My favorite genre of books is middle-grade books. While the target audience is between 8-12, these books are intended for anyone and everyone to read. The reason it is targeted at this audience is that the protagonists are usually around the same age group as well. These books also do not include mature content and are typically told from the perspective of the main characters, who are children.
WHY MIDDLE GRADE BOOKS
Here’s why you need to try reading them as an adult
They are focused on storytelling
Middle-grade books explore powerful themes of bravery, betrayal, sacrifice, and justice without mature content or unnecessary distractions. The stories are so compelling and intense that they keep you coming back for more. I can read them myself, recommend them to my children, and never worry about unwanted influences creeping in as well.
The Perspective Is Honest and Hopeful
There’s something refreshing about seeing the world through the eyes of a young protagonist. The emotions feel raw and real.
They’re Perfect for Shared Reading
Middle-grade books create conversation. I can read the same series as my kids, discuss plot twists at dinner, and share inside jokes about favorite characters. It’s one of the easiest ways to connect as a family. When a book pulls one of my kids away from their long-time favorite series, I know we’ve found something special.
Last year alone, I read through three series that I absolutely fell in love with. They were immersive, well-written, clean, and so well written that I had to share them with you. So here it is.
THREE MIDDLE-GRADE SERIES I RECOMMEND
Series #1: The Cookie Chronicles
This was such a fun find. All my kids read it over the summer and thoroughly enjoyed all the books. The main character, Ben Yokoyama, is hilarious. He takes fortune cookie sayings way too seriously, in the best possible way. But my favorite character is Janet, his best friend, who is loyal, witty, and intelligent. Then there is Mom, who is also a hilarious character. She can barely cook to save the world, and yet takes great offence when called out for it. Oh, and the cool aunt must not be left out. She introduced the yummy LoMein, a favorite of Ben’s, and the wonderful world of fortune cookies. I can assure you, this book has good intent, good characters, and so much humor. I always recommend reading books in order, but you won’t miss a lot if you don’t for this one. I’m always searching for the correct order of books, so I’ve listed them here to save you the time and effort.
- Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Doom
- Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Endless Waiting
- Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Perfection
- Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie Thief
- Ben Yokoyama and the Cookies of Chaos
- Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie War
- Ben Yokoyama and the COokie of Destiny
Series #2: The Ascendance Series
I asked my daughter to read the first book in this series, The False Prince. I didn’t expect her to set aside her beloved Keeper of the Lost Cities to finish it, but she did. And not only that, she immediately asked me to grab the rest from the library. I could tell this was a good one.
Before long, I found myself listening to the audiobooks on Everand (bonus: the entire series is available there without needing extra credits). And yes, I was just as hooked.
The story begins with a kingdom in chaos after the royal family is believed to have been murdered. A powerful and cunning nobleman gathers several orphaned boys and forces them into a high-stakes competition: each must train to impersonate the kingdom’s long-lost prince. Only one will be chosen to claim the throne. But as the deception deepens, loyalties blur, secrets unravel, and nothing is quite as it seems.
I won’t say more as the twists are too good to spoil. Just know this is a series that must be read in order, and once you start, you’ll want the next book immediately.
Series #3: City Spies
City Spies is a series my daughter recommended to me, and she was spot on about this one. If you love anything involving undercover operations and high-stakes spy missions, you’ll enjoy this series.
The story follows a group of gifted kids recruited into a secret MI6 program (MI6). Each of them is an orphan with a unique skill set that sets them apart from hacking to linguistics to blending into any environment. They’re given a second chance at life, but that new beginning comes with danger, secrecy, and yet thrilling undercover assignments around the world.
It’s adventurous, fast-paced, and full of clever teamwork, the kind of series that keeps you coming back for more. This series should also be read in order, as new characters get added to the plot and there is an ongoing story that starts in book one and finds its end in the last book. There is another book releasing this year, and I am excited to get my hands on it.
- City Spies
- Golden Gate
- Forbidden City
- City of the Dead
- Mission Manhattan
- London Calling
- Europa (to be released)
What other middle-grade book series would you add to this list?
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