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Though facts and figures often grab the interests of middle school boys, adventure, fantasy, and reality stories also weigh into their decision-making when it comes to choosing books. The following titles selected by Junior Library Guild editors will not only entertain middle grade readers, but help them see that they are not alone in trying to survive middle school.

Check out SLJ’s March DVD and audio reviews, including 13 starred reviews. There are some great titles to use in the classroom and for kids to peruse during spring break.

Newbery Medalist Katherine Applegate offers a behind-the-scenes look at how she created The One and Only Ivan, a modern-day classic.

New York City middle school librarian and social media devotee Deven Black caught the attention of many in the library community a few weeks ago with an unusual blog post in which he lamented being underutilized by his school. SLJ caught up with Black for a candid interview on his unusual path to librarianship, why partnering with one’s principal is key to a successful school library, and the challenges (and triumphs) of professional development.

Observe Children’s Book Week (May 13–19) in your library or classroom with a free poster by Brian Selznick and an activity guide that celebrates the idea that “books can take you anywhere.”

A fun treatment of punctuation

"I think it's a tragedy that most of today's textbooks completely ignore media and the important process of scriptwriting."

It’s Nevada, 1869, and 15-year-old Jim and his injured horse, Promise, are struggling to make it across the 40-Mile Desert. They're rescued by Mutt, Golgotha’s Native American deputy, who encourages Jim to settle in his town. And it’s a good thing he agrees, because along with the sheriff and a few other key residents, they are about to fight a great battle to save the Earth, heaven, and hell—one whose seeds were planted when the world was first created.