![]() ![]() ![]() The seventh-grade scientists have to overcome barriers every step of the way, from mites that are killing the bees, to obnoxious classmates who are trying to win the science fair by sabotaging the beekeepers. Sam and his friends come up with a science fair project idea to discover the cause of beehive collapse disorder but the real driving force of the project is to produce honey that will save the restaurant where Sam’s father works so he won’t have to move and leave his friends. Bees on the Roof by Robbie Shellīees on the Roof is a page-turner. The last one on the list is my own first contribution to the world of middle school fiction-based on real experiences of people who survived San Francisco’s last big earthquake. Here are a few recent titles that I’ve found to be especially interesting, mostly starring middle school students from a variety of racial, ethnic, and economically challenging backgrounds, including several with disabilities, who serve as inspiring role models. Sharing a few chapter book gems with parents and caregivers can be a brief but highly productive part of a family night at a school, or open house at a library.ĪWOL has been out of print for decades, but there are even better choices now with STEM themes that are appropriate for upper elementary and middle school students. They can get kids excited about the fun of science and engineering as they learn about the struggles and triumphs of fascinating characters in amazing situations. ![]() Good fiction with STEM topics can do more than provide information about the world of science and technology. As I read my way through middle school I measured my growing maturity by the number of pages in the books that I checked out of the library. I used a thin sheet of mica from my rock collection as a bookmark. I still remember my first “chapter book.” It was called AWOL, and it was about a dog who ran away from an army post. Sharing a few chapter book gems with parents and caregivers can be a brief but highly productive part of family night at a school, or open house at a library. By Cary Sneider, Portland State University ![]()
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