Books for Boys

I can’t tell you how often I hear friends looking for book recommendations for their middle grade aged boys on the Facebook, or on the blacktop after school. It’s hard to find books for this age set if you’re not tuned in to reading blogs and Newbery lists.

To be clear, by middle grade I mean grades 3 through 7, age 8 to 12 (roughly). Anyone can enjoy a middle grade read, but in terms of content as appropriate to age of reader, this is the rough guideline for the designation. For example, if you’re not ready for your child to read THE HUNGER GAMES because of the overall concept of kids fighting kids to the death, then middle grade is where you want to go for some great books.

Now, as far as the gender thing goes, I firmly believe that anyone can enjoy any book, if it’s the right book for them. Middle grade is a great source for books that appeal to both genders, with the acknowledgement that individual readers will have their own tastes, and that’s okay!

With no further blabbery from me, here’s a list of some FABULOUS middle grade reads, ones that offer plenty of action, humor, and heart:

THE RIVERMAN by Aaron Starmer

THE DRAGONET PROPHECY by Tui T. Sutherland

THE GREAT GREENE HEIST by Varian Johnson

THE FOURTEENTH GOLDFISH by Jennifer L. Holm

STEERING TOWARD NORMAL by Rebecca Petruck

BY THE GRACE OF TODD by Louise Galveston

THE WEDNESDAY WARS by Gary Schmidt

FRINDLE by Andrew Clements