Book Lists

New Middle Grade Books

Summer 2025

An Immense World (Young Readers Edition)

An Immense World (Young Readers Edition)

The New York Times bestseller now available with beautiful full-color illustrations for young readers! Explore the amazing ways animals see, hear, and feel the world, with Pulitzer Prize winner Ed Yong.

Did you know that there are turtles who can track the Earth's magnetic fields? That some fish use electricity to talk to each other? Or that giant squids evolved their enormous eyeballs to look out for whales?

The world is so ...

The Grim Adventure

The Grim Adventure

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING SERIES • Return to Fern’s School for Wayward Fae—where students are part human and part magical. In book 2, one demifae girl discovers that Death itself has Fern's students in sight. . . .

A girl who's trapped in another realm. Her school, full of the peculiarly magical. And a hunt for Death itself. . . .

The month leading up to one’s thirteenth birthday can be exciting...

Tidemagic: Ista Flit and the Impossible Key

Tidemagic: Ista Flit and the Impossible Key

In book two of this middle-grade fantasy trilogy, Ista Flit -- a daring heroine with the magical ability to look like anyone she's ever seen -- must help her father escape from an enchanted trap.

In her first adventure, Ista Flit and her friends saved the town of Shelwich from a monstrous foe—but her father is still missing. 

She has a new clue though: a key, engraved with mysterious symbols, and a note saying "any door w...

Spellbinders: Overpowered

Spellbinders: Overpowered

Rewrite the rules of the game in the next installment of this hilarious and epic illustrated series about a middle schooler whose gaming fantasies become his reality.

"My favorite new fantasy series.”
—Max Brallier, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Last Kids on Earth series

After the universe-altering events of his last adventure, Ben Whitlock is trapped in an endless magical nap, and nobody across ...

Kickturn

Kickturn

Lindy has gotten used to life on the road in her parents refurbished school bus. But when the bus breaks down in San Jose, will she finally get to meet her skateboarding idol—and maybe the chance to put down roots, too? This illustrated coming of age novel explores the importance of trying new things and the community you find when you do.

Lindy doesn't love living a nomadic life with her influencer parents in their renovated RV-scho...

AJ Torres and the Treasure of Captain Grayshark

AJ Torres and the Treasure of Captain Grayshark

A swashbuckling tale of friendship, courage, and ghost pirates! Join twelve-year-old AJ and his friends on an epic adventure to find the long lost treasure of Captain Grayshark.

When AJ and Jayden discover a gold coin washed up on the shore of Miami after a hurricane, they think it might be the answer to all of their problems.They suspect the dingy old coin may be part of the long lost treasure of Captain Grayshark, whose loot was valued i...

Bubblegum Shoes: The Case of the Contraband Closet

Bubblegum Shoes: The Case of the Contraband Closet

When a stock-pile of confiscated classroom items go missing, (self-appointed) seventh grade PI Maya is on the case. From the New York Times bestselling author of Kill the Boy Band comes a whip-smart middle grade debut and the start of a sharp cul-du-sac crime-solving series.

9:48 AM. Math class. Marlowe Middle School.

Life isn't easy on the streets, er, hallways of Marlowe Middle School. Luckily, private eye Maya Men...

The Extremely Embarrassing Life of Lottie Brooks

The Extremely Embarrassing Life of Lottie Brooks

Bestselling author Katie Kirby captures the humorous and heart-felt antics of Lottie Brooks, an 11-year-old who is in for one long--and embarrassing--year if she can't learn to laugh at life's little mistakes.

A Warning to Future Readers:

Hi, I'm Lottie Brooks! I'm 11 (and 3/4) years old and this is my diary. Before you read, though, you should be warned. This book is going to include mortifying moments like bra shopping with...

The Dog Who Made It Better

The Dog Who Made It Better

Dr. Blob may not be a doctor but he is a dog with a very important job...it might even include saving a life or two. An uplifting tale of hope, healing, and the power of family to overcome grief.

Dr. Blob has the best life a dog could ask for. He eats and he sleeps and he plays. He loves his family and they love him back. Life is pretty perfect.

Then the Very Bad Thing happens. Suddenly life doesn't seem so perfect and D...

Way Off Base

Way Off Base

Is Area 51’s cover blown?! Sky and her otherworldly friends scramble to protect its secrets when a UFO goes missing in the fourth installment of this laugh-out-loud, Edgar Award-nominated series for young readers.

For the first time since Sky got to Area 51, things seem to be under control. No bunker hideouts. No incoming space toilets. No kidnappings of beloved relatives. In fact, everyone is in a celebratory mood because a special ...

The Magic Paintbrush: The Guardian's Quest

The Magic Paintbrush: The Guardian's Quest

In the second book of this epic fantasy series, eleven year old Amy's malfunctioning paintbrush accidentally paints a portal to a mythical world! But when she discovers that the paintbrush is running out of power, Amy must undergo a Trial to prove her worth as the guardian of the magic paintbrush.

“Gorgeous and gripping, The Magic Paintbrush swoops readers off on rip-roaring fantasy adventure that unfurls like a magnificent sc...

The Library of Unruly Treasures

The Library of Unruly Treasures

The Borrowers meets Matilida in this funny, winning story of a girl who finds herself an unlikely hero when she stumbles upon a big secret about little creatures. The latest book from the National Book Award winning author of the Penderwicks series.

Gwen MacKinnon's parents are dreadful. Truly, deeply, almost impressively dreadful. So Gwen's not upset at all when she's foisted onto her never-before-seen Uncle Matthew for...

Ride or Die

Ride or Die

A sleepover at an amusement park turns into a night of terror in this scary middle school read  from the New York Times bestselling author of Mine and Camp Scare.

Tonight is Brie’s chance to finally be accepted by the Ems—the most popular girls at school. If she can just keep one potentially reputation-ending secret under wraps, she’ll have the best night of her life, screaming on scary rides and...

The Memory Spinner

The Memory Spinner

A luminous fantasy debut about a young girl who must choose between staying immersed in a magical past with her deceased mother, or saving those she loves most in the complicated, yet real present. A JLG SELECTION!

Since her mama died, thirteen-year-old Lavender has a disastrous memory problem. She forgets her lessons with her papa, an apothecary. She develops elaborate evasions to hide her lack of memory of the&nb...

Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Destiny

Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Destiny

A cross-country road trip takes a turn for the weird when 10-year-old Ben discovers a stowaway in the family camper! Hijincks hit the gas as two besties go the distance to save their friendship in this funny, heartfelt middle grade caper.

Ben Yokoyama is not moving to California. But his parents seem to think otherwise. It's a great opportunity, they say, never mind that Ben will have to leave his best friend Janet behind—poss...

The Lost Women of Science

The Lost Women of Science

From the popular Lost Women of Science podcast, comes an empowering collection that recognizes ten trailblazing female scientists whose lives and works have been lost to history...until now. Uncover the truth behind some of the world's greatest accomplishments—and the women who made it happen.

For far too long, women in science have been overlooked. But despite the missing pages from the history books, these remarkable ladies conduct...

Grin

Grin

Full of chills and twists, a twelve-year-old boy is thrilled that he'll get to play endless games at his family’s arcade, but soon realizes he’s in the fight of his life when he’s forced to save himself and his possessed Uncle from a sinister video game.

Danny is spending a week with his Uncle Bill who runs a massive retro arcade called PixelWorks. His only plan is to play as many games as possible from open to close...

Sweet Valley Twins: The New Girl

Sweet Valley Twins: The New Girl

New kid means new problems for Sweet Valley Twins, Jessica and Elizabeth. When a not-so-nice transfer student arrives the girls must decide if they'll give her a chance or give her the cold shoulder! The fun and drama continues in this New York Times bestselling graphic novel series!

When a new girl moves to Sweet Valley, the Wakefields are ready to welcome her to town -- unfortunately for Jessica and Elizabeth, Brooke Dennis seems ...

Camp Frenemies

Camp Frenemies

From an acclaimed cartoonist comes a frenemies-to-friends graphic novel about the trials and tribulations of three preteen girls and cabinmates at sleepaway camp. Perfect for fans of Guts and Real Friends!

It's only one week of camp and then never again . . . right?

Beatrice, Roxy, and Virginia have conquered sixth grade, and now they’re ready for the next big milestone: their first week at sleepaway cam...

On Guard!

On Guard!

Grace is trying to find her footing in 7th grade, but between a best friend break up and her rocky relationship with her mom, it isn't easy. Is the middle school fencing club the answer to finding her people...and maybe even herself?

On guard? Ready? Fence!

Grace isn’t ready for a new school year. Her best friend Ava dropped her at the end of last year, the dust is still settling from her parents’ messy divorce, and thin...

Stitch Head: The Graphic Novel

Stitch Head: The Graphic Novel

A lonely boy must defend his fellow monsters, home, and absent-minded mad scientist dad from an angry mob and an evil carnival proprietor in this macabre and zany coming-of-age story!

Stitch Head was the first creation to be born-- and the first to be forgotten.

He's the adorably monstrous creation of Professor Erasmus Erasmus, a man who has breathed life into over three hundred creatures with all manner of fangs, tails, and eyes. B...

Sugar Shack

Sugar Shack

For one city-kid turned country girl whose life has been changing nonstop, it seems like its finally time to find her place in her new blended family while settling in for the winter! Cozy up to the final volume of the heartfelt and acclaimed Peapod Farm series!

Jen couldn't be more excited to spend time onPeapod Farms with her step-sisters, Andy and Reese. For months, Jen has been so focused on trying to figure out how she fits into her n...

School Dance

School Dance

Get ready to brave the most intimidating event of all time—the middle school dance—easier said than done for Milo, who is convinced he can't dance because he's cursed. Another yearbook-worthy graphic novel from the creator of the Brinkley Yearbook series and bestselling Picture Day!

Milo wants to get excited for the school dance, but he can’t—because he’s cursed. Every time he tries to dan...

When You Reach Me

When You Reach Me

"Like A Wrinkle in Time (Miranda's favorite book), When You Reach Me far surpasses the usual whodunit or sci-fi adventure to become an incandescent exploration of 'life, death, and the beauty of it all.'" —The Washington Post

This Newbery Medal winner that has been called "smart and mesmerizing," (The New York Times) and "superb" (The Wall Street Journal) will appeal to readers of all types, especia...

The Gatehouse Mystery: Trixie Belden

The Gatehouse Mystery: Trixie Belden

Trixie Belden and her best friend Honey are exploring an old gatehouse when they unearth a diamond hiding in the dirt. Has a jewel thief come to Sunnyside? No secret can stay buried long when detective Trixie Belden is on the case!

Trixie Belden loves to investigate, and this time, she and her best friend, Honey, have their sights set on the old run-down gatehouse. No one has touched the building in years, making it the perfect headquarter...

The Mysterious Visitor: Trixie Belden

The Mysterious Visitor: Trixie Belden

There's a new face in Sleepyside, and Trixie Belden is sure this stranger is up to no good. Too bad no one else believes her. But if anyone get can to the truth of this visitor's true motives, it's detective Trixie!

Trixie Belden hasn’t talked to Diana Lynch in a long time—not since her family got incredibly rich…and snobby. But when Trixie and her best friend, Honey, spot Diana looking a little down, Trixie knows it is ...

The Red Trailer Mystery: Trixie Belden

The Red Trailer Mystery: Trixie Belden

Trixie Belden's best friend Jim ran away before anyone could tell him that he is the heir to a major fortune. Secrets shift into high gear when Trixie and her friends set off on a road trip to find Jim--and uncover another mystery along the way!

When Trixie Belden’s friend Jim runs away, she and her neighbor Honey jump in an RV and hit the road. Someone has to tell Jim he inherited a fortune—but he needs to be around to ...

The Secret of the Mansion: Trixie Belden

The Secret of the Mansion: Trixie Belden

Trixie Belden first appeared more than 50 years ago in The Secret of the Mansion, which was followed by 38 more adventures as generations of readers grew up with teenage detective Trixie and her mystery-solving friends. Now, Trixie is back with a fresh look and ready to charm a new band of sleuths!

Trixie Belden is bracing for one boring summer. Her lucky older brothers are away at camp, so she is stuck babysitting. But when ...

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