A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness is a hauntingly beautiful story about Conor O'Malley and his inner and outer struggles as he deals with the sorrow of his mom's worsening illness and his guilt that he cannot save her, and also wants her pain and his, to end.

He struggles with the unkindness of a school bully, his feelings of betrayal when his best friend told others about his mom's cancer, his grandmother, and a monster made out of a yew tree as it tries to coach the reluctant boy into facing his feelings and acknowledging them for what they are. The story is both sad and beautiful, and young people as well as adults can learn valuable lessons about life, friendship, feelings, thoughts, actions, and knowing when it is okay to let go.

Henry Huggins by Beverly Cleary

Henry Huggins by Beverly Cleary gives us a look into the life of one of her characters, Henry Huggins, and his dog Ribsy, both of whom I was first made familiar with when I started reading Ms. Cleary's Ramona books.

Looking at the world from his prespective was interesting, especially the story of how he and Ribsy first met and became best friends. Henry is an interesting clever character that children, especially boys, can relate to, and the adventures he has are exciting and fun. Kids and adults who enjoy children's stories would enjoy reading or listening to this book.

Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing by Judy Bloom

Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing by Judy Bloom is a fun book about a boy named Peter Hatcher and his trials having to deal with his annoying neighbor Sheila Tubman, and his even more annoying little brother, Fudge.

Fudge does all sorts of annoying things from acting terrible in front of their dad's client and losing his business, to coloring all over Peter's homework. But when Fudge does the most terrible thing of all, will Peter be able to forgive him? This book is fun for kids and adults who enjoy reading books about sibling conflict and growing up.

Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great by Judy Blume

Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great by Judy Blume is a delightful story about a girl named Sheila Tubman who goes to Tarrytown, New York for the summer. Sheila, while being a bit annoying due to her penchant for lying and hating dogs, is at the same time funny and relatable in many ways. I enjoyed the story when I was the age of the character, and I enjoyed it recently when I listened to it again.

Sheila is from New York itself, and for the summer, she goes with her family to stay in the house of one of her dad's colleagues for the summer while the colleague and his family are away. Sheila doesn't like sleeping in a boys' room, but she enjoys making new friends and learning things. I especially liked when she learned about the headless horseman, since that is the area where Washington Irving lived in for some years, and where he got his inspiration for the popular story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow about the headless horseman and poor Ichabod Crane. Sheila learns and grows, and by the end of the book has realizes a few things about honesty and dogs. Children and adults who enjoy reading middle grade books would enjoy this story.