Sixth Grade Alien Series--Middle Grade

 

New covers and new illustrations update Bruce Coville's 1999 Sixth-Grade Alien series for a new generation of 2020 readers. Illustrations by Glen Mullaly will keep reluctant readers turning the pages. Do not mistake this series for graphic novels. In fact,  there are many less illustrations than books like the Wimpy Kid. 

For early middle grade readers to grade six. 

MG FUN PICK: Iggy Is Better Than Ever

 

Iggy Is Better Than Ever

by Annie Barrows

Illustrations by Sam Ricks

G.P. Putnam's Sons

Penguin

2020

139 pages with winsome illustrations 

ISBN: 9781984913336

Read all the Wimpy Kid books, how about the Dogman series? EngiNerds? You better rush to the store or online and pick up this hilarious book! Iggy is the funniest, hugest personality in kidlit. It's not that Iggy sets out to be bad; he actually tries very hard to be good, but if there's one thing Iggy's good at, it's attracting trouble. 

The author cautions readers directly throughout the book that Iggy doesn't learn from his mistakes. In fact, most times her learns the exact opposite of what he was supposed to learn from getting into trouble. When he convinces his pals to stretch clear plastic garden tape across the road, the first few cars and drivers escape without peril and the boys get a good laugh. Iggy decides to up the game and uses a double strand, and who should come along in her car? Mrs. Wander, that's who. Mrs. Wander is the ancient and dreaded school principal. When her car hits the tape, she looks confused but STOPS to investigate. Did Iggy learn it's dangerous to play with people's lives and cars? No! He learns to run away and deny he had anything to do with such terrible treachery. 

Another time, Iggy tries so hard to blend in  and not cause trouble until the very last second of recess when he hurls a basketball at the grade six net. Does he make that basket and become the most famous boy in the school? No! He hits another teacher  dead on. She topples to the pavement, and Iggy fears she's dead. In Mrs. Wander's dreaded principal's office, Iggy is suspended from school. What's worse, his dad stays home from work with him, not his mom. Dad is NOT happy.

So dear readers, if you're looking for the famous character arc which is a must-have in storie in which a character goes through trials and tribulations and comes out the other side a better person, Iggy is not that character. But the author warned you from the beginning. This is Iggy's story, and Iggy is fun-loving, curious (which gets him into a lot of trouble!) and intelligent. 

A must read for MG. Reluctant readers will devour this book and laugh out loud, IRL (in real life). 

Highly, highly recommended. Any MG teacher or librarian will meet at least a few Iggys in their career. I know I did, and they kept me  in stitches. 

I received a copy of this book for review. I did not receive monetary compensation. 

Big Cat Pick: Tigers can't Purr! And Other Amazing Facts

 

Tigers Can't Purr! And Other Amazing Facts    

Super Facts for Super Kids

Ready-To-Read, Level Two

by Theo Feldman

Illustrated by Lee Cosgrove

Full color photos 

Simon Spotlight

Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division 

2020

32 pages with glossary

ISBN: 9781534467750

Easy to read format with short chapters, colorful illustrations by Cosgrove and awesome photos of tigers. make this book a fantastic pick. Young readers will learn there are six types of tigers and where each type of tiger lives. Kids will learn words like predator, prey, camouflage and apex (which most adults probably don't know--apex means top predator. Tigers are not hunted by any other animal for food). 

Tigers are fast! If you think you can outrun a tiger, think again! Alas, poor tigers may look like a big cat but they can't purr. They can hiss, growl and chuff. Little known fact: Tigers LOVE to swim! 

Fun read for reluctant readers who will be impressed by their new-found knowledge about tigers. A must have purchase for any young reader who loves animals and tigers! 

Highly recommended ages 7 and up and for struggling readers. 

Non-Fiction SHARK Pick!

 

Sharks Can't Smile and Other Amazing Facts

Super Facts for Super Kids 

Reader-To-Read Level Two

By Elizabeth Dennis

Illustrated by Lee Cosgrove

Simon Spotlight

Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division

2020

32 pages with illustrations and photos  (glossary)

Easy to read and filled with fun facts about sharks, this entertaining book is a must-have! Readers learn that there are more than 500 different types of sharks including the lesser known carpet sharks and swell sharks--they can get bigger by swelling up. There is a big difference in sizes of sharks too! Did you know one type of shark is shorter than a pencil? It's the American pocket shark--you could actually fit one in your pocket!

There is so much more to this amazing animal--like superpowers. Because of the placement of their eyes on either side of their head, sharks are able to see in many directions all at once--super-vision! Sharks can swim faster than tigers can run, and not only that, sharks sense of smell is second to none. They can smell one drop of blood in ten billion drops of water!

Clever illustrations and dialog bubbles will keep readers engaged. Text with facts is presented in boxes no longer than half of the page. This design will keep pages turning and reluctant readers reading! And that is a SUPERPOWER! 

Highly, highly recommended for future marine biologists, zoologists, scientists and today's animal lovers, and ecology minded young readers. 

Grade 3 and up. Second grade readers who love to read should try this book. 

Graphic Pick: Animorphs: The Graphic Novel (The Invasion)

 

Animorphs: The Graphic Novel

The Invasion

based on the novel by K.A. Applegate and Michael Grant

Adapted by Chris Grine

Scholastic Graphix

2020

240 pages (fully illustrated, color)

ISBN: 9781338226485

Five friends witness a UFO landing in a construction site near their homes and have a close encounter with an alien from another world. He (?) is injured and appears close to death, but he tells the kids that another species is loose on Earth and it's here to destroy humankind. Called Yeerks, they are parasites, who inhabit other species' bodies (including humans) and there are many of them already here and living as humans. 

He gives them a box of Andalite technology which allows them to morph into other creatures, but warns them not to stay morphed for more than two hours or they will be unable change back. The Andalite tells them they must find Visser Three, defeat him and save the planet. 

The kids scatter when they hear danger, and watch in terror as the friendly alien is killed by slug-like aliens. They realize the power they hold and their mission to save themselves and their world. The kids practice morphing with some comic results. The boys have a hard time learning to morph back to human form WITH their clothes. Tobias becomes a red tailed hawk, Jake a dog, Rachel an elephant. In order to beat the worms, they'll need to harness their new powers and hatch a plan. 

Reluctant readers will gravitate to the super hero aspects of the story. Colorful graphic illustration panels make this an easy reader that will delight readers. 

Highly recommended grade 4 and up. This will likely be available through Scholastic Book Fairs (if any schools are able to have them) and online book fairs. 

Middle Grade Foodie Pick: Lunch Will Never Be the Same (Phoebe G. Green, book 1)

 

Phoebe G. Green: Lunch Will Never Be the Same

Book 1

by Veera Hiranandani

Illustated by Christine Almeda

Penguin Workshop

2020

117 pages (sneak peek of book 2 follows)

ISBN: 9780593096901

Third grader Phoebe is excited to go to school since she'll be in class with BFF Sage (a boy). Mom gave her a new sparkly notebook where she can write her lists. Even more exciting, a new student joins their class. Her name is Camille and she's from France. Phoebe is immediately interested to meet someone from far away, and when Camille opens her lunch, it's the most fascinating, yet strange thing Phoebe has ever seen.  

Camille unwraps a tiny loaf of bread, a butter lettuce salad with DUCK in it and a smelly cheese with blue dots on it. Dessert is fresh strawberries she sprinkles with powdered sugar. Poor Phoebe! Her lunch is as boring as bologna. While Camille brings in upscale dishes with eccentric ingredients, Phoebe eats the same old stuff every day. Sage gets jealous because Phoebe is paying more attention to Camille and her wonderful lunches than to him, her lifelong friend. 

Dinner at Phoebe's house is an afterthought. Like most working couples, Phoebe's parents use frozen and pre-packaged foods that are quick to cook but lack fun or finesse. Phoebe hopes to be invited to Camille's house where she is sure they must eat off china with linen napkins. Finally, Phoebe is invited to dinner! 

Phoebe continues to be mesmerized by Camille's fantastic lunchbox, and she even tries to make her own lunch more upscale. When Sage begins sitting at another table, Phoebe decides to split her time with Sage and Camille. She makes one of her famous notes and gives each of them a copy. Every other day, Phoebe will sit with Sage. On the the other days, she'll sit with Camille. Sage is angry! When he makes fun of Camille's lunch, she runs to the bathroom in tears. Phoebe calms her and makes new lists. 

Phoebe tells Sage no matter who has what interesting food, he is her friend forever. Phoebe invites both friends to a picnic lunch where she makes new dishes and the three of them decide food is for sharing no matter what! 

Highly recommended! Easy to read, accessible font with handwritten notes from Phoebe and illustrations throughout. Quick chapters for emerging readers. Age 8 and up. 

MG Contemporary: A Field Guide to Getting Lost

 

A Field Guide To Getting Lost

by Joy McCullough

Atheneum 

2020

209 pages

ISBN: 9781534438491

Readers who love alternating characters and point of view will enjoy this easy to read middle grade contemporary. Two very different kids: Sutton, a science girl who lives with her dad and Luis, an shy but creative introvert find themselves forced to become friends (or at least allies) when since their parents are dating. 

Luis would much rather bury his head in fiction and stories and Sutton would rather code and tinker with robotics. When they find themselves lost and alone in a huge park while hiking with their parents. It'll take both of them to find their way to safety because after all, two heads are better than one. 

A sweet story of two parents who find each other and date, fall in love and make it work for their children. Lower middle grade; grades 3-5. The characters are ten-years old, and most MG readers over grade five may find this book too young for them. 

Grades 3-5; lower middle grade.