I've enjoyed making #middlegrademonday posts the last few years, and in 2023 when I popped back down to Grade 1 I started some #picturebookoftheweek posts since I was lost in the world of picture books. Now that I'm back in 3 again, I think a nice blend of both types of books is a great way to move forward. My 8 year old friends still enjoy a good picture book, and they can be a great way to introduce new ideas in bite sized packages, but a nice chapterbook is also a nice option for shared reading and (when ready) independent reading experiences.
MGM - And Then, Boom
By: Lisa Fipps
I recently read And Then, Book by @authorlisafipps and loved it. This Middle Grade novel in verse tells the story of 11 year old Joe Oak whose life just seems to keep exploding. The story begins with Joe and his Grandma facing homelessness and living in their car. While things do turn up for Joe when they move into a trailer, life with an absentee mother and unknown father, surviving on foodstamps, and living with an elderly hardworking grandmother is not easy. Throughout the story Joe faces a series of life-altering catastrophes all while trying to avoid being taken into care through the foster system.
This book makes an understanding of poverty accessible for young readers. There are emotional moments for sure, and some challenges that are definitely on the more sensitive side (grief, abandonment, severe poverty, food insecurity, foster care, neglect, abuse...) but they are offered in small doses and the author's message is that kids shouldn't have to face these big challenges on their own. I love that the view of the foster care system is eventually depicted in a very positive way. While I know that it definitely can be a horrific experience and the thought of being taken into care is terrifying for young people, but in Joe's case, and potentially for some young readers, it is absolutely necessary and the only option, so showing that it can be somewhat positive is a really valuable perspective to share.
I'm not a huge fan of novels in verse, but I actually really enjoyed the writing style for this one. I am hoping to share this one with my students as I think it is a fantastic option for a read aloud. I would definitely recommend it!
Comments