SUMMER READING 2021
CONNECTICUT NUTMEG AWARDS AND STATE TITLES FOR GRADES 7 & 8
CHECK THESE OUT & READ SOME!
2022 Nutmeg Book Award Middle School Nominees Grades 7-8
The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden
Seventh-grader Zoey wishes she had eight arms to assist with all of her responsibilities. When she reluctantly joins the debate club, she learns that speaking up for herself and the people she loves creates a power she never knew she had.
Charlie Thorne and the Last Equation by Stuart Gibbs
Albert Einstein created a code that could help – or
destroy – the world. Decades later, an enemy
organization is searching for this code, and the
CIA needs the help of a genius to find it and solve
its mystery. Enter Charlie Thorne. Too young to
get a driver’s license, Charlie is on the hunt for
clues to unravel one of the modern world’s
greatest mysteries...before time runs out.
The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Pérez
Following the First Rule of Punk can be hard
when being yourself is not “normal” at your new
school. When the chance to try out for the school
annual talent show comes up, she finds a few like-
minded misfits to form a rock band. What could
really go wrong? What happens when you don’t fit
in? You make the show your own.
Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams
Thirteen-year-old Genesis has a lot of things she'd
like to fix in her life. Most of all, Genesis believes
that if she can just change the color of her skin,
everything would be better. When her own family
believes her dark skin puts her at a disadvantage,
how can Genesis possibly learn to love herself?
Good Enough by Jen Petro-Roy
Riley is sick. She has been put in a treatment
center for kids who suffer from eating disorders.
Faced with a roommate who breaks the rules and
an estranged family who doesn’t fully understand
her sickness, Riley has to work to be able to see
herself as more than just a number on a scale.
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling
Born without arms, thirteen-year-old Aven Green
has been raised to believe that she can do
anything. She becomes determined to show her
new friend Connor that his Tourette's Syndrome
shouldn't keep him from living his best life.
Between helping out Connor and solving a
mystery at her parents’ new western theme park
she certainly has her plate full.
Marcus Vega Doesn’t Speak Spanish by Pablo Cartaya
Eighth-grader Marcus Vega is having a hard time.
After being suspended, he and his family take a
trip to Puerto Rico to try and rebuild. Marcus
meets some interesting people during this time and
along the way he learns the true meaning of
family.
Pet by Akwaeke Emezi
Jam was always told that monsters are no more.
After she accidentally brings a creature to life
from a painting, she learns that everything is not as
it seems. She must keep her wits about her to be
able to clearly see the difference between lies and
reality. Will Jam be able to find the monster and
stand up for herself?
Snapdragon by Kat Leyh
When outcast Snapdragon befriends rumoured
town "witch" Jacks, she learns about her own
powers and inner strength. In this coming-of-age
magical realism graphic novel, we discover that
those that are unfairly judged hold their own
magical stories and oftentimes we find
connections, love and family in the most unusual
places.
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia
Seventh-grader Tristan Strong is struggling with
the death of his best friend, whose journal of
stories has become Tristan’s prize possession. One
night, a creature steals it from him. In a struggle to
reclaim it, Tristan punches a hole into the
MidPass. This puts him face to face with battling
African gods and legends. Can he outwit Anansi
the spider to seal the hole and find his way home?
