Best of 2024: Staff Picks for Middle Grade ReadersLike this list

12 items

• 101 Ways to Read a Book

  Fombelle, Timothée de, 1973-

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  An adorable, quick, and super fun read. A great way to kill 15 minutes just enjoying all the ways to read a book and how they're illustrated. Recommended by Librarian Cherie.

• And Then, Boom!

  Fipps, Lisa,

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  Struggling to find stability thanks to an absent mom and sudden housing insecurity, Joe’s journey is one of resilience, where the strength of community and family bonds help him face overwhelming challenges, much like the storms that…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Buzzkill

  a Wild Wander Through the Weird and Threatened World of Bugs

  Maloney, Brenna,

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  Recommended by Librarian Michelle N.G. who says she learned so much from this book! Seconded by Librarian Erin who also found this full of very fascinating information.

• Charlotte's Web

  White, E. B. (Elwyn Brooks), 1899-1985

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  Rereading an old title can sometimes ruin the magic, but I found that this remained a standout. In every description of the barnyard animals White’s keen observation and understanding are on display. And aside from the natural world, I…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• The Enigma Girls

  How Ten Teenagers Broke Ciphers, Kept Secrets, and Helped Win World War II

  Fleming, Candace,

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  Amazing book about the girls and women that left their friends and family behind to help fight the war against the Nazis. Spending months or years away from their home, and most of the world, trying to decode German communication.…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• I'm From Here Too

  Sheth, Kashmira,

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  Kashmira Sheth's novel is recommended for its thoughtful exploration through themes of family, faith, and justice. The book offers a meaningful reflection on how Anoop's Sikh beliefs help him cope with change, loss, and the increasing…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• The Night Diary

  Hiranandani, Veera,

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  A coming of age story of shy Nisha and her precocious brother who are forced to flee their home during the 1947 partition of India. Nisha tells her personal story by writing in her journal to her deceased mother. Lyrical, poignant and…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• The Partition Project

  Faruqi, Saadia,

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  What makes The Partition Project stand out is its ability to address complex topics like cultural heritage, displacement, and personal growth in a way that is accessible to kids and adults alike. Faruqi's writing is elegant and inviting,…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• The Secret Library

  Magoon, Kekla,

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  Librarian Lisa said you only need four words to recommend this novel, "Magic Library Time Travel."

• The Spirit Glass

  Chokshi, Roshani,

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  The narration is incredible and the characters really come to life! I was imagining the cat speaking in Saso’s voice for days after I finished the book. The audiobook comes highly recommended by Librarian Lindsey.

• The Swifts

  a Gallery of Rogues

  Lincoln, Beth,

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  This series is an all-time favorite. This instalment pits Shenanigan Swift and her family against a flamboyant ring of international art thieves. Along with the series’ signature wacky and whimsical wordplay, this book also delivers…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• We Are Your Children Too

  Black Students, White Supremacists, and the Battle for America's Schools in Prince Edward County, Virginia

  Pearson, P. O'Connell (Patricia O'Connell),

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  A powerful and resonant book about the necessity of accessible public education. Every parent and every citizen who values an educated public should read this story. Recommended by Librarian Erin.