Books Like My Year in the Middle
Families who loved My Year in the Middle by Lila Quintero Weaver often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Families who loved My Year in the Middle by Lila Quintero Weaver often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is struggling to navigate shifting social cliques or feels pressured to choose sides in a conflict. It is particularly resonant for children who feel like 'middle-rowers' (those who don't naturally fit into dominant social groups and prefer to stay neutral until their values are tested). Set in 1970 Alabama, the story follows Lu Olivera, an Argentinian-American girl who discovers a talent for track and a new friendship that defies the racial segregation of her classroom. Through Lu's eyes, children learn that staying silent is a choice in itself. This historical novel is an excellent tool for teaching integrity, the courage required for cross-racial friendships, and the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it is uncomfortable. It is a gentle yet firm introduction to systemic injustice for readers aged 8 to 12.
