Reading Middle Grade

Malik "Shake" Page is a basketball-obsessed 12-year-old whose life goal is to become as well-known as his dad and uncle and rise to the top of the game in their home of Chicago. But when Shake's ankle gets injured during a game, everything comes to a grinding halt. The injury and the loss of identity as a player while he recovers (getting left out of group chats, not hanging ...

This month, though, we have a treat—one I hope will continue all fall long and into the coming year: We’re featuring two reviews from our Junior Reviewers who read some forthcoming August releases. If you’ve been eager to see what kids think about new releases, you’ll love these reviews. One is a 4-star rave from Massimo and the other is a disappointed 3-star review from Lulu...

Have you ever finished reading a book and felt warm on the inside? A satisfying story can do that. Historical fiction can have a reputation for depicting challenging times past, leaning more toward any descriptor but "cozy." Today's selection of books are different. They're some of my favorite middle grade historical fiction titles with a classic feel, gentle conflict, low st...

From Black Beauty and National Velvet to Misty of Chincoteague and The Black Stallion, horse stories capture the imaginations of generations of young readers, whether they’re experienced riders or kids who simply dream of riding, as I did. While there’s no shortage of classics to enjoy, our list today highlights newer middle grade novels with characters facing challenges that...

Reading Middle Grade is proud to reveal the cover of Heather Alexander's new middle grade nonfiction title, Amazing Art Mysteries: On the Trail of Notorious Fakers, Forgers, Thieves, and Smugglers. We're huge fans of this author's work from her Wallace and Grace chapter book series to her latest nonfiction about ancient Egypt which was a 2026 Summer Reading Guide selection. T...