What’s New For March- Middle Grade Books

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A new month is upon us and that can only mean one thing. New. Books. Are. Coming. And wow are they fantastic! Staring this past January I decided that every month I was going to put together a list of the top 5 or 6 books that I had my eye on for the following month. Since then I have been putting together Reels on Instagram…because that is apparently how we share content on “The Gram” these days. But, I also want to start sharing here as well. I feel like over here on the blog I am able to use more words and share more about each book…which you know gives me so much joy! So…let’s just jump in with March! There are a TON of new Middle-Grade titles “dropping” this month…do we still say dropping? Anyway…here is what is new for March in Middle-Grade Books!

New From Here by Kelly Yang

First up we have New From Here by Kelly Yang. Publishing today, March 1st, New From Here is a story that brings to light the skyrocketing rise of racism that occured during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Ten year old Knox lives in Hong Kong. When Covid hits, his mom decides to move the family to California. Not only does Knox have to deal with the difficulty of starting a new school, but he also has to deal with students who think that because he is from China that he must have brought the virus with him. To throw a few more logs on the fire, Knox’s father is still in Hong Kong and isnt able to rejoin his family and then Knox’s mom loses her job. This promises to be such a wonderful and super relevant book. Read more about it here.

The School for Whatnots by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Next up we have another March 1st release. The School For Whatnots by Margaret Peterson Haddix. Haddix is the author of many books, including a fave of ours, The Greystone Secrets series. The School For Whatnots is going to be a suspenseful page-turner…which Haddix does brilliantly! This is a story about humanity and identity. Max finds a note under his keyboard that says, “No matter what anyone tells you, I’m real“. Max knows that it is written by his friend Josie…but he just doesn’t understand why or how…or what it means. You see, Josie disappeared the summer after fifth grade. Max has to set out to find Josie. As it turns out, Josie is also looking for Max…but there are some forces at work trying to keep them apart. But why? Read more about it here.

Those Kids From Fawn Creek by Erin Entrada Kelly

Next up we have Those Kids From Fawn Creek by Newbery Award winner author Erin Entrada Kelly. Publishing on March 8th, this a story about friendship, family, and being true to yourself. Fawn Creek is one of those small towns where everyone knows everyone. The 7th grade has 12 kids. They have been together their entire lives and have settled into their little groups. Every day is just like the day before…until Orchid Mason arrives. She was born in New York and most recently lived in Paris. To say she is quite a bit different than the kids of Fawn Creek would be a bit of an understatement. So, how will Orchid fit in? Which group will she belong to? To read more about it click here.

The Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill

March 8th is bringing us yet another release by a Newbery award winning author! Kelly Barnhill, author of The Girl Who Drank the Moon, releases her latest book, The Ogress and the Orphans on March 8th as well! This is the story of Stone-in-the-Glen, a lovely little town that has recently fallen on hard times. There have been fires and floods that have caused the town to lose its libraries and schools. But the people of the town have put faith in their mayor, the Brave Dragon Slayer, to save the day. They are so dazzled by this mayor that they arent seeing the problems in their town. The children and their dear Ogress friend can see where the problem lies. One day an orphan goes missing and the mayor blames the Ogress. The chilren know there is no way their kind friend could have had anything to do with this…but how can they convince the townspeople of her goodness? This is the story of love and generosity. I can’t wait to read this one. I am so enamored with the cover! Read more about it here.

A Song Called Home by Sara Zarr

Next up we have a Song Called Home which publishes on March 15th. This is award-winning author Sara Zarr’s debut middle-grade novel and it promises to be a heartwarming tale about family. It follows a young girl named Lou who has a family that doesn’t have a whole lot…but it is enough for Lou. Unfortunately, her parents have divorced, her father struggles with alcohol, and to top it all off her mother is getting remarried and Lou is being forced to move. She is being forced away from everything she has ever known. Lou quickly learns that maybe home isn’t just about a specific place, maybe it is about the people who fill your heart. Read more about it here.

Troublemaker by John Cho

Last, but most certainly not least, we have Troublemaker. Publishing on March 22nd, Troublemaker is the debut middle-grade novel by actor John Cho. Troublemaker is set at the start of the 1992 riots in Los Angeles that occurred after the Rodney King verdict. This is the story of 12 year old Jordan, a Korean-American student. Jordan is struggling. His parents have set some high expectations for him and he just keeps messing up…including a most recent suspension. After a fight with Jordan, his father leaves to check on his store. Jordan begins to worry about his dad because tensions in L.A. have reached an all-time high. He sets out to try to help protect his father. Troublemaker offers a unique Korean perspective and tackles some extremely important issues such as racism and social injustice. I am really looking forward to reading this one as well, as I can very clearly remember seeing these events unfold on the news. Boggles my mind that this time period is now considered Historical Fiction…I might be getting old. To read more about Troublemaker, click here.

For More Info

Why do I always have such a hard time narrowing down these book choices? I usually aim for 5…which usually ends up being 6..which has been reduced from at least 10. Just know that there are so many more amazing titles publishing this month! I would include them all if I could.

Wanna take a peek at the reel I created? Sure ya do! You can check it out at my other page on Instagram, The Booknerd Cafe! If you have joined us there you totally should. It is book-nerd heaven. My good friend Arlene and I share all things books. Its a delight.

Lastly, I have created a list on Amazon with all of my most anticipated reads of 2022. I will keep adding to it as the months go on. It is just easy to keep it all in once place and makes it easy for you guys to find the books I am talking about. You can find the list here.

Thank you so much for reading and for being here! What books are you looking forward this month?