Sabot Families

Middle School Book Clubs!

Sabot at Stony Point was established by a group of parents seeking a progressive educational alternative for their preschool-age children, and remained parent-governed for some time. We work with parents to allow children to become life-long learners.

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Your child should select one of the following 6 fantastic books with coming-of-age themes. This fall, students will gather in cross-grade book clubs to engage in discussion and activities with each other and a faculty member. This will provide an opportunity for students to connect across grade levels with each other and with the faculty. I encourage parents to read along to foster connection and dialogue around the theme of the book.

Recommended for rising 6-8th graders

Out of My Mind, Sharon M. Draper

You may recognize this #1 New York Times bestselling book, but have you read it yet? It is a fictional window into the mind and life of Melody, an 11-year-old girl with a huge heart, high intelligence, and cerebral palsy. Told from her perspective, the story follows Melody as she acquires a new computer that gives her a voice. I’m definitely planning to purchase the sequel Out of my Heart for the classroom library! Common Sense Media Review

Too Bright to See, Kyle Lukoff

“A lot of books have a moral, some lesson about how you have to stay true to who you are…but those books never tell you how to figure out what your self is. They assume that you know already” (117). A book about grief, friendship, and identity with ghost on a mission, Too Bright to See is about a kid being haunted by the ghost of their dead uncle. The main character, Bug, is also the narrator, which made me feel like I was right there in the critical moments. This Newbery Honor Book, Winner of the Stonewall Book Award, and A National Book Award Finalist is so good. Common Sense Media Review.

The Hero Next Door, short stories, Editor: Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich

This short story anthology from We Need Diverse Books shows readers of all ages that heroes are everywhere and that one single person absolutely can make a difference. This broad collection of stories discusses serious issues such as academic dishonesty; domestic abuse; homelessness; international adoption; prejudices and legal matters. I particularly love “The Assist,” about teamwork and honesty and R.J. Palacio’s “Reina Madrid,” a beautiful story about assimilation, prejudice, best-friendship, and acceptance. You may connect more with some stories than others; however, there is something in this book for everyone. We Need Diverse Books

Recommended for rising 7th and 8th graders

A Psalm for the Wild-Built, Becky Chambers

Recommended to me by Jess Khawaja, this stunning science-fiction novella tells the story of a tea monk and a robot in a breathtakingly beautiful, thriving future world. This was my first introduction to Becky Chambers, and after reading so much dystopian fiction, I find the characters and world she creates calming and uplifting. Note for parents: Contains a few choice expletives, one on the very first page! Like The Martian, I imagine the placement may actually help hook some students into the book. A Psalm for the Wild-Built

Darius the Great is Not Okay, Adib Khorram

I heard through the grapevine that this was a great book, and holy moly, it did not disappoint. Adib Khorram’s characters are real, complex, and likable. This is a story of friendship and family that includes a complex father-son relationship, a new friendship, a real portrayal of mental illness, and multiple references to Lord of the Rings. I absolutely loved this award-winning book and can’t wait to read the sequel. Note for parents: Contains bullying. Common Sense Media Review

Me (Moth), Amber McBride

This debut novel-in-verse by UVA professor Amber McBride is poetry baklava: rich, layered, and delicious. Moth is a coming of age novel and a ghost story. Because it’s in verse, it’s a book that you may choose to fly through or savor. I recommend both- read it first to find out what happens to Moth and her new friend Sani, then read it again to relish in the language. It won the John Steptoe New Talent Award and was a finalist for the 2021 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. For parents: Contains references to prescription drug use and emotional abuse. Read the Common Sense Media Review for more information.

PRINTABLE LIST OF BOOK CLUB BOOKS (includes images)