Some of the most memorable friendships in children’s literature aren’t between two people, but between a child and an extraordinary animal. These loyal companions offer courage when life feels uncertain, spark unforgettable adventures, and remind young readers that friendship often comes in the most unexpected forms. In Night Buddies, Crosley is far more than a […]
There is a very specific moment that every reading household knows. Your middle grader finishes a book they loved, closes it, and looks up with a mix of satisfaction and grief. Then comes the question: Do you have another one like that? It sounds simple. It is not. The trick is that kids almost never […]
If you have a middle-grade reader who likes knowing what’s coming next, 2026 is already shaping up to be a strong year. Publishers have announced a range of middle-grade releases that span fantasy, mystery, contemporary stories, and graphic novels, giving families plenty of options for different reading styles and moods. Below are eight middle-grade books […]
January is not the month for books that feel like homework. It is cold. It gets dark early. Kids are tired from being back in school. This is the season when many middle-grade readers naturally gravitate toward stories that feel familiar, steady, and comforting. Not boring. Just safe enough to sink into. These are the […]
Welcome back to our celebration of the best middle-grade books of 2024! In Part One, we explored a mix of magical adventures, heartwarming friendships (like Crosley and John), and stories of courage and resilience. Now, in Part Two, we’re diving into even more incredible reads that promise to capture your imagination, spark important conversations, and […]
There is something about fall that makes you want to cozy up with some apple cider and a good book as the weather starts to change. If you or your child are looking for a new book with some autumn inspiration, we’ve picked out some good ones for you. Book descriptions and age recommendations from […]
The door slowly creaks open. In the dim light, we see walls covered with cobwebs and bookshelves. It’s clear no one has ventured over the threshold since last year. We take a deep breath to gather our courage and enter the room. We are more than ready to pull the dusty tomes from the shelves […]
Are leprechauns real? And if so, what exactly are they? Good questions and perfect for March! Leprechauns are small creatures that some believe are related to faeries or elves. They hail from Ireland, so the bearded fellows are often depicted wearing green and have become associated with St. Patrick’s Day. But what do leprechauns do? […]
This is the last post in our three-part series on librarians’ picks for the best middle-grade fiction of 2022. Each year, the School Library Journal names its top books. We share four more of their selections for readers eight through twelve with your today. Visit our previous posts to see more selections. The books are […]
Today we bring you part two of librarians’ picks for the best middle-grade fiction of 2022. Each year, the School Library Journal names its top books. We share four more of their selections for readers eight through twelve with your today. The books are presented in alphabetical order by the author’s last name. Descriptions come […]
Three major holidays will be observed in communities around the world during April. An excellent way to explore a celebration you might not be familiar with is to read a children’s book together. These books can help introduce you to some of the traditions. Ramadan – For our Islamic friends, April 2-May 2 is the […]
Don’t tell, but we’ve found some wonderful mid-grade fiction books that teach a little science along the way. Young readers will learn along with the characters and it most likely won’t even feel like an assignment. Bees on the Roof by Robbie Shell Sam needs to find a seventh-grade science fair project and a way […]