The Rapid Reader

Purchase this book on Amazon here! The Unteachables is a middle grade fiction novel by Gordon Korman. Told from multiple perspectives, this book tells the story of an eighth grade class of "unteachable" students and their burned-out teacher, Mr. Kermit, who is counting down the days until early retirement. But the class soon finds that their days of learning are not over - and neither are Mr. Kermit's days of teaching. Sex: There is no sex in this book. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are a few instances of kid on kid hitting, but nothing serious.  Final Note: This book was so heartwarming! It will be enjoyed by both students and teachers. I've always really liked Gordon Korman and this book did not disappoint! 5\5 stars from me!

Purchase this book on Amazon here!   The Road to Ever After is a middle grade fiction novel by Moira Young. Davy David loves drawing pictures of angels. He's an orphan and too poor for pencil and paper, so he uses a broom to sweep his pictures into the dust. When the local minister, Reverend Fall, decides that he's had enough of Davy's art, he makes it his own personal mission to run Davy out of town. Luckily for Davy, he meets the elderly Miss Elizabeth Flint. She hires him to drive her to her childhood home, so that she can die on her own terms on Christmas Day. But there are more adventures on the open road than they expect. Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: Miss Flint drinks a few times and lets Davy try a sip of something as well. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Miss Flint intends to kill herself. The local boys meanly destroy Davy's home. Death is a main topic. Final Note: This was an eerie, but interesting, book. It...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! The Wizards of Once is the latest middle grade novel by Cressida Cowell, the author of the How to Train Your Dragon series. Wizards and warriors have always been taught to hate each other. The wizards stay in the forbidden Badwoods and the warriors live in their iron castle. But when Xar, a wizard, and Wish, the warrior queen's daughter, meet each other in the woods, they find that they must work together to fight the one thing everyone is afraid of: witches. Sex: None. Language: None. Xar uses his own cursing. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are a few suspenseful scenes and battles, but nothing too over the top. Final Note: This book was cute, but it wasn't my favorite. It would be a good stepping stone for younger readers who are showing an interest in things like Harry Potter , but who aren't quite old or mature enough for that particular series.

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Pathfinders: The Journeys of 16 Extraordinary Black Souls is a middle grade nonfiction book by Coretta Scott King winner Tonya Bolden. This book tells the stories of 16 individuals who made history, but who are often forgotten or not recognized. Beautifully presented with eye-catching illustrations and photographs, this is a book that brings history to life and will be interesting for readers of all ages. Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are a few deaths mentioned. Final Note: A wonderful book worth picking up! This book has tons of information and many great lessons about perseverance. I highly recommend this one!

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Orphan Island is a middle grade fantasy novel by Laurel Snyder. Nine children live on a perfect island. Everything is wonderful and nothing ever changes, except one day a year. On this day, a boat arrives, carrying a new young child. The children on the island take the new boy or girl in, and the oldest child on the island leaves in the boat, never to be seen again. Where does the boat go? Where does it come from? No one knows and no one seems to wonder, except Jinny. When it's Jinny's turn to leave, she decides she doesn't want to go. But will the island stay perfect if she doesn't follow the rules?  Sex: There is no sex, but a character starts her period and this is something parents need to be aware of in case they haven't had that discussion with their child. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are a few frightening scenes and a few instances where kids a...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! The Apprentice Witch is a middle grade fantasy novel by James Nicol. When Arianwyn flunks her witch's assessment, she's sent to the town of Lull as an apprentice. Arianwyn is worried that she'll never become a real witch, but when she arrives in Lull, she finds that there are plenty of things requiring her assistance. Along the way, she makes many friends, both human and magical. Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are a few attacks and scary scenes. Arianwyn's mother died when she was young. Final Note: I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH! It was included in an Owlcrate Jr. box. I've been making my way through the Owlcrate Jr. books and this one did NOT disappoint! A wonderful fantasy book for middle grade readers, this novel also has great lessons regarding friendship and believing in yourself!

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Lemons is a middle grade novel by Melissa Savage. Nine-year-old Lemonade has lost her mother and now must move to a small town called Willow Creek, California, to live with a grandfather she's never even met. When she arrives, she meets Tobin, the CEO of Bigfoot Detectives, Inc. He's on the lookout for Bigfoot and asks Lemonade to help him out for the summer. But Bigfoot may not be the only thing she finds. Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Lemonade talks about the death of her mother and grandmother. There are a few suspenseful scenes. War is also discussed. Final Note: This was such a good read! Not only was the story full of adventure, but there were many positive lessons about family and friendship. I think both middle grade boys and girls will enjoy this one!

  Purchase this book on Amazon here! The World's Greatest Detective is a middle grade mystery novel by Caroline Carlson. Toby Montrose lives on Detective's Row with his uncle. When a chance to enter a crime-solving contest comes up, Toby decides he must enter and prove that he can really be a detective. But Toby, and his new friend Ivy, get a little more than they bargained for! Sex: None. There are some comments about flirting, but nothing serious. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: Mild wine drinking. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are past deaths that are discussed and there is a murder case. There are a few suspenseful moments! Final Note: I really enjoyed this one! Growing up, I loved Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, and Encyclopedia Brown. This book was just as clever. It keeps readers guessing and is a story that will be entertaining for both boys and girls.

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Rooting for Rafael Rosales is a middle grade fiction novel by Kurtis Scaletta. Told by two different perspectives in two different time periods, this is the story of Rafael and Maya. Rafael has big dreams about playing baseball in the Major Leagues in America. As he gets older, his path crosses with Maya, a young girl living in Minnesota who has decided to root for Rafael, despite the fact that she doesn't even like sports all that much. Both Rafael and Maya learn many lessons about life and how they see the world. Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: None. Final Note: This was a very cute book! I think both middle grade boys and girls will enjoy it. Because it's told from two different perspectives, readers will get the chance to see different points of view. 

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Fish in a Tree is a New York Times bestselling middle grade novel by Lynda Mullaly Hunt. Ally is extremely smart. For most of her school career, she's been acting out in class to hide the fact that she can't read. But when she meets Mr. Daniels, he's able to see past her harsh exterior to the intelligent and creative individual underneath. Fish in a Tree is a heartwarming book about dyslexia and how great an impact teachers can make when they show that they truly care. Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: None. Final Note: I strongly believe that this book should be required reading for both teachers and students alike. Lynda Mullaly Hunt did a fantastic job showing what it's like to struggle with a learning disability and how teachers have the power to really make a difference in a student's life. 

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Sputnik's Guide to Life on Earth is a middle grade science fiction novel by Frank Cottrell Bryce. Prez has just come to live with the Blythes when Sputnik, claiming to be his relative, but who is really from outer space, arrives at the door. Everyone besides Prez sees Sputnik as a dog. Soon, adventure and chaos ensue as Sputnik and Prez begin writing Ten Things Worth Doing on Earth, a book to keep Earth from being destroyed.  Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Lots of adventure and a little suspense, but nothing too scary. Final Note: This was a wonderful science fiction novel for middle grade readers! Prez and Sputnik are characters unlike anything I've read before. Both boys and girls will enjoy this story!

Purchase this book on Amaon here! One Last Word: Wisdom from the Harlem Renaissance is a middle grade collection of poetry by Nikki Grimes. Grimes uses the "Golden Shovel" method to combine poems from the Harlem Renaissance with her own words. This book also includes beautiful illustrations.  Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Some poems discuss struggles with violence faced by African Americans. Final Note: This book was gorgeous! Not only will readers be exposed to classic poems, but Nikki Grimes does a fabulous job including her own works.

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Me and Marvin Gardens is a middle grade fiction novel by Amy Sarig King. Obe Devlin's family has had their farm taken over by developers. The only thing Obe has left is the creek. He doesn't even have his best friend Tommy anymore.Tommy found new friends when the development kids moved in. One day, Obe spots a creature that is unlike anything he's ever seen or read about before. He names him Marvin Gardens and the creature becomes his best friend. But when something strange starts to happen, Obe must decide if he can share his secret. Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There is some bullying and fist fighting. Final Note: This book was super cute! I recently read Olga and the Smelly Thing from Nowhere and this book was pretty similar, but with a deeper story line. I think middle school boys and girls will really enjoy this unique novel!

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Slacker is a middle grade fiction novel by New York Times Bestselling Author Gordon Korman. Cameron Boxer is perfectly content to do nothing but play video games. But when he almost accidentally burns his house down, Cameron must come up with a way to convince his parents that there's more to him than meets the eye. He convinces his friends to help him create a fake school club, but instead of it being the "cover" he desires, Cameron finds himself leading nearly the entire school! He just wants to play video games! Getting rid of the club won't be too difficult, will it?  Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: A few physical altercations between students, but nothing too over the top. Final Note: Gordon Korman writes some wonderful books for middle school students. This was a book kids, especially boys, can relate to and it was funny as well!

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Olga and the Smelly Thing From Nowhere is a middle grade graphic novel by Elise Gravel. Olga loves animals. She fully intends to be a zoologist when she grows up. One night, she discovers a creature near her house and determines that it's a new species. This is just the beginning of Olga and Meh's friendship. Sex: None. One character comments that they determined Meh to be female by "looking at her behind." Language: None. Just several instances of potty humor. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: None. Final Note: This book was definitely interesting. My two children saw me reading it and asked me to read it to them and they absolutely loved it. They thought it was hilarious! We read it in one 45 minute sitting. I think plenty of other kids will love Olga and Meh just as much as mine did!

Purchase this book on Amazon here! The Black Pearl is a middle grade fiction novel by Scott O'Dell. It won a Newbery Honor in 1967. Ramon has always followed in his father's footsteps. Now he's sixteen years old and learning all about the pearl business. His dream is to find the biggest pearl of all. But when his dreams seem to come true, disaster strikes.  Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are several deaths. Ramon is threatened with violence by another character. There are also a couple of suspenseful scenes with sea creatures.  Final Note: I've been working my way through the Newbery winners and honor books for several years now. I've come to find that age doesn't matter. A lot of these Newbery books, no matter how old, are still absolutely wonderful. This book was a quick read but still full of adventure. If young and middle grade readers can look past the old cover, I...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Three Pennies is a middle grade fiction novel by Melanie Crowder. Marin has been in foster care since she was four. But even now, at the age of eleven, she still can't believe her mother left her and isn't coming back. Determined to find answers, Marin researches ways to find the woman who gave her up years ago. But then, Marin is placed in a foster home that seems as though it could become a permanent home. Will she be okay with life working out differently than she originally planned? Sex: None. Lucy, Marin's new foster mother, does mention that she was romantically involved with another woman.  Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There is child abandonment in this novel and that may be a trigger for some kids. There's a frightening scene with a natural disaster. A death that occurred before the events of this novel is discussed. Final Note: I absolutely adored t...

Purchase this book on Amazon here!   Gabby Garcia's Ultimate Playbook is a junior fiction novel by Iva-Marie Palmer. Gabby has always been the best pitcher on the team. But when she's forced to transfer schools in the middle of the season, she's afraid her winning streak is coming to an end. Can Gabby learn to work with new teammates and find where she truly belongs? Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: None. Final Note: This was a really cute book, especially for younger girls who love sports. The illustrations were also a lot of fun! This story teaches a wonderful lesson on what it really means to be a winner.

Purchase this book on Amazon here!   Lucky Broken Girl is a middle grade semi-autobiographical fiction novel by Ruth Behar. Ruthie and her family have relocated to America from Cuba.When a tragic accident turns Ruth's world upside down, she spends a year contemplating her life and future. Her dreams change and she transforms into a brand new Ruthie. Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: There's an instance of drinking and driving. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There's a tragic accident and several people die. Another character close to Ruthie also loses their life later in the story. There's also a semi-graphic scene about an enema being used because a patient isn't able to use the bathroom. Final Note: I thought Ruth Behar did a wonderful job sharing her experiences as a child. I loved how she frequently referred back to her Cuban heritage. I felt like I not only related to her as a person, but I also learned things I didn't kno...

Purchase this book on Amazon!   Short is a junior fiction novel by Holly Goldberg Sloan. Julia has always been small. So when her mother encourages her to audition for the local play and she's cast as a munchkin, Julia is not surprised. What does surprise her, though, is how much she loves it. Sex: None. Julia talks about some of the older cast members dating and liking each other, but it's all pretty harmless. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: Champagne is mentioned once. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Julia is sad throughout the book because of the loss of a pet. Another character talks about how she lost her daughter. Final Note: This book was so cute! I couldn't help but absolutely adore Julia. Holly Goldberg Sloan really hit this one out of the park. I think kids in grades 4-7 will enjoy this novel!