January 2024 Book Recommendations

Happy New Year!

“Good stories tell the truth. They show you the world in ways you'd never see it. Through experiences you've never have.” (Frances and the Werewolves)

2023 was a wonderful year of reading! After setting a goal of reading 156 books, I read 161 books! I also had the privilege of being a member of the South Carolina Children’s Book Award Committee and can’t wait to share with you the books that made our final list (watch for a special email later this month!).

If you are looking for specific book recommendations for the 8-12 year-old reader in your life, let me know and I’d love to help out!

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My goal is simple: Provide book recommendations you can trust so your 8-12 year-old reader can find their next right book.

Between Monsters and Marvels

Dare is certain that there are still monsters lurking on Barrow’s Bay, but how can she prove it? After her father dies, the governor ships Dare off to the mainland. She sets out to figure out what exactly happened to her father when he died and find proof that monsters still exist. Part mystery, part fantasy, part adventure, all combine in this book for older MG readers.

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Clara Poole and the Long Way Round

After taking flight at her school’s science fair, Clara is invited to participate in a round-the-world hot-air balloon race. Her dad tells her no, so Clara sneaks off to Paris to join the race. Mystery and adventure follow in this engaging armchair adventure. Travel to six continents while you read and see if Clara makes is to the finish line successfully.

Note for parents/teachers: (Spoiler Alert) There is a flashback in the book to when Clara’s mother is struck by lightning and dies. If this is a trigger for your reader, you may want to hold off on this recommendation.

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Cookies & Milk

Loosely based on the story of how Famous Amos cookies were invented, travel back in time to 1976 and meet Ellis and his dad. His dad is determined to open the world’s first chocolate chip cookie store. Ellis is skeptical. By the end, you’ll be craving a chocolate chip cookie!

Note for parents/teachers: If you teach a unit on inventors, then I highly recommend including this book in your suggested reading!

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Enemies in the Orchard

A beautifully written novel in verse set in Michigan during World War 2. An engaging read, made even more compelling because it is based on a true story. For older MG readers who enjoy WW2 stories, this is a book not to miss.

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Note for parents/teachers: (Spoiler Alert) There are two characters in the story who die, one of which is really unexpected. If this is a trigger for your reader, you may want to hold off on this recommendation.

The Impossible Destiny of Cutie Grackle

Cutie Grackle is different.

Her family is cursed. She lives virtually alone on a mountain. She never has enough food to eat. And then a flock of ravens starts following her.

One night the ravens invite her on a journey/adventure to break the curse. But it won’t be easy!

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The Tell-Tale Start

Edgar and Allan Poe are the great-great-great-great-grandnephews of Edgar Allan Poe. They are identical twins that are so much alike it’s almost like they are one person. When their cat is catnapped, they set off on a journey to rescue Roderick, but things don’t quite go as planned. It doesn’t take long for Edgar and Allan to find themselves in a bit of trouble. Part mystery, part adventure, and throw in some humor and literary references.

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