By skyforbes 
The Best Middle Grade Books of 2024 – A librarian’s top picks is collated by my long-time friend Marianne – Marianne Weekes has worked in the education sector since 2017 and has been Librarian and Literacy Leader at Gravesend Grammar School for the past four years. She is a judge on the Spark! 2025 Book Awards 11+ panel, and is an avid reader of books for all ages. She is currently writing her debut Young Adult novel and her dream is to be a published author. In her spare time (what spare time?) she likes to walk Baxter, her senior King Charles Cavalier, drink tea, and plan her next exciting adventures at home and abroad. You will hear a lot more from Marianne as she steps in to be our books and reading champion. So over to Marianne……
I have worked as a librarian in a boys’ secondary school for the past four years. It’s a tough gig. If it was a girls’ school, my job would be far easier and I could wax lyrical with the girls about fabulous books as most of them love reading. But boys are a different customer. To get books into their hands I find myself up against Netflix (and other streaming channels), gaming, and any app on their phones. I’m sure parents know what I’m talking about here.
I see the Year 7s once a fortnight, and many arrive at our school as reluctant readers, boys who positively don’t like reading. They see it as a chore, something that makes them huff and puff and groan and moan. They will do anything other than continue reading a book
Sadly the number is skyrocketing as recent stats from the National Literacy Trust show.
It is vital that we change this, and as an advocate of Reading for Pleasure, I am going to share everything I know to help you get books in front of your kids.
What is Middle Grade?
Currently, books are graded into four groups: Picture books, Lower Grade, Middle Grade, and Young Adult. Middle Grade covers a wide age range where children change and grow. It bridges primary school to secondary school and as children grow at different times, some will want to read something a little bit older. Sometimes, you may see Middle Grade + which will indicate that the content might be a bit scarier, or there may be the odd swear word. Robert Muchamore in his Cherub series, for example, mentions older children drinking beer.
This post focuses on the Middle-Grade category, books that are written for children aged 8 – 12. In 2024, I read a selection of new titles and old favourites, and those mentioned below were my favourites as I felt they had a great storyline, a good tension running throughout, and gave the important feel-good factor when I got to the end of the story. If you are looking for Young Adult then we have that post for you here.
Middle Grade books for children
Mexikid by Pedro Martin
A memoir written as a graphic novel telling the story of a family road trip to bring their abuelito – a legendary crime-fighting grandfather – back from Mexico. An adventure over the course of a summer holiday. Leaves you with a real feel-good factor.
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
The first in a series of five books in a dystopian, survival adventure where Thomas arrives in a metal box to the Glade where all he can remember is his name. The glade is surrounded by an ever-changing maze that closes at night and resets itself making it impossible to find and remember the way to the exit. Thomas must lead the group out of the maze and avoid the biochemical Grievers out to destroy the boys. Action packed and high tension throughout.
The Last Bear by Hannah Gold
April accompanies her father to the Arctic where he is placed for six months to carry out some scientific research. He tells her there are no Polar Bears left on Bear Island, but April meets one who is starving, lonely and far away from home. April decides to undertake a dangerous journey to save him.
Who Let The Gods Out by Maz Evans
A shooting star crashes to earth and changes Elliot’s life forever. The star Virgo is a goddess on a mission and she thinks she is perfect, whereas Elliot doesn’t. Unintentionally, between them, they release the evil daemon of death Thanatos and they have to turn to the Olympian gods for help. A hilarious, laugh out loud story that is the first in a series of four books.
Tyger by Sf Said
Adam finds a mysterious, mythical and magical animal in a dump in London. A Tyger. But the tyger is in danger so with his friend Zadie they want to save him and by doing so save the world which is on the brink of destruction. A marvellous adventure story.
Bad Influence by Tamsin Winter
Ameila Bright loves being the best at everything. She’s the brightest girl in school, but when it comes to popularity, she’s last. When she meets Evan and they have their first kiss she hopes to lose her ‘maggot’ nickname. All it takes is one click and Amelia becomes a bad influence. Amelia sets out to prove that she is so much more than that one online image. Interesting story of children trying to fit in and the use of social media in their lives.
Bad Influence
- Winter, Tamsin (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 384 Pages – 06/08/2023 (Publication Date) – Usborne Publishing Ltd (Publisher)
Boy 87 by Ele Fountain
Shif likes chess, maths and racing his best friend home from school but when soldiers with guns come to his door, his life changes forever. Shif must leave his mother and sister behind and embark on a dangerous journey crossing land and sea. He will encounter both cruelty and kindness on his way. A beautiful story highlighting the refugee crisis and is perfect for learning empathy.
Skandar and the Unicorn thief by A F Steadman
Skandar dreams of leaving the mainland and becoming a rider of a wild unicorn but on the day of his Hatchery exam things go horribly wrong and his hopes are shattered until a mysterious figure knocks on his door at midnight telling him the island is in peril and Skandar must answer his call. Skandar finds himself on the mainland with a unicorn but he must keep his identity a secret or all their lives will be in danger. It’s an action packed, riveting story that is the first in a series of four.
The Boy To Beat The Gods by Ashley Thorpe
One boy versus six gods, the Orishas. When the forbidden fruit of the Gods appears mysteriously in his path after the Orishas have snatched his sister, Kayode doesn’t hesitate to eat it. He discovers he has new powers that he’s not very good at controlling. Joined with a shapeshifting trickster god and a vengeful princess he sets out to save his sister and to finish the Gods once and for all, but will his power last long enough to complete the mission?
The Boy to Beat the Gods
- Thorpe, Ashley (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 272 Pages – 07/04/2024 (Publication Date) – Usborne Publishing Ltd (Publisher)
On Silver Tides by Sylvia Bishop
When Isla is born, the family discovers she cannot breathe underwater like all Silvermen can. They must keep it a secret from the community or risk Isla’s life. Kelda, her older sister, becomes her protector. But England’s rivers are sick and monstrous creatures are awakening. The community blame Kelda’s family and the sisters are forced to escape. Kelda is helped by a mysterious boy, and discovers the darkest depths of her kind’s history. In order to save her sister she will have to make a sacrifice, one that will change her forever.
Inspired by ancient folklore, On Silver Tides takes you on an unforgettable journey of Britain’s waterways.
On Silver Tides
- Bishop, Sylvia (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 320 Pages – 02/01/2024 (Publication Date) – Andersen Press (Publisher)
Middle Grade books hold the power to captivate young minds, spark imaginations, and foster empathy—all while making reading fun and engaging. The titles on this list are some of the best I’ve read in 2024, each offering something unique to inspire young readers. Whether your child is a reluctant reader or an avid bookworm, there’s a story here to capture their attention and ignite their love for books. Let’s work together to make reading for pleasure a priority, helping children discover the magic of a good story. Which of these books will you try first? Let me know your favourites in the comments below!