55 New Middle Grade Books I’m Excited to Read in 2023

Sincerley Sicily by Tamika Burgess

I love finding books to read from debut authors! When Sicily Jordan starts at a new school, she’s asked how she can be both Black and Panamanian after a class presentation. It’s a contemporary story about pride, family and finding your voice. I can’t wait for this debut!

This is How I Roll by Debbi Michiko Florence

I’m so excited for another book by Debbi Michiko Florence! Susannah Mikami wants to be a sushi chef, just like her dad. But, he doesn’t want to teach her. When she meets Koji, a cute boy who will help her learn, she’s a step closer to her dream. While it seems fun, it also might come at a cost.

Cookie Monsters by Erika J Kendrick

Brooklyn is a determined to win the top cookie selling spot for her Valentine World Scouts club. When Piper arrives, she has some serious competition. But with the help of her friends and her grandmother, she starts the biggest cookie war the school has ever seen.

Figure it Out, Henri Weldon by Tanita S Davis

Tanita S Davis is back with another middle grade contemporary. When Henrietta gets to switch schools in seventh grade, she’s excited. She expects her learning disability to give her problems — not a feud with her sister or joining the soccer team. It’s a sweet story about family, balancing life and being happy.

The Many Fortunes of Maya by Nicole D Collier

How adorable is this book cover? Maya loves asking questions and when she needs some answers, she goes to her Wheel of Fortunes. But her fortunes can’t answer the deep questions she really needs answered. This one is going to be a sweet story about courage and I’m looking forward to reading it.

Harriet Spies by Elana K Arnold

There’s nothing better than a cozy mystery — especially when it’s a middle grade one! Harriet is a great detective but she also happens to lie. When a guest at her grandmother’s B&B finds their binoculars are missing, people don’t believe she didn’t have anything to do with it. She sets out to figure who really took them. It’s another fun mystery in the Just Harriet series that so many are going to enjoy.

Opportunity Knocks by Sara Farizan

Another sweet middle grade contemporary I can’t wait to read! Lila is feeling left behind so she sets out to find her way. When she finally thinks she’s found her way in her school’s band, she finds out they may lose their funding. With a focus on friendship and a touch of magical realism, this one is sure to be a hit!

The Talent Thief by Mike Thayer

When two meteors collide and give Tiffany the ability to steal talents for a day, she feels like she has a little bit of power. But with some power, comes some problems too. I’m so excited to see how this story plays out!

Winston Chu vs. the Whimsies by Stacey Lee

The Rick Riordan Presents imprint has some great middle grade releases. I love that each book in the imprint focuses on mythology! Winston Chu vs. the Whimsies is a modern retelling of a Chinese folktale and I just know it’s going to be a great read. I’m so excited to read it when it releases!

On Air with Zoe Washington by Janae Marks

Zoe Washington is back in another fun story! When her birth father is released from prison, he reveals a dream of opening a restaurant. To help, Zoe helps fundraise and bring light to her father’s experience with a podcast. I love books with a podcast element so I already know I’m going to love this one!

The Grace of Wild Things by Heather Fawcett

As soon as I heard that this was a fantasy retelling of Anne of Green Gables, I immediately added it to my list of books to read. I love the idea of taking all the loveable aspects of Anne and mixing in some magic — it’s going to be great!

Lasagna Means I Love You by Kate O’Shaughnessy

When I find books with a cooking theme, I usually want to read it — and this is no different. When Mo’s Nan passes, she finds herself in foster care. She finds a handmade cookbook with someone else’s family recipes and decides to try and make them. It’s going to be a lovely story about family.

Finally Seen by Kelly Yang

When Kelly Yang releases a new book, it’s imediately on my list of books to read. Finally Seen follows Lina who leaves China to go and live with her parents and sister after five years of being apart. It’s going to be a delightful story and I’m so excited to read it!

It’s Boba Time for Pearl Li! by Nicole Chen

I just adore this cover, it’s so cute! When Pearl learns that her favourite boba shop is struggling financially, she decides to sell her amigurumi to help raise money. I absolutely love crocheting amigurumi, so I just know I’m going to enjoy this book!

Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind by Misa Sugiura

When Momo turns twelve, all she wants is to have a normal life. But when her mother falls ill, she finds out that her mother is a banished goddess. This sounds like it’s going to be such a fun fantasy.

Pilar Ramirez and the Curse of San Zenon by Julian Randall

Fantasy, mythology and adventure mix in the final book of the Pilar Ramirez series! The series follows Pilar, who gets sucked into a page and lands on an island called Zafa. This second book picks up after the events of the first book and I’m excited to see how things play out!

The House Swap by Yvette Clark

This book is pitched as The Parent Trap meets The Holiday — which sounds perfect to me. When an American and a British girl become friends, their families end up swapping houses. It’s a dual POV contemporary story that I just can’t wait to read!

You Are Here: Connecting Flights Edited by Ellen Oh

I have a few middle grade anthologies on my bookshelf to read, so it makes sense to add another! You Are Here follows an incident at a security checkpoint at the airport and how it impacts twelve young Asian Americans. I’m so excited to read this one and see how each of these authors approach the topic!

Camp QUILTBAG by Nicole Melleby and AJ Sass

This is going to be a great book to read during the summer months! When Abigail attends Camp QUILTBAG, a retreat for queer and trans kids she meets Kai. After a rough start to their friendship, they quickly form a bond to help each other while staying at the camp. It sounds like such a sweet summer read!

Mirror to Mirror by Rajani LaRocca

I’ve read many picture books by Rajani LaRocca and I’m really excited to read her newest middle grade release! Mirror to Mirror follows identical twin sisters with a complicated relationship. When they decide to switch places at summer camp, they both learn to step outside of their comfort zones.

Tiger Lily and the Secret Treasure of Neverland by Cherie Dimaline

When the new Peter Pan and Wendy movie releases, I’ll be quickly jumping into this new release! When Tiger Lily uncovers a plot by two of Captain Hook’s pirates, she sets out to protect Neverland. I’m so excited to read this story!

Hamra and the Jungle of Memories by Hanna Alkaf

Another great middle grade retelling on this list! Hamra and the Jungle of Memories is a Malaysian twist on Little Red Riding Hood. It sounds like such a creative twist on a classic story and I can’t wait to read it!

Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy by Angie Thomas

Angie Thomas is such a great author — and I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting her! I’m so excited to read her middle grade debut. Since it’s a fantasy series inspired by African American history, I’m excited to see how it differs from her contemporary young adult books!

Simon B Rhymin’ Gets in the Game by Dwayne Reed

The third book in the Simon B Rhymin’ series is on its way! This series is so fun — I love Simon, the humour and the heartwarming moments this series delivers. In this book, Simon joins the basketball team. It’s going to be a great addition to the series!

Audrey Covington Breaks the Rules by Karina Evans

When Audrey’s friends disinvite her from a slumber party, she is stuck helping her grandmother move into a retirement home. Audrey and her grandmother head out on an adventure around Hollywood — no rules allowed. This one sounds like it’s going to be so fun!

Shinji Takahashi: Into the Heart of the Storm by Julie Kagawa

Shinji Takahashi is back in another fantasy adventure! The Society of Explorers and Adventurers series follows Shinji as he gains powers and teams up with a tech whiz to escape evil. It’s a fun series full of magic and adventure that’s not to be missed!

Ellie Engle Saves Herself by Leah Johnson

Ellie is just an ordinary girl who doesn’t stand out. But when an earthquake hits, she wakes up with the pwoer to bring anything back to life with her touch. It sounds like such a fun and magical story!

Only Only Marisol Rainey by Erin Entrada Kelly

I love Erin Entrada Kelly’s books! Marisol Rainey is back in another cute and heartwarming story. In this third book, a neighbour’s dog goes missing and Marisol worries he’s up to no good! I just can’t wait for another book in this series.

Pack Your Bags Maggie Diaz by Nina Moreno

I really love this cover and I just know the story inside will be just as great! Maggie is getting excited for her spring break trip. But her plans start to fall apart when everyone gets carried away with the upcoming dance. It’s going to be a really charming story about friendship with humour and adorable illustrations mixed in!

Team Chu and the Epic Hero Quest by Julie C Dao

If you’re looking for a fun adventurous fantasy, than this is the book for you! This second book in the Team Chu series follows a group of kids who try saving a fantasy world from evil. I’m excited to read this sequel!

The Firefly Summer by Morgan Matson

Morgan Matson is one of my favourite young adult authors. I’m so excited to read her debut middle grade book! The Firefly Summer follows Ryanna who gets to know her mom’s side of the family over the course of a summer. It also has hidden treasure and adventure — what more could I ask for?

The Golden Frog Games by Claribel A Ortega

The highly anticipated sequel to Witchlings is almost here! I’m so excited to see how things unfold in this book. The Witchlings series follows three witchlings as they work together to fulfill their powers. It’s such a fun series and I’m so glad we’re getting a sequel.

The One and Only Ruby by Katherine Applegate

As soon as I heard about The One and Only Ruby, I immediately added it to my list of books to read. Follow the adorable baby elephant, Ruby, in the third book in The One and Only Ivan series. It’s going to be just as heartwarming as the first two books in the series.

The Sun and the Star by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro

If there’s a Rick Riordan book releasing, I’m going to read it. I’m SO excited that there’s going to be a new release in the Percy Jackson world. The Sun and the Star follows Nico di Angelo and Will Solace as they try to rescue an old friend. I’m just so happy to be back in this world, especially with the release of the Percy Jackson TV show on Disney+!

Absolutely, Positively Natty by Lisa Greenwald

When I saw Ted Lasso in the book summary, I was immediately hooked. After Natty’s mom decides to leave, she moves to her father’s childhood home and starts at a new school. To deal with her emotions, she decides to stay absolutely positive and starts with joining the pep squad. If Natty is anything like Ted Lasso, this book is going to be so fun!

Marina in the Middle by Nicole Melleby

Marina in the Middle is the second book in The House on Sunrise Lagoon series. I’m so excited to read this sweet middle grade series. It’s such a bonus that both books release on the same day!

Sam Makes a Splash by Nicole Melleby

Sam Makes a Splash is the first book in The House on Sunrise Lagoon series. I just adore the cheerful colours on the cover. This series is going to be so cute and perfect to read during the warmer months!

The Greatest Kid in the World by John David Anderson

How fun is this cover? Zeke is not the best kid — he pulls pranks and sometimes torments his siblings. But when he is somehow nominated for a competition to name the greatest kid in the world, he and his family are shocked. This sounds like it’s going to be so fun and I can’t wait to see how it all plays out.

The Takeout by Tracy Badua

Another great middle grade story with cooking! When a celebrity chef’s restaurant threatens her family’s food truck, Mila will do everything to save it. If that means using Filipino folk magic, than she’ll do it. I’m so excited for the food truck element and the fun magical realism!

Mihi Ever After: A Giant Problem by Tae Keller

I’m really looking forward to reading this new addition to the Mihi Ever After series. The series follows Mihi and her friends who fall into a fairy tale world. The sequel is going to be just as much fun as the first book — I’m so excited to see what happens!

Call Me Adnan by Reem Faruqi

Adnan is a young teen training for a table tennis tournament and dreaming of his trip to Florida for the event. When a tragedy strikes, he and his family must come together to deal with their grief. It’s going to be an inspiring and heartwarming story. I also am looking forward to the fact that it’s written in verse.

Ruby Lost and Found by Christina Li

I absolutely loved Christina Li’s debut, Clues to the Universe. I’m so excited to read her new middle grade release! Ruby is feeling out of place and grieving her grandfather. When she spends the summer with her distant grandmother, she has an unexpected summer.

Matteo by Michael Leali

I’m so excited for this release — it’s a modern retelling of Pinocchio! Matteo has always felt a little different but he thinks it will change when he joins the baseball team his dad played for. When Matteo starts sprouting leaves and finding bark on his skin, things start changing in a way he doesn’t expect. I can’t wait to read this story!

Second Chance Summer by Sarah Kapit

This sounds like it’s going to be a great summer read! When two former best friends arrive at summer camp, they learn that they’ll be sharing a cabin. It’s up to them to decide if they want to continue fighting with each other or give their friendship another shot.

The Labors of Hercules Beal by Gary D Schmidt

Another great retelling on this list! Herc Beal knows he’s named after the mythical hero of Hercules. But he doesn’t resemble him in any way. When his teacher gives him an assignment of completing Hercules’ labors in real life, his life takes a turn.

The First Magnificent Summer by RL Toalson

When Victoria gets to spend the summer with her estranged father, things don’t go the way she wants. With disappointments and obstacles it makes for a really weird summer. It’s pitched as Judy Blume meets Barbara Dee, which sounds like an exciting combination!

This Close to Home by Beth Turley

When Brooke’s mom dies, she finds that her memory is woven throughout everything she does. She decides to help bring back the town’s annual Lakefest to help reunite her family and honor her mom. It sounds like it’s going to be a really sweet and heartwarming contemporary!

Vivian Lantz’s Second Chances by Kathryn Ormsbee

This sounds like a perfect middle grade version of Groundhog Day. I’m so excited to read this one! When Vivian wishes to break her curse of bad first days of school, she ends up reliving the day over and over again. This sounds like it’s going to be so much fun! I also love the cover.

Camp Sylvania by Julie Murphy

Julie Murphy is another one of my favourite contemporary writers. I love her young adult books and I also loved Dear Sweet Pea. It sounds like this is going to be a great book about summer camp with lots of spooky elements. While it’s different from her other books, I’m definitely looking forward to reading it.

The Last Fallen Realm by Graci Kim

I really loved The Last Fallen Star and to be honest, I still need to read the sequel, The Last Fallen Moon. But that doesn’t mean I’m not excited for the final book in the series! The Gifted Clans series follows Riley, who discovers her heritage and her magic and goes on an epic adventure to save her witch family.

The Braid Girls by Sherri Winston

The Braid Girls follows Maggie, her best friend Daija and her half-sister Callie as they start their own hair-braiding business. When their business is doing well, another group of friends at the summer camp start their own braiding business, which creates some competition. This sounds like such a fun contemporary!

When Giants Burn by Beth Vrabel

Gerty is secretly building an airplane and when she tells Hayes at school, he helps her finish it. When wildfires break out, Gerty wants to fly the plane to make sure everyone is safe. When Giants Burn features adventure, friendship and survival. There’s nothing better than that!

Theo Tan and the Iron Fan by Jesse Q Sutanto

Theo Tan is back in another adventure! The series follows Theo, a Chinese-American boy who inherits a grieving fox spirit. When they find a mysterious journal left by Theo’s brother, they set out on a mysterious adventure. I can’t wait to see how this story continues!