Tag Archives: most-anticipated books

22 Most-Anticipated Middle Grade Books Coming Spring 2024

22 Most-Anticipated Middle Grade Books Coming Spring 2024

22 Most-Anticipated Middle Grade Books Coming Spring 2024

How are there so many great books coming out in just three months? It’s wild. I love it, but I wish I had time to read them all. Since I’m so late getting this posted, I’ve read a few of these already, and they’ve been excellent! I can’t wait to read the rest of them. The list includes a mix of contemporary and fantasy novels, graphic books, and mystery. Here are my 20 most-anticipated middle grade books coming spring 2024.

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22 Most-Anticipated Middle Grade Books Coming Spring 2024

Kyra, Just for Today by Sara Zarr

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A girl’s complex relationship with her alcoholic mom and the value of her support system. Sensitive, beautiful, and packed with emotional depth.

Published March 5, 2024 | My Review


Coyote Lost and Found by Dan Gemeinhart

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A book about grief, saying goodbye, living life outside the box, and embracing adventure. Fabulous characters. Poignant and fun.

Published March 5, 2024 | My Review


Sona and the Golden Beasts by Rajani LaRocca

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A girl hears music everywhere in a land where music and magic are forbidden. Sounds like a sweeping fantasy exploring the impact of colonialism.

Published March 5, 2024 | My Review to Come


Ferris by Kate DiCamillo

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A wild family adventure about a girl, a ghost, and a grandmother by two-time Newberry Medalist Kate DiCamillo.

Published March 5, 2024 | My Review to Come


Pirates of Darksea by Catherine Doyle

Amazon | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A secret island ruled by a pirate king. A dangerous island-eating monster. A desperate boy in need of a miracle. By the author of The Storm Keeper’s Island series.

Published March 14, 2024 | My Review to Come


Louder Than Hunger by John Schu

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A novel in verse and fictionalized account of the author’s personal experiences with disordered eating. Looks haunting and powerful.

Published March 19, 2024 | My Review to Come


The Deadlands: Survival (The Deadlands #3) by Skye Melki-Wegner

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: The thrilling finale of a trilogy I couldn’t get enough of. An unlikely alliance of dinosaurs must save their herds from the Carrion Kingdom’s powerful weapons.

Published April 2, 2024 | My Review


The Second Favorite Daughters Club 1: Sister Sabotage by Colleen Oakes

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: Tired of being second-favorite, these two girls plot to get their parents’ attention and affection in this goofy, heartfelt story.

Published April 2, 2024 | My Review


Trouble at the Tangerine by Gillian McDunn

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A boy moves to a new apartment where a series of robberies occur. He and his new friend vow to find the culprits. An energetic, fun mystery.

Published April 2, 2024 | My Review


Continental Drifter by Kathy MacLeod

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A graphic memoir about a girl who longs to find her place as her family moves between homes in Bangkok and Maine.

Published April 2, 2024 | My Review to Come


The Dark Times (Lightfall #3) by Tim Probert

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: Cad and Bea continue their journey in the third installment of one of my favorite graphic novel series. It’s fantastic.

Published April 2, 2024 | My Review to Come


Winnie Nash is Not Your Sunshine by Nicole Melleby

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A girl spending the summer with her estranged grandma and dealing with big feelings about her identity and mom’s depression. Deep, wise, and lovely.

Published April 2, 2024 | My Review


Nightmares in Paradise (Ring of Solomon #2) by Aden Polydoros

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A boy who saved the world once already must find the Tree of Life to wake his sister from a coma. Looks like a wild adventure from a great author.

Published April 2, 2024 | My Review to Come


Tree. Table. Book. by Lois Lowry

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A girl with an elderly best friend in cognitive decline. I’m expecting all the storytelling power Lowry never fails to deliver in this sweet, loving story.

Published April 23, 2024 | My Review to Come


Fake Chinese Sounds by Jing Jing Tsong

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A Taiwanese American girl learns how to deal with bullying and find her voice. This looks powerful and engaging.

Published April 30, 2024 | My Review to Come


The Cats of Silver Crescent by Kaela Noel

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: This one had me at magical cats! A story of friendship, family, and the magic inside all of us. Looks absolutely adorable.

Published April 30, 2024 | My Review to Come


Skandar and the Chaos Trials by A. F. Steadman

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: The third installment in the series promises more unicorn magic, challenges to family bonds, and the power of true friendship. I can’t wait!

Published May 7, 2024 | My Review to Come


The Secret Library by Kekla Magoon

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A girl discovers a magical library where each book is literally a portal to an adventure. Part mystery, part adventure, part exploration of identity. I’m in!

Published May 7, 2024 | My Review to Come


Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A fantastical, adorable underwater adventure about a girl determined to save the boy she loves from dangerous mermaids.

Published May 7, 2024 | My Review to Come


Puzzleheart by Jenn Reese

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A child and their father visit the B&B her grandmother never opened and face deadly puzzles and strange messages. Looks super imaginative and packed with family drama– my favorite!

Published May 14, 2024 | My Review to Come


The City Beyond the Stars by Zohra Nabi

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A girl sets out to rescue her mother from powerful alchemists and save her world in the sequel to one of my favorite MG books from 2023.

Published May 14, 2024 | My Review to Come


The Mine Wars: The Bloody Fight for Workers’ Rights in the West Virginia Coalfields

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: The gripping true story of the largest labor uprising in American history and how it led to protection for workers. Seems pretty relevant to me!

Published May 14, 2024 | My Review to Come


What most-anticipated middle grade books coming spring 2024 did I miss?

I am not as good at keeping up with middle grade fiction as I am with young adult fiction, so there are always titles that didn’t make my radar or somehow got missed.

What upcoming MG titles are you looking forward to? Have you read any of the books on my list? Let me know in the comments!

20 Most-Anticipated 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!

23 Amazing Young Adult Books Coming Winter 2023

23 Amazing Young Adult Books Coming Winter 2023

Seems like every month I have a harder time figuring out my review calendar. There are just too many amazing books coming out these days. I want to read them all! This winter is no exception. Lots of these titles are by authors of books I read last year (or earlier) and loved, so I’m really excited about their newest titles. There are a fair amount of romance titles on here, but some fantasy, historical and murder mysteries, too.

These are the 23 most-anticipated young adult books coming winter 2023 that I’m most looking forward to. I’ll post a list of my most-anticipated winter middle grade titles separately.

23 Amazing Young Adult Books Coming Winter 2023

The Love Match by Priyanka Taslim

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: This one had me at TO ALL THE BOYS I’VE LOVED BEFORE meets PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. I love those rich colors on the cover, too. I can’t wait to get into it.

Release Date: January 3, 2023 | My Review


Take a Bow, Noah Mitchell by Tobias Madden

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Tobias Madden’s debut made me laugh out loud and outright sob. This one is about a boy who joins a local production of Chicago to meet his online crush. Sounds like so much fun!

Release Date: January 3, 2023 | My Review


Dark Testament: Blackout Poems by Crystal Simone Smith

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: The cover copy calls this “a remarkable reckoning with our present moment, a call to action, and a plea for a more just future.” Includes a photo insert featuring memorials for victims of unlawful killings. This is one I really need to read this year.

Release Date: January 3, 2023 | My Review


The Breakup from Hell by Ann Davila Cardinal

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Mica begins dating the perfect guy–and winning at life– only to discover his family roots mean she’s living in a horror novel. Looks like a lot of fun.

Release Date: January 3, 2023 | My Review


Rebel, Brave and Brutal by Shannon Dittemore

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: The cover copy says this one delivers the thrills of MAD MAX: FURY ROAD and the icy magic of FROZEN. Looks like a magical rebellion kind of story, and I’m excited to check it out.

Release Date: January 10, 2023 | My Review


Swift the Storm, Fierce the Flame by Meg Long

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: I loved Meg Long’s debut, COLD THE NIGHT, FAST THE WOLVES, and this novel follows a minor character that I loved from that book, so I absolutely cannot wait to read it.

Release Date: January 17, 2023 | My Review


The Seven Percent of Ro Devereux by Ellen O’Clover

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: The premise of this one reminds me of THE CODE FOR LOVE AND HEARTBREAK, so I’m kind of hoping for those vibes plus humor and hijinks.

Release Date: January 17, 2023 | My Review


The Buried and the Bound by Rochelle Hassan

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Monsters, magic, and wicked fae. Hassan’s middle grade fantasy, THE PRINCE OF NOWHERE, was one of my favorite middle grade titles this past year. I loved the writing and complex characters, so I’m hoping for more of those things in this one.

Release Date: January 24, 2023 | My Review


The Minus One Club by Kekla Magoon

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A group of people bonded by grief over a lost loved one. A story of grief, hope, and finding the courage to love again. Looks really heartfelt and sweet.

Release Date: January 24, 2023 | My Review


Begin Again by Emma Lord

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: College (mis)adventures and a pirate radio station. I’m in. I’ve discovered a love for a “just kiss already!” romance, so I’m excited about this one from an author whose books I’ve enjoyed.

Release Date: January 24, 2023 | My Review


Reggie and Delilah’s Year of Falling by Elise Bryant

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A D&D master– yes, please!– and a girl who keeps her emotions under wraps. Love over the course of a year’s worth of holidays. This sounds different and sweet.

Release Date: January 31, 2023 | My Review


This Severed Thread (The Bone Spindle #2) by Leslie Vedder

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: THE BONE SPINDLE was my absolute number one favorite book last year, and I’m desperate to read this sequel. I need more of Red and Shane, and I have to know what happens with Fi and her prince in this gender-flipped Sleeping Beauty reimagining.

Release Date: February 7, 2023 | My Review


The Architect by Jonathan Starrett

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A band of kids try to free a city with the help of a mysterious Architect. The cover copy promises: sinister schemes, bumbling superheroes, unexpected friendships, and plenty of humor and plot twists. I’m intrigued.

Release Date: February 7, 2023 | My Review


Always the Almost by Edward Underhill

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A trans-boy who feels like he’s always almost enough. A piano competition he resolved to win. The ex he needs to win back. And the new boy… who seems to truly see him like no one else does. Yes, please.

Release Date: February 14, 2023 | My Review


The Pledge by Cale Dietrich

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A masked killer targeting frat boys. A sole survivor of a world-famous murder spree. Last year I read two horror novels that were really good, so this year I picked a couple more to try. This one could be chills-inducing good, or over the top for me. We’ll find out!

Release Date: February 14, 2023 | My Review


Missing Clarissa by Ripley Jones

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A missing girl who was never found. A true crime podcast featuring the case. Two girls who must decide whether the secrets they uncovered would destroy an innocent man or identify Clarissa’s murderer. Looks twisty and intense.

Release Date: March 7, 2023 | My Review


My Dear Henry: A Jekyll and Hyde Remix by Kalynn Bayron

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: This is part of the Remixed Classics that I’ve been following but haven’t managed to read yet. I’m super excited to read Kalynn Bayron’s reimagining of Jekyll & Hyde. I really enjoyed her middle grade novel, THE VANQUISHERS, last year.

Release Date: March 7, 2023 | My Review


The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway by Ashley Schumacher

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A Renaissance Faire under new management. A girl who liked the old faire better. A boy who pulls her into the new theatrical experience. I have loved both Ashley Schumacher’s other novels, so I’m dying to read this one.

Release Date: March 14, 2023 | My Review


Stateless by Elizabeth Wein

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A girl chosen to represent Britain in Europe’s first air race for youth. Sabotage and secrets. Maybe even… murder?? I’ve loved both the books I read by this author before, so I’m expecting the same great storytelling and unforgettable characters here.

Release Date: March 14, 2023 | My Review


I Will Find You Again by Sarah Lyu

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A best friend and first love disappears, leaving only snapshots of grief and secrets behind. This one looks like the kind of book that can wreck you. I’m totally in.

Release Date: March 14, 2023 | My Review


Castelon (Wraithwood #3) by Alyssa Roat

Buy links and cover art to come after the cover reveal in Jan!

What you need to know: CASTELON is the final book in the Wraithwood series, which I’ve really been enjoying. It’s got some Merlin-based lore and magic. A slow-burn romance. I have to know how it all ends.

Release Date: March 15, 2023 | My Review


Last Sunrise in Eterna by Amparo Ortiz

Amazon | BookshopGoodreads

What you need to know: This looks like magical realism or maybe a portal story? A girl who supports her family by scavenging elf corpses. The elf prince whose fate is tied to hers. Looks like it could have some THE LUMINARIES vibes?

Release Date: March 28, 2023 | My Review


You Wouldn’t Dare by Samantha Markum

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A best friendship nearly wrecked by a summer fling. A surly new stepsister. A community theater production in jeopardy. Sounds like Junie is juggling a lot of big things, and they’re all about to come crashing down. I loved Markum’s debut, and this one looks like it’ll deliver the same sparky tension and hilarity.

Release Date: March 28, 2023 | My Review


What’s on your reading list this season?

What amazing young adult books coming winter 2023 are you most looking forward to? What genres do you think you’ll read the most of in the next few months? Are you reading any books outside your normal habits?

15 Amazing Middle Grade Books Coming Winter 2023

How are there so many great books coming out in the next few months? It gets harder and harder to limit my calendar to the books I can actually read, because it seems like there are so many great ones out there. I read three to five middle grade titles in an average month, but I wish I could read more. These books will all be published from January to March 2023. My list is mainly contemporary, historical, and fantasy novels. Here are the middle grade books coming winter 2023 that I’m most looking forward to reading.

Amazing Middle Grade Books Coming Winter 2023

The Librarian of Auschwitz: The Graphic Novel by Antonio Iturbe, Salva Rubio, and Loreto Aroca

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: The story of a fourteen-year-old girl imprisoned in Auschwitz becomes the guardian of 8 books slipped past the guards as a graphic novel. I really want to read this.

Release Date: January 3, 2023 | My Review


What Happened to Rachel Riley

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Described as “WHERE’D YOU GO, BERNADETTE with a #METOO message.” A girl uncovers what’s behind a classmate’s fall from popularity. I’ve loved both books by Claire Swinarski that I’ve read, so I’m really looking forward to this one.

Release Date: January 10, 2023 | My Review


The Lost Year by Katherine Marsh

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Described as “a brilliant middle-grade survival story that traces a harrowing family secret back to the Holodomor, a terrible famine that devastated Soviet Ukraine in the 1930s.” I’m excited to finally read a book by Katherine Marsh!

Release Date: January 17, 2023 | My Review


The Boy Who Followed His Father into Auschwitz: A True Story Retold for Young Readers by Jeremy Dronfield

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: The true story of two Austrian-Jewish brothers who experienced the atrocities of the Holocaust in very different ways adapted from an adult book. Looks heartbreaking and moving. There are still so few stories of Jewish Holocaust survivors or victims– I am eager to read this one.

Release Date: January 24, 2023 | My Review


Princess of the Wild Sea by Megan Frazer Blakemore

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A cursed princess waiting for a prince to break her curse… or ready to take matters into her own hands and save her kingdom herself. The cover is lovely, and I’m super intrigued by the description of the story.

Release Date: January 24, 2023


Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A twelve year-old school shooting survivor living in the National Quiet Zone– a place where there is no internet. I loved Erin Bow’s YA books, so I was really excited to see this MG title.

Release Date: January 31, 2023


The Pearl Hunter by Miya T. Beck

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A world inspired by pre-Shogun era Japan. A girl who will go to the ends of the earth to save her sister. I love sister books, so I can’t wait to read this one.

Release Date: February 7, 2023


The Talent Thief by Mike Thayer

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A girl who can discovers she can borrow others’ talents for a day tries to save her dad’s failing planetarium. Looks like a funny, sweet story.

Release Date: February 7, 2023


The Swallowtail Legacy 2: Betrayal by the Book by Michael D. Beil

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A young writer and her favorite author. A writer’s conference and a suspicious death! The first book in this series was fantastic, so I’m really excited to see what happens to Lark and her friends next.

Release Date: February 14, 2023


It’s Boba Time for Pearl Li by Nicole Chen

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A boba tea shop in trouble. A girl determined to save it by selling handmade amigurumi dolls. A story about friendship, family, and entrepreneurship. This looks super sweet.

Release Date: February 28, 2023 | My Review


The House Swap by Yvette Clark

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Described as “THE PARENT TRAP meets THE HOLIDAY.” Two girls who become friends when their families swap houses for the summer. I loved GLITTER GETS EVERYWHERE, so I’m super excited to read another book by Yvette Clark.

Release Date: February 28, 2023 | My Review


When Sea Becomes Sky by Gillian McDunn

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Two siblings fight to save the marsh they love and learn the story behind a statue revealed by a drought. I think I’ve read every novel Gillian McDunn has written– which I can’t say for many other authors. I can’t wait to read this one.

Release Date: February 28, 2023 | My Review


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 traveling 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 | My Review


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: March 28, 2023

What titles are on your reading list this winter?

What are your most-anticipated middle grade books coming winter 2023? Are you planning to read any of the titles on my list? Have titles to recommend? Leave a comment so I can add more books to my reading list!

20 Most-Anticipated YA Books Coming Fall 2022

20 Most-Anticipated YA Books Coming Fall 2022

Now that September is half-over, I finally sat down and looked at my list of most-anticipated YA books coming fall 2022. I’m really excited about so many of these titles. There are a few romcoms, and I’m loving that. There are also a LOT of spooky or spooky-ish books on this list, which is unusual for me. I’m not usually a big scary books girl. It doesn’t take much to freak me out– Disney movies used to give me nightmares as a child. Ha. At any rate, I’ve included books that are coming out from September 1 to November 30, so a few are books I’ve managed to read already. You’ll see links to the reviews already posted below.

In addition, my reading list for fall is pretty evenly split between YA and MG. Last week I posted my most-anticipated middle grade titles coming this fall, so please check out that post if you missed it.

20 YA Books I Can’t Wait to Read This Fall

Shades of Rust and Ruin by A. G. Howard

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Twin sisters. A family curse. An incredible boy who should be off-limits. Inspired by “Goblin Market” by Christina Rosetti. I am hooked on this one.

Release Date: September 6, 2022 | My Review


It Looks Like Us by Allison Ames

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A high school team visiting an Antarctic research station. An unknown, shapeshifting infection pursuing them one by one. Scary books aren’t my usual go-to, but I couldn’t put this one down. Ace main character.

Release Date: September 13, 2022 | My Review


I’m the Girl by Courtney Summers

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A girl determined to break into the secretive, elite world of a world-class resort discovers a deadly and predatory power structure in her town. Called a spiritual successor to SADIE, but it reminded me more of THE PROJECT. F/F romance.

Release Date: September 13, 2022 | My Review


Defend the Dawn by Brigid Kemmerer

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: The sequel to DEFY THE NIGHT. A dangerous mission fraught with lies and betrayal to save the kingdom they both love. I love this series so far.

Release Date: September 13, 2022 | My Review


Direwood by Catherine Yu

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A small town plagued by missing teens. A nest of vampires and bloodsucking butterflies. One girl determined to destroy them and find her sister. I liked the unique spin on vampires in this one.

Release Date: September 20, 2022 | My Review


The Killing Code by Ellie Marney

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: 1943 Virginia. After a string of murders, four codebreaker girls team up to find the killer so they can stop him before he strikes again. I couldn’t stop reading. F/F romance.

Release Date: September 20, 2022 | My Review


Rust in the Root by Justina Ireland

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: An alternative history of a 1937 America divided by magic, race, and power. A young apprentice discovers a vast coverup that threatens her very existence. Looks incredible.

Release Date: September 20, 2022 | My Review


Spells for Lost Things by Jenna Evans Welch

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Two teens estranged from family make their way across Salem, Massachusetts to discover the possibly witchy past of an aunt. Romance and mayhem abound. I’m excited for this one.

Release Date: September 27, 2022 | My Review


The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: The long-anticipated prequel to THEY BOTH DIE AT THE END. Do I even need to say anything else?! I seriously cannot wait for this. It’s one of the YA books coming fall 2022 I’m most looking forward to reading.

Release Date: October 4, 2022 | My Review


Dark Room Etiquette by Robin Roe

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A kidnapped boy. A role his abductor has created for him. Can he escape before he loses himself? This one could be on the edge of what I can handle, but I loved A LIST OF CAGES, so I really want to try it.

Release Date: October 11, 2022 | My Review


If You Could See the Sun by Anna Liang

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A girl with a sudden ability to turn invisible. A new business plan: sell her classmates secrets so she can afford to stay in school. Secrets escalate to crimes, and she has to decide what to do about it. I’m really intrigued.

Release Date: October 11, 2022 | My Review


Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove by Rati Mehrotra

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A girl destined to guard and advise her ruler. A boy obsessed with the rules. Assassination, betrayal, and secrets from the past. I’m excited about the feel of the story world in this one and the hints at a possible enemies to lovers romance.

Release Date: October 18, 2022 | My Review


The Sevenfold Hunters by Rose Egal

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Goodreads calls this one a “genre-bending debut full of cutthroat school politics and the speculative intrigue of alien contact. That’s enough to capture my interest!

Release Date: October 25, 2022 | My Review


Silver in the Mist by Emily Victoria

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Spies. Politics. Secrets. The daughter of a spy-master is sent to a neighboring country to steal much-needed magic. But she learns that not all the stories she’s heard are true. Sounds like lots of intrigue.

Release Date: November 1, 2022 | My Review


Salt and Sugar by Rebecca Carvalho

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Two rival Brazilian bakeries. Two teens forced to work together to save their families’ businesses. Enemies to lovers romance. After all these other angsty titles, I am desperate to read this one!

Release Date: November 1, 2022 | My Review


The Luminaries by Susan Dennard

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A small town where monsters and nightmares rise each night. The girl who needs to conquer the monsters to restore her family legacy. The last boy she wants to ask for help. Looks immersive and intense.

Release Date: November 8, 2022 | My Review


The 9:09 Project by Mark H. Parsons

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A boy grieving the loss of his mother. A project: capturing pictures of ordinary people on the street. As the photos show him a deeper world, he begins to forge connections with new friends and reconnect with his memories of his mother.

Release Date: November 15, 2022 | My Review


Belittled Women by Amanda Sellet

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: From Goodreads: “Lit’s about to hit the fan.” (This book had me at that line.) A girl whose mother is obsessed with the Alcott classic navigates her frustration at feeling boxed in by the classic story. This is exactly the rom-com I need in my life.

Release Date: November 29, 2022 | My Review


A Wilderness of Stars by Shea Earnshaw

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A land under a mysterious curse. A young astronomer seeking a message in the stars that will change everything. Looks sweeping and romantic.

Release Date: November 29, 2022 | My Review


A Thousand Heartbeats by Kiera Cass

Amazon | BookshopGoodreads

What you need to know: A sweeping enemies-to-lovers standalone romance by the author of THE SELECTION. Reading the back cover copy made me think this could be the “what if America and Aspen were together?” sort of tale? Maybe?

Release Date: November 29, 2022 | My Review


What YA books are you most anticipating this fall?

What are your most-anticipated YA books coming fall 2022? Are you looking forward to any of the titles on my list? Are there amazing titles I’ve missed that I simply must add to my TBR? Leave a comment and let me know! I’d love to add more books to my list– and my shelves.

17 Most-Anticipated Middle Grade Books Coming Fall 2022

17 Most-Anticipated Middle Grade Books Coming Fall 2022

Some of my most-anticipated middle grade books coming out this fall are written by familiar authors like Tricia Springstubb and Arnée Flores. I’ve also got a bunch of new authors on my list. A few of these books are debuts, some by authors who’ve written YA and are branching out into middle grade fiction.

Since I’m a little late posting the list, you’ll see some review links already in the descriptions. I’ll update the post as I read and write more reviews, too, so bookmark it and check back if you want to see what I thought of a particular title.

I’m hoping to start doing a seasonal recap post where I talk about what I read and my favorites. That’s still a bit in the works, but hopefully I’ll have figured out a format that I like by the end of the fall.

For now, please enjoy this list of the 17 middle grade books I can’t wait to read this season.

17 Most-Anticipated Middle Grade Books Coming Fall 2022

Ravenfall by Kalyn Josephson

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: From Goodreads: One magical inn, two kids with supernatural powers, and an ancient Celtic creature trying to destroy their world by Halloween night…

One of my favorite books this year!

Release Date: August 30, 2022 | Author Q&A | My Review


Trex by Christyne Morrell

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: An anxious girl with spy skills, a boy with a mysterious brain implant, and a person watching them both. Lots of fun to read!

Release Date: August 30, 2022 | My Review


The Prince of Steel Pier by Stacy Nockowitz

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: 1970s Atlantic City setting. A Jewish boy whose family hotel is in trouble becomes a favorite of a local mob boss. Loved the setting and Joey’s journey through the story.

Release Date: September 1, 2022 | My Review


Lotus Bloom and the Afro Revolution by Sherri Winston

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A talented violinist with a gorgeous ‘fro she calls “the wooly mammoth” faces discrimination in her music program and finds a way to speak up about it. I loved the music references and relationships in this book.

Release Date: September 6, 2022 | My Review


Naomi Teitelbaum Ends the World by Samara Shanker

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Jewish folklore. Best friends. A real-live golem on the loose with instructions to save the world. What could possibly go wrong? Great fun!

Release Date: September 6, 2022 | Author Q&A | My Review


The Other Side of the River by Alda P. Dobbs

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: The follow-up to THE BAREFOOT DREAMS OF PETRA LUNA. A young Mexican girl building a new life in America in the early 1900s. Beautifully written and engaging.

Release Date: September 6, 2022 | My Review


The Vanquishers by Kalynn Bayron

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Inspired by BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER and THE WATCHMEN. Vampires were supposed to be vanquished decades ago… but it looks like they’re back. Looks fantastic.

Release Date: September 20, 2022 | My Review


The Trouble with Robots by Michelle Mohrweis

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: This looks a bit like a MG version of MY MECHANICAL ROMANCE (sans romance). Enemies must work together on a robot team. Friction abounds, pushing them to learn new ways of working together. This is a late add-on to my fall list. I can’t resist!

Release Date: September 27, 2022 | My Review


Ghostcloud by Michael Mann

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A kidnapped boy is forced to work in a power plant. Then he discovers a ghost who may be able to help him escape. Looks fresh and fun.

Release Date: September 27, 2022 | My Review


The Spirit Queen (The Firebird Song #2) by Arnée Flores

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: THE FIREBIRD SONG was one of my favorite books of last year. I can’t wait to read this follow-up about how joy emerges out of sorrow. A whole new adventure about Calliope and Prewitt. I’m so excited!

Release Date: October 18, 2022 | My Review


Drawing Outside the Lines by Susan J. Austin

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A novelized tale about the childhood of legendary architect Julia Morgan. I keep saying I need to read more historical fiction, and I couldn’t say no to this one.

Release Date: October 18, 2022 | My Review


Finally, Something Dangerous by Doug Cornett

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: The follow-up to FINALLY, SOMETHING MYSTERIOUS, which was laugh-out-loud funny. The One and Onlys return to solve another mystery involving mechanical crows, a poetry-slash-wrestling club, and a hamster infestation. Yes, please.

Release Date: October 18, 2022 | My Review


Looking for True by Tricia Springstubb

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: I loved THE MOST PERFECT THING IN THE UNIVERSE also by Tricia Springstubb for its heart and humor, so obviously I’m all in for this new story about friendship and saving a dog in trouble.

Release Date: November 1, 2022 | My Review


Plotting the Stars 1: Moongarden by Michelle A. Barry

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Described as THE SECRET GARDEN meets CITY OF EMBER– say no more. I must read this!

Release Date: November 1, 2022 | My Review


Daisy Woodworm Changes the World by Melissa Hart

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A girl tasked with changing the world. Her brother’s dream of being a YouTube fashion icon. Internet bullying. Daisy must face her fears and find her voice if she’s really going to make a difference. Looks heartwarming and beautiful.

Release Date: November 8, 2022 | My Review


Morning Sun in Wuhan by Ying Chang Compestine

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Shows the emergence of Covid-19 and how a community came together. Contains delicious recipes to try at home. This looks like a fantastic read.

Release Date: November 8, 2022 | My Review


The Astonishing Chronicles of Oscar from Elsewhere by Jaclyn Moriarty

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A boy on a quest to find nine pieces of a lost key to save a city of Elves. And himself. I read A CORNER OF WHITE by Jaclyn Moriarty, and I still remember being struck by the creativity and quirkiness of that story. I’m super excited to read this book from a new series of hers.

Release Date: November 15, 2022 | My Review

What are your most-anticipated middle grade books coming fall 2022?

What’s on your reading list for the fall this year? Are you looking forward to any of the titles on my list? Are there amazing titles I’ve missed that I simply must add to my TBR? Leave a comment and let me know! I’d love to add more books to my list– and my shelves.