Back to School Books for Middle Grade

Get ready for a new school year with these novels for grades 3-8.

Updated July 6, 2023
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Figure it out, Henri Weldon
Davis, Tanita S.
Paper Book
Tanita S. Davis, author of Partly Cloudy and Serena Says, has written another funny, warm story featuring middle school and family life--all about the complex calculations it takes for everyone to balance the equations of their lives and what it takes to be part of a team while handling a...
Honey and me
Drazin, Meira
Paper Book
Fans of Judy Blume, The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street, and The Penderwicks will love this funny, charismatic story of a Jewish girl striving to forge her own identity in the shadow of her fearless best friend. **A 2023 Sydney Taylor Award Honor Book!** **A...
Ahmed Aziz's epic year
Hamza, Nina
Paper Book
This hilarious and poignant tween debut--which SLJ heralded as "destined to become a classic" in a starred review--tackles evergreen topics like dealing with bullies, making friends, and the power of good books. A great next read for fans of Merci Suárez Changes Gears and John David...
Playing through the turnaround
Larsen, Mylisa
Paper Book
Sparkling wit and heart combine in a tale of young musicians protesting budget cuts and navigating shifting friendships, clueless adults, and unexpected loss as they discover the power of speaking out and the value of listening.  "A brave and dazzling debut, this timely novel is a...
Hummingbird
Lloyd, Natalie
Paper Book
A Schneider Family Book Award Honor Book From the bestselling author of A Snicker of Magic comes a heartfelt story about a girl who -- armed with her trusty, snazzy wheelchair -- refuses to let her brittle bone disease stand in the way of adventure Twelve...
Join the club, Maggie Diaz
Moreno, Nina (Young adult fiction writer)
Paper Book
This humorous and heartfelt middle-grade debut by Nina Moreno with illustrations by Courtney Lovett is perfect for fans of Celia C. Pérez and Terri Libenson, and any reader still deciding what their passion in life is. "MAYBE I'M GOOD AT SOMETHING I DON'T EVEN KNOW ABOUT YET." ...
Omar rising
Saeed, Aisha
Paper Book
"Irresistibly appealing and genuinely inspiring--a story that helps us to see the world more clearly, and to see ourselves as powerful enough to change it." --Rebecca Stead, author of Newbery Award Winner When You Reach Me In this compelling companion to New York Times...
The Wednesday wars
Schmidt, Gary D.
Paper Book
In this Newbery Honor-winning novel, Gary D. Schmidt tells the witty and compelling story of a teenage boy who feels that fate has it in for him. Seventh grader Holling Hoodhood isn't happy. He is sure his new teacher, Mrs. Baker, hates his guts. Throughout the school year,...
Barakah Beats
Siddiqui, Maleeha
Paper Book
"This book about friendship and faith absolutely sings." -- Buzzfeed Perfect for fans of The First Rule of Punk or Save Me a Seat, this is a sweet, powerful, and joyous novel about a girl who finds her voice on her own terms. Twelve-year-old Nimra...
Other words for home
Warga, Jasmine
Paper Book
New York Times bestseller and Newbery Honor Book! A gorgeously written, hopeful middle grade novel in verse about a young girl who must leave Syria to move to the United States, perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds and Aisha Saeed. Jude never thought she'd be...
Finally seen
Yang, Kelly
Paper Book
From the New York Times bestselling author of Front Desk comes a "involving, realistic" (Booklist, starred review) middle grade novel about a young girl who leaves China to live with her parents and sister--after five years apart--and learns about family, friendship, and the...

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