Olive's Ocean, by Kevin Henkes

Olive's Ocean by Kevin Henkes
This book perfectly captures the awkward, uncertain feelings of middle school. Martha deals with the death of a classmate, a new crush, and frustration with her role in her family. The characterization is honest, and the resolutions of various plot points are simple and realistic.
Target age: 10-14.

Connections:
The Bridge to Terebitha, by Katherine Paterson
Tuck Everlasting, by Natalie Babbitt

Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little

Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little by Peggy Gifford
We picked this book up because The Girl hates Stuart Little. To be fair to Stuart Little, she hates all mice in children's fiction. We don't know why this is so, but it is. "Why, Mommy? Why mice? I just don't get it and I don't want to read about mice that talk and do people stuff." As you can may know, this automatically disqualifies some pretty terrific fiction.
It turns out that Moxy does not hate Stuart Little as much as my daughter does. But Moxy does have a procrastination problem. This hilariously funny book is a must read for procrastinators. The author uses chapter titles and chapter length to great comic effect. It is a very fun (and speedy) read aloud for you and your 3rd or 4th grader.
Target Age: 7-12 years

Connections:
Moxy Maxwell does not love writing thank-you notes, by Peggy Gifford
Sophie Hartley on Strike, by Stephanie Greene
Honest Ashley, by Virginia L. Kroll

Step Fourth, Mallory! by Laurie Friedman

Step Fourth, Mallory! by Laurie Friedman
The Girl and I took turns reading this book to one another. We both enjoyed it. Mallory reminds me of what Junie B. Jones might be like in fourth grade: a little calmer, but still letting her enthusiasm get in the way of clear thinking and good decision-making. Mallory's emotions are very real and fully expressed. The conflicts she has with her friends are also believable. Selected passages from the friends' e-mail exchanges place the narrative firmly in the present day.
Target age: 8-10 years.

Connections:
Clementine, by Sara Pennypacker
This is the 10th in a series of books about Mallory McDonald.