How is it already August? I’m not sure how we got here so fast, but nevertheless we are on to the eighth prompt in the 2018 Reading Challenge. What’s the prompt this month? I’m so glad you asked.
This month’s prompt is a middle grade or young adult book.
That’s right, we are embracing our inner child this month and browsing the kids section. I personally still very much enjoy a good children’s book. It’s been such a delight to revisit some of my favorite chapter books with my own girls now that they are old enough to listen to books without pictures, and I routinely pick up young adult fiction for myself. I think more adults should read kid’s books, because in the words of Madeleine L’Engle: “You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children.”
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I actually have two picks this month, both middles grade. The first is for sure going to happen because I already have a copy in my house waiting for me. The second one is on my library holds list on Overdrive, but I’m next in line so hopefully I’ll be able to read it this month!
Choice #1: Ms. Mulligan and the Enchanted Ice Cream
Think ’13 Going on 30′ for this one. Twelve year old Tabby finds herself magically transformed into twenty-five year old ‘Ms. Mulligan’ and becomes a teacher at her own school. I’m excited to start this one as I expect that hilarity will quickly ensue in that scenario, especially as Tabby/Ms. Mulligan and her friends try to investigate several mysteries and battle evil witches.
Choice #2: Arlo Finch in the Valley of Fire
This one is a fantasy adventure about a young boy who joins a group of Rangers (kind of like scouts) but quickly discovers a mystical parallel world in the forest. He begins to learn the basics of operating in this magical world with the help of some friends, and quickly realizes that there are dark forces at play that must be defeated. I first heard about this book on the podcast ‘Launch‘, in which the author documents his journey through writing, selling, and publishing Arlo Finch. It’s absolutely fascinating for anyone interesting in writing and publishing.
I haven’t heard of either of these but they sound good! I have such affection for middle grade books–both because they launch so many people’s love of reading (including my own) and because there are just so many excellent ones. I have both Wonder and Wishtree on my shelf and I’m hoping to get to them this year (maybe with my daughter). My favorite that I’ve read in the last year is Wolf Hollow.
Wonder is on my middle grade short list, but I’ve never heard of the other two. I’m glad I’m not the only grown up who occasionally indulges in children’s literature 🙂
I want to read Wonder too! And both of the books about look interesting. I would probably be more into Ms. Mulligan and the Enchanted Ice Cream since I loved 13 Going on 30. Thanks for the suggestions!
You’re welcome! I liked 13 Going on 30 too, so I expect I’ll like this book book pretty well.
The Ms. Mulligan book sounds like a fun read! I would love to read it along with my daughter 🙂 Thanks for the suggestion.
This would probably be a good one to read together!
The first one sounds delicious! Haha! I always love books/movies with people switching lives for awhile!
It’s such a fun concept to look at someone else’s life from the inside.
Some of the best books I’ve ever read were in middle school! The Ms. Mulligan book sounds so cute. I should totally embrace it and enjoy a simpler read!
This is perfect, I need a new reading list! I’ll add these to my list.