Congratulations to Katie Giorgio, the winner of the autographed copy of Mark Kay Carson’s Park Scientists book!
You will be receiving an email shortly, Katie.
Thanks to everyone who commented.
Now go out and celebrate our National Parks!
Book Lists
Sure, historical fiction has the power to transport you to a different era, immerse you in a new situation and maybe teach you a lesson along the way. But that’s probably not how middle grade readers describe why they like certain books. Most likely, they’ll talk about the characters, and maybe about the setting, and most certainly slip in some insights about how things were different — and how feelings were very much the same as now — so long ago. When historical middle grade is at its best, readers connect and can imagine themselves in that world, in that situation.
Looking back to the last century, here are 10 books — one set in each decade — to fuel that imagination and ground compassion.
- 1900s: When Audrey Met Alice by Rebecca Behrens
- 1910s: Audacity Jones to the Rescue by Kirby Larson
- 1920s: Written in Stone by Rosanne Parry
- 1930s: Full of Beans by Jennifer L. Holm
- 1940s: The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
- 1950s: Unstoppable Octabia May by Sharon Flake
- 1960s: A Night Divided by Jennifer A.Nielsen
- 1970s: It Ain’t So Awful Falafel by Firoozeh Dumas
- 1980s: A Long Walk to Water: Based on a True Story by Linda Sue Park
- 1990s: The Meaning of Maggie by Megan Jean Sovern
What are your favorite middle grade novels set in 20th century decades? It would be wonderful to get your ideas in the comments, and have this as a resource for teachers, librarians, and parents — and the middle grade readers in our lives.
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If your middle schooler has caught Olympic fever, they’ll want to check out these reading materials that provide a history of the games, the science of the hottest summer sports and an in-depth look at some of the most famous athletes of all time.
The Boys in the Boat (Young Readers Adaptation): The True Story of an American Team’s Epic Journey to Win Gold at the 1936 Olympics by Daniel James Brown
An adaptation of the well-reviewed adult title, this is the true story of an inspiring American crew team and their quest to win at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
What Are the Summer Olympics? by Gail Herman
A brief history lesson on the Olympics, from their start in Ancient Greece to their current modern incarnation.
Science of the Summer Olympics by Lisa J. Amstutz, Christine Peterson
In this four-volume set, readers will discover the science behind swimming and diving; track and field; soccer, volleyball and cycling; and gymnastics.
PEOPLE Olympics 2016: The Best of the Games: Gold and Glory
Think of this as a fanzine of all the top athletes competing in the games.
Great Moments in the Summer Olympics by Matt Christopher
Sports fans will find these incredible stories of athletes like Jesse Owens, Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Mary Lou Retton thrilling. A well-written account by veteran sportswriter Matt Christopher.
Sports Illustrated Kids
For a full year of sports-related news, get them a subscription to SI KIds and they’ll always be up on the latest scoop.
Andrea Pyros is the author of My Year of Epic Rock, a middle grade novel about friends, crushes, food allergies, and a rock band named The EpiPens.
