Looking for a gift idea for the middle school reader you love?
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We rarely buy books. With the wonder of the public library - all our needs are covered. However, every blue moon there is a book I recommend for purchase. Here's one such treasure: 
The ongoing 'Origami Yoda' books are a great upper-elementary and middle school read. While we wait for the next release, this book helps readers draw, talk, invent and fold (just as the main characters in the book do). This book has brought an entire week of Star Wars puppetry to our home. I've also been perfecting my translation of 'yoda speak' -Play well, my boys do! Now: Room needs cleaning, it does!" I recently listed Carl Hiassen's 'Hoot' as a middle-school must-read. Last month, my eleven year-old and I watched the movie. 
A great adaptation of the original novel, I give this film two thumbs-up and would have been comfortable allowing my eight year-old to watch it as well. Great cinematography of Florida's wild life and a heart warming story: a middle school must-see.
While my son loved the characters in the book, I found myself charmed by Louis Sachar's artful storytelling: Each mentioned detail has meaning; Each coincidence a place in the greater pattern; Each character their own story and motivation. There's suspense, there's heartache, and in the end: there's satisfying redemption.
And for those who want more... check out the others in the series: Small Steps and Stanley Yelnats' Survival Guide. 
My boys and I again enjoyed this read-aloud and followed it up with a viewing of both movies. Here are two of my favorite passages:
Last year my son and I read a variety of books from the Dear America Series. A Picture of Freedom was my very favorite. This first-person narrative of life as a plantation slave was moving, thought provoking, and age-appropriate for my 9 year old. 
We also checked out the movie from the local library - and were not disappointed. It's a great addition for those studying the underground railroad, the civil war, or cotton plantations of the south. 
After just two pages of this book – I was ready to put it down. The main character made some pretty unkind comments about his classmates and I was quickly tiring of his attitude. 
But…. I continued on and soon found that the negative tone was all part of the author’s plan. Now... I’m a Yoda convert and eager to spread the word about this book. The Strange Case of Origami Yoda chronicles the complicated life of a small group of sixth grade boys. That means the ups and downs of passing between classes, the rough and tumble ribbing of friends in the cafeteria, and the craziness of liking girls but perhaps no really liking the liking of girls. Like I said: It’s complicated. The book format offers the perspective and voice of several middle-school aged boys and girls. It also includes doodles in the margins and narrator notes at the end of each chapter. Author Tom Angleberger moves the story along quickly and cleverly builds the plot line until the main character (from those first two pages) comes to the realization that unkind comments can hurt you, just as much as the people you’re speaking about. Of course, this is all done very smoothly and includes ... drum roll please….. a slew of Star Wars references and directions on how to fold an origami yoda. Ubercool. My 9 year old enjoyed this story. He skimmed through the part about school dances and focused primarily on the creative problem solving of origami yoda. We followed this read with Darth Paper Strikes Back. 
I liked this book even better. There was definitely a good vs. evil vibe, a happy ending, and lessons learned. My nine year-old kept stopping so he could re-read passages aloud to me that thought were funny: which slowed down his reading quite a bit because that included a LOT of passages.
As a mommy of a growing boy, I sometimes use books as a gateway to conversations I want to have with my son. He's not always willing to sit through a lecture from his mother about his behavior or choices, but he's almost always willing to talk about "Dwight's issues" and "Tommy's reaction" from the story. I give this book two thumbs up and would recommend it (bundled with a pack of origami paper and a Star Wars DVD) as the ultra cool birthday gift for the 5th-8th grader you love. Full disclosure: I have not read the Judy Moody book series. However, I post it here because my nine year-old son happened along this series, devoured the chapter books like chocolate bon-bons, & continuously laughed out-loud while reading. That counts for a gold star in my book.  - I do know Judy Moody (the character) is inspired by Nancy Drew to become a girl detective. - I do know that Judy and her brother (otherwise known as Stink) tease, pester, and generally relate to each other just as real siblings do. - I do know that Stink has a series of his own. So…. from someone who hasn’t actually read any of these chapter books, I have to say that from the cackles and the page-turning, I gather that Megan McDonald is the queen of quick, fun fiction. 
Sarah may be plain, but Patricia MacLachlan’s writing in this classic tale is anything but.  Sarah Plain and Tall This perfect home (or school) read-aloud unfolds like beautiful poetry. Word choice and tempo draw the listener to the Kansas prairie and introduce characters that will soon be loved. Skillfully crafted, MacLachlan’s writing also leaves just as much unsaid as is said -- a tricky line to walk in children’s books, but done here with grace and precision. Follow-up activities abound for teachers and home-schoolers, and for those looking to read even more - Sarah’s story continues in Skylark, Caleb's Story, More Perfect than the Moon, and Grandfather's Dance.  My family, of course, followed the reading of these books with the watching of the movie version. If you think you liked Caleb on the page, wait until you see this cutie on the screen!!  This delightful book about a young orphan girl (and her adventures) is even better when followed up with the movie version (that brings Anne and her remarkable friends to life). The contrast between dreamy-eyed, talkative Ann and forever-practical Marilla and quiet Matthew (her adoptive parents) is both funny and heartwarming.  Available from the local library – we give it a Dad/Mom/Sons stamp of approval. |
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