50 Middle Grade Books I’m Excited to Read in 2025

Cinderella and the Beast (or Beauty and the Glass Slipper) by Kim Bussing

Cinderella and the Beast (or Beauty and the Glass Slipper) is the first in a brand-new series that blends the stories of Disney Princesses! It asks, what would happen if Cinderella was in the Beast’s home and Belle was in the home of an evil stepmother? I have a feeling it will be an entertaining story, especially when you’re combining two classic stories we all know and love.

Kaya of the Ocean by Gloria L. Huang

Kaya of the Ocean is an upcoming release that highlights the immigrant experience, the complexities of growing up as well as the importance of mental health. It follows Kaya, a thirteen-year-old with severe anxiety who is afraid of the water. When she learns she’s the descendant of a water goddess, she must learn to accept her connection to the water and conquer her fear.

Radiant by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

Radiant is a historical middle-grade novel told in verse by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, a multi-time winner of the Coretta Scott King Award. Set in 1963, it follows Copper who tries to navigate fifth grade while dealing with the complexities of race, class and faith. It touches on important historical events such as the Kennedy assassination, which will be incredibly educational for middle-grade readers.

As You Wish by Nashae Jones

As You Wish is an upcoming tween contemporary romantic comedy. It follows Birdie, an eighth grader who wants to get a boyfriend and since that’s her wish, she wants her best friend Deve to get a girlfriend. When Deve is set against her plan, she’s approached by Anansi, a West African god who claims he can make her wish come true. But, Anansi might be a trickster god, which means things might not go according to plan!

Old School by Gordon Korman

Old School is the newest release from New York Times bestselling author Gordon Korman. It follows Dexter, a twelve-year-old boy who lives with his grandmother at her retirement home. While there, he is homeschooled by the residents until a truancy officer arrives and tells him that he must attend the local middle school. It’s guaranteed to be a hilarious and charming story that showcases what happens when you embrace old and new experiences.

Operation Sisterhood: Stealing the Show! by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich

Operation Sisterhood: Stealing the Show! is the upcoming sequel to Operation Sisterhood. It follows Sunday, Bo, Lee and Lil who decide to put on a musical. When Sunday gets a little bossy as the director, the others may quit before the opening night. It’s going to be a sweet addition to the series that young readers are going to love!

Same Page by Elly Swartz

Same Page is the next book by Elly Swartz, author of Hidden Truths. It follows Bess, a sixth grader who brings together a group of friends and librarians to fight a book ban that’s happening at her middle school. Since the topic of banned books is so prevalent these days, I think this will be an important and engaging story for readers of all ages.

All the Blues in the Sky by Renée Watson

Renée Watson is one of my favourite middle-grade authors, so it’s no surprise this one is on this list. There’s a reason she’s a New York Times bestselling and Newbery Honor author! All the Blues in the Sky follows Sage, who experiences a serious loss on her thirteenth birthday: the loss of her best friend. While in counselling, she learns that grief is experienced differently and there’s no set way to heal. It’s guaranteed to be a heartwarming story full of emotion.

A Home for Unusual Monsters by Shaun David Hutchinson

A Home for Unusual Monsters is the next book in The Kairos Files series. It follows Sam, a young girl who is a member of Kairos, a secretive government agency dedicated to investigating strange things. Her next mission requires her to use her powers of disguise to infiltrate the family of a former agent. If you know a young reader who loves cozy and creepy books, they will want to pick this series up!

Mountain Upside Down by Sara Ryan

Mountain Upside Down is an upcoming LGBTQIA+ contemporary middle-grade novel. It follows Alex who lives with her grandmother, a retired librarian. When Alex asks her best friend PJ to be more than friends, she’s ecstatic until she learns that PJ is moving. She also learns that there is a referendum on library funding and she’s dealing with her grandmother’s forgetfulness. It’s a charming story that highlights strength and resilience when things are going wrong in life, all while finding your place in the world.

What Fell from the Sky by Adrianna Cuevas

What Fell from the Sky is an upcoming middle-grade adventure, based on historical events by Adrianna Cuevas. It follows Pineda, who wants to get through the school year with his friends Junior, Ernesto and Patsy. When American soldiers arrive in their Texan town, Pineda knows why they’re there: because he has hidden a strange creature who fell from the sky in his parents’ barn. I can’t wait to pick this one up, especially since it reminds me of E.T.

The Ripple Effect by Rebecca Caprara

The Ripple Effect follows Zella, a sixth grader who wants to come up with the best class prank, especially if it upholds her image as the class clown. But, she loses sight of what’s going on in her life: with her two best friends, her mom and family. Her prank also doesn’t go as planned and she must attempt to redeem herself in the eyes of everyone around her. I think this will be a sweet and engaging story with strong themes of friendship and kindness.

Momo Arashima Duels the Queen of Death by Misa Sugiura

Momo Arashima Duels the Queen of Death is the final book in the incredible Momo Arashima fantasy series. It follows Momo, a twelve-year-old girl with a divine heritage who will risk everything to save her family and the world. The series is rooted in Shinto mythology and also features gods and monsters. I think if you know a reader who loves books by Rick Riordan, then this might be a great series for them to read!

On Thin Ice by Jessica Kim

On Thin Ice is an upcoming dual-POV contemporary novel for middle-grade readers. It follows twins Phoebe and Dexter, who are total opposites except for their love of the ice. When Phoebe’s skating partner injures his knee months before their competition and Dex gets cut from his hockey team, they decide to team up. If Dex fills in as Phoebe’s partner, she can compete and he can improve his skating to earn his spot back on the hockey team.

Tear This Down by Barbara Dee

Tear This Down is the next release from critically acclaimed author Barbara Dee. It follows Freya, a young girl who decides to speak out against a problematic historical hometown figure. With the help of her Nan, her friends and the coolest librarian, Freya has the opportunity to make her voice heard while enacting some change.

Bree Boyd is a Legend by Leah Johnson

Bree Boyd is a Legend is the upcoming sequel to Ellie Engle Saves Herself. It follows Bree, a seventh-grader who loves rules and order, which is why she loves re-reading her favourite books. When a huge storm delivers a bolt of lightning straight to Bree, she’s given the power to move things with her mind. Suddenly, Bree’s life is full of chaos instead of her beloved rules and routine. I’m so excited to pick this one up!

Snow White and the Dragon (or, Sleeping Beauty and the Seven Dwarfs) by Kim Bussing

Snow White and the Dragon (or, Sleeping Beauty and the Seven Dwarfs) is the next book in the Princess Swaps series. It asks, what if Sleeping Beauty had to create a poisoned apple and Snow White had to face a dragon? This book series is going to be so entertaining! Especially with the Freaky Friday vibes it gives off!

The City of Lost Cats by Tanya Lloyd Kyi

I’m excited to pick up another book by Tanya Lloyd Kyi this year! The City of Lost Cats follows Fiona, a stubborn girl who finds an abandoned house full of stray cats. When she learns the house is threatened by demolition, she works to save the house and all the cats.

The Trouble with Sunshine by Yamile Saied Méndez

The Trouble with Sunshine follows Dorani, who moves from busy Miami to middle-of-nowhere Wyoming to live with her aunt following the death of her mother, Isa. While there, she spends most of her time with her aunt’s newest horse, Sunshine. The bond she builds with Sunshine reminds her of the best parts of her mother and helps her navigate the complexities of grief.

Vanya and the Wild Hunt by Sangu Mandanna

Vanya and the Wild Hunt is an upcoming middle-grade fantasy that is inspired by Indian mythology and British folklore. It also features a neurodivergent heroine, a mysterious school and several magical creatures. When Vanya’s family is attacked by a monster, she attends the enchanted library and school of Auramere where she must stop the Wild Hunt.

Starry, Starry Heist by Karen Briner

Starry, Starry Heist follows Max, a sixth-grader who is struggling with his life. Between bullies at school and his sick mom at home, he doesn’t need more problems. When a man arrives from the future and shares that his mother’s fate is tied to The Starry Night, Max must stop the biggest art heist ever. Especially when he learns that the thief is not bound by the laws of time and space.

The House at the Edge of Magic by Amy Sparkes

The House at the Edge of Magic follows Nine, an orphan who pickpockets because she is determined to escape her life at the Nest of a Thousand Treasures. When she steals from a mysterious woman, she finds a house with a host of magical characters. If you know a middle-grade reader who loves fantasy and magic, then this is the book for them! It also happens to be the first book in a trilogy series.

The Unfortunate Wishes of Nelly Young by Beth Garrod

The Unfortunate Wishes of Nelly Young is the perfect book for fans of Dork Diaries. It follows twelve-year-old Nelly who decides to make her own luck and write down her ultimate wishes along with her best friends. When they wake up the next morning, they each discover their wishes are coming true. It’s a fun-filled story about the power of unlimited wishes and if that happened, what could go wrong?

Cincinnati Lee, Curse Breaker by Heidi Heilig

If you know a young reader who loves Indiana Jones, then this is the perfect new release for them! It follows Cincinnati Lee, a young adventurer who must work to break a family curse while repatriating the artifacts her famed ancestor “preserved.” It sounds like it’s going to be such an entertaining adventure and I’m so excited to pick it up!

Isle of Ever by Jen Calonita

Isle of Ever is the first in a brand-new series by bestselling author Jen Calonita. When Benny learns she’s the heir to a fortune, days after her twelfth birthday, she must play and win a game in order to collect. The catch is, that she only has two weeks to play the game and locate a small island that vanished long ago. If she’s successful, she’ll break a two-hundred-year-old curse and collect her inheritance. It sounds like the middle-grade version of The Inheritance Games!

Octopus Moon by Bobbie Pyron

Octopus Moon is an upcoming middle-grade novel in verse. It follows Pearl, who struggles with the start of fifth grade. When her parents bring her to a counsellor, Pearl is diagnosed with depression but quickly learns that there are ways to find her way back to herself. This will be an incredibly heartfelt and moving story that is not to be missed.

The Girl and the Robot by Oz Rodriguez and Claribel A. Ortega

The Girl and the Robot follows Mimi, a young girl who loves to fix things. When her Papi is deported, Mimi realizes that there’s more in life to fix that she can’t handle on her own. Mimi sets off to earn money to help fix her family but when a mysterious robot crashes to earth, Mimi makes herself a new friend and they work together to do what they do best: fix things. This one sounds like it’ll be so fun to read!

When Sally O’Malley Discovered the Sea by Karen Cushman

When Sally O’Malley Discovered the Sea follows Sally, an orphan working at a mineral spring hotel until she’s kicked out due to an incident with a pig and some church ladies. She decides to head west to the sea and while on her journey, she meets new friends and has brand new experiences that make her realize she might not be as brave as she thinks. It’s going to be a lovely story that highlights bravery and friendship as well as embracing new experiences.

A Day at the Beach by Gary D. Schmidt and Ron Koertge

A Day at the Beach follows several young kids whose lives intersect while they’re all at the beach over the course of one summer day. It’s a story about friendship, family and the feeling of belonging. It sounds like such a unique premise, plus it’s written by two incredible kid-lit authors, what could be better than that?

Ghost Scout’s Honor by Carey Blankenship-Kramer

Ghost Scout’s Honor is an upcoming middle-grade horror fantasy novel. It follows Evey, who wants nothing to do with ghosts but when her best friend dumps her, she wants revenge. She decides to join the Ghost Scouts, a group created to keep the ghosts of Savannah in line but something is different this year and Evey must uncover the reasons why.

Kaya Morgan’s Crowning Achievement by Jill Tew

Kaya Morgan’s Crowning Achievement follows Kaya, who spends her summers with her dad in the best place: the Renaissance Faire. When Kaya’s dad passes away, she’s devastated but is determined to be named the first Black Queen of the Faire. It’s a heartwarming and tender story that highlights grief as well as embracing old and new dreams.

Rebellion 1776 by Laurie Halse Anderson

I’ve been waiting for Rebellion 1776 for quite a while, especially since its publication date was pushed from 2024 to 2025. Rebellion 1776 is a historical fiction about a young girl who is trying to survive during the smallpox epidemic. It focuses on the fear of vaccines as well as the struggle of the Revolutionary War. It will certainly tug at your heartstrings!

Rainbow Fair by Diana Ma

Rainbow Fair is the newest release from Diana Ma, author of The Unbeatable Lily Hong. It follows Sophie, a Chinese Muslim who is given the task of representing the Islamic religion at her school’s Rainbow Fair. But, she loves working at the Chinese booth and struggles with juggling the booths, her friends and learning about her ancestry. As soon as I heard about this one, I knew it was a book I wanted to read!

Maeve Mulvaney Has Had Enough by Kelly Mangan

If you’re looking for an upper middle-grade novel, then this is the book for you! Maeve Mulvaney Has Had Enough follows fourteen-year-old Maeve, who loves to sketch comics. When she’s bullied for her weight at school. she decides to draw inspiration from her comics and create a superhero club aimed at making meaningful change.

Opal Watson: Private Eye by Brittany J. Thurman

As soon as I heard that this book is a modern-day version of Harriet the Spy, I knew it was one I wanted to pick up. Opal Watson: Private Eye follows Opal, who loves being a detective, especially since there’s no mystery she can’t solve. When she hears disturbances in the apartment she lives in and finds out it’s the target of developers, she learns that this might be her toughest case yet. It also happens to be the start of a series, which is always exciting!

Spirit Service by Sarena Nanua and Sasha Nanua

I always love reading Canadian authors, but it’s even more special when it’s a middle-grade book. Spirit Service is pitched as Ghostbusters meets The Baby-Sitters Club and seriously, what could be better than that? It follows Raveena, who discovers an old telephone with her friends that can contact ghosts. So, Raveena creates Spirit Service, an agency that guides the deceased to the afterlife after connecting them with their loved ones. It also allows them to raise funds for her school’s beloved art program.

Dreamslinger by Graci Kim

Dreamslinger is the first in a brand-new fantasy series by Graci Kim. It follows fourteen-year-old Aria who lives in a home for Dreamslingers, a haven for children born with a mutation that transports them to a magical realm while they sleep. When the Kingdom of Royal Hanguk, home of the Dreamslinger League, announces trials to join the League, Aria knows she must join to take them down. It sounds like it’s going to be full of action and adventure, and I’m so excited to pick it up!

Gigi Shin, Live from Manhattan by Lyla Lee

Gigi Shin, Live from Manhattan is the second book in the Gigi Shin series, which is pitched as a modern-day Baby-Sitters Club. When Gigi is accepted to a prestigious art academy in New York City, she’s determined to have the best summer ever. But, things don’t exactly go to plan for her and her friends. It’s going to be such a fun book that explores the feelings that we experience when things don’t go our way and how we can make the best of situations.

Serwa Boateng’s Guide to Saving the World by Roseanne A. Brown

If a new Rick Riordan Presents book is releasing, you can count on it being on this list! Serwa Boateng’s Guide to Saving the World is the third and final book in the Serwa Boateng series. It’s an epic middle-grade fantasy series with vampires, witches and so much more that you don’t want to miss!

The Summer of the Fortune Tellers by Lisa Greenwald

The Summer of the Fortune Tellers is the upcoming sequel to Fortune Tellers by Lisa Greenwald. It’s pitched as the perfect book series for fans of Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and That’s So Raven. It follows a group of friends who are spending the summer together outside the city. While they have incredible plans, not everything goes to plan. It’s going to be such a fun and sweet middle-grade contemporary release.

Spelling it Out by Margaret Finnegan

Margaret Finnegan writes wonderful middle-grade books that you don’t want to miss! Spelling it Out follows Ben, a seventh grader who visits his grandmother in San Fransisco while training for a spelling bee. While there, he begins to believe that his grandmother might have Alzheimer’s and he must learn to be there for his family and pursue his dreams at the same time. It’s sure to be a book full of heartfelt moments.

Their Just Desserts by Tracy Badua and Alechia Dow

Their Just Desserts is the upcoming sequel to The Cookie Crumbles. The series is pitched as perfect for fans of The Great British Baking Show and Clue — what could be better than that? This new addition to the series follows two best friends, Laila and Lucy who are caught up in a mystery when jewels go missing at a baking competition. It’s the perfect book for young readers who love food and baking, as well as a cozy mystery.

The Burning Season by Caroline Starr Rose

As soon as I heard about this book, I immediately added it to my list of books to read. The Burning Season follows Opal, a twelve-year-old who is deathly afraid of fire but she still decides to train to be the fourth-generation lookout on Wolf Mountain. When a wildfire breaks out on her watch, she learns what it means to be brave.

The Wish Switch by Lynn Painter

I adore everything that Lynn Painter writes, so it’s no surprise that her middle-grade debut is included in this list. The Wish Switch follows Emma, whose Nana left her instructions on a secret magical wishing well. When the new kid, Jackson, tosses in wishes of his own, Emma discovers that all his wishes are coming true and not hers. I know it will have the humour and charm that comes with every one of her books and I am so excited to read it!

Meet Me at Wonderland by Julia DeVillers

Meet Me at Wonderland is another summer-themed middle-grade release you don’t want to miss. It follows Coco, a fourteen-year-old working as Morty the Moose, the official mascot at her family’s amusement park. She’d rather be working anywhere else, especially when she meets the newest hire, Henry, who happens to be a very cute boy. It sounds like it’ll be a fantastic summer contemporary romance for tweens!

The Midwatch Institute for Wayward Girls by Judith Rossell

If you know a young reader who is a fan of A Series of Unfortunate Events, then this is a great new book for them to pick up. It follows Maggie, a young girl who arrives at an institute for orphans, runaways and wayward girls. But, it’s not as bad as she thinks. While there, she learns she will help to solve mysteries and keep the city safe. It sounds like it’ll be such a fun book with mystery and adventure!

Chef’s Secret by Kelly Yang

I will always pick up a new release from Kelly Yang, especially if it’s part of the Front Desk series. Chef’s Secret is the sixth book in the Front Desk series. This new addition follows Jason, who wants to become a modern chef. When his parents tell him they don’t approve of his relationship with Mia, he must learn to stay calm, speak his mind and achieve his goals. I’m so excited to pick this one up!

Smoke & Mirrors by Rosalyn Ransaw

Smoke & Mirrors is an upcoming middle-grade mystery debut that sounds like it will be an incredible story! When Andy is blamed for burning an old barn down, he must work with the owner to rebuild it. But, things don’t add up and he starts to investigate a mystery from the 50s. I think it will have several intriguing moments and shocking twists, which sounds like the perfect combination!

The Incorruptibles by Lauren Magaziner

The Incorruptibles is the first in a brand-new fantasy series for upper middle-grade readers. It follows Fiora, who lives in a world where sorcerers rule over humans. When she survives an encounter with an evil sorcerer, she attends the Incorruptibles Academy, to train young resistance fighters. While there, she must navigate the opinions of others, fight the sorcerers and prove that she belongs.

What If You Fall for Me First? by G.F. Miller

What If You Fall for Me First? is another middle-grade rom-com to pick up this year. It follows Sofia who desperately wants to ditch her goody-two-shoes image. She decides to enlist the help of Holden, the coolest guy in class, to help her revamp her style. But spending time with Sofia allows Holden the opportunity to drop his cool guy act and be himself. It sounds like it’ll be such a charming book!