56 More Middle Grade Books I’m Excited to Read in 2025

Blood in the Water by Tiffany D. Jackson

I’m so excited to pick up Tiffany D. Jackson’s debut middle-grade mystery. Kaylani’s summer at Martha’s Vineyard is supposed to be fun, but it takes a dark turn when a popular teen is found dead. I have a feeling this will be a page-turning murder mystery, and I’m ready to see how it all plays out.

Bubblegum Shoes: The Case of the Contraband Closet by Goldy Moldavsky

When the legendary Contraband Closet gets robbed, seventh-grade “detective” Maya sees her chance to crack the case and maybe fix things with her ex-best friend along the way. I feel like this is going to be a great start to a new middle-grade mystery series!

The Accidental Stowaway by Judith Eagle

I love books set in the early 1900s, and The Accidental Stowaway sounds like it will be a great read. It’s 1910, and runaway Patch has just stowed away on a glamorous steamship bound for New York. Between dodging the suspicious crew and uncovering a mystery, it’s an exciting story that brings unlikely friendships and new surprises.

Elvira Vance and the Monster Mystery by Kacy Ritter

Clearly, I’m in my middle-grade mystery era, and I’m not mad about it. One week before the Marfa Monster Festival, the crown disappears, and so do a few creatures. Half-siren Elvira isn’t about to let humans blame monsters for something they didn’t do—with her friends by her side, she dives into a supernatural whodunit where the stakes are high.

Spark by Chris Baron

There’s something about a middle-grade novel in verse that gets me every time. After wildfires devastate their forest, Finn and Rabbit are determined to help nature recover—until a developer’s project threatens everything. But standing up for the forest could cost Finn’s dad his job. Spark sounds like a heartfelt story about climate change, community, and courage—I can’t wait to pick it up.

Another by Paul Tremblay

When Casey’s parents invite a “friend” for a sleepover, he’s shocked to meet Morel—a strange, silent boy with skin like clay. At first, Casey’s just glad for the company, but soon Morel’s presence starts to feel wrong. I think Another will be a chilling, slow-burning horror that will be perfect to pick up this fall!

The Metamorphosis of Bunny Baxter by Barbara Carroll Roberts

The Metamorphosis of Bunny Baxter immediately caught my eye! Bunny’s new school is a disaster—thanks to a series of accidental (and not-so-accidental) rule-breaking. Her plan to get expelled seemed foolproof until she starts making unexpected connections. I am so intrigued by this one; I can’t wait to read it.

Aarzu All Around by Marzieh Abbas

How wonderful is this cover? Aarzu All Around follows Aarzu, who dreams of playing cricket, but her uncle insists girls stick to the kitchen. When her sister needs urgent medical care, Aarzu disguises herself as a boy to earn money—and sneak in some cricket practice. I feel like this is going to be an inspiring debut about breaking rules, chasing dreams, and the deep-rooted love for family.

The Haunting of Bellington Cottage by Laura Parnum

There’s something special about reading a book about a haunted house in the fall months. Iris just wants to relive the fun of building haunted houses with her best friend Vee—except Vee isn’t acting like a best friend anymore. Then strange noises, slamming doors, and a ghostly mystery pull them into a real haunting story.

The House of Found Objects by Jo Beckett-King

When Bea’s grandmother’s priceless Matisse drawing vanishes, she teams up with her cousin Céline to track it down. From cryptic clues to Paris landmarks, the girls must solve puzzles and catch a thief before time runs out. It sounds like a great, fast-paced mystery with a little dash of adventure!

The Other Side of Imani by Lisa Springer

The Other Side of Imani sounds like an empowering story about creativity, confidence, and learning to accept your true self. When Imani’s designs are stolen, she enters her school’s fashion competition in disguise. But keeping her identity secret while chasing her dream isn’t as easy as it seems.

Ride or Die by Delilah S. Dawson

I was immediately drawn to Ride or Die when I saw that it takes place at an amusement park. Brie’s night at Wildwoods is supposed to win her a spot with the coolest girls in school—but a dare gone wrong leaves her stranded in an abandoned section. There, she meets a group of older teens who aren’t what they seem, and before sunrise, Brie will face an evil that’s been waiting a long time for some fresh prey.

The Freedom Seeker by Ruchira Gupta

I am really looking forward to picking up The Freedom Seeker. Simi’s happy life in India shatters when her parents’ interfaith marriage makes them a target. After her father flees to the United States, Simi and her mom attempt a dangerous crossing—only to be separated along the way. It’s a heartfelt story about family, courage, and bravery.

Anomalies 53: Into the Shadows by Angela Cervantes

Anomalies 53: Into the Shadows is giving off some major Men in Black vibes. Oliver Robles has grown up inside Area 53, the government’s top-secret lab for captured magical creatures. When he accidentally sets seven loose, he and his best friend have to track them down before they disappear into the world.

Incredibly Penelope by Lauren Myracle

Incredibly Penelope sounds like a warm and witty story about kindness, resilience, and finding family in unexpected places. Penelope’s used to travelling the globe with her glamorous godmother, but all she wants is to try going to school. At Idlewild Academy, she makes friends fast—until her fortune vanishes and so does her appeal to everyone.

Maggie and the Story Shadows by Annabelle Oh

Maggie’s search for her missing mom takes a wild turn when she and her friends are pulled into a world where every story and characters like Sherlock Holmes and Baba Yaga are real. It’s a story of magic, mystery, and adventure. How fun does it sound?

Scaring and Daring: Terrifying Takes on 15 Classic Tales by A Horror Writers Association

I cannot wait to pick this one up this fall! From Captain Hook’s dark magic to a haunted Sherlock Holmes case, beloved literary tales get a terrifying makeover in this middle-grade horror collection. These eerie retellings will keep young readers (and adults) turning the pages well into the night!

Dive by John David Anderson

I love to swim, so the title of this book and the cover immediately caught my attention. Dive follows Kassandra, whose life looks perfect from the diving board, but outside the pool, it’s falling apart—her family’s restaurant is struggling, her best friend is drifting away, and the best diver in the state barely notices her. Then she meets Miles, a fellow rule-bender who makes her question which boundaries she’s willing to cross.

Dream by Barbara O’Connor

Dream is the highly anticipated sequel to Wish, and I’m really looking forward to picking it up. Idalee wants to be a country music songwriter, but first she needs a guitar—and a little confidence. With the help of new friends and a scrappy dog, she searches for hidden treasure in her big, crumbling house and finds herself in the meantime.

Phantom Academy by Christine Virnig

Phantom Academy is an upcoming spooky mystery about friendship, fitting in, and figuring things out. After a coconut to the head, Finn’s life changes. Now a ghost at Phantom Academy, he has to navigate afterlife classes and figure out why things at his new school feel off.

Schooled by Jamie Sumner

Lenny’s new school is anything but normal—classes take place on a college campus with quirky professors and zero desks. Still grieving his mom, he just wants to be left alone, but his oddball classmates might be exactly what he needs. Schooled is a heartfelt story about loss, healing, and finding your people in the most unexpected places.

Stinetinglers 4 by R.L. Stine

There’s nothing better than a new book by R.L. Stine, especially when it’s part of the Stinetinglers series. This new addition to the series features three creepy novellas and one very unlucky town. From a cursed comic book to a pet shop with unsettling secrets to a monstrous substitute teacher, R.L. Stine is guaranteed to deliver his signature mix of chills, laughs, and page-turning scares.

Tales from Cabin 23: The Visitors by Yamile Saied Méndez

The Visitors is the next book in the Tales from Cabin 23 series, and I’m looking forward to reading it. After his brother’s arrest, Gen’s family moves to a mountain village to start fresh—but Los Astros has secrets. Wicker figures on lawns, kids who vanish, and a shadow watching from outside his window all hint at danger. To survive, Gen must uncover the truth before he’s next.

The Dark Times of Nimble Nottingham by Ryan James Black

I’m always interested in books set during the Second World War. Nimble, a streetwise orphan, thinks he’s found loot inside a bombed manor—until he accidentally unleashes a shadow creature. Now, with the help of some other kids, he must stop the monster before it destroys the city. It sounds like a great mixture of high-energy wartime grit and supernatural thrills.

Vote for the G.O.A.T. by Ali Terese

I love a good middle-grade contemporary story, and Vote for the G.O.A.T. sounds like it’s full of friendship and a little bit of mischief. When Babette the goat—Somerset Middle School’s beloved mascot—is kidnapped, Meg and Jo get blamed. To clear their names, the unlikely duo teams up for a hilarious, high-stakes rescue mission.

Your Turn Marisol Rainey by Erin Entrada Kelly

While on the lower end of the middle-grade genre, I’m really looking forward to the next book in the Marisol Rainey series. Marisol loves her teacher, but the idea of reading a haiku in front of the class is terrifying. She’ll have to find a way to face her fear. It sounds like it will be just as sweet, funny, and relatable as the previous books.

Ghoul Summer by Tracy Badua

If you’re looking for a spooky story with just the right amount of heart this fall, I think Ghoul Summer will be it. Barnaby’s summer takes a sharp turn from lazy days to ghostly mayhem when he meets Maxwell—a moody spirit who wants him gone. The only way to keep his body from becoming Maxwell’s new home is to help the ghost finish his unfinished business before summer runs out.

The Last Resort by Erin Entrada Kelly

I will never pass up a book by Erin Entrada Kelly. The Last Resort sounds like a perfect mix of mystery, family drama, and ghostly intrigue. Lila’s summer goals go out the window when she’s whisked to her late grandfather’s creepy inn—a hotel for the dead—and discovers he was murdered. With her brother and a new friend, she must solve the crime before evil spirits make their way into the human world.

The Sherlock Society: Hurricane Heist by James Ponti

The Sherlock Society is back, and this time they’re diving into a jewel heist that’s been cold for sixty years. A hurricane in Miami Beach uncovers a body linked to the famous Moroccan Hotel robbery, proving the prime suspect was innocent all along. Now the kids must find the real thief—while avoiding those determined to keep the truth buried.

What Happened Then by Erin Soderberg Downing

In What Happened Then, cousins Avery and Jax spend the summer at their family’s crumbling lakeside cabins, only to stumble on a decades-old mystery. With hidden diary pages, long-held grudges, and the threat of the island being sold, the two dig into the past to uncover what tore their family apart.

Famous Anonymous by Morgan Baden

I’ve taught so many students who love the idea of being viral social media influencers. I think Famous Anonymous will be a great story that shares the thrill—and the overall chaos—that comes with it. Four lifelong friends post a goofy video in disguise—and overnight, they’re famous. Now they have to juggle secret stardom, friendship, and the main question: how do you protect your real identity online?

Let’s Get Together by Brandy Colbert

Brandy Colbert gives The Parent Trap a fresh twist in Let’s Get Together. Kenya has lived her whole life in Pasadena, while Liberty’s been bouncing between foster homes—until they meet and discover they’re identical twins. As they unravel how they were separated, they must decide whether they can trust each other enough to set things right.

Pasta Girls by Taylor Tracy

Pasta Girls is an upcoming queer reimagining of Romeo & Juliet set in New York City’s Little Italy. Ro and Jules’ fathers own rival restaurants, and as the girls fall for each other during the Feast of San Gennaro, they’ll have to decide if love can rewrite an old family feud.

Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate

I will never pass up the opportunity to pick up a book by Katherine Applegate. Pocket Bear is a tender, magical tale about a century-old stuffed bear with a heart for helping others. It’s a story about courage, kindness, and the belief in second chances.

Running Back to You by Sarah Henning

I’ve enjoyed Sarah Henning’s young adult books, so I’m looking forward to picking up her middle-grade book. Millie has always sworn off lying—until she blurts out that she’s been kissed, even though she hasn’t. Now she’s on a mission to make it true before her secret gets out. But the more time she spends with Logan, the boy who asked in the first place, the more she wonders if maybe he wasn’t trying to embarrass her at all. I think it’ll be a perfect coming-of-age story.

Berry Parker Doesn’t Catch Crushes by Tanita S. Davis

Berry Parker Doesn’t Catch Crushes sounds like a funny and heartfelt look at friendship and the difficulties of change. Berry’s had enough of crushes and is determined to prove life is better without them. But as the summer unfolds, she learns that keeping your heart closed might not protect you from change after all.

Moonleapers by Margaret Peterson Haddix

I’ve always enjoyed Margaret Peterson Haddix’s books, so I’m looking forward to this next release. Moonleapers is the first in a new time-travel duology that I know is going to be addictive. Maisie’s summer in Maryland takes a wild turn when she starts getting strange texts and discovers a secret society that can move through time. With a mysterious mission and a ticking clock, she has to decide how far she’s willing to go to change the future.

Mystery James Digs Her Own Grave by Ally Russell

This cover absolutely caught my attention, and now I can’t wait to read the story inside. Abandoned in a cemetery and raised in a funeral home, 13-year-old Mystery is used to strange things—like the smell of ghosts and visits from sleep paralysis demons. But when a priceless heirloom vanishes, she’s drawn into a supernatural tangle of grave robbers, vengeful townsfolk, and a terrifying half-vampire, half-ghost.

The Book of Anansi by Angie Thomas

I adore Angie Thomas’s books and her writing—I just know that this sequel to Nic Blake and the Remarkables will be thrilling. Nic’s dream life in the hidden city of Uhuru is suddenly overshadowed by a dark prophecy, a dangerous new power, and a cult that wants an artifact no one’s sure still exists. With only her twin and best friend by her side, she must unravel one of the Remarkable world’s oldest mysteries.

Witchlings: Scepter of Memories by Claribel A. Ortega

This list wouldn’t be complete without the next addition to the Witchlings series. The Witchlings face their most dangerous challenge yet when their allies begin forgetting them—and they’re accused of practicing forbidden magic. Fleeing to the misty, monster-filled Enchanted Grim, Seven, Thorn, and Valley must find the one witch who can help save the Twelve Towns.

The Court of the Dead by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro

Rick Riordan is one of my all-time favourite middle-grade authors, so it’d be silly not to include his next release! In this sequel to The Sun and the Star, Nico di Angelo and Will Solace head to Camp Jupiter to help Hazel Levesque protect monsters seeking refuge—but when those creatures start vanishing, a dark force bent on revenge rises. As the mystery deepens, the trio must confront an enemy tied to their own past. I already know it will be packed with humour, adventure, and high-stakes magic.

A Little Too Haunted by Justine Pucella Winans

This one sounds like another great pick for the fall months. Luna’s used to her moms pretending houses are haunted—after all, they’re ghost hunters who fake the scares to sell fixer-uppers. But their latest home has a spirit that’s very real—and very angry. With new friends, a possible crush, and a mysterious neighbour, Luna must uncover the house’s deadly history before it’s too late.

Broken Dolls by Ally Malinenko

How stunning is this cover? I love all the details. After her grandfather’s death, Kaye develops an obsessive need to count things—until her sister starts finding dolls hidden all over his house. These aren’t normal dolls; they whisper, watch, and demand Kaye join their game forever. I feel like this is going to be a spine-tingling story of grief and fear as well as bravery and courage.

Grady Jones and the Great Detective Game by Kerry Douglas Dye

This one is yet another mystery on this list, but I just can’t resist the genre! When 12-year-old Grady Jones receives a note asking him to solve a murder, he’s sure it’s his big chance to become a Great Detective—despite having zero skills. With help from his friends (and competition from a stranger who shares his name), Grady stumbles through clues, secrets, and laugh-out-loud twists in this witty small-town mystery.

Jane Stays Dreaming by Britnee Meiser

Jane Stays Dreaming is inspired by Emma, and I adore Jane Austen. Jane’s anonymous blog is her escape—a glamorous alter ego with the perfect life. But when the new girl starts dating her childhood friend, Jane uses her blog to interfere, blurring the line between fiction and reality. With a social-media twist, this middle-grade rom-com asks if you can rewrite someone else’s love story without wrecking your own.

The Bookshop at the Back of Beyond by Amy Sparkes

The Bookshop at the Back of Beyond is the third book in the House at the Edge of Magic series. Nine and her friends travel to the unpredictable Back of Beyond to rescue Professor Dish from a greedy witch. But with magic running low and tricks around every corner, they’ll need help from an unlikely ally to make it home. It sounds like it will be an adventure with humour, heart, and a little dash of danger.

The House Next Door by Ellen Oh

Ellen Oh is another middle-grade author I can’t resist picking up. Rory Parker has spent years avoiding the haunted house next door—until a new family moves in, and he knows they’re in danger. To save them, Rory must face the vengeful spirits and malevolent force inside, teaming up with new friends and old ghosts. I feel like this newest release will deliver some shivers and suspense.

The House with No Keys by Lindsay Currie

In this sequel to The Mystery of Locked Rooms, The Delta’s return to tackle the brand-new Mystery Mansion escape house. With a ten-thousand-dollar prize on the line, Sarah, West, and Hannah race through mind-bending puzzles—only to discover the game is far more dangerous than advertised. Winning might be their only way out.

Busted by Dan Gemeinhart

The cover immediately caught my eye, but now I’m just as excited for the story inside. Oscar Aberdeen might be the youngest resident at Sunny Days retirement home, but he’s perfectly happy surrounded by Sinatra records and seniors—until an eviction notice threatens it all. To save his home, Oscar teams up with Jimmy Deluca, a charming ex-mobster with a tip on hidden loot. What follows is a wild, laugh-out-loud adventure full of friendship, high-stakes escapes, and a little old-fashioned mischief.

The Tinkerers by Caroline Carlson

I’m always looking for cozy fantasy books to curl up with in the fall months. The Tinkerers looks like it fits that in every way! In the star-swept valley of Stargazers, Peter stumbles upon an incredible invention—a device that can rewind time. At first, it’s perfect for fixing his small blunders (and avoiding star-eating newts), but soon the temptation to keep using it grows. It sounds like a cozy fantasy that explores friendship, magic, and the value of making mistakes.

A Glimmer of Change by Elle McNicoll

I haven’t read a book by Elle McNicoll yet, but I’m hoping this might be my first! Keedie Darrow has never been one to blend in, even if her autism makes her an easy target for bullies. When her classmates turn cruel toward anyone different, Keedie starts her own anti-bullying agency—and business booms. But taking a stand comes with its own challenges, and Keedie must decide how far she’s willing to go without becoming a bully herself.

The Beasts Beneath the Winds edited by Hanna Alkaf

Hanna Alkaf’s books are always on my radar. From giant island-sized turtles to crickets that can possess you, The Beasts Beneath the Winds brings folklore into the modern day in this lush, thrilling anthology by award-winning authors. I can’t wait to pick this one up!

The Free State of Jax by Jennifer A. Nielsen

The Free State of Jax sounds like an adventurous and witty tale about freedom, friendship, and finding your place in the world. Jax Averett has had enough of his awful relatives—so he declares his own country on a raft in the middle of a hot springs lake. But running a micronation comes with enemies, family secrets, and a mystery involving missing money.

Chris Makes a Friend by Alex Gino

Chris’s summer with her grandparents was supposed to be quiet—just books in the woods and no drama. Then she meets Mia, a girl who understands her like no one else does, but seems to be hiding something. I just know this will be a heartfelt story about friendship, family, and the secrets that can change both.

Rapunzel and the Sea Witch (or, The Little Mermaid and the Tower) by Kim Bussing

I never pass up a chance to read a Disney-themed book. Rapunzel has always been warned that her curse will trigger if she leaves her tower—so why has she suddenly switched places with a mermaid princess? Meanwhile, Hana is stuck high above the sea as a storm threatens her kingdom. This fairy-tale mashup is pure middle-grade fun, packed with magic, mystery, and two heroines determined to write their own endings. The Princess Swap series is so much fun, and I’m excited to continue with it!

The Treasure of Ocean Parkway by Sarvenaz Tash

I love that this book features podcasts! A secret room, an old family diary, and carvings that lead to hidden treasure—Thea Lim-Lambert’s summer in Brooklyn just got a lot more interesting. With help from two podcasting sleuths, she dives into a scavenger hunt through her building full of twists, locked doors, and family secrets.