Welcome to the Middle School Book Life newsletter, a weekly newsletter for middle school teachers who want to figure out the best books for teaching their students. Join us as we chat about Book Clubs, whole class novels, classroom libraries, and independent reading.
Dear Reader,
Welcome new subscribers! It was a pleasure connecting with so many book-loving educators last week during our raffle. I'm glad you have found your way here. Today's featured book is yet another one meant for our young teens—an age group that doesn't seem to be getting enough attention in the publishing world. Read on for why Pandita's story of grief and courage are worthy of shelf space in your classroom.
Title: Hope in the Valley
Author: Mitali Perkins
Genre: Realistic Fiction (or since it's set in the 1980s, does that make it historical fiction??)
Age range: 10+ (Best for: 12-14 year olds)
Summary: Thirteen-year-old Pandita Paul does not like change, especially since she fears change will make her forget her mom who died several years ago. She'd rather wear her comfortable overalls and keep her poetry a secret than use her voice to create change. But when the beautiful (if dilapidated) house and apricot orchard across the street are slated for redevelopment, when her dad starts to date again, when she ends up with a lead role in a musical, when she sees her town in Silicon Valley trend towards shutting out anyone who is "different"—she realizes that change can be a positive part of life. She must decide, though, if she will help shepherd in positive change, or sit on the sidelines and watch negative change take over.
💡A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat (A community divided on who belongs and who doesn't, with a thoughtful young teen at the center)
🏨 Front Desk by Kelly Yang (If students admire Mia's fiery ability to speak up and speak out but don't have the confidence yet to do it themselves, they might appreciate how Pandita learns to find her voice)
This is a thoughtful and well-written story that unpacks several themes your students are dealing with in their own lives. Get a copy if you have students who need to read about:
My final thoughts: I haven't had a chance to mention a star character, octogenarian Mr. Marvin. I love how this book shows inter-generational friendships—and how the old can learn from the young just as the young learns from the old. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📝 Looking for a narrative writing mini-project that also facilitates school-to-home connections? Take a look at my newest TPT offering: My Personal Migration Story. It gets your students learning about their past and having meaningful conversations with their families.
Are you looking out for your future self and planning lessons for the week after winter break? Bravo! I found this free New Year's Resolutions and Goal Setting graphic organizer that might help you ease students back into learning in January.
Have a good one and learn everything you can,
Hannah
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Welcome to the Middle School Book Life newsletter, a weekly newsletter for middle school teachers who want to figure out the best books for teaching their students. Join us as we chat about Book Clubs, whole class novels, classroom libraries, and independent reading.