Last week I shared some PB’s that would make great holiday gifts. This week I am presenting some award-winning books for the middle grade and YA population.
PANDEMIC by Yvonne Ventresca was written in 2014…long before the current pandemic we are in. A compelling story that is chillingly close to home for the young adult in your life.
The EVOLUTION REVOLUTION series by Charlotte Bennardo (illustrated by Cathleen Daniels) features a smart squirrel named Jack who learns to use tools, simple machines, and animal know-how to help save his forest kingdom from developers. Perfect for the 7-10 year old set.
Here are two of my own books that may appeal to lovers of historical fiction.
WHEELS OF CHANGE (Creston) takes place in 1908 Washington DC when girls and women had few opportunities outside the strict roles of the era. 12 year old Emily wants to be a blacksmith in her father’s carriage barn; Papa employs an African-American in a segregated city, upsetting some of his neighbors; women are demonstrating for the right to vote, and automobiles are taking over the city. Which changes are ones that Emily, her friend Charlie, and their families can embrace?
The other is WISHES, DARES, AND HOW TO STAND UP TO A BULLY (Creston) which is a novel in verse set in 1964. Eleven year old Jack is missing his dad who is MIA in Vietnam. While spending the summer at his grandparents house, he meets Jill whose brother is a constant bullying presence in their lives. When they catch a fish that grants wishes, their summer is turned upside down because every wish they make has a consequence they didn’t expect. Themes of loss, bullying, doing the right thing, not the easy thing. 
For more MG and YA titles check out the KidLit Authors Club, where books rule.
https://kidlitauthorsclub.com/?fbclid=IwAR3Q0HRVSmT6YPa3-tnU2pLLuHkKZenQ4GCnJNBLQ7QRR0HQZElm3sC64SM
Darlene Beck-Jacobson 