
Franki Sibberson’s Bookshelf
Years ago, Karen Szymusiak coined the term “talkworthy” when we were choosing books to share with our middle grade students. We know that all books are worthy of talk but there are some books that we read that seem perfect for read alouds or student book clubs. They are talkworthy because they are incredible books that invite lots of talk about issues that are accessible to a middle grade reader. I am always reading with my eye toward these talkworthy books as I am always looking for new books to add to my menu of read alouds and book club choices. This list is a set of new books that I am confident would invite fabulous conversations in middle grade classrooms.
Please enjoy a special discount of 15% off the titles of your choice using the code Franki15.
Sea in Winter
by Christine Day
List of Things That Will Not Change
by Rebecca Stead
All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team
by Christina Soontornvat
Other Words for Home
by Jasmine Warga
Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen!
by Sarah Kapit
High Five for Glenn Burke
by Phil Bildner
Flight of the Puffin
by Ann Braden
Starfish
by Lisa Fipps
Land of the Cranes
by Aida Salazar
What Lane?
by Torrey Maldonado
Efrén Divided
by Ernesto Cisneros
Sisters of the Neversea
by Cynthia L Smith
Willodeen
by Katherine Applegate
Maya and the Robot
by Eve L Ewing
Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen!
by Sarah Kapit
Stamped (for Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You
by Jason Reynolds
Franki Sibberson, past-president of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), is an adjunct professor and literacy consultant with 33 years of classroom experience in Dublin, Ohio. She has co-authored several books including Beyond Leveled Books (Stenhouse) and Still Learning to Read. She currently serves as the Director of Professional Learning & Teacher Advocacy for Bookelicious.