The best book I read in July (2022)

[C.J.]

The time has come to share your favorite middle grade reads from July. What titles from your reading pile would you recommend we add to ours?

My favorite was Nowhere Boy by Katherine Marsh, which is about a couple of courageous boys. Ahmed is a refugee who ends up alone in Brussels. Max is an American boy, also on a foreign shore, who wants to help the boy he finds hiding in his basement.

[Harley]

Rodzina by Karen Cushman.
I also reread a couple of my favorites: Ella Enchanted and After Pa Was Shot.

[Jennifer]

I read so many great books in July, and we all know at this point how hard it is for me to narrow down my favorites to one. I like to think I'm getting better, though, because I could narrow it down to only 3 this month.

Restart by Gordon Korman
From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks
The Witch Boy - Molly Knox Ostertag

All three dealt with the main characters learning who they are and becoming that person, though the reasons and methods were unique in all three.



Now I'm off with my August reading, still somewhat in shock that it's is already August. Where did the year go? LOL

[Blair]

While trying to decide what books to use in my 5-6 grade book club this year I was speed-reading through books in June and July. Of my favorite July books, two are in my line-up, and one is tabled until 2023.

All you Knead is Love by Tanya Guerrero was a pleasant surprise. I loved Alba, and her growth journey into love and change, but I felt it was a little heavy for the book club this year. It's going to the top of my list for 2023!

The Last Bear by Hannah Gold was a fantastic journey into grief, personal growth and environmentalism. Also, it's a fun magical realism read for kids- which I feel like we don't get as much of as just fantasy or just realism.

Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas is definitely an awesome graphic novel that deals with issues, both historical context and current, in a great relatable way. I'm super excited to share this one!

[Nessa]

Loved The Wild Robot! Can’t wait to read the second book!

[Leone]

my favorite read in July was Michael Laeli's debut novel. "The Civil War of Amos Abernathy." It's a book that will help the understanding of those not a part of the gay community, and acceptance of those who are.

[Manybooks]

Many Waters (which is a reread) has definitely been the best hands down.

Books read for the first time, The Miracle and Tragedy of the Dionne Quintuplets was great as well.

[Jennifer]

Manybooks wrote: "Many Waters (which is a reread) has definitely been the best hands down."

Many Waters was always my favorite of that entire series... Have you seen A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic Novel? I just picked it up for myself about a week ago and I'm looking forward to reading it and seeing the artwork they created for it.

[Manybooks]

Jennifer wrote: "Manybooks wrote: "Many Waters (which is a reread) has definitely been the best hands down."

Many Waters was always my favorite of that entire series... Have you seen [book:A Wrinkle ..."

I have not read the graphic novel yet.

[Manybooks]

My two favourites novels from Madeleine L'Engle are Meet the Austins and Many Waters.

[Jemima]

Glad to hear lots of enthusiasm for Many Waters, it’s up soon on my reading last. I thought the previous was the best to date, so this is looking good,

[Manybooks]

Jemima wrote: "Glad to hear lots of enthusiasm for Many Waters, it’s up soon on my reading last. I thought the previous was the best to date, so this is looking good,"

Gosh, I really do hope you enjoy Many Waters. It is definitely a personal favourite but I also know that it is not universally liked.

[Dr.]

I loved Black Was the Ink. It worked well as a way of personalizing The Reconstruction period in U.S. history.

[Justine]

My favourite read was My Friend the Octopus. Historical fiction set in Victorian times. I learnt a lot about octopuses as aquariums were all the rage, and life in the time, like the sweat houses. The inside of the book cover is amazing as well. Took me right back 150 years!

[Scott]

The Adventurers Guild by Nick Eliopulos and Zack Clark
Water Keep by Scott Savage
Jack Gregson and the Forgotten Portal by Peter Wilson

I think young readers would really enjoy all three of these, but I think they are better suited for the younger end of the spectrum. I tend to read more Upper MG, so these are not what I would normally read. But I will say that after the first two, I wasn't really up for Jack Gregson. I only planned to scan the first few chapters. I was six chapters in before I realized how invested I was in the story. It really sucked me in against my will and I read the whole thing. It was an easy read and there was so much action and adventure that it would be perfect for a reluctant reader. Magic, world-jumping, and great characters.

-Cheers!

[Jemima]

Scott wrote: "The Adventurers Guild by Nick Eliopulos and Zack Clark
Water Keep by Scott Savage
Jack Gregson and the Forgotten Portal by Peter Wilson

I think young readers would really enjoy all three of these,..."

That's great info, Scott, thanks. It's also given me an idea for theme for BOTM. If only I remember it...

[Ann]

I loved reading

Max Einstein by James Patterson

Front Desk by Kelly Yang

Coyote Summer by Dan Gemeinhart