Parker's Picks
This week, Parker is reading some great books that teach bigger kids about resilience. Middle grade books (those for students in grades 3-7) are full of stories of kids overcoming challenges and coming out stronger. Here are some great fiction and nonfiction books about kids with grit.
Max in the House of Spies Max is a young Jewish refugee who will do anything to get back to his home in Berlin and search for his parents. To do so, Max must become a British spy. With help from a magical kobold and dybbuk on his shoulders, Max faces each challenge with courage and heart.
In the Tunnel Myung-gi and his family know that war between North Korea and South Korea is inevitable, and they make plans to flee. But when Myung-gi’s father gets arrested, he must do the unthinkable — join the army. On the front lines, Myung-gi must keep hold of his nerves, values, and courage while he searches for his father.
Candle Island After her father dies, Lucretia and her artist mother move to the sparsely populated town of Candle Island, Maine. There, Lucretia meets new friends, discovers new mysteries, and learns to manage her grief. This heartfelt novel from the author of Newberry Honor winner Wolf Hollow is a beautiful story about the healing power of art.
Quiet Riot Who says shy people can’t change the world? This book highlights quiet, soft-spoken, and shy people who reached for the stars and achieved their dreams. From athletes and activists to singers and politicians, readers will learn how quiet people changed the world by being themselves.
Unstoppable Us This fascinating two-book series describes the history of the most resilient creatures on the planet — humans. Written in a conversational tone, the narrative takes readers through the history of humans, how societies were built and maintained, and how they evolved. Kids will learn that people are naturally resilient and will find a way to survive and thrive in almost any condition.
