Tag Archives: best middle grade books

20 Most-Anticipated Middle Grade Books Coming Spring 2023

Lists, Middle Grade 8-12, News and Fun, , ,
20 Amazing Middle Grade Books Coming Spring 2023

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

Total Garbage by Rebecca Donnelly and John Hendrix

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Where does trash go? What are we throwing away? How does it impact our world? I love that this book answers these and other questions in an accessible, frank way.

Release Date: March 7, 2023

Rebel Girls Rock: 25 Tales of Women in Music by Rebel Girls

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

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

Making More: How Life Begins by Katherine Roy

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: This book gives an overview of how different types of animals and plants reproduce. I loved the straightforward science simplified perfectly for young readers.

Release Date: March 7, 2023

What Stays Buried by Suzanne Young

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

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

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

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

Wild Bird by Diane Zahler

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: 14th Century Europe. A lost girl who can’t remember her name travels from Norway to England looking for safety from the plague. A really intriguing premise from an author I’ve enjoyed before.

Release Date: March 21, 2023

Mirror to Mirror by Rajani LaRocca

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

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

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

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.

Deadlands: Hunted by Skye Melki-Wegner

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Described as WINGS OF FIRE meets JURASSIC PARK. Five dinosaurs must work together to save their kingdoms from ruin. Looks exciting and different.

Release Date: April 4, 2023

Nic Blake and the Remarkables by Angie Thomas

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

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

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

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

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

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

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

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

The One and Only Ruby by Katherine Applegate

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: The story of Ruby, a young elephant from Katherine Applegate’s novel THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN. Looks like such a sweet, fun story.

Release Date: May 2, 2023

Fall of the School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

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

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

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

Squire & Knight by Scott Chantler

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A brainy, bookish squire and an inept knight. A demonic dragon plaguing the countryside. A town with secrets. Who will save the day? I’m super excited about this graphic novel.

Release Date: May 9, 2023

Ruby Lost and Found by Christina Li

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

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

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

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

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

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!

Best Middle Grade Books from 2021

Blogger's Favorites, Lists, Middle Grade 8-12, News and Fun, ,

Best Middle Grade Books from 2021

Well. 2021 was certainly a mixed year for me. It had a really rough start, not a great middle, and a painful and chaotic end. But, it also had some really great books!

Maybe it feels silly to think that the books were one of the brightest spots in the year, but to be honest, they kinda were? I mean, some other good things happened, too, and I have a lot to be grateful for, but the books… those are one of the best gifts from this past year to me.

2021 was a good year for me particularly for middle grade books. When I first started blogging, I only reviewed young adult books, but once I started reading middle grade, I couldn’t stop. I had to add them to my review list, and I’ve never been sorry I did!

With all that in mind, here’s the list of the best middle grade books I read last year. There are a couple backlist titles on there that I didn’t get to until this year that were too good to leave off the list. Other than that, all of these books came out in 2021. I hope you enjoy!

Best Middle Grade Books from 2021

Vasilisa (Old Rus #1) by Julie Mathison

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Based on Russian Folklore. Set in 1919. The story of a brave girl and first love.

Published February 23, 2021 | My Review

These Unlucky Stars by Gillian McDunn

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Intergenerational friendship. An adorable dog. A small town parade. So much fun and so heartfelt!

Published March 2, 2021 | My Review

Amina’s Song by Hena Khan

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Faith-positive. Family. A trip to Pakistan. An anxious but talented singer. The unforgettable companion to AMINA’S VOICE.

Published March 2, 2021 | My Review

Breathing Underwater by Sarah Allen

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A younger sister worried about her older sister’s depression. A road trip in an RV. Deeply moving storytelling.

Published March 30, 2021 | My Review

The Great Cookie War by Carolyn Stellings

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: COOKIES! A Mennonite community. A snarky New York Lawyer. A talented artist with big dreams. Based on a true story.

Published April 13, 2021 | My Review

Six Feet Below Zero by Ena Jones

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: OMG. This book is hilarious and so sweet. I can’t say it any better than this clip from Goodreads: A dead body. A missing will. An evil relative. The good news is, Great Grammy has a plan. The bad news is, she’s the dead body.

Published April 20, 2021 | My Review

Ways to Grow Love (Ryan Hart #2) by Renée Watson

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A precocious protagonist. Adjusting to a new baby. Summer camp! A sweet, fun read following WAYS TO MAKE SUNSHINE.

Published April 27, 2021 | My Review

Glitter Gets Everywhere by Yvette Clark

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: New friends and heartbreaking grief. New York City. Family relationships. I laughed and cried. So good.

Published May 4, 2021 | My Review

The Kate In Between by Claire Swinarski

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Explores consequences of bullying and the cost of telling the truth. Broken friendship. Loneliness. Courage.

Published May 18, 2021 | My Review

Everywhere Blue by Joanne Rossmassler Fritz

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: An oboe player in a musical family. A missing brother. Told in beautiful verse.

Published June 1, 2021 | My Review

The Most Perfect Thing in the Universe by Tricia Springstubb

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Quirky, unforgettable characters. Friendship, birds and found family.

Published June 1, 2021 | My Review

The Firebird Song by Arnée Flores

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: One of my favorite books of the year. Unforgettable, hopeful, and beautifully told.

Published June 8, 2021 | My Review

Rea and the Blood of the Nectar by Payal Doshi

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Set in India. A girl travels to a magical world to find her missing brother. Fun and adventurous.

Published June 15, 2021 | My Review

The Other Side of Luck by Ginger Johnson

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Lyrical prose. Friendship, grief, and magic. Gorgeous storytelling. I’m so glad I read this one.

Published August 10, 2021 | My Review

The Raven Heir (Raven Crown #1) by Stephanie Burgis

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: One of my latest favorite MG titles. Siblings! Magic! A high-stakes quest to find a lost crown! It’s so, so good.

Published September 14, 2021 | My Review

The Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna by Alda P. Dobbs

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Set during the Mexican Revolution in 1913. A small family flees violent soldiers, led by a brave girl.

Published September 14, 2021 | My Review

The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy by Anne Ursu

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Magic and friendship. A boarding school packed with secrets. Girls who are told they’re broken discovering their true strength.

Published October 12, 2021 | My Review

Frankie and Amelia by Cammie McGovern

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Told from a cat’s perspective observing a girl on the Autism spectrum. Sweet and genuine. The companion to CHESTER AND GUS.

Published October 26, 2021 | My Review

Tidesone by Wendy Xu

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Graphic novel. Witches and water dragons. Unexpected friendships. Discovering self-worth. A deliciously fun story.

Published November 16, 2021 | My Review

Spell Sweeper by Lee Edward Födi

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Quirky characters. A fun and fantastic story about the under-appreciated crew who clean up after spellcasters.

Published November 30, 2021 | My Review

Birdie’s Billions by Edith Cohn

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Explores ideas about integrity and the snowball effect of lying. A skateboarding girl and a friendly cat named Jackpot.

Published December 14, 2021 | My Review

The Storm Keeper’s Battle (Storm Keeper #3) by Catherine Doyle

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: One of my most-anticipated books of 2021. I adore this series from beginning to end. It’s packed with magic, friendship, courage, and a time pretzel. Last book in the series that began with THE STORM KEEPER’S ISLAND.

Published December 28, 2021 | My Review

Brother’s Keeper by Julie Lee

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A brother and sister set out on a desperate attempt to escape North Korea during the Korean War. Beautiful and aching. (This technically came out in 2020, but I read it in January 2021.)

Published July 21, 2020 | My Review

Double the Danger and Zero Zucchini by Betsy Uhrig

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A reluctant reader critiques his aunt’s book, testing the stunts, discovering ghosts, and making new friends along the way. Hilarious and heartfelt. (This technically came out in 2020, but I read it in April 2021.)

Published September 22, 2020 | My Review

What were your favorite books from 2021?

What were the best middle grade books from 2021 that you read? Did you read any of the books on my list? If so, did any of them rank among your favorites?

If not, are there any books on my list that you’re thinking of checking out now that you’ve seen them here? Please let me know! There’s nothing better than knowing someone is going to check out one of my favorite books.

13 Most-Anticipated Middle Grade Books Out Fall 2020

Blogger's Favorites, Lists, Middle Grade 8-12, News and Fun, , , , , ,

Great Middle Grade Books Coming This Fall

It’s finally fall! A new season and new fantastic middle grade books coming out soon to usher in the spooky season and the cooler weather. (Well, thoughts of cooler weather, anyway. Here in Florida, we have a while yet before we get a real break from the heat.)

I’m not usually a big Halloween girl– I was raised not celebrating, so I guess I’ve never really gotten into the holiday as an adult. This year, though, there are some spooky books on my wish list that I think will be perfect for readers looking for a deliciously creepy crawly read.

There are also some great stories about relationships and celebrating the arts, like writing, ballet, and figure skating. I’m super excited about reading those.

One book on the list is particularly special as it’s the story of an unlikely friendship between a Palestinian man and an Isreaeli woman. An inspiring story about friendship crossing boundaries like that is something we all need.

For the books on this list that I’ve already read, you’ll notice a link to my review. I’ll try to come back and update the list as I post new reviews, so it should be pretty current. You can also browse the titles on Goodreads and see what other readers are saying.

Note: This post contains affiliate links.

13 Middle Grade Books Out Fall 2020 (Plus 3 August Titles You May Have Missed)

The Summer We Found the Baby by Amy Hest

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: During World War II, two sisters vacationing at a beach house find a baby on the steps of the library.

Available August 4, 2020 | My review

Believe by Julie Mathison

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: A sweet, imaginative story about a girl dealing with grief and loneliness and a class putting together the play, PETER PAN. Funny and heartfelt.

Available August 4, 2020 | My review

Kiki MacAdoo and the Graveyard Ballerinas by Colette Sewall

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: A forest where “Ballets come alive.” A missing sister and the ballet, Giselle, featuring ghostly sylphs who will try to force Kiki to dance until she dies.

Available August 4, 2020

The Circus of Stolen Dreams by Lorelei Savaryn

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A sister looking for her lost brother. A magical circus where the cost of entry is a memory. For fans of CIRCUS MIRANDUS and THE NIGHT GARDENER.

Published September 1, 2020

Three Keys (Front Desk #2) by Kelly Yang

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: Great friends. An aspiring writer and motel owner facing a roller coaster of challenges. Immigration laws that could jeopardize everything she cares about.

Published September 15, 2020

The Land of the Cranes by Aida Salazar

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A novel in verse. A Latinx girl in a family detention center for migrants and regufees. Aztec mythology.

Published September 15, 2020

Double the Danger and Zero Zucchini by Betsy Uhrig

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A boy gets hired by his aunt to help her fix her children’s book about a grumpy frog and prize-winning zucchini. Sounds hilarious to me!

Published September 22, 2020

Maya and the Rising Dark by Rena Barron

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: Perfect for fans of ARU SHAH AND THE END OF TIME. A girl’s quest to find her father and save our world from evil beyond.

Published September 22, 2020

The Silver Box by Margi Preus

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Francie Frye, a reluctant northwoods Nancy Drew tackles her third mystery and hopes to uncover the truth about her mother.

Available October 6, 2020 | My Review

The Fallen Hero (Dragon Warrior #2) by Katie Zhao

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Sequel to The Dragon Warrior. A brother set on revenge. A sister who must save him. High adventure and Chinese mythology in a modern-day setting.

Available October 6, 2020

Cinders and Sparrows by Stefan Bachmann

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: A suspenseful tale of witches, family, and magic. Perfect for fans of Diana Wynn Jones, Victoria Schwab, and Kate Milford.

Available October 13, 2020

The Monster of Marnmouth Valley by CJ Greene

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: A land in peril since a monster has started drinking all the water. A 12-year-old fated to aid an elderly woman to save the village, if only she can pry her away from her knitting.

Available October 15, 2020

Ana on the Edge by A. J. Sass

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: A figure skating champion. Gender identity issues and friendship.

Available October 20, 2020

Aster’s Good, Right Things by Kate Gordon

Book Depository | Goodreads

What you need to know: A girl compelled to do secret good deeds. A boy in princess pajamas who helps her.

Available November 1, 2020

The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: A brand new, middle grade edition of the beloved book that inspired the movie starring Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews.

Available November 3, 2020

The Lemon Tree by Sandy Tolan (Young Readers’ Edition)

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: A Palestinian and an Israeli sit on the steps of the home where each grew up and begin a surprising friendship. Based on Tolan’s extensive research and reporting.

Available November 3, 2020

What’s on your fall reading list?

Are any of these middle grade books on your fall 2020 reading list? What books are you most looking forward to reading this fall?

Best Middle Grade Books from Spring 2020

Blogger's Favorites, Lists, Middle Grade 8-12, News and Fun, , , ,

I don’t know if I’m reading more books than usual because of trying to stay home and avoid COVID-19, or if I’ve just got better contacts and a better sense of the middle grade book world these days, or if I’ve just gotten incredible lucky, but it seems like there have been a LOT of really amazing books published this year.

This list will focus on middle grade books, which are aimed at kids 8 to 12. I’ll do a separate post featuring young adult books, because there have been some fabulous titles there, too.

If you’re looking for a book that will sweep you away, make you laugh out loud, or make you get lost in another world, these are the books for you. Discover a real animal you probably didn’t know existed in MUSIC FOR TIGERS. Learn about cricket farming. Dolphins. Complex and changing friendships. It’s all here. Just waiting for you to crack the cover.

Note: Many of the buy links listed below are affiliate links, which help support this blog if you use them to shop. They do not cost you anything to use.

Best Middle Grade Books of Spring 2020

The Lost Tide Warriors by Catherine Doyle

Review | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Goodreads

Fionn and his friends face a growing army of Soulstalkers. Without his magic, Fionn and his friends must work together to summon an army of merrows before the island is overrun.

This is the second in one of my favorite series. (Read my review of book one.) If you liked A SNICKER OF MAGIC by Natalie Lloyd or THREE TIMES LUCKY by Sheila Turnage, or you are breathing and love a good story, please add this series to your reading list.

Finally Something Mysterious by Doug Cornett

Review | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

Paul Marconi and his best friends have been longing for a mystery to liven up their small town. Then hundreds of rubber duckies appear in their neighbor’s yard, and the friends finally have something to investigate.

A perfect summer story about friends, amateur sleuthing and a whole lot of rubber duckies.

My Life as a Potato by Arianne Costner

Review | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

Ben’s potato curse and a bouncing hot dog cause him to serve as the school mascot– a giant potato. Hilarity ensues as Ben struggles to keep his spud identity a secret from his friends and the prettiest girl in school.

Lots of fun antics and great character growth make this a perfect read for upper elementary students.

The Elephant’s Girl by Celesta Rimington

Review | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

A telepathic message from an elephant and a quest from a ghost send Lex on a hunt that might just solve the mystery of who her family is and why the tornado brought her to the zoo when she was a baby.

A really sweet story about found families. If you liked FLORA & ULYSSES by Kate DiCamillo, you’ll want to read this one.

Music for Tigers by Michelle Kadarusman

Review | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

From Goodreads: “A moving coming-of-age story wrapped up in the moss, leaves, and blue gums of the Tasmanian rainforest where, hidden under giant ferns, crouches its most beloved, and lost, creature.”

Perfect for nature fans, or readers who enjoyed BE LIGHT LIKE A BIRD or CHIRP.

The Space Between Lost and Found by Sandy Stark-McGinnis

Review | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

After Cassie’s mom is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, Cassie decides they need to have one more adventure to help her mom remember what matters most.

Heartbreaking, moving, and hopeful. Perfect for fans of BECAUSE OF WINN DIXIE or BE LIGHT LIKE A BIRD.

Ways to Make Sunshine
Renée Watson

Review | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

Between inventing new recipes, staging her own parade, and finding a talent for the school talent show, Ryan is a busy girl. She believes in making the best of any situation, even when life gets difficult.

A sweet story about family, friendship, facing fears, and learning to see beyond first impressions.

The Queen Bee and Me by Gillian McDunn

Review | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Goodreads

Meg doesn’t want to be in her best friend Beatrix’s shadow anymore, but stepping out on her own might cost the friendship. Especially when stepping out means joining a special science class with a quirky new girl Beatrix doesn’t like.

An insightful look at friendship and finding your voice. Perfect for fans of books by Kate Messner or THE LIST by Patricia Forde.

Fire in the Star by Kamilla Benko

Review | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Goodreads

The breathtaking conclusion to the Unicorn Quest series packed with magic, secrets, and the power of sisterhood.

If you like books by Jessica Day George, you really need to check out The Unicorn Quest series.

Chirp by Kate Messner

Review | Amazon | Barnes & Noble |Book Depository | Goodreads

Mia faces secrets she’d rather forget and the challenge of making new friends while solving the mystery of who is trying to sabotage her grandmother’s cricket farm.

Readers who are looking for a balance of light and heavy topics will enjoy CHIRP a lot, especially fans of BE LIGHT LIKE A BIRD by Monika Schröder or FLORA & ULYSSES by Kate DiCamillo.

What books would you add to this list?

Have you read any middle grade books this year? What are some of the favorites from your late elementary-school/early middle school days that still stick with you today? Share the titles with me in the comments! I’d love to know if there are great titles I’ve missed.