For Kids

Dive Into Summer!

Summer is a magical time. As the weather warms up and the days grow longer, there’s nothing quite like diving into a great book that captures the good vibes of summer. Whether it’s the thrill of swimming, the magic of summer friendships, or the adventure of summer camp, middle grade novels have a special way of bringing these stories to life. Here are five recently published middle grade books that will make you want to grab your swimsuit and dive right in!

 

Flip Turns by Catherine Arguelles (2022)

Thirteen-year-old Maddie just wants her classmate Lucas to leave her alone. He keeps asking her out—as if she hasn’t already said no a thousand times! Focusing on her competitive swim team, the Electric Eels, Maddie tries to ignore him, hoping he’ll stop harassing her.

But then, when someone starts sabotaging Maddie’s family-owned pool—glass on the deck, ketchup in the pool, followed by a “code brown”—Maddie worries it’s her “admirer” trying to get even. After Maddie’s parents rule the problems at the pool just harmless pranks, Maddie and her best friend, Ez, decide to investigate on their own. Could it be Lucas? And how can Maddie get him to leave her alone once and for all? The future of the Electric Eels and Maddie’s family legacy are on the line.

 

Barely Floating by Lilliam Rivera (2023)

Natalia De La Cruz Rivera y Santiago, also known as Nat, was swimming neighborhood kids out of their money at the local Inglewood pool when her life changed. The LA Mermaids performed, emerging out of the water with matching sequined swimsuits, and it was then that synchronized swimming stole her heart.

The problem? Her activist mom and professor dad think it’s a sport with too much emphasis on looks–on being thin and white. Nat grew up the youngest in a house full of boys, so she knows how to fight for what she wants, often using her anger to fuel her. People often underestimate her swimming skills when they see her stomach rolls, but she knows better than to worry about what people think. Still, she feels more like a submarine than a mermaid, but she wonders if she might be both.

Barely Floating explores what it means to sparkle in your skin, build community with those who lift you up, and keep floating when waters get rough.

 

Camp QUILTBAG by Nicole Melleby & A. J. Sass (2023)

Twelve-year-old Abigail (she/her/hers) is so excited to spend her summer at Camp QUILTBAG, an inclusive retreat for queer and trans kids. She can’t wait to find a community where she can be herself—and, she hopes, admit her crush on that one hot older actress to kids who will understand.

Thirteen-year-old Kai (e/em/eir) is not as excited. E just wants to hang out with eir best friend and eir parkour team. And E definitely does not want to think about the incident that left eir arm in a sling—the incident that also made Kai’s parents determined to send em somewhere e can feel like emself.

After a bit of a rocky start at camp, Abigail and Kai make a pact: If Kai helps Abigail make new friends, Abigail will help Kai’s cabin with the all-camp competition. But as they navigate a summer full of crushes, queer identity exploration, and more, they learn what’s really important. Camp QUILTBAG is a heartfelt story full of the joy that comes from being and loving yourself.

 

The Firefly Summer by Morgan Matson (2024)

For as long as Ryanna Stuart can remember, her summers have been spent with her father and his new wife. Just the three of them, structured, planned, and quiet. But this summer is different. This summer, she’s received a letter from her grandparents—grandparents neither she nor her dad have spoken to since her mom’s death—inviting her to stay with them at an old summer camp in the Poconos.

Ryanna accepts. She wants to learn about her mom. She wants to uncover the mystery of why her father hasn’t spoken to her grandparents all these years. She’s even looking forward to a quiet summer by the lake. But what she finds are relatives…so many relatives! Aunts and uncles and cousins upon cousins—a motley, rambunctious crew of kids and eccentric, unconventional adults. People who have memories of her mom from when she was Ryanna’s age, clues to her past like a treasure map. Ryanna even finds an actual, real-life treasure map!

 

Camp Famous by Jennifer Blecher (2023)

Eleven-year-old Abby Herman is beyond excited that her parents are letting her go to summer camp for the first time ever. Maybe camp will be the place she’ll finally find what she’s always wanted: a best friend. But—surprise!—she’s not going to just any summer camp, she’s going to Camp Famous, the one exclusively for famous kids escaping the spotlight.

Desperate to fit in with the pop stars, princesses, and geniuses, Abby creates a fake identity as a famous author. Everything goes as planned: the other girls welcome her, she participates in camp activities, and she even inspires a pop star! But as camp comes to a close, Abby finds herself torn between who she has pretended to be and who she truly is.

These five middle grade novels beautifully capture the spirit of summer, the joy of swimming, and the importance of friendship. Whether you’re looking for adventure, inspiration, or just a good story to get lost in, these books are sure to make a splash! Happy reading!

 

Half Moon Summer by Elaine Vickers (2024)

Drew was never much of a runner. Until his dad’s unexpected diagnosis. Mia has nothing better to do. Until she realizes entering Half Moon Bay’s half-marathon could solve her family’s housing problems.

And just like that they decide to spend their entire summer training to run 13.1 miles. Drew and Mia have very different reasons for running, but these two twelve year olds have one crucial thing in common (besides sharing a birthday): Hope. For the future. For their families. And for each other.

 

 

ICYMI: 2023 Award Winners

The new year is all about looking forward but in case you missed it, 2023 was loaded with middle grade books that inspired, challenged and delighted young readers. Today, let’s take a look at a few that won prestigious awards for their contributions to children’s literature.

Newbery Medal: Freewater, by Amina Luqman-Dawson

The Newbery Medal, one of the most esteemed awards in children’s literature, was awarded to this debut novel that captivates with its tale of escape and resilience, offering young readers a profound glimpse into the journey of two siblings who flee from the harsh realities of enslavement. This story of survival, adventure, friendship, and courage inspires and educates, serving as a reminder of the strength of the human spirit.

 

 

Schneider Family Book Award: Wildoak, by C.C. Harrington

This award celebrates books that express the disability experience with artistry and authenticity. Wild Oak weaves a tale of courage and friendship, highlighting the importance of understanding and inclusion. Harrington’s narrative skillfully brings to light the challenges and triumphs of living with a disability, making it a must-read.

 

 

 

Pura Belpré Award:  Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega, illustrated by Rose Bousamra.

This award is named after Pura Belpré, the first Latina librarian at the New York Public Library and honors Latino/Latina writers and illustrators whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in outstanding works of literature for children and youth. Frizzy tells the story of Marlene, who struggles with embracing her curly hair amidst pressure to straighten it for her sister’s quinceañera. The narrative weaves themes of self-acceptance, cultural identity, and the importance of family, offering a powerful message about embracing one’s natural beauty and heritage.

 

Odyssey Award: Stuntboy, in the Meantime, by Jason Reynolds

The Odyssey Award for the best audiobook produced for children and/or young adults recognized Stuntboy, in the Meantime, produced by Taryn Beato for Simon & Schuster Audio. Vibrant and engaging, this audiobook brings the Jason Reynold’s novel that blends humor, heart, and heroism to life.

 

 

The Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature: Maizy Chen’s Last Chance, by Lisa Yee

This award celebrates and recognizes books about Asian/Pacific Americans and their heritage, focusing on literary and artistic merit. Maizy Chen’s Last Chance, the 2023 recipient, is a heartfelt middle-grade novel that explores family, identity, and the history of a Chinese American family through the eyes of Maizy Chen, who spends an unforgettable summer at her grandparents’ restaurant in a small town. (also a Newbery Honor Award recipient AND a National Book Award Finalist!)

 

 

Mildred L. Batchelder Award: Just a Girl: A True Story of World War II, by Lia Levi, translated by Sylvia Notini

The Mildred L. Batchelder Award for an outstanding children’s book translated into English was given to “Just a Girl: A True Story of World War II.” Originally published in Italian, this poignant novel offers a deeply moving and insightful glimpse into the life of a young Jewish girl living in Italy during World War II, highlighting the struggles, resilience, and hope amidst the backdrop of historical events.

 

 

For Kids: Publish Your Writing

girl writing

Image by pch.vector on Freepik

 

Are you a budding writer? Students may think only adults can get published, but there are magazines and websites that are looking for stories, poetry, articles, and even artwork from elementary school writers and illustrators. The lists below will give you some places to try.

 

But first, here are some tips before sending out your writing:

 

 

  • Check the publication thoroughly. Have an adult look over the information to be sure it’s safe and that it’s suited to you and your writing.
  • Edit your story well. Choose your strongest writing. Reread it many times to catch all mistakes. Ask several people you trust to check it too.
  • Pay attention to the guidelines. Does what you wrote fits with what they publish and what they’re asking for? Some places have themes and will only accept stories that fit those topics.
  • Be confident in your writing. Not everyone will get accepted. That doesn’t mean what you submitted wasn’t good. Believe in yourself and keep submitting. Even famous writers don’t get accepted all the time.
  • Read the stories in the publication to see if there are things you can do to improve your next story.
  • Keep creating. The more you write, the better you’ll get.
  • Take classes and/or read writing books. The more you know, the better your writing will become.

 

Magazines

Stone Soup
Ages 8-13
Known for its excellence, Stone Soup is a nonprofit literary magazine written and illustrated by kids. They publish poetry, fiction, essays, and artwork in the bimonthly print magazine, and they also have a blog with book reviews, a poetry podcast, travelogues, and responses to current events—all by kids under age 14. In addition to their annual book contest, they also publish novels and poetry collections by young writers.

Skipping StonesSkipping Stone magazine cover
Ages 8-17
Skipping Stones magazine features writing from educators and students focused on different regions or cultures of the world. They accept poems, stories, articles, essays, and photos in addition to sponsoring writing contests. They publish online as well as in print.

Magic Dragon magazine coverMagic Dragon
Ages 5-12
Published quarterly, Magic Dragon is interested in stories, essays, and artwork. If your work is chosen, you will receive a copy of the issue.

 

 

 

fingers commas toes
Ages 4-26
This theme-based online publication looks for nonfiction essays and personal stories (including videos) as well as fiction, poetry, visual and digital art, and music. Check the site to find out what topics they’re looking for.

The Louisville Review
K-12
For their Cornerstone section, The Louisville Review accepts previously unpublished poetry from kids.

Story Monsters InkStory Monsters Ink magazine cover
Ages 5-17
A Gold Award winner from Mom’s Choice Awards, Story Monsters Ink publishes stories, essays, articles, and drawings. They also accept book reviews and stories about favorite teachers.

 

Guardian Angels Kids
Up to age 14
For their Young Muses: Guardian Angel Kids looks for picture stories, activities, crafts, recipes, math and problem-solving ideas, and poetry.

New Moon Girls
Ages 8-14
Written and edited by youth, New Moon Girls magazine invites girls to contribute stories, poems, opinions, art, and photos. They also welcome young journalists.

Online

Wattpad
Any age
Once you create an online account, you can write installments of your stories to keep readers interested. Readers can like and comment on the writing.

Competitions or Contests

Cricket Magazine
Ages 5-12
Cricket Magazine has monthly story, poetry, or art contests. You can check out each month’s challenges online or subscribe to the printed magazine.

boy writing

Image by Freepik

Young Writers
Ages 5-12
Young Writers runs national writing competitions and publishes winners in a book. They also offer writing encouragement as well as some writing instruction on poetry types and terms. The site also has additional information for parents and teachers.

Need some encouragement to keep writing?

NaNoWriMo
Gr. 4-12
NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program is an adaptation of the adult NaNoWriMo challenge to write a novel in a month. Along with the usual features of keeping track of your writing progress, this version offers advice and encouragement and even has classroom support for teachers who want to use it with their students.

For teachers

StoryJumper
Gr. 1-8
The StoryJumper website gives students a chance to create and publish their own illustrated stories online or in book format. Free teacher accounts have a dashboard and lesson plans. Students can collaborate on stories and even work with classrooms in other states or countries. You can buy digital or hard copies of the books.