30 Most Anticipated Middle-Grade Books for Fall

by Eric A. Kimmel ; illustrated by Steve Brown

Purists may be puzzled at first, but readers will find themselves loving these Chelmites. Full review >

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by Helen Bate ; illustrated by Helen Bate

Poignant, loving, informative, and consoling alike for children in similar situations. Full review >

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by Max Brallier ; illustrated by Letizia Rubegni

Simplified spooks for the we-want-it-just-scary-enough crowd. Full review >

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by Joshua Allen ; illustrated by Sarah J. Coleman

Tasty, bite-sized bizarreness for brave preteens. Full review >

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by Hal Johnson ; illustrated by Tim Sievert

Readers on the lookout for something wicked this way coming will be terrified, grossed out, delighted. Full review >

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by Sharon Robinson

A lovingly honest memoir of a racial—and social activist—past that really hasn’t passed. Full review >

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by Sarah R. Baughman

Compassionately told, this compelling debut brings to life conservation issues and choices young readers will confront as... Full review >

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by Erin Entrada Kelly ; illustrated by Lian Cho

Fast-paced and full of wonder, this is a powerful, gripping must-read. Full review >

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by Hena Khan

A delightful concept well executed, this volume is sure to find many fans. Full review >

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by Renée Watson

A moving exploration of the places we come from and the people who shape us—not to be missed. Full review >

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by Jen Wang ; illustrated by Jen Wang

A shining gem of a book. Full review >

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by Kelly Jones ; illustrated by Paul Davey

A ghost story full of nuance and depth. Full review >

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by Jon Scieszka ; illustrated by Steven Weinberg

A winning mix of fun and fact—readers will be eager for the next mission. Full review >

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by Kyle Sullivan ; illustrated by Derek Sullivan

As the stench-loving Rancidians would say: It stinks! (Fantasy. 7-12) Full review >

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by Dusti Bowling

Those preparing to “slay the sucktastic beast known as high school” will particularly appreciate this spirited read. Full review >

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by Michael Bright ; illustrated by Margaux Carpentier

Darwin would approve. Full review >

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by Colleen Nelson ; illustrated by Tara Anderson

Much more than a lost-dog story. Full review >

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by Kwame Alexander ; illustrated by Dawud Anyabwile

Flashy and engaging with emotional depth—a slam-dunk thrill. Full review >

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by Kelly Milner Halls ; illustrated by Rick Spears

Just enough info to whet the appetites of budding cryptozoologists. Full review >

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by Marina Budhos

Readers will find a powerful window into the past and, unfortunately, a way-too-accurate mirror of the present. Full review >

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by Aimee Lucido

Never didactic, these poems interweave music, programming, family drama, and middle school as interconnected parts of Emmy’s... Full review >

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by Mary Batten ; illustrated by James Braithwaite

A lot to digest—but easy to chew, swallow, and regurgitate. Full review >

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by Peter Wohlleben

A tree-treatise treat. Full review >

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by Jake Burt

A satisfying tale of bullying redemption with a STEM twist. Full review >

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edited by Cornelia Funke

Denouncing past social norms, these tales are bewitching. Full review >

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by Maulik Pancholy

This coming-of-age story about diverse characters coming to grips with their layered identities rings true. Full review >

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by Gail Jarrow

Though laced with toxins, this is anything but toxic. Full review >

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by Eoin Colfer

Like its bestselling progenitors, a nonstop spinoff afroth with high tech, spectacular magic, and silly business. Full review >

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by Ariel Dorfman ; illustrated by Chris Riddell

A wickedly funny allegory for today’s post-truth era. Full review >

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by Carlie Sorosiak

Love might not last forever, but it can certainly teach an old dog new tricks. Full review >

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