Sharing a Love For Reading in Middle and Intermediate Grades!

Penny Library Books Mission and Vision Statements:

Mission: To promote and inspire a love for reading!

Vision: To be a source for parents and caregivers of middle and intermediate school age kids to find great books for their child. No matter if their child is a strong reader or a reluctant reader, loved ones will find books that will motivate their child to read, read, and read!

Why Middle/Intermediate Books?

Although Mrs. Penny is no longer with us (she passed away in 2021) she was a leader at our school and an inspiration. My goal is not just to encourage our strong readers to read even more (and that is a worthy goal in itself). But to also take it a step further. I want to reach reluctant readers—kids that say reading is not their favorite subject. Some have even told me they hate reading. (Gasp!???). How did this happen? When did kids not like a good story? And how can I get them to change their minds?

It’s definitely not the stories they do not like—who doesn’t like a good story—but the grappling with reading itself. Unfortunately middle and Intermediate school is the time when this struggle takes place. Kids are not being read to by their teachers like they were in elementary school. Their teachers are expecting them to read chapter books all on their own. It’s a big jump from elementary to middle school and this battle can continue into intermediate school. This is the challenge. Although as a librarian, I am not teaching them to read, I can support them with good literature in their interest and ability level.

Welcome!

My name is Barbara Balke and I am a middle school librarian for a 5th and 6th grade school, Carter Lomax, in Pasadena, TX.

I am always reading and promoting good books for my students and I thought it would be beneficial to share my finds with parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, care givers, and loved ones—anyone that would like to see their child reading more. I hope very much that you find this blog helpful in encouraging your child to develop a love of reading.

School Library and Blog Name:

The principal of our school from 2007-2021 was Mrs. Norma Penny. Mrs. Penny was a wonderful woman who was a big supporter of the library and reading at our school. She encouraged EVERYONE to read—students, teachers coaches, and support staff. Her thoughts were that adults make great role models for our students and if we are asking our students to read every day, then we need to be reading too. Unfortunately, Mrs. Penny passed away in 2021. We renamed our library in her honor. Her goal to encourage all kids to read inspired this blog.

My Star Rating System:

5 Stars = I could not put this book down. When I did put it down I thought about the characters and plot so it really stuck with me. I couldn’t wait to get back to reading.

4 Stars = A real page turner and I really enjoyed it while I was reading it. However, it was not one that I would think about when going about my daily life.

3 Stars = Good, interesting plot. It was enjoyable, yet maybe a little slow in parts and I found myself skimming parts to “get to the good stuff.” This also might be a book that I think the kids will really like, yet as an adult I found it a little juvenile. Still would have great appeal to kids.

2 Stars = Low character development and plot. Yet, it still may appeal to a few kids.

1 Star = I really didn’t like this book and I don’t think the kids will like it. It might even be a book I didn’t finish because I wasn’t enjoying it. Honestly, I doubt I’d put a 1 star book on this blog.