Despite being in my thirties, I love a middle-grade book. I try to read a good amount of them for my job because I can then recommend them to the children I work with and be in the loop with new releases and what's of interest, but overall I just love reading them for myself.
This summer, there is a good selection of general books that I want to read - six of which I read while on holiday in Mallorca last week - but many of them are middle-grade books. So, here are ten middle-grade books that I want to try and read this summer (with two of them being ones I read next to the pool!)
The Houdini Inheritance by Emma Carroll
This was one of the first books I read whilst on holiday in Mallorca. I am a huge Emma Carroll fan and had this book on pre-order for a long time before its release. She truly is the queen of middle-grade historical fiction and this one did not disappoint. It was filled with mystery and magic and you really route for the main characters.
Nush and the Stolen Emerald by Jasbinder Bilan
Another one that I read whilst on holiday and almost finished in one sitting. One of the children in my class recommended this to me last month and I promised her I'd read it. She always trusted my book suggestions and she's a massive bookworm like me. I'm very glad I read this and I'll possibly read it with my new class this coming year.
Greenwild: The World Behind the Door by Pari Thomson
This book was the overall winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2024 and from the reviews I have read, it is clear to see why! This book has been called 'phenomenal', 'glorious' and 'spellbinding' for a reason! I think this will be my next middle-grade read because I'm really in the mood for something fantastical!
Delta and the Lost City by Anna Fargher
I downloaded this as an eBook before going on holiday but I didn't get around to reading it. I will be reading it in the coming weeks though as it's another historical fiction read, based around the famous eruption of Mount Vesuvius Pompeii in 79 CE. It's only just over 200 pages too, so it'll be quite a quick read too.
Lights Up by Lisette Auton
This book could be saved for nearer to Halloween, as it contains ghostly characters. When this was recommended to me, I was told "If you like Elle McNicoll's writing, then you'll like this." Well, I love Elle McNicoll so this book went straight onto my TBR list. It's also set around a theatre and I love a musical, so that's a bonus!
Fallout by Lesley Parr
This is Parr's fourth middle-grade novel and, yet again, it's more historical fiction on my list! I already love the main character of Marcus from the synopsis. He reminds me of Joseph from When the Sky Falls by Phil Earle - a boy who many have low expectations for, someone who wants to be free of his stereotype.
Race to Imagination Island by Mel Taylor-Bessent
This book was included in my latest Reading Rocks subscription box. As it was the last day of term when it arrived, I immediately took it home to read before my new class get to read it in September. Described as 'Mario Kart meets The 13-Storey Treehouse', I cannot wait to delve into a world where everything you imagine comes to life!
The Super Sunny Murder Club by various authors
I'm not going to lie, the word 'murder' is what hooked me in. I love a bit of true crime and these kinds of books have been very popular with my class this past year. This book is packed with short stories by a range of fantastic authors, all writing summery, suspenseful stories. There is also a Christmassy one that I'm sure I'll pick up in December too.
Mayowa and the Sea of Words by Chibundu Ounzo
Another book that is very high on my list: Mayowa finds out she can 'book jump' and can harness power from them. She wants to use her power for good, such as saving refugees, but, unfortunately, not everyone who can book jump wants to use these powers for good... How good does that sound?!
Magicalia: Race of Wonders by Jennifer Bell
This was another book included in a recent Reading Rocks subscription box. I loved Wonderscape by Jennifer Bell, so I knew I had to read this one too. I do love a fantasy book, filled with magic and adventure, and I'm sure this book will deliver on that. This is also set to be a series, which is very exciting!
So, there you have it: ten books that I have read/want to read this summer (or definitely ASAP!)
I'll be back next week with a round-up of YA books that I want to read this summer.
What are you reading this summer?
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