Try these best new middle school books to read for your tween — they won’t disappoint!
Do you have a reader in the house?
Or maybe you’re trying to get your kiddo hooked?
These books have been a hit with my own tween boys!
You can find them at your local library or purchase through the affiliate links provided for your convenience.
Best New Middle School Books to Read This Year
I couldn’t wait to get my son into middle school — oh all of the wonderful literature he was just waiting to explore.
But I also realized that I needed to keep up with the latest releases as well.
These best new middle school books to read of 2017 are perfect for your children ages 9 to 12, but I’m also loving reading a number of these books out loud to my late elementary children as well.
New Books for Middle Schoolers
Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow
A breathtaking, enchanting new series by debut author Jessica Townsend about a cursed girl who escapes death and finds herself in a magical world – but is then tested beyond her wildest imagination.
The Stars Beneath Our Feet:
David Barclay Moore paints a powerful portrait of a boy teetering on the edge—of adolescence, of grief, of violence—and shows how Lolly’s inventive spirit helps him build a life with firm foundations and open doors.
Pashmina
A Junior Library Guild Selection 2017. Amazon Top Twenty Children’s Book of the Year 2017. Amazon Best Book of the month December 2017. Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2017. Texas Maverick Graphic Novel 2017.
In this heartwarming graphic novel debut, Nidhi Chanani weaves a tale about the hardship and self-discovery that is born from juggling two cultures and two worlds.
See You in the Cosmos
Jack Cheng’s debut is full of joy, optimism, determination, and unbelievable heart.
To read the first page is to fall in love with Alex and his view of our big, beautiful, complicated world. To read the last is to know he and his story will stay with you a long, long time.
Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, Book 3 The Ship of the Dead
In the third book in Rick Riordan’s epic Norse mythology series, Magnus and his friends take a boat trip to the farthest borders of Jotunheim and Niflheim in pursuit of Asgard’s greatest threat. Life preservers are mandatory for this wet, wild, and wondrous adventure.
The Secret of Nightingale Wood
A Kirkus Best Middle Grade Book of 2017. An Amazon Best Book of 2017. A 2018 Bank Street College Best Book of the Year. A Telegraph Top 50 Book of the Year
A beautifully tangled story of friendship, fairy tales, and family secrets. For those who loved Pax and The War That Saved My Life.
Wishtree
An Amazon Top 20 Children’s Books of 2017.
The New York Times-bestselling story of kindness, friendship, and hope. Funny, deep, warm, and nuanced, this is Katherine Applegate at her very best―writing from the heart, and from a completely unexpected point of view.
The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine
A School Library Journal Best Book of 2017.
Illuminated by Erin Stead’s graceful, humorous, and achingly poignant artwork, this is a story that reaches through time and brings us a new book from America’s most legendary writer – Mark Twain – envisioned by two of today’s most important names in children’s literature.
The War I Finally Won
Ada’s first story, The War that Saved My Life, was a #1 New York Times bestseller and won a Newbery Honor, the Schneider Family Book Award, and the Josette Frank Award, in addition to appearing on multiple best-of-the-year lists.
This second masterwork of historical fiction continues Ada’s journey of family, faith, and identity, showing us that real freedom is not just the ability to choose, but the courage to make the right choice.
Refugee
This action-packed novel tackles topics both timely and timeless: courage, survival, and the quest for home.
A tour de force from acclaimed author Alan Gratz, this timely and powerful novel tells the story of three different children seeking refuge.
The Wizards of Once
In the first book of a new series by the bestselling author of How to Train Your Dragon, the warring worlds of Wizards and Warriors collide in a thrilling and enchanting adventure.
With Cressida Cowell’s trademark wit, and the same stunning combination of action, adventure, humor, heart, and incredible artwork that made How to Train Your Dragon a beloved bestselling franchise, The Wizards of Once will transport and enchant readers.
The Wonderling
Richly imagined, with shimmering language, steampunk motifs, and gripping, magical plot twists, this high adventure fantasy is the debut novel of award-winning memoirist Mira Bartók and has already been put into development for a major motion picture.
Walking with Miss Millie
A poignant middle grade debut about the friendship between a white girl and an elderly black woman in the 1960s South.
Tamara Bundy’s beautifully written debut celebrates the wonder and power of friendship: how it can be found when we least expect it and make any place a home.
The Land of Stories: Worlds Collide
In the highly anticipated conclusion to the Land of Stories series, Conner and Alex must brave the impossible.
Breathtaking action mixed with laugh out loud moments and lots of heart will make this a gripping conclusion for many fans!
Serafina and the Splintered Heart (Serafina Book 3)
In the epic third installment of Robert Beatty’s #1 bestselling series, Serafina takes her rightful place among literary champions as she battles fiercely to defend all she loves and become everything that she is meant to be.
The Apprentice Witch
A special middle grade debut of magic and courage in a world of witches, written with the charm and enchantment of Circus Mirandus and The Apothecary.
The Magic Misfits
From award-winning actor, Neil Patrick Harris, comes the magical first book in a new series with plenty of tricks up its sleeve.
This book isn’t just a book. It’s a treasure trove of secrets and ciphers and codes and even tricks. Keep your eyes peeled and you’ll discover more than just a story — you’ll learn how to make your own magic!
Matylda, Bright and Tender
In a courageous debut novel, Holly M. McGhee explores the loss that shakes one girl’s world — and the unexpected consequences of the things we do for love.
This story is a brave one, showing how far we can justify going for a real and true friend.
The Incredible Magic of Being
A contemporary story about Julian’s “uni-sense”, his love of science and comets, and his mystical ways of seeing the world as he faces questions about what makes him special.
Mr. Lemoncello’s Great Library Race (Mr. Lemoncello’s Library)
Filled with brand-new puzzles and games (including a hidden bonus puzzle!), this fast-paced read will have gamers and readers alike racing to the finish line because, like Mr. Lemoncello’s commercials say, “Is it fun? … Hello! It’s a Lemoncello!”
Love these best new middle school books to read? Don’t miss out on other Best New Children’s Books for Kids, all broken down by age group through high school!
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