Category Archives: Middle Grade 8-12

MMGM Review: When You’re Brave Enough by Rebecca Bendheim

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When You're Brave Enough by Rebecca Bendheim

When You’re Brave Enough
Rebecca Bendheim
Viking Books for Young Readers
Published April 7, 2026

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About When You’re Brave Enough

A heartfelt, gorgeously written debut middle grade novel about best friends, first crushes, and coming out—perfect for fans of Kyle Lukoff and Jake Maia Arlow.

Before she moved from Austin to Rhode Island, everybody knew Lacey as one half of an inseparable duo: Lacey-and-Grace, best friends since they were toddlers. Grace and her moms were practically family. But at school, being lumped together with overeager, worm-obsessed, crushes-on-everyone Grace meant Lacey never quite fit in—and that’s why at her new middle school, Lacey plans to reinvent herself. … Continue reading →

Review: Creepy Kid by Caleb Roehrig

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Creepy Kid by Caleb Roehrig

Creepy Kid
Caleb Roehrig
HarperCollins
Published August 25, 2026

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About Creepy Kid

A hilariously creepy middle grade novel from award-winning author Caleb Roehrig! Poe has spent his whole life wishing he could meet a ghost, but when he moves into a real-life haunted house, he discovers that communing with the other side might be a little more than he bargained for.

Twelve-year-old Edgar Alden, also known as “Poe,” has always been an outcast. Obsessed with the macabre, he’s never remotely hit it off with other kids. Only Grandma ever really understood his love for the … Continue reading →

Review: The Leak by Kate Reed Petty

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The Leak by Kate Reed Petty

The Leak
Kate Reed Petty
Illustrated by Andrea Bell
First Second
Published March 16, 2021

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About The Leak

In this middle-grade graphic novel, Ruth, a young journalist, is determined to uncover a secret that threatens her town.

Ruth Keller is brash and precocious; she argues with her dentist, her parents, and her teachers. So, when she discovers a strange black slime in the man-made lake of her suburban neighborhood, she decides to investigate. Fortified by the encouragement of those around her, Ruth seeks the truth at all costs, even if it means taking on the rich local country club … Continue reading →

MMGM Review: Little Monsters by Máire Roche

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Little Monsters by Máire Roche

Little Monsters
Máire Roche
Aladdin
Published August 18, 2026

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About Little Monsters

In this modern supernatural middle grade retelling of the beloved classic Little Women, the March sisters have a monstrous secret Meg will do anything to protect—especially with another beast lurking in the woods threatening to expose them.

Meg March and her three sisters are monsters. No, really. Meg has teeth that are a little too sharp. Jo gets furry under the full moon. Beth goes night flying on wings that are impossible to hide under her sweaters. And Amy? Well, don’t let her … Continue reading →

Review: Listen to the Girls by Chrystal D. Giles

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Listen to the Girls by Chrystal D. Giles

Listen to the Girls
Chrystal D. Giles
Random House Books for Young Readers
Published May 5, 2026

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About Listen to the Girls

When Calla finds out her favorite teacher has been accused of inappropriate conduct, she decides to take action in this powerful story about growing up and speaking up, about listening to others and learning to listen to yourself. Because the more Calla listens . . . the more she realizes that maybe she has something to say too.

“Important and empowering—this story is a testament to the power of girls supporting one another.”—Kate Messner, New York Times bestselling author

What if … Continue reading →

Review: Chris Makes a Friend by Alex Gino

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Chris Makes a Friend by Alex Gino

Chris Makes a Friend
Alex Gino
Scholastic Press
Published November 4, 2025

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About Chris Makes a Friend

From the award-winning author of MELISSA, a sweet and tart story about unexpected friendship and family reconciliation.

Chris does not want to be spending the summer with their grouchy grandmother and social butterfly sister. But they don’t really have a choice, once their mom leaves them at Grandmother’s house. They can, however, try to escape whenever they want to — into the woods, where they encounter another kid who is the friend they need to survive the summer.

Only… there’s more to this friend than … Continue reading →