At home resources #34

Book Suggestions

Younger readers

Mia Mayhem: Breaks Down Walls by Kara West

Mia is determined to be the best in her strength-training class, so she can learn how to lift cars, and climb super tall buildings! But when her own super strength gets the better of her, she ends up causing absolute mayhem. Will Mia be able to rebuild the walls she broke down, one-by-one? This is the start of a new series--there are nine titles in the series so far. Early chapter book with lots of illustrations. Available as an ebook on Overdrive. 

Middle grade readers

The Watsons Go to Birmingham 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis

Enter the hilarious world of ten-year-old Kenny and his family, the Weird Watsons of Flint, Michigan. There's Momma, Dad, little sister Joetta, and brother Byron, who's thirteen and an "official juvenile delinquent." When Byron gets to be too much trouble, they head South to Birmingham to visit Grandma, the one person who can shape him up. And they'll be in Birmingham during one of the darkest moments in America's history. This would be a great family read aloud. Available as an ebook on Overdrive. 

Upper grade readers

Orbiting Jupiter by Gary Schmidt

Joseph, a father at thirteen, has never seen his daughter, Jupiter. After spending time in a juvenile facility, he's placed with a foster family on a farm in rural Maine. Here Joseph, damaged and withdrawn, meets twelve-year-old Jack, who narrates the account of the troubled, passionate teen who wants to find his baby at any cost. In this riveting novel, two boys discover the true meaning of family and the sacrifices it requires. Break out the tissues! This is a touching story of two boys who develop a bond under unusual circumstances. Available as an ebook and an audiobook on Overdrive. 

Brains On! A Podcast for Kids

This podcast will answer some of your most interesting science questions! Topics include: Do plants have feelings?, All about narwhals, Weather watching, UFOs, and Can you dig to the center of the earth? 

Book Club for Kids: Another podcast for middle grade students

Middle grade students read a book and discuss it together in this podcast. You might listen to get a new book suggestion or you might listen to an episdoe after you read the book yourself and see if you have the same opinions as the students in the bookclub.