From: Cathy Sullivan Seblonka <cathys_at_uproc.lib.mi.us>
Date: Thu, 05 Jul 2012 15:29:40 -0400

Our Children's Room serves youth to about grade 6 and our Teen Area from grades 7 up but many young teens like the books in the children's room and quite a few adults like the children's room for a change of pace. The Children's and Teen rooms are on separate floors but the staff is the same and we try to promote books depending on the individual rather than their age or grade as much as possible, although age/grade are part of the decision making.

Yes, plot, characterization, situational themes, challenges of growing up, and learning about the world and others are all important elements in great middle-grade books.

In addition to several titles already mentioned including The One and Only Ivan and May B, I thoroughly enjoyed

Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis and Prairie Evers by Ellen Airgood (Ellen's first middle grade book).

I was hoping to suggest both of these titles when we discussed family dymanics a while ago but didn't get to it in time.

Thanks and looking forward to your suggestions. Cathy

Cathy Sullivan Seblonka Youth Services Librarian Peter White Public Library 217 N. Front St. Marquette, MI 49855 906-226-4323 cathys_at_pwpl.info
Received on Thu 05 Jul 2012 03:29:40 PM CDT