Middle Grades
*Little Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, illustrated by Joe Sutphin
By Megan Saben |
A classic Christmas story of an old sinner who finds redemption through visits from four spirits who convict him of his worldly wretchedness. Little Christmas ...
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A Kid’s Guide to the Night Sky by John A. Read
By Janie Cheaney |
A Kid’s Guide to the Night Sky provides young stargazers with a handy and accessible primer. A Kid’s Guide to the Night Sky: Simple Ways ...
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Frindle and The Frindle Files by Andrew Clements
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Frindle Files brings Nicholas Allen, from Frindle fame, back into the limelight in this lively follow-up for middle grade readers. Frindle by Andrew Clements. ...
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*One Long Line by Loree Griffin Burns
By Janie Cheaney |
One Long Line illustrates the scientific method through the simple observance of one species of caterpillars. *One Long Line: Marching Caterpillars and the Scientists Who ...
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You’re the Boss by Brian Weisfeld and Bonnie Bader
By Janie Cheaney |
You’re the Boss is a quick but comprehensive guide to for entrepreneurial kids interested in starting a business. You’re the Boss: A Kid’s Ultimate Guide ...
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Answers to Dog by Pete Hautman
By Janie Cheaney |
In Answers to Dog, an abused border collie finds a home and a boy finds a friend--multiple friends. Answers to Dog by Pete Hautman. Candlewick, ...
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Art All around Us by Xiao Situ
By Janie Cheaney |
Art All Around Us introduces young readers to the nearly infinite variety of art and its meaning in ordinary life. Art All around Us: A ...
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Who Built That? Bridges by Didier Cornille
By Betsy Farquhar |
Who Built That? Bridges is a clever picture book-in-translation that illustrates ten famous bridges and the construction process and engineers behind them. Who Built That? ...
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*Big Book of Math by Katherine Hannon
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Big Book of Math is a timeline book absolutely filled with mathematical figures, faces, and facts, all situated within the context of a biblical ...
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*The Hotel Balzaar by Kate DiCamillo
By Janie Cheaney |
In The Hotel Balzaar, Kate DiCamillo continues her magical Norendy Tales series with intriguing hints of further connections. *The Hotel Balzaar (A Norendy Tale) by ...
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Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell
By Janie Cheaney |
Impossible Creatures takes readers on an unforgettable quest to re-enchant an imaginary world—that may not be as imaginary as it seems. Impossible Creatures by Katherine ...
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The Found Boys by S. D. Smith
By Janie Cheaney |
The “Found Boys” find trouble in their West Virginia small town, but also deepen their understanding of grace and forgiveness. The Found Boys by S. ...
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Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody by Patrick Ness
By Janie Cheaney |
Zeke, a “Lizard Nobody” in his own opinion (as well as an actual lizard) learns to stand up for himself in this hilarious and heartfelt ...
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Between Flowers and Bones by Carolyn Leiloglou
By Janie Cheaney |
Between Flowers and Bones continues The Restorationists adventure series, in which members of a family are gifted with the ability to travel through works of ...
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Spirit Sleuths by Gail Jarrow
By Janie Cheaney |
Spirit Sleuths wraps ghosts, mediums, seances, scams, and Houdini in a fascinating true tale. Spirit Sleuths: How Magicians and Detectives Exposed the Ghost Hoaxes by ...
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Rosa by Starlight by Hilary McKay
By Janie Cheaney |
Rosa by Starlight is a sweet story of an orphan finding her way home, with the help of a host of sympathetic cats. Rosa by ...
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*Shakespeare’s First Folio: All the plays, a children’s edition
By Megan Saben |
Shakespeare's First Folio is a wonderful introduction to the plays, suitably shortened for children, a gorgeous addition to any home library. *Shakespeare's First Folio: All ...
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*The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
By Megan Saben |
A wild robot explores an island and learns more than how to survive nature from the animals; she develops relationships and makes it home. A ...
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*Evangelical Heroes by Joel Beeke and Douglas Bond
By Janie Cheaney |
Evangelical Heroes presents famous and lesser-known Christian role models throughout the modern era. *Evangelical Heroes, Vol. 1 and 2 by Douglas Bond and Joel Beeke. ...
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Out of My Dreams by Sharon Draper
By Janie Cheaney |
Melody Brooks, a 13-year-old with cerebral palsy, concludes her trilogy by stepping onto a global stage in Out of My Dreams. Out of My Dreams ...
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Radar and the Raft by Jeff Lantos
By Janie Cheaney |
Radar and the Raft traces the invention of Radar through the harrowing story of a missionary family torpedoed and rescued during World War II. Radar ...
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The Best This World Can Do: Thoughts about “Not Nothing” by Gayle Forman
By Janie Cheaney |
Christian book reviewers face certain challenges. We could review only Christian books and be reasonably assured that we won’t run into glaring content problems like ...
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The Sherlock Society by James Ponti
By Janie Cheaney |
The Sherlock Society kicks off a fun mystery series by popular MG author James Ponti. The Sherlock Society (#1) by James Ponti. Aladdin (Simon & ...
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The Science of Friendship by Tanita S. Davis
By Janie Cheaney |
In The Science of Friendship, an 8th-grade girl takes an analytical approach to keeping friends and discovers some important truths about herself. The Science of ...
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Growing Up under a Red Flag by Ying Chang Compestine
By Janie Cheaney |
Growing Up under a Red Flag introduces China’s Cultural Revolution in a way picture-book readers can understand. Growing Up under a Red Flag: A Memoir ...
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Jack Zulu and the Girl with the Golden Wings by S. D. Smith
By Betsy Farquhar |
Jack Zulu and the Girl with the Golden Wings is an exhilarating installment in the Jack Zulu series, but it will leave you wanting more! ...
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The Minor Miracle by Meredith Davis
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Minor Miracle is a light-hearted, fun read with lots of heart, perfect for fans of comic books, superheroes, and friends. The Minor Miracle: The ...
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*Joni Eareckson Tada by Kristyn Getty
By Janie Cheaney |
A new biography of Joni Eareckson Tada for kids demonstrates how anyone can honor God no matter the circumstances. *Joni Eareckson Tada: The Girl Who ...
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Mama’s Chicken and Dumplings by Dionna L. Mann
By Janie Cheaney |
Mama’s Chicken and Dumplings features a winsome protagonist trying her hand at parental matchmaking. Mama’s Chicken and Dumplings by Dionna L. Mann. Holiday House/Margaret Ferguson ...
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The Legend of the Last Library by Frank L. Cole
By Janie Cheaney |
The Legend of the Last Library pictures a dystopian future without books or paper, and one intrepid reader who holds the key to restoration. The ...
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*The Wilderking Trilogy by Jonathan Rogers (20th anniversary editions)
By Betsy Farquhar |
Aidan, fifth son of a Lord of Corenwald, befriends Feechies, defeats a giant, and leads a loyal group of followers in the Wilderking Trilogy, a ...
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*Ben Washington Is the Newbie on the Block by Jasmine Mullen
By Janie Cheaney |
Young Ben Washington, the star of this new middle-grade series, is funny, flawed, and fully relatable. *Ben Washington Is . . . the Newbie on ...
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The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry
By Hayley Morell |
A sweet middle-grade historical fiction recounting some of the Luminous Life of Lucy Landry, an Ojibwe orphan. The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry, Anna Rose ...
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Faker by Gordon Korman
By Janie Cheaney |
In Faker, a boy faces critical ethical questions involving his own immediate family. Faker by Gordon Korman. Scholastic, 2024, 214 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ...
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Majestica by Sarah Tolcser
By Janie Cheaney |
Majestica takes readers on a thrill ride through a wildlife park filled with magical creatures. Majestica by Sarah Tolcser. G.P. Putnam’s Sons (PRH), 2024, 307 ...
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Uprising by Jennifer A. Nielsen
By Janie Cheaney |
Uprising is the story of a Polish girl’s experience of World War II, based on the experiences of a real-life teenage resistance fighter. Uprising by ...
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The Treasure by Marty Machowski
By Megan Saben |
Two children living on a Greek island discover a sealed clay pot containing two scrolls and a book. A treasure hunt, a ship, special coins, ...
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Wander Lost by Laura Martin
By Janie Cheaney |
Wander Lost features hidden worlds within a variety of board games, and twin brothers launched on a desperate rescue mission. Wander Lost by Laura Martin. ...
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The Secret Language of Birds by Lynne Kelly
By Hayley Morell |
A neurodivergent tween finds friends and makes an amazing discovery at summer camp. The Secret Language of Birds, Lynne Kelly, Delacorte Press, 2024. 240 Pages ...
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Evan Miller Is Waking Down by Jerel Law
By Betsy Farquhar |
Evan Miller Is Waking Down ... and dreamwalking in this inventive dystopian series opener for middle schoolers. Evan Miller Is Waking Down by Jerel Law. ...
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And Then, Boom! by Lisa Fipps
By Janie Cheaney |
And Then, Boom! features a winsome protagonist who suddenly finds himself abandoned. And Then, Boom! by Lisa Fipps. Nancy Paulsen (PRH), 2024, 244 pages Readling ...
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*Mercy Watson is Missing! by Kate DiCamillo
By Megan Saben |
What could possibly entice Mercy Watson to wander away from home? And who will help Mr. and Mrs. Watson recover their beloved porcine pet? Mercy ...
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With Just One Wing by Brenda Woods
By Janie Cheaney |
An adopted boy comes to identify with an orphaned mockingbird With Just One Wing. With Just One Wing by Brenda Woods. Nancy Paulsen Books (PRH), ...
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Born Naughty by Jin Wang
By Janie Cheaney |
Born Naughty introduces us to Jin Wang, a lively little girl growing up in Inner Mongolia. Born Naughty: My Childhood in China by Jin Wang ...
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*Indescribable Atlas Adventures by Louie Giglio
By Betsy Farquhar |
Indescribable Atlas Adventures is a large format picture book full of interesting details about the world God made, including people, places, and animals. *Indescribable Atlas ...
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Life After Whale by Lynn Brunelle and Jason Chin
By Janie Cheaney |
Life after Whale pictures the phenomenon of “Whale Fall”: how the earth’s largest living creature supports thriving ecosystems for decades after death. Life after Whale: ...
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The Kid by Jeff Schill
By Janie Cheaney |
The Kid is an old-west legend about old-west legends, featuring a 13-year-old tale-spinner, a Philadelphia tenderfoot, and a vicious desperado. The Kid by Jeff Schill. ...
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Elf Dog and Owl Head by M. T. Anderson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Clay befriends a strange elf dog in this tale that mixes friendship and the fae. Elf Dog and Owl Head by M. T. Anderson. Candlewick, ...
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*Risen Hope: The Church Throughout History by Luke Davis
By Betsy Farquhar |
Risen Hope is an engagingly written church history resource from Christian Focus for middle grades and teens. *Risen Hope: The Church Throughout History by Luke ...
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How Do You Spell Unfair? by Carole Boston Weatherford
By Betsy Farquhar |
In this award-winning picture book, we learn about MacNolia and her fight for the National Spelling Bee championship as a Black girl in 1936. How ...
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Light and Air by Mindy Nichols Wendell
By Janie Cheaney |
Light and Air follows its 11-year-old protagonist through a rocky path of tuberculosis and family upheaval. Light and Air by Mindy Nichols Wendell. Holiday House, ...
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Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All by Chanel Miller
By Janie Cheaney |
Magnolia Wu finds adventure in her own neighborhood while chasing down the owners of orphan socks. Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All by Chanel Miller. Philomel, ...
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What the World Eats: A Roundup of Global Food Books
By Betsy Farquhar |
Do you know what people eat around the world? What do those missionaries from your church eat when they move to Ghana or Gambia or ...
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*Wang Mingdao by Simonetta Carr
By Janie Cheaney |
The latest volume of the Christian Biographies series introduces Wang Mingdao, a father of the Chinese evangelical church, to young readers. *Wang Mingdao by Simonetta ...
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Global Prayer Resources: Operation World and Window on the World and More
By Betsy Farquhar |
How can we better pray for our brothers and sisters around the world? Operation World and Window on the World help us pray for God's ...
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The Misunderstandings of Charity Brown by Elizabeth Laird
By Janie Cheaney |
Charity Brown, raised in a strict fundamentalist Christian sect, is beginning to ponder the meaning of life and God. The Misunderstandings of Charity Brown by ...
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*Rwendigo Tales by J. A. Myhre
By Betsy Farquhar |
Dr. Myhre wrote the engaging Rwendigo Tales, a middle grades series with spiritual overtones, based upon her experience as a doctor serving in Africa. Note: ...
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Picture Books about Making a Difference in Print: Amazing Abe and Holding Her Own
By Janie Cheaney |
Two recent picture books show how trailblazing newspaper writers gave a voice to racial and ethnic minorities in America. Amazing Abe: How Abraham Cahan’s Newspaper ...
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Tree. Table. Book. by Lois Lowry
By Janie Cheaney |
Newbery author Lois Lowry poignantly depicts a cross-generational friendship in Tree. Table. Book. Tree. Table. Book. by Lois Lowry. Clarion (HarperCollins), 2024, 194 pages. Reading ...
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The Selkie’s Daughter by Linda Crotta Brennan
By Janie Cheaney |
The Selkie’s Daughter presents its protagonist with a profound choice between two natures. The Selkie’s Daughter by Linda Crotta Brennan. Holiday House, 2024, 202 pages. ...
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Making Sense of Dog Senses by Stephanie Gibeault
By Janie Cheaney |
Making Sense of Dog Senses is a fascinating introduction to the way dogs experience their world. Making Sense of Dog Senses: How Our Furry Friends ...
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*Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
By Betsy Farquhar |
We've updated our review of this gem: a lovely story about gratitude and Chinese mythology for middle grades. Note: this is one of our featured ...
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This Day in History for Kids by Dan Bova
By Janie Cheaney |
This Day in History for Kids is a year-long tour through historical events political and cultural, trivial and profound. This Day in History for Kids: ...
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The Night War by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
By Janie Cheaney |
The Night War is the WWII story of a Jewish girl in Paris choosing to be brave when Nazis take everything from her. The Night ...
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Kentucky Derby Book List: Books for Young Horse Lovers
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Kentucky Derby runs every first Saturday of May. Will there be another Triple Crown winner this year? Will an underdog horse come from nowhere ...
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Operation: Happy by Jenni L. Walsh
By Janie Cheaney |
Operation: Happy is the story of a girl and her dog experiencing the attack on Pearl Harbor and challenges that followed. Operation: Happy: A World ...
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Animal Albums from A to Z by CeCe Bell
By Janie Cheaney |
Animal Albums from A to Z is an alliterative avalanche of amusing, applause-winning auditory adumbrations from the zoological zeitgeist. Animal Albums from A to Z ...
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On All Other Nights, edited by Chris Baron, Joshua Levy, and Naomi Milliner
By Janie Cheaney |
On All Other Nights uses the perspective of 14 authors to detail every step of the Seder Meal observed by Jewish families during Passover (recipes ...
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Olivetti by Allie Millington
By Janie Cheaney |
Olivetti features an uncommon protagonist—a manual typewriter—with the keys to unravel a mystery. Olivetti by Allie Millington. Feiwel and Friends, 2024, 246 pages. Reading Level: ...
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Poetry Comics by Grant Snider
By Janie Cheaney |
Poetry Comics offers budding poets a lot of ideas to think about in an appealing visual format. Poetry Comics by Grant Snyder. Chronicle, 2024, 96 ...
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Small Poems and Peacock by Valerie Worth (and illustrated by Natalie Babbitt)
By Betsy Farquhar |
Small poetry books full of small poems and small drawings: just right for small hands and small listening ears. All the Small Poems and Fourteen ...
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Maple’s Theory of Fun by Kate McMillan and Ruthie Prillaman
By Janie Cheaney |
Maple, an analytical (and anal) 6th-grader, applies the scientific method to becoming a fun person. Maple’s Theory of Fun by Kate McMillan and Ruthie Prillaman. ...
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The Wild River and the Great Dam by Simon Boughton
By Janie Cheaney |
Follow the construction of the Depression era’s greatest building project in The Wild River and the Great Dam. The Wild River and the Great Dam: ...
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The Book Scavenger Series by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Book Scavenger Series is an engaging middle grades mystery series for book lovers and puzzle aficionados. Book Scavenger Series by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman. Square ...
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*One Big Open Sky by Lesa Cline-Ransome
By Janie Cheaney |
One Big Open Sky fills a history gap with the story of black settlers heading west in wagon trains. *One Big Open Sky by Lesa ...
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*Ferris by Kate DiCamillo
By Janie Cheaney |
Ferris, the latest novel by two-time Newbery author Kate DiCamillo, embraces a world full of sorrow but ruled by love. *Ferris by Kate DiCamillo. Candlewick, ...
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Something Like Home by Andrea Beatrix Arango
By Hayley Morell |
A poignant novel-in-verse explores the question: "What is home when your world turns upside-down?" Something Like Home, Andrea Beatrix Arango, Random House Books for Young ...
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A Few Beautiful Minutes by Kate Allen Fox
By Janie Cheaney |
A Few Beautiful Minutes is a beautiful way to prepare for the April 8 solar eclipse. A Few Beautiful Minutes: Experiencing a Solar Eclipse by ...
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Finding Normal by Stephanie Faris
By Janie Cheaney |
In Finding Normal, a 12-year-old girl must learn to make a new life when her home is made uninhabitable by a flood. Finding Normal by ...
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Max in the House of Spies by Adam Gidwitz
By Janie Cheaney |
Max in the House of Spies begins the story of an 11-year-old German boy who believes he has what it takes to be a secret ...
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Juana and Lucas by Juana Medina
By Janie Cheaney |
The Juana and Lucas chapter-book series offers entertaining glimpses into the daily life of an exuberant Colombian 8-year-old. Juana and Lucas by Juana Medina. Candlewick, ...
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*Houses with a Story by Seiji Yoshida
By Janie Cheaney |
Houses with a Story offers both a fascinating tour of storybook dwellings and a springboard to imagination. *Houses with Story: A Dragon’s Den, a Ghostly ...
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The Observologist by Giselle Clarkson
By Janie Cheaney |
The Observologist is a fun and fascinating introduction to wonders of creation available for viewing in your own back yard. The Observologist: A Handbook for ...
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Across so Many Seas by Ruth Behar
By Janie Cheaney |
Across So Many Seas tracks the destiny of a Jewish family exiled from Spain in 1492. Across So Many Seas by Ruth Behar. Nancy Paulsen ...
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Eagle Drums by Nasugraq Raney Hopson
By Janie Cheaney |
The Newbery Honor novel Eagle Drums portrays the mythical origin of a cherished tradition of the Iñupiat people. Eagle Drums by Nasugraq Raney Hopson. Roaring ...
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Between Two Brothers by Crystal Allen
By Janie Cheaney |
In Between Two Brothers, a boy struggles for forgiveness and reconciliation after his older brother is seriously injured in a traffic accident. Between Two Brothers ...
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Newbery Gold: The Eyes and the Impossible by Dave Eggers
By Janie Cheaney |
It wasn’t on our Bingo Card, maybe because it was published early last year and we (I) kind of forgot it. But The Eyes and ...
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2024 Newbery Buzz #5: Hope in the Valley by Mitali Perkins
By Betsy Farquhar |
It’s no secret to long-time RR readers that we love Mitali Perkins (*and* her books). We’ve reviewed nearly all of them to date, from picture ...
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2024 Newbery Buzz #4: Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow
By Hayley Morell |
Simon Sort of Says was longlisted for the National Book Award for Young People's Literature. Could it win the Newbery? We're continuing our long-running Newbery ...
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The Boy, the Cloud, and the Very Tall Tale by Heather Smith
By Janie Cheaney |
A 12-year-old works through grief in The Boy, the Cloud, and the Very Tall Tale. The Boy, the Cloud, and the Very Tall Tale by ...
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Newbery Roundup 2: Mexikid, The Swifts, and Shira and Esther’s Double-Dream Debut
By Janie Cheaney |
This is second of our roundup series of possible Newbery contenders for 2024. See the first roundup here. Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir by Pedro Martin. ...
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Newbery Roundup 1: Jawbreaker, When Sea Becomes Sky, Duel
By Janie Cheaney |
Two weeks from now (January 22), the American Library Association will announce their Youth Media Award winners, including the Newbery and Caldecott. We’ve kept an ...
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2024 Newbery Buzz #3: The Puppets of Spelhorst
By Megan Saben |
Kate DiCamillo's very first book won a Newbery honor, and she has won two Newbery medals on top of that. Is The Puppets of Spelhorst ...
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2024 Newbery Buzz #2: Nothing Else But Miracles by Kate Albus
By Betsy Farquhar |
Traditionally, the Newbery Medal has been awarded to many historical fiction novels. That trend has shifted a bit in recent years. Today, we're looking at ...
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Attacked! by Marc Favreau
By Janie Cheaney |
Attacked! is an engaging, accessible account of the “day that shall live in infamy,” seen through the eyes of individuals on both sides. Attacked! Pearl ...
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Who’s Got Mail? by Linda Barrett Osborne
By Janie Cheaney |
Who’s Got Mail? is a friendly introduction to the long history of an everyday convenience. Who’s Got Mail? The History of Mail in America by ...
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Family Style by Thien Pham
By Janie Cheaney |
In Family Style, cartoonist Thien Pham recalls his escape from Vietnam and growing up in America through a series of meals. Family Style: Memories of ...
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2024 Newbery Buzz #1: A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat
By Betsy Farquhar |
A First Time For Everything has already won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature. Could it also win the Newbery? We're kicking off ...
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What It’s Like to Be a Bird by David Allen Sibley
By Janie Cheaney |
What It’s Like to Be a Bird is an endlessly browsable resource for budding birdwatchers by a well-known authority in the field. What It’s Like ...
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Mooses with Bazookas by S. D. Smith
By Betsy Farquhar |
Mooses with Bazookas is a light-hearted, funny romp through humorous letters and stories; they remind us not to take ourselves too seriously! Mooses With Bazookas ...
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