#ThrowbackThursday: Middle Grade Mini-Reviews

Three mini reviews of three middle grade books!

Clara Lee and the Apple Pie Dream by Jenny Han

Clara Lee and the Apple Pie Dream follows Clara Lee, a third grader who hopes to become her town’s Little Miss Apple Pie. With good luck on her side, Clara believes there is no way she can lose. When another girl in her class, whose ancestors founded the town, runs for Little Miss Apple Pie, Clara Lee questions if she is as American as apple pie since she is Korean American.

Clara Lee and the Apple Pie Dream was a cute fall book that was surprisingly deep. Going into this book, I didn’t expect to uncover a really deep message, but I think Jenny Han did a great job of tackling an interesting theme for younger readers. I loved how Jenny Han used Clara Lee to show that anyone, no matter their background, is a true American and can reach their dreams. I give this book five out of five stars.

Jessica Darling’s It List by Megan McCafferty

Jessica Darling goes to middle school in the It List series by Megan McCafferty. Jessica wasn’t worried about middle school until her older sister gives her a list that guarantees popularity. Soon, Jessica finds herself with a colorful group of friends, stuck in wood shop with all boys, and feuding with her BFF. Will the list make Jessica popular or will she be doomed to dorkdom?

I haven’t read any of the books from the Jessica Darling series, but I definitely want to after reading this book! Megan McCafferty did the perfect job of capturing the middle school voice and creating characters and situations that are extremely relatable. I think this book is hilarious, but also provides meaningful advice to the book’s target audience. I give this book five out of five stars.

Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer by Megan McDonald

Judy Moody decides to make summer fun by competing with her best friends to see who accumulates the most thrill points. With thrilling roller coasters, scary movies, and hunting Bigfoot, Judy Moody thinks she’s in for the best summer for her life. Summer takes a turn for the worse, however, when Judy’s parents go to California and leaver her with Aunt Opal.

Even though this book was my least favorite out of the three books in this post, I think this a perfect summer book for younger readers. Everyone wants to have the best summer ever and Judy Moody finds herself in situations that will make younger readers laugh out loud. Since the book does not really pick up until the middle to end of the book, I give this book four out of five stars.

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