I read hundreds of children’s books each year, and these are the new releases for ages 10 and up that have stood out the most. From page-turning adventures and mysteries to fantasy, historical fiction, friendship stories, and more, these are the books I’ve loved reading and recommending to young readers this year.
I’ll continue adding favorites as new books are released throughout 2026.
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The Aftermyth by Tracy Wolff, 2026
(10 and up)
Percy Jackson meets Harry Potter with a fantastic female lead in this engaging new series that is sure to be a hit. Penelope Weaver is thrilled to follow in her parents’ footsteps when she and her twin brother, Paris, begin attending Anaximander’s Academy, where Greek mythology comes to life. Packed with adventure, mystery, magic, and friendship, this is such a fun read with a lovable main character finding her way, discovering who she is, and making new friends along the way. I absolutely loved this one!
The Moon Without Stars by Chanel Miller, 2026
(Ages 10 and up)
When quiet, book-loving Luna is unexpectedly welcomed into the popular crowd after an act of kindness, she begins making choices that don’t feel like herself. This honest and beautifully written coming-of-age novel explores peer pressure, changing friendships, identity, puberty, and the powerful pull of popularity, making it an excellent choice for helping tweens navigate the social pressures of middle school while encouraging them to stay true to themselves.
Thunder and Mercy by Jennifer Robin Barr, 2026
(Ages 10 and up)
A fantastic historical fiction adventure that beautifully blends mystery, friendship, and belonging. Eleven-year-old Theodora “Thunder” Underwood has spent every summer in a different place and she’s less than thrilled to be spending the summer of 1979 with her eccentric Aunt Hazel in a decrepit old Philadelphia mansion that turns out to be the ancestral home of Benedict Arnold. But everything changes when Thunder discovers a mysterious letter written by a twelve-year-old girl 200 years earlier. Soon, she’s unraveling a mystery filled with espionage and secrets from the Revolutionary War while also discovering friendship, family, and a place where she truly belongs. There is so much to love about this book. I couldn’t wait to put it in the hands of my sixth-grade daughter!
A Kid Like Me by Norm Feuti, 2026 * GRAPHIC NOVEL
(Ages 10 and up)
When sixth grader Ethan starts middle school, he must navigate changing friendships, family challenges, poverty, and questions about where he belongs. This heartfelt graphic novel offers an authentic and realistic portrayal of growing up, particularly from a boy’s perspective. The story follows Ethan and his longtime best friend as they initially drift apart, then learn to embrace their differences, repair their friendship, and find common ground.
Where Ella Went by Laurie Morrison, 2026
(Ages 12 and up)
When Ella suddenly goes missing before an important soccer competition, her classmates must work together to piece together what happened. Told through multimedia formats, the story gradually reveals shifting friendships, misunderstandings, and the growing pressures of middle school and perfectionism. With authentic characters and realistic relationship dynamics, this compelling novel thoughtfully explores how friendships change, the importance of honesty, and the value of seeing situations from another person’s perspective.
Friend Group by Lisa Greenwald, 2026
(Ages 10 and up)
Best friends Sadie and Olive have always stuck together, but when Sadie is accidentally added to a group chat with the popular girls, she suddenly has an inside look at the “it” crowd and information that helps her find her way in. As Sadie grows closer to her new friends, however, she begins pulling away from Olive. This engaging story perfectly captures the messy highs and lows of seventh grade, including shifting friendships, first crushes, self-doubt, the desire to fit in, and the mistakes kids make along the way. Chapters alternate between Sadie’s first-person narration and group text exchanges, creating a fast-paced, relatable format that will keep readers turning the pages to see what Sadie does next.
Diamond Fever: A True Crime Story in the Wild West by Steve Sheinkin, illustrated by Jon Chad, 2026
(10 and up)
History, hijinks, and a high-stakes true-crime story, make this such a fun choice for middle grade readers. Many people are familiar with the gold rush, but did you know there was a diamond rush as well?! When two minors discover diamonds in the 1870’s, diamond fever spreads across the United States causing prospectors to search for the hidden mine while wealthy bankers try to find it first. Unfortunatley, the whole thing turns out to be a hoax! This is a great book that brings history alive to tweens.
Mixed Feelings by Sara Amini, illustrated by Shadia Amin, 2026 * GRAPHIC NOVEL
(Ages 10 and up)
This funny and relatable graphic memoir perfectly captures how overwhelming middle school can feel when everything seems to be changing at once. Sara is navigating new body hair, a best friend who has grown closer to someone else, her first crush, and questions about where she fits as she moves between the Spanish, Farsi, and English spoken in her multicultural family. Along the way, she begins forming new friendships and finds a place where she feels like she belongs when she joins the school play.
I loved the expressive, comical illustrations, which capture Sara’s roller coaster of emotions so well. I also listened to the audiobook and thought the narration and soundscapes brought the story to life. This is such a relatable read for tweens navigating all the awkward changes that come with growing up and figuring out who they are. The book also includes a helpful glossary of the Spanish and Farsi words used throughout the story.
The Ginghams by T.C. Kemper, 2026
(Ages 10 and up)
When Joni returns home from summer camp, she’s shocked to discover that something strange is happening in her town. People are losing their unique styles and personalities and suddenly dressing and acting exactly the same. At the center of it all is the creepy new Gingham family, who have convinced everyone to follow their book, The Pillars of Perfection. This one reminded me of The Stepford Wives for kids. It’s the perfect mix of creepiness, humor, and fun.
Wrong Friend by Charise Mericle Harper and Rory Lucey * GRAPHIC NOVEL
(Ages 10 and up)
When Charise’s best friend suddenly begins pulling away, she’s left questioning what went wrong and whether their friendship can be saved. Honest and deeply relatable, this graphic novel beautifully explores the heartbreak of changing friendships, the journey of self-discovery, and the realization that true friends appreciate you for who you are. You may have to be patient, but you will eventually find your people. It’s an excellent conversation starter for tweens navigating the often complicated social dynamics of middle school.
Really Rubie by Maddie Frost, 2026
(Ages 10 and up)
This highly illustrated and hilarious book follows the exuberant Rubie Fox as she heads to sleepaway camp for the first time the summer before sixth grade. When her best friend Riley breaks her ankle and can no longer attend, Rubie must navigate camp and all the drama that comes with it on her own, including new friendships, a first crush, and plenty of unexpected challenges.
The energetic, hilarious illustrations are a perfect match for Rubie’s big personality and add even more humor to the story. I loved watching Rubie navigate the ups and downs of camp, make new friends, and grow along the way. This is such a fun choice for Diary of a Wimpy Kid fans or kids who love highly illustrated stories filled with humor and friendship. I can’t wait to read more of Rubie’s adventures!
Offsides by Christina Diaz Gonzalez, illustrated by Mari Costa, 2026 * GRAPHIC NOVEL
(Ages 10 and up)
Even though this is a graphic novel, I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed it—especially hearing the characters speak Spanish throughout the story. Jackson Middle School’s soccer team is full of drama this year when it becomes co-ed for the first time, and everyone seems to have strong feelings about the change! Through a lovable cast of characters, the story explores everything from competition and the pressure to make parents proud to standing up for what’s right and navigating the everyday ups and downs of middle school. With soccer, friendship, family, and plenty of relatable middle school drama, there’s a lot to love about this new book.
Dream Big by Shannon Hale, illustrated by Marcela Cespedes, 2026 * GRAPHIC NOVEL
(Ages 10 and up)
In this follow-up to Dream On, Cassie is still trying to figure out where she fits in the complicated friendship between her best friend Vali and Stesha. When a horror movie begins filming in her neighborhood, Cassie and Vali are cast as extras, and Cassie hopes the experience will finally bring them closer again. But when Vali drops out, Cassie is left to navigate a whole new group of kids on her own and unexpectedly forms a friendship with Sky, the movie’s young star.
I love how authentically this graphic novel captures the insecurities, shifting friendships, and big emotions that come with growing up. As Cassie faces her fears and worries about making mistakes, she begins to realize that everyone has things they’re struggling with and that our mistakes don’t define who we are. Funny, heartfelt, and incredibly relatable, this is such a reassuring read for kids navigating friendship changes and all the complicated feelings that come with them.
Want more?
Find even more MIDDLE GRADE BOOKS HERE.
