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Best Middle Grade Books of 2019

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The Line Tender by Kate Allen

Grades 5-8

Description: Lucy’s mother, a shark expert, died five years ago, and now Lucy has also lost her best friend Fred. She emerges from her grief with a project that fuses her artistic talent with a new interest in sharks. Allen pens a sensitive depiction of a transitional time where friends become romantic prospects, hobbies become professional aspirations, and loss can upend but also focus.

Available on: Libby - eBook

If you liked The Line Tender, try...

A Royal Guide to Monster Slaying by Kelley Armstrong

Grades 4-6

Description: Royal twins Rowan and Rhydd are the children of the Queen and a famed Monster Hunter. It’s expected that Rhydd will follow in his father’s footsteps while Rowan takes the throne—despite her dream of being a monster hunter herself. When tragedy strikes, Rowan embarks on a dangerous quest for a gryphon and gathers a misfit troupe to help. Tweens will flock to this emotionally resonant fantasy full of action, humor, and mythical beasts.

Available on: Libby - eBook

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If you liked A Royal Guide to Monster Slaying, try...

I Can Make This Promise 

by Christine Day

Grades 3-7

Description: Edie is quite happy with her life, until she realizes her mother hasn’t been telling the truth about her past. Edie knew her mother, who is Suquamish and Duwamish, was adopted into a white family, but never knew the details. Readers follow Edie on her path of discovery and heartache as she learns both her mother’s and grandmother’s stories, all while navigating changing friendships. Day illuminates a story rarely depicted in middle grade literature with insight and grace.

Available on: Libby - eAudiobook

If you liked I Can Make This Promise, try...

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Lalani of the Distant Sea 

by Erin Entrada Kelly

Grades 5-8

Description: When her mother falls critically ill and her island is devastated by unstoppable rain after extended drought, Lalani travels to the fabled island of Isa to find help. Dozens of men have sailed toward it, but none return. Lalani’s story is woven with that of other islanders’ as they rise together and prove that success isn’t rooted in brute force. This is a lyrical, engrossing, and timely commentary on power, faith, and love.

Available on: Libby - eBook & Libby - eAudiobook

If you liked Lalani of the Distant Sea, try...

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A Wolf Called Wander

by Rosanne Parry

Grades 4-6

Description: Swift, a yearling wolf, travels alone across the Pacific Northwest in search of a home and new pack after an attack on his family’s territory. Without anthropomorphizing, Parry filters the world through Swift’s sensory perceptions. The copious black-and-white illustrations are expressive and detailed. Based on a real wolf that made a similar journey, this is ideal for readers with an interest in animals, nature, and survival stories.

Available on: Hoopla - eAudiobook , Libby - eBook , & 

Libby - eAudiobook

If you liked A Wolf Called Wander, try...

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Books selected from School Library Journal: Best Middle Grade Books of 2019

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