Issue 14 - One World

Some days it seems like the world is getting smaller and smaller.  It’s not, of course, but the internet can make it feel that way.  Take WRN? for instance. Every month we get visitors from all over.  Places like Canada and Germany and Japan.  We’ve even had visitors from Moldova more than once.  So we thought we should celebrate these connections with an issue dedicated to books set in other countries or books set in the U.S.—where we’re from—that have characters who have come here from someplace else.

This issue will take you to Ireland in The Book of Tomorrow and to both the Philippines and London in Tall Story. If you’d rather stay in the U.S, read our interview with Cara Chow about her novel Bitter Melon, which features a Chinese teen girl or our YA feature of Medeia Sharif’s Bestest. Ramadan. Ever.. about a Muslim teen girl. Both stories, although different in tone, deal with the conflicts that arise when a family’s original culture conflicts with the one in the new home they’ve made in America.

We hope you decide to stay awhile. Enjoy your visit.  And, whatever you decide to read, use this issue as your passport to one world of reading!

The Book of Tomorrow

by Cecilia Ahern

Review by Kerry O’Malley Cerra
Chatted by Michelle Delisle, Jill Mackenzie, and and Kerry O’Malley Cerra

The Book of Tomorrow, by Cecelia Ahearn, is the first crossover book we’ve featured on WRN? Yep, it’s marketed toward the adult crowd, but is the story of a teen girl whose life upends when her father commits suicide. Suddenly deprived of money and taken from her posh house in Dublin to the countryside of Ireland, Tamara and her mom must make a new start. But, Tamara’s mom’s so depressed she can’t function. That leaves Tamara alone with her Aunt Rosaleen (who’s creepy and manipulative) and Uncle Arhtur (who talks only in grunts and snorts). Tamara finds escape in a traveling library bus where she comes across a mysterious book. Her world is about to change…if she wants it to. The book has the power to show Tamara her thoughts from the next day. And gives her the ability to change the course of events. A powerful tool, for sure, especially given the mystery surrounding the castle and the history of everyone connected to it.

michelle: so...i know I talked you guys into this book. lol. did you like it?
Jill: totally! This book captivated me!
kerry: i really, really liked it. It's set in Ireland so that was a huge bonus. lol
kerry: plus the storyline was not at all what I expected. I couldn't stop reading
Jill: me too. I didn't expect this kind of story at all!

Cara Chow

Interviewed by Jill Mackenzie

Hello WRN readers! We’re so lucky to be able to chat with Cara Chow, whose book, Bitter Melon has been nominated for Best YA Fiction by YALSA (the Young Adult Library Service Association.) Bitter Melon is a daring novel about one girl’s journey to break free from her cultural restraints to become the person she wants to be. So Cara, thanks for joining us today. We’ll start off by asking you the number one question we ask all of our authors… whatcha reading now?

Right now, I am reading Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids by Kim John Payne and Lisa Ross.  This book was recommended to me by my son’s occupational therapist.  I am also re-reading Chasing the Light: Improving Your Photography with Available Light, byIbarionex Perello.  I am also reading my camera manual in order to apply some of the ideas from Perello’s book to my own photography.

Wow! Sounds like you’re a woman of many talents. And I like that you’re tapping into a bit of self-improvement there, too, which I think we all should do from time to time. Anything else that you just can’t put down?

Just so you don’t think that I don’t read fiction, the book I read before Chasing the Light was Stealing Angel by Terry Wolverton. 

Bestest. Ramadan. Ever.

by Medeia Sharif

Reviewed by Michelle Delisle

Almira Abdul is facing down the month of Ramadan determined to do a better job of fasting from sunrise to sunset than last year when she gave into her hunger pangs.  By eating a whole box of wafers in her room. Then getting caught with crumbs on her lips.  All on Day Two no less. While the fast is hard—nearly impossible—there are so many other things that test Almira’s  self control. She can’t believe how hard it is to be Muslim and American!

The character of Almira is laugh aloud funny.  She obsesses a little over her appearance and a lot over Peter, a cute boy at school who has captured her heart. Throughout the “ordeal” of Ramadan, Almira knows any kind of relationship with Peter would be impossible. There are a few little details—like he’s not Muslim and she’s not allowed to date.  But, the biggest problem is that her best friend Lisa is smitten with Peter too.  Poor Almira laments that Lisa is acting like Angelina, while she will only end up spurned and lonely like Jennifer Aniston.

In Bestest. Ramadan. Ever., debut author Medeia Sharif absolutely nails teen girl friendships, gossip and dialogue.  Almira’s overly dramatic personality is very likeable, and at the same time sympathetic as she struggles to balance the traditions of her family and Islam with high school life in America.  Sharif’s lighthearted  touch  with all of the characters, even the love for a somewhat rigid grandfather, are a compassionate way of dealing with more complex issues.  

Tall Story

by Candy Gourlay

Reviewed by Kerry O'Malley Cerra

When I first picked up this book, I assumed it was titled Tall Story because one of the main characters, Bernardo, is sixteen years old and already eight feet tall. But, I love a twist in any title and was totally pleased to discover this book was rich with tall tales from the Philippine's. As a kid, I always loved folklore: Hansel and Gretel, Jack and the Beanstalk, etc. They had an element of danger. Candy Gourlay's Tall Story took me right back to being five years old. I felt myself holding my breath and rooting for Bernardo to escape the legacy thrown upon him.

Bernando is raised in the Philippines by his aunt and uncle, yet longs to be able to finally get clearance from the British Home Office and move to London with his mom, stepfather, and sister Andi. But, the people back home fear his move more than anything because they believe Bernardo, the giant, is the only one who can save their village from the destructive earthquakes that constantly make the earth rock and roll. When he finally gets his papers and moves to London, the townspeople are devastated. And Andi, is mortified that her gigantic beast of a brother will be an earthquake in her own life.

Told in alternating points of view, Tall Story is a bittersweet modern day folktale of two siblings finding friendship with each other as they battle language barriers and outside forces. Definitely a unique read.

Not So Fast, Songololo

by Niki Daly

Reviewed by Jill Mackenzie

It’d be really easy for me to sit here and say that kids today are spoiled, selfish, and self-absorbed. That they’ve lost touch with the kinds of things that are supposed to matter. Like family. And togetherness. And helping the aged.

It’d be easy to say it, but I’m not going to. Because kids today—like adults—have to live in the world we…well…live in. However, when I sat down to read Not So Fast Songololo by Niki Daly, to my five year old daughter, we both had something of an eye-opening experience. A reminder of who we are, and why we love.

Unlike his older siblings, Malusi likes to do things slowly. But when he’s called upon by his elderly Gogo (grandmother), to help her shop in the fast-paced, often daunting city, Malusi rises to the challenge. While Gogo sifts through stores in search of new linens and groceries, Malusi walks along quietly at her side. Only once does Malusi’s eyes ever stray from his Gogo’s needs—when he spots a shoe store selling the kind of red and white tackies (sneakers) that Malusi’s always dreamed of having. But as Malusi looks down at his Gogo’s shoes, torn and worn worse than his, Malusi suspects that he will not own new shoes for a long, long time.

Niki Daly does a beautiful job with the prose and illustrations in Not So Fast Songololo. Through every verse, she keeps both the sacredness of South African tradition, as well as the musical sound of Zulu language alive and vivid. I love this book whole heartedly, and will bring it out whenever my family needs a reminder of the simple, precious things in life.

Kisses for Lula

by Samantha Mackintosh

Reviewed by Michelle Delisle

One of the things I love about my e-reader is that there are a lot of books available for not a lot of money.  If you read as much as I do, or more– this is a good thing.  While I was searching for a read that could fit our One World theme, I ran across Kisses for Lula, which is exactly the kind of book I would have bought in paper.  And the best part was, it was FREE.  Yeah, I know FREE is worthy of all caps.  It won’t be priced like that forever and it may not be when you read this article, but it was and it fit the theme.  Yay!

Kisses for Lula started out as Brit teen chick lit.  It reminded me of the Georgia Nicholson series—lots of laughs, friendships, chasing boys.  Tallulah Bird is five days away from her sixteenth birthday and she’s never been kissed.  Her friends put together a list of “candidates” so that she can get this taken care of and avoid ending up a spinster.  The story is narrated by Lula who counts down the days with Chapters named things like “Early Wednesday, but time running out” or “Still Thursday night. Will it ever end?”

So, funny. 

Surprisingly, as the story nears the end, it twists into something a bit more.  A mystery involving her family and her Mum’s job at the university library.  The clues had been there all along and while Lula noticed them, they weren’t as high on her radar as the kiss and her birthday deadline. Eventually, though, these other problems must be dealt with.  So the question is: while Lula might not be as kissable as she’d like, how are her secret agent, Special Forces, Tae Kwon Do skills? 

Author Samantha Mackintosh has created a fresh character and I’m looking forward to spending a little more time with her in the second book Lula does the Hula.  And remember:  rush to check out the first book Kisses for Lula.  It could still be FREE.

by Jonathan Rosen

After writing one article for the illustrious Whatcha Reading Now? site, I of course assumed that I was a full-fledged WRN girl! I admit that the WRN I.D. card and WRN staff shirt I created for myself were perhaps a bit too much, but I didn’t care. I was proud and I was going to show it! Well, after receiving the cease and desist letter from the WRN attorneys, I realized that I might have been a bit mistaken with my assumptions. I have to admit the threat of deportation seemed a tad excessive and also slightly odd considering that I was born here, but still it made me stop and think. What if I were sent to another country? I thought what a great topic that would make for a feature! And wow, talk about coincidences? This month’s WRN is also about international places! Lucky for me, huh? Since the terms of the settlement I agreed upon with the WRN lawyers left me contractually obligated to write more articles for WRN anyway, I figured this would be a good one to start with.

Now, if you didn’t read the first article I wrote for WRN, (And why on earth didn’t you?) you missed out on the fact that I spent a lot time in other countries, both living abroad and visiting, so this topic had some resonance for me. Reading about other places always sparked my imagination. And honestly, many children will never get to visit anywhere outside their own countries, so reading about other places allows them to live vicariously through the characters in the book. It definitely did and still does for me.  (By the way, if you do want to read my previous article for WRN, you can find it on the WRN site under the When tab. Issue 10 to be precise.)

Anyway, without further ado, here are some books that I enjoyed that take place in other countries. (And since I wrote about the bespectacled wizard from Hogwarts in my last article, I will try to avoid using him again today. It’s okay, I have a feeling Ms. Rowling is doing quite well without my plug).

I’d like to start with The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd. First off, I need to come clean and say that I’m a sucker for ANYTHING with England in it. So as soon as I see anything even remotely affiliated with it in the title, it’s pretty much already guaranteed to come home with me. Thisis an intriguing mystery about a boy, Ted, who goes with his cousin Salim, to take a ride on the The London Eye Mystery (Sort of like a really huge ferris wheel). Since they only have one ticket, Ted lets Salim go and waits for him at the bottom. Problem is, when the car carrying Salim returns to the ground, he isn’t on it. The story follows many twists and turns, trying to figure out what happened, while immersing us in the English setting.

Okay, I hate doing this and hadn’t meant to, but the next book is also England-based. I warned you that I couldn’t resist! If I’m asked to contribute during WRN’s England issue, I might not have anything left to write about. But anyway, I just picked up a book for my kids (And when I say for my kids, I of course mean for myself), The 100-Year-Old Secret (Sherlock Files) by Tracy Barrett. It’s part of her Sherlock Files series. Loved this book. To begin with, I love Sherlock Holmes and the premise of two kids discovering they’re related to him and running out and solving mysteries? I’m in. You had me at Sherlock. And there are a lot of references to Sherlock Holmes cases sprinkled throughout. This book was a lot of fun.

Another book or books in this case, which I loved as a kid and have reread many times since, is the Choose Your Own Adventure 5-8 series. I place this series here because, one I loved them and it’s my feature so I can do what I want. And two, and the reason why I’m including it, is that many of the stories take place in other countries. They were a great and fun way to learn about the customs and traditions of these places which are woven into the stories. I love the feeling of controlling the story in a way. Many times when deep in a book, the reader wonders what they would do in that situation. Well, that’s the fun of theChoose Your Own Adventure series. The reader makes the choices. They decide what to do next. Sometimes the choices are good and sometimes… well, you know what. I particularly recommend Mystery of the Maya by R. A. Montgomery. I like this one because it takes place in Mexico, where I’ve lived and visited many times. In the story, you, as the main character, are on an archeological dig trying to discover what happened to the Mayans when the choices you make lead you on various adventures. The book includes many different Mexican locales, so it was a great way to get a feeling of being there. (I also happen to love everything to do with the Mayans. So much so, that I named a child after them. So granted, I might be a little biased.)

Okay, the next book gets darker, and can be harsh and unsettling. Definitely in the Young Adult category and not for younger readers. It is The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. This book was incredibly powerful. It tells the story of Amir, a young boy growing up in Afghanistan, and his best friend Hassan. The story takes us from their youth in the 1970’s through the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, when Amir’s family flees, and then through later times when the Taliban takes over. As a child, Amir witnesses Hassan being attacked and does nothing. The guilt eats away at him and he is never able to reconcile his feelings with what he did. It is only later when he’s older and must return to Afghanistan, is he given the opportunity to make things right. I’ll say that I read this book with my students and at the end, there were seriously many tears flowing. From the students too.

Well, that’s it for now. According to the terms which I’ve agreed upon with the Whatcha Reading Now? girls, I’m not allowed to linger on this site. So, until next time…

by literary agent Sarah Davies

This is THE place to read the opinions of people so enthusiastic about books for teens and kids that they’ve built a career around it!  We feature viewpoints from authors, editors, agents, librarians, and booksellers who are passionate about kids lit. 

For our One World issue, we’re excited to bring you Sarah Davies of Greenhouse Literary.  Before becoming an agent, Sarah worked for more than 25 years in publishing, starting as an editor and eventually rising through the ranks to Publishing Director of Macmillan’s Children’s Books in London.  To learn more about the books and authors Sarah represents, you can visit her at www.greenhouseliterary.com.
 

As a Brit now living in the US, having founded the Greenhouse - a transatlantic literary agency – I guess it’s not surprising my mindset is very international. Add to that a sister company, Rights People, which specializes in selling foreign rights and you can see why one of my favourite mantras is ‘the world is our marketplace’! Every year I’m not only at conferences all over the USA, but also in London and at the Bologna Book Fair in Italy. Nowadays the children’s publishing industry is global, and authors need agents who can exploit their rights far beyond their domestic market.

The ability to create a ‘sense of place’ is a vital writing skill. While I love all strong stories – whatever their setting – some of my favourite books bring to life places and events which we’d never otherwise experience. I was lukewarm about graphic novels till I read Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood Marjane Satrapi’s stunning evocation of the Iranian Revolution and its consequences for one girl and her family.  My heart was in my mouth as I read Patricia McCormick’s Sold, the devastating story of a Nepalese girl sold into prostitution in India. And I well remember the day I was sick and off work, curled up in a blanket on the sofa, and discovered The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak, that unique, harrowing but also beautiful tour de force set in WWII Germany, narrated by Death, yet making us so alive to the treasure found in books. There’s only one word for these three works. WOW!

Greenhouse has several clients whose heritage or experience enables them to explore unusual settings. Sarwat Chadda is of Pakistani descent yet born in the UK, and has a unique ability to look both East and West in his writing. He’s also a guy who doesn’t do his research on Wikipedia! While his first YA novel, Devil's Kiss, brought old London to life, his second – Dark Goddess – took him to Russia so he could root Billi SanGreal’s epic battle with Baba Yaga and her shape-shifting werewolves in a truly authentic landscape. In Spring 2012 THE SAVAGE PALACE publishes (Arthur Levine Books),  Sarwat’s first thrilling MG adventure about Ash Mistry, a boy who goes back to his family roots in India, only to find himself caught up in terrifying supernatural danger. Think Percy Jackson meets Indiana Jones on the Indian sub-continent.

Based in the tiny African country of Burkina Faso, Stephen Davies is steeped in the scents and sounds of the region and he’s brilliant at getting that on to the page. Outlaw is the adrenaline-fuelled story of a teen boy and his sister, kidnapped and held in the desert by remorseless tattooed terrorist Yakuuba Sor. But Sor isn’t quite who or what they thought, and trickery and murder are soon afoot. With heart-stopping chases and featuring a levitating sheikh, a Tuareg princess and an Ouagadougou cattle drive, this is a fascinating (and refreshingly different) thriller.

Whether a strip mall in the Mid West or an exotic palace in a faraway land, a strong sense of place takes us halfway to loving a story and seeing the world in a new way.

But now I must run – got a flight to catch!

The Ruby Notebook

By Laura Resau

Reviewed by Kristina Miranda

Sixteen-year-old Zeeta and her mother Layla, a traveling English teacher, move to a new country every year. Brazil, Thailand, Morocco—from one continent to another, and never the same place twice. Resigned to her nomadic life, yet anguished by each move, Zeeta keeps notebooks—memories of friends and places left behind—to soothe the pain of pulling up roots year after year.

As Zeeta and Layla spend their first days in Aix-en-Provence, France, Zeeta’s sadness at starting over is tempered by the promise of her boyfriend Wendell’s pending arrival. Wendell will spend two months in Aix with a host family and Zeeta can hardly wait to see him. Before he arrives, however, Zeeta is smitten with a dazzling young street performer, and doubts creep in about her relationship with Wendell.

While Zeeta adapts to her new surroundings, a mysterious admirer begins to leave gifts in her bag. As she searches for meaning in the seemingly random items, her phantom admirer is revealed, and the shock of who it is will change her life forever.

The Ruby Notebook is an enchanting tale that brings together intriguing venues, touching relationships, and mysterious adventure. And don’t miss its companion, The Indigo Notebook, also by Laura Resau.

Along the River: A Chinese Cinderella Novel

By Adeline Yen Mah

Reviewed by Kristina Miranda

After a serious fall that leaves her unconscious, CC (Chinese Cinderella) spends many weeks recovering in the hospital. As her condition improves, she is able to convalesce in the hospital gardens, and one day brings a book of ancient Chinese paintings with her that she finds in the hospital lobby. While paging through the large tome, CC comes across the painting of a river scene, and instantly feels she has been there before, hundreds of years earlier.

Plagued with headaches and mysterious dreams, CC under goes hypnosis by her doctor in an attempt to cure her.  During hypnosis, she begins to tell an amazing tale with remarkable accuracy. She speaks as though she is thirteen year-old Zang Mei Lan, born in 1091 AD.

Zang Mei Lan, having lost her mother at birth, is raised by her wealthy father and cruel stepmother. In love with a servant boy, Zang Mei Lan is devastated when her stepmother attempts to arrange a marriage for her with an older man. Will her stepmother’s plan prevail, or is true love able to overcome the strict societal rules of ancient China?

In Along the River, Adeline Yen Mah expertly weaves historical details from the Song Dynasty into a beautiful narrative. The love story between Zang Mei Lan and the servant boy is truly romantic and memorable. The book also includes a Chinese glossary and full-color art depicting some of the actual ancient Chinese paintings described in the novel.  Through captivating storytelling, Adeline Yen Mah provides a fascinating look into ancient Chinese culture.

The Book of Time

By Guillaume Prevost

Reviewed by Caleah Buil

When I heard the new issue was "One World", I knew immediately what I wanted to do. The Book Of Time by Guillaume Prevost. It’s the perfect choice, well for me that is! 

I'd say I first read it about a year ago, and I fell in love with it immediately.

In the book, Sam Faulkner, the main character, seems so lost and alone ever since his Mom died three years ago. He blames himself for her death, and shuts everyone out, including his beloved friend Alicia.

I guess you could say that everything changed in his life when he turned 14. He lives with his grandparents, his annoying Aunt Eleanor, and her almost annoying daughter Lily. Ever since Sam's mom died his dad has never been the same. He's always leaving on long unexpected trips, hardly ever comes to visit his son, and doesn't have much time to take care of his own bookstore. Now, Sam's dad has been missing for a couple of days now, and his family is beginning to worry.

On that life changing event when Sam turns 14, he goes to his Dad's store, and what does he find...but an extra little room with a statue that looks like a peanut dispenser, a weird looking coin with a hole in the middle, and an old book. 

Curious, Sam puts the coin in the statue, and soon his arm blazes with fire, and he is taken through different periods of time such as Scotland 800 AD, medieval Europe, Word War 1, (which was quite frightening!) and even Egypt! 

Going through these different periods of time, Sam Faulkner discovers his dad is being held captive in Time by the evil Vlad Tepes, and it's up to Sam to save him.

The Book Of Time is the first of three books that were written, and I loved every one. They kept me turning the pages non-stop! It was an excellent adventure\mystery story. It taught me many things I didn't know about in history! I have recommended this book to my friends, and so far none of them were disappointed! A definite must read from Guillaume Prevost!

Article by Veronica Hernandez

On the heels of Hispanic Heritage month, I decided to review books by authors who have a Hispanic background, just like me. The first is a classic tale of two lovers separated for half a century, Love in the Time of Cholera, by Nobel Prize-winning author Gabriel García Márquez. I also chose a book by a best-selling author Julia Alvarez, whose new novel, Return to Sender, is based on her personal experiences with Mexican migrant workers in her home state of Vermont.

Love in the Time of Cholera

By Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Although only just published in 1985, Love in the Time of Cholera is considered a modern classic by many literature fans. It is the beautifully written tale of Florentino Ariza and Fermina Daza, two young people in Colombia who fall hopelessly in love. Succumbing to pressure from her father, Fermina marries the wealthy Dr. Urbino instead of Florentino, the illegitimate son of a businessman.

Florentino is crushed by her rejection. To fill the void in his heart, he becomes involved in numerous affairs and even becomes a well-to-do gentleman. But still, his love for Fermina plagues him like the cholera that plagues Colombia. After fifty-one years, nine months, and four days, Florentino's patience is rewarded: Dr. Urbino dies, and Florentino returns to declare his love again.

An enchanting love story, Love in the Time of Cholera will captivate any reader who opens its pages. It is ideal for mature teens who are fans of romance and Hispanic literature.

Return to Sender

By Julia Alvarez

Eleven year-old Tyler's grandfather dies abruptly. Then his dad is injured in a tractor accident, leaving no one to work their Vermont farm. With no other option, they hire a Mexican family with three girls. Tyler befriends the eldest girl Mari, who’s his age. Slowly, Tyler learns the truth about the family. All but two are undocumented and hiding from La Migra, immigration authorities. They're also waiting to hear back from Mari's mother who went to Mexico and hasn't contacted them since. Will Mari's mom find her way to Vermont? Will La Migra discover the family’s secret?

Return to Sender is a touching story of two new friends who face their struggles together. Even though they seem so different, Tyler and Mari realize they have a lot in common. Mari’s voice is fresh and straightforward, and kind of sad and innocent at the same time. Although fictional, this book provides an interesting perspective on illegal immigration, an issue that affects all of us today. .

Our One World issue is here. Yay! Can’t help but think of Bob Marley’s song One Love. Yeah, we definitely share at least one love with you peeps. Books! We’ve rallied up some of the best books set abroad, or set in America with foreign main characters.  They’re awesome. With winter hitting early this year, there’s no better way to tour faraway lands than reading all sung under your covers. Unless of course you can actually make a real trip.

We have some great books to give away and help you see the world. No passport needed. Simply click here to get to our Facebook page. Once you’re there, on our wall answer one of these two questions to win.

1. Have you ever read a book that made you want to pack your bags and visit that place pronto? If so, what book?

And/or

2. Whatcha’ Reading Now?

For additional entries, give us your email in the box at the top of this website. We promise not to spam ya, but it’ll guarantee you stay up to date with WRN? happenings. Each time you post (FB or email entry), you’re name will be entered. Soooo, keep coming back.

Here are a few of the titles you could win. Bitter Melon, Tall Story, Mamba Point, Bestest. Ramadan. Ever., The Book of Tomorrow, The Ruby Notebook, Time of Miracles and more.

Every reader has a tbr pile.  Here are One World reads that we’ve added to ours.

Jill sez:  I'm totally DYING to read Trash, by Andy Mulligan. I've never been to the Phillipines, and I'm very curious about the culture (or sub-culture)  there.

Kerry sez:  I'm craving the day I can finally dive in and read Ruta Sepetys' novel Between Shades of Gray. I love historical fiction with brilliant writing, a strong setting, and an emotional punch. I've heard this book has them all.

Michelle sez:  I want to read Teenie by Christopher Grant because it features a main character from the Caribbean and so many of my friends are from Jamaica, Haiti, Trinidad and, yes, Barbados too. 

So add one of these or check our Whatcha Gotta Read lists for more suggestions.

Books for Teens
Books for Middle Graders
Picture Books