Last year, my New Year’s resolution was to read more Middle Grade stories and wow, am I glad I did! I discovered so many highly entertaining and thought-provoking books that are not only masterfully written but also packed with kid appeal. From relevant realistic fiction tackling important preteen issues to captivating historical fiction and imaginative fantasy, these stories truly impressed me.
Below, I’m sharing my favorite Middle Grade books that I read in 2024 that I know kids will adore too.
Note: While Middle Grade is typically written for ages 8–12, the books on this list are best suited for readers aged 10 and up.
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Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell, Ashley Mackenzie, 2024
When Christopher moves in with his grandfather, he quickly learns he is part of a long lineage of guardians tasked with safeguarding a hidden magical realm. Before he knows it, he’s pulled into an epic quest with a girl named Mal to save the magical creatures who are mysteriously dying.
The detailed illustrations help immerse the reader into this enchanting world and the glossary featuring the creatures is a real standout. Packed with fascinating characters, thrilling adventure, and boundless imagination, this powerful story is a must-read for fantasy lovers.
The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin, 2024
This engaging historical fiction follows the exuberant and clever Lizzie who sneakily joins her older brother Jakob at Bletchley Park during WWII. As Jakob works on breaking codes to aid the British in defeating the Germans, Lizzie attempts to use her own code breaking skills to uncover the mystery behind their mother’s alleged death.
Kids who love puzzles will want to get their hands on this ingenious and exciting tale.
Finally Heard by Kelly Yang, 2024
When she receives a cell phone, 5th grader Lina Gao excitedly jumps on social media where she encounters several dangerous pitfalls. This well-written and extremely relatable book skillfully weaves in themes of racism and classism with an entertaining story around the pros and cons of social media.
With social media now being such a prevalent part of our society, this is an essential read for both children and parents.
I also highly recommend Kelly Yang’s other books especially the Front Desk series.
Keeping Pace by Laurie Morrison, 2024
Grace has spent her entire middle school career trying to beat her ex-best friend, Jonah, for the top scholar award. When he ultimately wins, she enters her summer break feeling insecure and lost. This wonderful coming-of-age story follows Grace on her journey of self-discovery as she trains for a marathon, rekindles her friendship with Jonah, and repairs difficult family relationships.
I really appreciate how this book tackles the pressures many kids feel to find success at all costs. The character learns to navigate failure and find her own self-worth separate from her academic and athletic achievements.
Confessions of a Class Clown by Arianne Costner, 2022
Based on the fact that goofball seventh grader Jack Reynolds has thousands of MyTube channel followers, one may believe he is the most popular kid in school. In reality, however, he struggles with making and keeping friends. When he is desperate to find a new partner for a prank for his MyTube channel, he turns to a friendship speed-dating program in his school with surprising results. I just love how authentic the characters in this book feel and how they grow and develop throughout the story.
This book is an important conversation starter on navigating social media and friendships providing prompts for what it means to be a good friend, how to resolve conflict, and the importance of respecting others.
The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart, 2019
This poignant story about a girl and her dad grappling with grief by driving across the country in an old school bus could not be more moving or beautiful! Coyote is such a hopeful and charismatic character you can’t help but love her. They meet many new friends in their journey who ultimately give Coyote the courage she needs to return home and face the grief she has been avoiding.
This is such a special story that will rock you to your core. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series Coyote Lost and Found.
What Happened to Rachel Riley by Claire Swinarski
As the newest member of the East Middle School 8th grade class, Anna Hunt can’t help but wonder how nice, pretty Rachel Riley became the social outcast of the school. When she is challenged to create a social justice project for class, Anna takes it upon herself to uncover how the most popular girl in school became someone everyone ignores. The mystery unwinds through a series of emails, podcast scripts, text messages, etc. revealing clue after clue of what really happened to Rachel Riley.
This is such a captivating story that brings up many important talking points on friendships, standing up for what you believe in, peer pressure, and sexual harassment.
The Mona Lisa Vanishes: A Legendary Painter, A Shocking Heist, and the Birth of a Global Celebrity by Nicholas Day, illustrated by Brett Helquist, 2023
This fascinating and highly entertaining nonfiction book informs readers about the mysterious theft of The Mona Lisa; a crime which ultimately made the painting the famous piece of art it is today. The story travels back and forth through time chronicling the events of the robbery as well as the life of Leonardo da Vinci. Eye-catching artwork is included making this clever and interesting story even more of a standout.
I cannot believe how much I enjoyed this book. It was fascinating, entertaining, and educational. I learned so much from it!
Wish by Barbara O’Connor, 2026
With her dad in jail and her mother unable to care for her, eleven-year-old Charlie Reese moves in with her aunt and uncle in North Carolina. While waiting for the opportunity to go back home, Charlie is surprised to find true friendship in a classmate, a dog, and may even find the family she has always wished she had.
Freewater by Amina Lugman-Dawson, 2022
A Newbery and Coretta Scott King award winner, Freewater is the incredible story of a group of escaped slaves who start their own community in a swamp. With multiple points of view from characters who grow throughout the story, this survival tale is moving, exciting, and thought-provoking.
Wink by Rob Harrell, 2020
Based on the author’s own childhood, Rob Harrell expertly transforms his own experience with a rare eye cancer into a shockingly humorous and heartfelt story. Middle school is a time when many children are grappling to figure out their identities and seventh grader Ross Maloy is determined not to be defined as “the cancer kid.” I love how authentic the characters in this book feel and the way Ross expresses his feelings through his amusing comics.
Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow, 2023
Full of quirky characters, there’s a lot to love about this heartfelt friendship story about a boy overcoming a past trauma while settling into a new home. Sensitive readers should be aware ahead of time that Simon is the only survivor in a mass school shooting. The story skillfully follows him through the healing process while also navigating a new middle school and friendships.
Restart by Gordon Korman
After hitting his head, Chase has amnesia and no memory of who he is. When he returns to middle school, he is surprised to find how different kids react to him in very polarizing ways. Some kids actually seem scared of him while others relish his athletic ability. Chase comes to understand that he once was a bully and now has the opportunity to change his ways while more fully understanding who he is at the core. This is a really interesting unique story that would be a good choice for a middle school book club.
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