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Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Witchy Middle Grade Books for Fall

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Top Ten Witchy Middle Grade Books for Fall

10 Witchy Middle Grade Books for Fall

Here in Florida, we have to use a little more imagination to feel the seasons. As we approach Halloween, I’m always looking for books with a cozy, witchy vibe that I can enjoy with a pumpkin-flavored treat. Today, I’m sharing a list of ten witchy middle grade books perfect for fall and the upcoming holiday.

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl. This week’s theme is a Fall Freebie, giving us bookish bloggers a chance to share lists related to any fall or Halloween theme we want.

Note: This list contains affiliate links, which don’t cost you anything to use. They help support the work I do here at The Story Sanctuary. Thanks for using them to do your shopping!

10 Witchy Middle Grade Books for Fall

Maybe There Are Witches by Jude Atwood

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: In a small town with deep history, a girl with a magical diary must stop a great evil bent on destroying the town. Perfect for the Halloween season.

Published: June 13, 2023 | My Review | Author Q&A

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: stuff stuff

Published August 9, 2016 | My Review

Just a Pinch of Magic by Alechia Dow

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A girl desperate to save her family’s struggling magical bakery casts a (slightly illegal) spell that backfires. Lots of delicious descriptions of baking and magical hijinks from one of my favorite authors.

Published: October 10, 2023

Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: I first read this in 2022, I think, but I’ve reread the book several times since. It’s a whimsical, funny fantasy novel about a girl under a curse that makes her look and feel old who hides from the world in a wizard’s castle and discovers some remarkable things about herself. I highly recommend the audiobook version performed by Jenny Werlin.

Published August 1, 2001 (Orig. 1986) | My Review

Witchwood (Ravenfall #3) by Kalyn Josephson

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Anna and Colin journey to Witchwood where Anna learns about her dad’s side of the family. I’m a huge fan of Max (the cat-who-is-not-a-cat) and Anna. I love that we’re seeing more of her coming into her own in this book. I’ve enjoyed the whole series so far.

Published October 1, 2024 | My Review to Come

The Beetle Books Series (Beetle and the Hollowbones) by Aliza Layne

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: This is the perfect series to pick up around Halloween. The artwork reminds me of The Nightmare Before Christmas, but it has all the cozy vibes of fall in between the eerie elements.

Published 2020 & 2025 | Beetle & the Hollowbones Review | Beetle & the Chimera Carnival Review

Witchlings Series by Claribel A. Ortega

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I bought a copy of Ghost Squad when it came out, but I still hadn’t managed to read it when I saw an invitation to a blog tour from Rockstar Book Tours for The Golden Frog Games. Tour participants also received a PDF version of the first book in the series, so I figured I’d start there and review both. I loved the village and all the pageantry surrounding becoming a witchling and part of a coven. It felt fresh and clever and reminded me a bit of Cattywampus by Ash Van Otterloo, which I also loved. I heard another book influencer talk about the way that Ortega writes middle grade without ever talking down to readers, and I totally agree. The books feel young, as they should, and yet bear a wisdom beyond the years of the characters that never interferes with the joy of reading them.

Published 2022-present | Witchlings Review | The Golden Frog Games Review

Garlic and the Witch (Garlic #2) by Bree Paulsen

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I loved the first book in this series and always intended to read more. It’s such a sweet, cozy story about vegetables that have come alive. This was one my seven-year-old really enjoyed.

Published September 6, 2022 | My Review to Come

Hooky (Hooky #1) by Míriam Bonastre Tur

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I keep seeing this book everywhere, and the story (two twin witches who go on the run) sounded cute. Some of the chapters felt a bit episodic, but considering this story began as a webcomic, I suppose that’s to be expected. I enjoyed the quirky characters and fun elements.

Published September 7, 2021 | My Review

Cattywampus by Ash Van Otterloo

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review

What You Need to Know: The cover copy calls this one “folksy” and “fresh” and it totally is! I loved the southern feel of the town and characters, and the exploration of identity and magic in this book.

Published August 4, 2020 | My Review

Do you love witchy middle grade books?

What are your favorite witchy books? Have you read any of the middle grade books on my list? Let me know if any of those titles sound like ones you’d like to add to your reading list this fall.

Summer 2025 Backlist Reading Check-in and Life Update

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Summer 2025 Backlist Reading Check-in and Life Update

Summer is always an odd season for my reading life. Since I do most of my reading in the evenings, it never seems to me like summer will change all that much, but somehow, it does. This summer I had the added complication of having surgery early in June. It sounded like the recovery would be pretty quick and easy, but my experience didn’t quite line up with my expectations there, either.

Which mostly meant that I read far fewer books in June than I anticipated. That was okay, though. It was good to slow down. I made up for lost time in July.

I’ve continued my poetry reading project this summer. It hasn’t worked out to be one poem each and every day, but I still average at least that many. I started with an anthology of Black poets that I loved and then moved on to Rupi Kaur, who has been on my list for a while. I also picked up a volume by Andrea Gibson, a poet who passed away during the summer. Their work is incredible.

I also read quite a few graphic novels. When I’m struggling to read, I find that those help get my momentum up. Plus, I find them really enjoyable.

Read on to see the whole list of backlist titles I read this summer.

Summer 2025 Backlist Reading List

This is the Honey: An Anthology of Contemporary Black Poets edited by Kwame Alexander

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: A powerful collection of poetry. A few of the contributors were familiar to me from other reading, so it was great to read more of their work, and I loved getting introduced to so many new poets. I’m sure this is a collection I’ll be revisiting in the future.

Published January 30, 2024

The Gender Binary is a Big Lie by Lee Wind

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: This book highlights different cultures who have more than two genders as part of their population, including ancient Romans, classical Jewish culture, and Hawaiian culture. The author profiles famous people from the past who lived outside the gender binary, and also shares a lot of information about intersex people. It’s a great resource for people who feel unsure about how to talk about transgender/nonbinary/intersex people or who have questions and want more information. Super easy to read. Highly enjoyable.

Published August 6, 2024 | My Review to Come

When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: This graphic novel follows two Somali brothers who grow up in a refugee camp in Kenya. It’s a heartbreaking story at times, especially as Omar recalls fleeing from home and missing his parents. But it is also fiercely hopeful, showing the power of education and brotherly love. A National Book Award finalist.

Published April 14, 2020 | My Review to Come

Odder by Katherine Applegate

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: A novel-in-verse imagining of the life of an otter rescued by the Monterey Bay Aquarium research program. Shares the story of their pioneering otter surragocy program. This is a super-quick read, and an uplifting one, despite the tragedies the main character faces.

Published September 20, 2022 | My Review to Come

Mouse and His Dog (A Dogtown Book) by Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I read most of Dogtown, but missed a few chapters because my daughter couldn’t wait until our next read-aloud session to continue. We snagged a copy of this one at the library and tore through it in a few days. Mouse was a side character in Dogtown, so it was lovely to see him as the main character here. The story continues the theme of showing life in a dog shelter and the kinds of people and families who might choose to adopt a dog.

Published September 17, 2024 | My Review to Come

Shadow Apprentice by Linda Browne

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: This began as an impulse read for me. I follow the author’s blog, but this was my first time reading a book she’d written. My plan was to read the first page or so and decide whether to continue. I ended up reading the first 25% of the book before looking up. It’s a fast-paced steampunk fantasy novel and the start of a series I’m excited to continue.

Published May 8, 2024 | My Review to Come

Two Tribes by Emily Bowen Cohen

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: This one has been on my reading list since it first came out, only I didn’t realize it was a graphic novel. Mia grapples with understanding her identity as both Jewish and Muscogee. She reconnects with her dad’s family to learn more. A thoughtful story.

Published August 15, 2023 | My Review to Come

Garlic and the Witch (Garlic #2) by Bree Paulsen

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I loved the first book in this series and always intended to read more. It’s such a sweet, cozy story about vegetables that have come alive. This was one my seven-year-old really enjoyed.

Published September 6, 2022 | My Review to Come

Lunar Boy by Jes and Cin Wibowo

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I saw someone online talking about this book as a must-read, so I got a copy from the library. It’s a thoughtful story about a boy who lived alone on the moon before being adopted into a family and moving to a colony on a new planet. It’s a tender and thoughtful graphic novel with gorgeous illustrations.

Published May 14, 2024 | My Review to Come

Blood at the Root by LaDarrion Williams

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: This one has been on my TBR list since it came out. Magic and Black boy joy abound in this tale celebrating HBCUs, family, and community connections.

Published May 7, 2024 | My Review to Come

Lord of the Butterflies by Andrea Gibson

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I hadn’t heard of Andrea Gibson (I’m wildly under-read when it comes to poetry, especially modern poets), but they passed away earlier this year. So many people shared quotes from their poetry, and I loved all of them. I eagerly requested this book from the library and then soaked up the incredible poems. Gibson writes about relationships, mental health, and identity with such insight. If you’re looking for a shorter volume of poetry, I highly recommend this one.

Published November 27, 2018 | My Review to Come

Lion Dancers by Cai Tse

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My Thoughts: I think I saw someone on Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays review this book and added it to my reading list. My littlest is currently super into graphic novels, so this is one we both read this summer. I loved getting to learn about lion dancing and enjoyed the overall story.

Published August 13, 2024 | My Review to Come

Front Desk (Front Desk #1) by Kelly Yang

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: I definitely heard about this book from the bloggers at Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays, but it moved up my list pretty quickly when I read Finally Seen by Kelly Yang. I’m excited to read this whole series.

Published May 29, 2018 | My Review to Come

As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: I’m pretty sure I heard about this book from Danielle Hammelef, but it took me a long time to finally read it. The story is dark, as it’s set during the Syrian Revolution and shows the trauma that survivors faced on a daily basis. It’s incredibly moving and a beautiful story despite the darkness.

Published September 13, 2022 | My Review to Come

Note: This post contains affiliate links that do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. Thanks for using them to do your shopping.

What did you read this summer?

What titles were on your summer 2025 backlist reading list? Did you read anything over the summer that you enjoyed? Do you read differently over the summer than in other seasons? Leave a comment and let me know.

Monthly Recap: September 2025 Reading

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September 2025 Reading Status Update

I’ve been wildly disorganized this season, so I haven’t been posting lists or updates as much as I’d like. I thought I’d try out a monthly wrap post to see if it’s something I can sustainably do. The one or two sentence summaries I create for posts like this help me later when I am doing themed lists or my reading challenge pages, so maybe this will be useful. We’ll see.

At any rate, I managed to finish 25 books this month, including 11 backlist titles. Most of those are audiobooks, but I read a few as ebooks this time. I average about 20 books per month, so that’s pretty good for me. I’m happy with that.

The bad news is that due to my disorganization, I wildly overcommitted this month in terms of reviews, so I’ve still got 11 September release titles that I agreed to review which I haven’t read yet. O.o

So I’ll be working on those as quickly as I can.

I’m still working on updating my reading challenge lists for this year, but I added some new completed prompts to my list. (Read Harder: 17/24 prompts completed. Beat the Backlist: 33/52 prompts completed. 69 total backlist titles read.)

Note: This post contains affiliate links that do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. Thanks for using them to do your shopping.

September 2025 Reading

Guardians of Dawn: Ami by S. Jae-Jones

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

Notes: This is book two in the “Guardians of Dawn” series and follows bookish Ami. The series includes reimaginings of some fairytales, which I enjoyed. I missed this book when it came out, so this was a catch-up for me so I could jump into the third book, which came out in August 2025.

Published August 6, 2024 | My Review to Come

Guardians of Dawn: Yuli by S. Jae-Jones

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

Notes: The third book in the “Guardians of Dawn” series follows Yuli, whom I was less interested in before reading this book. This one adds a new point-of-view to the story and takes the characters to new places. There’s got to be at least one more book in the series, as there’s still one more guardian to meet.

Published August 19, 2025 | My Review

Only This Beautiful Moment by Abdi Nazemian

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

Notes: This story follows three generations of Iranian/Iranian American men in one family, telling the stories of their adolescence. I read this for a book club, and it was so much fun talking about how we each perceived the story and what worked or didn’t. I loved that the book repeatedly challenged assumptions about the characters.

Published November 9, 2023 | My Review to Come

El Deafo by Cece Bell

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

Notes: My littlest is a graphic novel fiend, so I read this one partly because she was interested and I wanted to make sure it was appropriate for her age (she’s seven; I thought it was fine). Bell does a wonderful job sharing her experience with humor and honesty, giving readers lots of space to think about what happens.

Published September 2, 2014 | My Review to Come

Trans History: A Graphic Novel: From Ancient History to the Present Day by Alex L. Combs, Andrew Eakett

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

Notes: Hands down, one of my favorite reads this month. I can’t stop telling people about this incredible book packed with biographical information about gender-nonconforming people from history and the development of medical care supporting transgender people. The authors include lots of great questions to prompt further thought and discussion.

Published May 13, 2025 | My Review

North of Tomboy by Julie A. Swanson

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

Notes: I might have initially thought this was going to be a memoir. It’s a novel about a girl who doesn’t fit conventional gender stereotypes and how painful that is for her in a small Michigan town in the 1970s. Poignant and thoughtful.

Published September 2, 2025 | My Review

A Wolf Called Fire (A Voice of the Wilderness #4) by Rosanne Perry

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

Notes: I’m on the lookout for middle grade with short chapters aimed at the younger side of the audience, so I picked up this heavily illustrated title for review. It’s a neat nature story that could appeal to “Warriors” series fans. I love the author’s notes connecting the story to a real wolf pack.

Published February 4, 2025 | My Review to Come

The Sherlock Society: Hurricane Heist by (The Sherlock Society #2) by James Ponti

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

Notes: The second in a super fun middle grade detective series. Each member of the team brings different knowledge. Great balance between investigation and the reality that these are kids. Loved it.

Published September 2, 2025 | My Review

I Wish I Didn’t Have to Tell You This: A Graphic Memoir by Eugene Yelchin

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

Notes: This memoir delivers a dark story with so many sweet moments. It’s a little disconcerting to read about the actions of the government in the story right now, but so important to continue learning about people who’ve been through the kinds of experiences the author has.

Published September 16, 2025 | My Review

By Invitation Only by Alexandra Brown Chang

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

Notes: A really smart story that honors and challenges fashion and privilege. I loved both the narrators. The character names are well chosen.

Published September 2, 2025 | My Review

Linus and Etta Could Use a Win by Caroline Huntoon

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

Notes: A book about a boy running for class president! In middle grade fiction! I love this. Also, transgender rep with a dash of coming out, but not the point of the story. A celebration of finding a friend who “gets” you and your humor. This was a joy to read.

Published May 7, 2024 | My Review to Come

The Firelight Apprentice by Bree Paulsen

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

Notes: I loved the “Garlic” books, so this was a catch-up read bringing me more current on the author’s work. My 7yo wants to read this, but it’s got some scary illustrations in the final scenes, so we’re waiting on that a bit. Great story of sisterhood and how to support one another through different dreams.

Published October 29, 2024 | My Review to Come

Call Us What We Carry by Amanda Gorman

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

Notes: I’ve been a fan of Gorman since her inaugural poem in 2020. I picked up this collection of her poetry written during and about COVID-19 at the library. It’s a cool collection that includes some blackout poetry using historial documents. She has such a distinct voice that I felt like I heard her reading in my head.

Published December 7, 2021

Sisters in the Wind by Angeline Boulley

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

Notes: I’m such a fan of Boulley’s work. This book delivers another high-stakes, intense story with thoughtful exploration of cultural issues. The main character is a Native girl in foster care who’s disconnected from her history and people.

Published September 2, 2025 | My Review

Ghoul Summer by Tracy Badua

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

Notes: I’ve enjoyed the MG series Badua cowrites with Alechia Dow, so I wanted to try one of her solo novels. This is a great choice for a fall read with an unusual take on ghostly problems.

Published September 2, 2025 | My Review

Mallory in Full Color by Elisa Stone Leahy

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

Notes: I loved Leahy’s debut, Tethered to Other Stars, so I was delighted to find that this is a companion novel. This one deftly explores anxiety and identity while celebrating comics and manga.

Published November 19, 2024 | My Review to Come

Wish You Were Her by Elle McNicholl

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

Notes: I loved the You’ve Got Mail vibes/parallels in this book. Both main characters are autistic and very bookish. A thoughtful, cozy read. Perfect if you’re looking for a fall romance.

Published August 26, 2025 | My Review

Sunrise on the Reaping (A Hunger Games Novel) by Suzanne Collins

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

Notes: This is Haymitch’s story at the 25th Hunger Games. The story answers so many questions about Haymitch and also offers glimpses of familiar characters, like Beetee and Wiress.

Published March 18, 2025 | My Review to Come

The Bard and the Book: How the First Folio Saved the Plays of William Shakespeare from Oblivion by Ann Bausum and Marta Sevilla

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

Notes: A fun look at how Shakespeare’s work survived and how theaters operated during his lifetime.

Published April 2, 2024 | My Review to Come

The Forest of a Thousand Eyes by Frances Hardinge and Emily Gravett

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

Notes: Beautiful illustrations fill this eerie tale of the power of community. It’s a quick but thoughtful read at about 100 pages.

Published August 26, 2025 | My Review

For the Rest of Us: 13 Festive Holiday Stories to Celebrate All Seasons edited by Dahlia Adler

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

Notes: A collection featuring stories of holidays throughout the year, like Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Day, Holi, Nowruz, Eid, Passover, Juneteenth, Rosh HaShanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Diwali, Día de Los Muertos, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa from incredible authors.

Published September 2, 2025 | My Review

The Guardians of Dreamdark: Windwitch by Laini Taylor

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

Notes: As a fan of Taylor’s other books, I had to read this one. It’s easy to see how Daughter of Smoke and Bone followed this series, though this is a completely different story and aimed at a much younger audience. Fans of the 1994 Thumbelina movie will love it.

Published September 23, 2025 (Orig. 2007) | My Review

This is How We Roll edited by Rosiee Thor

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

Notes: If you play tabletop RPGs like Dungeons and Dragons, you do not want to miss this collection. It’s a fabulous homage to the gameplay experience.

Published September 16, 2025 | My Review to Come

Your September 2025 Reading Wrap-Up

Did you read anything in September that stands out? Do you track your reading? Leave a comment and let me know if you read anything on my list.

Amazing Cat Books for Readers Ages 6 to 8

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Amazing Cat Books for Readers Ages 6 to 8

If you’re a returning reader on The Story Sanctuary, you will probably not be surprised to learn we are cat people around here. I have two cats at home for the sole reason that my husband will not permit us to have three. We love our boys. One came to us through our vet’s office, when someone brought in a litter of feral kittens. The other came to us through an animal shelter. They’re both sweet snuggly furballs. One is a pretty constant reading buddy to me, but both of them love to sit with my daughter and me for whatever we happen to be reading aloud at bedtime.

We don’t only love cats, we also love cat books around here. My littlest is seven, and these are some of her favorite titles or series. A few of these are graphic novels (Catstronauts, Cat Ninja, Cat & Cat Adventures, and Sue & Tai-Chan) and the rest are chapter books. The chapter books range in wordcount/chapter length. The two with the biggest font and shortest chapters are The Princess in Black and the Kitty Catastrophe and the “Itty Bitty Princess Kitty” series.

Enjoy the list, and let me know if there are any titles I missed that are worth adding to our reading list!

Note: This post contains affiliate links that do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. Thanks for using them to do your shopping.

Amazing Cat Books for Readers Ages 6 to 8

Catstronauts: Mission Moon by Drew Brockington

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Cats. In. Spaaace! This silly series follows four cats tasked with various space missions to save the earth. Super cute. Contains some science references, but really the focus is on the cats and their roles in the missions.

Published April 18, 2017 | 7 Books | Ongoing Series

Cat Ninja by Matthew Cody and Yehudi Mercado

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: We’ve only read the first book in this series about a housecat with a ninja superhero alter ego, but it is packed with action and adventure. Our hero faces off against a hamster mastermind who controls a robot.

Published October 13, 2020 | 6 Books | Ongoing Series

Zoe and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows by Asia Citro and Marion Lindsay

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Not only does this series feature Sassafras, an adorably helpful, curious cat, it also models the scientific method. In each installment, Zoey sets up a science experiment to help her magical animal friends with their problems. This is such a brilliant way to engage kids with science.

Published March 14, 2017 | My Review to Come

Song of the Court by Katy Farina

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: This is one of my daughter’s favorites. It’s a sweet story about friendship with a work-life balance lesson thrown in there as well. The author has gone on to work on a Babysitters Club Graphic Novel series spin-off, so I suspect we’ll be adding those to the reading list.

Published October 6, 2020 | Standalone

The Princess in Black and the Kitty Catastrophe by Dean Hale, Shannon Hale, and Leuyen Pham

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: This series targets readers at the younger end of my age range. The text is large and chapters are short, so this is perfect for more reluctant readers. It’s a silly, fun book series about a princess with a secret superhero identity. In this installment, a kitten mysteriously appears on Princess Magnolia’s doorstep, and she tries to figure out its name and help it adjust to living in her castle.

Published September 3, 2024 | 11 Books | Ongoing Series

Kitty and the Moonlight Rescue by Paula Harrison and Jenny Løvlie

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Kitty inherited her mom’s superhero catlike powers which she uses to help her community by rescuing kittens, stopping a literal cat burglar, and salvaging a garden. This is one of our favorite series.

Published September 10, 2019 | 16 Books | Ongoing series

Sue & Tai-Chan: Volume 1 by Konami Kanata

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: This adorable graphic novel follows an older cat, Sue, and the way a new kitten changes her life. The same author also created the Chi’s Sweet Adventures and Chi’s Sweet Home series. My seven-year-old cannot get enough of them.

Published July 28, 2020 | 5 Books | Ongoing Series

Itty Bitty Princess Kitty: The Newest Princess by Melody Mews and Ellen Stubbings

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: In the first book of the series, Itty becomes a princess and begins her adventures helping the residents of Lollyland. This has a little more text than The Princess in Black series books, but is still larger print with illustrations every page or two.

Published February 4, 2020 | 15 Books | Ongoing Series

Cat & Cat Adventures by Susie Yi

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: These short volumes follow two cats who journey to a fantasy world and solve various problems there. It’s cute and easy to read. These are another favorite in our house.

Published September 7, 2021 | 5 Books | Ongoing Series

What other amazing cat books have you read?

Shout out to Verity Vox and the Foxfire Curse by Don Martin for inspiring this list. That book is a young adult fantasy novel, though, so it doesn’t quite fit the criteria here. I may create a YA cat book list soon so I can include that one!

What other books featuring a cat have you read and loved? Leave a comment here so I can add them to my reading list!

Fabulous Early Middle Grade Graphic Novels

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Fabulous Early Middle Grade Graphic Novels

My littlest is seven, and quite a reader. Keeping up with her reading keeps me on my toes. Lately, her favorite kinds of books to read are graphic novels. We’ve discovered some adorable chapter book-length graphic novels, but she blows through those in a blink. I wanted to try to find some longer graphic novels for her, which meant looking through middle grade titles to find some that are well-suited to her age. The age range for middle grade books is eight to twelve, so this means looking for books geared toward readers at the younger end of that age spread.

A few books in this list are standalone titles, but most of them are part of a series. For the series titles, I list the first book in the series, the total number of books available, and whether the series is ongoing.

It’s also worth noting that the Dog Man series is missing from this list. That’s really only because I haven’t been able to get my daughter excited about them and so haven’t read them myself. I’ve heard good things, though.

Note: This post contains affiliate links that do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. Thanks for using them to do your shopping.

Fabulous Early Middle Grade Graphic Novels

Catstronauts by Drew Brockington

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Cats. In. Spaaace! This silly series follows four cats tasked with various space missions to save the earth. Super cute. Contains some science references, but really the focus is on the cats and their roles in the missions.

Published April 18, 2017 | 7 Books | Ongoing Series

Pablo & Splash: Time-Traveling Penguins

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Full Review

What you need to know: Serious Pablo and Impulsive Splash accidentally enter a time machine and wind up on holiday with the dinosaurs. This series is lots of fun.

Published September 3, 2023 | 2 Books | Ongoing Series

Song of the Court by Katy Farina

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: This is one of my daughter’s favorites. It’s a sweet story about friendship with a work-life balance lesson thrown in there as well. The author has gone on to work on a Babysitters Club Graphic Novel series spin-off, so I suspect we’ll be adding those to the reading list.

Published October 6, 2020 | Standalone

Stick and Stone Explore and More by Beth Ferry and Kristen Cella

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: These might be a little closer to the chapter book graphic novel length. This two-book series is pretty gentle and nature-focused.

Published June 7, 2022 | 2 Books | Completed Series

Mixed-Up by Kami Garcia and Brittney Williams

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Full Review

What you need to know: This story centers a girl with dyslexia who’s reading struggle is starting to affect her friendships and school performance. Through the story, readers learn about tools and strategies available for kids with dyslexia. It’s an upbeat story with a positive message.

Published January 21, 2025 | Standalone

InvestiGators by John Patrick Green

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: InvestiGators Mango and Brash go undercover to stop crime and keep their city safe. Packed with pop culture jokes, references, and puns, this is a binge-worthy series. There’s also a spin-off series (Agents of S.U.I.T.) that features stories centering some of the minor characters in this one.

Published February 25, 2020 | 9 Books | Ongoing Series

The Tea Dragon Society by K. O’Neill

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: These books are some of O’Neill’s earlier work, but they contain the same cozy vibes and beautiful fantasy landscapes that they’re known for in later work. Also, the tea dragons are just adorable!

Published October 31, 2017 | 3 Books | Completed Series

The Space Cat by Nnedi Okorafor and Tana Ford

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Full Review

What you need to know: This graphic novel is told from a cat’s point-of-view. It’s a clever tribute to cats with a fun sci-fi twist.

Published August 12, 2025 | Standalone

Garlic and the Vampire by Bree Paulsen

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Full Review

What you need to know: A vampire moves into Garlic’s village, and her friends (also anthropomorphic vegetables) nominate her to find out about him. After all, she should be safe since garlic repels vampires! Sweet, anxious Garlic agrees to the task. This is a charming series, perfect for fall reading.

Published September 28, 2021 | 2 Books | Completed Series

Cupcake Diaries Graphic Novels: Katie and the Cupcake Cure by Coco Simon

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: This series is a graphic novel adaptation of the middle grade books by the same name. The illustrations are bright and cheery, and the pages filled with treats and stories about friendship.

Published September 13, 2022 | 8 Books | Ongoing Series

Phoebe and Her Unicorn by Dana Simpson

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: After rescuing unicorn Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, Phoebe makes a wish to be best friends, and that’s just what the two become. Think Calvin & Hobbs, but with a girl and her unicorn. The tone can be a little bit snarky, but overall, the messaging is positive.

Published September 7, 2014 | 22 Books | Ongoing Series

Cat & Cat Adventures by Susie Yi

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: These short volumes follow two cats who journey to a fantasy world and solve various problems there. It’s cute and easy to read. These are another favorite in our house.

Published September 7, 2021 | 5 Books | Ongoing Series

What Graphic Novels Should I Add to My List?

Help a girl out. What should my seven-year-old add to her reading list? Are there other graphic novels that she might like, based on this list? Leave a comment and let me know about them!

30 Most-Anticipated Spring 2025 Young Adult Books

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30 Most-Anticipated Spring 2025 Young Adult Books

We’re only a few weeks into the official spring season, but the weather here is already getting pretty warm. Every time we have a cooler evening or morning, I try to spend a few minutes savoring it. Just like the seasons speeding by, new books keep coming out so quickly I can’t keep up! My reading list continues to explode, and the spring 2025 young adult books coming out in the next few months will only make it worse. Ha!

I’m looking forward to reading so many books. Since I’m late posting this list, I’ve read several that appear on here, but I’m including them anyway, since I was anticipating them before spring arrived. There is at least one book on this list that I’m positive will be on my best books of 2025 list. There are several others that were a perfect escape from reality that I had so much fun reading. I don’t know if I’m getting better at predicting which books I’ll enjoy or if this is a better-than-average season. Either way, I’m enjoying so many of the books I’ve been reading.

Let’s get into this list…

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30 Most-Anticipated Spring 2025 Young Adult Books

Banned Together edited by Ashley Hope Pérez

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About the book: This collection of short stories, essays, and poetry centers around book bans and how they impact the community. It’s clever and heartfelt, and the recommended reading lists are incredible.

Published March 4, 2025 | My Review

Divining the Leaves by Shveta Thakrar

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About the book: If you’re looking for a contemporary fantasy with a luscious fantasy landscape, look no further. This one centers around finding your place and living authentically rather than finding external love.

Published March 4, 2025 | My Review

They Bloom at Night by Trang Thanh Tran

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About the book: Haunting and immersive. Incredible storytelling– I could not put this book down. Absolutely worth reading if you’re into horror at all.

Published March 4, 2025 | My Review

The Fragments That Remain by Mackenzie Angeconeb

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About the book: Told as Andy’s letters to her brother after his death by suicide, and the poetry he wrote before he died.

Published March 8, 2025 | My Review to Come

The Wild Dark by Katherine Harbour

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About the book: In the sequel to The Dark Fable, a secret group of thieves who travel the globe must take on a dangerous enemy to survive. This concludes the duology.

Published March 11, 2025 | My Review to Come

How to Survive a Slasher by Justine Pucella Winans

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About this book: If you like slashers that don’t take themselves too seriously, you don’t want to miss this book about a girl living in a small town famous for its history of murder.

Published March 11, 2025 | My Review

What Wakes the Bells by Elle Tesch

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About this book: Perfect for fans of Kathryn Purdie or A. B. Poranek. Filled with complex relationships and a magical sentient city on the fritz.

Published March 11, 2025 | My Review

Till Death by Kellan McDaniel

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About the book: A vampire faced with losing his first love meets someone new and dares to imagine a new life. When prejudice rears its ugly head, this vampire decides to fight back.

Published March 18, 2025 | My Review to Come

The Deathly Grimm by Kathryn Purdie

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About the book: Even more twisted fairytales emerge in the conclusion to the duology. I loved the connections present through the individual fairytales and the way things tied together in the end.

Published March 25, 2025 | My Review

The Notorious Virtues by Alwyn Hamilton

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About this book: Expect to see this one on my list of favorites for the year. A magical competition, a forbidden romance, and a girl desperate for a place within her newly discovered family. Perfect for fans of The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi or The Lies We Conjure by Sarah Henning.

Published April 1, 2025 | My Review

Lady Knight by Amalie Howard

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About the book: An inclusive historical fiction story about a girl whose friends set out to rob the rich to save a local orphanage and school, finding romance along the way. This was a fun escape from reality!

Published April 1, 2025 | My Review

Renegade Girls: A Queer Tale of Romance and Rabble-rousing by Nora Neus

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About the book: Inspired by two historical women, this graphic novel follows a young reporter who goes undercover to expose the dangerous working conditions in a local factory. This is a super fun read!

Published April 1, 2025 | My Review

All the Stars Align by Gretchen Schreiber

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About the book: A girl’s quest for her one true love may be blinding her to other possibilities. If you like contemporary fantasy that’s mainly real life with a sprinkle of magic, check this one out.

Published April 1, 2025 | My Review

Meet Me at Blue Hour by Sarah Suk

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About the book: A heartfelt story about the power of memories and the role they play in our relationships. Perfect for fans of You’ve Reached Sam by Dustin Thao.

Published April 1, 2025 | My Review

All the Noise at Once by DeAndre Davis

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About the book: A moving story that examines what it means to be Black and autistic via the lives of two brothers on a school football team.

Published April 15, 2025 | My Review to Come

Pride or Die by CL Montblanc

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About the book: When an LGBT club gets blamed for an attempted murder, they must work to clear their names before homecoming ends. This is an upbeat, quirky mystery for fans of Alex Brown’s Rest in Peaches.

Published April 15, 2025 | My Review

Love in 280 Characters or Less by Ravynn K. Stringfield

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About the book: Told in social media and blog posts and message transcripts, this story is an ode to Black girls about going off to college and finding community and embracing identity.

Published April 15, 2025 | My Review to Come

Under the Fading Sky by Cynthia Kadohata

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About the book: A boy’s vaping habit becomes a crippling addiction that sends him into a dangerous spiral. I’m really excited to read this one. I was supposed to receive an ARC, but it looks like I’ll have to pick up a copy through the library or Bookshop.

Published April 22, 2025 | My Review to Come

Nav’s Foolproof Guide to Falling in Love by Jessica Lewis

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About the book: This sweet story follows Nav as she tries to coach a shy girl interested in dating her best friend but develops surprising feelings herself. There’s a corgi! This is such a sweet story.

Published April 29, 2025 | My Review

Love at Second Sight by F. T. Lukens

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About the book: A teen with an unexpected vision of a future murder sets out to protect the potential victim and identify the would-be killer before it’s too late. Lukens has quickly become one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to talk about this one!

Published April 29, 2025 | My Review to Come

The Floating World by Axie Oh

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About the book: The cover copy describes this as Final Fantasy meets Shadow and Bone, and I don’t know if there are any words that could make me want to read this book more. I mean, even that cover. Those are DEFINITE FF vibes!

Published April 29, 2025 | My Review to Come

Trans and Gender Diverse Teen Resilience Guide by Jayme L. Peta, Deb Coolhart, and Rylan Jay Testa

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About the book: Trauma-informed skills for managing intense emotions, thriving, finding community, self-compassion, and self-care. I’m happy to boost awareness of this one.

Published May 1, 2025 | My Review to Come

Malcolm Lives!: The Official Biography of Malcolm X for Young Readers by Ibram X. Kendi

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About the book: Earlier this year, I read a bio of Martin Luther King, Jr’s life, so when I saw this bio of Malcolm X, written in collaboration with the Malcolm X estate, I immediately put this on my reading list.

Published May 13, 2025 | My Review to Come

When Love Gives You Lemons by Steven Salvatore

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About the book: This is another one from a favorite author in which so many of the descriptive words have me desperate to read this book: pitched as My Best Friend’s Wedding with a gay twist, a family wedding in Italy… Yes, please!

Published May 13, 2025 | My Review to Come

You and Me on Repeat by Mary Shyne

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About the book: In this graphic novel, two former friends repeat graduation day on a loop, a la Groundhog Day. Sign me up!

Published May 13, 2025 | My Review to Come

Out of Step, Into You by Ciera Burch

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About the book: Best friends to rivals… to lovers?? Cross-country athletes who used to be besties have to work together to win a championship. This looks like another perfect escape read.

Published May 20, 2025 | My Review to Come

Salvación by Saundra Proudman

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About the book: Latinx fantasy inspired by El Zorro. A masked heroine works to save her family and protect their magic while falling for one of her enemy’s men. I can’t wait to read this one!

Published May 20, 2025 | My Review to Come

Come As You Are by Dahlia Adler

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About the book: At this point, I’ll pretty much read anything by Dahlia Adler. In this one, a girl with a broken heart recreates herself as a bad girl but learns the best relationships happen when people know your true self.

Published May 27, 2025 | My Review to Come

Time After Time by Mikki Daughtry

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About the book: A sapphic romance unfolding between two couples, 100 years apart. I love the two-timelines element, and I’m excited to see how the stories connect across time.

Published May 27, 2025 | My Review to Come

Summer Girls by Jennifer Dugan

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About the book: This will be the first book by Jennifer Dugan that I’ve read, and I’m so excited about that. These girls are from two different backgrounds and meet over the summer, where an irresistible romance brews between them.

Published May 27, 2025 | My Review to Come

What spring 2025 young adult books are you most looking forward to reading?

Are you looking forward to any of the books on my list? Have you had a chance to read any of them yet? What else needs to be on my reading list this season? Leave a comment and let me know!