Will I ever outgrow my love for middle grade novels? I think not. And I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to, either! There’s something magical about middle grade novels. They depict the thrills and pains and stumbles that come along with growing up and discovering ourselves. They can tell stories of lives very different from our own, and they also have the power to remind us how smart, resilient, and inspiring kids are.
Here are some lovely middle grade titles that I enjoyed recently:
When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller
After Lily and her family move in with her sick grandmother, Lily starts seeing a magical tiger that wants something her grandmother stole long ago. This leads Lily, her sister, and her new friend Ricky down a path of secrets, family history, and courage.
From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks
On her 12th birthday, Zoe receives a letter from her biological father who has been in prison serving time for a crime he says he did not commit. After learning about institutionalized racism and the criminal justice system, Zoe and her best friend Trevor set out to find his alibi witness and prove his innocence.
Iveliz Explains it All by Andrea Beatriz Arango
Iveliz, a 12-year-old poet, works hard to manage and advocate for her mental health while navigating complicated friendships and family dynamics.
Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed
Amal lives an ordinary life in her Pakistani village where she dreams of becoming a teacher one day, until she is forced to work as a servant for the village’s corrupt landlord to pay off her family’s debt. Once there, she fights to create change and win back her freedom.
The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelley
In August 1999, 12-year-old Michael’s life changes when he meets Ridge, a time-traveling teenager from the future.
~Posted by Siri A.