I didn’t have very fond social memories of middle school, but one thing I did appreciate and love during that time, was the library.

The library at my middle school was small, but I’ve always been blessed with such wonderful librarians throughout my elementary and middle school years. I truly believe that encouraging children to enjoy reading at a young age is the best gift a teacher could ever give.

Somewhere during those middle school years, I stumbled upon the Sammy Keyes series and to this day, she remains as one of my favorite detectives ever. Yes, she is even up there with the likes of Hercule Poirot. And, mind you, even better than Sherlock! A good friend of mine at the time also recommended me Flipped, another one of her works.

Wendelin’s books are for pre-teen ages but honestly, you can enjoy her books at any age.

The Sammy Keyes Mystery Series

If you ever have the intense privilege of getting your hands on a Sammy Keyes novel, you will meet a heroine unlike any other. As a young girl constantly craving for adventure, Sammy’s eyes were a window to my other life. I lived and breathed through her, and I still do. She’s feisty and brave, but compassionate and clever. Her voice speaks to you, and she takes you along for the ride. She’s a tomboy and a skater girl, obsessed with high tops, and these are just some of the many quirks about Sammy that will win your heart. Not to mention, she’s only in middle school!

I think Sammy’s feistiness is the main thing that drew me to her. It’s refreshing and well-written. It’s not fake, not trying to be woke or #girlpower. It’s who she is.

Every once in a while I check out a Sammy Keyes book from my local library and fall in love with the world Wendelin created all over again. It’s approachable, slightly suburban, and perhaps that is the appeal. To live a life through a book that can be so closely similar to yours, but different enough for you to find immense joy and thrill between the pages.

My personal favorites from the series: The Curse of Moustache Mary, The Search for Snake Eyes, The Hotel Thief

Flipped

In middle school, I liked a boy. I liked him a lot, though now that I’m much older I realized that the only reason I liked him was because he was the only real decent guy at school. The gene pool is not the best where I grew up!

But he did not feel the same way, and to be honest was a bit of a jerk, but it was difficult for me, as a pre-teen, to cope with a one-sided romance. My friend at the time recommended Flipped because, in her words, our stories were similar. I gave it a shot.

And man did I fall in love with this book. I can’t quite explain it through words, but the gist of it is it’s a redeeming story about what appears to be a one-sided romance. It gives those of us who have ever experienced an unrequited love, a little bit of hope.

The movie adaption is equally wonderful! It is honestly better than anything Netflix can pump out these days. The flick did not get the response it should’ve received. Ignore those Rotten Tomatoes ratings! Those guys don’t know anything. It’s a Rob Reiner film, what’s not to like?

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Wendelin published a memoir this past year and it is currently in transit to my doorstep (thanks Amazon!). I am so stoked to read it, and I am sure I will love it as much as I loved her other books. Such an amazing and classy writer she is.

What are your favorite childhood authors?

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