Middle-Grade Books Publishing in August
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Happy last week of July, my friends! It is hard to believe that we are already coasting into another month! Are you having a good summer? Ours is going by way too fast, but having a great time! August will be here in just a couple of days so that can only mean one thing…NEW BOOKS! It is the highlight of my month to share these upcoming releases with you guys. August brings with it so many amazing new releases. Today I am sharing the 10 books that I am most looking forward to. So, without further ado…here are my top picks for Middle-Grade Books publishing in August!
The Crossbow of Destiny by Brandon Hoang
First up, and publishing on August 6th is The Crossbow of Destiny by Brandon Hoang. I am a sucker for middle-grade books that feature mythology and folklore. I don’t know that I have read ANY of them that feature Vietnamese mythology and folklore…so this is going to be a must read for me. Also…this cover is stunning and just begging to be read! Here is a quick synopsis!
Goodreads Synopsis
Author Brandon Hoang takes readers on a high-stakes adventure through Vietnam in search of an ancient magical crossbow with the power to decimate entire armies. Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson!
When Vietnamese American Freddie Lo finds herself in Vietnam for the first time since she was little, she’s not quite sure how to feel. The memories of her extended family are more like distant echoes; she has a tough time speaking Vietnamese; and she can’t help but feel like she just isn’t Vietnamese enough.
Still, this is her chance to reconnect with her family, especially her Ong ngoai — or grandfather — who is receiving a big award. That’s when Ong ngoai reveals his He knows the location of an ancient legendary crossbow, one with the power to decimate armies — and he’s hidden it away from those who intend to use its magic for evil.
But when Ong ngoai is kidnapped, it’s up to Freddie, her cousin Lien, and a mysterious boy named Duy to get to the crossbow before it ends up in the wrong hands. In this Indiana Jones-style adventure, readers will travel through Vietnam — from its seaside villages, to the swamps of the Mekong Delta, to the majestic Marble Mountains of Da Nang — as Freddie learns what it takes to be a hero.
A Bite Above the Rest by Christine Virnig
The next book, also publishing on August 6th, is A Bite Above the Rest by Christine Virnig. This book sounds like so much fun. It is set in a town where every day is Halloween. I love small town stories…and this one sounds like an even more fun spin! Here is a quick synopsis.
Goodreads Synopsis
A boy moves to a Halloween-themed town only to realize there may be more to the tourist trap than meets the eye in this fast-paced romp of a middle grade novel perfect for fans of The Last Kids on Earth and Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library !
When Caleb’s mom decides they are moving to her childhood home in Wisconsin, Caleb is not thrilled. Moving schools, states, and time zones would be bad enough, but Mom’s hometown is Samhain, a small and ridiculously kitschy place where every day is Halloween.
Caleb is not a fan of Halloween when it only happens once a year, so Halloween-obsessed Samhain is really not the place for him. How is he supposed to cope with kids wearing costumes to school every single day ? And how about the fact that the mayor is so committed to the bit that City Hall is only open from sundown to sunup to accommodate his so-called vampirism? Sure enough, Caleb becomes an outcast at school for refusing to play along with the spooky tradition like the other sixth graders. Luckily, he manages to find a friend in fellow misfit Tai, and just in time, because things are getting weird in Samhain…or make that weird er .
But there’s no way the mayor is an actual vampire, and their teacher absolutely cannot really be a werewolf—right? Caleb discovers Samhain is so much stranger than he ever could have imagined. As one of the only people who realizes what’s happening, can he save a town that doesn’t want saving?
The Legend of the Last Library by Frank L. Cole
Next up, and another August 6th publication date, is The Legend of the Last Library by Frank L. Cole. This book had me at library. Give me all the books about books! This one sounds like it is going to be full of mystery, adventure, and action and I can’t wait to read it. It also sounds like an intergenerational story which I adore!
Goodreads Synopsis
What if you lived in a world without books?
After a devastating Blight killed off all the trees, paper is worth more than just about anything. Juni’s parents died when she was young, so now it’s just her and Grandpa Edgar. When she’s not in school, Juni and her friends Doler and Quaze turn to plifting—scavenging for any paper they can find. If Juni can find enough paper, she can pay for the health care Grandpa needs.
So when Juni discovers a book—the first one she’s ever seen—hidden in a box in her grandpa’s closet, she’s both surprised and elated thinking of the money she could get for it. That all changes when she decides to read the book. Beyond opening her imagination, the book contains clues that point to what could be the last library on Earth.
The library’s location has been hidden for more than a hundred years, but Juni and her friends are not the only ones looking for it. Ullred O’Donnell, head of R&D for Novexus, a megacorporation that replaced the government and now controls all information, is desperate to find the library as well. With an army of vicious robot dogs at his command, Ullred warns Juni to abandon her quest—or else.
Juni and her friends must find the library and share it with the world before Novexus claims it as their own. If reading one book could change Juni’s life, what would access to thousands—or millions—of books do?
The Grimsbane Family Witch Hunters by Joan Reardon
Give me all the books with monsters and witches! Our next release is The Grimsbane Family Witch Hunters by Joan Reardon which publishes on August 20th. I immediately fell in love with this cover. The description also mentions that it is perfect for fans of the Netflix show Wednesday…so, take my money! Here is a synopsis to check out!
Goodreads Synopsis
Netflix’s Wednesday meets Jodi Lynn Anderson’s The Memory Thief in this creepy and high-stakes middle grade adventure about a girl’s quest to save her cursed brother that takes her through perilous, monster-filled woods.
The Grimsbane women have been hunting witches and monsters for generations—ever since the Watcher, the most powerful witch in the Midwest, cursed the Grimsbane men to die untimely and unusual deaths. Part-time skater, full-time troublemaker Anna Grimsbane may be only twelve, but she’s been learning about hunting her whole life and is tired of waiting to do the real thing. She and her twin brother Billy are about to turn thirteen, the age the curse takes hold, and Anna wants to be on the front lines fighting to break it.
Only hours before he’ll become an accident-prone walking disaster, Billy runs away to find the Watcher himself. The Grimsbane women are all out on patrol, leaving it up to Anna and her friends Suvi and Rosario to find Billy before his recklessness hastens his demise. But the woods are crawling with cryptids, most of whom hate humans, and all of whom hate the Grimsbanes, and the deeper Anna gets into the forest, the clearer it is that reading about witch hunting is no replacement for practical experience.
Anna feels in over her head, especially as she starts to suspect she knows much less about her family history than she’d thought. As she races against the clock to find Billy before midnight, it becomes all too evident that he isn’t the only Grimsbane at risk for a grisly death tonight.
Keeper of the Rend by Lisa Maxwell
I don’t mean to judge books by their covers…but loooook at it. This immediately caught my eye. It is gorgeous…but as soon as I read the synopsis I knew this was a book I wanted to read. Our next book is Keeper of the Rend by Lisa Maxwell and it also publishes on August 20th. The first words I saw when reading the synopsis were “magical realism” and “bird-loving boy”…and that was all I needed. I am going to see if I can get an early copy because I am already smitten.
Goodreads Synopsis
A heart-rending middle-grade debut steeped in magical realism about a bird-loving boy who moves to the countryside where he encounters an invasion of dangerous creatures
Xavier T. Fletcher is an odd duck—at least that’s what everyone in his sleepy little suburb seems to think. Luckily, birds happen to be the aspiring naturalist’s favorite things, so he doesn’t mind the label. But when Xavier’s father loses his job, everything changes, and his family is forced to move to his Nana Susan’s farm. There he meets Clementine, a strange, messy girl who doesn’t see him as an odd duck at all. Too bad she has the unfortunate habit of using her slingshot to hunt the birds he loves. Xavier’s not sure what to think when Clem assures him they aren’t really birds. He’s even less sure when he discovers that Clem isn’t lying.
The Night Train by Lorelei Savaryn
I get so excited when authors I adore have new releases coming out. Lorelei Savaryn is a favorite of mine, and on August 20th, she releases her newest novel, The Night Train. Absolutely gorgeous cover, and this book sounds incredible. Maddie and her twin sister Nat receive a very unusual inheritance from their ghost-hunting nana…the ability to see ghosts! This sounds eerie and perfect and I can’t wait to read it!
Goodreads Synopsis
The past has come calling in the town of Hush, and for one girl, that means facing her ghosts. Perfect for fans of the satisfyingly scary Small Spaces quartet!
Maddie Maverick likes to win. Whether it’s track team races or one-liners she delivers on her parents’ home renovation show, Maddie knows that if she puts in the work, she’ll always come out on top. But things take a turn when her ghost-hunting nana passes away, and Maddie and her twin sister, Nat, discover that Nana left them an unexpected inheritance: They can now see ghosts just like she did.
While Nat is totally on board to try to help some spirits find peace, a ghostly calling is just not Maddie’s speed. So when history comes back to haunt their town, and the story of a decades-old train crash rears its ugly head, Maddie wants nothing to do with the ghosts of days long gone. But one ghost in particular won’t go away, and Maddie might just be the only one with the power to help her—that is, if she can survive the Night Train herself.
In this eerie tale by beloved author Lorelei Savaryn, one girl’s determination to bring long-hidden secrets to light might just change her town—and herself—forever.
Kingdom of Dust by Lisa Stringfellow
If you loved Comb of Wishes by Lisa Stringfellow…you are definitely going to want to check out her newest release! Kingdom of Dust publishes on August 20th, and is a West African-inspired story. I love books that celebrate storytelling, and Kingdom of Dust promises to do just that. I can’t wait to read it!
Goodreads Synopsis
Though the land of Kun used to be lush and green, Amara has only ever known her homeland as a dry, dusty desert. When the griots vanished more than a decade ago, they took their magic with them, along with goddess Oala’s gifts of rain and plenty, leaving Kun controlled by a powerful and uncaring king. And though her foster mother, Zirachi, assures her that Kun is not under a curse, Amara can’t help but wonder if her own origin, which is shrouded in mystery, is somehow linked to the broken kingdom.
When Amara and Zirachi are attacked by the Nkume, the fearsome king’s guard, Amara must flee, leaving all that she has known behind. With nowhere to go but knowing that she is under Oala’s protection, Amara sets off to do the find the griots and save Kun before the kingdom blows away like dust.
The Skeleton Flute by Damara Allen
Our next book is another that captured my interest based on its beautiful cover. The Skeleton Flute by Damara Allen is described as the story of the pied-piper meets Sal and Gabi Break the Universe. Then a little sprinkling of Coraline. I am Here. For. All. Of. This. The Skeleton Flute publishes on August 27th and I can’t wait to get my hands on it!
Goodreads Synopsis
The legend of the Pied Piper meets Sal and Gabi Break the Universe with a touch of Coraline in this spooky and suspenseful middle grade adventure about a boy whose wish goes horribly wrong and his fight to reunite with his real family.
Sam Windsor’s parents and younger siblings, Grayson and Addie, are his whole world, so when his parents announce they’re separating, Sam is devastated. He’d do anything to make his parents change their minds and keep the family together. When a stranger offers a flute made of bone that supposedly grants the player’s wish, Sam doesn’t really believe it will work but figures he has nothing to lose.
Surprisingly, the wish on the skeleton flute comes true. The next day, his parents are happily in love, with no plans for his dad to leave. But there’s a major problem: his parents’ relationship isn’t the only thing in his life that has changed, and some of the changes are definitely for the worse.
Caught in a world full of unintended consequences and familiar strangers, Sam has limited options for returning to his old life—worries, challenges, and all. Can he track down the mysterious man who gave him the flute and undo his wish?
Amari and the Despicable Wonders by B.B. Alston
I don’t usually include books that aren’t the first in a series…in case you guys haven’t read the previous books yet…but I LOVE this series so much. If you haven’t met Amari yet…start at book 1. Amazing books by B.B. Alston. Publishing on August 27th we have book 3, Amari and the Despicable Wonders. I am so looking forward to catching up with Amari and can’t wait to read this third installment!
Goodreads Synopsis
The highly anticipated third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Supernatural Investigations series that began with Amari and the Night Brothers!
Perfect for fans of Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, and Nevermoor.
War has come to the supernatural world, and Amari’s two worst enemies are leading the charge.
Elaine Harlowe has manipulated her way into becoming prime minister, using her mind control ability to force the Bureau to take up her vicious grudge against magiciankind. Meanwhile, Dylan Van Helsing, the newly crowned leader of the League of Magicians—and Amari’s former partner—is after a destructive new power that would not only ensure the magicians’ victory . . . it would make him invincible.
With neither the Bureau nor the League safe for Amari, and her newly returned brother, Quinton, determined to keep her out of the fray, she and her friends decide to find a way to end the war on their own.
So when they learn that the only way to stop Dylan is to find powerful magical inventions known as Wonders, they go after them. But wielding these items comes at a terrible cost, and Amari will have to decide just how much she’s willing to sacrifice . . . because the Despicable Wonders will demand everything.
Not Nothing by Gayle Forman
Last, but certainly not least, is Not Nothing by Gayle Forman. This book sounds like it is going to be an upper middle-grade book…right around ages 10-12. This is another multigenerational book…and those usually tug at my heartstrings. This is the story of a young boy who is assigned to spend his summer volunteering at a senior living facility. It is here that he connects with a 107 year old resident and develops an unlikely bond. I am going to try to get an advanced copy of this book…it just sounds wonderful. Not Nothing publishes on August 27th.
Goodreads Synopsis
“The book we all need at the time we all need it.” —Katherine Applegate, Newbery Award–winning author of The One and Only Ivan In this middle grade novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Gayle Forman, a boy who has been assigned to spend his summer volunteering at a senior living facility learns unexpected lessons that change the trajectory of his life.
To say Alex has had it rough is an understatement. His father’s gone, his mother is struggling with mental health issues, and he’s now living with an aunt and uncle who are less than excited to have him. Almost everyone treats him as though he doesn’t matter at all, like he’s nothing. So when a kid at school actually tells him he’s nothing, Alex snaps, and gets violent. Fortunately, his social worker pulls some strings and gets him a job at a nursing home for the summer rather than being sent to juvie.
There, he meets Josey, the 107-year-old Holocaust survivor who stopped bothering to talk years ago, and Maya-Jade, the granddaughter of one of the residents with an overblown sense of importance. Unlike Alex, Maya-Jade believes that people care about what she thinks, and that she can make a difference. And when Alex and Josey form an unlikely bond, with Josey confiding in him, Alex starts to believe he can make a difference—a good difference—in the world. If he can truly feel he matters, Alex may be able to finally rise to the occasion of his own life.
Happy Reading!
This is far from a complete list of titles publishing in August…but they are all books I am ecstatic to read. I hope you are able to find something that you and your kids will enjoy!
Have you read any great middle-grade reads this summer?
If you missed last months selections…you can check them out here. Lots of great books!