Middle Grade
We're so excited for our Middle Grade picks, perfect for ages 8-13! Check out our titles as well as reviews from our staff!
Lupe Wong wants to play baseball, not dance. But when square dancing arrives at middle school she's lost! Higuera creates a very real multicultural middle school community complete with wisecracking humor, mean girls, and a realistic friendship fallout. Lupe has a wonderfully diverse group of friends with a wide range of interests, from Star Trek to soccer. A funny, heartfelt ride.
- Mark
Lyrical, lovely, and luminous, Aida Salazar returns with another novel in verse about the power of family and finding your home. Reminiscent of ESPERANZA RISING and EFRÉN DIVIDED, nine-year-old Betita's story is one of hope and love. When her family is separated and detained by ICE, Betita must find a way to hold on to hope. Salazar calls on the rich culture and ancestry of Latinx peoples to anchor this timely and heart-wrenching middle grade novel.
- Laura G
Winnie-the-Pooh meets Wallace and Gromit in this fresh odd-couple series. Amy Timberlake has created an instant classic with illustrations by Caldecott Medalist Jon Klassen (This Is Not My Hat, Pax).
- Mark
12 year-old Myrtle does not want to be a perfect young Victorian lady. She wants to solve mysteries-- murder mysteries. And she’s very good it! Witty and fun, smart and thrilling, PREMEDITATED MYRTLE is a grand adventure of a middle grade novel, perfect for those ages 8 - 12 who want a spunky heroine, a bit of fabulous sleuthing, and a page-turning read!
- Joy
Kiran Millwood Hargrave returns with a Nordic inspired tale of eternal winter! The Way Past Winter balances thrilling adventure with glittering fairy tale, all centered around one girl and her unstoppable love for her family and home. This atmospheric tale is one of my favorites in Middle Grade fantasy to date!
- Laura G