Summer is on the horizon! It’s not quite time for beach reads yet, but fortunately, May offers a whole new batch of middle grade books to hold us over.
The Burning Maze, by Rick Riordan
Parents discipline, kids rebel. It’s the way of the world, even the world on Mount Olympus. But if you’re Apollo, and your dad is Zeus, sometimes the punishment is a little more extreme. In this case, Apollo has been banished to Earth in the form of a gangly, awkward teenager named Lester Papadopoulos. The only way back to Olympus is to restore five Oracles, all without his godly powers. In this third book in the series, Lester has successfully completed two missions, to Camp Half-Blood on Long Island, and to Indianapolis. Now he’s headed to the American Southwest in search of the third oracle. A master at blending the real and the imaginary, Riordan doesn’t disappoint in this newest installment that brings Greek Mythology alive.
Bob, by Wendy Mass, Rebecca Stead, and Nicholas Gannon
Returning to her grandmother’s house in Australia for the first time in five years, Livy has a feeling there’s something about her last visit that she’s forgotten. It doesn’t take long for Livy to discover that what she’s forgotten is Bob, a green creature in a chicken suit who has spent the last five years in a closet waiting for Livy to come find him. That’s all that Bob remembers—not who he is, or where he came from. Just that Livy told him to stay in the closet until she came back to help him find his way home. Now the time has come to keep her promise, Livy and Bob must work together to uncover the mystery of Bob’s past, clue by clue.
The Nerdiest, Wimpiest, Dorkiest I Funny Ever: A Middle School Story, by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein
Fans of the series know that Jamie Grimm hasn’t had an easy climb to the top. Once the funny kid in the wheelchair, Jamie now has a hit TV show and has won a national competition with his stand-up act. It seems all Jamie’s dreams of fame have come true. Then Jamie decides to take it to the next level by entering an international comedy competition. Does Jamie have it in him to become the funniest kid in the world? Or has his climb to the top come to an end?
Incredibles 2: A Real Stretch: An Elastigirl Prequel Story, by Carla Joblonski
Not since Stretch Armstrong or Gumby has there been a stretchy superhero so popular as Elastigirl. She can reach the tallest cabinet, wrangle the wayward child, and dig behind the deepest couch in search of a favorite lost toy. At least, that’s what she does nowadays. But once upon a time, Elastigirl was more than just super mom. She was part of a world-famous crime-fighting superhero team. This prequel takes the reader back to the golden age of the Supers.
The Last, by Katherine Applegate
The first book in a new series by the award-winning author of The One and Only Ivan features Byx, a mythical doglike creature, and possibly the last of her kind. Knowing that she can no longer stay in the war-torn kingdom of Nedarra, Byx sets out to discover if the myths of other packs like hers are true. Along the way, she is joined by both beast and human, who each have their own reasons for joining Byx on her quest. When this mismatched band of travelers uncovers a secret that threatens everyone, it’s their newfound bonds as family that will save the day.
Positively Izzy, by Terri Libenson
Izzy is funny and creative. She has grand visions, a love of acting and a quick sense of humor. She’s also a little scattered when it comes to schoolwork, but hey, that’s the life of an artist, right? Then there’s studious, serious Bri. Bri knows there’s more to her than her perfect academic record, but nobody seems to see her as anything more than The Brain. When Bri’s mom forces her to join the drama club in an effort to get her to “break out of her shell,” Izzy and Bri’s lives collide. Each has something to offer the other, but only if they can survive the drama…and not just on stage.
Scout: National Hero, by Jennifer Li Shotz
Everybody loves a good underdog story (get it?). Once a stray, Scout made a name for himself as one of the best search-and-rescue dogs in Mississippi, and is now moving on train as a National Guard K9. He’s off to join a new family in Nevada, which includes 12-year-old Matt. Not too long after arriving, a flash flood hits the town, and Scout’s skills are put to the test. In the rapidly rising waters, Scout must rescue stranded victims, including Matt’s sister. Lots of adventure and heart make this the perfect story for animal-lovers.
The Westing Game: The Deluxe Anniversary Edition, by Ellen Raskin
First published in 1978, The Westing Game remains one of the most beloved mysteries of all time. When sixteen individuals are invited to the reading of the Will of eccentric businessman Samuel Westing, there’s a lot at stake. These individuals have been divided into eight teams, each team given a different set of clues. The team that first solves the puzzle to discover who murdered Sam Westing will inherit his $200 million fortune, and his company. Readers will scramble through the clues just as frantically as the characters, but red herrings and plot twists abound, making this classic a maze of dead ends and backtracking right up until the very end.
All Summer Long, by Hope Larson
Summer is usually 13-year-old Bina’s favorite time of year. But this year is different. Her best friend Austin has been acting strange lately, and now he’s off to soccer camp for a month. That leaves Bina facing a whole month of summer alone. Bina is sure she’ll die of boredom, until she finds a surprising friend in Austin’s older sister. They bond over their joint love of music, but then Austin returns, acting even weirder than ever. This graphic novel coming-of-age story will be a hit with older middle grade readers.
The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl, by Stacy McAnulty
Lucy Callahan doesn’t remember being hit by lightning, but it changed her life forever. The strike gave her genius-level math skills and now, at the age of twelve, she’s ready for college after years of being homeschooled. Ready, that is, except that her grandmother insists she attend middle school for one year. Lucy’s not sure 7th grade can teach her anything, and middle school is tough for somebody like Lucy. Her love of strict routine and her supercharged brain are not making it easy for Lucy to fit in. But her grandmother insists: middle school for one year, make one friend, join one activity, and read one book. Will Lucy be able to pass 7th grade so that she can head off to college like she’d planned?
There’s something for everybody this month! What other books are you reading?
The post May’s Best New Books for Young Readers appeared first on The B&N Kids Blog.