Children of Exile by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Recommended for students who enjoy science fiction/fantasy and for those who have enjoyed Margaret Peterson Haddix's previous work

I have been a fan of Haddix for several years, but, even though she may never know it, she holds a special place in my heart.  I was introduced to her work by my then fifth grade son.  He discovered one of her books from the "Shadow Children" series while browsing in the library of his school in Colorado.  After reading her books, he determined that she was his favorite author and committed to reading all of her books.  Fast forward to the next school year--our family had relocated to Texas, and my son was having a bit of trouble settling in at his new school.  One day, he excitedly brought home a flyer stating that Margaret Peterson Haddix would be visiting his school and that only a select group of students would be able to attend.  To make a long story short, my son was one of the lucky students.  On the day of her visit, he carried in his stack of 10+ books for her to autograph.  She patiently signed each and every one of his books, and thanked him for being a fan of her books.  That visit, that moment, that interaction, was the turning point for my son.  It somehow "anchored" my son to his new settings.  I will forever be grateful.

As a fourth grade teacher, Margaret Peterson Haddix's are some of the most popular books to which I introduce my students.  They are perfect for students who have enjoyed reading science fiction/fantasy but are ready to be a bit more challenged.  For example, "The Missing" series is perfect for students who enjoyed but have outgrown "The Magic Tree House" series.

Children of Exile continues the trend of being perfect for middle grade students.  It is the story of Rosi, her brother Bobo, and the other children of Fredtown who have been raised in a very peaceful environment by the Freds.  It is announced that the children are being sent back to their real parents even though they had always been told it was too dangerous for them to be with their real parents.  As the oldest child , Rosi takes on the responsibility of caring for the younger children.  All is definitely not what it seems, however, as Rosi and her once enemy Edwy soon discover.  Who are the Freds? Why were the children taken away from their real parents?  Why are they now being returned? Finally, the most important question, when will the sequel to this book be released so I can get more answers???

Ms. Bixby's Last Day by John David Anderson

Quotable Quotes (and there are so very many):

"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment."
"Remember me and smile, for it's better to forget than to remember me and cry."
"The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it."
"I see her standing over me, both hands on my shoulders, telling me that sometimes you're beat before you even get started, but it doesn't matter.  You keep going.  No matter what." (Just typing this one makes me cry!)
"My best friend for all the years that matter."
"It's funny how, as kids, we get these ideas in our head about what's possible and what's not.  One day we're invincible and the next day we are afraid of what's in the closet."
"...because your troubles are like your shadow:  you can't always see them, but you can't run from them either."

Recommended for every middle grade student, every teacher, everyone who has ever had a teacher to which they felt a special connection

I don't even know where to start with this one.  Author John David Anderson has successfully created a laugh out loud, emotional roller coaster of an adventure, and I am so thankful that I was able to experience the ride.

When Ms. Bixby announces to her class that she is unable to finish the school year due to being sick, her students make plans for a going away party for her.  Due to the severity of her illness, Ms. Bixby is unable to attend school on the day of the party, so best friends Topher, Brand, and Steve commit to giving Ms. Bixby the going away party she deserves--no matter what it takes.  The adventure that ensues is quite treacherous, and the reader can't help but wonder if the boys will be successful or abandon their plan.

I read and strongly connect with many books; however, I really am not one who cries while reading. With that being said, I challenge anyone to finish Ms. Bixby's Last Day without shedding a tear--I literally found myself sobbing!

Thank you, John David Anderson, for writing such a beautiful well told story.  As a teacher, if I have been a Ms. Bixby to even one student, then I can call my career a success.

Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk

Quotable Quotes:  If my life was to be just a single note in an endless symphony, how could I not sound it out for as long and as loudly as I could?

The year I turned twelve, I learned that what I said and what I did mattered.

Recommended for more mature middle grade and older students who can handle a somewhat heavy read and/or enjoy making a profoundly emotional connection to what they are reading.

Wolf Hollow is the story of Annabelle, a twelve year old girl living in a small town in Pennsylvania. Annabelle's world is forever changed when Betty Glengarry arrives in the town.  Betty is a bully through and through and quickly targets Annabelle.  Betty's bullying eventually transfers to Toby, a World War I veteran in the town who is misunderstood and incorrectly labeled by many in the town. Annabelle, who knows Toby as nothing but a kind soul, makes it her mission to protect Toby.  What transpires in this story will take the reader on an emotional roller coaster, but it will be well worth the ride.

It has been my experience that many fourth and fifth grade girls feel a strong connection to the dramatic and, therefore, long for an emotional connection.  This story will definitely meet those needs.

After finishing Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk, I did a little research into the book.  I was not at all surprised to discover that this book was originally written as a book for adults.  This marks Lauren Wolk's first book for young readers.  With many reviewers comparing it to To Kill a Mockingbird, I am thinking it won't be her last.