MMGM: Sweet Reads for Middle Schoolers

In honor of Valentine’s Day this week, I’m featuring a couple of MG books with love themes. Honestly, I don’t usually like to see too much romance for the middle grade set, but both these books handle crushes and flutterings of interest in the other sex with charm and grace. And if you’re thinking it’s all about boyfriend/girlfriends, you’d be wrong.

Both books are coincidentally by a new small publisher I discovered last year, Owl’s Nest Books.  Their philosophy is summed up on their website: “Owl’s Nest Publishers books are good, true, and beautiful reflections of the adolescent experience.”

Both these books are wonderful reflections of those awkward teen years and learning what true love really means.

 

Not Exactly Love by Devin Brown

Thirteen-year-old Leda Johnson suffers from a secret and severe case of semi-requited love—meaning she has a friend who is a boy but not her boyfriend, but she wishes he was. With “Rolling and Rocking,” St. Luke’s first annual Valentine’s Day roller skating party, rapidly approaching, Leda wonders what will come of her unspoken dream and the mysterious cat that has suddenly appeared on their deck. (From Owl’s Nest)

My Take:

This was my first introduction to Owl’s Nest. A friend suggested I read this since I am writing an epistolary novel as Not Exactly Love is told in letters to Leda's diary. At first it was a little hard to get into, and I was unsure if I’d like a book for MG where the main plot was all about a crush. But there are some wonderful layers to this novel, and I really loved how Leda discovered the real meaning of love—caring for others more than yourself—by the end. Leda attends a private Episcopal school, so they are subtle faith messages woven throughout. And there was the sweet subplot with the cat! Sometimes the ending makes the whole book, and this ending hit all the right notes. I wished I had a book like this when I was a middle schooler!

Peony Watercolor’s Wish for Sun and Moon by Robyn Field

Twelve-year-old Peony Watercolor is keeping a secret from her two best friends: Her parents are out of work, and they might have to sell their beloved, story-filled Reading House, pack everything into ugly brown boxes, and move to a different state.


Peony will do anything to save her family’s Reading House, so when Hollyfield Middle School announces that the talent show’s grand prize is $1,000, she signs up, determined to win. While she thinks a cash prize will save her, the school’s mysterious new librarian, Lenora, seems to have other ideas. Lenora gives Peony a magic book that might know Peony better than Peony knows herself—a book that contains stories, recipes, poems, and instructions to guide Peony and hold her together while the rest of her world falls apart.


When the fraying threads of Peony’s home life, secrets, and the talent show finally begin to unravel, she must uncover the meaning of the magical book or risk losing not only the Reading House, but also the friendships she loves most. (From Owl’s Nest)

My Take:

Ah this book! Every word is magical. I loved the Cinderella elements, and the warm relationship between Peony and her parents. Her friendship with her two besties—and the newcomer at school—were so real and authentic. You know I love seeing strong girl friendships, as it is rare in kidlit. The romance with her Prince Charming was cute and sweet—and of course, they get to go to a ball (a.k.a. middle school dance). But my favorite part of this book was how Field portrayed lying. It’s so common in kidlt for a character to lie as a means to an end. But with Peony, her lies have consequences. It hurts her and drives her from those who love her most. This theme of the importance of reaching out and relying on our friends during hard times was really lovely!

Max’s Take (on a five bone 🦴scale):

Not Exactly Love:

🦴There was a cat! How could you even pick up a book like that? The betrayal! More dogs, please.

Peony Watercolor:

🦴 No animals at all. Too many people. Where is the love?

Hopefully next week's read will be more to Max's taste. 

Your Turn:

What have you been reading or watching lately? Any sweet reads or movies on your list this week? 

I hope your week is filled with the people and things you love!

 If you'd like to read more middle grade reviews or join in the MMGM fun, go to Greg Pattridge's Always in the Middle blog.