Middle Grade books discussed by actual elementary school-aged, Middle Grade readers. Not readers decades removed from the age of the protagonists of most Middle Grade books. But rather readers of the same ages who might identify more closely with those Middle Grade main characters, and who might hold different perspectives on the books than your typical adult or even teen reviewer. What a novel idea. Pun possibly intended. In the past, our respective eldest kids have mentioned to Heather and I about wanting to be involved with the blog (or a blog) and wanting to write their own book reviews. What if we gave them some space every Monday to talk about the books they’re reading over the summer? They’d have an extra incentive to read, and it would allow them to work on their reading comprehension and writing skills over vacation. To that end, Middle Grade Mondays was born.
Without further ado, let me introduce you to our first Middle Grader, Miss R., incoming 4th grader, not quite a decade old, a budding author in her own right, lover of books and all things Equestria.
Her first Middle Grade Monday book is…
If you have not read anything about the Baudelaire orphans, then before you read even one more sentence, you should know this: Violet, Klaus, and Sunny are kindhearted and quick-witted, but their lives, I am sorry to say, are filled with bad luck and misery. All of the stories about these three children are unhappy and wretched, and this one may be the worst of them all.If you haven’t got the stomach for a story that includes a hurricane, a signalling device, hungry leeches, cold cucumber soup, a horrible villain, and a doll named Pretty Penny, then this book will probably fill you with despair.I will continue to record these tragic tales, for that is what I do. You, however, should decide for yourself whether you can possibly endure this miserable story. With all due respect, Lemony Snicket
Title: The Wide Window
Series: A Series of Unfortunate Events (Book #3)
Author: Lemony Snicket
Published: February 25, 2000 by HarperCollins
Format: 214 pages; Hardcover; Ebook
Website: www.lemonysnicket.com
Source: Purchased
Miss R.’s Rating: 
- What was the book about (without giving away what happens)?
The book was about three orphans living with Aunt Josephine.
- Did you enjoy this story? Why?
I enjoyed this story because the orphans have a big adventure.
- Was there a particular character that you liked the most?
The character I like is Sunny. She’s so cute, and she likes to bite stuff… hard!
- Which character did you like the least?
I did not like Count Olaf, because he’s a very bad man, and he treats the orphans meanly.
- Was there anything about the story that you didn’t like or that confused you?
What I did not like about the story is Count Olaf is still getting [trying to get] the orphans’ fortune.
- Did you learn anything from this book? Was there a moral to this story?
I learned some new phrases and words, like falling for something “hook, line and sinker.” Which means falling for something that’s not true.
The moral is: don’t risk your children’s lives for your own safety.
- Did you like the way the book ended?
Not sure. *highlight to read explanation… and potential spoiler* Because I’m happy they [the Baudelaire orphans] don’t fall into Olaf’s care, but Olaf gets away again. *end spoiler*
- Do you like the cover?
Yes. Because Lemony Snicket uses good and pretty pictures.
- Would you recommend this book to your friends?
Yes.
- Draw a picture of something from the book, that does not reveal the ending.
Well, Miss R., after reading your comments it makes me want to read the book myself. Do you think I would be allowed to read a children’s book? After all, I haven’t been a child for a long, long time. Great drawing, by the way. I don’t think I’d want to live on a house perched on a cliff either. Could make sleep-walking a rather dangerous affair. Best wishes on your blogging adventure!
Miss R. says “Thank you!” And she (and I) thinks Lemony Snicket is definitely age appropriate for you. 😉 After all, “A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.” (~ C.S. Lewis)
Dani recently posted…Middle Grade Mondays | The Wide Window by Lemony Snicket
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Miss R! Even as an adult, I love Lemony Snicket’s books. If you like A Series of Unfortunate Events, you will love reading his other series, All the Wrong Questions, once you’re finished.
Miss R: “Thank you! And I can’t wait to read the other series too!”