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Books
for kids
aged 8-12
Where kids, parents, teachers and librarians come for their next middle-grade read.


If your middle-grade reader liked The Mummy in the Attic, they might also like…
City of the Plague God The Egypt Game The Last Shadow Warrior Eleanor, Alice, and the Roosevelt Ghosts Each of these books blends mystery, history, and a touch of the supernatural, perfect for readers who love spooky adventures grounded in real-world emotion. Here’s what they’re about The Mummy in the Attic When a strange mummy linked to Ancient Egypt enters his life, Tom McNabb finds himself caught in a mystery that refuses to stay buried. As unsettling events unfold, Tom
Lexi McLarin
2 min read


If your middle-grade reader liked The Egypt Game, they might also like…
The Mummy in the Attic The Red Pyramid These reads are perfect for curious minds who love history with a twist, mixing Ancient Egypt, secrets, and mysteries where imagination and reality collide. Here’s what they’re about The Egypt Game When new girl April and her neighbour Melanie bond over a shared fascination with Ancient Egypt, they create an imaginative game set in a deserted yard behind a local curiosity shop. As more children join in, the “Egypt Game” becomes increas
Lexi McLarin
2 min read


14 Middle-Grade Books that are Funny and Just The Right Amount of Frightening!
Middle grade books that are funny but frightening strike that perfect balance—where shivers and snickers dance together, and readers laugh even as they peek nervously over the page. Night of the Living Cuddle Bunnies – Jonathan Rosen Devin thinks his creepy neighbour is up to something — and he’s right: the man’s plush toy bunnies have come to life, and they’re hungry. Equal parts hilarious and horrifying. The Mummy in the Attic – Mitch Mitchell When Tom McNabb and his fe
Lexi McLarin
2 min read


10 Awesome Middle-Grade Books with Intriguing Family Mysteries
Stories steeped in secrets, lies, and family mysteries pull readers into the thrill of discovery — where every half-truth hides a clue, every attic box hums with history, and one brave kid must untangle the past to set things right. A Snicker of Magic – Natalie Lloyd Felicity Pickle’s family keeps moving — but when she arrives in Midnight Gulch, she learns that her family’s magic, and its mysteries, may still be alive. The Mystery of Black Hollow Lane – Julia Nobel At a s
Lexi McLarin
2 min read


7 Enthralling Middle-Grade Books that include Archaeological Adventures
There’s exhilarating fun in middle grade archaeological adventures – where crumbling maps, buried temples, and ancient clues send brave kids racing through history to uncover secrets the world forgot. The Missing Mummy – Ron Roy (A to Z Mysteries) Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose investigate the theft of a mummy from the local museum – and discover that even small-town mysteries can have ancient roots. The Mummy in the Attic – Mitch Mitchell When Tom McNabb and his best friend S
Lexi McLarin
2 min read


10 Fun Middle-Grade Books featuring Dynamic Duos
It’s pure fun watching dynamic duos in middle grade books – those unstoppable pairs who bicker, banter, and somehow save the day together, proving that two heads (and twice the trouble) are always better than one. Framed! – James Ponti Florian and Margaret use their smarts, sarcasm, and “Theory of All Small Things” to solve crimes — sometimes faster than the FBI. Lemons – Melissa Savage Lemonade Liberty Witt and Tobin Sky team up to hunt Bigfoot — but end up finding fri
Lexi McLarin
2 min read


11 Middle-Grade Books with Seriously Weird Neighbors
There’s wicked fun in stories with strange or suspicious neighbours — the ones who peer through curtains, bury odd boxes at midnight, and make kids wonder whether adventure (or danger) has just moved in next door. Old Mr. Wetherbee – The View from Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg The oddball neighbour whose strange stories and unexpected wisdom tie together a group of suburban kids — and a mystery that spans generations. Mr Benedict – The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trent
Lexi McLarin
2 min read


10 Middle-Grade Books with Sassy Girls Calling the Shots
There’s nothing more fun than a middle grade heroine with a healthy dose of sass — sharp-witted, bold-hearted, and never afraid to speak her mind (even when it gets her into delicious trouble). Stevie – The Mummy in the Attic by Mitch Mitchell Tom’s best friend and partner-in-chaos, Stevie is quick-witted, fearless, and not afraid to tell Tom when he’s being a doofus — her sass is only matched by her loyalty and big heart. Ramona Quimby – Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly C
Lexi McLarin
2 min read


7 Captivating Books with Secret Spells & Charms for Kids Aged 8-12
There’s irresistible fun in stories woven with secret spells and charms - where whispered words can open doors, shimmer in the air, and turn an ordinary school day into a dash of pure magic. The Hotel Between – Sean Easley Cam discovers a magical hotel that can transport him anywhere in the world — but each room hides a secret, and one charm may be the key to finding his missing mother. The Marvelwood Magicians – Diane Zahler A family of suburban magicians hiding their po
Lexi McLarin
1 min read


7 Fun Mystery Books for Kids Aged 8-12
Few thrills compare to diving into a middle grade mystery—where every whisper hides a clue, every shadow might be a suspect, and clever kids unravel secrets that even the grown-ups missed. The Westing Game – Ellen Raskin A quirky, twisting puzzle of a mystery as 16 heirs compete to solve Samuel Westing’s will – full of clever clues and laugh-out-loud surprises. Book Scavenger – Jennifer Chambliss Bertman A clever mystery for book lovers – Emily and her new friend James race t
Lexi McLarin
1 min read


10 Exciting Middle-Grade Books Brimming with Adventure
Nothing beats the wild thrill of a middle grade adventure — when every clue leads to danger, every secret opens a new door, and ordinary kids discover they’re braver than they ever dreamed. Wildoak – C.C. Harrington A stuttering girl and a snow leopard find each other in a misty Cornish forest — a quiet but powerful adventure about friendship, nature, and courage. The Explorer – Katherine Rundell After a plane crash, four children must survive in the Amazon rainforest, uncov
Lexi McLarin
2 min read


8 Magical Middle-Grade Books featuring Mysterious Amulets
Few things are more thrilling than a story where an ordinary kid discovers an ancient amulet - one that hums with secrets, grants strange powers, and turns a normal day into an unforgettable adventure. Tomb of Shadows (Seven Wonders #3) – Peter Lerangis A thrilling global quest where the heroes seek a powerful Egyptian relic - an amulet that could either save or destroy them. The Legend of the Rift (Seven Wonders #5) – Peter Lerangis Ancient relics, pharaoh magic, and secret
Lexi McLarin
2 min read


8 Middle-Grade Books in which Kids Face their Bullies
Stories that tackle bullying help young readers build empathy and courage, showing that standing up for yourself – and for others – can transform fear into strength and kindness into real power. Wonder – R.J. Palacio Though now a modern classic, this remains one of the most heartfelt portrayals of bullying and kindness, as Auggie navigates middle school with courage and empathy. Blubber – Judy Blume A brutally honest look at the shifting dynamics of bullying, belonging, and g
Lexi McLarin
2 min read


9 Paw-some Middle-Grade Books with Cats as Characters
Whether mysterious, mischievous, or downright magical, cats in middle grade stories bring a special kind of wonder—padding silently through plots, stealing scenes, and proving that heroes sometimes have whiskers. Varjak Paw – S.F. Said A young Mesopotamian Blue cat learns a secret feline martial art called “The Way” to defend his family and discover what bravery truly means. The Time-Travelling Cat and the Egyptian Goddess – Julia Jarman When Ka the cat vanishes into a glowin
Lexi McLarin
2 min read


10 Humorous Middle-Grade Novels
There’s nothing quite like a funny middle grade book – the kind that makes you snort-laugh in public, grin through the gross bits, and discover that even the spookiest or strangest adventures can leave you giggling. The Super Life of Ben Braver – Marcus Emerson When Ben accidentally lands in a secret school for kids with superpowers, his hilarious attempts to fit in cause more explosions than heroics. Frazzled: Everyday Disasters and Impending Doom – Booki Vivat A doodle-fill
Lexi McLarin
2 min read


5 Amazing Middle-Grade Books about Courage & Bravery
Middle grade books about courage and bravery remind us that true heroes aren’t fearless – they’re kids who tremble, stumble, and still find the strength to stand up and face the dark anyway. The Haunting of Henry Davis – Kathryn Siebel When Henry and new friend Grace meet a ghost boy, they must face their fears – and their own pasts – to help him find peace. The Way to Bea – Kat Yeh After losing her best friend, Bea retreats into silence – but poetry, courage, and new frie
Lexi McLarin
1 min read


7 Gorgeous Middle-Grade Books about Self-Discovery
Middle grade stories about self-discovery celebrate the joy of watching young characters uncover who they really are – brave, curious, and capable of far more than they ever imagined The Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane by Kate O’Shaughnessy Shy, music-loving Maybelle takes a daring road trip to meet the father she’s never known – and finds her own voice and strength along the way. The House That Wasn’t There by Elana K. Arnold When two kids discover their houses are mysterious
Lexi McLarin
2 min read


6 Fantastic Middle-Grade Fantasy Books
Fantasy middle grade books fill the imagination with joy, whisking readers to worlds of magic and mystery where brave hearts, strange creatures, and impossible dreams come vividly to life. The Secret of Nightingale Wood – Lucy Strange In 1919, a lonely girl discovers a hidden forest where strange magic – and an ancient secret – might be the key to saving her family. The Sea in Winter – Christine Day A modern story with a mythic undercurrent, where a young dancer must find h
Lexi McLarin
1 min read


7 Engaging Middle-Grade Books about Ancient Civilizations
Middle grade books with ancient civilizations at their heart invite readers to uncover the joy of lost worlds – where buried secrets, forgotten gods, and daring discoveries bring history crackling to life. Secrets of the Tombs: The Phoenix Code – Helen Moss When Ryan and Cleo meet on an archaeological dig in Egypt, a modern-day mystery unfolds around an ancient tomb – and they must crack the code before time runs out. The Lost Scroll of the Physician – Alisha Sevigny In Anci
Lexi McLarin
2 min read


8 Wonderful Middle-Grade Books about Kids' Friendship
Middle grade stories about friendship remind us of the joy in finding our people - the ones who make us laugh, stand by us when things get weird, and prove that adventures are always better when shared The Secret Deep by Lindsay Galvin After their mother’s mysterious death, two sisters find themselves on a remote island where science and the supernatural intertwine – forging new friendships amid danger and loss. The Great Pet Heist by Emily Ecton A group of pets band togethe
Lexi McLarin
2 min read
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