Suggested Reads for Middle Graders

This list of suggested reads for middle grade (ages 8-12) readers started with Natalie Whipple’s readers, and a post here about Keeping Boys Reading, continued on with suggestions from The Rejectionist and the many great commenters here at Ink Spells, and then went even further with great recommendations from a thread on Nathan Bransford’s blog. While this started out as a boy-oriented list, the suggestions keep rolling in, and I’ve updated it to contain recs for all middle graders.

Details, details: If the books listed below are a series, I’ve indicated that, but only given the first book. The hyperlinked books have been reviewed by Ink Spells. For the rest, I’ve given reading levels and age appropriate ratings, where available from Common Sense Media or Ink Spells. Ultimately, you know your child, and are best able to make suitable choices for them. Hopefully this list will help get you pointed in the right direction.

Like the Books Reviewed list, this Suggested Reads list is now in an easier to use format. You can download and print the list, or hyperlink to the review.

A reminder about the ratings:

RL = Reading Level
Rating = Common Sense Media or Ink Spells recommended age rating

Suggested Reads MG –