Author: VT Bidania Genre : Verse/ Historical Fiction Recommended Ages:  8-12 Publication Date: January 6, 2026 Summary: (Spoiler-free) This middle-grade novel in verse follows Gao Sheng, an eleven-year-old Hmong girl whose life in Laos is abruptly disrupted by war. Forced to flee with her family, Gao Sheng must navigate fear, uncertainty, and displacement while holding tightly to memories of home. Told through spare, lyrical poems, the story captures both the urgency of survi

WHAT: Stories told through sequential art panels and text, similar to comics. IMPORTANT: Engages visual learners, supports reluctant readers, and builds multi-literacy skills. CLICK ON EACH BOOK TO BE TAKEN TO THE BLOG POST.

WHAT: Transitional books designed for children beginning to read independently, with controlled vocabulary, predictable structures, and supportive illustrations. IMPORTANT: Supports decoding skills, confidence, and the transition to chapter books helping children gain confidence and independence as readers. CLICK ON EACH BOOK TO BE TAKEN TO THE BLOG POST.

WHAT: Narratives that convey the life experiences of real individuals, often highlighting achievements, challenges, and personal journeys. IMPORTANT: Biographies introduce young readers to diverse figures, promote critical literacy, and provide authentic models of perseverance and identity development. CLICK ON EACH BOOK TO BE TAKEN TO THE BLOG POST.

WHAT: Books that present factual information using clear organization, accuracy, and engaging formats (narrative, expository, hybrid). IMPORTANT: High-quality nonfiction fuels curiosity, supports content-area learning, and aligns with inquiry-based instruction emphasized in libraries and classrooms. CLICK ON EACH BOOK TO BE TAKEN TO THE BLOG POST.

WHAT: Stories rooted in scientific ideas or futuristic possibilities, often exploring imagined technologies or alternate realities. IMPORTANT: Science fiction fosters imagination, inquiry, and questioning —encouraging readers to think critically about innovation, ethics, and future possibilities. CLICK ON EACH BOOK TO BE TAKEN TO THE BLOG POST.

WHAT: Stories with magical elements, mythical creatures, or invented worlds. IMPORTANT: Fantasy supports symbolic thinking, develops sense of wonder, and helps children explore universal themes such as courage, identity, and belonging. CLICK ON EACH BOOK TO BE TAKEN TO THE BLOG POST.

WHAT: Stories set in the past that blend real history with fictional elements. IMPORTANT: Historical fiction helps readers experience history emotionally, deepening understanding of time periods, cultures, and historical perspectives. CLICK ON EACH BOOK TO BE TAKEN TO THE BLOG POST.

WHAT: Stories set in the present day with believable characters and real-life problems. IMPORTANT: Helps readers see themselves and others, building empathy and understanding. CLICK ON EACH BOOK TO BE TAKEN TO THE BLOG POST.

WHAT: Folktales, fairy tales, fables, myths, and legends passed down through oral tradition across cultures. IMPORTANT: These stories preserve cultural heritage, convey values, and allow readers to compare global storytelling traditions, an element Vardell emphasizes. CLICK ON EACH BOOK TO BE TAKEN TO THE BLOG POST.

WHAT: Writing that uses rhythm, imagery, sound devices, and compact language, often exploring emotions or ideas. IMPORTANT: Poetry promotes language play, builds phonological awareness, and invites children to experience the musical qualities of words, a core theme in Vardell’s teachings. CLICK ON EACH BOOK TO BE TAKEN TO THE BLOG POST.

WHAT: Books in which meaning is created through the interplay of words and illustrations; the art is essential to the storytelling. IMPORTANT: Picture books support visual literacy, introduce literary elements, and serve as foundational texts for early readers and read-aloud experiences. CLICK ON EACH BOOK TO BE TAKEN TO THE BLOG POST.

If you love middle-grade historical fiction filled with courage, hope, and hidden heroes, Safiyyah’s War is a must-read. Inspired by true events, this powerful story follows a brave Muslim girl in WWII Paris who discovers her own strength as she joins the Resistance to protect others. It’s gripping, heartfelt, and unforgettable.

If you’ve ever wished you could step inside your favorite book, The Bookwanderers makes that dream feel real. Anna James creates a warm, magical world where stories come alive, bookshops hold secrets, and young readers are invited to wander between the pages. Tilly’s adventure is whimsical, cozy, and perfect for anyone who believes books are truly magical.

f you’re looking for a magical, fast-paced adventure with a fierce and unforgettable heroine, Amari and the Night Brothers is a must-read. B.B. Alston blends mystery, fantasy, and heart as Amari steps into a hidden supernatural world to search for her missing brother—and discovers her own extraordinary power along the way.

If you love heartfelt middle-grade stories about unlikely friendships, courage, and finding where you belong, Wonderland is a perfect pick. Barbara O’Connor brings Mavis, Rose, and a lovable dog named Henry together in a warm, hopeful novel that celebrates kindness, bravery, and the magic of feeling truly seen.

If you’re looking for a powerful middle-grade story that blends friendship, fear, courage, and real-world issues, Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero is a must-read. Saadia Faruqi delivers a heartfelt, eye-opening novel about a Muslim boy navigating prejudice and finding his voice in a changing community—and it will stay with you long after the last page.

Starfish by Lisa Fipps is a powerful middle-grade verse novel about bullying, body positivity, and learning to take up space. A must-read for upper-elementary and middle schoolers.

A heartfelt review of Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga—a beautiful verse novel about identity, courage, and belonging. Perfect for Grades 4–8.

Few books capture wonder, curiosity, and heart the way A Rover’s Story by Jasmine Warga does. This upper–middle grade novel blends science and emotion in a way that feels fresh and necessary—especially for young readers who may be meeting the ideas of robotics, space exploration, and empathy for the first time. Warga invites us to imagine what it means to be “alive,” to learn, to feel, and to connect. Whether read aloud in classrooms or discovered independently, this story re