Welcome to the first edition of Books with Bix, an occasional roundup of the titles that my 10 year old (that would be Bix) has given his stamp of approval. I mean really, who better to vet and recommend middle grade books than an actual elementary school-aged kiddo? If you’re searching for fantastic fiction for a middle grade reader (think more complex chapter books & graphic novels) you’ve come to the right place.
1. Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia
This was our first book from the Rick Riordan Presents imprint (see quote from R. R. about the imprint below) and Bix loved it. Ancient African gods are clashing with African American folk heroes in this adventurous tale, and Tristan Strong has to keep them from destroying the world.
“Our goal is to publish great middle grade authors from underrepresented cultures and backgrounds, to let them tell their own stories inspired by the mythology and folklore of their own heritage. Over the years, I’ve gotten many questions from my fans about whether I might write about various world mythologies, but in most cases I knew I wasn’t the best person to write those books. Much better, I thought, to use my experience and my platform at Disney to put the spotlight on other great writers who are actually from those cultures and know the mythologies* better than I do. Let them tell their own stories, and I would do whatever I could to help those books find a wide audience!”
2. Clean Getaway by Nic Stone
Scoob, a black boy, and his white G’ma take off in her RV following in the footsteps of a trip she and Scoob’s G’pa took back in the 1960’s, using the “Travelers’ Green Book” a guide for black travelers letting them know which hotels — and even whole towns — were safe to stay in. Great conversation-starter about racism, prejudice, and privilege. But also so funny.
3. Ghost by Jason Reynolds
We listened to Ghost on audio in the car as we rode back and forth to the skate park last week and Bix was completely sucked in from minute one. This is highly realistic middle grade fiction about a boy (nickname “Ghost”) who joins a track team for the first time. All I can say is Jason Reynolds is a national treasure. Go listen (or read) now.
4. The Storm Runner by J. C. Cervantes
Another Rick Riordan Presents title, The Storm Runner centers around Zane Obisbo, his dog Rosie, his pro wrestling-loving, Hot Cheeto eating uncle … and the volcano in his backyard. Bix loved the characters and the adventure featuring Mayan gods, demigods, shape-shifters, and more.
5. Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez
(Yet) another Rick Riordan Presents title that was a hit in our house, Sal and Gabi Break the Universe is something we don’t see much of in middle grade lit: realistic characters plus a sci-fi twist. The raw chicken from another dimension appearing in a bully’s locker on page one had Bix committed from the get-go.
Do you have any middle grade books you’ve been reading and loving lately? I’d love to hear!
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