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.