Middle Grade Reading Challenge

I've joined the MIDDLE GRADE BOOK CHALLENGE hosted by Linda Ellen at Bambi Reads. I haven't been very successful completing challenges, but I am ever hopeful. This one just might be "The One." My intention is to read 25 Middle Grade books and post reviews over the next year. (O.K. I have a little less than a year since the challenge ends August 31, 2010.) We hit the library this morning, and I picked up my first book, CATMAGIC by Holly Webb.
There's two things I'd like to accomplish with this challenge. First, of course, I want to scope out books for my niece who is 6 and my nephew who is 9. "E" isn't ready for middle grade books yet, but sometimes she likes them read to her at night. After a really strong start, "J" is becoming a reluctant reader, so finding books that will capture and hold his attention is an ongoing challenge itself! Secondly, I've read quite a few books this year that have been heavy, dark, and depressing, and I'd like to provide myself with a string of counterpoints.

Guidelines for the Middle Grade Book Challenge

1. Anyone can join.

2. Read 12 middle grade novels (Challenge 1) or read 25 MG books (Challenge 2). You can read comics too, or listen to audio books. These can be in any language. You don't have to make a reading list now; you may select them as you go and you're free to make changes to your list.

3. The challenge begins September 1st, 2009 through August 31st, 2010.

4. You can join anytime between now and August 31st, 2010.
For more information and to join in, hop on over to Bambi Reads.

Books Read:

1. Kidnap at the Catfish Cafe by Patricia Reilly Giff
2. The Moon Lady by Amy Tan
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