Summer Reading 2025 Middle Grade Suggestions

Updated May 7, 2025
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Art club
Doucet, Rashad
Paper Book
An ALA Best Graphic Novel of 2024 Inspired by the author's own childhood, this contemporary graphic novel paints a picture of an aspiring young artist on a mission to prove that the arts are worth fighting for.  Dale Donavan...
Lunch money
Clements, Andrew
Paper Book
Greg Kenton has always had a natural talent for making money -- despite the annoying rivalry of his neighbor Maura Shaw. Then, just before sixth grade, Greg makes a discovery: Almost every kid at school has an extra quarter or two to spend almost every day. Multiply a few quarters by a few...
Make meatballs sing : the life & art of Corita Kent
Burgess, Matthew
Paper Book
Deeply influenced by her religious beliefs and fired up by the social justice causes of her day, artist, designer, and educator Corita Kent was a nun like no other! A 2022 Bologna Ragazzi Award Amazing Bookshelf SelectionA 2022 ALA Notable Children's Book ...
Me, Frida, and the secret of the peacock ring
Cervantes, Angela
Paper Book
A new novel from Angela Cervantes that uses the story of Frida Kahlo to help readers discover the true power of heritage, art, and family.A room locked for fifty years.A valuable peacock ring.A mysterious brother-sister duo.Paloma Marquez is traveling to Mexico City, birthplace of her deceased...
Radiant child : the story of young artist Jean-Michel Basquiat
Steptoe, Javaka
Paper Book
Somewhere in Brooklyn, a little boy dreams of being a famous artist, not knowing that one day he would make himself a king. Jean-Michel Basquiat and his unique, collage-style paintings rocketed to fame in the 1980s as a cultural phenomenon unlike anything the art world had...
Start Here: Draw : How to Be an Artist Without Trying
Clinch, Moira.
Paper Book
If you've always wished you could draw, but have no idea where to start, this guide is the place-offering progressive art activities that develop skill and confidence.
Upstaged (A Graphic Novel)
Easter, Robin.
Paper Book
★ "Sharply written and evocative" -- Publishers Weekly, starred review "This theater camp has plenty of captivating drama both on stage and off!" --Kayla Miller, New York Times bestselling creator of the Click graphic novel series ...
Zia erases the world
Barton, Bree
Paper Book
"Luminous, empowering, and full of heart-healing truths, this is a novel that belongs on every shelf."-Katherine Applegate, Newbery Award winning author For fans of Crenshaw and When You Trap a Tiger comes the extraordinary tale of a headstrong girl and the...

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