40 New Middle Grade Books I’m Excited to Read in 2026

Fun in the Sun by Lee Heart

There’s something about a sweet middle-grade contemporary that always gets to me. Anna’s spring break takes an unexpected turn when a simple visit to her grandma becomes a full-on love triangle. Mason is kind, Daniel won’t stop chatting, and all of a sudden, Anna has a lot of feelings to figure out. It sounds like it will be a cute, light-hearted middle-grade rom-com about crushes and discovering what your heart is trying to say.

The Snowman Code by Simon Stephenson

I’m always searching for cozy stories, and The Snowman Code seems perfect! Blessing’s never-ending winter feels overwhelming until she meets Albert, a six-hundred-year-old snowman with a knack for helping kids who need it most. Together, they tackle bullies, family worries, and a city stuck in winter. It sounds like a heartfelt and hopeful tale about friendship, bravery, and discovering light when it’s needed most.

The Claiming by Jasmine Warga

Jasmine Warga is one of my favourite middle-grade authors. If you’re craving an adventure packed with mystery, ghosts, and a touch of portal magic, The Claiming is a great choice. Teddy is hoping for a fresh start at school, but strange things begin happening again—especially when Lila starts flickering between worlds. With old fears resurfacing and danger closing in, Teddy has to decide how far he’ll go to protect the friends who finally feel like home. It sounds like a great sequel to The Last Resort.

X Marks the Haunt by Lindsay Currie

Lindsay Currie always makes my list of anticipated books—she’s a master at creating mysterious and eerie stories that keep readers turning the pages. In X Marks the Haunt, creepy clues, secrets, and a gradually dying graveyard set the scene for Will’s most unsettling mystery yet. When a centuries-old crypt key goes missing, and strange things start to spread through the cemetery, Will and his friends have no choice but to confront the dark force behind it. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy spooky adventures, clever clues, and mysteries with a supernatural twist.

Brady Mason’s Perfect Fit by Nicole Melleby

Brady never expected a simple rumour to turn her whole life upside down, but discovering she’s the daughter of a well-known fashion editor changes everything. Suddenly, she’s swapping baseball diamonds for Manhattan runways and trying to figure out how to connect with a mother she’s only just met. It promises to be a funny, heartfelt story about identity, second chances, and what it truly means to find your place in the world.

Hattie Mae Begins Again by Sharon G. Flake

I’m really excited to pick this one up! Hattie Mae arrives at a prestigious Philadelphia school only to find herself singled out for everything that makes her different. Far from home and surrounded by girls who underestimate her, she begins to question whether she truly belongs in this world. As she navigates friendship, identity, and the hope of a brighter future, Hattie gradually discovers a strength she didn’t know she had. I think Hattie Mae Begins Again will be very relatable for so many readers.

Nadia Islam, on the Record by Adiba Jaigirdar

If you enjoy stories that blend family, faith, and real-world issues, Nadia Islam, on the Record, is a great pick. Nadia is determined to make the most of Ramadan—even if it means juggling cousin competitions, journalism dreams, and a crash course in the country’s climate challenges. It promises to be a warm, engaging story about connection, curiosity, and discovering the heart of her favourite holiday.

The Ordinary and Extraordinary Auden Greene by Corey Ann Haydu

Magic, courage, and a twist of fate collide when two girls from very different worlds suddenly switch places. Denny finds herself living out the fantasy she once imagined, while Princess Auden is thrown into the reality Denny hoped she’d never have to face alone. It sounds like a beautifully imaginative story about discovering strength, trusting yourself, and facing the challenges that shape who we become.

Vans & Villains by Carolyn Keene

There’s nothing better than a Nancy Drew book! Nancy can’t shake the feeling that something is wrong during what was supposed to be a fun cross-country trip with Bess and George. Between van troubles, stormy weather, and some tensions in tight quarters, the journey is rockier than any of them expected. And if Nancy’s suspicions are correct, the girls might not be alone out there on the highway.

Hypergifted by Gordon Korman

If you love Gordon Korman, Noah and Donovan’s latest adventure will be just right for you. Noah is trying to survive an early jump to college, Donovan’s stuck being responsible for once, and somehow a two-hundred-pound pig ends up living in their dorm. Hypergifted is perfect for readers who enjoy laugh-out-loud trouble, engaging characters, and stories that go a little off the rails.

Space for Saffron by Rie Neal

Big ideas and big messes follow Saffron wherever she goes—and her move to Silicon Valley is no exception. Between trying to fix the café her family is counting on and finding a STEM project that finally clicks, she’s determined to prove she’s more than her failed experiments. It sounds like a sweet, hopeful story about creativity, community, and believing in yourself even when things get a little messy.

Stealing the Score by Sylvia Liu

Ethan, Sasha, and Mateo can’t imagine anything more exciting than winning a chance to attend the World Cup—until their scavenger hunt for a famous pair of cleats turns into a real mystery. With the prized shows missing, the three superfans have no choice but to team up before everything falls apart. When everything is on the line, the biggest challenge is learning to work together. How fun does Stealing the Score sound?

The Mighty Macy by Kwame Alexander

Kwame Alexander is such a fun middle-grade author! In The Mighty Macy, Macy is ready to start the next book in her favourite series until she finds out her school library is barely open. With her dad away and her classmates just as frustrated, she decides it’s time to speak up and take action. It sounds like a sweet and empowering story about finding your voice and standing up for what matters. I can’t wait to read this one!

The Mysterious Magic of Lighthouse Lane by Erin Stewart

As soon as I saw that The Mysterious Magic of Lighthouse Lane was set in Prince Edward Island, it immediately went on my TBR. If you love quiet, magical stories about finding connection in unexpected places, I think you’ll love this one. Hoping to escape, Lucy spends the summer with her grandfather at his isolated cabin. While there, she discovers an old camera that reveals people’s hidden truths and a mystery tied to her grandmother’s past.

The Wish Ring Cipher by Alexandra Ott

Codes, magic, and a high-stakes treasure hunt collide when Emma joins a group of fellow puzzle-lovers searching for a legendary wish-granting ring. With seventh grade feeling overwhelming, she’ll rely on every bit of curiosity and courage to get through her search and discover genuine friendship along the way. It sounds like it will be a fantastic story!

Europa by James Ponti

The next book in the City Spies series is on its way! The City Spies barely have time to settle into their new routines before a global threat pulls them back into action. With Umbra demanding release and attacks looming across Europe, the team splits up and races through iconic cities to unravel clues and prevent disaster. I can’t wait for this fast-paced adventure with all the codes, teamwork, and spy fun I could want!

Opal Watson: A Case Most Fowl by Brittany J. Thurman

I’m really excited for the next book in the Opal Watson mystery series! Opal’s latest case starts with a missing pet bird but quickly spirals into something much larger. As she teams up with a reformed bully and decodes clues about a mysterious woman from her own family’s past, she’s juggling two puzzles at once. I have a feeling it will be a clever, twisty mystery that blends friendship with long-lost secrets.

Some of Us Are Brave by Saadia Faruqi

If you’re drawn to character-driven stories with big heart, Saadia Faruqi is the author for you. In Some of Us Are Brave, Yasir, Mona, and Cody struggle to handle their own issues, let alone the storm that suddenly forces their lives to come together. As the floodwaters rise, the three must face fears they’ve worked hard to avoid. I’m really looking forward to reading this one.

Each and Every Spark by Claire Swinarski

A middle-grade book set in Paris? Count me in! History, art, and two girls separated by decades are woven together in this dual-timeline mystery. Penny is trying to rebuild her life in the present day, while Marie is risking everything as part of the French Resistance in 1943—and one long-lost painting links them both. This will be perfect for readers who love emotional historical fiction, hidden clues, and a story that connects past and present.

Amari and the Metalwork Menace by B.B. Alston

The next book in the Supernatural Investigations series is on its way! Amari is trying to take a break from the supernatural world, but walking away isn’t easy—especially when a terrifying new curse begins turning people into machines. With danger spreading and someone she loves suddenly at risk, she’s pulled back into a mystery only she can help unravel. It’s guaranteed to be another high-stakes, imaginative adventure that many readers will enjoy.

Aku: Journey to Ibra by Micah Johnson

Aku: Journey to Ibra sounds so fascinating! Aku’s world changes the moment he inherits his grandmother’s astronaut helmet, and he realizes it can take him across the universe. Travelling to the planet Ibra gives him confidence, friendship, and a place where he finally feels like himself, until his visit accidentally endangers the entire planet. Now Aku must step up and become the hero he has always imagined.

Here Lies a Ghost by Shakirah Bourne

If you’re into spooky mysteries with heart, Caribbean history, and unforgettable characters, Here Lies a Ghost sounds like the perfect choice. A cruel dare at Jermaine’s new school releases a restless ghost determined to uncover the truth behind her death—and Jermaine and his ex-best friend might be the only ones who can help. It sounds like a powerful blend of friendship, courage, and confronting the past, all wrapped up in an atmospheric adventure.

The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan by Jasmine Warga

I never miss a Jasmine Warga book (especially two in one year!), so it’s no surprise this one is on the list! When rescue dog Finnegan is paired with Chase, an anxious young cheetah, neither is sure they’re ready to trust again—but slowly, they begin to bring out the best in each other. This one sounds perfect for readers who love heartfelt friendships, animals, and emotional stories with heart.

When Tomorrow Burns by Tae Keller

Nomi is desperate to stop a terrifying prophecy from coming true, but seventh-grade friendships are complicated. With Vi keeping secrets and Arthur avoiding her altogether, the three of them are pulled back together just as wildfires threaten their city and the final warning in an old book begins to unfold. When Tomorrow Burns sounds like a moving, magical story about fate, friendship, and finding your way through moments that feel impossible.

Glory Be by Jamie Sumner

If you’re looking for a tender, emotional story told in verse, Glory Be sounds like a great choice. As Glory searches for her missing dog, she uncovers hard truths about her family and the questions she’s been trying not to ask. I think it will be a powerful story about love, loss and finding courage along the way.

Hafsa’s Way by Aisha Saeed

I love Aisha Saeed’s books, so I expect I’ll love this one too. Hafsa has dreamed of becoming a doctor for as long as she can remember, so getting into a prestigious summer science camp feels like her big break. But once she arrives, she’s hit with surprise after surprise—from landing in the wrong program to feeling completely out of place among her classmates, all while worrying about her sister’s future. I can’t wait to read it!

No Way Never Sisters by Chantel Acevedo & Natalia Sylvester

Meli and Rosy can barely stand each other, so the idea of becoming stepsisters is completely out of the question. Their clever solution? Team up to sabotage the house their parents are renovating, hoping the chaos will persuade the adults to call off the wedding. It’s giving me Parent Trap vibes with a twist of enemies turning into unlikely friends.

The Curse Breaker by Jen Calonita

Benny barely has time to catch her breath after finally reaching the Isle of Ever—because the real challenge is only just beginning. With a missing piece of pirate treasure, a shocking betrayal, and a stranger from her ancestor’s diary suddenly appearing in town, everything is more tangled than she ever expected. The Curse Breaker will be an adventurous, magical story that many readers will love.

The Lighthouse at the World’s End by Amy Sparkes

If you’re looking for magical chaos, daring quests, and funny moments, I think the final adventure in the House at the Edge of Magic series is perfect for you! Nine and her friends need to steal a locket from a London gangmaster and then cross into the World Between Worlds before a powerful witch catches up with them. One wrong move, and the lighthouse on the Isle of Illusion could be the last place they ever see.

Bat and the Case of the Yips by Elana K. Arnold

I really got into baseball this past year, so this immediately went on my TBR when I found out about it. Bat agrees to try baseball—mostly for the chance to bring his beloved skunk, Thor, to his Dad’s apartment. But joining a team turns out to be much harder than he expected, especially when he’s torn between his best friend’s hopes and his own comfort zone. I have a feeling it will be a warm and relatable story about growing, compromising, and learning what teamwork really means.

Grandpere’s Ghost Swamp by Rachel M. Marsh

Basil isn’t expecting her Grandpère’s ghost to appear—let alone send her on a mission that takes her out of the French Quarter and deep into the Louisiana bayou. While she hopes for a secret recipe to save the family restaurant, she instead discovers new connections, old stories, and a landscape that needs protecting. It sounds like a wonderful story rooted in family and community.

All That Chandni Knows by Khushboo Patel

Chandni is determined to make 1999 the year everything falls perfectly into place—school ambitions, friendships, even her first crush. But just as she’s closing in on her dream of attending an elite boarding school, a painful family secret threatens to turn her world upside down. All That Chandni Knows sounds like it will be a tender, beautifully written novel in verse about ambition, heartbreak, and finding strength when the ground shifts beneath you.

A Secret Escape by Alyson Gerber

I love a good high-stakes mystery, and I know the third book in the Secret Society series will deliver. Jack and Weatherby arrive at an exclusive Swiss boarding school where winning the Last Heir’s deadly game could mean immense power—and losing might cost more than they realize. With riddles, rivalries, and danger, this will definitely be an exciting addition to the series.

Olive Oakes and the Haunted Carousel by Kalynn Bayron

Spooky secrets and small-town oddities are exactly the kind of mystery Olive Oakes loves, and Whispering Woods doesn’t let her down. With rumours swirling about missing kids, ghostly sightings, and a haunted carousel linked to a once-a-year circus, Olive and her cousin Eli jump right in. I think this will be a charming and eerie mystery that celebrates curiosity and bravery.

A Girl’s Guide to Spying by Holly Webb

A Girl’s Guide to Spying sounds like such an enjoyable read! Phyl never imagined that joining the Girl Guides would land her in the middle of real wartime spy work, but one secret mission changes everything. When a strict MI5 officer disappears under suspicious circumstances, she and her sister Annie are convinced there’s more happening than anyone will admit. This sounds perfect for readers who love historical mysteries, sibling teamwork, and brave girls stepping up when the stakes are high.

Rayana Johnson’s Giant Leap by Jill Tew

If you’re after a funny, heartfelt story about growing up and discovering yourself, I believe Rayana Johnson’s Giant Leap is the book for you. Rayana is eager for astronaut training and stargazing, but she ends up dealing with friend drama, family tension, and the chaos of her first period. When everything in her world feels out of balance, she must find a way to regain her footing.

The Sweet Spot by Elaine Vickers

Another book on this list that features baseball! Baseball, family, and big emotions collide in Trip’s summer. With his dad suddenly deployed and a new teammate shaking up the team dynamic, he’s not sure where he fits in anymore—on and off the field. I have a good feeling that The Sweet Spot will be a heartfelt story about loyalty, identity, and learning that you don’t have to choose between the people you love and the sport you love.

Friend Group by Lisa Greenwald

How adorable is this book cover? Sadie has always felt invisible next to the popular girls until she’s suddenly (and accidentally) added to their group chat. With a front-row seat to their inside jokes and drama, she’s determined to use the mix-up to finally break into their circle before anyone notices the mistake. Friend Group sounds perfect for readers who love a bit of middle-school chaos and friendship dilemmas with plenty of humour and heart.

Our Fair Share by Sarah Marie Jette

For Seraphina, James, Avory, and Cassi, the county fair is the heart of every summer—until everything begins shifting in unexpected ways. Personal struggles pull them in different directions, and a new manager threatens the traditions they love, making the fair no longer feel like the haven it once was. Our Fair Share sounds like it will be a warm, honest story about change, friendship, and finding your voice when what you care about is at stake.

The Second Life of Snap by Erin Entrada Kelly

I adore Erin Entrada Kelly’s books. If you enjoy survival stories with heart, found family, and a touch of science fiction, The Second Life of Snap is for you. Life in Bright Valley is already tough, but when her family gets an outdated robot with a dying battery, Zuzu refuses to let him disappear—no matter how little time he has left. I have a feeling it will be an emotional, beautifully written story about loyalty, resilience, and what it means to care for someone who can’t stay forever.