The best book I read in May (2024)

[C.J.]

It's June, so it's time to chime in with any great middle grade books you found last summer. What would you recommend to the group?

I certainly have a lot of books to choose from this month, since I participated in Middle Grade Carousel's #BookADayMay. So the stack's big, but the selection is highly limited. Because I used the challenge to tackle a L O N G series that I've been meaning to finish. The Ranger's Apprentice series by John Flanagan is right up my alley, and it went so well, I jumped straight into the companion series, the Brotherband Chronicles, which I've nearly finished.



To shore up the gaps, I did a partial re-read of the Amulet series by Kazu Kibuishi, which was completed earlier this year. Then plucked a few other graphic novels from my home shelf. Favorites:



How about you?

[Angela]

The best MG book I read is May was Nothing Interesting Ever Happens to Ethan Fairmont. It is a charming and humorous adventure about a group of kids trying to help an alien fix his ship so he can return home. Beyond that, it's also a story of friendships (new and old), family, and community. It's an easy read and at only 236 pages, a pretty quick read.

Another one worth mention was Grumbones, a creepy underworld tale full of adventure, action, and mystery.

[Justine]

I managed 3 books in May, and the one that stood out was Son of the Sea. It has many elements that keeps you turning the pages: the mystery of his webbed feet, his determination to swim the channel, the magical and historic seaside town. What I also love about this story is the underlying message : Be yourself. There’s no need to hide even if you think you are different. Be true to yourself and follow your heart.

[C.J.]

Angela wrote: "The best MG book I read is May was Nothing Interesting Ever Happens to Ethan Fairmont. Another worth mention was Grumbones..."

Adding both of these to my To Read pile. I think I'd enjoy them!

[C.J.]

Justine wrote: "I managed 3 books in May, and the one that stood out was Son of the Sea..."

Adding! I would love to read this one!

[Lesley]

The "Amulet" series is a very popular graphic novel (at the school library I work at). I've got almost all of the "Amulet" books in English. I'm trying to get it in French as well (since we have a large French speaking population as well).