Middle Grade

A Series of Unfortunate Events
By Lemony Snicket
The Baudelaire children have an unfortunate future when their parents die. In fact, one horrible thing after another happens, and, of course, adults are no help of all. It’s up to the three siblings to evade Count Olaf, a master of disguise intent on stealing their fortune, despite the bewildering misfortunes that beset them. Luckily, Klaus has knowledge obtained from reading, Violet is an inventor, and the baby Sunny, well, she has some sharp teeth. Grade 2 & up. A Wrinkle in Time
By Madeleine L’Engle
One of my all-time favorite books. Meg’s father has been missing for years, gone on some top-secret scientific project for the government. One fall night a strange visitor, Mrs. What, and her friends Mrs. Who and Mrs. Which, appear to take Meg, her brother Charles Wallace, and her new friend Calvin on an adventure to save Meg’s father. This is no ordinary journey, requiring travel in time and space to reach their destination. And getting there is only the beginning. This classic science-fiction story is just as wonderful today as in 1963– there’s a reason the protagonist of When You Reach Me, this year’s Newbery Winner, carries a copy around with her. Ages 8 & up.


Peter & the Starcatchers
By Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson
Have you ever wondered how Peter Pan came to fly? Or exactly why he and Captain Hook are mortal enemies? The orphan Peter and brave Molly have to use their wits (and a band of porpoises) to outsmart thieving pirates intent on stealing the magical starstuff. Barry & Pearson will take you on a thrilling adventure with pirates, secret societies, fierce natives, sea battles, traps, and a pinch of magic, revealing the exciting adventures behind the boy who never grew-up. 3rd grade & up.


The Brixton Brothers: The Case of Mistaken Identity
By Mac Barnett
In the spirit of the Hardy Boys, the Brixton Brothers is a rip-roaring adventure. Steve Brixton is not a detective, but when the league of librarians (the most secret agents of the US government) catch him checking out a book on needlework, they target him as an enemy agent. With the help of his Bailey Brothers detective books, Steve is off to catch the true crook! This adventure will have you reading under the covers with a flashlight. Ages 8 & up.