Books to share!
In honor of Children’s Book Week, and with an eye to the quickly approaching holidays, I’m sharing some of my favorite Middle Grade books. Use my list for gift ideas or as a plan for keeping kids busy over the upcoming school breaks.
My kids loved these books. We listened to these series in the car while on road trips. They kept us entertained during the hour commute to soccer / swim practice. We read them aloud together at night before bed. I kept them in easy reach since my kids could devour hundreds of pages in a day. My children are all in their 20s now, so these titles are older and should be readily available at the library or for a reasonable price at the book store. If you live near me, I’m happy to share my copies, but I’m going to want them back!
These books are perfect for younger readers who need interesting books but not more mature content that includes violence or lots of romance and sex.
The Word Nerd’s Recommended Middle Grade
- The Ranger’s Apprentice series by John Flanagan – In a long ago kingdom, the orphaned Will wants to be a knight. However, he’s too small. Under the guidance of a strong and witty mentor, Will develops the skill and stealth to become a Ranger. Lots of adventure and fun characters. Good for girls and boys.
- The Brotherband Chronicles by John Flanagan. Similar adventures with different settings and characters.
- Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer This is probably my favorite kid lit series. Young evil genius, Artemis Fowl, tangles with the criminal underworld. Over the course of the series, Artemis grows a conscience. Fun, witty, and full of creative characters. Good for girls and boys.
- The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart Four children respond to a cryptic ad, pass a series of difficult tests, and are admitted to The Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened. There, they train for a special mission and uncover big secrets. Good for girls and boys.
- Redwall series by Brian Jacques. I never read these, but they kept my kids occupied. There are over a dozen titles in the series! Safe adventure for younger readers. From Goodreads: Redwall Abbey, tranquil home to a community of peace-loving mice, is threatened by Cluny the Scourge savage bilge rat warlord and his battle-hardened horde. But the Redwall mice and their loyal woodland friends combine their courage and strength.
- The Chasing Vermeer series by Blue Balliett Art loving kids find themselves at the center of an international art scandal. As they pursue clues, they use problem-solving skills and their knowledge of Vermeer to solve the unsolvable crime. Good for girls and boys.
- The Books of Bayern series by Shannon Hale My daughter loved these. Great heroines and best for girls.
- When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead Mystery and time travel, friends and family. Much to enjoy in this little book. Girls and boys.
- Liar and Spy by Rebecca Stead. 12 year old spies in a Brooklyn apartment building. What could go wrong? Girls and boys.
- Peter and the Star Catchers series by Dave Berry and Ridley Pearson. A prequel to Peter Pan. Girls and boys.
- Ten Thousand Tries by Amy Makechnie A middle schooler strives to lead his soccer team to greatness even as his father, and the team’s former coach, struggles with ALS. Male protagonist. Great for soccer lovers!
Do you have a book or book series to add to this list? Tell us in the comments!
Thanks for getting nerdy with me!
