This Christmas read aloud book list includes classic and contemporary choices, short novels for a quick read, fantasy novels for those who want as much magical sparkle as possible, and warm hearted stories about families coming together.

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A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig

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Our family adores this book! It's very funny and über-charming with just the right amount of Dahl-esque humor. When Nikolas' father doesn't return from a journey at the expected time, Nikolas leaves his neglectful aunt and goes off in search of him. Along the way he meets a village of elves and his future is forever changed. Yes, this is now a Netflix film, and a pretty good one, too.

You will absolutely want to follow up with the companion books: The Girl Who Saved Christmas, Father Christmas and Me

Juniper's Christmas by Eoin Colfer

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In this magical adventure, Juniper Lane needs Santa's help to find her missing mum. But Santa has left his workshop and is currently avoiding children while hiding in a park where he helps the homeless build shelters. This book has everything you want in a Christmas adventure–a magical gift sack, a baby reindeer, a group of determined elves, adventure in which bad guys are thwarted and lots of love. Don't miss it.

One Wise Sheep: An Untraditional Christmas Story by Ulrich Hub, illustrated by Jörg Mϋhle

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This delightful short, illustrated novel, originally published in Germany, is an excellent choice for families with young children. Although the tale has its roots in the Biblical story of Christmas, the story of sheep who are spurred one night by mysterious UFOs to make a journey to see a baby (they are convinced it's a girl) will also be enjoyed by secular families. Hub's wry and clever humor will provide lots of giggles.

When Santa Fell to Earth by Cornelia Funke

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We listened to the audiobook of this quirky story about what happens when Niklas Goodfellow, the last real Santa, crash-lands after one of his reindeer gets freaked by a storm. Gerold Geronimus Goblynch, the leader of the Great Christmas Council is determined to put a stop to the Christmas fun. Niklas, with the help of a few children tries to outwit Goblynch and save the holiday magic. I love Funke's ability to write evocative descriptive detail.

Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien

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When I was a kid, a copy of Letters From Father Christmas always sat under our Christmas tree and I loved to read the letters that Tolkien wrote to his kids every year. I first read the book at the time when I was straddling the line between believing in the Santa who brought me gifts and the one that only lived in stories. The letters which detail the North Pole exploits of Santa, Polar Bear, elves and goblins, are accompanied by Tolkien's imaginative illustrations. Utterly magical.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson

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This a modern American classic! The misbehaving Herdman kids–they smoke, steal, play pranks and swear!–decide to take over the church's Christmas pageant.  Hilarious hijinks ensue and the Herdman kids reimagine a story they've never heard before (the birth of Jesus), but in the end it is the Herdmans' interpretation of the Christmas story that teaches the community the true meaning of the holiday.  Hilarious and touching.

Winterfrost by Michelle Houts

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A nisse is the Danish version of tomte (you will find lots of tomten on my list of Swedish Christmas and holiday books), a small creature in Scandinavian folklore who looks after the farm. Families are supposed to leave the nisse a traditional bowl of Christmas pudding on the eve of the holiday, but this year, Bettina's family is beset by troubles and they forget the pudding. In a fit of mischief, the local nisse, Klakke, steals the family baby! Bettina sets out into the woods to find her sister and encounters more mythological creatures and adventure in this tale of magic and kindness. Break out the pepparkakor because you will love this story.

MORE: Books about Tomten

The Box of Delights by John Masefield

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Kay Harkin meets a strange man on a train. The man gives him a mysterious, magical box which has the ability to shrink people, allow them to time travel and even make them fly. Kay and his friends must protect the box from the villains who want to do away with Christmas. Be sure to get an unabridged version like this one from New York Children's Book Review. A delightful adventure.

The Last Holiday Concert by Andrew Clements

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Clements (author of the very popular Frindle) has an uncanny ability to capture the school environment. In this story, Nicolas and his music teacher have a small run in which leads to the teacher handing over the reigns of the holiday concert to the students. Nicolas must learn how to be a leader, while the teacher (who has recently found out that budget cuts will terminate his job next year) learns a bit of flexibility. A great story that highlights relationship dynamics and cooperation.

MORE: Christmas Audiobooks for everyone!

Nancy and Plum by Betty MacDonald

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This 1952 book from the author of Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle is the perfect recipe for an old-fashioned read aloud:  two orphaned sisters, an unctuous boarding school mistress who feeds them hard oatmeal, a wealthy bachelor uncle, a Christmas setting and a feel good ending in which evil fails and good triumphs.

The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson

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At Christmas time in Paris, Armand, a self-proclaimed hobo who loves his responsibility-free life, takes a homeless family under his protection. The children wish for a home for Christmas. Armand makes their wish come true, and in doing so he decides it might not be so bad to have permanent ties after all. This is a short novel, and a Newbery Honor recipient, 1959.

Winterhouse (series) by Ben Guterson

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Elizabeth's guardians, her aunt and uncle, leave for vacation and mysteriously leave her only a train ticket and $3. The train ride takes Elizabeth to a luxurious and odd hotel. Elizabeth loves to read and has a sixth, extrasensory and magical sense. She makes friends with Freddy, who loves word puzzles and the two of them set about solving the mysteries of the hotel, including an important missing book. A good choice for families with upper elementary and middle school students.

The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum

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Wizard of Oz author, L. Frank Baum, tells a fictional origin story of St. Nicholas from birth to old age. This book was the inspiration for the stop motion TV special The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus. Baum invents wonderful stories to explain traditions like hanging up stockings. We've been listening to the audiobook, Santa Claus in Oz, which also includes Baum's short story, "A Kidnapped Santa Claus." As Baum's work is in the public domain, there are all kinds of terrible editions out there so be cautious about getting a copy with the original illustrations.

The True Gift by Patricia MacLachlan

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This is a short, lovely novel. Siblings Lily and Liam go to spend Christmas with their grandparents. Liam thinks his grandparents' cow, "White Cow" looks lonely and he sets out to raise money to buy it a companion. He even sells his beloved collection of books. The community comes together to create a wonderful Christmas surprise for both the cow and the children. If you are looking for a heartwarming story that could be made into a Hallmark movie, this is it.

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser

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It is just before Christmas and the Vanderbeekers are going to be forced to move from their beloved Harlem brownstone unless they can change the mind of their grumpy landlord who just happens to be their upstairs neighbors. This creative, bi-racial family sets to work to win him over in this heartwarming story the whole family will adore. A read aloud for all ages!

MORE: Winter Holiday Read Aloud Novels

The Lotterys More or Less by Emma Donoghue

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The Lottery family is a large, multicultural, blended, adoptive and homeschooling family. This December, their visitor from Brazil gets injured and has to remain with the family over the holidays. His addition to the festivities–and the Lotterys celebrate everything–from Holi to Christmas to Hogmany, as well as power outages across the city, adds a humorous layer to the already crazy antics of the family. Great fun to read aloud to the whole family.

The Light at Tern Rock by Julia L. Sauer

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This very short novel, which received the Newbery Honor in 1952, is just what you want from a story about discovering the meaning of Christmas, despite the total lack of Christmas imagery on the cover! Ronnie enjoys spending time with his Aunt Martha in the lighthouse but he looks forward to returning home for Christmas. However, the lighthouse keeper doesn't return on time and Ronnie must come to terms with the idea of having to spend Christmas at the isolated location.

The Yule Tomte and the Little Rabbits by Ulf Stark

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This marvelously illustrated book contains 24 short chapters. One chapter is to be read on each day of advent. Grump the tomte is waiting for Yule (Christmas) when all of a sudden a wind blows his mittens and hat away and into the hands of a couple of rabbits. The rabbits are delighted with their strange gifts but the tomte worries he won't be able to bring Christmas to the forest without the necessary garments. A delightful story.

MORE: Diverse and multicultural Christmas picture books

The post Magical Christmas Chapter Books to Read Aloud appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

Finding the perfect novel to give a middle grade reader doesn't have to be difficult. Just ask the young reader what interests them most and head to the corresponding category below!

Kids Who Love Fantasy

Fantasy books evoke magic, mythological beings, time travel and portals to other worlds. For more fantasy books for middle grade readers check out our big list of fantasy books for tweens.

Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell

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Kids need something to read after Harry Potter? Love dragons, griffons and magical worlds? This is the book! When Christopher finds a baby griffon, his grandfather tells him about the Archipelago, a place filled with magic and that their family guards the passageway to that world. In the Archipelago, he meets Mal, a girl pursued by danger who joins him on a hair-raising journey to discover magic is disappearing and how they can save it. Brilliant. Ages 9 and up.

Medusa by Katherine Marsh

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Booksellers say this book is extremely popular with kids, which is the best recommendation you can get! Seventh grader Ava discovers she is a descendant of the legendary Medusa and is sent to a school where all the students descend from mythological monsters. Thrilling, engaging and fast-paced... just what kids want! Ages 9 and up.

The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy by Anne Ursu

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When 12-year-old Marya Lupu upsets an important visit by sorcerers come to test her older brother for magic, she is sent away to Dragomir Academy. Dragomir is a boarding school housed in a castle donated by a Count for the purpose of educating "troublesome" girls. The teachers, while not unkind, insist that girls follow rules. Marya, and her new friend, Elana, find this difficult. At the academy, Marya, starts to build relationships and questions what she's told about magic, who can wield it, and why it threatens the land. Her discoveries lead to uncovering secrets about the structure of Illyria's society.

Sal and Gabi Break the Universe (series) by Carlos Hernandez

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My son listened to this on audiobook and loved it! He was alternating between gasping and laughing. Salvador Vidón is the new kid, but is also an unusual kid because he is able to open portals into alternate universes with his mind. He meets Gabi Reál who is a bit suspicious of his explanation about the mysterious things that happen when he is around. This is a really fun book, with lots of fast-paced action and crazy humor. Highly recommended!

Sisters of the Neversea by Cynthia Leitich Smith

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Lily and Wendy are stepsisters, but also friends. One night, during story time with their younger brother, Michael, Peter and the fairy Belle arrive and invite them to Neverland. One sister is eager to go. The other turns down the offer, but Peter's shadow convinces her to follow them. Cynthia Leitich Smith has crafted a truly marvelous re-envisioning of the Peter Pan legend centered around a blended Muskogee Creek and British family.

Kids Who Want Graphic Novels

Kids love graphic novels and they are a particularly good book to put in the hands of a reluctant reader. Fortunately, graphic novels come in loads of different genres, so you can find the perfect book gift.

Miles Morales: Shock Waves by Justin A. Reynolds, illustrated by Pablo Leon

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Even kids who aren't into Spider Man will love this graphic novel. Miles Morales is just a kid attending high school in Brooklyn who starts a fundraiser for victims of an earthquake in Puerto Rico. However, he finds himself delving into the connections of his friend's missing father and the corporation behind his fundraiser. Spider-Man must spring into action!

Cardboardia (series) by Lucy Campagnolo, illustrated by Richard Fairgray

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Four kids are transported via cereal box prizes into a parallel world where everything is made of cardboard. In this new universe, their creativity is unleashed, but they also meet the evil Grey Queen and must band together with the Carboardians in order to defeat her.

Pashmina by Nidhi Chanani

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This is a simply lovely graphic novel about a girl who seeks answers about her family. One day, Pri finds a pashmina in an old suitcase. When she puts it on, she is transported to a vibrant India where she encounters an elephant and a peacock who become her guides. Pri begins a journey to find the answers to her questions in this marvelous story filled with magical realism.

Mister Invincible: Local Hero by Pascal Jousselin

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Everyone in our family loved Mister Invincible! This French comic features a masked crusader who helps ordinary people, fights villains and foils the devious plots of mad scientists. What's his superpower, you ask? It's breaking through the walls of the comic strip boxes. Mr. Invincible can reach through one panel to affect the action in previous and future panels. Great fun!

Olympians: Dionysos (series) by George O'Connor

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Consider this a recommendation for O'Connor's entire Olympians series, as well as his new series about the Asgardians. I'm featuring this edition because, let's face it, Dionysos is my favorite god. The god of theater? And wine? It's not even a contest. This is O'Connor's final installment in his Olympians graphic novel series (always save the best for last) but a complete set would make a terrific gift! Ages 10 and up.

MORE: Middle School Graphic Novels

Friends of Animals

Dogtown Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko

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Dogtown is an excellent choice for middle grade readers who enjoy heavily illustrated books, as well as heartwarming and funny animal stories. Three-legged canine, Chance, narrates life in a shelter. The shelter is populated not just will real dogs but with abandoned robot dogs but both kinds dream of finding a family just for them. Thoughtful as well as funny. Ages 8 and up.

A Wolf Called Wander by Roseanne Parry

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At the age of two, Wander's pack is attacked by a rival wolf pack and Wander is separated from the rest of his pack. Unable to learn the fate of his family, Wander sets out on a journey of survival. The wolf narrates his own tale and–wow–is it fascinating. The book is full of observations about other wildlife, the impact of humans, and the perils of life as one of nature's most important predators. In the endnotes, Parry explains that she based her book on a real-life wolf that scientists had been tracking. Ages 8 and up.

Journey of the Pale Bear by Susan Fletcher

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I loved this book, and not just because of a penchant for all things Scandinavian. Arthur, a boy living in Norway, runs away from his abusive stepfather and stepbrothers. He has a letter from his Welsh cousins, which he assumes is asking him to return to Wales and claim his birthright. Unfortunately, he can't actually read the letter. In the port town of Bergen he encounters a caged polar bear and two ruffians shove him in the cage. When Arthur soothes the bear, he is enlisted to accompany the bear on a ship to England, for the bear is a gift from King Haakon to King Henry. Hair-raising, heart-searching and page-turning adventure follows. The story was inspired by a 13th century "pale bear" who lived in the Tower of London menagerie, a gift from Norway. Ages 9 and up.

Future Detectives

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus (series) by Dusti Bowling

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This funny and moving book is fantastic! Aven Green and her family move from Kansas to Arizona, where her dad has taken a job as the manager of a western theme park. Aven was born without any arms but that hasn't stopped her from accomplishing anything–she just does it with her feet! Aven narrates her own tale with a humorous, clever and truth-telling eye. With the help of her new friends, she sets out to solve a mystery and learn the secrets of Stagecoach Park.

MORE: Books about Girl Detectives

Lizard's Tale by Weng Wai Chan

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Half-Cantonese, half-British Lizard went to live with his Uncle Archie after his parents died. However, when Uncle Archie disappeared unexpectedly, Lizard finds his way to Chinatown, surviving by doing odd jobs. One of those jobs involves stealing a mysterious teak box. When things don't go according to plan, Lizard is left with the box. He and his friend try to understand the mystery of the box, which somehow connects to the war, codes and the disappearance of Uncle Archie. Lizard's Tale has a lot going for it. An uncommon setting of 1940 Singapore, themes of belonging, prejudice and friendship, surprising turns of events and character revelations make this a book not to be missed.

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

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I still remember my 5th grade teacher reading The Westing Game to the class. I was completely riveted and it continues to be one of my favorite children's books of all time. Mr. Westing, an eccentric millionaire, writes his will as a game. The named beneficiaries must discover who murdered him in order to inherit his fortune. "Players" are separated into teams with clues. This unusual mystery has a host of curious characters and surprising  plot twists.

MORE: Books like The Westing Game

Future Spies

The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

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In this captivating mystery, 14 year old Lizzie and her mathematician brother, Jakob work to solve mysterious codes and riddles during WWII. Lizzie's been told her mother is dead, but she doesn't believe it. Jakob is working for British intelligence at Bletchley Park and Lizzie becomes a messenger there, determined to figure out what happened to her mother. This is a terrific novel for history buffs, full of all kinds of fascinating information and real-life characters of the time, wrapped up in a engrossing, puzzle-laden plot.

Max in the House of Spies by Adam Gidwitz

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This book has it all: history, adventure, mystery, nail-biting suspense and espionage! Max, a Jewish refugee is sent from Germany to England on the 1939 Kindertransport. in 1939. He has two unusual companions on his shoulders–the German kobold and the Jewish dybbuk, who provide commentary à la a Greek chorus, as well as the necessary humor. Max is determined to find his way back to his parents and so enlists as a British spy. Ages 8 and up.

The Great Green Heist (series) by Varian Johnson

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This fast-paced heist story is a fun choice for summer reading. Jackson Greene decides to intervene when he thinks his classmates are rigging the school election against his friend, Gabby. Jackson and his friends engage in a scheme to make sure the election ballots are counted honestly. With school political shenanigans, a diverse group of protagonists and a clever, twisting plot, your kids will love this book.

MORE: Don't overlook the titles on our list of books for fans of Alex Rider!

The Apothecary (series) by Maile Meloy

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The action is set in 1952 against the backdrop of the cold war. In London, 14 year old Janie befriends Benjamin, the son of a mysterious apothecary. Benjamin wants to be a spy and enlists Janie in his efforts. When his father disappears, Janie and Benjamin get caught up in a plot involving a magical book called the Pharmacopoeia, spells which allow humans to turn into birds, Russian spies, and unbelievable potions. I couldn't put it down!

Kids Who Like Mythology

Has your child been reading Percy Jackson or D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths? You could go the Rick Riordan route and pick up one of his other series of books. Or, check out the two books below that contain heavy mythological elements. For more in this vein, we have a list of mythology-inspired middle grade books.

The Serpent's Secret (series) by Sayantani DasGupta

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DasGupta's original story draws upon Bengali mythology. Kiranmala, an Indian sixth-grade inter-dimensional demon slayer is worried. A spell gone awry has sent her parents into another dimension and she is about to be eaten by a rakkhosh demon in her own kitchen. Thus begins a highly engaging and funny adventure in which Kiranmala rejects two princes' offer to rescue her, travels to a magical dimension full of fantastic beasts, battles demons, solves riddles and saves New Jersey.

Thor's Wedding Day by Bruce Coville, illustrated by Matthew Cogswell

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This is a great choice for middle grade readers who prefer shorter books. I will confess that I was not expecting to enjoy this book, but I liked it just as much as my son and we both laughed out loud the whole way through. It's a very funny adaptation of a classic tale from Norse mythology in which Thor must dress as a bride in order to get back his stolen hammer. I also highly recommend it as a read aloud.

Young Historians

We have several dedicated lists to historical fiction!

• Historical Fiction with Strong Girl Protagonists
• Historical Fiction: the Iron Age to the 1990s

A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park

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In 12th century Korea, Tree-Ear, an orphan, lives under the bridge with the disabled Crane-man. The two survive from day to day but Tree-Ear is fascinated by the local revered potter, Min. Circumstances collide and Tree-Ear becomes Min's apprentice. Tree-Ear must learn patience, an appreciation for hard work, as well as suffer through Min's bad temper. When Min sets about creating pottery to impress an emissary, Tree-Ear is determined to help him succeed and undergoes an important, life-changing journey. An utterly fantastic book.

The (Mostly) True Story of Cleopatra's Needle by Dan Gutman

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Cleopatra's Needle, built in 1460 BCE stands in Central Park, New York City. A boy's mom begins to tell him the story of how it came to be there. To hold his attention, she relates the story of the Needle through the lens of five children living at different times. The history lesson begins with Zosar Zuberi, an enslaved boy who labored on the original structure, and ends with Rebecca, a girl who watches its installment in Central Park. Fascinating photos and real-life details round out the story. Ages 9 and up.

Show Me a Sign (series) by Ann Clare LeZotte

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In 1805, Mary Lambert lives in a community where everyone speaks sign language and a quarter of the population is deaf. One day, a young man arrives in the village hoping to research the reason for the high rate of deafness. Mary narrates the story and her observations of the interactions between the English, Black, Irish, and Wampanoag peoples, as well as on racism, prejudice and ableism are perceptive and thought-provoking. The author's endnote gives historical background on the town of Chilmark and Martha's Vineyard are fascinating.

Kids Who Love Fairy Tales

Fairy tales have a timeless appeal. If your readers love stories of witches, trolls and perilous journeys, visit our list of 39 favorite fairy tale retellings.

The Fairy Tale Detectives (The Sisters Grimm series) by Michael Buckley

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This series could not be more fun! Sabrina and Daphne Grimm, descendants of the famous Brothers Grimm, live with their grandmother in Ferryport Landing. The entire series is filled with wonderful, reimagined fairy tale characters and madcap humor. In this first book, the sister must solve the mystery of why a giant is on the loose in the town.

Alliana Girl of Dragons by Julie Abe

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This is a wonderful retelling of "Cinderella" with Japanese elements. After her father falls into the abyss, Alliana is forced to live with her stepmother and step-siblings, working in the family inn, run by her mean-spirited relatives. Alliana dreams of escaping and attending the Regional Ball where she might be chosen for the Royal Academy. She befriends a young witch, Nela Evergreen, and rescues a nightdragon hatchling. Together they take a risk that might help Alliana reach her dreams.

The Fairy Tale Fan Club by Richard Ayoade, illustrated by David Roberts

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Readers who enjoy heavily illustrated books or are fans of books like The Diary of a Wimpy Kid will enjoy this pick! Each section is dedicated to a different fairy tale character and contains letters compiled by C.C. Cecily, "the Senior Secretary of the Fairy Tale Fan Club." The letters contain a lot of inside jokes and humorous cultural references that fans of fairy tales will love.

Kids with Two Feet on the Ground (Realism!)

Contemporary realism appeals to kids who enjoy coming of age stories. Common themes include school, friendships and family relationships. For more see our list of contemporary realism for middle grade readers.

The Long Way Around by Anne Nesbet

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Readers who enjoy survival stories will enjoy Nesbet's tales of three cousins who are separated from the adults on a camping trip when an earthquake hits. Each of the campers has their strengths and personal anxieties that help them find their way back to safety. Surprisingly for a survival story, this one has quite a large helping of humor. Ages 8 and up.

Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan

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This funny and touching story of Ravi, an Indian immigrant adjusting to middle school and Joe, a boy who recently lost his best friend due to a move, is told in alternating voices. The two boys become friends when they unite again a school bully and one seriously crazy week full of laugh out loud humor ensues.

The Season of Styx Malone by Kekla Magoon

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Caleb and his brother, Bobby Gene, live in a small town. Caleb wants to get out and see the world, but their father insists everything they need is right where they live. But this summer, Caleb and Bobby Gene meet Styx Malone, a super cool teenager whose magnetic personality draws them in, and takes them on adventures. The three boys begin Styx's "Great Escalator Trade" in which they barter up a series of items in hopes of finally getting a moped. Most of the story takes place outdoors without phones or televisions, where relationships are paramount.

Roll with It (series) by Jamie Sumner

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Ellie loves to bake! Her cerebral palsy means her mom is a bit overprotective, and that she has to spend more time than she would like with doctors. Ellie's grandfather has Alzheimer’s disease and so Ellie and her mom move in with her grandparents to help out. Starting a new school means Ellie finally finds some good friends and feels like she fits in somewhere. Roll With It is a marvelous book, tackling so many themes, but with good humor and likable characters.

Kids Who Love to Ride the Rails

Not every kids outgrows thier love of trains! Here are two books to capture their attention.

The Boundless by Kenneth Oppel

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Take an action packed adventure aboard a mysterious train. Will embarks on the maiden voyage of "The Boundless", a train with 987 cars! One of those cars contains priceless treasures that nefarious individuals would like to get their hands on. Will teams up with colorful characters in order to save the train and the treasure.

On the Blue Comet by Rosemary Wells.

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Like the Hogwart's Express, the Blue Comet is a magical train that takes children on unexpected adventures. However, the Blue Comet crosses time and space, taking its riders back and forth between the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s. You can only board the Blue Comet if you possess an intense need to escape your current situation. That's exactly what happens when Oscar witnesses a crime. He is transported through time and must find his way back again.

Performers

Your little drama queens will love these hilarious stories of tweens treading the boards and speaking up for themselves. Be sure to also check out our list of middle grade books about theater.

Surviving the Applewhites (series) by Stephanie S. Tolan

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Jake has gotten kicked out of his last school and is now living with the eccentric, artistic, homeschooling Applewhite family. The father is directing a local production of  "The Sound of Music" and no one is more surprised than Jake when he discovers he loves performing. I loved the quirky characters and the boundless energy of this book. When the family has to pull together to get the show up after they are blackballed by a local stage mom, the results are hilariously successful. I really enjoy how the story reinforces the necessity of cooperation when putting on a play.

Stand Up, Yumi Chung! by Jessica Kim

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Yumi Chung's family owns a Korean restaurant but times are tough and the only way Yumi can continue her enrollment at her private school is to earn a scholarship. Her parents sign her up with a tutor but Yumi longs to hone her stand-up comedy. When an identity mix up lands Yumi in comedy camp, she gets twisted up in a pretzel of deception (yes, I made that terrible metaphor up myself). This a an entertaining story of a girl learning to speak up for herself, engaging in creative problem solving and figuring out exactly what she wants. Highly recommended!

The Chance to Fly (series) by Ali Stroker and Stacy Davidowitz

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Nat's passion is musical theater. Now that her family has moved to New Jersey, she finally has the chance to audition for the musical, Wicked. Nat gets a part in the show, makes new friends and learns what it's like to finally be on the stage. In addition, she and fellow thespian, Malik, have a budding romance. Author and Tony-award winning actress, Ali Stroker was the first actor in a wheelchair on Broadway Ages 9 and up.

Future World Leaders

When Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed

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In this graphic novel memoir, Jamieson and Mohamed tell the story of Mohamed's experience as a refugee living in a camp in Kenya. Readers will learn of the difficult life in a refugee camp but relate to the hopes of Omar and Hassan. Omar faces tough choices that could affect his future as well as his family and although the experiences of Omar and Hassan are likely to never be known by most readers of this book, readers will not soon forget them.

The Giver (Quartet) by Lois Lowry

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Once your child has read The Giver, they will enjoy reading the rest of Lowry's moving quartet. Each book takes place in the same world but narrates the lives of different character. Readers will discover the connecting thread of all four stories in the final book. Titles include Gathering Blue, Messenger, and Son. Ages 10 and up.

Young Naturalists and Scientists

For more books see our list of Middle grade books about the environment.

A Rover's Story by Jasmine Warga

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Resilience, or Res for short, is a Mars rover who begins to narrates his experience at his first awareness during assembly. As Res is assembled, he listens to the conversations of humans around him, and learns about the other NASA-built machines around him. As his awareness grows, he develops human-like emotions. Interwoven into Res's narration, is a second plot involving one of the scientists, Raina, told through the letters her daughter writes to Res.

Me and Marvin Gardens by April Sarig King

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This was such an interesting read. Obe Devlin lives in a house that has sat on his family's farmland for several generations. But his grandfather lost much of the land and it is now under development for tract housing. Obe spends his time down at the creek looking for animal tracks and one day he spies a strange new creature that eats plastic. Obe names the animal, Marvin Gardens because his dad loves Monopoly. Obe tries to keep Marvin a secret but then he discovers Marvin's scat is toxic to the land. While I was reading this book I kept thinking Marvin must be a figment of Obe's imagination, but he wasn't and that makes the book so much better. It would be easy for King's book to devolve into environmental preachiness but it is not at all didactic.

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate (series) by Jacqueline Kelly

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In 1899, Calpurnia loathes the expectations set for 12-year old-girls; she'd much rather read Darwin's The Origin of Species and catch and study wildlife with her naturalist Granddaddy.  I loved this tale of a girl coming of age at a time when natural science and engineering discoveries were changing the world. 

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Maya and the Robot by Eve L. Ewing, illustrated by Christine Almeda

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Fans who appreciated the illustrations in The Wild Robot, will enjoy this illustrated novel. Introverted 5th grader, Maya, is feeling nervous about the school year. After school, she helps out at Mr. Mac's convenience store, where she finds an unfinished robot. Maya has always wanted to be a scientist and so she puts her skills to the test, finishing the robot, named Ralph. Working on Ralph for the science fair helps Maya to forge connections with her family, grow in her friendships, and be part of a community.

Fuzzy by Tom Angleberger and Paul Dellinger

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In this funny science fiction book for tweens, seventh grader Maxine loves robots and is super excited that her school is about to get a robot student as part of the Robot Integration Program. Teachers and principal are already robots, and Max needs to figure out why her grades are mysteriously declining, despite her diligent studying. Together, with Fuzzy the robot student, she discovers an evil evaluation system run by none other than the principal!

Ungifted (series) by Gordon Korman

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Middle school prankster, Donovan Curtis, is accidentally sent to a school for gifted and talented students. He's a bit of a fish out of water, and multiple narrative points of view offer readers an amusing perspective on Donovan's academic journey. His science class builds a robot (I love The Wizard of Oz references!) and it just so happens that all his time spent playing video games provides him with exact skills his class needs to win a competition.

MORE: Books like Wonder for Kids

The Iron Giant by Ted Hughes, illustrated by Andrew Davidson

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Kids will enjoy watching The Iron Giant film, and Hughes' 1968 classic tale of peace will speak to kids who like Brown's The Wild Robot. A short novel, this is the story of a brave boy who stops a gigantic robot away from menacing the countryside. The Iron Giant promises to stop terrorizing the community and instead becomes a valued member, eventually saving it from a different threat.

A Rover's Story by Jasmine Warga

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Resilience, or Res for short, is a Mars rover who begins to narrates his experience at his first awareness during assembly. As Res is assembled, he listens to the conversations of humans around him, and learns about the other NASA-built machines around him. As his awareness grows, he develops human-like emotions. Interwoven into Res's narration, is a second plot involving one of the scientists, Raina, told through the letters her daughter writes to Res.

MORE: Got another favorite book? Visit the hub of all our read alike book lists!

Animals and the Environment Books

The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp by Kathi Appelt

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Bingo and J’miah are two raccoons who descend from a long line of raccoons who are entrusted with the job of alerting the mythic Sugar Man in case of an emergency. They decide to do so when a band of feral hogs invade the swamp, their sights set on the sugarcane. Meanwhile, 12-year-old Chad is dismayed to learn that the slimy Sunny Boy Beaucoup wants to convert the swamp into Gator World Wrestling Arena and Theme Park. This is a really fun book, but the folksy narrative voice may take some kids a bit of time to get used to.

MORE: Middle Grade Novels Told from the Animal's POV

A Wolf Called Wander by Roseanne Parry

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At the age of two, Wander's pack is attacked by a rival wolf pack and Wander is separated from the rest of his pack. Unable to learn the fate of his family, Wander sets out on a journey of survival. The wolf narrates his own tale and–wow–is it fascinating. The book is full of observations about other wildlife, the impact of humans, and the perils of life as one of nature's most important predators. In the endnotes, Parry explains that she based her book on a real-life wolf that scientists had been tracking.

Me and Marvin Gardens by April Sarig King

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

Obe Devlin lives in a house that has sat on his family's farmland for several generations, but his grandfather lost much of the land and it's now under development for tract housing. Obe spends his free time down at the creek looking for animal tracks. One day he spies a strange new creature that eats plastic who he names Marvin Gardens after his father's love of Monopoly. Obe tries to keep Marvin a secret but he discovers Marvin's scat is toxic to the land. While I was reading this book I kept thinking Marvin must be a figment of Obe's imagination, but he wasn't and that makes the book so much better.

MORE: Middle Grade Novels to Inspire a Love of Nature

Mrs Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien

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This classic book is a tale of survival. Like The Wild Robot, there is a science theme, as well. Mrs. Frisby must move her children to a warmer home for the winter. But her youngest, Timothy, is sick and she needs assistance. Mrs. Frisby enlists the help of a community of rats who have been bred in a lab to have superior intelligence. Winner of the 1972 Newbery Medal.

Odder by Katherine Applegate

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Applegate is best known for The One and Only Ivan, but Odder's setting of Monterey Bay, steals my Californian heart. Also, sea otters are the best. Applegate's free verse novel is narrated by the titular character who finds herself in the middle of a rescue operation after she goes to the aid of another otter who is being attacked by a shark. Odder and her friend, Kairi end up at the Monterey Bay Aquarium where humans work to heal and rehabilitate otters into the wild.

MORE: Books like The One and Only Ivan

Pax by Sara Pennypacker

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Peter rescued Pax when he was a small fox cub, and the two are inseparable. One day Peter's father enlists in the military (it is an unknown war in an undefined place and time) and Peter must go to live with his grandfather. Peter's father insists a heartbroken Peter abandon Pax in the woods. Feeling guilty, Peter runs away in search of his one true friend. Along the way, he injures his foot and is taken in by a hermit, who has secrets of her own. In a parallel narrative, Pennypacker describes Pax's encounter with wild foxes and his experience with the encroaching war. This is a powerful story with an unexpected ending.

The Wainscott Weasel by Tor Seidler, illustrated by Fred Marcellino

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Seidler's book about a tenderhearted weasel was one of our favorite read alouds the year we read it. Bagley is unlike his fellow weasels, preferring to daydream about a fish named Bridget than join in weasel-y activities. While the weasel community is celebrating a wedding with dancing and merriment, Bagley is ensuring his beloved Bridget is safe by moving an Osprey's nest away from her pond. Full of illustrations, some in color (at least in the hardback version we read), this is a charming story fans of nature-oriented tales will love.

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MORE: Be sure to check out our extensive collection of Read Alike book lists!

The Little Grey Men (series) by B.B.

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This is my top pick for a book like The Wind in the Willows! Baldmoney, Sneezewort, Dodder and Cloudberry are the last four gnomes in Britain. They live in an old oak tree in Folly Brook. Cloudberry has gone missing and so the other three gnomes head out to to find their brother. Along the way, and through the seasons, they encounter obstacles, get themselves into scrapes, and make new friends with talking animals. B.B.'s series about the quirky little gnomes highlights the joys and magic of the natural world.

Firefly Hollow by Alison McGhee, illustrated by Christopher Denise

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This sweet, colorfully illustrated book is about a quartet of characters who are all searching to become something more than what they are right now. Firefly wants to fly to the moon, Cricket wants to learn to catch. The boy Peter needs to overcome his sadness, and Vole wants to be brave enough to sail away on his boat. It is their dreams that bring them together. 

The Very, Very Far North (series) by Dan Bar-El, illustrated by Kelly Pousette

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It seems I just can't stop putting this book on read aloud book lists! Duane the polar bear has a curiosity and sense of adventure that leads him to a shipwreck where he meets C.C. the owl. He then encounters even more new friends like Handsome the musk ox, Magic the arctic fox, and Major Puffin. Together, they explore the wonders of the northern landscape. The cast of animals is as diverse in their personalities as they are in species, and the narrative thread focuses on learning to appreciate one's friends.

MORE: Gentle Chapter Books to Read Aloud

Skunk and Badger (series) by Amy Timberlake, illustrated by Jon Klassen

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Badger lives alone in his aunt's brownstone. He spends his days doing Important Rock Work. But one day, his peace is disturbed when Skunk shows up, informing him that he is Badger's new roommate. Badger is none too happy about this and is determined to rid himself of Skunk. Hilarity ensues, and lots and lots of chickens make an appearance. Will Badger and Skunk eventually become friends?

Old Mother West Wind by Thornton W. Burgess

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Gentle and humorous tales about anthropomorphized animals populate Burgess' classic animal stories. I loved Burgess's animal stories when I was a kid. I remember the long row of red book spines populating the library shelf. Old Mother West Wind was his first book, published in 1910. After that he published dozens of books about the adventures of animals like Sammy Blue Jay, Jimmy Skunk and Betty Bear.

MORE: Classic Children's books from the 1910s

Hickory by Palmer Brown

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If The Wind in the Willows was too long for your family, try this short and sweet novel that will be enjoyed by the youngest in your family as well as the oldest. Brothers Hickory, Dickory, and Dock, live with their parents in a grandfather clock. Hickory, however, longs to experience the outdoors. When spring arrives he decides to explore the meadow and meets Hop the grasshopper. The two form a friendship and yet Hop tells Hickory that when the warm weather fades, so will the grasshopper's song. Hickory convinces Hop to set out with him so that they will always be warm, thus thwarting inevitable mortality. The ending is ambiguous but not scary, and provides fodder for conversation with the kids.

Kenny and the Dragon (series) by Tony DiTerlizzi

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I love this delightful retelling of Kenneth Grahame's classic, The Reluctant Dragon. The modern language of DiTerlizzi's version may make it more accessible for families than the original. It's a wonderful story of a rabbit who convinces the townsfolk that the vicious dragon is not such a threat after all. I also highly recommend the audiobook.

MORE: Chapter Books and Children's Novels about Dragons

Freddy the Detective (series) by Walter R. Brooks, illustrated by Kurt Wiese

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Freddy the Detective is a wonderful and funny classic book from 1932. I wish Freddy the Pig got more attention that he does because my sons loved this book. After reading Sherlock Holmes, Freddy decides to try his hand at barnyard sleuthing. After a bit of success (some of it hilariously accidental), some of the other animals realize that the jail is actually more cushy than the outdoors. While reading it, I couldn't help but compare it to my kids' other favorite pig, Nanny Piggins. The humor in Freddy, while charmingly silly is not quite as over-the-top ridiculous as Nanny Piggins.

MORE: Books Similar to Charlotte's Web

The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White, illustrated by Fred Marcellino

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Louis the trumpeter swan is mute, which is a problem when he wants to attract the attention of Serena, a lovely female swan. With the help of a trumpet he finds a voice, but also a quest for honesty and redemption.  Along the way he develops a friendship with Sam Beaver, a boy who helps him to learn how to read and write.

The Borrowers (series) by Mary Norton

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This wonderful classic tale of a tiny family delights children generation after generation, because who doesn't imagine the possibilities were one to shrink to such a tiny size? The Clocks live beneath the floorboards of a normal-sized human family's home. Trying to remain unseen by others, they venture out to "borrow" items to use in their own home.

The Remarkable Rescue at Milkweed Meadow (series) by Elaine Dimopoulos

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Generation of bunnies have handed down stories and teachings about survival and now it's time for Butternut and her nine siblings to live by those life lessons. Butternut befriends Piper, an robin with a penchant for alliteration, and starts to question her family's stories. The two meet an injured fawn, a pushy blue jay and set out to cooperate on a rescue. I love the details about the natural world and the charming personalities of the anthropomorphized animals.

MORE: Middle Grade Novels Told from the Animals' Point of View

The Adventures of Miss Petitfour (series) by Anne Michaels, illustrated by Emma Block

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Winsome Miss Petitfour has sixteen cats, "Minky, Misty, Taffy, Purrsia, Pirate, Mustard, Moutarde, Hemdela, Earring, Grigorovitch, Clasby, Captain Captain, Captain Catkin, Captain Clothespin, Your Shyness, and Sizzles." (My son loved reciting the names during their frequent appearances.) Miss Petitfour travels from place to place with the help of a large tablecloth and a burst of wind. Her cats go with her, hanging on in line formation.  Each of the quirky stories, such as the search for a missing postage stamp, or a trip to the jumble sale, stands alone, for a satisfying read aloud session. The content is appropriate for all ages and lovely little drawings will charm everyone.

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Picture Books

There are a lot - I mean A LOT of children's books set in NYC. I would venture to guess it is the most illustrated city in children's literature. In order to keep this list from getting out of hand, I chose to leave off some popular NYC children's books like Eloise, The Snowy Day, and Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, so don't forget about those, too!

Abuela by Arthur Dorros. A girl and her Abuela hop on a bus to the park where the girl imagines flying high above New York City. On their imaginary flight they take in all the diverse and exciting scenes of city life. The text is peppered with Spanish words and phrases. Those of you looking for good books featuring positive grandparent-grandchild relationships, you will like this one. I also adore the vibrant, colorful illustrations, full of details to study. Also available in Spanish. Ages 4 and up.

MORE: Picture books about grandparents

The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordicai Gerstein tells the story of funambulist (there's your word of the day!) Philippe Petit's 1974 feat. The dizzying views and magnificent skyline in the illustrations is accompanied by quite a poetic, but spare text. The book ends with an acknowledgement that the towers are no longer standing, but the overall tone of the book is optimistic and a tribute to both the towers and the daring ingenuity of Petit. Ages 5 and up.

MORE: Books for Remembering 9/11

What Happens on Wednesdays by Emily Jenkins, illustrated by Lauren Castillo. Head over to your library and check out this marvelous tale of a young child's daily Wednesday routine in her Brooklyn neighborhood. I love how both parents are equal partners and the illustrations hit all the right notes in the details of the neighborhood's inhabitants. Ages 4 and up.

Miracle on 133rd Street by Sonia Manzano, illustrated by Marjorie Priceman. On Christmas Eve, José's family is getting ready for a big dinner, but when the roast won't fit in the oven, José and Papi ask for help from the local pizzeria. On their way they notice that their neighbors are not feeling the Christmas spirit. But once the roast is finally ready, the delicious smell brings everyone together to recapture the true spirit of the holidays. A wonderful, diverse celebration of a book! Ages 4 and up.

MORE: Diverse Christmas Books for Kids

Herman and Rosie by Gus Gordon. Herman and Rosie are two musicians, but they are lonely, just waiting to meet someone they can call a friend. There is a lot of delectable detail in the book, both in the descriptions of the characters, and also in the drawings. It’s truly a love story – of the city, of music, of life. Ages 4 and up.

MORE: Children's books about friendship

City Hawk: The Story of Pale Male by Meghan McCarthy. When you think "New York City", do you think "wildlife"? I thought not. It just so happens that the city is filled with wildlife other than pigeons and rats. Pale Male was a well-known red tailed hawk who lived at the edge of Central Park. There was even a PBS movie made about him and his mate who took up residence on the balcony of a chic 5th avenue apartment building. Their nest caused quite a kerfuffle, sparking protests and government intervention. Ages 5 and up.

Keats's Neighborhood: An Ezra Jack Keats Treasury. Keats' most famous book is The Snowy Day, but he wrote many other books about the diverse children that populate the borough of Brooklyn, New York. I've always felt Keats' mixed media collages perfectly capture the vibrancy of urban life and the wide range of experiences that kids have playing and growing up on sidewalks and in apartments. Ages 4 and up.

The Tree by Karen Gray Ruelle, illustrated by Deborah Durland Desaix follows the 250 year story of a single elm tree in Madison Square Park, from its beginnings as a seedpod, through its determination to grow during both turbulent and calm years of the city's history. Each double page spread includes a time line of historical events and the book emphasizes the co-existence of nature and society as both evolve side-by-side. Ages 5 and up.

Chinatown. William Low's gorgeous saturated illustrations reflect the vivid experience that is NYC's Chinatown. Spare text takes readers on an intergenerational tour of the lively neighborhood. The narrator imparts the wisdom of his grandmother as he describes Chinatown from a variety of perspectives, such as shop windows, dense apartments, crowded sidewalks, subway entrances, and of course, the New Year celebration. Low has illustrated several other stellar NYC books such as Old Penn Station and Me and Momma and Big John. Ages 4 and up.

MORE: Books for Lunar New Year

Tell Me a Mitzi by Lore Segal, illustrated by Harriet Pincus is a classic I remember well from my childhood. It consists of three stories. In the first, Mitzi wants to visit grandma but since her parents are asleep, she gets her brother ready all by herself and gets them into a taxi, only to realize she doesn't know that address. The middle story will be familiar to moms everywhere who have to take care of everyone else when they are sick... until she gets sick herself. In the third story, the children and their father turn a presidential motorcade upside down over a piece of gum. All the stories are charming vignettes of daily life, sweet without being saccharine, and set in the city without screaming "Look at me! I'm an important landmark!" Ages 5 and up.

MORE: 1970s Picture Books

ABC NYC: A Book About Seeing New York City and 123 NYC: A Counting Book of New York City by Joanne Dugan are wonderful books suitable for toddlers on up. While they are marvelous teaching tools for kids learning their letters and numbers I like them because they encourage the reader to look a little closer at the world around them. All of the locations are identified in the back of the book so whether you live in the city or are just an armchair traveller, you can put the photos in a city-wide context. All ages.

Subway by Christoph Niemann. Our beloved copy of Subway is worn thin. Every page is covered in tape holding it together. As soon as this book was published (2010) I snapped up a copy since I knew my boys would love it. With its snappy rhymes, copious use of the MTA (Metro Transit Authority) icons, and the spot on scenarios (what parent hasn't ridden the the subway just because their kids wanted to?), this is a book every subway-riding kid will want to snuggle up to. Ages 3 and up.

MORE: Pair your NYC reading with this sponge painted cityscape art project.

Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems is a book you have likely heard of and perhaps already read to your kids. What you may not know is that the first two Knuffle Bunny books are photographed exclusively in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Park Slope, with its characteristic brownstones and wide sidewalks bordering the beautiful Prospect Park. Ages 4 and up.

Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold. At a family picnic on a hot summer evening on the roof of their Harlem apartment, a young girl imagines coasting through the starry sky on a blanket with her brother over the George Washington Bridge (you would be surprised at how many books there are that feature flights over NYC, I could make a list just about that!), which her father helped build. The girl's optimistic dreams of her own future and the possibilities ahead of her do not gloss over the hardship that her family faces. Ringgold's gorgeous illustrations are quilts come to life. Ages 5 and up.

The Castle on Hester Street by Linda Heller, illustrated by Boris Kulikov is a notable read for many reasons. First because Jewish immigrants play such an important role in the history of the city, but also because the idea of NYC as a place of opportunity is still firmly rooted in our consciousness. Grandpa Hester's storytelling is filled with fanciful details about immigrating to NYC with a singing goat, and selling jeweled buttons from a pushcart. He sees his past through joyful rose-colored glasses. Grandma, on the other hand, describes their immigrant experience through more practical lenses, but no less joyful. Ages 5 and up.

The Subway Sparrow by Leyla Torres. When a sparrow is trapped on a subway train, a group of diverse individuals work together to capture and release the frightened bird. Even though the subway riders don't all speak the same language, their desire to cooperate for the greater good helps them overcome their differences. Ages 4 and up.

Novels

To be honest, the number of great children's novels set in New York City that I want to recommend would fill its own novel. Reluctantly, I confine myself to the following handful with a knowing nod to Harriet the Spy, Stuart Little and Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing.

Treasure Island by Jewell Parker Rhodes is a delightful reworking of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic adventure tale! After a mysterious captain at his mom's boarding house makes predictions that come true, Zane and his friends head to Manhattan to find treasure. On their skateboards, they follow clues on a map that take them to important historical sites. Their journey is filled with pirates, rival skateboards, riddles and danger! Ages 8 and up.

All-of-a-Kind Family (series) by Sydney Taylor. All-of-a-Kind Family is the first title in a classic series about a Jewish family with five girls growing up on the Lower East Side of New York City in the early 20th century. The old-school adventures of the family are heart-warming and entertaining. Ages 7 and up.

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street (series) by Karina Yan Glaser. It is just before Christmas and the Vanderbeekers are going to be forced to move from their beloved Harlem brownstone unless they can change the mind of their grumpy landlord who just happens to be their upstairs neighbors. This creative, bi-racial family sets to work to win him over in this heartwarming story. Ages 8 and up.

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead. This book has an amazing "Wow!" ending. After an incident in which her best friend stops speaking to her, Miranda starts getting mysterious letters asking for her help. Miranda tries to interpret the letters and discusses time travel with another boy, Marcus. Part mystery, part sci-fi, part coming of age novel, this Newbery winner is not to be missed.  Ages 9 and up.

The Harlem Charade by Natasha Harpley. Good deeds bring Jin and Alex together. When they meet the homeless Elvin, he tells his new friends about a mystery surrounding his grandfather, who was just attacked and is now in a coma. Rare paintings by a mysterious artist of the 1960s is at the heart of it all. Harpley deftly weaves woven past and present in this spirited tale in which the culture and vibrancy of Harlem are center stage. Ages 8 and up.

Under the Egg by Laura Marx Fitzgerald. Just before Theodora's grandfather died, he whispered to her, "There's a letter… And a treasure" hidden "under the egg." Theodora, whose mother is incapable of taking care of her, must find away to pay the bills and she starts her search for this mysterious treasure involving a work of art. Her hunt takes her all over New York City, into the past, and introduces her to a diverse group of new friends. The secrets Theodora uncovers take her (and the reader!) by surprise. Ages 9 and up.

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg. This classic tale for tweens is so well known it hardly needs an introduction. Claudia and her brother Jamie run away to NYC where they hide out in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and try to solve the mystery of a statue’s identity. Ages 8 and up.

MORE: Classic Books for Tweens

Better Nate Than Ever (series) by Tim Federle. Nothing says NYC more than Broadway! 13-year-old Nate's snappy narrative about his adventure in New York City auditioning for E.T. The Musical (yes, you read that right) is marvelous and incredibly funny. The scene in which Nate reads the "sides" during his audition had me laughing so hard I could barely see the words through my tears.  The two sequels are just as hilarious as the original. Ages 9 and up.

MORE: Middle Grade Books that Celebrate the Joy of Theater

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Reading Tip: Look for other books written by the authors on this book list for more fantastic options. In addition, a lot of these books are also available in Spanish!

Graphic Novels

Mexikid by Pedro Martín

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Pedro Martín's graphic novel memoir about a 1970s family road trip to Mexico is a delight! One of nine children, Pedro has grown up hearing stories about his revolutionary-hero grandfather and now his whole family is headed to Jalisco to bring Abuelito back to California. You can imagine the hilarious antics all those kids in a Winnebago get up to. Pure joy.

Chunky (series) by Yehudi Mercado

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Hudi's parents are concerned about his weight and health and encourage him to go out for a sports team. Hudi's imaginary friend, Chunky, convinces him to try baseball but Hudi's talents lie not in sports. Hudi, the only Mexican-Jewish kid in his Texas neighborhood, prefers theater and comedy. An uplifting and funny graphic novel with a very likable protagonist.

Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega, illustrated by Rose Bousamra

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Marlene hates going to the hair salon to have her hair straightened. Her mother insists that Marlene tame her frizzy hair into "good hair." Marlene resents how others judge her natural hair, but she doesn't know how to style it. Enter her Tía Ruby, who also has a head full of boisterous curls. Tía Ruby empowers Marlene with instructions and products to help her wear her hair the way she wants. This revelation is followed by another which helps bring Marlene and her mother closer together. This wonderful graphic novel isn't just about one girl's battle with society's beauty standards, it's a window into how kids can learn to speak up for themselves.

MORE: Be sure to check out our dedicated list of Graphic Novels with a Latinx focus!

Fantasy and Sci-Fi

A Dash of Trouble (series) by Anna Meriano

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In her Mexican-American family, Leonora Logroño has five older sisters. Convinced her sisters are excluding her from something important while they tend to the family bakery in their small Texan town, Leo investigates. She discovers a book, Recetas de amor, azúcar, y magia, and learns that her sisters use magic in their baked goods! Against her sisters' advice, Leo decides it is time that she learn magic, too, but things don't go exactly as she hopes! A delightful book for readers who enjoy magical realism.

Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez

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My son listened to this on audiobook and loved it! He was alternating between gasping and laughing. Salvador Vidón is the new kid, but is also an unusual kid because he is able to open portals into alternate universes with his mind. He meets Gabi Reál who is a bit suspicious of his explanation about the mysterious things that happen when he is around. This is a really fun book, with lots of fast-paced action and crazy humor. Highly recommended!

Pilar Ramirez and the Escape from Zafa by Julian Randall

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12-year-old aspiring documentary filmmaker, Pilar Ramirez, lives in a gentrifying Chicago neighborhood with her Dominican-American family. Her abuela fled Rafael Trujillo's brutal dictatorship and her cousin vanished fifty years ago. Her college sister's sociology professor researches missing persons and when Pilar starts to look at a file in the professor's office, she is whisked through time and space to the mysterious and magical island of Zafa where she must endeavor to save the island from the sinister El Cuco.

MORE: Big List of Fantasy Middle Grade Books

The Last Beekeeper by Pablo Cartaya

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This is a great choice for middle grade readers who like a little dystopia and a lot of action in their fiction. Yoly Cicerón's parents are in exile, and she and her sister work on the family's strawberry farm. Yoly wants to go to the city to train as a neurolink surgeon, but can't afford it. Unfolding events reveal an oppressive and authoritarian System with secret dangers. Yoly's discovery of the last surviving beehive brings hope that the System can be toppled and past wrongs can be righted.

The Storm Runner (series) by J.C. Cervantes

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In The Storm Runner, Mayan mythology is front and center.  Thirteen-year-old Zane learns that the volcano in his New Mexico backyard is a actually a prison for a Mayan god. When Brooks, a mysterious shape-shifting girl shows up to help Zane fulfill his destiny, the adventure begins.

MORE: Mythology-inspired novels for kids

Charlie Hernández & the League of Shadows by Ryan Calejo.

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Charlie spent his childhood listening to his abuela's tales of Hispanic mythology. One day, in middle school Charlie experiences a strange transformation which suggests those tales weren't myths after all. He is thrown into a world which is both familiar and bizarre, and with the help of his friend, Violet, Charlie follows clues from a map in his mother's locket that takes him on a hair-raising adventure. Charlie switches fluently from English to Spanish, but the meaning will be perfectly clear to non-Spanish speakers and there is a helpful glossary of Hispanic mythology in the endnotes.

Dactyl Hill Squad (series) by Daniel José Older

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It's 1863 and the Civil War is being fought with troops on the backs of raptors! This is a spectacular and unique historical fantasy story. When Magdalys and several friends are on a field trip, children from the orphanage where they live are kidnapped. Magdalys and the others head to the Dactyl Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn where they learn how to ride pterodactyls as part of a plan to take down the evil magistrate behind the kidnappings. Magdalys has some trouble learning how to be a team player but her skill as a dinosaur telepath (!) helps lead the group to victory.

Contemporary Realism

The Other Half of Happy by Rebecca Balcárcel

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Quijana is biracial Guatemalan-Anglo and has conflicted feelings about her mixed race identity. She doesn't speak Spanish and doesn't want to go with her family on a trip to Guatemala. Instead, she plans on running away to visit her maternal grandmother in Florida. A lovely coming of age story.

Each Tiny Spark by Pablo Cartaya

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Cuban-American sixth grader Emilia has ADHD and experiences difficulty staying focused at school. After her father returns home from deployment, Emilia notices that he seems a bit different–moody and more distant. And the difficulties keep coming; a school assignment which illuminates social injustice threatens her oldest friendships.

MORE: Books about Cubans and Cuban-Americans

Strange Birds: A Field Guide to Ruffling Feathers by Celia C. Pérez

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Four very different girls come together to work towards a goal. "The Floras" is a beauty pageant girls club which uses a crown made of bird feathers to crown the winner. Cat, Aster, Ofelia and Lane team up to get the Floras to stop using the crown. They hit some bumps along the way and form their own club, the Ostentation of Others and Outsiders. This is a wonderfully engaging story of friendship and justice.

The Moon Within by Aida Salazar

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This is a remarkable, much needed tale about Celi, a girl who is learning about how her body is changing and taking her into womanhood. Celi's mother wants to have a moon ceremony when Celi has her first period, but Celi doesn't want that. At school, Celi is adjusting to her best friend Mar's own transition, from girl to "xochihuah," or non-binary. This important book explores cultural and gender identity in an engaging and contemporary story.

The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora by Pablo Cartaya

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13-year-old Arturo works part-time in his family’s Cuban restaurant. But then a sketchy land developer, Pipo, wants to buy the lot next door and convince the city to let him develop a huge project with no room for the restaurant. Arturo, with the help of his friend Carmen, work to undermine Pipo’s plot.

Ana María Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle by Hilda Eunice Burgos

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Ana María lives in a tiny New York apartment with her three sisters and another sibling on the way. Ana María is determined to win a scholarship to a private school but that means she will have to practice the piano as much as possible, which seems all but impossible, given the amount of chaos that is going on in her family!

Efrén Divided by Ernesto Cisneros

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12-year-old Efrén loves to watch his Ama make milagras for him and his twin siblings every morning. It seems like she is always making a miracle breakfast out of nothing. After his Ama is deported in a surprise raid, Efrén must look after the household, including his disabled sibling, while his Apa works hard to earn the money needed to bring Ama back to the family. Efrén's secret almost costs him his best friend, a white boy who lives with his grandmother, as well as his academic success. Readers will empathize with the struggles of living with immigration difficulties and the emotional chaos of being forcibly separated from a parent.

MORE: Middle Grade Books about Refugees

Mañanaland by Pam Muñoz Ryan

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It's summer in the fictional country of Santa Maria and Maximiliano is ready to work with his father in construction, as well as eager to try out for the local fútbol team. However, when Max needs his birth certificate to try out for the team, secrets surrounding his parents are slowly revealed. His grandfather's been telling stories about La Reina Gigante, a stone tower used as a hideout by the Guardians, a secret group that helped refugees from neighboring countries.

How Tía Lola Came to Stay by Julia Alvarez

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10-year-old Miguel, his sister Juanita, and his mom have just moved from NYC to Vermont. His aunt Lola comes to visit from the Dominican Republic. Tía Lola's dynamic and outgoing personality helps Miguel navigate his feelings about the divorce, his new status as the only Latino in his school class, as well as adding humor, joy and adventure to his daily life.

Me, Frida, and the Secret of the Peacock Ring by Angela Cervantes

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For the first time, Paloma Marquez is going to visit Mexico, the homeland of her deceased father. While in Mexico City, Paloma visits Casa Azul, the former home of artist Frida Kahlo, where she plans to take language and art classes. Paloma befriends locals Gael and Lizzie and the three of them set about solving the mystery of Frida Kahlo's missing ring.

MORE: Take a trip around the world with these middle grade books

Historical Fiction

The Wind Called My Name by Mary Louise Sanchez

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During the Great Depression, Margarita Sandoval's family farm in New Mexico is devastated by drought and her father takes a job with the railroad, moving the family to Wyoming. Her new community doesn't appreciate the Sandoval's Hispanic heritage, her father works to organize rail workers into a union and her family must prevent the loss of Abuelita's land in New Mexico. This book fills a much needed gap in children's literature by portraying the diversity of the American frontier.

Lucky Broken Girl by Ruth Behar

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In the 1960s, Ruthie and her family are recent Jewish-Cuban immigrants living in New York City. After a car accident, Ruthie suffers terrible injuries and she is placed in a full body cast. Confined to bed and totally dependent on others, Ruthie's physical world narrows, but as others come to visit her, Ruthie begins to collect stories and her emotional and intellectual world expands. The author based the story on her own experiences and this is a wonderful, moving book.

The Wild Book by Margarita Engle

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Fefa lives on the family farm in Cuba with her 10 siblings. A doctor tells Fefa that because of her dyslexia she will never read or write. Her mother, fortunately, is not so easily convinced. She gives Fefa a journal as a word garden in which to practice. Set in 20th century Cuba, against the backdrop of some difficult times, this verse novel is a wonderful story of a girl and her perseverance.

MORE: Latino and Hispanic Biographies for Kids

Cuba in My Pocket by Adrianna Cuevas

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Cuevas's story, inspired by her father's experiences, begins after the Bay of Pigs invasion. 12-year-old Cumba has been marked for military recruitment in Fidel Castro's oppressive regime and his parents decide to send him to safety in the United States. When he arrives in Florida, he is overwhelmed by the strangeness of life, language and culture. Gradually he begins to acclimate but still longs to be reunited with his family.

More books with a Latino and Hispanic focus that you will love: Picture Books with Latino and Hispanic Characters

The post Latinx and Hispanic Middle Grade Books (Ages 8-13) appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

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Contemporary Realism

SUMMER OF BRAVE by Amy Noelle Parks

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Seventh grader, Lilla, is torn between her dad, who wants her to go to a specialty art school and her mom, who wants her to go to a STEM school. But Lilla secretly believes that she would prefer a general education where she could try out lots of subjects. This summer, her friend, Vivi, challenges Lilla to be brave and stand up for herself. Working as a camp counselor, Lilla has an uncomfortable experience and decides to use an upcoming art project to make her voice heard. A stunningly good book.

NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH by Avi

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I couldn't put this book down! In an effort to get transferred away from a particular teacher's class, Phillip causes a class disruption. But the chain of events that he sets in motion has the community examining what it means to be truthful, patriotic and respectful of others. The narrative is "documentary style," with dialogue, interviews, letters and diary entries telling the story from different perspectives, making for a unique reading experience.

MORE: 12 books for 12 year olds

SCAR ISLAND by Dan Gemeinhart

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Scar Island will remind readers of Lord of the Flies, only with a less disturbing outcome. When a freak (and I mean freak!) accident leaves all the adults of Slabhenge Reformatory School for Troubled Boys dead, the boys look forward to finally getting away from the wretched place of misery. But some of the boys decide they would prefer a few days alone on the island before coming under the thumb of adults again. As you can imagine, things go awry in the power vacuum, and secrets previously kept hidden are revealed. It is a very compelling read and your child will have a hard time putting it down.

JUST BE COOL, JENNA SAKAI by Debbi Michiko Florence

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Seventh grader, Jenna, has a lot going on. Most of all, her journalism advisor has given her an assignment outside of her comfort zone and Jenna does everything she can to avoid completing it. On top of that, her newly divorced parents are still figuring out how to get along and Jenna is trying to be in the same room as her ex-boyfriend without freaking out. She starts hanging out after school at a Broadway-themed diner where she meets a new friend and learns a few things about herself. This books will speak to every seventh grader!

MORE: Books with Asian and Asian-American Protagonists

THE GREAT GREEN HEIST (series) by Varian Johnson

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This fast-paced heist story is a fun choice for summer reading. Jackson Greene decides to intervene when he thinks his classmates are rigging the school election against his friend, Gabby. Jackson and his friends engage in a scheme to make sure the election ballots are counted honestly. With school political shenanigans, a diverse group of protagonists and a clever, twisting plot, your kids will love this book.

MORE: Spy and Heist Books for Kids

THE SEVENTH MOST IMPORTANT THING by Shelley Pearsall

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After Arthur hurls a brick at a man collecting trash, the judge overseeing his case sentences him to community service working for the victim. The "junk man," James, gives Arthur a list of the Seven Most Important Things he must collect. James, it turns out, is creating a fantastical work of art. Set in the 1960s, and inspired by folk artist James Hampton, this unusual story will get kids thinking about redemption, and friendship.

AMAL UNBOUND by Aisha Saeed

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I could not put this book down! It is an important book to remind our children that there are still kids around the world who are denied an education and the freedom that it can bring. In her Pakistani village, Amal dreams of becoming a teacher one day, but an unfortunate event results in her going to live as an indentured servant in the household of her village's corrupt landlord. Amal is a strong protagonist who takes matters into her own hands, determined to achieve her goals, despite her circumstances.

DOG DRIVEN by Terry Lynn Johnson

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14-year-old McKenna has Stargardt disease (a juvenile form of macular degeneration) but she's kept this hidden from her family because her sister has already lost her sight to the disease and McKenna doesn't want to lose her autonomy. She's hoping to keep her secret long enough to compete in a days-long dog sled race that raises awareness for Stargardt disease. Needless to say, this is a risky endeavor and Johnson's fast-paced, suspenseful book highlights the challenges McKenna faces, not just in the race, but as a teen learning how to identify as someone with a disability.

THE WEDNESDAY WARS by Gary D. Schmidt

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Holling Hoodhood always seems to be getting into scrapes, but his father appears to be mostly concerned with how Holling's antics affect his business reputation. On Wednesday afternoons, most of his classmates head off to Catholic or Jewish religious education classes. However, the Hoodhoods are Presbyterian, so Holling stays behind at school where his teacher introduces him to Shakespeare. Holling's antics at school, his involvement in a Shakespeare production, and the general mayhem he creates wherever he goes make for lots of laughs from a master storyteller.

MORE: Check out all our summer reading resources, like reading bingo, the great library challenge and more.

Fantasy and Science Fiction

THE GIRL WHO DRANK THE MOON by Kelly Barnhill

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The Protectorate has always sacrificed a baby to keep the witch in the forest at bay. Little do they know the witch has been saving the babies all these years. One year the witch decides to raise the baby herself, and inadvertently fills her with a fierce and strong magic. As the girl grows older and comes into her magic, a man in the Protectorate vows to find and vanquish the witch, revealing the truth about both the Protectorate and the witch.

MORE: Big Giant List of Fantasy Novels for Kids

THE FALSE PRINCE (series) by Jennifer A. Nielsen

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The kingdom is in turmoil and a nobleman is determined to pass off an unknown orphan as the missing prince. He brings three boys to train at his estate, promising that the one who best completes the test will have a new life as the ruler. Readers will find themselves constantly on their toes as to the outcome and a surprise twist will leave kids eager to read the next books in the series.

The Blackthorn Key (series) by Kevin Sands

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This is an incredibly suspenseful and action-packed upper middle grade series. Christoper, an orphaned apprentice in 17th century London, must solve a complex puzzle surrounding the recent rash of murders of apothecaries. Despite the seriousness of the plot, the well-drawn characters provide some humor.

THE STORM RUNNER (series) by J.C. Cervantes

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In The Storm Runner, Mayan mythology is front and center.  Thirteen-year-old Zane learns that the volcano in his New Mexico backyard is actually a prison for a Mayan god. When Brooks, a mysterious shape-shifting girl, shows up to help Zane fulfill his destiny, the adventure begins.

A WIZARD OF EARTHSEA (series) by Ursula K. Le Guin

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Award-winning author Ursula K. Le Guin will be familiar to fans of children’s fantasy literature. This is the first book in her Earthsea series and introduces us to the young man, Ged, who discovers that he is full of magic. This one is great for fans of Tolkein.

Historical Fiction

HOW TO FIND WHAT YOU'RE NOT LOOKING FOR by Veera Hiranandani

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It's 1967, and the Supreme Court has just struck down interracial marriage prohibitions in Loving v. Virginia. Although Ari lives in Connecticut, where interracial marriage was never banned, Ari dwells on the recent court case because her sister, Leah, has fallen in love with a young man from India. Ari's Jewish parents disapprove of the relationship, so the pair elope and disappear. Ari grieves the loss of her sister and wants to find her. Ari also has to navigate her complicated relationships with her parents and at school faces the antisemitic taunts from a classmate, as well as struggles with undiagnosed dysgraphia. There's a lot going on here, but the unique second-person narration grips the reader from start to finish.

A CEILING MADE OF EGGSHELLS by Gail Carson Levine

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Taking place just before the expulsion of the Jews from Spain, Levine's intensely moving and suspenseful tale follows the adventures of Paloma as she grows up in a relatively well-off Jewish family. Loma's grandfather is well-connected and famed for his ability to deal with Christians. Loma accompanies him on his travels around the country as religious and political tensions grow, facing dangers, prejudice and the constant threat of forced conversions. This is a page-turning book with an extremely strong girl at its heart and your kids won't want to put down.

MORE: Historical Fiction with Strong Girl Protagonists

Graphic Novels

TELL NO TALES: PIRATES OF THE SOUTHERN SEAS by Sam Maggs, illustrated by Kendra Wells

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Tell No Tales is a swashbuckling graphic novel inspired by the legendary female pirate, Anne Bonny. Anne and her diverse crew make up an unconventional family as they bond over getting to know each other as they prepare for an encounter with the pirate-hunting villain, Woodes Rogers. Absolutely great fun. An author's note gives some background on the diverse cast of characters, their real-life counterparts and a (very) brief overview of piracy.

MORE: Graphic Novels for 4th - 8th Grade

BEETLE AND THE HOLLOWBONES by Aliza Layne

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Beetle is a young goblin and aspiring witch who is reunited with her friend Kat Hollowbone. Their friendship has Beetle questioning her feelings about her relationship with Kat as well as with her friend Blob Ghost. But it turns out Kat's aunt is evil and has plans to destroy the mall where Blob Ghost lives. This is a unique fantastical graphic novel.

THE HOBBIT by J. R. R. Tolkien, adapted by Chuck Dixon, illustrated by David Wenzel

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My young teen has recently become obsessed with all things Tolkien, and so of course this graphic novel was at the top of his reading list. I did not personally read this one, since the Lord of the Rings universe is not my passion, but the fan in our house declared it to be, "Great! But still read the original and watch the movie." There you have it folks, your professional review.

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Books set in Western Countries with Muslim Protagonists

The following books with Muslim characters are set primarily in western countries, although some of them begin in the family's country of origin.

Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero by Saadia Faruqi. Twelve-year-old, Pakistani-American, Yusuf, lives in a small town Texas. He's excited about sixth grade and the upcoming robotics competition. However, it's the 20th anniversary of 9/11, racist bullies are leaving notes in his locker, and some in the community are protesting against a local mosque. When Yusuf's teacher assigns the students to write about 9/11, Yusuf turns to his uncle's diary from that time. A thoughtful portrayal of the ways communities deal with prejudice, anger and identity.

MORE: Books to remember 9/11

Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices, ed. by S. K. Ali and Aisha Saeed. This marvelous anthology includes short stories, poems and comics featuring a wide range of diverse voices, experiences and traditions. The variety of writing styles is a delightful surprise!

Amina's Voice (series) by Hena Khan. A thoughtful story about a Pakistani-American middle schooler, Amina, who must balance her cultural identity with her anxieties about fitting in with her peers. An attack on the local mosque puts the community on edge and Amina, her family and friends struggle with their feelings. No matter what their cultural or religious identity, all readers will relate to Amina’s coming of age story.

Khan has another book, More to the Story, about a Muslim-American family living in Georgia. It was inspired by Little Women.

It Ain't So Awful, Falafel by Firoozeh Dumas. In 1970s California, a young Iranian immigrant tries to figure out how to be American without rejecting her heritage.  Zomorod Yousefzadeh's (who now wants to be called "Cindy") attempts to fit in with her peers. Her father works for the oil industry and the Iranian revolution features prominently in her family's life. I loved this moving and funny book and I think all kids will relate to Cindy.

Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga. This free-verse novel begins in Syria around the start of the Arab Spring. Jude and her pregnant mother decide to emigrate to live with her uncle in America. Her older brother, caught up in the protests against the government, stays behind with their father. In America, Jude meets new friends and discovers an interest in theater. With unflinching honesty and a keen perception, Jude describes the transition from Syria to her experiences adjusting to living in America. A splendid book.

MORE: Verse novels for middle grade readers

The Garden of My Imaan by Farhana Zia. Aliya’s family is Muslim and Indian-American. Aliya wonders about how to navigate being old enough to fast during Ramadan, if she wants to wear a headscarf and what it might mean to draw attention to her identity as Muslim. A new acquaintance from Morocco seems so secure in her choices to display the outward symbols of her faith. This is a great book to discuss the different ways families may practice the same religion.

A Long Pitch Home by Natalie Dias Lorenzi. Bilal and his family move from Pakistan to Virginia. His father, however, stays in Pakistan. Back in Pakistan, Bilal was an excellent cricket player; in Virginia he joins a summer baseball team, but of course he must figure out the differences and adjust to the new game. This is a wonderful story about adjusting to a new culture.

MORE: Middle Grade Sports Novels

Shooting Kabul (series) by N. H. Senza. After Fadi's father is pressured by the Taliban, the family claims asylum and moves to San Francisco. Horrifyingly, on the way over the border to Pakistan, Fadi's six year old sister is lost in the chaos. Fadi feels responsible and enters a photography contest in the hopes of winning a trip to India, where he thinks he can cross into Pakistan to search for her. A few months after moving, September 11 happens and Fadi feels the changes in the dynamic of the community and his school. Although Fadi doesn't win the contest, his photography efforts lead to a reunion with his lost sister.

MORE: Books with South East Asian Characters

Boy, Everywhere by A. M. Dassu. After Sami's mother and sister are injured in an explosion at the mall, his family decides to flee Syria and travel to England. The journey is difficult and dangerous and once they reach England, his father requests asylum at the border. The family is then separated and detained by the authorities while they work to present their case. Moving, eye-opening and hopeful.

Freestyle by Gale Galligan. In New York City, eighth grader, Cory, loves being a part of the Eight Bitz dance crew, but he also wants to find time to indulge his love of yo-yo. And then there are his parents who have hired his classmate, Sunna, as his tutor because he needs help him to bring up his downward spiraling grades. How will he juggle everything? This is a great graphic novel for kids who like funny, realistic, contemporary stories and for fans of Raina Telgemeier.

MORE: Middle school graphic novels

Books Set in Muslim-Majority Countries

Our children can't become compassionate global citizens if they don't learn about the experiences of others all around the world. Here are a few of my favorite books with Muslim characters set in the Arab and Asian-Islamic world.

Hamra and the Jungle of Memories by Hanna Alkaf. Set in Malaysia during pandemic lockdown, Alkaf's engaging story follows the fortunes of 13-year-old Hamra. Hamra is at home, looking after her grandparents while her father works for an aid organization. Her grandmother has been starting to wander and have trouble with her memory and Hamra hopes a special fruit from the Langkawi jungle will help. When she picks the fruit, she angers the weretiger and must enter into a bargain that takes her on a difficult physical and emotional journey.

MORE: Read around the world with these middle grade novels

The Turtle of Oman (series) by Naomi Shihab Nye. Aref Al-Amri is getting ready to leave his home in Oman. He is not looking forward to moving to Michigan and leaving behind all the things, places and people he loves. Instead of packing his suitcase as his mom requests, he and his grandfather, Siddi, visit a number of special places and along the way his grandfather helps him acquire mementos of home, while helping him learn to appreciate the adventure that is about to begin.

Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed. I could not put this book down! It is an important book remind our children that there are still boys and girls around the world who are denied an education and the freedom that comes with living in a developed country. In her Pakistani village, Amal dreams of becoming a teacher one day but an unfortunate event leads to her going to live as an indentured servant in the household of the village's corrupt landlord. Amal is a strong protagonist who takes matters into her own hands, determined to achieve her goals, despite her circumstances.

MORE: Historical fiction with strong female protagonists

The Red Pencil by Andrea Davis Pinkney. The Red Pencil contains some tough subject matter, but it is a marvelous book. 12-year-old Amira lives in the Darfur region of Sudan on her family's farm. It is 2003, just as war is breaking out in the area. She loves her family and dreams of going to school. When the Janjaweed arrive in her village, the survivors make the long walk to the refugee camp, where conditions are hard. Amira receives the gift of a red pencil and yellow notepad which becomes a catalyst of sorts, both for her spirit and for her mind. The most difficult scene in the book is when the Janjaweed terrorize the village and Amira sees the death of her father. The ending of the book leaves a lot of questions unanswered but curious and thoughtful children will want to learn more.

The Breadwinner (series) by Deborah Ellis. Every page of this novel was packed with suspense. In Kabul, Afghanistan, 11-year-old Parvana's father, a former teacher, is arrested for having a "foreign education." Parvana disguises herself as a boy and takes over her father's space in the market to try and earn money for the family.

The Breadwinner was made into an Academy Award nominated animated film. I haven't seen it, but it looks great.

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When Mischief Came to Town by Katrina Nannestad is one of our family's favorite read aloud books! In early 20th century Denmark, an orphan girl meets her grandmother for the first time when she goes to live with her after the death of her mother. Inge Maria is a free spirit and even though trouble seems to follow her wherever she goes (hilarious trouble, to be sure) the townspeople and her grandmother can't help but fall utterly in love with her. I thought Nannestad masterfully handled Inge Maria's grief over her mother's death, her joyous attitude towards new experiences, and her headstrong imagination. If you are a fan of Anne of Green Gables, you will love this book.

The Adventures of Miss Petitfour by Anne Michaels is a delightful collection of stories about the winsome Miss Petitfour and her sixteen cats, "Minky, Misty, Taffy, Purrsia, Pirate, Mustard, Moutarde, Hemdela, Earring, Grigorovitch, Clasby, Captain Captain, Captain Catkin, Captain Clothespin, Your Shyness and Sizzles." (My son loved reciting the names during their frequent appearances.) Miss Petitfour travels from place to place with the help of a large tablecloth and a burst of wind. Her cats go with her, hanging on in line formation.  Each of the quirky stories, such as the search for a missing postage stamp, or a trip to the jumble sale stand alone, for a satisfying read aloud session. The content is appropriate for all ages and lovely little drawings will charm everyone.

Firstborn is by Tor Seidler, the author of The Wainscott Weasel, one of our favorite read alouds of the year. Initially my 11 year old read this book and afterwards he pronounced it "awesome!", his younger brother insisted I read it. We actually ended up listening to it on audiobook, and my 7 year old and I agreed with the "awesome" assessment. Maggie the Magpie narrates the story of how she leaves her familiar home and meets a group of wolves. Maggie is impressed with the wolves and decides to cast her lot with them. Her description of the wolves' behavior is fascinating, as well as her admiration for one the the firstborn wolves, Lamar, who exhibits non-wolf like interests. This is a truly wonderful book for kids who are interested in the natural world, but the story also abounds in examples of the harsh realities of the natural world. So if you don't want to read about eating prey, premature death or the thrill of the hunt, this is not the book for you.

MORE: Animal themed novels (told from the animals' POV) for kids

The Penderwicks in Spring is the final installment in Jeanne Birdsall's The Penderwicks series. Start at the beginning if you haven't already done so, but if you have read the first three books you will enjoy this story, told primarily through the eyes of the youngest sister, Batty, and her brother, Ben. There is a new sibling, Lydia, the return of a few favorite friends, like Nick, Jeffery, and–at last–Tommy, as well as some light romantic developments. Batty starts a dog walking business to earn money for voice lessons, and comes to terms with secret feelings held by her sister, Skye. As I've said previously, The Penderwicks books are for those of you who like

MORE: Modern children's novels with old-fashioned charm

Hickory by Palmer Brown is a short and sweet novel that will be enjoyed by the youngest in your family as well as the oldest. Hickory, his brothers Dickory and Dock live with their parents in a grandfather clock. Hickory, however, longs to experience the outdoors. When spring comes he decides to explore the meadow and meets Hop the grasshopper. The two form a friendship and yet Hop tells Hickory that when the warm weather fades, so will the grasshopper's song. Hickory convinces Hop to set out with him so that they will always be warm, thus thwarting inevitable mortality. The ending is ambiguous but not scary, and instead provides fodder for conversation with the kids.

The Little Water Sprite is another sweet, relatively unknown classic from German author, Otfried Preussler (who was born in Czechoslovakia). The book begins with the birth of the Little Water Sprite and each chapter tells of a new adventure he has while learning and exploring in his little mill pond home. At first I thought my son would find this book dull, but he actually loved listening to the Water Sprite's pranks and his friendship with Cyprian the Carp. The roles played by Mother and Father Water Sprite are quite dated but no more than in any other classic tale.

Adventures with Waffles by Maria Parr. Trille and Lena are best friends in this Norwegian import. Or at least Trille thinks Lena is his best friend. He does frequently worry about that. But it doesn't stop the pair of them from getting into mischief. Lena has her own insecurities, especially her desire for a father. One of the things I especially enjoyed was the emphasis on intergenerational relationships, and–of course–Auntie Granny's delicious waffles.

Blue Mountain by Martine Leavitt is the story of Tuk, a bighorn sheep who has a vision of a blue mountain. When the valley where his tribe feeds in winter grows bare and domesticated sheep bring disease, Tuk decides to lead his fellow bighorn to the blue mountain. Some are doubtful of Tuk's promise of success and stay behind, but a small group of travelers set out to traverse a path beset with predators and dangers. Tuk manages to outwit bears and wolves and lead his followers in his hero's quest. With its poetical text and interesting characters, Blue Mountain is a great read aloud.

Twig by Elizabeth Orton Jones. This classic children's novel was a favorite of mine when I was a girl. With a few found objects, Twig transforms her corner of Chicago into an imaginary, fairytale world. A little Elf comes out of a book and shrinks her down to size so she can join the fairies for a while. So sweet and charming, it's hard not to love this book. A great read aloud for fairy-loving kids.

MORE: Classic Children's Books You Haven't Read–Yet!

The Birthday Ball by Lois Lowry. Princess Patricia Priscilla is bored with her life, and a bit spoiled. She is horrified at the idea of her impending 16th birthday ball, at which she she will be required to choose a husband. She swaps clothes with her maid and spends the next several days attending the local school. This is a highly entertaining story in which everyone seems to have a good time; there is lots of delightful word play and plenty of quirky characters to keep the family laughing. When I read The Birthday Ball aloud to my 7-year-old, he got quite a kick out of it and had a grand time laughing at the foibles of the characters, especially the ridiculous suitors.

MORE: 100 of the Funniest Funny Chapter Books for Kids

The Story of Diva and Flea by Mo Willems and illustrated by Tony DiTerlizziis a delightfully charming story, if you need a short chapter book to read to younger kids. In Paris, the adventurous Flea convinces the intimidated Diva to take a trip around the city to explore the wonder of life outside on the streets. Then Diva assures Flea that inside an apartment isn't so scary and the two friends embrace how much greater their world is now, for knowing each other.

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame is a a classic which needs little introduction from me. We have always enjoyed reading chapters from this book outside in the summer, but if you have a garden head outside with a copy when the weather loses the last of the winter chill.

MORE: Books Similar to The Wind in the Willows

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The wide variety of books tell funny, heartwarming, adventurous tales with diverse main characters and settings. You'll find mysteries, humor, sports stories, tales of friendship, and family sagas. In other words, something for everyone!

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Front Desk (series) by Kelly Yang

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Mia Tang lives in a motel where her immigrant parents are the managers. Mia wants to be a writer but worries about her English skills. She takes over running the front desk of the motel and makes friends wherever she goes. She dreams of winning a writing contest so her parents can own their own hotel instead of working endlessly for little pay. Yang based the novel on her own experiences growing up in similar circumstances. A winning, funny and heartwarming novel; not to be missed. Ages 9 and up.

Charlie & Frog by Karen Kane

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Charlie is residing with his TV-watching grandparents while his parents have set off (again!) to help save the world's rarest animals. Charlie feels ignored and abandoned. Then he meets Francine, aka Frog, who is a student at the local Castle School for the Deaf. The two becomes friends and set out to solve a mystery. I loved the quirky characters and the narrative weaves in loads of information about Deaf culture and etiquette. Ages 8 and up.

MORE: Middle grade mystery books

The Secret Battle of Evan Pao by Wendy Wan-Long Shang

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I absolutely loved this book, and the story offers a particularly rich array of topics for discussion. Evan, who has an almost supernatural ability to sense when other people are lying, his sister and mother move to a small Virginia town from California. Evan's new class is in the middle of preparing for "Battlefield Day," a field day when students learn about the Civil War. Evan's research leads him to the discovery that Chinese-American soldiers fought in the war. While Evan becomes friends with Max, he also deals with a bully, Brady. But Max's intuition tells him the there is something deeper to Brady than just his outward meanness. Chapters tell the story from different viewpoints of people who live in the town. Ages 9 and up.

MORE: Middle grade books by Asian and Asian-American authors

Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed

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In her Pakistani village, Amal dreams of becoming a teacher one day, but an unfortunate event results in her being sent to live as an indentured servant in the household of the village's corrupt landlord. Amal is a strong protagonist who takes matters into her own hands. She is determined to achieve her goals, despite her circumstances. Ages 9 and up.

The Takeout by Tracy Badua

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Mila has recently moved to a new town, where her father and his business partner operate a food truck that serves up a delicious fusion of Filipino and Indian food. A pair of celebrity chefs are planning to open up a new restaurant nearby and Mila is excited to meet them, until she tastes their food and realizes they stole their recipes from the food truck! She and her friend, Ajay, hatch a plan to prove the chefs are frauds and save the food truck. Ages 8 and up.

Strange Birds: A Field Guide to Ruffling Feathers by Celia C. Pérez

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Four very different girls come together to work towards a goal. The Floras is a beauty pageant girls club which uses a crown made of bird feathers to crown the winner. Cat, Aster, Ofelia and Lane team up to get the Floras to stop using the crown. They hit some bumps along the way and form their own club, the Ostentation of Others and Outsiders. This is a wonderfully engaging story of friendship and justice. Ages 9 and up.

MORE: Books for fans of Judy Blume

Ana María Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle by Hilda Eunice Burgos

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Ana María lives in a tiny New York apartment with her three sisters and another sibling on the way. Ana María is determined to win a scholarship to a private school but that means she will have to practice the piano as much as possible, which seems all but impossible, given the amount of chaos that is going on in her family! Ages 8 and up.

The Magnificent Mya Tibbs: Spirit Week Showdown by Crystal Allen

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This book is excellent for kids on the younger end of middle grade fiction. Mya has promised her friend Naomi that they will work together to earn VIP tickets to the Fall Festival, but then Mya gets paired for Spirt Week with Mean Connie! I loved the focus on all the different levels of friendship that develop (and sometimes devolve) throughout the book, and Mya is one likable, funny girl! Ages 8 and up.

MORE: Middle grade books by Black authors

No Fixed Address by Susin Nielsen

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Felix Knutsson lives in Canada with his single mother, but when his grandmother dies and Felix's mother can't keep things together they start living out of their van. Felix, who is bi-racial, has a knack for facts and makes it on to a popular quiz show. In the end, Felix and his mother find the help they need from friends and a refugee couple who understand their plight. Despite the themes of poverty, mental illness and parental inadequacy, Felix's narration is actually quite funny and this was an enjoyable book to read. Ages 9 and up.

A Duet for Home by Karen Yan Glaser

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June, her mother, and younger sister move into a homeless shelter in the Bronx. Tyrell has been living in the same shelter for three years. He loves to listen to the neighbor play classical music and when he learns June has a viola that she is not allowed to play inside the shelter he convinces the neighbor to giver her lessons. Unfortunately, new housing policies are threatening to move families out of Huey House before they are ready, but June and Tyrell are hoping to find a way to stop that. The narrative voice alternates between June and Tyrell. Ages 9 and up.

Ghost (series) by Jason Reynolds

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Ghost is the first book in a series of sports-themed novels. Castle Crenshaw, nicknamed "Ghost" because of his talent for running away, is drawn onto the local track team. Ghost, who lives with his hard-working single mother, isn't sure he fits in with the team. He's not the only one on the team that struggles, however, but with the help of supportive adults, the kids find their way. I enjoyed this book and appreciated the way Reynolds created complex individuals who struggle with difficult choices, even when they make the wrong decisions. Ages 9 and up.

MORE: Sports-themed middle grade books

Honey and Me by Meira Drazen

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Best friends Milla and Honey will finally be attending the same school. Milla is very excited but the year gets off to a rocky start and Milla worries she and Honey are drifting apart. Each girl is busy preparing for her bat mitzvah as well as working on their speech for a school competition. Honey and Me is a classic coming of age story about friends who are going through all the familiar pangs of growing up and finding their own voice. Ages 8 and up.

MORE: Middle grade books with Jewish protagonists

The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher (series) by Dana Alison Levy

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This book made me laugh out loud. A family of 2 dads and 4 adopted sons (all together they san several ethnicities and religions) lead a rather disordered and hilarious lifestyle. The boys all have different personalities, which could lend themselves to stereotypes, but thankfully do not. After finishing this book I wanted to move right in to the Fletcher household, if only to try out their DIY hockey rink. Ages 8 and up.

MORE: Funny middle grade books

Dear Sweet Pea by Julie Murphy

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Sweet Pea's divorced parents live next door to each other in an effort to co-parent their daughter. While Sweet Pea's friendships are undergoing a transition, a neighbor asks her to look after her mail. The neighbor is an advice columnist and Sweet Pea can't resist answering a few of the letters. Understandably, she gets into a bit of a pickle! Funny and heartwarming. Ages 9 and up.

The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson

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After her parents' divorce, Candace and her mother move from Atlanta to spend the summer in South Carolina, where her grandmother used to live. Candace is lonely and misses Atlanta. She makes friends with Brandon, a shy neighbor and the two of them set out to solve a historical mystery involving Candace's grandmother. Along the way they uncover a history of racial tension in the small town and an intriguing story of identity and fortune. Ages 9 and up.

MORE: Historical fiction for tweens

The Season of Styx Malone by Kekla Magoon

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Caleb and his brother, Bobby Gene, live in a small town. Caleb wants to get out and see the world, but their father insists everything they need is right where they live. But this summer, Caleb and Bobby Gene meet Styx Malone, a super cool teenager whose magnetic personality draws them in, and takes them on adventures. The three boys begin Styx's "Great Escalator Trade" in which they barter up a series of items in hopes of finally getting a moped. Most of the story takes place outdoors without phones or televisions, where relationships are paramount. Ages 9 and up.

The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora by Pablo Cartaya

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13-year-old Arturo works part-time in his family’s Cuban restaurant. But then a sketchy land developer, Pipo, wants to buy the lot next door and convince the city to let him develop a huge project with no room for the restaurant. Arturo, with the help of his friend Carmen, who he's starting to have feelings for, work to undermine Pipo’s plot. The plot is primarily focused on Arturo's journey to save the restaurant. Also available in Spanish. Ages 9 and up.

MORE: Tween books by Latino/a/e authors

Mascot by Charles Waters & Traci Sorrell

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Callie, who is African-American and a Cherokee citizen, is paired with classmate Franklin, who is Black, to work on an assignment that debates the “Pros and Cons of Indigenous Peoples as Mascots.” Callie is deeply disgusted by the school's racist mascot, but Franklin feels differently. The story is told from seven different perspectives, written in verse and free of judgement, allowing readers to consider all points. This would be an excellent book for use in a classroom. Ages 10 and up.

MORE: Native American and Indigenous middle grade books

Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee

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The boys in Mila's seventh grade class are harassing her, making unwanted comments and touching her in a way that makes her feel uncomfortable. Some of her peers think she is overreacting, and Mila doesn't know what to do. With the help of a karate class and a new friend, she gains the confidence she needs to address the situation head on. Few children's books address the subject of sexual harassment, but most girls have experienced in one form or another. Maybe He Just Likes You should be required reading for both girls and boys. Ages 9 and up.

Soar by Joan Bauer

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I loved this book. Jeremiah has a weak heart which keeps him on the sidelines. His adopted father moves a lot, and when they move to a new town with a demoralized baseball team embroiled in scandal, Jeremiah becomes the motivating coach they need to lift them up. Wonderful writing makes this a book for everyone, not just for baseball fans. Ages 9 and up.

MORE: Books with characters who have medical challenges

The Sky at Our Feet by Nadia Hashimi

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Jason was born in America, but he learns that his single mother is in the country on an overstayed visa from Afghanistan. When he sees is mother being led away, he panics and an accident lands him in the hospital where he meets Max, a girl with epilepsy. The two team up to escape and find Jason's aunt, which takes them on a nail-biting journey around New York City. This is not just an engrossing story, it is an important one. Ages 9 and up.

We Still Belong by Christine Day

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In this fantastic coming-of-age story, seventh grader, Wesley, is searching for a way to make her voice heard. She is a descendant of Upper Skagit tribal members but unable to enroll herself. She and her mother live with her grandfather, and at school she is hoping to go to the dance with her crush. When her poem about Indigenous People's day is rejected by her teacher, she experiences a wave of doubt, but her connection with family and friends support her journey toward finding her place in the community. Ages 9 and up.

MORE: Books with neurodiverse protagonists

Karma Khullar's Mustache by Kristi Wientge

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Karmajeet Khullar is going to be starting middle school soon, but she is worried about the 17 new dark hairs on her upper lip. She is anxious to get help and advice from her best friend, but she has been acting so different lately and Karma feels lost. Karma's Indian father is learning how to be a stay at home dad, and her white mother is very busy with work. The book addresses themes of middle school friendships and bullying and I love how Karma's interfaith Sikh-Methodist household plays an integral role in her journey. Ages 9 and up.

Braced by Alyson Gerber

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Braced is based on Gerber's own experience growing up with scoliosis. Seventh grader, Rachel, is an enthusiastic soccer player but this year her doctor tells her she must wear a corrective brace for her scoliosis for 23 hours a day. Understandably, she is devastated by this. Rachel's journey to acceptance of her condition is touching and relatable as she works through relationships with her classmates and mother. An excellent read. Ages 9 and up.

MORE: Books with characters who have a physical disability

All of Me by Chris Baron

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Written in verse, All of Me is the story of Ari, a Jewish boy struggling with body image. He is also preparing for his bar mitzvah and dealing with his parents' difficult relationship. Baron's book digs deep into Ari's frustrations, fears and negative self-image as he must come to terms with how he sees himself and his place in the world. Incredibly moving. Ages 9 and up.

Roll with It by Jamie Sumner

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Ellie loves to bake! Her cerebral palsy means her mom is a bit overprotective, and that she has to spend more time than she would like with doctors. Ellie's grandfather has Alzheimer’s disease and so Ellie and her mom move in with her grandparents to help out. Starting a new school means Ellie finally finds some good friends and feels like she fits in somewhere. Roll With It is a marvelous book, tackling so many themes with good humor and likable characters. Ages 9 and up.

MORE: Tween books with body-positive representation

The Garden of My Imaan by Farhana Zia

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Aliya’s family is Muslim and Indian-American. Aliya, entering the beginning stages of adolescence, wonders about how to navigate being old enough to fast during Ramadan, if she wants to wear a headscarf, and what it might mean to draw attention to her identity as a Muslim. A new acquaintance from Morocco seems so secure in her choices to display the outward symbols of her faith. This is a great book to discuss the different ways families may practice the same religion. Ages 9 and up.

Martin McLean, Middle School Queen by Alyssa Zaczek

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Seventh grader, Martin McLean, is trying to figure out where he fits in. He loves being on the Mathletes team and he embraces his mixed race–Afro-Cuban and white–identity. He's particularly close with his Tío Billy, who supports Martin's desire to enter a drag queen contest. Now that Martin has found a way to express himself he wants to figure out a way to tell his friends. This is a wonderful, readable story which presents diverse racial, cultural and gender identities in a positive light. Ages 9 and up.

The Best At It by Maulik Pancholy

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I adored this book about an Indian-American boy, Rahul Kapoor, who is trying to discover what he is best at and who he wants to be. He decides to try out for Mathletes and finds a welcome home, but struggles with an invitation to the Sadie Hawkins dance. This is an intensely engaging and funny story about a boy dealing with identity, OCD and anxiety. A must read! Ages 9 and up.

MORE: LGBTQ books for tweens

Stanley Will Probably Be Fine by Sally J. Pla

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I found myself giggling quite a bit while reading this book. Stanley Fortinbras (love that name!) struggles with anxiety and sensory processing disorder. He even sometimes faints–how embarrassing! However, he loves comics trivia and pushes back against his worries to join in a a giant comics-trivia treasure hunt with his quirky new neighbor. Trivia Quest takes the pair all over the town, and Stanley works hard to overcome his difficulties to win the day. Ages 8 and up.

From the Desk of Zoe Washington (series) by Janae Marks

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I adored this book about Zoe, a 12-year-old girl who, after starting a correspondence with her incarcerated father, Marcus, sets out to prove his innocence. Zoe's mother always kept Zoe from having a relationship with her father, who was serving time for murder. One day, Zoe discovers a letter addressed to her from him and decides to write back. Zoe and her friend, Trevor, start to investigate Marcus' trial conviction, learning about systemic racism in the justice system. While the subject is certainly very serious, Janae Marks has written a marvelously accessible story with likable, nuanced characters. Ages 9 and up.

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The post 31 Realistic Fiction Books, Middle Grade (Ages 8-12) appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.