Books About Middle-grade

The Best Middle-grade Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about middle-grade? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

11 Birthdays
#1 in Series
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Middle-grade

Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2009

11 Birthdays

By Wendy Mass · Book #1 in the Willow Falls series

Amanda's birthday repeats endlessly. Can she fix it before time runs out?

272 pages· 51,130 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 33,736 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Amanda's 11th birthday is a disaster, especially without her best friend, Leo. But when the day mysteriously repeats, she's trapped in a loop. Can Amanda mend their friendship and break free, or is she doomed to relive the worst birthday ever? Time, friendship, and a touch of luck hold the key.
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2019

Into the Game!

Four students are transported into their favorite video game, Minecraft, where they must work together to survive and thrive in a blocky 3D world filled with creatures and danger.

144 pages· 13,807 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
6.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 939 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Five young players are thrust into the world of Minecraft, where the stakes are real and survival is key. As they navigate this pixelated realm, they must rely on their gaming knowledge to build, explore, and fend off dangers lurking in every corner. Will their skills be enough to escape, or will they be trapped in the game forever? Dive into this thrilling adventure where fantasy meets reality, and every decision could mean life or death.
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2021

Mr. Corbett Is in Orbit!

By Dan Gutman, Jim Paillot (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the My Weird School Graphic Novel series

A group of students go on a field trip to NASA and accidentally launch a rocket into space, leading to a series of unexpected events.

96 pages· 3,696 words· Est. 55 min read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 522 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: A.J. and his classmates from Ella Mentry School embark on a field trip to NASA, led by the eccentric Mr. Corbett. Chaos ensues when A.J. inadvertently sends the entire class rocketing into space. With unexpected encounters and comedic mishaps, can they navigate the cosmos and find their way back home? Join this out-of-this-world adventure filled with laughs, aliens, and surprises at every turn.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

The Big Shrink

Marigold's shrinking magic spirals out of control, threatening her friends and their protest.

192 pages· 26,572 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,402 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Marigold Ramos struggles with her unpredictable magic that shrinks everything, including her friends. As her Upside-Down Magic class protests a ban on toy dragons, Marigold's shrinking spells create chaos. Can she control her powers before her friends disappear entirely, or will their protest be overshadowed by her magical mishaps? Join Marigold and her classmates as they navigate a topsy-turvy world where magic and friendship collide in unexpected ways.
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2009

Mrs. Jafee Is Daffy!

By Dan Gutman, Jim Paillot (Illustrator) · Book #6 in the My Weird School Daze series

A student navigates a chaotic week at school while the principal is away at a conference, leading to a series of misadventures and unexpected lessons.

109 pages· 8,474 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,028 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: At Ella Mentry School, the new vice principal's teaching methods are beyond bizarre. A.J. and his friends face upside-down math, underwater spelling tests, and mandatory yoga. As the chaos unfolds, they must navigate these wild challenges. Will they find a way to adapt, or will the madness be too much? Dive into the hilarious adventures of A.J. and the gang as they tackle the weirdest school year ever. Can they outsmart the eccentric vice principal, or will they be stuck in a world of wacky education forever?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2016

Sticks & Stones

Magic misfires at school, and the quirky kids must uncover the truth before chaos reigns.

208 pages· 27,096 words· Est. 4 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,733 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: At Dunwiddle Magic School, the Upside-Down Magic class faces blame for magical mishaps. Marigold accidentally shrinks a classmate, Nory's transformations go awry, and Bax turns to stone. As strange events unfold, these misfit magicians must clear their names and solve the mystery before their school descends into chaos. Can they control their unpredictable powers and uncover the real culprit behind the magical mayhem?
Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 2016

Sneeze of the Octo-Schnozz

Four friends try to stop a monster from causing chaos in their town

96 pages· 6,410 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 672 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Alexander and his friends face their smelliest challenge yet in Stermont. With the monster notebook missing, they must confront a giant creature with eight noses and a sneeze like a cannon. As stinky items vanish around town, the S.S.M.P. must connect the dots and find the monster's weakness. Will they solve the mystery before the town is overwhelmed by the stench?
Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 2014

Whack of the P-Rex

A group of friends must stop a monster from destroying their town

96 pages· 5,889 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,206 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Alexander Bopp and his friends discover a massive footprint and candy scattered everywhere. As they investigate, they uncover the threat of a Piänata-saurus Rex, a candy-loving monster with a destructive streak. Can they solve the mystery and stop the chaos before it's too late? With humor and suspense, this adventure promises unexpected twists and a sweet solution.
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2015

Dinosaur Dilemma

A young girl befriends a dinosaur after accidentally bringing it back from a museum and tries to figure out how to return it to its own time.

96 pages· 2,081 words· Est. 31 min read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 181 ratings
$14.95Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Salem Hyde, a young witch, needs a science project idea fast. At the Natural History Museum, she decides on dinosaurs and uses magic to speed things up. But when her dinosaur egg hatches overnight, chaos ensues. With her trusty companion Whammy, Salem must navigate the challenges of keeping a baby dinosaur out of trouble and cleaning up her magical mess. Can Salem manage the mayhem before it spirals out of control? Dive into this enchanting tale of magic, mischief, and unexpected friendships.
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2011

Mrs. Lilly Is Silly!

By Dan Gutman, Jim Paillot (Illustrator) · Book #3 in the My Weirder School series

A group of students create a school newspaper with the help of a reporter, but things quickly spiral out of control as they start to print false and embarrassing stories about their teachers and classmates.

112 pages· 7,893 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 925 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: At Ella Mentry School's Career Day, Mrs. Lilly, a local reporter, guides A.J. and friends in creating a school newspaper. As they dive into investigative reporting, unexpected secrets surface. Will their discoveries lead to someone getting fired or even jailed? Join the hilarious and unpredictable journey of young reporters as they navigate the world of journalism and uncover the truth. What will they find, and how will it change their school?
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Middle-grade Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about middle-grade for developing and independent readers.

Mia Mayhem vs. the Super Bully

Ages 5–9 · 2019

A young girl discovers she has superpowers and must learn to control them while navigating her secret life as a superhero

Mia Mayhem Learns to Fly!

Ages 5–9 · 2018

A young girl discovers she has superpowers and attends a secret superhero-training academy to learn how to use them, while also navigating everyday life and friendship.

Sale price
$799

Mia Mayhem Is a Superhero!

Ages 5–9 · 2018

A young girl discovers she has superpowers and enrolls in a secret superhero training academy

April Fools' Day from the Black Lagoon

Ages 7–9 · 2008

Hubie's pranks backfire when an unexpected joke turns the tables on him.

Magic Pickle

Ages 7–10 · 2002

A flying pickle battles evil vegetables threatening world domination. Can he save the day?

The Cuckoo Clock of Doom

Ages 8–12 · 1995

A clock's magic reverses time, making Michael younger each minute.

Blast Off!

Ages 6–10 · 2014

A tiny alien crash-lands, and a boy must protect it from the world.

Mudshark

Ages 8–12 · 2009

A school mystery solver faces a psychic parrot rival. Can he outsmart it?

Super Friends!

Ages 6–9 · 2024

A ghost and boy's friendship faces a test when a new friend arrives with a surprising project idea.

Too Pig to Fail

Ages 7–9 · 2022

A pig superhero battles time to save a never-ending math class.

Eww! What's on My Shoe?

Ages 7–9 · 2013

Can George's super burp ruin his friend's record-breaking gumball attempt and his own reputation?

View all middle-grade chapter books

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