Usually, my review calendar is about sixty to seventy percent young adult and only thirty to forty percent middle grade, but this season, I’m split pretty close to fifty-fifty for what’s on my reading list. It’s hard to keep up with all the great books coming this season, but I’m going to do my best to try! Here are my 20 most-anticipated middle grade books coming fall 2023.
Since September is already almost over (How?!), I’ve linked a few of the books I’ve finished to my reviews below.
Marvelous Middle-Grade Mondays
I’m sharing this post as a part of a weekly round-up of middle grade posts called Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays. Check out other blogs posting about middle-grade books today on Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays at Always in the Middle with Greg Pattridge.
20 Most-Anticipated Middle Grade Books Coming Fall 2023
Deephaven by Ethan Aldridge
What you need to know: Nev arrives at Deephaven, a boarding school with secrets, determined to keep their head down and fit in until they become embroiled in a quest to save a girl everyone thinks is dead. I’ve read everything published by this author, so I knew I was going to read this one. Looks like it’ll be a series, so I’m anxious to see where it goes.
Published: September 5, 2023 | My Review
The Bravest Warrior in Nefaria by Adi Alsaid
What you need to know: Bobert and his friends must find a way to break the spell placed on them by evil wizard Matt before he takes over Nefaria. Silly, offbeat, and packed with heart. I loved this one.
Published: September 5, 2023 | My Review
Finch House by Ciera Burch
What you need to know: When Micah becomes trapped in the house her grandfather forbade her to enter, she must confront secrets from her past and make a frightening deal to escape. More eerie than truly scary, this is a great choice for a fall book.
Published: September 5, 2023 | My Review
Learning to Fall by Sally Engelfried
What you need to know: After Daphne is forced to live with her dad, she grudgingly offers him a second chance when he begins teaching her skateboarding tricks. Will he let her down again? I love complex family stories like this one, and I’m super excited for a book about skateboarding.
Published: September 5, 2023
Beneath the Swirling Sky by Carolyn Leiloglou
What you need to know: Paintings, secrets, and a missing sister send a boy and his cousin on a quest into a painting. Marketed as perfect for fans of the Wingfeather Saga, which includes me!
Published: September 12, 2023 | My Review
Between Monsters and Marvels by Alysa Wishingrad
What you need to know: Dare refuses to accept the story she’s told about her father’s death and sets out to prove monsters still exist. A fabulous story about friendship and how to build trust from the author of THE VERDIGRIS PAWN.
Published: September 12, 2023 | My Review
Tethered to Other Stars by Elisa Stone Leahy
What you need to know: A girl who dreams of winning the science fair is faced with a terrible choice when someone she loves is detained by ICE. I love the way the book description links science and Wendy’s fears about her family. Looks like a book that will make you think.
Published: October 3, 2023
White House Clubhouse by Sean O’Brien
What you need to know: Two girls whose mother has just been elected President join a secret society of presidential children where they must help the Roosevelt children in order to return to their own time. Written by a former White House staffer. I’m super curious about this one.
Published: October 3, 2023
The Race for the Ruby Turtle by Stephen Bramucci
What you need to know: When Jake is sent to his great-aunt’s cabin in remote Oregon woods, he stumbles upon a threat against a turtle with a ruby-colored shell. Features a boy with ADHD and a focus on nature and conservation.
Published: October 3, 2023
The Deadlands: Trapped (The Deadlands #2) by Skye Melki-Wegner
What you need to know: Five outcasts from their herds team up to find evidence of an alliance between carrion dinosaurs and save their herds from war. I loved the first book in this series, which I’d describe as LAND BEFORE TIME meets WARRIORS.
Published: October 3, 2023
Like a Charm by Elle McNicoll
What you need to know: A neurodivergent teen who can see things no one else can must stop a magical threat to her world. This reminds me a little bit of STONE HEART by Charlie Fletcher, which I loved.
Published: October 10, 2023
Just a Pinch of Magic by Alechia Dow
What you need to know: A girl desperate to save her family’s struggling magical bakery casts a (slightly illegal) spell that backfires. Looks like lots of delicious descriptions of baking and magical hijinks from an author on my auto-read list.
Published: October 10, 2023
Hollowthorn: A Ravenfall Novel by Kalyn Josephson
What you need to know: As Hannukah approaches, best friends with magic must stop a demon from Jewish lore who is hunting the Tree of Life. RAVENFALL was one of my favorite books from last year, so this one is a must-read for me.
Published: October 17, 2023
Secrets We Tell the Sea by Martha Riva Palacio Obón, translated by Lourdes Heuer
What you need to know: A girl with a powerful connection to the sea moves in with her Abuela and meets a new friend she believes will truly understand her. The book description has a lot of imagery about the sea and ocean life and says Sofia is a mermaid. I can’t tell if that’s literal or metaphorical. In any case, I’m super intrigued.
Published: October 24, 2023
Song of the Swan by Karah Sutton
What you need to know: I can’t say it better than the cover copy: “A magical retelling of Swan Lake, featuring a clever orphan, a castle filled with enchanted swans, and a quest to unearth the secrets of the past.” Yes, please!
Published: October 24, 2023
Hidden Truths by Elly Swartz
What you need to know: An explosion destroys a friendship and leaves a girl injured. Her former best friend won’t stop until he uncovers what truly happened. Looks like a powerful story about friendship and healing.
Published: October 31, 2023
Sail Me Away Home (Show Me a Sign #3) by Ann Clare LeZotte
What you need to know: Set in the world of SHOW ME A SIGN and SET ME FREE. Explores the origins of formal Deaf education and complex issues on Martha’s Vineyard between Deaf and Wampanoag communities. I loved SET ME FREE, and I can’t wait for this one.
Published: November 7, 2023
What are your most-anticipated middle grade books coming out this fall?
What amazing middle grade books coming fall 2023 are you most looking forward to reading? Are you planning to read, or have you already read any of the books on my list? What books am I missing that I need to add?
