2012 Notable Children’s Fiction

January 22nd, 2013
Bonnie · Staff Recommendations

What is fiction? Fiction is invented stories, which may seem real or may be completely unrealistic. Whether read to you or by you, stories allow you to go places you’ve never been. Fiction sparks our imaginations.

I have listed some notable 2012 fiction for middle readers to inspire not only our avid readers (of which we have many!) but encourage the reluctant readers, who may have stopped reading just for the fun of it.

Many fabulous, interesting titles came out last year written for the 8 and up crowd. Humor, adventure, fantasy, action, we have it all. Give some a look, I have purchased them all for the library.

Big Nate: Here Goes Nothing by Lincoln PeirceWill Nate defend his goal and save the day? Another installment in the very popular Big Nate series, this graphic novel is fall out of your chair funny.

The Peculiar by Stefan BachmannPart murder mystery, part gothic fantasy, part adventure, this debut novel will attract fans of the Percy Jackson books. Bachmann sets his tale in a polluted, steampunk Victorian England rendered even stranger by a faery invasion in the previous century.

Summer of the Gypsy Moths by Sara PennypackerPennypacker tells the story of two very different girls who unexpectedly become each other’s true family. The novel’s Cape Cod setting plays a focal role in this tale of loss, resiliency, and belonging, with some humor and a bit of horror.

Whatever After: Fairest of All by Sarah MlynowskiThis first of three in this series (#3 coming out in May), is a fresh, modern spin on a classic fairy tale. It’s a hilarious and inventive story from bestselling author, and favorite of Middle School girls everywhere, Sarah Mlynowski.

The Second Life of Abigail Walker by Frances O’Roark DowellIn a powerful story about learning to be proud of one’s true self and rising above bullies, sixth-grader Abby is sick of the “medium girls,” who weigh the right amount and say all the right things.This book is sure to appeal to all middle-school readers; everyone wants to fit in!

Chomp by Carl HiaasenThis is bestselling author Carl Hiaasen’s novelistic take on reality shows. While appealing to the 10 and up age group, this novel tells the tale of a boy named Wahoo (yes Wahoo) that’s full of animals, wildlife, adventure, and action.

The High-Skies Adventures of Blue Jay the Pirate by Scott NashThis is a pirate adventure with birds as heroes and villains. Animal fantasy fans not quite ready for Brian Jacques’s Redwall series may enjoy this tale of hidden lairs, strange hatchings and heroes of every size.