Ten Read-Aloud Middle Grade Books
Abbe knows everything about the books in the children’s department and is our go-to for
recommendations for our kids, grandkids, other people’s kids and grandkids, adults who like to
read kids' books…well, you get the idea! She reads some great adult books too. This month she
recommends excellent read-aloud middle grade books.
A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus
Historical fiction (WWII England), Cozy, lovely, charming. Ages 8+
Worser by Jennifer Ziegler
Contemporary fiction. Worser is an introverted lover of words. His ordered “beige” world crashes down after his mom suffers from a stroke. His aunt, an extroverted artist, moves in to help. Worser is not amused. He finds solace and friendship in a local bookstore. Oh, and it’s funny too. Ages 9+
The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels by Beth Lincoln
A deliciously gothic, madcap “whodunit” with an array of eccentric characters. Ages 8+
Leeva At Last by Sara Pennypacker
I thought of Roald Dahl, Carol thought of Pippi Longstocking. We both thought “delightful and fun!” Ages 8+
The Many Assassinations of Samir, Seller of Dreams by Daniel Nayeri
Historical fiction (11th century Silk Road). Action, adventure filled. Frightening and funny. It grabs you from the first sentence and takes you on a wild ride! Ages 10+
Island of Spies by Sheila Turnage
Historical Fiction/Mystery (WWII, 1942 North Carolina Coast). Three 12-year-old best friends try to discover the Nazi spies they believe are behind the U-boat attacks on American ships off the coast of Hatteras Island. Ages 9+
Sisters of the Lost Marsh by Lucy Strange
Folklore/Historical (Medieval). We love anything that Lucy Strange writes, and her new novel is no exception. Six sisters suffer under an abusive father who believes his family is cursed. Superstition, magic,
family love and self-determination are woven into this gorgeous tale. Ages 8+
Finally Seen by Kelly Yang
Ten-year-old Lina leaves her home country of China to join her parents and baby sister in the US, after 5 years apart. You will love Lina and cheer for her as she makes her way in a strange new place with an
almost-new family. Ages 8+
Honestly, Elliott by Gillian McDunn
Struggling with ADHD, a new school, a newly remarried Dad, and his best friend moving away, Elliott
faces 6th grade with trepidation. He finds happiness in cooking. Ages 8+
The Lost Year: A Survival Story of the Ukrainian Famine by Katherine Marsh
Stuck at home during the pandemic, 13-year-old Mathew must help take care of his 100-year-old great grandmother who has recently moved in. She has stories and dark secrets. This novel moves between the present day and the 1930s. Perfect for fans of Alan Gratz. Ages 8+
