Awkward
by Svetlana Chmakova
Peppi Torres is just trying to survive her first day at Berrybrook Middle School when she makes a huge mistake. In a moment of panic to avoid being teased, she trips a quiet boy named Jamie and runs away. This "awkward" moment haunts her as she tries to find her place in the school's competitive club scene. Joining the Art Club seems like a great idea, but soon she finds herself caught in a fierce rivalry with the Science Club, where Jamie just happens to be a star member.
Svetlana Chmakova's Awkward is a masterclass in middle school dynamics, capturing the genuine anxiety and humor of pre-teen life. It is perfect for children who love graphic novels like Raina Telgemeier's Smile or Victoria Jamieson's Roller Girl. This story is an ideal choice for readers interested in school stories that balance lighthearted comedy with meaningful lessons about kindness, making amends, and standing up for what is right.
Highlights:
- Relatable exploration of social anxiety and middle school "rules."
- Engaging rivalry between the Art Club and the Science Club.
- Diverse cast of characters with distinct personalities and backgrounds.
- Beautifully illustrated panels that bring the school setting to life.
Goosebumps: The Curse of Camp Cold Lake
by R.L. Stine
Sarah Maas is not having a good time at Camp Cold Lake. She hates the outdoors, she's not making any friends, and the water is freezing. In a desperate attempt to get some attention and sympathy from her fellow campers, Sarah decides to pretend to drown. But her plan backfires in the most terrifying way possible when she realizes she isn't alone in the water. A pale, ghostly girl named Della is watching her from the depths, and she wants Sarah to be her "buddy" forever—even if it means Sarah has to stay in the lake for eternity.
R.L. Stine delivers another classic spine-tingler that is perfect for children who love ghost stories and supernatural mysteries. This book is an ideal choice for readers interested in summer camp adventures with a dark, paranormal twist. It captures the universal feeling of wanting to fit in while amping up the stakes with genuine chills and a haunting atmosphere that has made the Goosebumps series a staple for generations of young readers. Parents looking for a way to engage reluctant readers will find the short, punchy chapters and cliffhanger endings incredibly effective.
Highlights:
- A chilling ghost story set in a classic summer camp environment.
- Explores themes of social pressure and the consequences of seeking attention.
- Fast-paced plot with the signature Goosebumps "twist" ending.
- Great for readers who enjoy high-tension stories and supernatural thrills.
The Third Wheel
by Jeff Kinney
In The Third Wheel, the seventh installment of the record-breaking Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Greg Heffley finds himself in a frantic scramble to secure a date for the upcoming Valentine's Day dance. Middle school is already a minefield of social awkwardness, but the pressure of a formal dance turns Greg's world upside down. Alongside his best friend Rowley, Greg navigates the highs and lows of school life, proving that even the best-laid plans can lead to hilarious disasters. This book is a perfect choice for children who love relatable humor and the unique hybrid format of text and comic illustrations.
Ideal for readers interested in funny stories about friendship and the trials of growing up, Jeff Kinney’s signature style keeps kids engaged from start to finish. Whether your child is a reluctant reader or a long-time fan of the series, Greg’s misadventures provide endless entertainment and a comforting reminder that they aren't the only ones feeling a bit 'wimpy' sometimes. It’s a great choice for parents looking to encourage a love of reading through relatable, laugh-out-loud storytelling.
Highlights:
- Hilarious exploration of middle school social dynamics and the 'big dance' pressure.
- Engaging hybrid format with funny illustrations that appeal to visual learners.
- Relatable characters and situations that resonate with kids aged 8-12.
- A fast-paced, accessible plot that keeps reluctant readers turning pages.