Middle Grade Book Recommendations for Young Readers (and the Young at Heart)

Psst. Can I tell you a secret? (whispers) I *love* middle grade books.

That’s right. I may be thirty years older than the recommended age range (which is 8-12-year-olds in case you were wondering), but I’m borderline obsessed with this genre. There is something about a well-written middle-grade book that gives me all the feels—whether they make me sob into a tissue, laugh out loud, or a mix of both.

Middle grade authors masterfully tackle hard topics, using age-appropriate voice and vocabulary, casting characters into realistic and powerful moments that all of us, both young and old, can relate to. Whether you are opening a Newbery Medal winner or diving into a graphic novel, you can expect to learn more about our world in surprising ways.

The other thing I love is that the middle grade genre is a magical place where anything goes. Writing letters to a mouse princess? Yes, please! Chickens in outer space? Sign me up! City boy adventures on a rural farm? Absolutely! Historical fiction featuring a young girl determined to help her family afford electricity? Pass the tissue box!

If you are looking to grow your young reader’s summer reading list (or your own) below is a list of my favorite recent middle grade reads. Best of all, they’re all written by our very talented Storyteller Squad authors.

Happy reading!

Ophelia Starcluck and the Rebel Prince by Kristen Gwen

Ophelia heads off to the Bird Academy of Science and Technology (BAST) and she is ready to prove herself as one who is worthy of the Starcluck name. From day one, chickling Ophelia makes choices that will affect her friends and her future at BAST.

Once again, author Kristen Gwen has provided us with another feather-tastic book filled with fowl puns! With an expanded cast of characters (seriously, Chester is a hoot!), you’ll cluck and cheer on Ophelia as she works to figure out who is friend and who is foe. If you loved book #1 (Ophelia Starcluck Saves the Galaxy), I guarantee you’ll love book #2 (Ophelia Starclue and the Rebel Prince) even more!

Check out my previous ARTICLE about Ophelia Starcluck Saves the Galaxy.

Dear Mouse Princess by Candice Pedraza Yamnitz

If you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to be pen pals with a mouse, then look no further! Dear Mouse Princess is a creative epistolary-styled book that takes you through 9-year-old Veva’s attempt to befriend a sad mouse princess. Readers will adore the sassy letters exchanged, all while learning more about Princess Iza’s underground world and Veva’s family life. As time goes on, Veva, along with her brother Memo and new friend Lucy, embark on an adventure to come to Princess Iza’s aid in her time of need.

Young readers will enjoy the graphics of letters from Princess Iza under a magnifying glass and Veva’s notes with words spelled incorrectly and yes or no checkboxes, just like a young writer would do. Thought-provoking questions are provided at the end of the book to help young readers discuss the themes of kindness, friendship, and making good choices (and what to do if you make a poor choice).

Check out my previous ARTICLE on Dessi and Ky Go Poof, a kid-lit book also by Candice Pedraza Yamnitz

Bash and the Pirate Pig by Burton W. Cole

Raymond (“Beamer”) is sent to spend the summer with his cousin Sebastian (“Bash”) on his farm. The hilarity begins the moment he arrives. Laugh-out-loud events, crazy antics, and teen boy shenanigans fill every page. With chapter titles “The Slingshot and David’s Zoo” and “Secret Agent Skunk,” you know you are in for a wild ride.

Bash and the Pirate Pig also contains sweet snippets of faith and lessons of grace sprinkled throughout. This would be the perfect read-aloud book for your family. Parent Connection questions and scriptures are provided at the end for you to review with your kids to help your children apply the lessons they learn in the book.

Bash and Chicken Coop Caper and Bash and the Chocolate Milk Cows complete this hilarious three-book series.

More Than Grit by Gretchen A. Carlson

More than Grit whisks you away to a Kansas farm in the fall of 1939. Experience history through the eyes of twelve-year-old Sissy, as she navigates hardships at home, school, community, and even abroad, as the world processes the horrors happening in Europe.

Heart-warming themes of friendship, bravery, and grace are interwoven into the story. While Sissy’s life is full of challenges, you will find glimmers of joy throughout. Be sure to keep the tissue box close by, as I know I teared up more than once!

This book is based on a true story, and Carlson artfully brings it to life with her skillful writing. Provided at the end of the book is a glossary of historical references, which is very helpful for young readers to grasp this time in history. Gretchen Carlson’s website provides discussion questions and activities for each chapter, making this a perfect book for any educator.