Intergalactic Math

Written by David Ross

What a creative way to introduce math operations, place value, and the concept of zero in a funny, engaging graphic novel.

Illustrated with funny graphic space creatures and real photographs from the Hubble Space Telescope. The space creatures transport readers on an adventure into space where they meet and explain the mathematical symbols, zero, and place value while traveling through space.

This book might be used with children of different ages. Younger children learn the basics, while older children will better understand the more complex interrelationships presented in the adventure. Space enthusiasts will love the story line.

Highly recommended for parents and teachers of children ages seven and older.

Navigating the Middle School Transition: A Parent’s Guide

IS YOUR CHILD ANXIOUS ABOUT ENTERING MIDDLE SCHOOL?

Saying Goodbye to Elementary School

Transitioning from the familiar environment of elementary school can be challenging for some children. Kathy Glass, a former middle school teacher and author specializing in curriculum and instruction, notes, “Children often spend several years at their elementary school, making it feel like home. When multiple elementary schools merge into a single middle school, it can be socially overwhelming, potentially straining old friendships and fostering new ones.”

Embracing Independence and Organization

Middle school demands greater independence and organizational skills from students. “Unlike the single, self-contained classrooms of elementary school, middle school students rotate through different classes with various teachers, each with unique expectations. This can be daunting for some children,” explains Glass.

As a parent, you can offer support by listening, sympathizing, and guiding your child through this transition while clearly communicating the importance of focusing on schoolwork and succeeding academically.

SEVEN STRATEGIES TO KEEP YOUR CHILD ON TRACK

1. Provide Hands-On Guidance
   • Advocate for your child with teachers, counselors, and school staff.
   • Monitor homework, asking guiding questions like:
     • What information do you need for this assignment?
     • Where will you look for it?
     • What steps will you take next?
2. Assist with Organization
   • Help your child develop a system for managing important papers.
   • Use binders with folders for completed and returned work.
   • Ensure your child uses a planner to track assignments and deadlines.
3. Communicate with Teachers
   • Discuss any organizational challenges with your child’s teachers or school counselor.
   • Brainstorm solutions together.
4. Teach Time-Management Skills
   • Reinforce the habit of referring to a planner regularly.
   • Break down large assignments into manageable tasks.
   • Help your child estimate how long each task will take and create a realistic schedule.
5. Develop Note-Taking Skills
   • Encourage starting a new page for each class daily, using key words and abbreviations.
   • Review notes after class to ensure accuracy.
   • Teach your child to take notes from reading assignments by pre-reading to grasp main themes.
6. Hone Study Skills
   • Encourage active learning techniques such as highlighting, making study cards, and diagramming concepts.
   • Identify the best study times for your child and establish consistent study habits.
   • Use mnemonic devices to aid memorization.
7. Engage with Teachers
   • Address specific teacher-related challenges through communication.
   • Ensure your child understands each teacher’s expectations and homework policies.

Seeking Extra Help

If your child continues to struggle, consider hiring a tutor. Literacy coach Laura Hendrick advises, “Middle schoolers still need parental support, both academically and emotionally. Be firm and establish accountability measures.”

Reading Tips for Middle Schoolers

To become a successful reader, students should:

• Maintain an organized home study space.
• Practice reading daily.
• Use textbook headings and questions to guide comprehension.

Advice for Parents

High school teacher Lance Balla suggests:

• Understand your child’s learning style and provide a conducive study environment.
• Stay engaged with teachers and monitor your child’s progress regularly.
• Foster a college-going culture and model enjoyable reading habits.

Encourage your child to read newspapers and discuss their learning content, focusing on understanding rather than grades.

Unfair and Lovely (U.S. Edition

Written by Mallika Thoppay

Illustrated by Kavitha Amarnath

An illustrated chapter book that delivers an important message for tweens and teens. You cannot judge a book by its cover.

Sahana and her sister, Surabhi, have just moved to a new town in India. They eagerly anticipate the first day in a new school. Sahana will enter seventh grade and Surabhi, the third grade.

The sisters share much in common, but there is one significant difference. Sahana has a dark complexion. When the sisters learn about an interclass dance competition, both want to participate. Despite the fact the sisters both excel in dancing, Sahana is denied a spot in the competition; she hears the snickering and understands why she has been excluded.

Sahana’s mother explains that much in life is unfair, and sometimes one needs to find a different path to success. It turns out Surabhi gives Sahana an opportunity to prove herself and to teach her classmates an important lesson.

Highly recommended for preteens and teens who face similar issues and difficulties in social situations.

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Jake and the Gingerbread Wars ( A Gryphon Chronicles Christmas Novella)

Written by E. G. Foley

This book is part of a series. It is intended to be a stand alone read, but it would help to have some background before reading it.

Jake and his cousins are no strangers to adventure, mystery, and time travel. In this Christmas novella, they set off to find Humbug, a renegade Christmas elf who is intent on spoiling Christmas. They chase him to the North Pole. Along the way, they teach readers about myths, Santa, and even incorporate the Nativity story and bits of Shakespeare.

Middle grade and older readers enjoy a feel good nostalgic read focusing on the Christmas season. A clean read appropriate for ages ten and older.

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Small Medium at Large

Written by Joanne Levy

This middle-grade book will be especially enjoyed by preteen girls. Lilah is a twelve-year-old seventh grader who faces a myriad of challenges.

In the opening scene, Lilah is at her mother’s wedding when she is stuck by lightning. Fortunately, she is not seriously hurt and makes a quick recovery. Unfortunately, there is one lasting result. She now has acquired the qualities of a medium and hears dead voices. Lilah encounters them at home and in school. She cannot seem to get rid of them.

How much can a twelve-year-old handle? Lilah really wants to go to the school dance with Andrew, her crush, but she keeps hearing his dead father’s voice. Lilah’s own father doesn’t want to take her advice. An eighth-grade girl is bullying her. Lilah somehow copes with all of these problems with a sense of humor.

Middle-school readers of divorced families, victims of bullies, those adjusting to fitting in with peers and family relationship difficulties will empathize with Lilah and her struggles.

Highly recommended for the middle school audience.

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Evie and the Volunteers: Book 1: Animal Shelter

Written by Marcy Blesy

First book in a series for beginning and middle school students. Evie’s mom has a new job, and Evie is sent away from home for the summer. It doesn’t take long for Evie and her newfound friends to get into trouble. As punishment, her mother enrolls Evie as a volunteer in a local animal shelter where she meets an abused dog.

Evie learns the value of hard work and giving back to the community. As a backstory, young readers are introduced to the concept of PTSD and the difficulties military families must face. These are explained in an age-appropriate way.

I would recommend the book to readers in the seven to twelve age range. It would make an excellent choice as a classroom discussion read aloud book.

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Hockey Wars 15: Graduation

Written by Sam Lawrence and Ben Jackson

Illustrated by Tanya Zeinalova

The conclusion to the Hockey Wars series in Book 15 does not disappoint. I feel as if I have been on the journey from childhood through middle school with this group of coed hockey friends.

The members of the boys’ and girls’ hockey team have shared emotional difficulties as well as physical struggles in their quest for success. Readers have laughed and cried with them along the way.

These characters are genuine. They have the kinds of strengths and weaknesses that the middle-grade target audience face within their daily lives. Certainly, it is not difficult to empathize with them as friends and competitors.

The length of these books makes them appealing to reluctant readers, while illustrations add to the charm. I must say I am sad to see the series end. A sequel following them in high school?

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How To Set The Word On Fire

Written by T. K. Riggins

A fantasy/magic novel featuring wizards and magic, coming of age, and very smart kids.

The characters are likeable enough, and the action moves along. When Kase first arrives at the school, he knows he will immediately be in competition to prove himself with his sister, Cali, who is already a student there.

At the Academy, the students are organized into teams of four which must travel on a Quest to collect magical items, and deal with mythical creatures who will put them to the test. Each must face danger while continuing on a journey of self-growth and learning to work with others. Some of these contestants may prove to be enemies.

Lots of action, interesting characters, and dialogue that will please the middle-grade and young adult audience, particularly fantasy and wizardry fans.

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Benjamin Impossible: The Helium Heist

Written by Timothy Root

Benjamin is blessed with a plethora of talents. He considers himself an intellectual genius, kung-fu master and jack-of-all trades, but Benjamin occasionally finds himself upstaged by his two-year-old brother.

The adventure begins when a mechanical robot steals the helium that powers the pirate airship Benjamin’s family calls home. That’s right, the setting grabs the middle-grade audience before the story starts. Benjamin promises to find the culprit. Along the way, each page presents new obstacles.

This book contains more than three hundred pages, divided into fairly short chapters that are introduced with a black and white drawing. Parents and teachers will be happy to hear there is no swearing or violence, just a sprinkling of potty humor and age-appropriate euphemisms.

The book reminded me of the Hardy Boys series popular when I was growing up; it could be likened to a modern-day Harry Potter series. As a bonus, readers are introduced to stem concepts in engineering and physics rolled into the adventure.

Recommended for ages ten and older, but a fun read for any age.

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The Adventures of PB&J: Attack of the Green Goo

Written by Jon Haney

PB&J is a fifth-grader who has a strange super power. Since first grade, he can hurl peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with uncanny accuracy. This strange ability gets him into trouble more often than not.

PB&J meets his nemesis when an evil villain begins attacking with green goo. Dr. Vile changes children and adults into tasty treats like lemon cream pie and stale bread. PB & J valiantly tries to use his super power to defeat the evil scientist.

This book is filled with superhero tips, and funny illustrations. The dialogue is simple and typical of the book’s audience. I suspect fifth-grade boys will love the crazy antics and humor.

I would highly recommend this book and the series for reluctant readers. It has appeal for beginning chapter book readers as well.

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