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 […]
Most readers can point to one. A specific book, usually read at exactly the right moment, that cracked something open. Before it, reading was a chore or just something that happened at school. After it, books were something else entirely. If your middle grader hasn’t found that book yet, they haven’t found it yet. That’s […]
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 […]
We’re back with another installment in our holiday story series. Over the last couple of years, we’ve looked at the history behind classics like Frosty the Snowman, The Grinch, The Night Before Christmas, and more. This week, we’re adding two stories that families return to every December. Both are simple on the surface, but each […]
We’re back for another season, digging into the history behind some of our most beloved holiday stories. If you missed parts one and two from last year, be sure to check them out! This week, we’re exploring two familiar holiday tales with origins that might surprise your kids. Both come from very different places in […]
As the days shorten and we head into the heart of November, it’s a good moment to pause and reflect, not just on what we’re thankful for, but on how we show up for others. In the world of the Night Buddies series, Crosley, John, and the rest of the crew don’t just hang out; […]
There’s something about October that invites you to slow down. The air turns crisp, evenings stretch longer, and suddenly curling up with a blanket and a good book feels exactly right. For middle-grade readers, who are often balancing schoolwork, sports, and social life, this season offers the perfect chance to rediscover the joy of reading […]
October is here, and with it comes pumpkins, chilly nights, and of course, spooky stories. Middle graders seem especially drawn to tales that make the hair on the back of their necks stand up. But why do we love being spooked, and where did this tradition come from? The Origins of Spooky Tales Long before […]
September means one thing in plenty of households—fantasy football drafts. But instead of quarterbacks and wide receivers, let’s have a little fun with a fantasy draft of middle-grade book characters. If you were building your dream adventure team, who would you pick first overall? Here are some of the contenders we’d put on the board: […]
Middle-grade books are packed with wild imaginations, daring adventures, and unforgettable sidekicks, but let’s be honest, sometimes it’s the magical creatures who steal the show. From red crocodiles to shape-shifting demons, these creatures bring stories to life in ways that are both funny and thrilling, and sometimes even a little spooky. Today, we’re rounding up […]