Book Reviews: Three Middle-Grade Classic Reads for the Twin Cities Right Now

Talking with 8-12-year-olds about current events can be difficult. These classics shed light on topics fundamental to the events happening in Minneapolis/St. Paul today.

5/5 Stars

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

Sandra Cisneros grew up in Chicago, so the Midwest roots run deep here. This book showcases the story of a young Latina girl growing up in the city as told by a series of vignettes highlighting moments of childhood and growing up too quickly. Latinx culture permeates every aspect of this coming-of-age story, and Cisneros chooses the most beautiful, poetic ways to describe the good, the bad, and the ugly of being on the outside looking in at white American culture. Esperanza, the main character, wants to be a writer and leave her home one day, but ultimately concludes that the house on Mango Street will forever be a part of her, no matter how far she goes- much like Sandra herself.

This book is a joy to read and a classic for a reason. Published in 1984, it has been translated into many different languages around the world and has been studied at the collegiate level as an example of foundational Latinx writing. If you have never given it a try, read it for yourself as well as sharing it with the young readers in your life.

5/5 Stars

Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Esperanza, a young girl from Mexico, lives a rich life with her parents during the U.S. Depression Era. However, upon her father's passing, she and her mother are forced to flee to California and work with their former servants in a migrant camp. Faced with the challenges of less income, more work, squalid living arrangements, and health battles, Esperanza and her mother navigate the struggles of a harsher life in a country that promises freedom for all but very rarely delivers.

The historic nature of the book only serves to make the topics discussed in this book all the more impactful. Topics like immigration raids, unlawful detainment and deportation, difficult choices with labor strikes, and more feel as pertinent today as ever. This riches-to-rags story is still brimming with hope, which helps the story not feel too overwhelmingly negative. The difficult, nuanced topics are handled with care for the age group, but they still feel like very important lessons to learn. This is a must-read book for all ages.

5/5 Stars

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

A re-released audiobook edition of this read featuring Alexis Bledel as narrator captured my attention recently since I loved her in the movie version of this book when I was younger. This book celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, and, in my opinion, still remains one of the foundational young classics that deals with death.

Winnie Foster, a young girl who lives by a forest, wanders and accidentally discovers a spring that grants eternal life. Before she can drink from it, she is stopped by Jesse, who warns her of its magic as he and his immortal family must now decide what to do with Winnie and her newfound knowledge. In addition to the philosophical discussions Winnie has with members of the Tuck family, a mysterious stranger is also looking for everlasting life, and his meddling spells trouble for all.

When faced with complex questions about death as well as the pain of loss and the value of human life, I would highly recommend reading this with the young people in your life. This book holds up overall and is very endearing as it deals with its deep themes.

Have you read these books? What books would you recommend for young readers today?