I love middle grade fiction and one of my favorite writers is that of Kate DiCamillo, who I’ve done a deep-read of in the past. Her themes engage real life issues—from death to childlessness—without sacrificing the pleasure of the imagination.

Likewise, I finished a deep-read of Rebecca Stead’s books and really can’t praise them too much. Like DiCamillo, there is a sense of grounding the story in real-life issues while also embracing the imagination. At times (though not always) her plotting involves great twists and an appropriate level of science fiction.

As I was thinking about her work this week, I thought I would be sure to note them here. Below you’ll find First Light, When You Reach Me, and Liar & Spy, which I have listed in order by year, along with their descriptions. But if I were to recommend one to start with, I would definitely say When You Reach Me. It’s a fantastic story with a great voice.

First Light (2007)

Description
Peter is thrilled to join his parents on an expedition to Greenland, where his father studies global warming. Peter will get to skip school, drive a dogsled, and–finally–share in his dad’s adventures. But on the ice cap, Peter struggles to understand a series of visions that both frighten and entice him.

Thea has never seen the sun. Her extraordinary people, suspected of witchcraft and nearly driven to extinction, have retreated to a secret world they’ve built deep inside the arctic ice. As Thea dreams of a path to Earth’s surface, Peter’s search for answers brings him ever closer to her hidden home.

Rebecca Stead’s fascinating debut novel is a dazzling tale of mystery, science and adventure at the top of the world.

 When You Reach Me (2009)

Description
This remarkable novel holds a fantastic puzzle at its heart.

By sixth grade, Miranda and her best friend, Sal, know how to navigate their New York City neighborhood. They know where it’s safe to go, and they know who to avoid. Like the crazy guy on the corner.

But things start to unravel. Sal gets punched by a kid on the street for what seems like no reason, and he shuts Miranda out of his life. The apartment key that Miranda’s mom keeps hidden for emergencies is stolen. And then a mysterious note arrives, scrawled on a tiny slip of paper. The notes keep coming, and Miranda slowly realizes that whoever is leaving them knows things no one should know. Each message brings her closer to believing that only she can prevent a tragic death. Until the final note makes her think she’s too late.

Liar & Spy (2012)

Description
The instant New York Times bestseller from the author of the Newbery Medal book When You Reach Me: a story about spies, games, and friendship. Seventh grader Georges moves into a Brooklyn apartment building and meets Safer, a twelve-year-old self-appointed spy. Georges becomes Safer’s first spy recruit. His assignment? Tracking the mysterious Mr. X, who lives in the apartment upstairs. But as Safer becomes more demanding, Georges starts to wonder: what is a lie, and what is a game? How far is too far to go for your only friend? Like the dazzling When You Reach Me, Liar & Spy will keep readers guessing until the end.

If you read them, stop back and let me know what you think.