To participate in #middlegrademarch 2024, I’ve compiled a list of ten memorable Middle-Grade reads! There are many wonderful middle-grade books from which to choose and even though I haven’t read extensively in middle grade, these titles are stories that I’ve recently read and thought were exceptional because of their themes. Reading builds knowledge, understanding, and compassion.
I’m linking up today with That Artsy Reader Girl for #TopTenTuesday … and I’m going rogue. The prompt is supposed to be movies/TV shows that would make incredible books, but I’ve got nothing. Since it’s Middle-Grade March, I am flipping the prompt and curating a list of a few of my favorite Middle-Grade books that would make brilliant movies that kids will love.
These are all books that adults will enjoy!
10+ Awesome and Memorable Reads For Middle-Grade March 2024
***This post contains Amazon affiliate links.
Often, children fall in love with reading in Middle Grade. Was this your experience? Children in Middle Grade have “learned to read” and now they can fully immerse themselves in the world of words as they “read to learn” and “read for enjoyment.” They have more autonomy to choose their own reading material and can pursue individual interests. Many stories promote great family read-aloud experiences (or buddy reads). As a bonus, most Middle-Grade stories have heartfelt themes without the mature content and/or profanity of YA.
What theme do you think Middle-Grade books have in common?
For adults, Middle-Grade books make the perfect palate cleanser or fit the description of books that can be read in a day. If I’m feeling myself sliding into a reading “slump,” I often seek out a recommended Middle-Grade read to stimulate my reading life once again. I love that Middle-Grade books almost always end on a hopeful note. This theme of hopefulness is one of the main reasons I love reading Middle-Grade. I strongly believe that great Middle-Grade literature can be enjoyed by adults! Here’s an entire post devoted to why I love MG.
In addition to the above reasons to read Middle-Grade literature, I appreciate the authors who write diversely for Middle-Grade readers and write on difficult themes or topics in an easy-to-read and understandable manner. If we buy and read more Middle-Grade diverse literature, it will encourage publishers and writers to produce more. I think it’s important for children to see themselves in literature.
Middle-Grade Literature
(in no particular order, the first 10 in this list are among my most memorable reads. Don’t miss my list of honorable mentions!
The War That Saved My Life and The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (a series), and A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus
These three poignant stories have the same themes (children sent from London to the countryside to live with strangers during WWII) and are wonderful companion reads.
Merci Suarez Changes Gears by Meg Medina
Merci experiences being a minority on scholarship at an exclusive private school, accepts changes in her beloved grandfather’s health, and gains confidence while finding her voice. My Goodreads Review.
A Rover’s Story by Jasmine Warga
A poignant story of friendship and doing your best. (STEM.) My review of Rover’s Story here.
Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed
Amal is a determined and brave girl, and in this story we learn about her experience of forced indentured servitude. My review of Amal Unbound here.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
A story of friendship, compassion, and acceptance for all ages. My review of Wonder here.
Jefferson’s Sons by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley and Stella by Starlight by Sharon M. Draper
(content warnings may apply to both)
Jefferson’s Sons and Stella by Starlight are two excellent examples of diverse reads for Middle Grade. Jefferson’s Sons explores slavery and Stella’s story includes themes of prejudice and racism. Both provide opportunities for thoughtful discussions. (brief Goodreads review of Stella)
Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero by Kelly J. Baptist
Love the themes in this poignant story (there’s also a sequel). My review of Isaiah Dunn here.
Inside Out and Back Again by Thannha Lai
I love this poetic and poignant refugee and immigrant story of Ha and her family told in free verse. (my Goodreads review) I loved the themes of acceptance, understanding, friendship, and anti-bullying.
Ghost by Jason Reynolds
Ghost (reviewed here) is the first in a sports (track) series.
Refugee by Alan Gratz
I recommend Refugee for mature Middle-Grade readers and older. This riveting story is told from three perspectives over three different time periods and features three different locations (Syria, Germany, and Cuba). This compelling story provides the opportunity for thoughtful discussion, and I’ve heard that teachers are using it in their classrooms to promote understanding and empathy. My review of Refugee here. It’s one of the best middle-grade books I’ve read. If it’s been a long time since you’ve experienced a middle-grade read, start here!
Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes
(Mature MG/YA With Content Warnings)
My review of Ghost Boys here. (mature readers/content warnings)
Other Favorite Middle-Grade Books:
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson My review of Brown Girl Dreaming here.
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
More to the Story by Hena Khan
Wishtree and Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate
The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser
Louisana’s Way Home by Kate DiCamillo
Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
The Next Great Jane by K.L. Going
Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown (#1 in a series)
Middle-Grade March 2024 QOTD:
Have you read any of these titles?
If you were to pick one book off this list to read, which would you choose?
May I enthusiastically encourage you to read a book from this list in March?
What’s your favorite or last Middle-Grade read?
Do you have recommendations for me?
Imagination Soup has compiled a resource of additional titles for children of all ages.
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Fab list! I couldn’t think of anything today either Carol,so have decided to give it a miss. 🤷♀️
I was going to skip as well and then at the last minute I remembered I hadn’t written a post about MG March!
I love middle grade books, too.
Here is my Top Ten Tuesday.
Yay for MG! 🙌
I see several my daughter loved when she was the age to read these books.
So many memorable and wonderful MG books!
I love Middle Grade books because of the reasons you mentioned – hopefulness, difficult subjects covered in an understandable way and quick reads with depth. I read two Middle Grade books in March and would recommend them both – The Mona Lisa Vanishes by Nicholas Day (non-fiction) and Journey to the River Sea by Eva Ibbotson. The first three books listed in your post are on my TBR and I am looking forward to reading them!
Yay for MG! 🙌 Thanks for the recs!
Hi, Carol – Although I was a Middle Grades educator for most of my career, I have not read any of the books that you have highlighted here. If choosing one from your list, I would go with Refugee by Alan Gratz due to its description and your high recommendation!
You will love Refugee! It’s also a great YA crossover and one that adults of any age will appreciate! What was your fav MG read when you were in the classroom?
Middle grade books are a good palate cleanser. I read two MG graphic novels in March. That being Tidesong by Wendy Xu and Rema vol one: Realm of the Blue Mist by y Amy Kim Kibuishi. Both are review on my blog.
My TTT: https://snapdragonalcoveblog.wordpress.com/2024/03/26/movies-you-may-not-have-heard-of/
Thanks for sharing your MG titles!
Loved Refugee. I’ve also read Ghost, Inside Out and Back Again, and Wonder. All great books. I love Dusti Bowling’s books. And Dan Gemeinhart too.
I read four middle readers this month – Before the Ever After by Jacquelyn Woodson (5 stars for me) and Me and Marvin Gardens by Amy Sarig King (loved this one as well). Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi and Minerva King’s Detective Club by James Patterson. Both really fun as well.
Yay! I love that we share an appreciation for MG lit! Thanks for the recs!
I’ve read a few of these, but not all. I am going to have to see if my library has Refugee, it sounds powerful. Great list that I will keep handy, Carol. I do have a spreadsheet of your other MG suggestions, so will add some of these to it for future reference.
You will love Refugee! 🙌