Middle Grades
The Picasso Curse by Dan Guzman
By Janie Cheaney |
The Picasso Curse poses the question, What would you do if a million-dollar piece of artwork fell into your hands? The Picasso Curse by Dan ...
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Lost Evangeline: A Norendy Tale by Kate DiCamillo
By Janie Cheaney |
In Lost Evangeline by Kate DiCamillo, wishes are fulfilled in unexpected ways. Lost Evangeline: A Norendy Tale by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Sophie Blackall. Candlewick, ...
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Adi of Boutanga by Alain Serge Dzotap
By Betsy Farquhar |
Adi of Boutanga is a gentle story about a harsh reality for young women in Cameroon (and elsewhere in the world). Adi of Boutanga: A ...
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Moonleapers by Margaret Peterson Haddix
By Betsy Farquhar |
Maisie is excited to get her first phone, but when she starts getting weird messages and hears about Moonleapers, she starts to wonder what is ...
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Where Only Storms Grow by Alyssa Colman
By Janie Cheaney |
Where Only Storms Grow brings the “Dust Bowl” of the 1930s vividly to life, as a family struggles to hold on to hope. Where Only ...
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Books About Weather and Natural Disasters: A Redeemed Reader Booklist
By Betsy Farquhar |
Books about weather and natural disasters, and their related sub-topics like hurricanes, tornadoes, and giant floods, are hot picks for the elementary school crowd. Just ...
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The Green Kingdom by Cornelia Funke and Tammi Hartung
By Hayley Morell |
Caspia is not excited by an unexpected summer in New York City until she discovers letters that unlock a Green Kingdom in this middle grades ...
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The Story Of Martin Luther by Jared Kennedy
By Janie Cheaney |
Martin Luther headlines a new series of Christian biographies for 4th-6th graders. The Story of Martin Luther by Jared Kennedy. Crossway, 2024. 138 pages. Reading ...
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The Story Of Katie Luther by Gretchen Ronnevik
By Janie Cheaney |
Katharina Luther receives her due as the industrious helpmeet of the world-changing reformer. The Story of Katie Luther: The Nun Who Escaped to Freedom by ...
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*The Song of the Stone Tiger by Glenn McCarty
By Betsy Farquhar |
Magical woods, fairy stories, music, and sacrificial friendship offer Thomas and a stone tiger hope as they walk through the valley of the shadow of ...
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Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate
By Janie Cheaney |
Toys come to life in Pocket Bear, featuring a tough-talking cat and a World War I mascot. Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Charles ...
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*Wild Honey from the Moon by Kenneth Kraegel
By Hayley Morell |
Nothing will stop Mother Shrew’s quest to fetch wild honey from the moon for her sick son, Hugo. *Wild Honey from the Moon by Kenneth ...
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*The Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents… by Ian Lendler
By Megan Saben |
The Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents...graphic novels are clever and humorous adaptations of Shakespeare's Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet. *The Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents... ...
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Beyond the Far Horizon (Restorationists #3) by Carolyn Leiloglou
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Restorationists are back, and this time Ravi is constantly seeking what lies beyond the far horizon. Beyond the Far Horizon (Restorationists #3) by Carolyn ...
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Learning to Lead: Another Redeemed Reader Booklist! (Updated)
By Janie Cheaney |
In his Confessions, Augustine wrote this on the subject of "time": “I understand well enough what time is, so long as no one asks me.” ...
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The World in your Lunch Box by Claire Eamer
By Betsy Farquhar |
Those foods you think are so ordinary have interesting origins. This is the world in your lunch box.... The World in your Lunch Box: The ...
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The Bizarre Bazaar: Mirror Town by Daniel Nayeri
By Betsy Farquhar |
Abel makes a desperate gamble for love, but when he falls into Mirror Town, he gets more than he bargained on. The Bizarre Bazaar: Mirror ...
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*The Teacher of Nomad Land by Daniel Nayeri
By Betsy Farquhar |
Balak valiantly takes up his father's mantle to be the teacher of nomad land; along the way, he himself is taught much. *The Teacher of ...
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The Forest of a Thousand Eyes by Frances Hardinge
By Janie Cheaney |
The Forest of a Thousand Eye pictures a decaying community at the mercy of nature, and one girl plunged into a desperate situation. The Forest ...
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*The Winter of the Dollhouse by Laura Amy Schlitz
By Janie Cheaney |
The Winter of the Dollhouse is a cozy story with fantasy elements addressing generational relationship, longing, loss, and reconciliation. *The Winter of the Dollhouse by ...
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*Three Tales of My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannet
By Hayley Morell |
Young readers are invited by a narrator into Three Tales of My Father’s Dragon. *Three Tales of My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannet, illustrated ...
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The Library of Curiosities by Jenny Lundquist
By Janie Cheaney |
In The Library of Curiosities, an orphaned girl discovers her heritage as the latest of a curiosity-collecting dynasty. The Library of Curiosities by Jenny Lundquist. ...
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Saving Sorya: Chang and the Sun Bear by Trang Nguyen
By Hayley Morell |
A young Vietnamese wildlife conservationist sets out on a quest to help one special sun bear return to the rainforest in Saving Sorya, a vibrant ...
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*The Golden Necklace by Mitali Perkins
By Betsy Farquhar |
Sona is determined to find out who stole her friend's golden necklace in order to clear her brother of suspicion in this new mystery series ...
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*Natalie Babbitt’s Tuck Everlasting: The Graphic Novel adapted by K. Woodman-Maynard
By Janie Cheaney |
Natalie Babbitt’s Tuck Everlasting: The Graphic Novel is an excellent visual presentation of a classic story. *Natalie Babbitt's Tuck Everlasting: The Graphic Novel adapted and ...
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The AI Incident by J. E. Thomas
By Janie Cheaney |
The AI Incident pits a foster kid longing for a home against a cold-hearted machine with its own plans. The AI Incident by J. E. ...
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Schoolbot 9000: A Graphic Novel by Sam Hepburn
By Janie Cheaney |
Schoolbot 9000 is the first volume of a graphic-novel series examining the effect of machine learning on education. Schoolbot 9000: A Graphic Novel by Sam ...
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*The Peddler and the President by Ann D. Koffsky
By Janie Cheaney |
Through the lens of a lifelong friendship, The Peddler and the President makes the fraught history of modern Israel accessible to chapter-book readers. *The Peddler ...
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*The Sword: Magnus and the Mystery of Romans by Marty Machowski
By Betsy Farquhar |
Dive into the book of Romans with your kids using The Sword: Magnus and the Mystery of Romans. *The Sword: Magnus and the Mystery of ...
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The Library of Unruly Treasures by Jeanne Birdsall
By Janie Cheaney |
The Library of Unruly Treasures introduces readers to a race of tiny people with wings, and a human girl who may be their rescuer. The ...
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Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo
By Janie Cheaney |
Three 10-year-old girls cope with life’s ups and downs by learning to rely on each other, in a story with "magical" elements. Raymie Nightingale by ...
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The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall
By Janie Cheaney |
The Penderwicks, first in a series, delightfully introduces readers to the four Penderwick sisters, their widowed father, and a hound named Hound. The Penderwicks: A ...
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*The Heart of Adventure (Mistmantle Chronicles)
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Mistmantle Chronicles is an action-packed and beautifully written series of five books that follow the adventures of Urchin, a young and brave red squirrel ...
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*The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli by Karina Yan Glaser
By Janie Cheaney |
The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli takes readers on parallel quests through 8th-century China and New York’s Depression-Era Chinatown. *The Nine Moons of ...
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Snoop by Gordon Norman
By Janie Cheaney |
A recuperating boy learns more than he needs to know by becoming the neighborhood “snoop.” Snoop by Gordon Korman. Scholastic, 2025. 195 pages. Reading Level: ...
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The Burning Season by Caroline Starr Rose
By Janie Cheaney |
The Burning Season pits a 12-year-old girl against a fast-moving forest fire. The Burning Season by Caroline Starr Rose. Nancy Paulsen Books, 2025. 228 pages. ...
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The Magic Bicycle by John Bibee
By Megan Saben |
The Magic Bicycle is a story about a boy and his mysterious bicycle with spiritual parallels. The Magic Bicycle by John Bibee. John Bibee Books, ...
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The Tower of Geburah by John White
By Megan Saben |
The Tower of Geburah, the third book in the Archives of Anthropos, is a good introduction to a Christian fantasy series that will delight Narnia ...
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*Frog’s Rainy-Day Story and Other Fables by Michael James Dowling
By Janie Cheaney |
Frog’s Rainy Day Story is a collection of modern-day fables exposing contemporary follies in an amusing and discussion-worthy way. *Frog's Rainy-Day Story and Other Fables ...
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The Giver by Lois Lowry
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Giver examines deep and foundational questions through a dystopian framework. The Giver by Lois Lowry. Laurel-leaf. Reprint ed, 2002. 192 pgs. Reading Level: Middle grades, ...
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Gus and Glory by Sarah Guillory
By Janie Cheaney |
Glory and Gus stars a scrappy, mystery-loving girl and a slobbery, lovable bloodhound. Gus and Glory by Sarah Guillory. Roaring Brook, 2025. 232 pages. Reading ...
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Spelling It Out by Margaret Finnegan
By Janie Cheaney |
In Spelling It Out, a competitive speller discovers his own strengths as well as the value of family. Spelling It Out by Margaret Finnegan. Atheneum, ...
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Friends in Strange Places by Nell Branum
By Betsy Farquhar |
Sixth grader Riley Abercrombie is on a mission to get her Grandma Suzie a perfect pooch in Friends in Strange Places. Friends in Strange Places ...
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Keep ‘Em Flying by Nell Branum
By Betsy Farquhar |
Can sixth grader Riley Abercrombie win a contest AND solve a mystery in Keep 'Em Flying? Keep 'Em Flying (Heroes on the Home Front Mysteries ...
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*All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor
By Megan Saben |
All-of-a-Kind Family describes the joys and trials of a Jewish family with five girls in New York City in 1912. *All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor. ...
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Giant by Judith McQuoid
By Janie Cheaney |
Giant draws on historical fact to imagine two pivotal years in the childhood of C. S. Lewis. Giant by Judith McQuoid. Little Island, 2025. 220 ...
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Blended by Sharon Draper
By Betsy Farquhar |
Isabella is blended: half-white, half-black. Soon, she's going to be in a blended family, too. How do you find your identity when you're all mixed ...
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One Crazy Summer: The Graphic Novel by Rita Williams-Garcia
By Betsy Farquhar |
This graphic novel version of One Crazy Summer adds terrific visual impact to a thought-provoking story. One Crazy Summer: The Graphic Novel by Rita Williams-Garcia, ...
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The Minor Rescue by Meredith Davis
By Betsy Farquhar |
Noah Minor is back in The Minor Rescue, this time on a quest to save twenty-six middle schoolers who were captured by his Uncle Saul. ...
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Drawing Is … Your Guide to Scribbled Adventures by Elizabeth Haidle
By Janie Cheaney |
Drawing Is . . . hands young artists a few basic art principles and encourages them to let their imaginations run wild. Drawing Is ... ...
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The Playmakers by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown
By Janie Cheaney |
In The Playmakers, three underdogs work hard to boost their game to the next level. The Playmakers by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown. Shadow Mountain, ...
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*John Calvin’s Illustrated Institutes by Martin Williams and Joy Williams
By Janie Cheaney |
Calvin’s Institutes in a graphic-novel format introduces young readers to the tenets of Reformed theology. *John Calvin's Illustrated Institutes: Knowing God and Knowing Ourselves by ...
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The War of the Maps (The Vanished Kingdom #3) by Jonathan Auxier
By Betsy Farquhar |
The War of Maps is a thought-provoking, entertaining, and wildly fantastic conclusion to the Peter Nimble stories (or, is it?). The War of the Maps ...
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*How to Tell a True Story by Tricia Springstubb
By Janie Cheaney |
How to Tell a True Story ponders how “truth” is perceived and what it may cost to reveal it. *How to Tell a True Story ...
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The Lemonade War Graphic Novel by Jacqueline Davies and Karen De La Vega
By Janie Cheaney |
This graphic novel version of The Lemonade War is faithful to the original with clever visual additions. The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies, illustrated by ...
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The Pecan Sheller by Lupe Ruiz-Flores
By Janie Cheaney |
In The Pecan Sheller, a spirited 13-year-old girl learns to stand up for herself against an oppressive factory system. The Pecan Sheller by Lupe Ruiz-Flores. ...
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Fairy Tale Comics: Classic Tales Told by Extraordinary Cartoonists
By Janie Cheaney |
Eighteen classic tales are retold in panels by established graphic artists in Fairy Tale Comics. Fairy Tale Comics: Classic Tales Told by Extraordinary Cartoonists, edited ...
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Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz, a Graphic Novel Adaptation by Shanower and Young
By Janie Cheaney |
This graphic novel adaptation from Marvel brings Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz to life for fans of the series. Dorothy and the Wizard in ...
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*Once a Castle by Sarah Arthur
By Hayley Morell |
Readers return to Sarah Arthur's fantasy world with a whole new adventure and cast of characters in Once a Castle. *Once a Castle by Sarah ...
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*The Blossoming Summer by Anna Rose Johnson
By Hayley Morell |
1940, England: as war threatens, one family journeys to Wisconsin for a fresh start in The Blossoming Summer. *The Blossoming Summer by Anna Rose Johnson. ...
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Candle Island by Lauren Wolk
By Janie Cheaney |
Candle Island is a study of recovering from grief and forging new bonds. Candle Island by Lauren Wolk. Dutton Children’s Books, 2025, 340 pages. Reading ...
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Rise and Fall: Great Empires That Shaped the World by Peter Allen
By Janie Cheaney |
Rise and Fall introduces young readers to world empires that don’t receive as much attention in the history books. Rise and Fall: Great Empires That ...
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The Summer of the Bone Horses by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve
By Janie Cheaney |
The Summer of the Bone Horses recalls a boy’s sojourn with his Dakota grandparents on the Rosebud Reservation. The Summer of the Bone Horses by ...
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*Benny on the Case by Wesley King
By Janie Cheaney |
Benny on the Case introduces a sleuth with Mosaic Down Syndrome and an indomitable, loyal partner. *Benny on the Case by Wesley King. Simon & ...
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A Wizard of Earthsea: A Graphic Novel by Ursula K. Le Guin and Fred Fordham
By Janie Cheaney |
A Wizard of Earthsea recasts a classic fantasy novel in graphic-novel format. A Wizard of Earthsea: A Graphic Novel by Ursula K. Le Guin, adapted ...
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Chronicles of Wonder: The Story-Formed Life of C. S. Lewis by Leah Boden
By Betsy Farquhar |
Chronicles of Wonder introduces kids to the life and work of C. S. Lewis in this volume of the Tales of Boldness and Faith Series. ...
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The Angel Orphan: Charlotte Mason Finds Her Way Home by Leah Boden
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Angel Orphan introduces kids to the life and work of Charlotte Mason in this volume of the Tales of Boldness and Faith Series. The ...
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Books And Movies: A Redeemed Reader Booklist
By Betsy Farquhar |
We readers have lots of opinions about movies based off books. But let's flip the script: What about books that are about movies? The books ...
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The Trouble with Heroes by Kate Messner
By Janie Cheaney |
The Trouble with Heroes examines the fraught relationship between a young teen and his late, larger-than-life father. The Trouble with Heroes by Kate Messner. Bloomsbury, ...
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The Beat I Drum by Dusti Bowling
By Janie Cheaney |
In The Beat I Drum, Dusti Bowling follows a character from her earlier best-seller as he navigates a move and a new relationship with his ...
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*The Dragon Lord Saga by Jonny Jimison
By Megan Saben |
The Dragon Lord Saga is a graphic novel series overflowing with wild adventures, humor, and hopeful heroism. *The Dragon Lord Saga by Jonny Jimison. Rabbit ...
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*Bright Stars of Black British History by J. T. Williams
By Hayley Morell |
A beautifully illustrated, well-written guide to the Bright Stars of Black British History for middle grades. *Bright Stars of Black British History by J. T. ...
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Dragon Slayers by Joyce Denham
By Hayley Morell |
Dragon Slayers is an earnest attempt to capture Christian theology and history as a battle between dragons and dragon slayers. Dragon Slayers: The Essential Training ...
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City Spies Series by James Ponti
By Betsy Farquhar |
Fun and engaging, the middle grades-level City Spies series is like Mission Impossible with teenagers. City Spies Series by James Ponti. Aladdin. Reading Level: Middle ...
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Riding the Rails: Big Boy 4014 and Ticket to Ride
By Janie Cheaney |
Big Boy 4014 and the Steam Train charts the restoration of a legendary locomotive. Big Boy 4014 and the Steam Train by Marsha Diane Arnold, ...
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John Bunyan: The Journey of a Pilgrim by Brian H. Cosby
By Megan Saben |
John Bunyan: The Journey of a Pilgrim is a middle grades biography of the author of the beloved Christian classic, Pilgrim's Progress. John Bunyan: The ...
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Are We There Yet? by Stacy McAnulty
By Janie Cheaney |
Are We There Yet? is an entertaining travelogue of the first cross-country road trip. Are We There Yet? The First Road Trip across the USA ...
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The Island of Stars by Carrie Brownell
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Island of Stars is an interesting story for readers who want a new spin on old-fashioned adventure tales. The Island of Stars by Carrie ...
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Amari and the Despicable Wonders by B. B. Alston
By Betsy Farquhar |
Will finding, and wielding, the Despicable Wonders help Amari save her world? Amari and the Despicable Wonders (Supernatural Investigations #3) by B. B. Alston. Balzer ...
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Amari and the Great Game by B. B. Alston
By Betsy Farquhar |
Amari is back and playing the most dangerous game she's played in her eventful young life! Amari and the Great Game (Supernatural Investigations #2) by ...
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A Day at the Beach by Gary D. Schmidt and Ron Koertge
By Janie Cheaney |
A Day at the Beach delivers on its title: snapshots of a variety of 11-13 year-olds during a single day on the Jersey shore. A ...
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The Cartoonists Club by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud
By Janie Cheaney |
The Cartoonists Club introduces young readers to the techniques and rationale of sequential graphic storytelling. The Cartoonists Club by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud. Scholastic ...
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*The Hiding Place: A Graphic Novel adapted by Mario DeMatteo
By Janie Cheaney |
The Hiding Place: A Graphic Novel faithfully adapts Corrie Ten Boom’s story for graphic-novel fans. *The Hiding Place: A Graphic Novel by Corrie Ten Boom, ...
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Heidi: A Graphic Novel adapted by Mariah Marsden
By Janie Cheaney |
Heidi: A Graphic Novel introduces young readers to the classic story with gentle artwork and minimal text. Heidi: A Graphic Novel by Joanna Spiri, adapted ...
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*Surviving Vesuvius by Christopher Harrisson
By Janie Cheaney |
Surviving Vesuvius is an intimate look at an ancient disaster. *Surviving Vesuvius: A Lucky Escape from the Tragic Fate of Ancient Pompeii by Christopher Harrisson, ...
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*Eric’s Greatest Race by Tim Challies
By Betsy Farquhar |
Eric's Greatest Race is a lively graphic novel-style biography of a man who followed Christ to the Olympics and to China. *Eric's Greatest Race by ...
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The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman
By Janie Cheaney |
The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest is a thoughtful, touching, and gently humorous speculation about the afterlife. The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey ...
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Once for Yes by Allie Millington
By Janie Cheaney |
In Once for Yes, an apartment building forms relationships with its residents and faces threats of its own demolition. Once for Yes by Allie Millington. ...
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Old School by Gordon Korman
By Janie Cheaney |
A boy raised in a retirement village must give up his Old School for seventh grade with . . . actual seventh-graders. Old School by ...
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Lola by Karla Arenas Valenti
By Betsy Farquhar |
Lola is a sensitive exploration of loss with striking visual imagery and an unusual plot. Lola by Karla Arenas Valenti. Knopf Books for Young Readers, ...
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Pilgrim Codex by Vivian Mansour
By Janie Cheaney |
Pilgrim Codex is a story about Mexican immigration told in Aztec-inspired artwork and text. Pilgrim Codex by Vivian Mansour, illustrated by Emmanuel Valtierra, translated by ...
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The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon by Grace Lin
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon blends folklore, contemporary fantasy, and painting into a lovely work of art. The Gate, the Girl, and the ...
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God with Us: Bible Stories on the Road to Emmaus by Matt Mikalatos
By Janie Cheaney |
The graphic novel God with Us takes a unique approach to Bible stories, using Luke 24:27 as a framework. God with Us: Bible Stories on ...
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What a Character! Notable Lives from History by Marilyn Boyer
By Megan Saben |
History lovers will enjoy the short biographies of notable historical figures in the What a Character! series from Master Books. What a Character! Notable Lives ...
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The Last Keeper (Dream Keeper series #5) by Kathryn Butler
By Janie Cheaney |
The 5-volume Dream Keeper series comes to a rousing finish with The Last Keeper. The Last Keeper (Dream Keeper Saga, book 5) by Kathryn Butler. ...
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Angels on Your Side by Marty Machowski
By Betsy Farquhar |
Angels on Your Side is a fun book, but it's also a book with a great reminder of God's care for his people. Angels on ...
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Max in the Land of Lies by Adam Gidwitz
By Janie Cheaney |
Max in the Land of Lies completes Adam Gidwitz’s “Operation Kinderspion” duo with a tale both thrilling and thought-provoking. Max in the Land of Lies ...
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The Enemy’s Daughter by Anne Blankman
By Janie Cheaney |
The Enemy’s Daughter traces a friendship born in adversity during World War I. The Enemy’s Daughter by Anne Blankman. Viking, 2025, 272 pages Reading Level: ...
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Jella Lepman and Her Library of Dreams by Katherine Paterson
By Janie Cheaney |
Katherine Paterson’s latest is a biography of Jella Lepman, an unexpected postwar hero. Jella Lepman and Her Library of Dreams: The Woman Who Rescued a ...
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The Big Book of Balloon Art by Gerry Giovinco
By Megan Saben |
The Big Book of Balloon Art is a great introduction to an inexpensive hobby that is sure to bring delight. The Big Book of Balloon ...
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