15 Must-Read Middle-Grade Books

The joy of reading can be imparted from a young age with the introduction of middle-grade literature that is suspenseful, immersive, wholesome, and a feverish page-turner. Older readers can also benefit from the cozy whimsical atmosphere that only the best middle-grade books can create. In this list, we'll explore some must-read middle-grade books you may or may not have heard of before.

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1. Lockwood and Co. by Jonathan Stroud

Paranormal investigations, blades, ghosts, and supernatural powers. What more can you ask for? Lockwood and Co. Is a severely underrated gem among the plethora of middle-grade literature. With strong friendships, chilling plot points, and even a small budding romance, it is perfect for both young and adult readers. Join Lucy Carlyle as she embarks upon job after job exterminating spirits with the mind-boggling George Cubbins and the utterly charming Anthony Lockwood as they try to navigate a world overrun with malicious spirits. If there's one thing certain with Lockwood and Co., things never go as expected.

Amazon |Goodreads

2. The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani

For fans of Harry Potter who'd love to embark on another huge journey in magical education, there can be no greater fit than The School for Good and Evil. A much darker middle grade than most on this list, the series gives a unique albeit twisted reimagining of popular fairytales. With an endearing cast of characters, trials and tribulations, sweet yet turbulent romance, and deep reflections over what it truly means to be good or evil, this series is a showstopper. Although it is classified as middle-grade, the story is perfect for readers of all ages. Soman Chainani truly challenges the idea that good and evil can never intertwine in this charming, exhilarating, and sometimes disturbing series. You will love following Agatha and Sophie as they struggle to find their place and protect their friendship in a world forever divided between good and evil.

Amazon | Goodreads

3. An Eerie-On-Sea Mystery Series by Thomas Taylor

Another underrated gem, many of you would never even have heard of the Eerie-on-sea mysteries, but you are definitely missing out. Filled with supernatural creatures, daring adventures, and unique mysteries, this series should be on your reading list. We follow Herbie Lemon, the finest lost and founder of Eerie on Sea's largest and only hotel The Grand Nautilus Hotel. He specializes in returning lost objects to their owners, but how should he react when his next case isn't an object, but a human? Violet is desperately looking for her lost family and has come to Eerie-on-sea to investigate their whereabouts as it is the last place they have been seen for years. To do this well she needs help, and who better than the renowned lost and founder Herbert Lemon? Join Herbie and Violet as they unravel the unsettling secrets lying dormant within Eerie-on-sea.

Amazon | Goodreads

4. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

A whimsical intriguing tale very reminiscent of a Ghibli movie. Words have power, well that statement has never been more true. Meggie's mother has vanished, she's been missing ever since Margaret was a baby, and her father has been keeping a huge secret. A secret that could drastically change the world as they know it. With evil overlords, magic powers, strange occurrences, endearing characters, and a rich crabby great aunt, Inkheart is a tale woven with adventure and excitement. A treat for both young and adult readers alike. The story truly helps you understand the joy of reading, and of being able to bring imaginary worlds to life. 

Amazon | Goodreads

5. The Hatmakers by Tamzin Merchant

An enchanting tale filled to the brim with whimsy and excitement. The Hatmakers is a wholesome tale about a girl trying her best to find her place as a magical hatmaker. It's always been Cordelia Hatmaker's dream to create magnificent enchanted hats for others as a part of the Hatmaker business. The feather of an owl attached to a hat imbues wisdom, while other materials make the user invisible or super confident. There is no end to the wonder of being a Hatmaker, especially when the royal family comes calling. Cordelia's dreaming is cut short when she receives an awful message, her father has vanished and is presumed dead at sea. Grief threatens to overwhelm Cordelia's family, but she refuses to succumb, she knows her father is alive and she will find him. With unexpected twists, unlikely friendships, and unsettling plot points that will make you gasp, The Hatmakers should definitely be on your reading list.

Amazon | Goodreads

6. Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch by Julie Abe

A wholesome and cozy tale that reminds you of Kiki's delivery service. Eva Evergreen is a witch, but her powers are far below average. None of her spells do what she wants them to and to make it even more insulting whenever she uses even a slightly powerful spell she falls asleep. However, it is Eva's dearest dream to be an official witch, just like her mother and she is willing to do whatever it takes to get what she wants. She embarks on her Novice Witch Quest to the coastal town of Auteri where a magical storm threatens to ruin everything, and only Eva stands in its path. This is a charming and clever middle grade that makes the reader think deeply about the power of being semi-magical.

Amazon | Goodreads

(If you'd like to read my review of Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch, you can do so here)

7. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

A different read compared to the magical and supernatural ones on this list. The Mysterious Benedict Society is an intriguing mix of mystery and scientific fiction. Riddles, puzzles, tests, and found family are strong themes in this wonderful series. We follow Reynie, George, Kate, and Constance who have always felt different and isolated from others. They get the chance of a lifetime when an advertisement in the newspapers calls for special gifted children although the outcome is something they could never have expected. With mysterious islands, unsettling institutions, secret enemies, and espionage The Mysterious Benedict Society is a page-turner. Perfect for readers of all ages, the series sheds light on the different ways a person can be gifted.

Amazon | Goodreads

8. Winterhouse by Ben Guterson 

A unique, chilling tale filled with mystery and intrigue. Elizabeth Somers is sent to the remote Winterhouse hotel by her horrid relatives. What she doesn't expect is that this is no ordinary hotel and she is about to have the experience of a lifetime. With puzzles, riddles, friendships, magic and, malicious secrets under one roof, Winterhouse is a series you shouldn't miss. The Mysterious, slightly unsettling yet cozy feel of staying at an isolated hotel is perfect for a winter read before the fireplace, or in your warm blankets. The layout of this book also needs mentioning, the illustrations add to the atmospheric vibe of the story and every chapter contains a puzzle for the reader to solve. There are times when Winterhouse gets quite dark, but Elizabeth and Freddie, resident word nerds, are more than up to the challenge.

Amazon | Goodreads

9. Matilda by Roald Dahl

A very well-known, but magnificent tale. Matilda is perhaps one of the best Ronald Dahl books in that it is whimsical, witty, and heartwarming. Matilda is a bookworm despite the ire of her television-obsessed family and worse, she is a genius. With sinister plots, supernatural powers, and the love of reading, Matilda is a book perfect for readers of all ages. If you've loved the movie give the book a try, you might like it more. Don't be surprised to find yourself cheering for Matilda as she stands up to truly horrible villains and cements her love for books and learning.

Amazon | Goodreads

10. Wonder by R. J. Palacio

A truly beautiful, emotional, inspiring tale about a young boy trying to make his way in the world despite being different from others. It is impossible to not feel connected to Auggie, to feel sad when horrid things happen to him, or to feel elated when the good things come. This story is recommended in nearly all schools and the reason is pretty clear, it touches everyone who reads it and makes them rethink their previous ideas about school and life in general. The story leaves your heart feeling fuller than how it began while simultaneously shedding light on the cruelty that other people, even children, are capable of. Wonder is perfect for readers of all ages and imparts life-long lessons that creep up at unsuspecting moments.

Amazon | Goodreads

11. The Famous Five by Enid Blyton

An older recommendation, but a great one nonetheless. The famous five is full of adventure, excitement, mystery, and the occasional danger. Enid Blyton's ability to weave a tale that feels familiar yet still stumps with the occasional plot twist is worthy of admiration.  With wonderful characters with their strengths and weaknesses, mysterious locations, malicious plots, and fun adventures The Famous Five is perfect for young readers who want to dip their toes into the mystery genre. I've also found that reading these books after a very emotional and unsettling read is a comforting experience for an adult reader too. So if you have children or if you just want to read something that feels nostalgic, The Famous Five is a series I wholeheartedly recommend.

Amazon | Goodreads

12. Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery

The first classic on this list, Anne of Green Gables is charming, cozy, and awe-inspiring. Anne is the shining light in this tale, with her infectious joy and limitless imagination. Reading about Anne's life makes you feel strongly connected to her and the people who mean the world to her. Anne is one of the sweetest, most enchanting characters you'll find in classical literature, but she is not perfect and makes a lot of mistakes without meaning to, often with disastrous outcomes. This makes her very relatable and she feels like a friend. The writing is magnificent, and the way nature in particular is described makes you feel like you are standing right next to Anne and her friends as they trudge along to school or play around. With an emotional storyline, gorgeous scenery, and even a rivalry, Anne of Green Gables is impossible to put down and a perfect introductory classic along with The Secret Garden.

Amazon | Goodreads

13. Heidi by Johanna Spyri

Another classic that just fills you with hope and wonder. Heidi is the tale of a sweet little girl, Heidi who is sent to live with her recluse of a grandfather who prefers the company of his goats to other people. Heidi is a free spirit, in tune with nature and in love with everything the old man does, which in turn makes her grandfather warm up to her too. This tale follows Heidi as she is forced away from her beloved grandfather to become a companion for a sweet but sickly young lady. Despite the comforts of the upper class life Heidi yearns to return to her meadows, flowers, goats, and her grandfather. In this comforting read the power of nature and of being good-natured takes precedence and changes lives in ways that at first glance appear to be impossible. You'll want to drink a glass of goat milk when you're done and you'll wonder why the thought even crossed your mind. If you love The Secret Garden and want something similar Heidi should be on your list.

Amazon | Goodreads

14. A Murder Most Unladylike by Robin Stevens

A cozy, charming, Enid Blyton and Sherlock Holmes-styled mystery series that everyone should give a chance. We follow best friends and amateur detectives Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong who are intelligent, inquisitive, and magnificent actors. A classic whodunit mystery series with sinister plots, shady motives, and a multitude of possible suspects, Murder Most Unladylike is a fun, cozy, and atmospheric tale about strange goings-on in a boarding school for girls. Some plot points are darker than one would expect going into it, but the suspense is top-notch. With complex and compelling characters adults too will be able to get lost in the world Robin Stevens has orchestrated. 

Amazon | Goodreads

15. Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan

A beloved series that everyone has probably read before, but I can't not mention it. Percy Jackson and The Olympians is the epitome of adventure, action, and humor, With endearing characters, engaging plots, awe-inspiring action, dark themes, magical powers, and an intriguing twist on Greek mythology, Percy Jackson is a must-read for readers of all age groups. The representation, especially of different learning disabilities is also admirable and truly changes perspectives on what it means to have ADHD and Dyslexia. Though not very accurate, owing to the fantasy setting of this tale, children and adult readers with a learning difficulty may find solace in the way Rick Riordan has turned their troubles into something magical. With strong friendships, family bonds, found family, mythical creatures, supernatural powers, unsettling prophecies, and jaw-dropping surprises, if you haven't read the series yet you are missing out.

Amazon | Goodreads

Thank you for reading. Are there any other middle-grade books you find enjoyable?

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I'll see you on Tuesday for the next Top Ten Tuesday.