Hi! I’m Steph and I’m honoured to be here to share some Middle Grade (MG) love on this brilliant blog. For those of you who don’t know me, hello! I blog at A Little But A Lot – where you’ll find many tales of being a teacher and books – all of the books. I talk about MG books, picture books, YA books… basically all of the books. I’m a primary school trainee teacher, but I’ve worked in school for 7 years. One of the things I love most about my job is infusing kids with a love of reading. I’ve always had a love of reading myself and I think reading is an incredible way to inspire a child, ignite their passions and change their way of thinking. I’m the teacher you see reading at lunch time; the one with a book in her hand; the one talking about books. I love reading alongside my kids – it’s important for them to see me doing it.

I’ve chosen some books which I think all adults need to read and that all classrooms, or school libraries should have. Now there’s a WHOLE HOST of other books that could be in this list because there is so much good kids lit out there, but these are ones which I’ve read recently which stuck with me.

The Girl of Ink and Stars by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

This book is one of those special books that all kids need to read. It features a brilliant little girl who has to go on an adventure in a mythical and strange land to save her best friend. It is one of those incredible books that comes along every now and again – it’s like a modern day myth. I devoured it in a matter of hours and every child I’ve spoken to about it has just adored it. Everyone should give this book a go. It’s beautifully written and I can’t wait to reread it – that’s how you know a book is good! Steph’s review.

Who Let The Gods Out? by Maz Evans

Books which make adults and kids laugh are special books and this one certainly does that. Centred around a young boy called Elliot and his life trying to be a schoolboy and look after his mum – the life which is then interrupted by the arrival of Greek Gods (with a modern spin) – it turns out to be an incredible adventure, with lots of laughter. I adored this book when it first came out and twitter has taken this book into its hearts. I simply cannot wait for the next one to come out – bring on August. Steph’s review.

Perijee and Me by Ross Montgomery

I love this book with all that I am. It’s one of those that I didn’t even realise I would end up loving so much. And it has stuck with me. It’s the tale of Caitlin, who’s a bit of an outsider, who makes friends with this strange alien she finds on the shore one day. Perijee ends up trying to take over the world and it’s up to Caitlin to save the day. She has some help along the way and it’s an incredible story of friendship and bravery that gripped me and my class. We read it together and they STILL talk about it now. They adored every second of it. I wish more kids had Perijee in their life. Steph’s review.

The Dream Snatcher/The Shadow Keeper/The Night Spinner by Abi Elphinstone

These books are brilliant. They’re so filled with action and adventure that all of the kids that I’ve known to read it have always wanted more. You meet characters who go on journeys and adventures into sometimes scary and dark places, with unknown lands and unknown places filled with scary creatures and dark revelations aplenty. They’re incredible stories about love, friendship, discovery and loyalty. Kids adore books like this – and Abi writes them incredibly well.

The Island at the End of Everything by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

Island is one of those books that creeps up on you. That grows and spreads its wings and delivers a message so much more important than you ever realised. I read this a while back, very quickly, and knew it was one I needed to share with the kids at school. It’s beautiful, heart-breaking and thought provoking. I’m reading it with my class at the minute and it is prompting lots of discussion. One of the heaviest topics it deals with is segregation and it’s been a brilliant chance to get the children talking about decisions and decision making – looking at is it right? Is it wrong? Steph’s review.

And there we go, we have come to the end. Five books which for me all children need to read and all adults should read. They all have a message in them somewhere that we can take away with us.

I’d love to know if you have any other kid’s lit recommendations for me or if you’ve read these books! Let me know on twitter (@eenalol) and check out my blog if you’d like more recommendations!

Thank you so much Kelly for having me! It’s been a pleasure!

S x