Middle Grade Fiction
Looking for the best Middle Grade fiction? We’ve got you covered with this list of fiction book for tweens!
But don’t think these are only novels for tweens, as adults, we love reading these types of books. They are filled with heart, good messages, and hysterical scenes.
So dive into this list of middle grade fiction and tell us which books are your favorite!
*The middle grade fiction post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Coming of Age Middle Grade Fiction
Ghost
Author: Jason Reynolds
Year: 2017
Genre: Fiction
Age: 10 – 12
More info: A National Book Award Finalist for Young People’s Literature
Plot
Ghost runs and has been running since he was a small child. He started running when his father chased him down to the street with a loaded gun and he has not stopped since.
Now, he has been chosen for an elite track team that could go to the Junior Olympics if Ghost can get his act together. He has natural, raw talent that can send him all the way if he can stop his past from catching up to him.
Trigger Warnings
Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Bullying
Why Jackie loves it
This realistic fiction is are a hard, but wonderful read. It is a great story for developing empathy in children. Ghost is a marvelous character. Like all of Jason Reynold’s sports books – this will pull in even the most reluctant of readers.
Find this book in: Best Books for 12-year-olds / Realistic Fiction for Kids / Best Middle Grade Fiction
Plot
The story revolves around Jaime who, after doing something bad at school, is doing community service hours at the library for the summer. Jaime is reluctant to volunteer at first but quickly grows to love the staff and regulars at the library.
Why Kirsten loves it
I read this as a read-aloud with both of my children (boys 6-8) even though it’s technically a Middle Grade book. We adored this charming tale so much that we stayed up to late reading it together.
Find this book in: Realistic Fiction Books / Best Books for 11-year-olds / Middle Grade Books for Tweens / Middle Grade Fiction
Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly
This novel for tweens was a Newberry Award winner for a reason. It gave the mom in me a bit of an anxiety attack when one of the characters fell down the well, but all’s well that ends well.
This tween book is a read that I’d recommend for all ages. In particular, I liked how it addressed bullying, being different, and overcoming shyness.
Pay Attention, Carter Jones
Author: Gary D. Schmidt
Year: 2019
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 8 – 12
Plot
My son adored Pay Attention, Carter Jones. He loved the premise of the butler coming over to teach Carter to play cricket. He liked how Carter learned about how to be a gentleman from the butler who is strict, but exactly what the family needs during their troubling time.
Why Kirsten loves it
My son has recommended this story to a few of his friends already and my mom even read it and enjoyed it! It’s a heartfelt, thought-provoking read in all the best ways. It’s a perfect coming-of-age story.
Find this book in: Middle Grade Books for Tweens / Best Books for 11-year-olds / Realistic Fiction / Middle Grade Fiction
Spy Novels for Tweens
Spy School by Stuart Gibbs
The first book in Gibbs’s series is about Ben Ripley, a child CIA agent trying to defeat the evil organization Spyder. As he attends the secret junior CIA boarding school, he gets into loads of situations that put his espionage skills to good use.
Ben and his fellow agents tackle a new problem in each book of the series. They take place at various new locations as the series progresses. It’s already 10 books deep.
City Spies by James Ponti
MI6 has recruited a bunch of kids to be their newest spy group – the City Spies. They attend boarding school while learning various spy tactics.
Soon they get to go on a mission to Paris to put what they learned into action. Subsequent books take place in San Francisco and Beijing. At this point, this series of middle grade fiction is on our pre-order series list.
The Van Gogh Deception by Deron R. Hicks
The first in a series of middle grade novels, this first story captured the attention of my D.C.-obsessed son. After all, it opens in the National Gallery when a boy wakes up with amnesia.
Described as Dan Brown meets Jason Bourne, it lives up to those clever titles. It’s a fast-paced art caper that will keep your tween fully engrossed. It’s the first in a must-read series of fiction books for tweens.
Greetings from Witness Protection!
Author: Jake Burt
Year: 2018
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 9 – 12
Plot
What a fun story about an orphan girl tasked by the U.S. Marshalls to keep a family alive. As she enters into witness protection with them, she puts her street smarts and pick-pocketing abilities to good use.
But can she keep her new family safe? Will she be able to hide from her own past? All while avoiding any C’s in school… You’ll just have to read this tween mystery book to find out.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a fun and unique story that will entertain even the pickiest reader. It’s a great audiobook for family road trips too!
Find this book in: Realistic Fiction Books / Books for 12-year-olds / Mystery Books for Tweens
School Novels for Tweens
The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez
Author: Jasminne Paulino
Year: 2025
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 10 – 14
Plot
Neurodivergent Alex has been in an SC classroom since 3rd grade. Now a seventh grader, Alex desperately wants to take classes outside his classroom, with the rest of the seventh grade. But not just any class, SCIENCE class.
Alex advocates for himself, learns to tolerate a bully, and navigates middle school when he is allowed to finally study his favorite subject. Written entirely in prose from Alex’s perspective, this is a story unlike any other.
Why Kirsten loves it
This shorter story is perfect for a one-sitting read, especially for reluctant readers. The prose make it incredibly readable too, but the highlight is the insight into Alex’s mind as he advocates for the same treatment as his neurotypical peers.
Find this book in: Best Books for 10-year-olds / Best Middle Grade Fiction
Restart
Author: Gordon Korman
Year: 2018
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 10 – 12
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Plot
Chase wakes up in the hospital after falling off a roof and doesn’t remember anything- including his name. When he returns to school, he sees how the kids react to him. Some kids worship him and other kids are terrified of him. The questions become, who he was and who he wants to be.
Trigger Warnings
Bullying
Why Jackie loves it
My kids all read this realistic fiction book one after another. In fact, they passed it to each other to read so they could all discuss it.
Find this book in: Realistic Fiction / Best Books for 12-year-olds / Best Middle Grade Fiction
Plot
This realistic middle grade fiction story is so relevant to society today. The heroine of this story is a girl whose favorite book was just banned from her school library. She starts her own locker library filled with more banned books from the school’s library.
As she stands up for her right to read, she challenges adults in her community and learns about books’ power to unite everyone.
Why Kirsten loves it
With a particularly relevant message for society today, this story is a must-read for teaching children about censorship and the importance of seeking differing opinions.
Find this book in: Realistic Fiction Books / Best Books for 12-year-olds / Middle Grade Fiction / School Books / Family Audiobooks
The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl
Author: Stacy McAnulty
Year: 2019
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 9 – 12
Plot
This story is all about a 12-year-old girl who was struck by lightning and became a math wiz. She’s been homeschooled her whole life, but now her grandmother wants her to try to go to school just for one year. She has to make one friend, join one activity, and read one book that isn’t math-related. Can she do it?
Why Kirsten loves it
My 3rd-grade math lover inhaled this tween book in 2 days. He quickly asked me to get more books by this author and gobbled those up too!
Find this book in: School Books / Best Books for 9-year-olds / Middle Grade Books for Tweens / Realistic Fiction Books
Fun Middle Grade Fiction Books for Tweens
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library
Author: Chris Grabenstein
Year: 2015
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 9 – 11
More info: Mr. Lemoncello’s Library #1,
Plot
Mr. Lemoncello’s library is one of a kind. It’s full of holograms, logic puzzles, and hidden games. To officially open the new library, a few lucky kids get to spend the night inside as they try to win Mr. Lemoncello’s game and be the first team to escape.
Why Kirsten loves it
If you are looking for great bedtime stories for kids, this series will hit the mark. It will get your kids engaged with one-of-a-kid puzzles and delightful twists and turns.
Find this book in: Audiobooks for Kids / Netflix Book Adaptations / Middle Grade Mysteries / Books for 10-year-olds / Read Aloud Books / Best Puzzle Books
The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise
Author: Dan Gemeinhart
Year: 2019
Genre: Fiction
Age: 9-12
More info: Coyote Sunrise #1
Plot
Coyote Sunrise lives with her Dad, Rodeo on an old school bus, riding around the country but never returning to where her mother and sisters died.
Until Coyote gets a call from her grandma that the park where she hid a memory box is scheduled to be torn down. Soon Coyote needs to figure out a plan to get her dad back to Washington before she loses that box.
Trigger Warnings
Child death, Death of parent, Grief
Why Kirsten loves it
Filled with life lessons and charming strangers they meet and transport along the way, I adored Coyote and her unique life. My kids listened with me too and they felt the same way.
Find this book in: Realistic Fiction / Audiobooks for Kids / Audiobooks for a Road Trip / Coming-of-Age Books for Teens / Best Books for a 10-year-old
The Candymakers
Author: Wendy Maas
Year: 2010
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 8 – 12
More info: The Candymakers #1
Plot
I decided to read this book with my boys prior to our visit to Candytopia. It was a lovely take on life at a candy factory and felt almost like an updated version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. 4 kids are competing to win a candy-making contest to have their creation mass-produced.
Why Kirsten loves it
The candy reminded me of Wonka’s Factory, but the whimsy and fun of the book reminded me a bit of Mr. Lemoncello’s Library. There are puzzles and secrets to unfold and descriptions of delectable delights. In short, it’s a fun read-aloud story that will leave you craving the next book in the series and a closet full of chocolate.
Find this book in: Books for Tweens / Best Books for 10-year-olds / Mystery Books for Tweens / Family Audiobooks / Best Middle Grade Fiction
The Wild Robot
Author: Peter Brown
Year: 2016
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 7 – 11
More info: The Wild Robot #1
Plot
Roz the robot is stranded on an island all by herself. With no idea of how she got there or what she was created for, she has one question. Can she survive?
Soon Roz is befriending the local animals and feels at home on the island. But what happens when her past arrives on the island? This one ends on a cliffhanger, but there is a second book!
Why Kirsten loves it
This one ends on a cliffhanger, but the rest of the series is out, so you can dive right into the next one. I adored Roz and her animal friends. She reminds me of Wall-E in some ways but her surivial reminds me a bit of My Side of the Mountain, a childhood favorite!
Find this book in: Best Books for 8-year-olds / Middle Grade Fiction
Realistic Fiction Books for Tweens
The Crossover
Author: Kwame Alexander
Year: 2014
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 10 – 13
More info: Coretta-Scott King Award Winner, Newbery Medal Winner, The Crossover #1
Plot
Kwame Alexander has won many awards for his incredible prose. This tween novel, the first in a series, is no exception having won both the Newberry and The Coretta-Scott King Award. The Crossover is about Josh Bell a basketball-loving middle-schooler who also loves to rap. He learns to grow up and figure out who he is on and off the court – and especially what differentiates him from his twin brother, Jordan.
Trigger Warnings
Death of parent, Grief
Why Kirsten loves it
Kwame Alexander has won many awards for his incredible proses. This tween novel, the first in a series, is no exception having won both the Newberry and The Coretta-Scott King Award. My son and I loved this one on audiobook!
Find this book in: Best Books for 10-year-olds / Realistic Fiction Books / Middle Grade Fiction / Best Books for Tweens / Newbery Award Winners
Front Desk
Author: Kelly Yang
Year: 2019
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 9 – 11
More info: Front Desk #1, Winner of the Asian / Pacific American Award for Children’s Literature
Plot
This recently banned book tells the story of Mia and her family who are immigrants from China. Mia’s struggles to be successful in America are met with the divide between classes in her school, the racism she faces, and her family’s quest to make ends meet.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved learning from Mia and watching her problem-solve to help her family as they took over caring for the Calivista Motel. If you are looking for realistic fiction middle-grade books that skew a little younger, check out this realistic fiction book.
Find this book in: Coming-of-Age Books / Books for 10-year-olds / Audiobooks for Kids / Hotel Novels / Books about Poverty and It’s Impact
The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street
Author: Karina Yan Glaser
Year: 2018
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 7 – 12
More info: Vanderbeekers #1
Plot
This charming story is about a bi-racial family in Harlem with 5 kids who are about to lose their home before Christmas. Why? Because their reclusive landlord won’t renew their lease.
My entire family enjoyed this delightful tale of the siblings trying to win their landlord over so they don’t have to leave home. It was full of all the antics you would expect of a big family.
Why Kirsten loves it
I can’t begin to tell you how connected my family has grown to the Vanderbeekers over the course of the series. They are sweet, funny, good-natured, mischievous children – each with a personality all their own. Their antics make for incredible stories, but the heart and love at the center of the family keep me reaching for these books. This is hands down one of my favorite series for middle grade readers and the one I recommend the most often.
Why Jackie loves it
I love that the Vanderbeekers’ story normalizes city living and a bi-racial family – something that’s hard to find in many children’s book series. You will fall in love with this cast of characters and as the series progresses you’ll come to regard them as family.
Find this book in: Best Books for a 10-Year-Old / Best Family Audiobooks For Road Trips / Read Aloud Books / Realistic Fiction Books / Christmas Chapter Books / Best Middle Grade Fiction
Far From the Tree
Author: Robin Benway
Year: 2017
Genre: YA Fiction
More info: National Book Award
Age Range: 13+
Plot
This wonderful story is about Grace who was adopted at birth. When she finds herself pregnant, she puts her daughter up for adoption.
This prompts her to look for her biological mother. What she finds are two siblings that she never knew about. This is an amazing story told from multiple points of view. Even though I included it in books that make you cry, you will love every moment.
Why Kirsten loves it
This novel for tweens is the winner of the National Book Award for good reason. I adored this middle-grade fiction book. I spent half of it crying and the other half smiling.
Find this book in: Coming-of-age Books for Teens / Best Books for 13-year-olds / Feel-good Books / Books to Make You Cry / Fun Books for Teens/ Best Books About Siblings
Graphic Novels for Tweens
Roller Girl
Author: Victoria Jamieson
Illustrator: Victoria Jamieson
Year: 2015
Genre: Middle Grade Graphic Novel
Age: 8 – 11
More info: Newbery Honor Medal
Plot
Astrid and Nicole have done everything together until now. Astrid wants to go to roller derby camp. And thus begins a summer of friendship, finding yourself, perseverance, and girl power. Astrid may be strong enough to endure middle school.
Why Jackie loves it
Snag this if you are looking for a book for 11-year-olds. It’s entertaining and the pictures will engage even the most reluctant of readers.
Find this book in: Middle Grade Books for Tweens / Best Books for 9-year-olds / Best Graphic Novels of All Time / Newbery Award Winners
New Kid
Author: Jerry Craft
Illustrator: Jerry Craft
Year: 2019
Genre: Graphic Novel
Age: 9 – 12
More info: Winner of the Newbery Medal, Coretta Scott King Author Award, and Kirkus Prize for Young Readers’ Literature — New Kid #1
Plot
This is a thought-provoking story about Jordan Banks, a 7th-grade boy who wants to pursue his dream of becoming an artist. Instead, his parents send him to a prestigious private school where he is one of the few diverse students. He can’t seem to figure out where he fits in at home or at school.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Classism, Bullying
Why Jackie loves it
This graphic novel has won numerous awards and for good reason. This is a good one for kids who aren’t yet ready for Angie Thomas’s books.
Find this book in: Graphic Novels / Best Book for 12-year-olds / Best Books for Tweens / Middle Grade Fiction / Back to School Books / Newbery Award Winners
Chunky
Author: Yehudi Mercado
Illustrator: Yehudi Mercado
Year: 2021
Genre: Graphic Novel Memoir
Age: 8 – 12
Plot
Hudi is trying to figure out what sport he likes to play because he needs to lose weight. He’s trying to be healthy because of a serious illness he had as a younger kid.
He invents an imaginary friend named Chunky to help cheer him on. As he goes through sport after sport, the laughs roll in. But It’s not all fun and games, his dad loses his job and we get flashbacks of the medical problem that started his journey.
Why Kirsten loves it
My son read this graphic novel in one sitting, while I listened to him giggling on the couch. I think it’s one of the perfect middle grade books for a 10-year-old reluctant reader!
Find this book in: Best Books for 9-year-olds / Middle Grade Books for Tweens
Kristy’s Great Idea
Author: Ann M. Martin
Illustrator: Raina Telgemeier
Year: 2006
Genre: Middle Grade Graphic Novel
Age: 8 – 11
More info: The Baby-sitter’s Club #1
Plot
The babysitters are back and updated for a new generation! I love that the stories in this series have been adapted into graphic novels. The very first one, Kristy’s Great Idea, is about the formation of the Baby-Sitters Club and how the friends of the sitters developed.
Why Kirsten loves it
If you have middle schoolers, they should check out the Netflix book adaptation of this realistic fiction series. This graphic novel twist is a fun update to the series I adored when I was younger.
Find this book in: Realistic Fiction Books / Best Books for 10-year-olds / Middle Grade Fiction
Animal Fiction Books for Tweens
A Wolf Called Wander
Author: Rosanne Parry
Year: 2019
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 8 – 11
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Plot
Rosanne does a marvelous job of telling the true story of a wolf trying to survive when separated from his family. Without the protection of his pack, Swift must learn how to thrive on his own.
Swift’s journey takes him across 1,000 miles of forests, highways, and rivers with danger facing him at every turn.
Why Kirsten loves it
My family was riveted by this story when we listened on a recent family road trip. Even though this is a middle-grade book, we love this for adults as well.
Find this book in: Animal Novels / Middle-Grade Fiction / Audiobooks for Kids / Animals Books for Kids / Best Books for 10-year-olds
Plot
This coming-of-age story is about a deaf girl who is struggling to connect with her community and a whale named Blue 52 who can’t find his ocean community either. She sets out to connect with Blue 52 and along the way she finds her inner strength beautifully.
Why Kirsten loves it
This was one of the realistic fiction audiobooks for tweens I listened to with my kids and we all just adored it. I had tears streaming down my face at the end.
Find this book in: Audiobooks for Kids / Realistic Fiction / Animal Books for Kids / Best Books for 10-year-olds / Best Middle Grade Fiction
Plot
When Alice’s Aunt Polly dies, she takes her world-famous, secret pie crust recipe with her. In her will, she leaves the pie receipt to her cat, Lardo.
Who does she leave the cat to? Alice. Now, Alice and her friend have to find the recipe for happiness together in this endearing and funny book.
Why Jackie loves it
This is a realistic fiction book that every one of my children has read and loved. It’s an endearing story that has become quite the classic.
Find this book in: Realistic Fiction for Kids / Best Books for 12-year-olds / Best Middle Grade Fiction
The One and Only Ivan
Author: Katherine Applegate
Year: 2012
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 8 – 10
More info: One and Only Ivan #1
Plot
Based on the true story of Ivan, a gorilla trapped in a shopping mall, this feel-good story is one of the best family audiobooks for any road trip.
Stella, a young girl gets Ivan to start painting again and she realizes how lonely he is. Bob, a stray dog, works to help Ivan and Ruby, a baby elephant, garner the attention they need to be sent to a better home.
Trigger Warnings
Animal Cruelty
Why Jackie loves it
This book will touch your heart. Even though there are sad parts in this book, the ending will make it worthwhile. This is one of the best animal fiction books for middle grade and adults.
Find this book in: Books for 9-year-olds / Zoo Books / Family Audiobooks / Animal Novels / Audiobooks for Kids / Newbery Award Winners / Best Middle Grade Fiction
Classic Middle Grade Fiction
Bridge to Terabithia
Author: Katherine Paterson
Year: 1977
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 9 – 12
More info: Newbery Medal Winner
Plot
Jess Aarons has been practicing all summer so he can be the fastest runner in the fifth grade. And he almost is, until the new girl in school, Leslie Burke outpaces him. The two become fast friends and spend most days in the woods behind Leslie’s house, where they invent an enchanted land called Terabithia.
One morning, Leslie goes to Terabithia without Jess and a tragedy occurs. It will take the love of his family and the strength that Leslie has given him for Jess to be able to deal with his grief.
Trigger Warnings
Child Death
Why Jackie loves it
I’m pretty sure this coming-of-age tween book is required reading for everyone! This realistic fiction book set in the 70s is an award-winner for a reason.
Find this book in: Realistic Fiction Books / Middle Grade Fiction / Newbery Award Winners / Books Set in the 70s / Best Books for 9-year-olds
The Egypt Game
Author: Zilpha Neatly Snyder
Year: 1967
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 8 – 12
More info: Newbery Honor Winner
Plot
The 6 “Egyptians” play in the back lot of an antique store, dressing up, performing rituals, and speaking with Oracles. Then, a murder happens in the area and trouble comes to the lot.
Why Kirsten loves it
This middle grade fiction enchanted me as a young girl. Don’t worry, there is a happy ending to this tween mystery book and also a sequel about gypsies!
Find this book in: Middle Grade Fiction / Best Books for 10-year-olds / Mystery Books for Tweens / Newbery Award Winners / Family Audiobooks
The Penderwicks
Author: Jeanne Birdsall
Year: 2005
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 9 – 12
More info: Penderwicks #1
Plot
An imperfect family, the Penderwick family (consisting of the father, 4 daughters, and their dog) go spend their three-week summer vacation at a cottage they rented. Mrs. Tifton, a grumpy, snooty woman, and her son Jeffry own the cottage that is part of the Arundel estate.
Why Jackie loves it
The first in a realistic fiction series of 5 books about sisters, this wonderful book is perfect to read aloud at night or listen to on audio for a family road trip. All of my children loved this entire series! It’s one of my favorites to gift to new parents.
Find this book in: Chapters Books to Read Aloud / Best Books for 9-year-olds / Books About Sisters / Best Realistic Fiction Books / Best Middle Grade Fiction
Anne of Green Gables
Author: L. M. Montgomery
Year: 1908
Genre: Classic
Age: 10+
More info: Anne of Green Gables #1
Plot
I was immediately drawn to Anne upon first reading this story. She is smart, precocious, and has a way of making everyone love her while simultaneously finding new ways to get into trouble.
Anne is an orphan sent to live with siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert who wanted a male orphan to help them on the farm. Anne was sent to them instead. She is bright, loquacious, and wins their hearts.
Why Kirsten loves it
I cherish this entire book series and the TV miniseries inspired by it. I vividly remember watching Megan Follows as Anne completely transfixed. I was so enamored, that I remember asking my grandmother to get me the books to read!
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of my all-time favorite books. Something is comforting about this cozy book that makes me read it repeatedly. It is a beautiful book about friendship and found family. Because of this book, I hope to visit Prince Edward Island one day.
Find this book in: Coming-of-Age Books / Friendship Books / Realistic Fiction / Books with Green in the Title / Fun Books for Teens / Classic Novels / Best Middle Grade Fiction
Historical Fiction Novels for Tweens
Stella and the Starlight
Author: Sharon M. Draper
Year: 2016
Genre: Middle Grade Historical Fiction
Age: 10 – 12
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Plot
This historical fiction novel for 11-year-olds takes place during the Depression era. Stella lives in Bumblebee, North Carolina, in the segregated South, where the Klan still exists.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Hate Crimes
Why Jackie loves it
The book touches upon so many important concepts like the Depression, voting rights, racism, family, and finding your inner strength. This middle grade fiction has a realistic ending, not a happy one and that left my daughter begging to read more.
Find this book in: Realistic Fiction / Books for 12-year-olds / Middle Grade Fiction
The Parker Inheritance
Author: Varian Johnson
Year: 2018
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 9 – 12
More info: Coretta Scott King Author Honor Winner
Plot
Two new friends, both overcoming personal struggles, end up on a hunt to find a hidden fortune in the town of Lambert, South Carolina. Along the way, they encounter the racist past of the city and learn how the deep-rooted racism impacted Lambert long-term.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
The Parker Inheritance was such a fun listen! It reminded me of The Westing Game, which it references frequently and was clearly a source of inspiration in the best way. I loved the modern twist and more thought-provoking spin on the classic puzzle mystery book. It’s a must-listen and one of my favorite audiobooks for tweens!
Find this book in: Best Books for 11-year-olds / Middle Grade Books for Tweens / Best Middle Grade Fiction
Echo
Author: Pam Muñoz Ryan
Year: 2015
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 10 – 12
More info: Newbery Honor Book, New York Times Bestseller, Children’s Literature Legacy Award Winner
Plot
The story is three tales woven together in one with a magical harmonica at the center. The story follows a harmonica as it lands in the hands of Freidrich in Germany, Mike in Pennsylvania, and Ivy in California.
Part fairy tale and part historical fiction, this is one story that is amazing for middle grade and adults alike. Each child has their own adventure but the end brings the three stories together in a beautiful way.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Antisemitism
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s not often that I find myself contemplating a middle grade story long after I have finished it, but I have thought of this one many times in the years since I read it. My children loved it just as much as I did when we listened to it during a road trip.
Why Jackie loves it
I listened to this feel-good book and it blew me away. The full-cast audiobook plays music so it is a full sensory experience. In our opinion, this story is best in audiobook format.
Find this book in: World War II Books for Kids / Magical Realism Books / Books for 11-Year-Olds / Audiobooks for Kids / Novels About Music / Newbery Award Winners / Best Middle Grade Fiction / Family Audiobooks
The War That Saved My Life
Author: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Year: 2015
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age: 9+
More info: The War That Saved My Life #1, Newbery Honor Book, Winner of the Schneider Family Book Award
Plot
Ada is a 10-year-old girl who lives in a one-room world gazing at the world from one window. She was born with a club foot and teaches herself to walk in secret. When the children who lived in London were evacuated to the country at the start of WW2, Ada escapes her abusive mother and leaves London with her little brother.
Ada thrives in the countryside on Susan’s farm and watching her grow is a pleasure. As Susan bonds with Ada and her brother, she starts to wonder what will happen when she returns to London.
Trigger Warnings
War, Child Abuse
Why Jackie loves it
I read this realistic fiction book in a few hours and immediately ordered the sequel The War I Finally Won. It is a story of love and survival in the face of overwhelming obstacles that is emotionally crafted and brilliantly written.
Find this book in: WWII Books for Kids / Coming-of-Age Books for Teens / Best Books for 9-year-olds / Newbery Award Winners
Did you find any middle grade fiction for your to-read list?
Ultimate List of Middle Grade Books for Tweens
For more non-fiction, fantasy, and fiction books for tweens. Head to this post!
