Embedded Files
*Rising 3rd grade families, be sure to check out the Illustrated Chapter Books for K-2 as well!
FICTION:
And Then…Boom! by Lisa Fipps
This novel in verse features Joe, who suddenly finds himself without a home or family. He doesn’t tell anyone—not even his friends—until he has his own “and then, boom!” moment that reminds him of the value and importance of friends. (Grades 4 and up)
Bea and the New Deal Horse by L.M. Elliott
When the Great Depression upends her family’s life, Bea is left to provide for herself and her sister. Can taming a rowdy horse and entering jumping competitions change the course of their lives?
Buried Secrets of the Copper Locket by D.L. Bush
When 10-year-old Hannah and her best friend Chan begin their summer break, strange happenings in their small Georgia town set them on an unexpected adventure.
Chef’s Secret (Front Desk #6) by Kelly Yang
The exciting Front Desk series continues as Jason Yao juggles being a professional chef, helping to run a motel, and being a regular kid! (Grades 4 and up)
Cincinnati Lee, Curse Breaker by Heidi Heilig
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler meets Indiana Jones! A young adventurer races to break the family curse by repatriating the artifacts her famed ancestor “saved.”
The Curse of the Eelgrass Bog by Mary Averling
Kess and new girl Lilou are determined to investigate a mysterious curse, but they must explore a strange, monster-filled bog to unravel its secrets. Can Kess find the courage to uncover the clues, even when she discovers more than she bargained for?
Daughters of the Lamp by Nedda Lewers
While visiting her family in Egypt, Sahara Rashad discovers her family’s connection to the legendary treasure of Ali Baba.
Georgie Summers and the Scribes of Scatterplot by Isaac Rudansky
Armed with nothing but courage, friendship, and a magical but extremely dangerous pen, Georgie must race against time to save not just his dad … but the minds of everyone on Earth.
Hawk Football Club by Stevie Suarez
When his dad gets a new job in England, Liam is forced to move from Ireland, leaving his football club and his teammates behind. With help from Tom and his new team, Liam must stand up to bullies and help the Hawks face off against their greatest rivals. Can Liam’s skills and Hawk Football Club’s team spirit lead them to victory?
The Hotel Balzaar by Kate DiCamillo, illus. by Júlia Sardà
Young Marta hears stories from a strange guest at the hotel where she and her mother are living while her father is away at war.
Johnny, the Sea, and Me by Melba Escobar, illus. by Elizabeth Builes, tr. by Sara Lissa Paulson
On a vacation to a Caribbean island, Pedro, a young boy obsessed with pirates, becomes lost and then found, learning to trust his strength and resilience and gaining new friends along the way.
The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents by Nicki Pau Preto
A middle-grade magic school fantasy perfect for fans of The School for Good and Evil and Witchlings, in which a girl with unparalleled power must work with her misfit classmates to save her new school.
The Legend of the Last Library by Frank L. Cole
What if you lived in a world without books? This dystopian novel champions the power of reading and libraries as Juni and her friends undertake an action-packed quest to find the legendary library that could change their world forever.
The Misfits 2: A Copycat Conundrum by Lisa Yee, illus. by Dan Santat
When San Francisco is under strange attacks—like earthquakes affecting only two city blocks at a time—who're you gonna call? An elite team of crime-fighting underdogs, that's who! The Misfits are on the case in this hilarious illustrated series!
Mouse and His Dog: A Dogtown Book by Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko
Determined to help Buster find his forever home, even if it means losing his best pal, Mouse embarks on a bold quest with three of Dogtown’s “unadoptables”: Buster, Stewie—a huge, lovable dog whose ex-owner said he was mean, and Smokey—a robot dog hardwired with a smoke alarm he can’t control.
One Big Open Sky by Lesa Cline-Ransome
Seeking independence through the Black homesteader movement, 11-year-old Lettie, her mother, and a young teacher journey westward.
Popcorn by Rob Harrell
Andrew’s just trying to make it through school picture day. As one thing after another goes wrong, his kernel of worry gets hotter and hotter until it threatens to pop into a panic attack. (Grades 4 and up)
Quagmire Tiarello Couldn’t Be Better by Mylisa Larsen
When a good cover sells a book and then the plot delivers, too! Quag’s plan for a summer break of sleeping in until at least noon doesn’t work out—and worse, his mom leaves him stranded in the rural U.S.
The Sherlock Society by James Ponti
In the tradition of Nancy Drew, four kids and one grandfather in Miami tackle a decades-old mystery in this first book full of “atmosphere, history, and lively humor” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) from James Ponti, author of the City Spies series!
Sona and the Golden Beasts by Rajani LaRocca
After finding an orphaned golden-eared wolf pup, Sona and Raag embark on a quest to find the other sacred beasts of Devia, hoping to fulfill a prophecy and save their homeland.
A Strange Thing Happened in Cherry Hall by Jasmine Warga
A fast read once you meet classmates Rami and Veda, plus Agatha the turtle, in a museum where a painting has gone missing. Will they be able to solve the mystery?
Tales from Cabin 23: The Boo Hag Flex by Justina Ireland
Few campers at Camp Apple Hill Farm have found the mysterious cabin rumored to be hidden deep in the woods—but those who have whisper of a mysterious woman who tells tales of horrors beyond imagination. Are you brave enough to visit Cabin 23?
The Trouble with Heroes by Kate Messner
To make amends for vandalizng the headstone of a famous mountain climber, Finn agrees to climb all forty-six Adirondack High Peaks in a single summer, along with the dead woman's dog. (Grades 4 and up)
What Fell from the Sky by Adrianna Cuevas
Based on true historical events, perfect for fans of The Goonies, Stranger Things, and E.T., Pineda and his friends provide the perfect blend of middle-grade voice, memorable characters, and spine-chills—of real Cold War history brimming with charm, thrills, and wacky adventure.
GRAPHIC NOVELS:
Besties: Prank War (The World of Click) by Kayla Miller and Jeffrey Canino, illus. by Sarah K. Turner
When Trent and Sawyer accidentally start a classwide prank war, the boys need to get especially crafty if they’re going to come out on top—with all of their friendships intact.
The Cartoonists Club by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud
A group of creative friends come together to form The Cartoonists Club, where kids can learn about making comics and use their creativity and imagination for their own storytelling adventures!
Chickenpox by Remy Lai
This hilarious and heartwarming contemporary middle-grade graphic novel is about eldest sister Abby, who is sick of being trapped at home with her FOUR younger siblings as they all suffer from the chickenpox.
Creaky Acres by Calista Brill, illus. by Nilah McGruder
A heartwarming graphic novel about being the new kid in middle school, making new friends, and learning to trust yourself through the power of horseback riding—perfect for fans of Victoria Jamieson's Roller Girl.
Crumble by Meredith McLaren, illus. by Andrea Bell
A heartfelt and magic-filled graphic novel for fans of Sheets and Real Friends about baking, friendship, and feeling every kind of emotion—no matter the flavor.
Fresh Start by Gale Galligan
After moving around due to her dad’s job, Ollie is used to never staying too long in one place. But when her parents decide to buy a house so she and her sister can finish school in one place, can Ollie figure out how to finally be herself and make true friends?
J vs. K by Jerry Craft and Kwame Alexander
It’s artist vs. writer with plenty of shady double crosses as J and K plot their way to the top. This epic match-up from Newbery Medal winners Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft celebrates comics, creativity, and the magic of collaboration.
Link + Hud: Heroes by a Hair by Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey
With warm and authentic humor, Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey have blended prose and graphic novel-style illustrations to craft a unique and subversive new series full of brotherly mischief and mayhem.
Magic Girls: Kira and the (Maybe) Space Princess by Megan Brennan
Fashion, flashy attacks, and friends that are out of this world! This wacky and funny graphic novel series is a love letter to manga fans. With humor and delightfully fun action scenes, this series is perfect for fans of Sailor Moon, Cardcaptor Sakura, and Katie the Catsitter.
Mixed-Up by Kami Garcia, illus. by Brittney Williams
Meet Stella, a game-loving 5th-grade girl who gets diagnosed with dyslexia, and her loving support network that helps her along in the journey. (Grades 4 and up)
The Night Librarian by Christopher Lincoln
Night at the Museum meets The Land of Stories in this thrilling new graphic novel adventure series in which two siblings, a mysterious Night Librarian, and a motley cast of book characters try to save the New York Public Library.
Outsider Kids by Betty C. Tang
Can one spoiled cousin upend three kids’ hard-won happiness? Find out in this hilarious, big-hearted, high-stakes companion to the award-winning bestseller Parachute Kids!
Poetry Comics by Grant Snider
Poetry is interspersed with charming and whimsical graphic panels in this yearlong journey through the seasons.
Sea Legs by Jules Bakes and Nikki Smith
Set sail for adventure! Dive into this hilarious and moving middle grade graphic memoir about friendship, growing up, and life at sea. (Grades 4 and up)
Speechless by Aron Nels Steinke
Just when Mira, who is terrified to speak in class, finds solace in making videos for her stop-motion animation channels, her family throws her a curveball by inviting her sworn enemy Chloe to stay with them! Will Mira be able to find her voice?
The Squad by Christina Soontornvat, illus. by Joanna Cacao
Break out your pom-poms! The highly anticipated, stand-alone companion to the instant #1 bestseller The Tryout promises even more cheer, higher stakes, and relatable middle-school drama.
Stuck (A Click Graphic Novel #7) by Kayla Miller
Olive's hopes for a relaxing two weeks at Camp Acorn Lake are challenged when two of her friends stop speaking to each other.
NONFICTION:
Almost Underwear: How a Piece of Cloth Traveled from Kitty Hawk to the Moon and Mars by Jonathan Roth
The true story of a piece of unbleached muslin and its journey from a factory, to the Wright brothers’ first flight, to the 1969 moon landing, and finally to Mars.
Bounce! A Scientific History of Rubber by Sarah Albee, illus. by Eileen Ryan Ewen
An informative look at the history, science, and unique qualities of rubber.
City of Leafcutter Ants: A Sustainable Society of Millions by Amy Hevron
This informative picture book explores the complex social structure of leafcutter ants, comparing their colony to a bustling human city with each ant performing specialized roles essential for the community's survival.
The Dictionary Story by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston
When Dictionary brings her words to life, chaos ensues—until her friend Alphabet helps restore order in this clever and hilarious tale.
The Fabulous Fannie Farmer: Kitchen Scientist and America's Cook by Emma Bland Smith, illus. by Susan Reagan
Vintage-style illustrations set the tone for this scrumptious picture-book biography of renowned chef, instructor, and cookbook author Fannie Farmer, who popularized standard measurements and revolutionized the science of cooking. Recipes included!
Golden Gate: Building the Mighty Bridge by Elizabeth Partridge, illus. by Ellen Heck
The seemingly impossible construction of the Golden Gate Bridge is shown through the eyes of two children living in San Francisco.
Home by Isabelle Simler, tr. by Vineet Lal. Eerdmans
This stunning book of poetry takes readers on a tour through animal homes from treetop bedrooms to holes in cacti.
Life after Whale: The Amazing Ecosystem of a Whale Fall by Lynn Brunelle, illus. by Jason Chin
A detailed picture-book explanation of the ecosystem that develops during the 150 years after the death of a blue whale.
Mistakes that Made Us: Confessions from Twenty Poets Ed. by Irene Latham and Charles Waters, illus. by Mercè López
This richly illustrated collection of poems explores the real-life mistakes made by 20 authors during their childhood and reassures the reader that no one is perfect.
My Antarctica: True Adventures in the Land of Mummified Seals, Space Robots, and So Much More by G. Neri, illus. by Corban Wilkin
An author shares his experiences during a two-month stay in Antarctica, observing the land, people, and animals.
Observologist: A Handbook for Mounting Very Small Scientific Expeditions by Giselle Clarkston, illus. by the author
A guide to simple scientific exploration that helps readers unleash the power of observation and discover what’s hiding in plain sight.
We Sing from the Heart: How the Slants® Took Their Fight for Free Speech to the Supreme Court by Mia Wenjen, illus. by Victor Bizar Gómez
Asian American Simon Tam takes his battle to reclaim a derogatory term all the way to the Supreme Court.
Wings of an Eagle: The Gold Medal Dreams of Billy Mills by Billy Mills and Donna Janell Bowman, illus. by S. D. Nelson
This free-verse picture-book autobiography relays the challenges and triumphs of Native American Olympic gold-medal runner Mills.
Yes? No? Maybe So…: Amazing Answers to More Than 250 Mind-Blowing Questions by Julie Beer and Paige Towler
This book answers so many of the questions we all have. Can dogs tell time? Could technology from science fiction come true? Do most mammals get hiccups? This book is full of fun and interesting facts to satisfy readers' curiosity all summer long.
POPULAR MIDDLE GRADE SERIES:
The Academy, TJ Layton
City Spies, James Ponti
Emmie & Friends, Terri Libenson
Front Desk, Kelly Yang
Fun Jungle, Stuart Gibbs
The Jumbies, Tracey Baptiste
Keeper of the Lost Cities, Shannon Messenger
The Marvellers, Dhonielle Clayton
Merci Suarez, Meg Medina
National Park Mysteries, Aaron Johnson
The Penderwicks, Jeanne Birdsall
The School for Good and Evil, Soman Chainani
The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street, Karina Yan Glaser
Warriors, Erin Hunter
Wings of Fire, Tui T. Sutherland
The Witchlings, Claribel Ortega
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