Book List

Best Middle-Grade Mystery & Thriller of 2025

CHILDREN'S

BEASTS

by Ingvild Bjerkeland ; translated by Rosie Hedger

Dark and achingly upsetting; highly appealing for a great many horror readers, new and old. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

CINCINNATI LEE, CURSE BREAKER

by Heidi Heilig

A thrilling, thoughtful, and layered adventure story with fantastical elements. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

OUTSIDE

by Jennifer L. Holm

An ambitious and thrilling examination of survival, trauma, and connection. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

THE MIDWATCH INSTITUTE FOR WAYWARD GIRLS

by Judith Rossell ; illustrated by Judith Rossell

Cinematic, amusing, and exciting: a slightly subversive, delightfully empowering, all-around winner. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

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