Middle school is a time bursting with hormones, pubescent anxiety, and finding where you fit into society. It’s a whirlwind of emotions, churning with the excitement and challenges that come with growing up. Through the laughter and tears, books provide comfort, becoming treasured companions on our journey towards young adulthood and beyond. Join us as we explore popular middle-grade books from the past 25 years, each one a treasure trove of adventure, friendship, and growth.
Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston by Esme Symes-Smith
This medieval middle-grade novel brings contemporary views of gender to the high-fantasy world of dragons, shape-shifters, and sword fights galore. When Callie decides to join their father when he’s called back to the city, they are warned that the city has different rules, but are still shocked to be shut in a room and treated like a girl. Even the magic that they possess, they hate solely because it’s connected to their femininity. Despite these challenges, Callie inspires others to defy convention and challenge these roles previously deemed normal.
The Dragonet Prophecy by Tui T. Sutherland, Illustrated by Mike Holmes
In an effort to end the war amongst the seven dragon tribes, the Talons of Peace attempt to fulfill a prophecy with the help of five dragonets. However, not all of them want the fate that is placed in their laps. Clay Mudwing is a fantastic character and friend to the four other dragonets. The Wings of Fire series is unique because each title has both prose and graphic novels. Mike Holmes’ art style will captivate any reluctant reader while not distracting from the story — a balance not easily achieved.
Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
To save themselves from extinction, mythical creatures gathered inside the gated woods now known as Fablehaven. Until one day, when Kendra and Seth are sent to their grandparents, some of the ancient laws keeping the peace among the creatures are broken. It’s up to Kendra, Seth, and their grandfather to restore peace and order among Fablehaven.
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
For fans of ancient mythology, The Lightning Thief will bring the Gods of Mount Olympus to life in a new light. Percy Jackson finds out he’s a demigod and gets sent to Camp Half-Blood for the summer. When Zeus’s master lightning bolt goes missing and all the blame is placed on Percy, it’s up to him and his friends to find the truth. Nothing is as easy as it seems, and the group of teens is set on a journey that takes them through the land in search of who stole the lightning bolt.
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
Minli and her family toil relentlessly in the fields all day, listening to the discontented sighs of her mother as they eat their daily rations of rice. Inspired by her father’s stories, Minli journeys to find the Old Man of the Moon. Along the quest, she must outwit foes and make some friends to ask him how she can change her family’s fortune. A blend of Chinese folklore from Grace Lin’s childhood and her own unique narrative brings this heartwarming story to life.
Fish in a Tree by Linda Mullaly Hunt
Ally has always hated to read and write. When she moves to a new school, she continues being disruptive in class so that her secret doesn’t get out. Then, a new teacher sees past the facade, and she learns dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of. Through her support system, Ally is able to learn that she is more than just her “dumb mind” and can overcome her differences.
Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper
Trigger Warning: The mention of ableism may be triggering for some readers. Please read the author’s notes prior to purchasing.
Melody lives with cerebral palsy and refuses to let it define who she is. She’s determined to show her brilliance to the world despite being nonverbal. When the school decides to integrate classes, Melody is over the moon with excitement. Through these new friends, she learns about assistive technologies that can help her communicate in a new way. Melody’s Medi-Talker is the gateway to normalcy in her life, allowing her to join the Quiz Team, but not everyone in her school is as accepting.
A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll
In a town near Edinburgh, 11-year-old Addie is picked on by classmates and even a former friend due to her autism. When she befriends a new girl at school named Audrey, the two of them uncover a hidden story of witches who were once wrongly persecuted in their town. The duo makes it their mission to campaign for the erection of a memorial in their honor.
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
A series of poems depicts the life of Woodson during the 60s and 70s as she grew into the writer she was meant to be. Through the stories of her life, readers learn of her trips to South Carolina, where she had to ride on the back of the bus, her grandfather’s job at the printing press, and her grandmother’s affiliation with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Once their mother takes them to New York, Jackie struggles to read. However, when she learns to write her name for the first time, she’s inspired to keep writing.
Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
Amari is heartbroken over her brother’s disappearance and wonders why the police dismiss his disappearance so easily. But then, she discovers that he has left behind a clue — a nomination for summer leadership camp at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. Here, she must complete three trials to be allowed in so that she can find out what happened to Quinton. At this leadership camp, Amari discovers her hidden powers and learns about the existence of witches, dragons, aliens, and more.
Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls by Kaela Rivera
Cece has grown up around criaturas in the desert surrounding her home, and the brujas who can speak with them. When her sister is kidnapped, everything changes. She takes off into Devil’s Alley, becoming a bruja herself, in search of Juana, all while keeping it a secret from the rest of her family. Cece and her newfound friends work together, discovering some of their own strengths while overcoming the struggles of their past.
The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
Xan, a witch in the forest, is loved by some townsfolk but feared by others who believe they must sacrifice a child each year. She rescues abandoned babies, feeding them starlight for the journey. One year, she accidentally gives a baby named Luna moonlight, granting her powerful magic. As Luna grows up with Xan and her peculiar companions, Xan fears losing her own strength due to Luna’s magic. When a citizen tries to eliminate Xan, Luna must confront her powers to protect her loved ones.
Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
Born on the unluckiest day, Morrigan is blamed for all wrongdoings and cursed to die on her 11th birthday. But before her curse can come to pass, Jupiter Moon comes to deliver an invitation to the Wundrous Society. But before she can fully integrate into this magical school, she must pass four trials. During her trials, Morrigan learns more about herself and the secrets hidden in the magical city of Nevermoor.
The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera
On a spaceship, Petra, her family, and a few chosen others journey to a new planet after a comet destroys Earth. During the flight, she wakes up from suspended animation earlier than intended, only to find that she’s the only one who remembers home. The Collective has taken over the ship, purging the memories of the crew. Now Petra must live up to her dream of being a storyteller like her abuelita, helping everyone remember.
Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell
It made our list of The 10 Best New Middle Grade Books of 2024, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that we still love Impossible Creatures. The story follows Mal, a girl on the run, and Christopher, a boy who just saved a baby griffin from drowning, as they embark on an adventure together. Magic is fading from the lands, and they’re determined to find someone who knows the answer.
Middle school is a time of change and self-discovery, but also one of anxiety and uncertainty. Books can transport children into futuristic worlds of advanced technology or shimmering realms of dragons and magic, while still reflecting the very real challenges they face every day. In doing so, they open doors for empathy, courage, and imagination. Armed with this list of popular middle-grade books from the 21st century, these stories can become lasting companions to carry through the whirlwind years of growing up.
Find more middle-grade reads with WHAM!: 12 Fantastic New Graphic Novels to Engage Young Readers.
For these books and more, check out our Middle Grade Novels for the Inquisitive Teen bookshelf on Bookshop.org.
