Bookshop's Favorite Middle Grade Books

Dear Mothman is an important story about how we're never truly alone. A young trans boy named Noah discovers his identity and comes to terms with his grief for his best friend’s passing through writing letters to the mythical cryptid Mothman. And Mothman just might be responding. With the help of his new friends, Noah dedicates himself to proving Mothman’s existence, a journey that absolutely warmed my heart.

—Mo

I had a wonderful time following all the threads in this one! You Are Here brings together twelve authors to write twelve stories about twelve Asian-American kids in an airport, each with their own perspective on what's going down. With stories about speaking out and standing up for both yourself and others in the face of both unintentional and malevolent racism, this book will leave you feeling both warmed and inspired.

—Yves

Estrild thirsted for what the boys had: power. Varrick had an inquisitive mind before science even existed. Together they tell the story of the “Windeby child,” an ancient adolescent body found in a bog in northern Germany in 1952. Two-time Newbery Award–winning author Lois Lowry (The Giver and Number the Stars) brilliantly combines history and storytelling to demonstrate life lived in the Iron Age, 2000 years ago. A great book for inquisitive readers.

—Noreen

Grace is a witch and, even worse in her opinion, an orphan. Her plan to solve both problems is to convince the witch in the woods (who possibly eats children?) to teach her magic and hopefully find a home at last. Inspired by Anne of Green Gables, this delightful novel stands all on its own. As a former dramatic child myself, I really appreciate Grace’s foibles and determination. Clutch this book to your chest and swoon with its magicality! 

—Ivy

Leeva Spayce Thornblossom’s mother thinks only of power and fame. Her father thinks only of money. No one thinks of Leeva. Slipping through the hedge around her house, Leeva finds the power to change everything! With the help of a friendly librarian, amazing and unlimited books, home-baked cookies, and some unusual friends, Leeva finds her way home and an answer to her big question, “What are people for?”

—Noreen

The mysterious delivery of a suitcase triggered to open at midnight launches our hero Amari into Junior Agent try-outs at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, and us readers into an intricate all-new magical system. The racism and classism faced by Amari in middle school have parallels in this fantastical world created by #ownvoices debut author B. B. Alston, but Amari has been training for these challenges her whole life. Quick, read this first book in a new trilogy! A major motion picture is already in the works! -Michelle

Here’s a book for readers who like historical fiction and encountering characters their age who make mistakes and learn from them. 13-year-old Arthur feels angry and expresses his rage by throwing a brick and injuring a “Junk Man”. Sentenced to work for the man he injured, Arthur wonders why he’s gathering light bulbs, aluminum, glass bottles, wood, mirrors and cardboard. Then he discovers the truth about friendship, humility and the transformative power of art. - Noreen

Edward Tulane is a self-centered china rabbit who becomes lost from the little girl who loves him. He unexpectedly journeys from situation to situation getting to know himself and people who teach him how to love. An old doll says, “If you have no intention of loving or being loved then the whole journey is pointless.” His transformation into a rabbit that appreciates love, loss and what’s important in life is a classic read-aloud. -Noreen

As poignant and vital as The Little Prince comes this slim novel from beloved children's author Brian Selznick. Kaleidoscope, true to its title, gives us a look through a million lenses at two boys, their love, and their loss of each other. It's been a long time since I've felt this insistent: this book should be read and loved by everyone.-Yves

Little Nobody, or "Bod" Owens, finds himself at a graveyard as a baby after his parents are killed by assassins... and there begins a childhood raised by ghosts, witches, and the mysterious Silas. Now he has to make a decision: will he stay in the world of the (un)dead or join his people among the living? A beautiful, insightful novel that never fails to make me cry. - Yves