Posts Tagged Pam Munoz Ryan

Seven Game Changing Stories from Diverse Voices

By on May 21, 2025   /   Book Lists, Diversity, Fiction  

A Universal Language

I have the opportunity to work with students from all over the world. I volunteer with a program which supports students who have recently arrived in this country from countries such as Palestine, Peru, Afghanistan, Nepal, and Sudan. Most of these middle schoolers don’t have the language skills to communicate well with each other in English. This does not matter when on the soccer field. Here, friendships, fun and competition are universal, as is the sharing of the canon of soccer heroes. Being part of a team, learning new skills and getting a taste of what competition involves, is an integral part of the middle school experience.

More Than a Sports Novel

This list of sports novels highlights stories with characters who are confronted with challenges on the field and off. From their athletic experiences, each of these characters learns how to face life problems, and while tackling their life problems they become better athletes. Each of these titles is more than a sports story

I was inspired by what Coach Martinez says to her players in Hena Kahn’s graphic novel, We Are Big Time: “. . . to value basketball is more than the score.” Middle-grade sports books are more than sports.

We Are Big Time by Hena Khan, illustrated by Safiya Zerrougui, Alfred A. Knopf, 2024.

“Some of them may not realize that this story is bigger than them. They’re just playing basketball. But they’ve shifted the conversation and what people think an all-Muslim team can be.”

When Aliya moves fromFlorida to Wisconsin, she joins the not-so-great basketball team at her new school, the Peace Academy. With a new coach, the team gains skills and the attention of the media. This gives the team a chance to break down stereotypes and inform the world about Muslim culture. Themes of friendships and jealousy within the team create a captivating story.

 

El Niño by Pam Munoz Ryan, illustrated by Joe Cepeda.

Ever since Kai’s sister’s disappeared he’s had difficulties swimming fast – his times are nowhere near the pool recordshe achieved two years ago. He joins the elite swim team his sister belonged to and discovers more about her disappearance. She was obsessed with a mysterious realm called the Library of Despair and Sorrow. Kai’s search for this mythical place parallels his journey of grief and self-identity. This swimming story with a twist of magical realism and climate themes, is unforgettable.

 

Almost Sunset by Walhab Algarmi, Harper Alley, 2025.

Seventh grader Hassan thought fasting would be easy-peasy, after all, this is his third year observing Ramadan. But waking up to eat before dawn, fantasizing about food all day, feasting at dusk and going to the mosque at night is a lot. Hassan is having difficulties with the intense soccer practices leading up to the playoffs, and getting his school work done. Initially Hassan keeps his teachers and friends in the dark about his religious practices, and they cannot support him. An unexpected person inspires Hassan to be more open about observing Ramadan. This graphic novel presents details about clothing, prayers, food and Muslim practices in an accessible way.

 

All or Nothing Vale by Andrea Beatriz Arrango, Random House, 2025.

Puerto Rican seventh-grader Vale, isn’t going to let her recent car crash keep her from being the top fencer she was before her car accident. This novel in verse gives us a deep understanding of the frustration, identity crushing and disappointment Val experiences as she struggles to regain her top status in fencing. She says, “fencing is what makes me me.” Val’s ready to jump back into competing, but her body isn’t. To make matters worse, the new Cuban American fencer seems to have it all. Val’s crush on the new girl complicates everything. This novel is a realistic look at the emotional journey of recovery.

 

On Thin Ice by Jessica Kim, Penguin Random House, 2025.

 

In this novel told in alternating points of view we learn how twins Phoebe and Dex haven’t been close since their father died of cancer two years ago. Their personalities are polar opposites, but both love to skate on the ice. Perfectionist Phoebe has her heart set on figure skating, but her dream is thrown for a loop when her skate partner is injured. Due to his practical jokes, laid back attitude, and a new hot shot goalie, Dex doesn’t make the ice hockey team. The twins team up and learn to skate together, and heal together. Phoebe’s realistic crush adds another element to this heartfelt family story.

Inside the Park by Andrea Williams, HarperCollins, 2025

As fun and suspenseful as Home Alone, this novel tackles family dynamics and brings the game of baseball to life. Twelve year old Pumpsie Strickland is having a batting slump. Not only that but he’s batting 0 among his siblings. He says, “I know the ranking of the five Strickland kids. I’m ot number one, two, three, or four. When Pumpsie and a chocolate Lab named Campy accidently get trapped in the stadium, he overhears some skullduggery. His favorite team, the Wildcats, is being threatened. It takes a whole lot of courage, and a ton of hot dogs, to save his team and his place in the family

 

May the Best Player Win by Kyla Zhao, Penguin Random House, 2024.

Yes, chess is a sport! This novel is packed with girl power. It also depicts the performance anxiety that is prevalent in so many sports stories. MayLi is the top chess player in her middle school, and her team is heading to Nationals. Her success has changed everything including her friendship with Ralph, her teammate and friend who has become jealous of her success. The attention May Li gets for being a successful girl player begins to affect her love of the game. MayLi’s new friendship with soccer goalie Marie, helps her realize she is not alone. Her struggles with chess are similar to Marie’s with soccer. MayLi learns she isn’t a pawn, she can make her own moves on the board of life.

 

Jen Kraar grew up chasing lizards in India, making up stories about the residents of the spirit houses in Thailand, and riding retired racehorses in Singapore. Jen explores themes of finding home in the middle grade novels and picture books she writes. As a manager at Pittsburgh’s beloved City of Asylum Bookstore, she builds a diverse collection of books and talks about kid lit with customers young and old.

 

 

 

 

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A Valentine to Our Favorite Books

By on February 10, 2017   /   Book Lists, For Parents  

In honor of Valentine’s Day, the Mixed-Up Files team shares the middle grade books they love the most. Share your loves in the comments section! 

“As an adult I really enjoyed Larger-Than-Life Lara by Dandi Mackall. Truly heartwarming story about loving yourself, having a positive outlook, and being kind. I cry just thinking about it!”
—Amie Borst

 

 

“The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. How can you not love a book about a gorilla who paints?”
—Natalie Rompella 

“The Green Glass Sea by Ellen Klages is a perfect blend of emotional journey, immersive history and science on both a large (nuclear physics) and small (inquisitive kid) scale.”
—Jacqueline Jaeger Houtman

 

“Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume sparked my love of reading and writing. It was one of my favorite books as a child, became even more special when I saw it through the eyes of my own children, and will remain one of the most beloved books for the rest of my life.”
—Mindy Alyse Weiss  

“I love Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan for its messages of hope, recovering from a tragedy, and learning to rely on your inner strength.”
—Michele Weber Hurwitz  

“I loved Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin for Rose’s indomitable spirit, despite the challenges she faces.”
—Beth Von Ancken McMullen

“I love the Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series by Michael Scott. I have read it several times, and in fact, am now re-reading it again. It is filled with mystery, fantasy, and tons of historical figures. The way he weaves history, science, magic and fantasy together is just stupendous. Makes me lose myself in his world every time I read it.”
—Jen Swanson

“Two of my favorite books are perfect for Valentine’s Day because they are both love letters in story form. My childhood favorite, Danny the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl is the world’s best love letter to dads. More recently, Ms. Bixby’s Last Day by John David Anderson is a heartfelt love-letter to teachers.”
—Julie Artz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I’ve got to give two as well… one to an old love, and another to a new one! Susan Cooper’s The Dark Is Rising is probably THE book that made me want to become an author. Seeing Will grow and become capable of surviving meant so much to me at the time. And more recently, Anne Ursu’s The Real Boy tugged at my heart in a way few books can. Seeing a kid who thinks he’s broken discover that people can love him for who he is… that’s love.”
—Sean Easley

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I’ve got to give two too!! Also, like Sean, I’ve got old and new.  A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle will always always hold a special place in my heart because tesseracts are fascinating science and Meg Murray. I always want to read about a brave and smart girl. And A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd because magic, mystery, family, and finding your home are themes I will read again and again. Plus the language is so so beautiful!!”
—Heather Murphy Capps

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“To choose just one is hard, but I’ll go with Bridget Hodder’s The Rat Prince. I just adored how she used the rat’s POV to share the familiar tale, and there’s even a teeny bit of romance in there.”
—Sheri Larsen

“Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary! And more recently, Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor. Lovable Ramona doesn’t always behave, which is very refreshing in a character. Connor’s character Addie has a way of being upbeat in the face of terrible odds. She’s resourceful in the most heartbreaking way.
—Phyllis Shalant

“Okay for Now by Gary Schmidt, a deep and sensitive dive into the heart of a boy. I love everything about this book and the spare language Schmidt uses to communicate so much.”
—Amber J. Keyser

“Amber stole mine. But I refuse to change my answer, so put me down for Okay for Now, as well. It made me laugh. It made me cry. And sometimes it did both within the span of a single page.”
—TP Jagger

“I have to second Katherine Applegate’s The One and Only Ivan.”
—Dori Hillestad Butler

“My latest favorite is Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan for its use of POV switches and voice.”
—Jenn Skovira Brisendine

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Now? If I have to choose just one I’d say Crossover, by Kwame Alexander. SO powerful – feelings like a punch to the chest – but real and hopeful and so true to how kids feel things.”
—Valerie Stein

“The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. Why? Because it’s a beautifully written, Jungle Book-inspired tale with ghosts and ghouls and creatures of the night fighting the man Jack who means to harm the orphan Bod. All in an ancient burial ground/cemetery. And it starts with the multiple homicide of Bod’s family by Jack. An exceptional book at all turns and it landed perfectly in my literature sweet spot.”
—Michael Hays

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“My favorite that I discovered as an adult is Skellig by David Almond. I really think it’s the perfect book–spare, lovely, magical, and with so much heart. As a kid, my favorite was Anne of Green Gables, which I am loving all over again now that I’m reading it aloud to my 8-year-old redhead.”—Kate Manning

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“On the fantasy side, I still love the Harry Potter books and on the historical fiction side, Blood on the River James Town, 1607 by Elisa Carbone. It’s a story about the founding of James Town. It kept my 5th grade class riveted in their seats.”
—Robyn Oleson Gioia

 

“The Naked Mole-Rat Letters by Mary Amato has stolen hearts in my family. My daughter has read it more times than I can count. And she cries every time.”
—Louise Galveston  

 

 

 

“Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume is THE book of my tween years–Blume gets kids of a certain age so perfectly right. What a gift!”
—Andrea Pyros

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

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