Books for Middle Grade Plus

Bev Humphrey
Literacy & Digital Media Consultant
www.bevhumphrey.com
Social media – https://linktr.ee/BevHumphrey

We’re right in the middle of a proper golden age for middle grade fiction, and honestly, I couldn’t be happier about it. There’s something genuinely special about how these books can tackle big feelings and complex themes while still being great fun to read. Here’s a quick run-through of some of my favourites from the last few years.

First up, The Doughnut Club by Kristina Rahim. This one follows 12-year-old Quinn, who’s donor-conceived and lives with her two mums and younger brother. She often feels a bit like the odd one out – quieter and more creative than her sporty, loud family. On a seaside holiday, she finds out she might have 16 donor siblings. Naturally, she gets curious and starts trying to track them down, which makes her rethink what family really means. It’s a gentle, thoughtful story about identity and belonging, perfect for anyone interested in the many shapes family can take.

Then there’s Alice With a Why by Anna James, which is a lovely mix of historical and magical. Set in 1919, it follows Alyce, the granddaughter of the original Alice, who gets pulled into a magical Wonderland caught between the Sun King and the Queen of the Moon. She’s got to solve riddles and face challenges that mix whimsy with deeper themes like grief and belonging. Full disclosure: I’m a big Anna James fan and a bit of an Alice nerd, so I was always going to enjoy this one.

How to Roller-Skate with One Leg by Ella Dove is a brilliant, funny, and inspiring read. It tells the story of Maya Bright, who loses a leg in a car accident but refuses to let that stop her. She sets herself a list of goals, learning to roller-skate and throwing a great birthday party for example, while navigating friendship dramas and adjusting to her new life. Written by an amputee herself, it’s a genuine take on resilience and embracing change with a smile.

For something a bit darker, check out The Zombie Project by Alice Nuttall. This eco-horror adventure imagines a future where bees are extinct, and zombie-raising insects are now vital to pollinating crops. When 12-year-old Merian’s scientist mum is caught up in a deadly outbreak, Merian must uncover what’s really going on. Smart, thrilling, and packed with big themes like climate change, ethics in science, and corporate secrecy.

If you’re into fantasy, Midnight Treasure by Piers Torday is a cracking fast-paced adventure. Tibor, a young werewolf, is sent on a mission to find a legendary treasure. His only companion is a talking dog who used to be a vampire, and together they face magical traps, strange creatures, and rising dangers that could change everything. Midnight Treasure is dark, witty, and full of surprises.

Tyger by SF Said is a standout for me – a powerful, beautifully written book that blends alternate history, fantasy, and serious moral questions. Set in a London where the British Empire never ended and racism is law, it follows Adam, a mixed-race boy who finds a wounded, talking Tyger hiding in the city. The story is rich in symbolism and emotional depth, easily one of the most important middle grade books I’ve read in years.

I have to mention I Am Rebel by Ross Montgomery, which genuinely made me tear up. The story is told from the perspective of Rebel, a loyal dog whose human, Tom, disappears to join a rebellion. Rebel embarks on a dangerous journey to bring him home. It’s funny, heartfelt, and full of adventure and ideal for sparking conversations about loyalty, courage, and friendship. No wonder it won Waterstones Children’s Book of the Year 2024.

Nush and the Stolen Emerald by Jasbinder Bilan was a surprise favourite. Set in 19th-century India and Victorian England, it follows Nush, the Maharajah’s twin daughter, who disguises herself as her brother to travel to London and recover a stolen family emerald. Nush and the Stolen Emerald is full of adventure and courage, and touches on colonialism and identity. I didn’t expect to get so hooked on historical fiction, but this one’s beautifully done.

Lastly, Bird Boy by Catherine Bruton is a quietly powerful story about grief, healing, and nature’s role in our lives. After his mum dies suddenly, 11-year-old Will is sent to live with his estranged uncle in the Lake District. There, he befriends Omar, a refugee from Afghanistan, and together they care for an injured osprey chick. As Will looks after the bird, he begins to heal from his own wounds. So sensitive and moving, and a lovely exploration of friendship and recovery.

So, there you have it – a snapshot of some brilliant reads that prove middle grade fiction is thriving like never before. Happy reading!