Here are some middle grade book recommendations, from contemporary fiction to fantasy!

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

Genre: Mystery/Adventure

Target Age Range: 8–12 years old

Dozens of children respond to this peculiar ad in the newspaper and are then put through a series of mind-bending tests, which readers take along with them. Only four children-two boys and two girls-succeed. They’re to go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and inventive children could complete. To accomplish it they will have to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where the only rule is that there are no rules. But what they’ll find in the hidden underground tunnels of the school is more than your average school supplies. So, if you’re gifted, creative, or happen to know Morse Code, they could probably use your help. 

This book to me was the kind of book that you can’t put down until it’s finished, and you’re on the edge of your seat throughout the entire middle. The characters are so engaging and unique, and they’re the kind of characters I’d love to meet in real life. The plot is so unique, and the plot twists don’t seem cliche or totally random. All in all, an awesome read.

The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

Genre: Fantasy

Target Age Range: 8–13 years old

When four children are evacuated from London during World War II, they find themselves in the mysterious home of Professor Digory Kirke. Told never to disturb the professor, they spend one rainy day playing hide-and-seek in the ancient, rambling house. Lucy, the youngest, decides to hide in the professor’s old wardrobe.

What she soon discovers is that the wardrobe conceals the entrance to Narnia, a magical land whose creatures live under a curse.

At first none of the other children believe Lucy’s story of fauns and talking beavers, but soon they too stumble through the wardrobe door, unaware of the fact that their very presence is dangerous to their new Narnian friends. For a prophecy has foretold the appearance of four children who will join with the great lion Aslan to defeat the White Witch and free the land from its evil wintry embrace.

This book is a classic, and I’m assuming that many of you have already heard of it. It really is an amazing book, with lovable and relatable characters and an absolutely fantastic setting. The Pevensie siblings are one of my favorite sibling groups of all time, and Aslan is one of my favorite fictional characters of all time. I highly recommend this book, as well as the others in the Chronicles of Narnia series.

Wish by Barbara O’Connor

Genre: Realistic fiction

Target Age Range: 8–12 years old

Eleven-year-old Charlie Reese has been making the same secret wish every day since fourth grade. She even has a list of all the ways there are to make the wish, such as cutting off the pointed end of a slice of pie and wishing on it as she takes the last bite. But when she is sent to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to live with family she barely knows, it seems unlikely that her wish will ever come true. That is until she meets

Wishbone, a skinny stray dog who captures her heart, and Howard, a neighbor boy who proves surprising in lots of ways. Suddenly Charlie is in serious danger of discovering that what she thought she wanted may not be what she needs at all.

I first read this book as an English assignment when I was in fifth grade, and I absolutely fell in love with the book. Charlie is a very raw and realistic character. You can tell she’s been through some rough stuff, but she’s also learning from her mistakes, and she can occasionally be very funny. Bertha and Gus, her aunt and uncle, as well as Howard, are very kind and you can tell they really care about her. Charlie’s list of ways to wish are also a very interesting touch to the story, and I love it.

13 Treasures by Michelle Harrison

Genre: Fantasy/Mystery

Target Age Range: 8–12 years old

Tanya has a secret. She can see fairies.

But not the fairies we imagine. These fairies cast spells on her, rousing her from her sleep and propelling her out of bed. Disturbed by her daughter’s behaviour, Tanya’s mother sends her away to live with her grandmother at Elvesden Manor, a secluded countryside mansion on the outskirts of town.

Then an old photograph leads Tanya to an unsolved mystery. Fifty years ago a girl vanished in the woods, a girl Tanya’s grandmother will not speak of. Tanya is determined to find the truth, but as she unearths more secrets she finds herself dangerously close to following in the missing girl’s footsteps . . .

This book, along with the rest of the books in the 13 Treasures series, are my absolute favorite books. Tanya, Fabian, and Red are wonderfully written characters. I love how the author took fairy mythology and wove it into this beautiful book. The setting is also very vivid and intricate, and if Elvesden Manor was real, I would love to take a tour of it. 10 out of 10 read, I would recommend this for any kid who likes fantasy.

The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall

Genre: Realistic fiction

Target Age Range: 8–12 years old

The Penderwick sisters busily discover the summertime magic of Arundel estate’s sprawling gardens, treasure-filled attic, tame rabbits, and the cook who makes the best gingerbread in Massachusetts. Best of all is Jeffrey Tifton, son of Arundel’s owner, the perfect companion for their adventures. Icy-hearted Mrs. Tifton is less pleased with the Penderwicks than Jeffrey, and warns the new friends to stay out of trouble. Is that any fun? For sure the summer will be unforgettable.

This book is so sweet. I love the sibling dynamics between the four sisters, and I also love the friendship dynamic with Jeffrey. Jane is my favorite character, since she was a huge inspiration for younger me when I first read this book. The father of the girls is a great example of actually well written literary parents. I came for the plot and stayed for the characters.

Beyond Mulberry Glen by Millie Florence

Genre: Fantasy

Target Age Range: 8–12 years old

Eleven-year-old Lydia Green doesn’t want anything to change. She lives happily in Mulberry Glen with her mismatched family of a fairy guardian, a philosopher, and twin troublemakers known as the Zs. But now, rumors swirl about The Darkness, a powerful force that dwells in the forest Tenebrae.

Lydia knows The Darkness is nothing to be trifled with, but when a foolish choice by the Zs puts her family in danger, she must leave home and face the strange magical world of The Valleylands.

Among the shifting library shelves and new friends of her quest, Lydia uncovers more questions than answers, and the Darkness begins to creep into her mind. If she wants to save her family, she will have to be braver than ever before.

Another beautifully written book. Lydia is such a sweet character who it’s easy to empathize with, but you can tell that she’s going through some rough and very realistic things. The twins were absolutely hilarious, but the author did a good job of making them deep and sympathetic and more than just comedic relief. The Darkness is a fantastic villain. I also loved the world and settings, from Lydia’ home in Mulberry Glen to the forest Tenebrae. You should definitely read this book, and all the others that Millie Florence has written.