Our middle grade book spotlight this week is on books that are all about getting in the Fall spirit as they are set in the Fall months! These stories are sure to get you thinking about what it means to be in the Autumn season with apple picking, pumpkin carving, pumpkin spice lattes, and whatever else gets you in the Fall mood. There is a wide variety from fantasy and mystery to realistic and graphic novels so there is a little something for every reader. These books and more can be found by searching the catalog using the search tag #youthfallspirit as well as on Libby and Hoopla. Check back next week for a new middle grade book spotlight and if you have any book suggestions, please let us know!!
Small Spaces by Katherine Arden--Eleven-year-old Ollie comes across a weeping woman next to a river, holding a book and threatening to throw it into the water. Ollie is impulsive, so she plucks the book from the woman's hand and runs off with it. The book is "Small Spaces," and tells a haunting story of a girl, two boys in love with her, and a farm from hundreds of years ago, and a deal with the sinister specter called the Smiling Man, who grants wishes for the ultimate price. Now, Ollie finds herself on a school trip to a local farm with a haunted history.
Pumpkin Spice Up Your Life by Suzanne Nelson--When her best friend Daniel concocts an elaborate plot to ask the new girl at school to the fall dance, Nadine realizes she has fallen for Daniel herself but fears she does not have the courage to tell him how she feels.
The Pumpkin War by Cathleen Young--Twelve-year-old Billie refuses to forgive her best friend Sam for beating her in the pumpkin racing contest on their island last year. She's convinced he cheated, and no matter how hard Sam tries to apologize, Billie's not having it. But Billie begins to understand something about herself she's not proud of as she reflects on the situation and realizes she threw away a lifelong friendship over a silly race.
A True Home by Kallie George--Mona the Mouse has taken a job working as a maid at the Heartwood Hotel--the most luxurious hotel in Frenwood Forest. When danger presents itself, Mona is determined to protect the hotel that has become more than just a place to work and sleep--it's become her home.
Fun and Festive Fall Crafts by Randel McGee--Presents step-by-step instructions for crafting a number of autumn-themed projects, such as leaf rubbings, a dancing scarecrow, and pinecone turkey.
September Surprises by Ann M. Martin--Flora, Nikki, and Olivia enter junior high school. Flora and Nikki are excited, but Olivia is the youngest girl in the school and she's nervous. Then she has a problem with a popular girl and she needs to figure out what to do.