundreds of thousands American, British and Canadian forces landed on five beaches along a 50-mile stretch of the heavily fortified coast of France’s Normandy region. These nonfiction books, published since 2010, help us understand the facts […]

World War II: Fiction

Whether flying secret missions, trying to avoid capture by the Nazis, or tracking spies, fiction brings the people and events of World War II’s European front to life. These titles, published since 2010, have great appeal. (Other recent titles about World War II in Fact and Fiction can be found in our 2012 Memorial Day […]

Mother Goose

The sounds and rhythm of Mother Goose rhymes have helped them endure for years and years. Phrases from these rhymes are often heard in conversation or repeated in literature, making it important for each generation to be familiar with them. Whether using them in a story hour, at home with your child, or as a […]

April Daze

April Daze! There are a plethora of things to celebrate in April, from libraries to pets, humor, baseball, religious holidays, diversity-and yes, even frogs!. Take your pick with these books.Web links to additional information and activities about April follow these reviews. Contributor: Peg Glisson Reviews Ah Ha! Jeff Mack It’s not […]

Poetry & Science

Science and Poetry? Of course! Many excellent poetry collections or novels in verse can have scientific implications-whether in nature, sports, or space. Poetry begs to be read aloud, so get set to entice those science lovers who think poems aren’t their thing, and poetry fans who turn their noses up at science. Web links to […]

Food and Cooking

Why do we eat? What do we eat? Why do we eat what we eat? How is food grown and prepared? Encourage the youngsters in your life to be knowledgeable about what they eat and to cook for themselves (and others)-these books will help with that goal. Web links to additional information and activities about […]

Visual Arts

“This world is but a canvas to our imagination.” (H. D. Thoreau) Drawing, painting, sculpture, photography allow that imagination to soar, for the artist and the observer. Let your imagination soar with these books on various visual arts! Web links to additional information and activities about the Visual Arts follow these reviews. Contributor: Peg Glisson […]

Irish

Who are the Irish? Historian Carl Wittke described them as having a “temperament [that] is a mixture of flaming ego, hot temper, stubbornness, great personal charm and warmth, and a wit that shines through adversity. An irrepressible buoyancy, a vivacious spirit, a kindliness and tolerance for the common frailties… ” Watch for some of these […]

Winter

Silently, softly falls the snow-and with it comes all sorts of wintery times. Chill out with these books featuring winter! Web links to additional information and activities about Winter follow these reviews. Contributor: Peg Glisson Reviews After the Snow S.D. Crockett In this powerful first novel, global warming has killed the North Atlantic Current, sending […]

American Revolutionary Times

ALA Midwinter is in Philadelphia January 24-28, but over 200 years ago it was the meeting place for America’s Founding Fathers and where both the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed. Explore the people, places and time in fact and fiction. Web links to additional information and activities about American Revolutionary people and times […]

Russia

“To many, Russia is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. (Winston Churchill)” The Winter Olympics will be in Sochi, Russia, in February 2014. The world’s largest country, Russia spans two continents and eleven time zones. Part of the Soviet Union for nearly 70 years, it has had its own political, legal, and […]

Immigration

America is often called “A Nation of Immigrants.” Opportunity and freedom call people to our shores, making the United States a diverse mix of people. Literature can help us understand their hopes and their plight.Web links to additional information and activities about Immigrants and Immigration follow these reviews. Contributor: Peg Glisson Reviews Angel Island: Gateway […]

Playtime

Fun and Games! December brings gifts and time off from school. While it’s said, “Play is child’s work,” even grown-ups enjoy letting loose with games or play activities. The titles in this list explore several aspects of play, from pure fun to slightly sinister. Web links to additional information and activities about toys and play […]

Military Families

Veteran’s Day and Military Family Appreciation Month both fall in November. Whether deployed in the United States or abroad, military families face unique challenges. Families are often separated when the military spouse or sibling serves overseas, while the rest of the family is stateside. Their contributions to our country’s well being and safety are immeasurable. […]

Thanksgiving

While America celebrates Thanksgiving Day in November, it is celebrated on different days around the world. Our book selections reflect a sense of gratitude as well as more “traditional” Thanksgiving fare. View Thanksgiving book recommendations from previous years at http://clcd.com/index.php/nlindex. Web links to additional information and activities about Thanksgiving and gratitude follow these reviews. Contributor: […]

Fall Holidays

Crisp apples, colored leaves, seasonal celebrations–Autumn is filled with fun. Explore the many aspects of fall, enjoyable, educational, or eerie, with these titles. Web links to additional information and activities about fall celebrations follow these reviews. Contributor: Peg Glisson Reviews The Apple Orchard Riddle Margaret McNamara Pictures by G. Brian Karas When Mr. Tiffin takes […]

Bullying

Bullying has become a national issue. More than 30% of teens in the U.S. are either a bully, a target of bullying, or both. Explore the social dynamics and impact of bullying in fact and fiction. Web links to additional information and activities about bullies and bullying follow these reviews. Contributor: Peg Glisson Reviews 90 […]