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The Iron Trial (Magisterium, #1)
The Iron Trial (Magisterium, #1)
Holly Black | 2014 | Children, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Middle grade book that explores the magical world and how good and evil are viewed. It is well written and both authors did a good job about blending the voice. As I haven't read Cassandra Clare and a really long time since I've read Holly Blake i can't say which style they lean toward, if either.
  
The Mouse and the Motorcycle (Ralph S. Mouse, #1)
The Mouse and the Motorcycle (Ralph S. Mouse, #1)
Beverly Cleary | 2014 | Children, Humor & Comedy
8
8.0 (6 Ratings)
Book Rating
A mouse living in a motel room bonds with a family who stays there over a toy motorcycle. What adventures await now that he can ride? A bit of a slow start, but still a very fun book for middle grade readers.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/05/book-review-mouse-and-motorcycle-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
You can see where her writing starts to smooth out. And the themes while they don't delve too deep are still thought provoking, especially, to the middle grade ages that its written for, and it talks about loyalty, love, betrayal and lying. It's an easy read and the older you get the lower the stakes seem. It's also a good reread.
  
I don't do a whole lot of read-aloud books in middle school, but I used a few this year with my sixth grade ELD students. They loved Wonder as a read aloud. Personally, I loved the book Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper, but it didn't seem to work so well read out loud. Any other good read aloud books you've come across?
  
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Lumos (380 KP) Jun 8, 2018

Fish in a tree was a good read aloud too!

LD
Leonardo da Vinci in 30 Seconds
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Bright and colourfully presented, this "in 30 seconds" book about the brilliant man, Leonardo Da Vinci is targeted at middle-grade readers but accessible by older students as well. It is well laid out and leaves information easily found. Illustrations are meaningful and show the works of the great man.
Overall, this is a pleasant read, that adds to information and one I would happily put in my youngster's library.