Great Middle Grade Reads discussion

Hi everyone,
I've been enjoying reading many old discussions here. I love seeing that there are adults who read MG books purely because they are great to read!
Makes me curious too. How do you most often pick the next MG book to read and or borrow/buy? And what I mean by that is - do you go hunting for books, do you rely on recommendations, do you choose in person from what's available on the shelves?
Also, as some one who isn't very familiar with Good reads yet - I only discovered Listopia a few days ago - there's a few lists I'd love to see my new book on just because it should be on them - but aside from the idea of that making me smile I wonder if anyone choices their next read from those lists?
I hope this is the right section to post this in. Also, I Hope I'm not reasking this - couldn't find this covered in discussions already - but I might have missed it (haven't managed to dig through and read all the old topics yet)

I'm an avid reader, reading about 4-5 MG books per week, but I'm new to logging them on Goodreads. I'm still learning the ropes. In fact, this is my first interaction, having just joined the group last week.
In the past, I have not used any lists to select my next reads. I had never heard of Listopia until you mentioned it and will have to explore that...thanks for that suggestion! I have recently reviewed some of the lists here on Goodreads and based on book topic/summary, I have added some new titles to my Want To Read list.
I am a member of 2 libraries and visit them weekly. I also stop by Barnes and Noble Bookstore about once per month. Generally, I select books by picking through the shelves. I know the old adage, "Don't judge a book by it's cover" is inadvisable, but that is how I weed them out. As I'm looking through shelves, if a book cover interests me...I'll take the time to read the summary insert and if it compels me, I borrow it/buy it. I guess I'm first drawn to the art on the cover. Additionally, I'm a fool for books with female heroines and animals that stand on two feet, wear clothes (especially waistcoats and bowties), and speak! That's my odd, unscientific approach to book selection. Can't wait to hear how others go about it.

I work in a library so often my book choices come down to books I spot while shelving/putting books away, books I see on the customer request shelves and books I see customers borrowing that pique my interest. I also rely on recommendations from colleagues and friends who enjoy MG, and suggestions from this group. Joining this group has got me picking up MG books I might otherwise not have chosen. But most of my choices come from picking up books at work. My favouite days are when we get boxes of brand new children's books from our suppliers. :)

I don't work in a library, but just like Georgie said, I find a bunch in the library. Sometimes I'll look on goodreads to see if there is anything interesting coming up. I rarely get recommendations from people because I don't really know that many people who like MG books like I do. I usually get weird looks for being in the MG section.

I too judge a book by its cover and sometimes even thickness. Sometimes I don't feel like reading a dictionary (actually most times I don't).

Speaking of, Molly and Pim and the Millions of Stars by Martine Murray is soooo good.

Hey there AEK7300, I feel honoured that you chose to interact on this post (I've made a couple of comments in this group but this my first ever post on Goodreads so - thank you! And yes, listopia looks pretty cool - as an author I'm not allowed to add my own book and I guess there's good reasons for that - but I did find lists for books with talking animals/anthropomorphic animals etc... my story has a female lead and talking animals who wear wear clothes too (I didn't check to see if there was such a specific list as that - but maybe there is - that would be cool!)
I have a couple of book boards on Pinterest - guess that's a bit like Listopia no idea if anyone picks a next read from Pinterest collections but I like making them anyway.
Hmm, I'm not really sure how comments work... I wonder if there is a way to reply to everyone at once?
It seems that we all like libraries and picking books in person too. So excited to find people who like talking about MG books! Thank you for your interesting comments, Georgie and Camile.
I'm going to post this comment now to see how it works and then maybe I'll reply to each separately so it's not too long.

Georgie wrote: "I work in a library so often my book choices come down to books I spot while shelving/putting books away, books I see on the customer request shelves and books I see customers borrowing that pique ..." Oh wow, Georgie! It must be so much fun getting to open boxes of books. I collect signed books from authors/illustrators from some of the writing groups I'm in - they show up one at a time usually still very exciting. The only time I've ever opened boxes full of books was the ones my publisher ordered for me to sign - that was pretty exciting too but they were all copies of the same book so again not the same. I guess there might be downsides to working in a Library but mostly I just imagine it would be amazing!

Camille, I hope you don't pay too much attention to people's weird looks at libraries - they really should be busy looking at the books. It's interesting to me that we have 'family movies' but there's not really an equivalent category in books - maybe MG is the closest?
Also, on the thickness of books - it's a good point and probably something that people do more in person than online - although online I have gotten into the habit of checking page counts/word counts.
PS. the book you pointed out looks interesting!

I add books that look interesting to my to-read shelf here on Goodreads - click the menu item 'My Books' and you'll find you've got a shelf too. So when I hear about something new or someone talks about or reviews a book I fancy, I just add it to the list.

You'll find people talking about their To-Read list or TBR (to be read) a lot of the time on here.

The danger is that you'll end up with a list as long as mine... or worse!

I find the nominations for Book of the Month here is a great source of new reads, too. (As well as the BOTM itself, of course). Then there are all the blogs I read and the reviews I find on them... and the next in series I started... and my friends' books....

lol thanks Jemima - sometimes it feels like more books to read than time to read them doesn't it? I appreciate the explanation of TBR (I'm horrible at guessing what all the shortened terms stand for). I think I shall stick to only adding friends book to my TBR list - at least for now to avoid list overwhelm.
PS. Was this the right place to post this?

Yes this is fine. Sometimes if they would do better elsewhere, us Mods are empowered to move them ;) It's magic, you know!

I've just discovered two new series from This Kid Reviews Books (he's a great reviewer, and started his blog when he was about 10.) I'll use one of his reviews as the theme for September's book of the Month. That'll help you find new books :)

Oh cool, being able to move posts is a special kind of magic! Thanks for the link Jemima - will check out his blog :)

My want to read list is VERY long. I keep adding to it.
Here are my usual sources:

**books I find in different literacy classrooms or in people's offices or per recommendations from teachers and students too-this is their level

**my daily Bookbub email

**Pinterest book lists

**podcasts that talk about books and writing-"what should I read next" and "first draft" are my current favorites,

**a couple of twitter accounts who regularly post good books in and amongst their other words of wisdom-Pernille Ripp and Cult of Pedagogy.

**I also found this one on line list that has leveled material which connects to Leveled Literacy Instruction-something we use at school This is the website.
http://www.the-best-children's-bo...

Oh wow, thanks Cindy!
Sounds like there's some interesting online sources I should look into.
I'm on twitter so it should be easy to find those recommended accounts.
I haven't really followed any podcasts yet, although I saw a few being recommended in a children's book writers group last week - if I find the post again I add the names of those here too - in case they come in handy for anyone.
That website looks great! My publisher has organised a Lexile level for my book - still waiting to for the result. But I don't think it's been submitted to Fountas & Pinnell - might have to look in to that.
***Your post reminded me that I sometime enjoy book readings by authors on YouTube.
Also, I get emails from SCBWI and a few others which does come in handy.

F and P would be a good benchmark for you, R.J.

I forgot another source that I have accessed that others may want to check out. Donalyn Miller teaches 6th grade literacy in Texas. She wrote two books; the Book Whisperer and Reading in the Wild. Both books have extensive book lists by genre in the resource sections at the end-the books are all recommendations from her students. The SCBWI website looked pretty interesting and informative...thanks for that heads up.

A Wrinkle in Time turned up in my 'Recommended for You' on the Kindle (wonder why?!) Being aware it's regarded as a classic, I thought it was probably about time I read it...

Georgie wrote: "I work in a library so often my book choices come down to books I spot while shelving/putting books away, books I see on the customer request shelves and books I see customers borrowing that pique ..."

This is pretty much what I was going to write, except that I don't get to open those boxes of new books, being a lowly assistant. I also get idea from the BOTM here, and from blog reviews by friends (thanks, Jemima--you are responsible for a non-trivial percentage of my TBR pile!).

I'm actually worrying about how I'll find so many new books after I quit working next summer. Silly me. I could chip away at the TBR for the next 5 years.

I haven't read it either... but it's an interesting point about 'Recommended for You' features, Elizabeth. Makes me of the 'People also purchased' and 'View similar items' lists too - I've been reminded of & discovered some really cool things on them.

***Edit, oops. Rebecca, I must have been typing at the same time as you. lol sounds like the TBR might come in handy.

TBR is definitely handy, though I need to learn to look at it when I'm at loose ends. I also have to learn to accept that I might have to buy some books, since not everything is in the library :) You'd think as an author I'd be more behind that, but as a cheapskate, it goes against the grain.

Not sure how things work where you are Rebecca, but here (in Australia) authors can apply for lending rights - it means we can receive a small payment when people borrow our books from libraries. Also, in many cases we can submit a request to purchase to our libraries (online or in person) and they will often buy the book in... this works out really well for authors as it's a sale but also if lots of people borrow it the library will keep in stock. Libraries spend so much money on books that by using your local library you really are supporting the book industry :)
And the best part is so many people discover new books and new authors when browsing in the library including children who might not have the means to purchase them or even find them otherwise.
Personally, as an author my number one goal is to get libraries ordering my books :)

You're right, RJ! Our libraries don't pay for loans, but my local libraries have bought my books (granted, I sell the direct, at a special price). And I know that the library has to keep buying popular books, as they do wear out, some of them surprisingly fast.

I also view people finding my books at the library as new readers, in any case, and I think I get more pleasure out of knowing how many people are reading and enjoying my books than out of actually selling them. So I don't *really* feel bad about being a library person more than a bookstore person :) I certainly would never take a chance on some of the books I've read and enjoyed if I had to pay $15 to read them.

Oh good :) Libraries are fantastic!
Just in case it's of interest our libraries don't pay for loans they just record how many loans and the government pays - every now and then they try to ditch the scheme but so far our authors seem to make enough fuss to protect it - I guess authors are good at writing petitions etc lol. I think UK might have have something similar too... not sure.
Anyway, yes - new readers are new readers regardless. And, I know what you mean about the pleasure of knowing people are reading - I think I'd rather someone read my story for free than for them to buy a copy of my book and not read it. I see a lot of authors doing free ebooks on places like Amazon to attract new readers and reviews - Goodreads giveaways seem much the same... but there's really no reason why when people find a library book that they love that they can't get into the habit of leaving reviews here or else where, or recommending them to friends.

Yes I know there's a Public Lending Rights system, and that people get up in arms about it sometimes, but nothing else about it, really.

Rebecca - when you stop working there next summer, you will think you have so much time to read that you'll need a constant supply of books. And then you'll find all the other ways of getting free books and wonder how you're ever going to have time to read them. Or write them.

I just make sure I buy the ones that matter every now and then!

Jemima wrote: "Yes I know there's a Public Lending Rights system, and that people get up in arms about it sometimes, but nothing else about it, really.

Rebecca - when you stop working there next summer, you will..."

I only just saw this comment. I of course will always have a library card, wherever I am. And since I only work about 7.5 hours a week, I don't think it will change my reading time too much when I quit :)

But I have been thinking about setting a book-buying budget and making sure I buy some of the little peoples' books (besides my friends).

Hi all, new to the group. I've been reading mostly YA up until now but got reintroduced to the magic of MG by my nephew. I rely on the same source my parents go to for books (they're teachers) - the Guardian monthly review. Link is below :-)
https://www.theguardian.com/books/202...