Quiz: Get Started With Middle Grade

This fun fantasy series-starter from Roshani Chokshi stars likable, flawed heroine Aru Shah, who has a habit of making up lies. When three classmates demand she prove an ancient Indian artifact is cursed, she accidentally freezes her classmates and mother in time while awakening the God of Destruction. To save their lives, Aru embarks on an adventure to find the five reincarnations of the five Pandava brothers from the Indian epic Mahabharata and navigate the Kingdom of Death. Trust me: when you start this book, clear your schedule.

This innovative middle grade fantasy novel is written by M.T. Anderson, who writes the prose, and Eugene Yelchin, who illustrates the perspective of one of the characters. This friendship story follows Brangwain Spurge, an elf diplomat, who ventures into rival goblin territory, where he is greeted by a polite but terrifying assistant in charge with his care. There is hijinks and action aplenty in this fun story.

Kwame Alexander’s Newbery Medal–winning book The Crossover is a novel-in-verse sensation. Following the basketball dreams of 12-year-old Josh Bell, The Crossover is a story about family and ambition. As Josh and his twin brother Jordan navigate middle school, they face not only tough opponents on the court, but also challenges like romance. Alexander’s poetry soars as he brings Josh’s unique voice to life.

This National Book Award winner from Thanhhà Lai is an autobiographical novel in verse about Lai’s childhood first in Vietnam and then after immigrating to America as refugees. Heroine Hà is an unforgettable protagonist who weaves lyrical poetry with a heartwarming story about courage, fitting in, friendship, and family. One of the most acclaimed middle grade books and a new classic in the genre, you won’t be disappointed with Inside Out and Back Again.

British author David Walliams is often called a modern day Roald Dahl, and it’s for good reason: his books share with Dahl a quirky sense of dark humor, nefarious adults, and kid protagonists. Start with The Midnight Gang, a fun tale that reads faster than its 480 pages. This humorous middle grade novel follows Tom, who gets injured in gym class and taken to the hospital. Tom is sent to the children’s wing where he meets a daring cast of sick kids who get up to mischief each night.

This Newbery Medal–winning graphic novel from Jerry Craft tells the story of Jordan Banks’s 7th grade year in a new private school on the other side of town outside his predominantly Black community. An aspiring cartoonist, Jordan tries to fit in while still devoting time and attention to his love of art. You’ll cheer Jordan on as he faces challenges like navigating two worlds at home and at school, finding friends, and succeeding at his rigorous new studies.

From author Sharon Creech, Saving Winslow is a sweet, tender story of a boy who tries to save a baby donkey. Charlotte’s Web fans will find much to like about this tale featuring a plucky animal and his quirky young human companion, Louie, who is sorely missing his soldier brother deployed overseas. As Louie nurtures sickly Winslow the donkey back to health, he makes a new friend and finds support from his family.

Kekla Magoon’s The Season of Styx Malone is the quintessential summer story. When brothers Caleb and Bobby Gene meet their daring new neighbor Styx Malone, their lives are transformed by Styx with all his flash and bravado. But Styx is harboring secrets of his own, and as the summer unfolds, Caleb and Bobby Gene find their friendship with him tested. Magoon has perfectly distilled the magic of summer in this acclaimed story.

This creeptastic work of horror and fantasy by Katherine Arden stars 11-year-old Ollie, who lives with her father after her mother has recently died. Ollie uncovers a secret book that tells of her small New England town’s frightful past. Then, on a trip to a local farm, Ollie and two unlikely allies get lost in the woods as a sinister force stalks them. Imaginative with intricate world building, this book and its courageous heroine will stay with you long after you finish the last page.

This charming graphic novel by Jen Wang follows the unlikely friendship between two young neighbors, Moon and Christine. Fast friends, these girls bond over music videos and plan on performing at the school’s talent show together. Moon even shares her secret visions from the gods with Christine. But when Moon falls ill, Christine learns what it’s really like to be a best friend.