Winter Reading 2023: Great books for Gr. 4-7 students this season!

At long last, winter break is here! And with a well-deserved two weeks at home, it’s the perfect time to curl up with a good book.

We’re continuing our Winter Reading series with three recommendations for Grade 4-7 students from Lena Shaw Elementary teacher-librarian KD McArthur. Here’s what’s on her list for pre-teens this winter break.

You Are Here: Connecting Flights by Ellen Oh

After a security concern, flights at a Chicago airport are delayed, causing confusion and chaos to passengers. Short stories follow 12 different Asian American passengers as their journeys crisscross and collide while navigating how the delays impact their travel plans. Each story is written by a different best-selling Asian American author but are interconnected by a common theme of identity, belonging and the power of standing up for what is right. Authors include Linda Sue Park, Erin Entrada Kelly, Grace Lin, Traci Chee, Mike Chen, Meredith Ireland, Mike Jung, Minh Le, Ellen Oh, Randy Ribay, Christina Soontornvat and Susan Tan. 

Farther Than the Moon by Lindsay Lackey 

13-year-old Houston and his little brother Robbie both have one dream: to become astronauts and fly to outer space. Since their dad left, their space dreams help connect them and help them move on. When Houston is accepted to the highly competitive Junior Astronaut Recruitment Program, he feels like his dreams are finally coming true. He only wishes he could bring his little brother with him, but Robbie’s cerebral palsy and epilepsy mean he needs constant medical attention and is not able to go too. At camp, Houston makes new friends, faces tough challenges and meets long lost relatives. During his adventures, he realizes that Robbie’s dream of visiting space may not be as achievable as it may be for Houston. A story of friendship, family and overcoming obstacles while fighting to help others achieve their dreams.

The Fire, The Water, and Maudie McGinn by Sally J. Pla 

Neurodivergent Maudie McGinn lives with her mum and stepdad during the school year but looks forward to every summer when she gets to go live with her dad at his cabin in the woods of California. She loves her time with her dad, as he always sees the best in her while her mum is constantly worrying about helping Maudie be like everyone else, so that her autism is not as noticeable. When a natural disaster strikes as soon as Maudie arrives at her dad’s, she is worried her summer of fun and relaxation will be ruined, and she will be sent back to stay with her mum and stepdad. Instead, their plan changes and she gets to stay with him in the beach town where he grew up. During the summer, she meets new people, takes risks and learns new skills that others told her she couldn’t do because of her autism. But even with all these amazing adventures, a secret weighs on her about her life with her mum and stepdad – one her mum swore she could never tell. Will this secret ruin her chance at a summer of fun? A journey of self discovery, keeping secrets, and learning to speak up for yourself. 

There are lots of great books to choose from for intermediate readers this holiday season! See also some excellent primary reads recommended by Hazelgrove Elementary teacher-librarian Jennifer McLean, and stay tuned for recommendations for secondary students in our Winter Reading series!