We’re back with another round of Quarantine Reads – this time we’re focusing on some of our favorite middle grade books.
As ever, we hope you’re well, have enough toilet paper, and are in all ways making it through these strange times as safely and comfortably as possible.
While we don’t want to make light of a virus that’s causing both pain and suffering and economic disruption, we do want everyone to take advantage of one of the things this period provides a unique opportunity for:
LOTS OF READING!
Check out our MG list below. (And if you missed our YA list last week, click here!) Hopefully, you’ll find a book you can cuddle up and stay safe with.
WHAT HAPPENED SERIES 1 & 2 by Verity Weaver.
Investigate a mystery from four different perspectives. See what the witnesses get right and what they get hilariously wrong. Bet you’ll never guess what really happened. I enjoyed these books as an adult and with the diverse characters, humor, and mystery, they are perfect books for young middle grade and reluctant readers. Eight different mysteries will keep kids entertained and on their toes! Read our full reviews here and here.
KARMA KHULLAR’S MUSTACHE by Kristi Wientge
Karma Khullar is about to start middle school. Her best friend may have found a newer, blonder best friend, her home life is shaken with the death of her dadima, and her dad is the new stay-at-home parent. And on top of all that, she found seventeen hairs on her upper lip! I love this timeless story about an embarrassing issue that affects many girls but isn’t talked about. Readers will cheer on Karma as I did and return to school with a new understanding and a new confidence. Read our interview with author Kristi Wientge here.
THE LIBRARY OF EVER by Zeno Alexander.
The reality-bending marvelous library contains all the universe’s wisdom on its endless shelves. Lenora, bored with a babysitter, becomes its newly appointed Fourth Assistant Apprentice Librarian and is on an adventure across time and space. This is such a great book, taking readers on a fun and dangerous journey for truth. Great for fans of Mr. Lemoncello’s Library. Read our interview with author Zeno Alexander here.
MISS ELLICOTT’S SCHOOL FOR THE MAGICALLY MINDED by Sage Blackwood.
Chantel would much rather focus on her magic than on curtsying, which is why she often finds herself in trouble at Miss Ellicott’s School for Magical Maidens. But when Miss Ellicott mysteriously disappears along with all the other sorceresses in the city, Chantel’s behavior becomes the least of her problems. This is a 2017 Cybils Awards Finalists and one of my favorite reads of that year. Of all middle grade books actually. Chantel is a feisty nonconformist who brings out the strength and confidence in her companions that allows them all to save the city.
CITY OF GHOSTS by Victoria Schwab
The best thing to take your mind off the plague? Ghosts! And author Victoria Schwab makes it creepy. Ever since Cass almost (actually?) drowned, she can see past the Veil between our world and that of the dead. Her best friend is even a ghost! Join Cass and her incorporeal bestie as they protect our unsuspecting world from dangers posed by the dead.
BOY EATS BUG by Rebecca Petruck
Spend self-quarantine time learning with Will how a diet that includes bugs can help save the planet. Will didn’t plan to eat a stinkbug. But when his friend Darryl called new kid Eloy Herrera a racial slur, Will did it as a diversion. Now Will is Bug Boy, and everyone is cracking up inventing insect meals for him, like French flies and maggot-aroni and fleas. This story includes old friends, new friends, wrestling, and LOTS of bugs. Read our full review here.
HAZEL’S THEORY OF EVOLUTION by Lisa Jenn Bigelow
Hazel lives with her sweet, diverse family on a goat farm. She reads encyclopedias for fun. She’s a delight! Her heart-wrenching story of middle school friendship, anxiety and dealing with big changes has just enough tension and a comforting ending – perfect for quarantine reading.
THE BLACKTHORN KEY by Kevin Sands
This first in a series about an apothecary’s apprentice in 1660’s London is a fast-paced and tension-filled mystery. Christopher Rowe is a likeable hero, and there are puzzles to solve and codes to crack…plus murder, mayhem and explosions! The historical details are a nice reminder of just how good we have it during these days of being trapped at home with Netflix and indoor plumbing, too.
THE GIRL WHO DRANK THE MOON by Kelly Barnhill
A young girl raised by a witch, a swamp monster, and a Perfectly Tiny Dragon must unlock the dangerous magic buried deep inside her in this epic coming-of-age fairy tale. This is an immersive story with lost families and found families, magic and mystery…and a perfectly tiny dragon! It will drag you away from our flawed world into another flawed world, but one with the fierce heroes we need today. Read our interview with author Kelly Barnhill here.
Lynnfield Middle School is prepped and ready for a dance to remember, including an awesome performance from Heart Grenade, the all-girl band who recently won a Battle of the Bands contest. 5 classmates intend to make the most of the night…2 others would sacrifice almost anything to be there. Best. Night. Ever. is a fun, fast-moving book told from 7 (!) points of view. It’s got friendship, music, a nail-biting shot at performing on live TV…and a nefarious plot to sabotage that opportunity. Forget thoughts of germs with as you follow the tween-band’s preparations, as well as the saboteur.
Did We Get It Right?
There are soooo many great MG books out there. I’m sure we’ve missed some of the books you’d recommend as great self-quarantine reads. Share your recommendations by leaving them in the comments below and remember to tell us why the stories are great for these crazy times.
For more great books, check out 10 Great YA Books to Read During Self-Quarantine!
Also, you can always check out the book recommendations tab on our home page for more great picture books, middle grade, young adult book ideas. Under Mirrors and Windows, you’ll find our recommendations for novels written by authors of traditionally underrepresented backgrounds.
Keep reading and stay safe!
The Winged Pen