What is a “Middle Grades” book?

A Middle Grades book is classified as one that is written for children ages 8-12. (simple, right?)

Anyone who knows me knows I love to read! It’s definitely my favorite pastime and I’ve logged over 100 books read annually for the past several years. I’ve passed on this love of reading to my son who just turned eleven. With that being said...we’ve spent countless hours reading together.

My son falls right in the middle of that 8-12 range - not only does he love middle grades books, but I do, too!

C.S. Lewis once said

“A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest.”

With that quote in mind, we’ve tried to find books that we both he, as an eleven year old, and I, as a...well much older than eleven year old, can enjoy together.

The #bookstagram community on Instagram dedicates March to Middle Grades book reading. We thought this would be the perfect time to share some of our favorites with you. Many you may already be familiar with, but we hope we can add a few new titles to your TBR (To Be Read) stack as well.

(You can also follow me on Instagram, and also Mary’s book account, Homegrown Book Picks!)

Favorite Middle Grades Classics

These first few will come as no surprise to any reader of Middle Grades books. They are tried and true and are considered “classics” for a reason.

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

Anne is a precocious young orphan who is taken in by Marilla Cuthbert and her brother Matthew on Prince Edward Island, Canada. She is, in my opinion, one of the most loveable heroines in all of literature. She’s never quiet, fiercely emotional and always into mischief.

If you haven’t read Anne yet, try the Audible original audio version read by Rachel McAdams. It’s sure to be a delightful experience.

Old Yeller by Frank Gipson

Be ready for the tissues with this one and know that the ending is pretty emotionally charged if your middle graders aren’t quite ready for that yet. With that said, this is a great book for boys growing up and taking on more responsibility. Travis becomes the man of the house when his father leaves on a long cattle drive. He takes on the responsibility of his family, while also taking care of the ugly, rascal of a dog that shows up whom they affectionately call Yeller. My son loved this one and it fostered great conversation between us.

We followed this one up with a family movie night to watch the 1957 Disney classic movie. You can also follow it up with the movie Savage Sam that is a sequel to Old Yeller.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Little Women follows the March family of four daughters and their mother as they navigate the years of the Civil War with their father away. The sisters Jo, Meg, Amy and Beth’s personalities are as varied and different as they could possibly be. The first reading of this novel is a cherished treasure that only gets better upon subsequent readings. The March girls become family and Marmee, their mother, is so full of wisdom and guidance. Follow this up with a number of movie versions and it will prove to be a wonderful family experience with your older middle-grade children.

The Anne of Green Gables Collection Anne of Green Gables Old Yeller (text only) Newbery Honor Book edition by F. Gipson Little Women (Puffin in Bloom)

Favorite Middle Grades Series

When you read a great book only to find out it’s part of a larger series, what a gift! Here are some series we’ve come to love.

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

I would be remiss if I didn’t say that first and foremost that this is beyond a doubt our favorite series! These books follow young wizard Harry Potter and his friends on their journey to defeat the evil Lord Voldemort and save the wizarding world. My son and I spent countless hours...117 to be exact...listening to the complete series during the 2020 Coronavirus Quarantine.

We looked forward to an hour (or two or three) each day when we could get away from little sister and ride around with the windows down listening to Jim Dale transport us to Hogwarts. If you’ve only read the books yourself and never listened to Jim Dale narrate them you are missing out on a treat! The voices he gives to the beloved characters are just spot on.

These books can also be followed up with a movie marathon, just know that the movies get progressively darker and more sinister so judge for your own kiddos when they are ready for the movies.

Percy Jackson: by Rick Riordan

After finishing up the Harry Potter series my son was looking for another series and I suggested this one. I’d read Percy Jackson years ago as I’m a sucker for anything Mythology based. This series follows Percy Jackson, the demigod son of Poseidon, as he learns about his powers and the mythical world he never knew existed. They are packed with action as Percy and his friends go on multiple quests to fight evil.

The audio versions of these books are good as well, although not as captivating as listening to Jim Dale. The first movie was a great accompaniment, however, it doesn't follow the book exactly.

Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace

These could be considered a classic as well. Written in the 1940s about Maud’s life in Minnesota during the late 1800s. These books begin when young Betsy and Tacy are only five years old. You see them grow and change all the way through the last book that is Betsy’s Wedding.

Much like the classics, these girls become personal friends and their shenanigans are lighthearted and lovely. This book transports you to a simpler time and makes you wish for days gone by singing around the piano with friends and snacking on fudge. I first read these as an adult, but wish I could go back and read them as a young girl!

The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place by Maryrose Wood

If you haven’t met the wolf children of Ashton Place you are missing out! This is a six-book series following three siblings who have been raised by wolves and found by Lord Ashton on his estate. Penelope Lumley is hired to be their governess and to try to teach them to act like humans.

The mysteries surrounding the children abound from the very beginning. Each book gets you a little closer to figuring out their true identity as well as Penelope’s.

My son and I were both enthralled with these audiobooks read by Katherine Kellgren. She immediately sucks you in with her British accent and makes it a very pleasurable listening experience.

Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

I couldn’t write a post on favorite middle grades books without including the Little House series. These could be included in the classics section as well. This series begins in the 1870s and follows Laura Ingalls and her family as they move west and strive to make it on the American frontier as a pioneer family.

The audio versions of these books read by Cherry Jones are fantastic. Her voice is perfect for narrating the pioneer life and the fiddle playing in the audio versions brings Pa’s playing to life. These are sure to enthrall even younger listeners as well. Our personal favorite to listen to is The Long Winter which has become a re-read for us during the cold winter months each year.

All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor

My son and I read the first book in this series for school this year, and I had to see what happened to the family in the next four books. Follow along as this Jewish family of five sisters grow up in New York City’s Lower East Side at the turn of the century. Their unique personalities and the mischief they get into will keep you enthralled.

Harry Potter Hardcover Limited Edition Boxed Set: All 7 Books in Chest BRAND NEW Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Book 1 Percy Jackson and the Olympians 5 Book Paperback Boxed Set (new covers w/poster) (Percy Jackson & the Olympians)The Betsy-Tacy Treasury: The First Four Betsy-Tacy Books Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place 3-Book Collection: Book I, Book II, Book III Little House Books Complete Set All-of-a-Kind Family

Favorite Historical Fiction

My son and I use historical novels to supplement what he’s learning in school.

These have been some of our favorites!

The Great Turkey Walk by Kathleen Karr

The year is 1860 and Simon Green has just finished the third grade for the fourth time and decides he’s done with school. He uses what street smarts he has to try to earn a fortune by walking 1,000 turkeys from Missouri to Denver to sell at a great price. I had a blast reading aloud with my best rendition of Simon’s dialect. My son got a kick out of it as well!

Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink

Caddie is a tomboy. She’d rather be outdoors with her brothers than indoors with the girls sewing and cooking. She is brave and bold and she’s based on the author’s grandmother. My son loved reading about the mishaps she gets herself into with the Indians. She’s spirited and fun and will make you laugh and remember her as a fond friend.

Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan

What a listening treat! This book follows a harmonica as it makes its way through the lives of three very different children during very different circumstances. Each facing daunting challenges, the harmonica brings something into their lives that help them to bear the burdens they must.

The harmonica playing on the audio version makes it a must.

The Great Turkey Walk Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink (1997-11-01)Echo - Audio by Pam Munoz Ryan (2015-04-28)

Honorable Mention

I couldn’t end this post without mentioning the books by James Herriot. He’s written so many wonderful books on his time as a vet in the Yorkshire Dales in the 1930’s and on. My son is a major animal lover and the heart that James Herriot puts into his books would make even a non-animal lover fall in love with them.

While not expressly Middle Grades, these books have appealed to our entire family. From James Herriot’s Treasury for Children to his Favorite Dog Stories, Cat Stories, and Animal Stories, you will be transported to a different place and time. With quirky farmers and their farm animals and pets, to his life with his veterinary partner and the goings-on of the town, you will be enthralled.

To go along with this experience you can watch PBS’s new show All Creatures Great and Small. Our entire family loved it and can’t wait for them to make season 2!