middle grade Archives - Page 215 of 374

Blue Skies
by Anne Bustard (Author)

Booktalk: Glory Bea Bennett knows that miracles happen in Gladiola, Texas, population 3,421. After all, her grandmother–the best matchmaker in the whole county–is responsible for thirty-nine of them.

Now, Glory Bea needs a miracle of her own.

The war ended three years ago, but Glory Bea’s father never returned home from the front in France. Glory Bea understands what Mama and Grams and Grandpa say–that Daddy died a hero on Omaha Beach–yet deep down in her heart, she believes Daddy is still out there.

When the Gladiola Gazette reports that one of the boxcars from the Merci Train (the “thank you” train)–a train filled with gifts of gratitude from the people of France–will be stopping in Gladiola, she just knows daddy will be its surprise cargo.

But miracles, like people, are always changing, until at last they find their way home.

Snippet: I stop halfway up the red carpet and clutch the charm bracelet Daddy handed me at the train station before he left.

I rub its shamrock for luck, close my eyes, and picture Daddy’s big smile.

I refuse to believe what they say about him.

When you love someone, you never give up hope.

Not ever.

The List of Things That Will Not Change
by Rebecca Stead (Author)

Booktalk: After her parents’ divorce, Bea’s life became different in many ways. But she can always look back at the list she keeps in her green notebook to remember the things that will stay the same. The first and most important: Mom and Dad will always love Bea, and each other.

When Dad tells Bea that he and his boyfriend, Jesse, are getting married, Bea is thrilled. Bea loves Jesse, and when he and Dad get married, she’ll finally (finally!) have what she’s always wanted–a sister. Even though she’s never met Jesse’s daughter, Sonia, Bea is sure that they’ll be “just like sisters anywhere.”

As the wedding day approaches, Bea will learn that making a new family brings questions, surprises, and joy.

Snippet: I like to dance. Not “dance” dance, with mirrors and leotards, but secret dancing in my room with my earbuds in. I don’t know how it looks, but I know how it feels. It feels like I know exactly what to do.