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 […]
The Borough in Night Buddies is full of characters, and we mean that in the best possible way. Every person in this world has a very specific personality, a very specific skill set, and a very specific way of showing up. Sound like anyone you know? Read through the whole crew and see where you […]
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 […]
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: […]
Every great adventure story has a hero—but sometimes it’s the quirky companion who steals the show. Think about it: what would Harry Potter be without Hermione, Ron, Luna, Hagrid, and Dobby? Or Percy Jackson without Grover? Or Shrek without Donkey? Quirky companions make stories unforgettable, and kids can’t get enough of them. In the Night […]
Summer break brings long days and relaxed routines. And let’s be honest, a whole lot of screen time. Between video games, YouTube, and streaming shows, it’s easy for kids to fall into a digital daze. But this season is also the perfect time to help them rediscover something magical: books. Books don’t beep. They don’t […]
Mother’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate the moms, grandmas, aunts, and all-around amazing caregivers who keep life running smoothly. In real life, they’re the bedtime readers, boo-boo fixers, and snack-pack champions. And in books? They’re often the quiet heroes in the background—or sometimes, the fearless adventurers themselves. This week, the Night Buddies team […]
There’s nothing quite like getting lost in a really great adventure story. Whether it’s a late-night mission to stop a pineapple cheesecake scare (looking at you, Crosley) or a daring quest through magical lands, adventure books hold a special place in kids’ hearts—and bookshelves. But what exactly makes an adventure book irresistible to middle-grade readers? […]