I don’t know about anyone else, but I am super ready for spring– especially when I look at all the incredible middle grade books coming out this season! As I started putting together this list, I was amazed to realize that, for me, there are 20 most-anticipated middle grade books coming spring 2023.
I’ve included a few nonfiction titles on this list, which is unusual for me, but they were such great books that I couldn’t NOT talk about them. I hope you enjoy the list and find lots to add to your reading lists.
20 Most-Anticipated Middle Grade Books Coming Spring 2023
Rebel Girls Rock: 25 Tales of Women in Music by Rebel Girls
What you need to know: Lizzo, Dolly Parton, Ella Fitzgerald, Queen Latifah, and so many more biographies of incredible women (and bands!) in the music industry. Rebel Girls books have been on my TBR for a long time, and I’m excited to read this one!
Release Date: March 7, 2023
What Stays Buried by Suzanne Young
What you need to know: A girl with the ability to speak to ghosts for a limited time is the only one who can solve the disappearances of missing children. Looks spooky and intense! I loved the YA duology that begins with GIRLS WITH SHARP STICKS by Suzanne Young, so I’m super intrigued to read a middle-grade title by her.
Release Date: March 7, 2023
A Bit of Earth by Karuna Riazi
What you need to know: A reimagining of THE SECRET GARDEN featuring a Pakistani girl who moves to Long Island after her parents’ deaths. Looks immersive and beautiful– like everything I’d want from a reboot of a treasured childhood classic.
Release Date: March 14, 2023
Mirror to Mirror by Rajani LaRocca
What you need to know: Identical twins drifting apart agree to swap places for the summer. Whoever does a better job impersonating her sister gets to decide where they’ll go to school in the fall. This looks like a fun, fresh spin on a sister story– and I am desperate to read it.
Release Date: March 28, 2023
Kelcie Murphy and the Hunt for the Heart of Danu (Academy for the Unbreakable Arts #2) by Erika Lewis
What you need to know: Celtic mythology. A magical boarding school. A girl who must overcome her people’s prejudices against her to recover a stolen artifact before the world is plunged into darkness. I didn’t read the first book in this series, but this one looks awesome.
Release Date Update: Originally March 28, but has been pushed back to July 25, 2023.
Nic Blake and the Remarkables by Angie Thomas
What you need to know: Inspired by African American folklore and history and packed with suspense and fun. A girl must learn to use an unfamiliar magic to save her father. Angie Thomas is another author whose YA I’ve read and loved, so I’m excited to read her middle-grade debut.
Release Date: April 4, 2023
A Vanishing of Griffins by S. A. Patrick
What you need to know: Book two in the Songs of Magic series. Three friends continue their adventure to find secrets about Griffins. Honestly, I’m interested in this one partly because I’ve enjoyed so many books by this publisher. It looks like a fun, fantastical adventure, too!
Release Date: April 11, 2023
The Swallowtail Legacy: Betrayal by the Book by Michael D. Beil
What you need to know: The sequel to THE WRECK AT ADA’S REEF brings us back to Swallowtail Island where a writer’s conference featuring Lark’s favorite author is underway. More mystery, fun, and excitement!
Release Date: April 18, 2023
Fireborn: Phoenix and the Frost Palace by Aisling Fowler
What you need to know: Hailed as perfect for fans of The School for Good and Evil series, which I loved. A girl with powerful magic must make a journey into darkness and face a terrible foe in order to save a long-lost witch clan.
Release Date: April 18, 2023
Fall of the School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
What you need to know: Two brothers: one good, one evil, with one goal: protect the School, preserve the balance. What happens when they fail? I loved the first book in this duology, and it ended in a pretty dramatic way, so I can’t wait to read this one.
Release Date: May 2, 2023
Only Only Marisol Rainey by Erin Entrada Kelly
What you need to know: A neighbor’s dog escapes, sending Marisol into worries about a ferocious beast roaming the streets. Can Marisol face her fears and help the lost dog find his way home? I’ve had my eye on this series, so I’m excited to check this one out.
Release Date: May 2, 2023
Ruby Lost and Found by Christina Li
What you need to know: Scavenger hunts left behind by her grandfather. A Chinese bakery on the brink of closing its doors. An unlikely friend in a boy from school who teams up with Ruby. This reminds me a little bit of both IT’S BOBA TIME FOR PEARL LI and FINALLY SEEN, so I’m super excited to read this.
Release Date: May 16, 2023
Spare Parts: The True Story of Four Undocumented Teenagers, One Ugly Robot, and an Impossible Dream (Young Readers’ Edition) by Joshua Davis and Reyna Grande
What you need to know: A true story of four undocumented teens and their robot, Stinky. Described as timely and empowering, and I can’t wait to read it.
Release Date: May 30, 2023
Falling Out of Time by Margaret Peterson Haddix
What you need to know: 2193 and a humanity that’s solved all its problems (Or have they?). What if nothing Zola sees is the truth? A middle-grade thriller by a bestselling author. I am excited about this one, too.
Release Date: May 30, 2023
What are the middle grade books coming spring 2023 that you’re most looking forward to?
Are you looking forward to any of the books on this list? Which middle-grade books are you most looking forward to this spring? Leave a comment and let me know!
I’m really looking forward to Angie Thomas’ new book on your list and Iceberg by Jennifer Nielsen–one of my favorite authors. Natalie @ Literary Rambles
Thank you, Natalie. Oh! I have fallen way too far behind on reading Jennifer Nielsen’s books. I kept coming across titles by her as I was working on a different project. I’ll add Iceberg to my reading list!