MY RECOMMENDED MIDDLE GRADE BOOKS
If you are looking for the best books to read your middle grade children, look no further! Here’s a list of the top must-read middle grade books. From award-winning contemporary favorites to classic page-turners, these timeless tales will captivate readers of all ages and help stimulate young minds. So, pick up a few today and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE
J.K.Rowling
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (or Sorcerer's Stone in the US) is the first novel in the popular Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. It follows the story of an orphaned boy named Harry Potter who lives with his cruel relatives, the Dursleys. On his eleventh birthday, Harry discovers that he is a wizard and is invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There he makes new friends, including Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, and discovers his own magical abilities while learning about the wizarding world. However, Harry also learns about a powerful and evil wizard named Voldemort who killed his parents and wants to kill him too. With the help of his friends and the wise headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, Harry sets out to uncover the truth about Voldemort and his own past, while trying to protect himself and his friends from danger. The book is a beloved classic of children's literature and has spawned a successful series of movies, merchandise, and a dedicated fanbase.
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THE LIGHTNING THIEF
Rick Riordan
The Lightning Thief is the first book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan. The story follows Percy Jackson, a 12-year-old boy who has always struggled in school and with fitting in. But when he discovers that he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, his life changes dramatically. Percy is accused of stealing Zeus' lightning bolt, and with the help of his new friends, Annabeth Chase and Grover Underwood, he sets out on a dangerous quest to find the real thief and clear his name. Along the way, they encounter a variety of mythological creatures and gods, and Percy learns more about his own powers and heritage. The book is a thrilling adventure story that combines Greek mythology with contemporary settings, and has won numerous awards and accolades for its engaging characters and imaginative world-building.
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A WRINKLE IN TIME
Madeleine L'Engle
A Wrinkle in Time is a science-fiction novel by Madeleine L'Engle. It tells the story of Meg Murry, a young girl who is struggling to fit in at school and deal with the disappearance of her scientist father. Along with her younger brother Charles Wallace and a friend named Calvin, Meg sets out on a journey through time and space to rescue her father from an evil entity known as "The Black Thing". They are aided by three mysterious women who possess supernatural powers, and must use their own courage and intelligence to overcome challenges and save the universe from darkness. The book is a beloved classic of children's literature, and has been praised for its imaginative blend of science and spirituality, as well as its empowering message of embracing individuality and standing up against oppression.
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CHARLOTTE'S WEB
E.B. White
Charlotte's Web is a classic children's novel by E.B. White, first published in 1952. The story follows the unlikely friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte. Wilbur is a runt who is saved from being slaughtered by Fern, a young girl who loves him. However, as he grows, Wilbur learns that his fate is still uncertain, and Charlotte decides to help him. She weaves words into her webs, describing Wilbur as "radiant" and "humble," to convince the humans that he is special and deserves to live. With the help of other barnyard animals, including a wise old rat named Templeton, Charlotte and Wilbur work together to save his life and create a new generation of spiders. The story explores themes of friendship, kindness, and the circle of life, making it a beloved classic for generations of readers.
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TOM SAWYER
Mark Twain
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is a classic novel written by Mark Twain, first published in 1876. The story follows the mischievous and adventurous young boy named Tom Sawyer, who lives with his Aunt Polly and younger half-brother, Sid, in a small town on the banks of the Mississippi River in the mid-19th century. Tom is always getting into trouble, whether it's skipping school, getting lost in a cave with his friend Huckleberry Finn, or playing pranks on his peers and authorities. But as he navigates his way through his childhood, Tom learns valuable lessons about loyalty, bravery, and morality. The novel captures the essence of American boyhood in the 19th century, and is celebrated for its vivid portrayal of a bygone era in American history.
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THE LITTLE PRINCE
Antoine de Saint-Exupery
The Little Prince is a beloved novella by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, first published in 1943. The story follows a pilot who crashes in the Sahara Desert and encounters a small boy who claims to be a prince from another planet. Through their conversations, the little prince shares his experiences and observations of life, love, and human nature, while the pilot reflects on his own life and priorities. The story is a poignant reflection on the complexities of the human condition and the importance of valuing what truly matters in life, such as friendship, love, and imagination. The Little Prince has become a beloved classic, cherished by readers of all ages for its charming characters, whimsical storytelling, and timeless messages of hope and compassion.
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CHRONICLES OF NARNIA
C.S. Lewis
The Chronicles of Narnia is a series of seven fantasy novels by C.S. Lewis, first published between 1950 and 1956. The books follow the adventures of a group of children who discover a magical world called Narnia, which is populated by talking animals, mythical creatures, and other fantastical beings. The main characters include siblings Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, who are drawn into the world of Narnia through a magical wardrobe. Over the course of the series, the children engage in epic battles between good and evil, aided by the wise and powerful lion Aslan, who serves as a Christ-like figure. The books explore themes of faith, sacrifice, redemption, and the nature of power and authority, making them beloved classics of children's literature and a cornerstone of modern fantasy fiction.
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FABLEHAVEN
Brandon Mull
Fablehaven is the first book in a popular fantasy series by Brandon Mull. The story follows siblings Kendra and Seth Sorenson, who are sent to stay with their grandparents on a remote estate called Fablehaven while their parents go on a cruise. It soon becomes clear that Fablehaven is no ordinary place, but a sanctuary for magical creatures and beings, some of which are dangerous and require strict rules to be followed. As Kendra and Seth discover more about the secrets of Fablehaven, they are drawn into a battle between good and evil that will test their courage, intelligence, and loyalty. The book and its sequels are known for their imaginative world-building, complex characters, and exciting action, making them beloved by readers of all ages.
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WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS
Wilson Rawls
Where the Red Fern Grows is a classic novel by Wilson Rawls, first published in 1961. The story follows a young boy named Billy who lives in the Ozark Mountains with his family. He becomes obsessed with the idea of owning two hunting dogs, and saves up for years to buy a pair of Redbone Coonhound puppies. He names them Old Dan and Little Ann, and together they embark on numerous hunting trips in the forest. Through their adventures, Billy learns important life lessons about loyalty, perseverance, and the power of love. However, tragedy strikes, and Billy must face the harsh realities of life and death. The book is a poignant coming-of-age story that explores themes of friendship, family, and loss, and is celebrated for its vivid portrayal of rural life in America.
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LITTLE WOMEN
Louisa May Alcott
Little Women is a classic novel by Louisa May Alcott, first published in 1868. The story follows the lives of four sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, as they navigate the trials and joys of growing up in Massachusetts during the Civil War era. The novel explores themes of sisterhood, family, and love, as the girls face challenges such as poverty, illness, and social conventions. Jo, the protagonist, dreams of becoming a writer and struggles to balance her ambitions with her responsibilities to her family. Over the course of the book, the girls mature and face important decisions about their futures, while remaining loyal to each other and the values instilled by their mother. The novel has become a beloved classic, celebrated for its portrayal of strong female characters and its timeless messages of perseverance, kindness, and compassion.
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CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Roald Dahl
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a classic children's book by Roald Dahl, first published in 1964. The story follows a young boy named Charlie Bucket, who lives in poverty with his parents and grandparents in a small house. One day, Charlie discovers a golden ticket in a Wonka chocolate bar, granting him access to the secretive and fantastical world of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. Along with four other children who also found golden tickets, Charlie embarks on a magical and sometimes dangerous tour of the factory, encountering whimsical inventions, eccentric Oompa Loompa workers, and the enigmatic Willy Wonka himself. The book is celebrated for its imaginative storytelling, witty humor, and themes of greed, morality, and the importance of family and kindness. It has become a beloved classic of children's literature and has been adapted into several successful films and stage productions.
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Anne of Green Gables
Lucy Maud Montgomery
Anne of Green Gables is a classic novel by L.M. Montgomery, first published in 1908. The story follows a spirited and imaginative young orphan girl named Anne Shirley, who is mistakenly sent to live with elderly siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert on their farm in the fictional town of Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, Canada. Anne's vivid imagination and quick wit enchant the Cuthberts and the townspeople, and she soon becomes an integral part of the community, making friends and embarking on adventures. Over the course of the novel, Anne learns important life lessons about love, friendship, forgiveness, and the importance of staying true to oneself. The book is celebrated for its strong female protagonist, its depiction of rural Canadian life, and its timeless messages of hope, resilience, and the power of imagination. It has become a beloved classic of children's and young adult literature, and has been adapted into numerous films, television shows, and stage productions.
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STUART LITTLE
E.B. White
Stuart Little is a classic children's novel by E.B. White, first published in 1945. The story follows the adventures of a small, anthropomorphic mouse named Stuart Little, who is born to a human family in New York City. Despite his size, Stuart is brave, curious, and adventurous, and sets out to explore the world and find his place in it. Along the way, he makes new friends, faces challenges, and embarks on a quest to find a lost friend. The book is celebrated for its whimsical storytelling, vivid descriptions, and memorable characters, and has become a beloved classic of children's literature. It has been adapted into several successful films, television shows, and stage productions, and has inspired generations of readers to embrace their uniqueness and pursue their dreams.
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THE MOUSE AND THE MOTORCYCLE
Beverly Cleary
The Mouse and the Motorcycle is a classic children's novel by Beverly Cleary, first published in 1965. The story follows a young mouse named Ralph who lives in a hotel and dreams of adventure. One day, he discovers a toy motorcycle and teaches himself how to ride it. Soon, he meets a young boy named Keith who is staying at the hotel, and they become friends. Ralph embarks on a series of adventures with the motorcycle, including a daring rescue mission and a thrilling race with a group of other mice. Along the way, he learns important lessons about courage, friendship, and the power of determination. The book is celebrated for its imaginative storytelling, relatable characters, and timeless messages of perseverance and friendship. It has become a beloved classic of children's literature and has been adapted into several successful films and television shows.
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THE SECRET GARDEN
Frances Burnett
The Secret Garden is a classic children's novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, first published in 1911. The story follows a young girl named Mary Lennox, who is orphaned and sent to live with her uncle in a large, secluded mansion on the Yorkshire moors in England. Mary is initially unhappy and bored, but discovers a hidden garden on the grounds of the estate, which has been locked up for years. With the help of a local boy named Dickon and her sickly cousin Colin, Mary brings the garden back to life and learns important lessons about the healing power of nature, friendship, and the transformative effects of love and compassion. The book is celebrated for its vivid descriptions of the natural world, its depiction of childhood imagination and resilience, and its timeless themes of redemption and hope. It has become a beloved classic of children's literature and has been adapted into numerous films, stage productions, and television series.
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GOOSE GIRL
Shannon Hale
Goose Girl is a young adult fantasy novel by Shannon Hale, first published in 2003. The story follows the adventures of a young princess named Anidori-Kiladra Talianna Isilee, who possesses the gift of animal-speaking, the ability to communicate with animals. After being betrayed by her lady-in-waiting and forced to flee her kingdom, Ani assumes the identity of a goose girl and joins a group of traveling traders. Along the way, she discovers her own inner strength and learns to trust her instincts, as she navigates the challenges of love, loyalty, and self-discovery. The book is celebrated for its richly imagined world-building, memorable characters, and themes of identity, courage, and empowerment. It has become a beloved classic of young adult literature and has been adapted into several successful stage productions and graphic novels.
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JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH
Roald Dahl
James and the Giant Peach is a classic children's novel by Roald Dahl, first published in 1961. The story follows a young orphan boy named James who is forced to live with his cruel aunts after the tragic death of his parents. One day, James meets a mysterious old man who gives him a bag of magical crocodile tongues, which he accidentally spills on a peach tree, causing a giant peach to grow. James climbs inside the peach and sets off on a fantastical adventure with a group of eccentric, anthropomorphic insects, including a ladybug, a spider, and a centipede. Together, they face challenges and overcome obstacles on their way to a wondrous, far-off land. The book is celebrated for its inventive storytelling, quirky characters, and imaginative world-building, and has become a beloved classic of children's literature. It has been adapted into several successful films, stage productions, and musicals.
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THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS
Kenneth Grahame
The Wind in the Willows is a classic children's novel by Kenneth Grahame, first published in 1908. The story follows the adventures of four anthropomorphic animals: Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger, who live in a pastoral English countryside. The animals enjoy boating, picnicking, and exploring their surroundings. However, when the reckless Toad becomes obsessed with motorcars, his behavior endangers himself and his friends. The animals band together to try to save Toad from his own foolishness and navigate other challenges, such as encounters with wild animals and winter weather. The book is celebrated for its vivid descriptions of the natural world, its charming characters, and its timeless themes of friendship, loyalty, and the balance between enjoying life's pleasures and fulfilling responsibilities. It has become a beloved classic of children's literature and has been adapted into several successful films, stage productions, and television shows.
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BEEZUS AND RAMONA
Beverly Cleary
Beezus and Ramona is a children's novel by Beverly Cleary, first published in 1955. The story follows the daily life of Beatrice "Beezus" Quimby, an ordinary nine-year-old girl, and her four-year-old sister Ramona, who is constantly getting into mischief. Beezus struggles to understand and deal with Ramona's unpredictable behavior, such as her tendency to disrupt Beezus's art projects, mess up the house, and cause chaos at Beezus's birthday party. As Beezus learns to appreciate Ramona's unique personality and view the world from her perspective, she also comes to understand the complexities of sibling relationships and the importance of patience, empathy, and acceptance. The book is celebrated for its authentic portrayal of family dynamics, its relatable characters, and its humorous and heartwarming storytelling. It has become a beloved classic of children's literature and has been adapted into several successful films and television shows.
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ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND
Lewis Carroll
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is a classic children's novel by Lewis Carroll, first published in 1865. The story follows a young girl named Alice who falls down a rabbit hole into a fantastical, nonsensical world filled with strange creatures, talking animals, and magical potions. As she navigates this bizarre world, she meets eccentric characters such as the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, and the Queen of Hearts, and participates in surreal events such as a tea party, a game of croquet, and a trial. The book is celebrated for its whimsical and imaginative storytelling, its memorable characters, and its subtle commentary on Victorian society and social norms. It has become a beloved classic of children's literature and has been adapted into numerous films, stage productions, and other media.
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MATILDA
Roald Dahl
Matilda is a beloved children's novel by Roald Dahl, first published in 1988. The story follows the adventures of a young girl named Matilda Wormwood, who is exceptionally intelligent and possesses telekinetic powers. Despite her intelligence and love of books, Matilda's parents are neglectful and dismissive of her, while her headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, is cruel and abusive. Matilda discovers that she can use her powers to take revenge on those who mistreat her and eventually finds solace in her friendship with her kind-hearted teacher, Miss Honey. Together, they navigate the challenges of growing up and standing up to bullies and injustice. The book is celebrated for its witty and charming storytelling, its memorable characters, and its themes of resilience, empowerment, and the transformative power of education. It has been adapted into several successful films, stage productions, and musicals.
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THE FROG PRINCESS
E.D. Baker
The Frog Princess is a young adult novel by E.D. Baker, first published in 2002. The story follows the adventures of Princess Emeralda (Emma), who lives in the magical kingdom of Greater Greensward. Emma's family is cursed, and the only way to break the spell is for Emma to kiss a prince who has been transformed into a frog. However, when Emma meets the frog prince, she also gets transformed into a frog herself, and they embark on a quest to find a way to break their curse. Along the way, they encounter various challenges, including a dangerous witch and a band of outlaws, and they develop a deep friendship and understanding of each other. The book is celebrated for its creative retelling of the classic fairy tale, its engaging characters, and its themes of identity, acceptance, and friendship. It has been adapted into several successful films and television shows, including Disney's The Princess and the Frog.
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THE HOBBIT
J.R.R. Tolkien
The Hobbit is a classic fantasy novel by J.R.R. Tolkien, first published in 1937. The story follows the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who lives in the peaceful Shire, as he sets out on a dangerous journey to help a group of dwarves reclaim their stolen treasure from the dragon Smaug. Along the way, Bilbo encounters a variety of creatures, including trolls, goblins, giant spiders, and the creature Gollum, who possesses a mysterious ring with the power to make the wearer invisible. Despite his small size and lack of experience, Bilbo proves himself to be clever and resourceful, and he ultimately helps the dwarves reclaim their treasure and defeat Smaug. The book is celebrated for its rich world-building, its engaging characters, and its themes of adventure, heroism, and the power of friendship. It has been adapted into several successful films, stage productions, and other media, and is considered a classic of the fantasy genre.
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THE HARDY BOYS
Franklin W. Dixon
The Hardy Boys is a popular series of children's mystery novels, first published in 1927 under the pseudonym Franklin W. Dixon. The series follows the adventures of brothers Frank and Joe Hardy, who are amateur detectives that solve a variety of mysteries in their hometown of Bayport and beyond. The brothers use their intelligence, bravery, and physical skills to solve complex cases involving theft, kidnapping, and other criminal activities. They also have a close relationship with their father, a private investigator, and frequently work together to uncover clues and solve cases. The series is celebrated for its exciting storytelling, engaging characters, and themes of courage, justice, and the power of teamwork. It has been adapted into several successful television shows, comic books, and other media, and is considered a classic of the mystery genre.
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MICHAEL VEY
Richard Paul Evans
Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25 is a young adult novel by Richard Paul Evans, first published in 2011. The story follows Michael, a 14-year-old boy with special electrical powers, who has kept his abilities hidden from the world. However, when he is captured by a ruthless organization that wants to exploit his powers for their own gain, Michael is taken to Cell 25, a high-tech prison where he meets other teenagers with similar powers. Together, they hatch a plan to escape and take down the organization. The book is celebrated for its fast-paced action, engaging characters, and themes of friendship, identity, and the power of standing up to oppression. It has been followed by several sequels and has gained a strong following among young adult readers.
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THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN
Mark Twain
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a classic American novel by Mark Twain, first published in 1884. The story follows Huckleberry Finn, a young boy who runs away from his abusive father and embarks on a journey down the Mississippi River with his friend Jim, an escaped slave. Along the way, the two face a series of challenges and adventures, including encounters with thieves, con men, and feuding families. Through their experiences, Huckleberry and Jim develop a deep bond of friendship and begin to question the morality of the society they live in, particularly its attitudes towards race and slavery. The book is celebrated for its rich characters, its use of vernacular language, and its exploration of themes such as freedom, morality, and the search for identity. It has been adapted into numerous stage productions, films, and other media, and remains a beloved classic of American literature.
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CALL OF THE WILD
Jack London
The Call of the Wild is a classic novel by Jack London, first published in 1903. The story follows Buck, a domesticated dog living in California who is stolen and sold to become a sled dog during the 1890s Klondike Gold Rush in the Yukon Territory. Buck quickly adapts to his new life in the wild and must learn to navigate the harsh conditions and brutal hierarchy of the dog sled team. As he becomes more attuned to his primal instincts, Buck undergoes a transformation that sees him become more feral and wolf-like. The novel explores themes such as survival, instinct, and the relationship between humans and animals, and is celebrated for its vivid descriptions of the Canadian wilderness, its portrayal of the brutal realities of life in the Klondike, and its complex portrayal of Buck's character development. It has been adapted into numerous films, stage productions, and other media, and remains a classic of American literature.
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BLACK BEAUTY
Anna Sewell
Black Beauty is a classic novel by Anna Sewell, first published in 1877. The story is narrated from the perspective of a horse named Black Beauty and follows his life from his early years as a colt, through his various owners and experiences as a working horse, to his eventual retirement. Throughout the novel, Black Beauty experiences both kindness and cruelty at the hands of his owners, and the book highlights the importance of treating animals with respect and compassion. The novel was a groundbreaking work in its time, as it was one of the first to be written from the perspective of an animal and to address issues of animal welfare. It has remained popular for generations and has been adapted into numerous films, stage productions, and other media.
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