The BEST Middle-Grade Novels!

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Hi, my name is Kelly and I am a 45 year old mother of 3 who LOVES Middle-Grade novels! Listen, I know what you’re thinking…aren’t Middle Grade books for kids? Well…technically, yes…but I personally think that they are perfect for readers of all ages. They are such an under-represented group on Bookstagram, BookTok, and Booktube…but I am here to tell you they are fabulous and you should totally add some to your TBR! My bookshelf is absolutely FULL of MG titles but I want to share 5 of my absolute favorites. If someone were to ask me what the BEST Middle-Grade novels are…these would be my top picks! Are you ready? Let’s chat!

Where The Mountain Meets The Moon by Grace Lin

When I sit down and think of books that I love…this is one of the first books that comes to mind. I have read this book 3 times. Twice by myself and once as a read-aloud with my kiddos. My copy is beat up and well loved and still full of all of the magic that I first fell in love with. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin is probably a book you have seen before…and possibly have already read. It isn’t a new book, it was published back in 2009…but it is absolutely timeless. One of the most beautifully written and illustrated books that I have ever laid eyes on. Grace Lin is an exquisite writer. This story perfectly weaves together Chinese Folklore with an amazing journey of adventure. The main character of Minli is unforgettable and you will be cheering her on through the whole book. Wonderful wonderful book. Here is a little synopsis for you.

Goodreads Synopsis

In the valley of Fruitless Mountain, a young girl named Minli spends her days working hard in the fields and her nights listening to her father spin fantastic tales about the Jade Dragon and the Old Man of the Moon. Minli’s mother, tired of their poor life, chides him for filling her head with nonsense. But Minli believes these enchanting stories and embarks on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man of the Moon and ask him how her family can change their fortune. She encounters an assorted cast of characters and magical creatures along the way, including a dragon who accompanies her on her quest.

Echo Mountain by Lauren Wolk

I absolutely adore Lauren Wolk’s books. They are so beautifully written and so full of heart. My absolute favorite of hers would have to be Echo Mountain. I received this book with a signed bookplate in one of our OwlCrate Jr boxes and I have since read it twice. It is a beautiful story of resilience and persistence. About finding your voice and carving your own path. Lauren Wolk writes absolutely amazing characters, and the main character of Ellie is no different. I love historical fiction and Echo Mountain really brings to life Depression Era Maine. Just a fantastic book. I do want to mention there are some graphic scenes describing an infected wound…so if that is something that would bother you or your kids just know that it is there. I highly recommend Lauren Wolk’s books Wolf Hollow and Beyond the Bright Sea as well. Wonderful.

Goodreads Description

A young heroine in Depression-era Maine is navigating the rocky terrain of her new life on Echo Mountain.

After the financial crash, Ellie and her family have lost nearly everything–including their home in town. They have started over, carving out a new life in the unforgiving terrain of Echo Mountain. Though her sister Esther, especially, resents everything about the mountain, Ellie has found more freedom, a new strength, and a love of the natural world that now surrounds them. But there is little joy, even for Ellie, as they all struggle with the sorrow and aftermath of an accident that left her father in a coma. An accident for which Ellie has accepted the unearned weight of blame.

Urgent for a cure to bring her father back, Ellie is determined to try anything. Following her heart, and the lead of a scruffy mutt, Ellie will make her way to the top of the mountain, in search of the healing secrets of a woman known only as “the hag.” But the mountain still has many untold stories left to reveal to Ellie, as she finds her way forward among a complex constellation of strong women spanning generations.

The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera

The next book completely caught me off guard. I am not someone who normally gravitates toward Science Fiction. It just isn’t my genre of choice. But, when this book won the Newbery Award, I knew I had to give it a try. Just take one look at that absolutely STUNNING cover…I had to grab it. I am so glad that I did. The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera ended up being one of my favorite reads of not only the year I read it…but of all time. I fell in love with this story and her writing. She writes with the most lush and vivid descriptions…I was fully immersed in the book from the very first pages. It is a book for people who love books and storytelling. The perfect blend of sci-fi, dystopian, and folklore. I couldn’t get enough. If you would like to read a full review, you can check out my blog post here.

Goodreads Description

There lived a girl named Petra Peña, who wanted nothing more than to be a storyteller, like her abuelita.

But Petra’s world is ending. Earth has been destroyed by a comet, and only a few hundred scientists and their children – among them Petra and her family – have been chosen to journey to a new planet. They are the ones who must carry on the human race.

Hundreds of years later, Petra wakes to this new planet – and the discovery that she is the only person who remembers Earth. A sinister Collective has taken over the ship during its journey, bent on erasing the sins of humanity’s past. They have systematically purged the memories of all aboard – or purged them altogether.

Petra alone now carries the stories of our past, and with them, any hope for our future. Can she make them live again?

Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed

This book absolutely stole my heart. Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed is a compelling story that will stay with you long after you finish the last page. So beautifully written and was such a moving story. This is a story about following your dreams in the face of insurmountable odds…odds many of us can never even imagine. It tackles economic class, family, indentured servitude, freedom, and the fight for an education. Amal’s story is both heartbreaking and full of hope. I can also recommend the companion book, Omar Rising, which is the story of Amal’s friend Omar. Such an amazing book as well. Here is a synopsis of Amal Unbound!

Goodreads Description

Life is quiet and ordinary in Amal’s Pakistani village, but she had no complaints, and besides, she’s busy pursuing her dream of becoming a teacher one day. Her dreams are temporarily dashed when–as the eldest daughter–she must stay home from school to take care of her siblings. Amal is upset, but she doesn’t lose hope and finds ways to continue learning. Then the unimaginable happens–after an accidental run-in with the son of her village’s corrupt landlord, Amal must work as his family’s servant to pay off her own family’s debt.

Life at the opulent Khan estate is full of heartbreak and struggle for Amal–especially when she inadvertently makes an enemy of a girl named Nabila. Most troubling, though, is Amal’s growing awareness of the Khans’ nefarious dealings. When it becomes clear just how far they will go to protect their interests, Amal realizes she will have to find a way to work with others if they are ever to exact change in a cruel status quo, and if Amal is ever to achieve her dreams.

A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat

Last, but most certainly not least is A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat. Oh how I LOVED this book. I read this once by myself and once aloud to my kids and we all were blown away by the story. Her writing is impeccable. The book is set in a Thai-inspired fantasy world and is author Christina Soontornvat’s twist on Les Miserables. It is the perfect balance between fantasy and adventure and an exploration of law and justice. We loved reading Pong’s story and I will read everything that Christina Soontornvat writes forever and always. I can also highly recommend her book The Last Mapmaker…spectacular! You can read a full review of that book here.

Goodreads Description

A boy on the run. A girl determined to find him.

All light in Chattana is created by one man — the Governor, who appeared after the Great Fire to bring peace and order to the city. For Pong, who was born in Namwon Prison, the magical lights represent freedom, and he dreams of the day he will be able to walk among them. But when Pong escapes from prison, he realizes that the world outside is no fairer than the one behind bars. The wealthy dine and dance under bright orb light, while the poor toil away in darkness. Worst of all, Pong’s prison tattoo marks him as a fugitive who can never be truly free.

Nok, the prison warden’s perfect daughter, is bent on tracking Pong down and restoring her family’s good name. But as Nok hunts Pong through the alleys and canals of Chattana, she uncovers secrets that make her question the truths she has always held dear. Set in a Thai-inspired fantasy world, and inspired by Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables.

Thank You!

Thank you so much for reading! I would LOVE to hear some of your favorite Middle-Grade books! There are so many amazing titles out there…and this is just the first 5 of my favorites! I am hoping to publish a lot more blog posts this year dedicated to Middle-Grade!

If you are looking for some Middle-Grade books featuring STRONG young women…check out this post I wrote last year. These are all phenomenal books!

If there are any particular books you would like to see reviews of just drop a comment here or send me a message!

Happy Reading!