We’re past the halfway mark of the year, and it’s already been a great one for middle-grade books. With dozens of great new stories each month, it’s hard to narrow it down to the best stories of the year so far – but there are some truly extraordinary stories that readers of all ages shouldn’t miss.
Some stories continue an ongoing series, with the latest releases drawing us deeper into the fantasy world or the work of junior detectives. Authors like BB Alston and Nazima Pathan continue to create high-action adventure stories set in wonderful magical worlds, bringing us stories that will delight existing fans while bringing in new readers.
There are also a number of standalone and debut stories that have made lists of the best books of the year so far. We have timely stories of non-binary students challenging gender stereotypes, thought-provoking stories about family tragedy and generational trauma, and historical novels that bring issues from the past into the present day and remind us that human nature is the same no matter the era.
No matter what type of stories you and the young readers in your life enjoy, you’re sure to find something appealing in this list of the best middle grade books of the year so far. Some of these featured books can be found in Book Riot’s big list of the best books of 2026 (so far), so be sure to check out that list too!
She knows all moonlight By Khushboo Patel
Established in 1999, Chandni is having a great time; Her parents are successful doctors, she has a great group of friends, and she’s on her way to a place at India’s top girls’ boarding school. But when Chandni discovers a terrible secret, she realizes that her family and her life may not be so perfect after all – and getting what she wants may mean hurting the people she loves most.
the children are absolutely fine
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Amari and Metalwork Hazard By B.B. Alston
B.B. Alston’s closet The series is my favorite. Following the wizard Amari’s adventures as a junior agent for the Bureau of Supernatural Investigations, this latest installment finds the war-weary Amari pulled back into the magical world when a strange disease begins turning people into machines. Amari and Metalwork Hazard opens up new vistas in a brilliantly drawn magical world, and pushes our brave heroine to her limits.
death by chocolate by Anna Brooke
Mid-range mystery is currently going through a golden age, and what could be a better combination than mystery and chocolate? In death by chocolateYoung detective Coco must team up with the ghost of a murdered chocolatier, who promises to help Coco save her parents’ hotel – as long as she solves his murder. With lots of laughs, action and a little bit of horror, death by chocolate This is a great new start to an intriguing murder mystery series.
Dream Hunters: The Night Curse By Nazima Pathan
second in dream hunter series, curse of the night Mimi’s adventures continue in the Castle of Dreams. The peace of the Citadel is disturbed by a nocturnal curse, which causes dreaming creatures to attack their masters and trap them in nightmares from which they cannot awaken. Friends Mimi and Rafi must leave the Citadel and face danger to find a cure.
genie game By Jordan Ifueko
Jordan Ifueko’s middle grade debut, genie gameis a dystopian fantasy that strikes a chord for present times. Valentine is a young teenager searching for her missing sister, who becomes trapped in a world of jinns and evil corporations. To find her sister, Valentine becomes a genie – part of the General Staff network of immortal engineers – and competes in a tournament run by the sinister Trio Trust.
moon without stars by chanel miller
One of my goals for the year is to read more middle grades, and Miller’s latest was not only a delight, but it really sets a high bar for great middle grade literature. Luna loves to keep quiet – and book lovers will totally relate to her willingness to recommend books whenever possible! – But when one of the zines she created with her best friend takes off and she’s suddenly surrounded by the popular kids, she finds herself torn between connecting with a new crowd or sticking with her tried-and-true bestie. It’s a story of self-confidence and friendship that will resonate for generations. -Kelly Jensen
opting out By Maiya Kobebe and Swati “Lucky” Sreekumar
Mother Kobabe (Gender Bizarre) Introduces middle grade EIRs with this amazing graphic novel written/illustrated with Lucky Sreekumar. It grapples with gender identity, first menstruation, crushes, and the in-between emotions that are so common for middle class students. Indian American Saatchi’s seventh-grade classmates are obsessed with dating, but the changes that come with puberty and middle school worry Saatchi. Please, she would like to get out of this mess! Some middle grade novels address puberty through a non-binary lens. At a time when LGBTQ+ books are disappearing from kidlit, this is a much-needed perspective in a difficult time for many kids. -Margaret Kingsbury
Ordinary and extraordinary Auden Green By Corey Ann Haydoo
Denny and Runa have been imagining a fantasy world called Sorrowfield for years. Now, Runa wants to be a popular girl instead of writing about it. But Denny doesn’t want things to change, especially as her mother’s alcoholism resumes. On her 12th birthday, Denny switches places with Princess Auden of Sorrowfield. Dany has to figure out how to drive the dragons from her new land. And Princess Auden must adjust to the modern world and uncover some big truths that Dany has been hiding. This book uses allegory to weave big real-world problems with an interesting fictional story. Middle grades at their best! -Alison Doherty
shadow pony by olivia wakeford
A heartwarming read for animal lovers, shadow pony Follows Ivan, a young boy who loves his dog and his grandfather. Ivan’s family is falling apart, and he is finding it difficult to deal with it. When Ivan visits the coal mine where his grandfather worked during a school trip, the grandfather refuses to talk about what happened there, causing a rift between them. To heal his rift, Ivan is determined to learn more about the mine, and especially the pit ponies who work there.
Now you’re old enough to hear it by Aaron Starmer
Roman’s family has always had some strange stories – like the story of the Toe Beast, Roman’s grandfather’s explanation of why he’s missing a toe. After his grandfather’s death, Roman helps his family clean out the old house, and he finds some strange objects that seem to have an even stranger explanation. In this intriguing tale, we learn secrets with Roman, and delve into a story that asks us: How well do we know our families?
For more essential middle-grade reads, check out the most anticipated children’s and middle-grade books of 2026. If the young reader in your life loves comics, try the best new graphic novels for kids this year.
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