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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 8-12-Year-Old Liked Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library, They Might Also Like…
The Mummy in the Attic The Mysterious Benedict Society Chasing Vermeer The Westing Game These books reward puzzle-loving readers with clever clues, smart teamwork, and mysteries that make kids feel one step ahead of the adults. Here’s what they’re about Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library When Kyle Keeley is chosen to attend the grand opening of the world’s most high-tech library, he expects fun — not to be locked inside overnight. To escape, Kyle and a group of clever k
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


10 Spellbinding Middle-Grade Books in which Magic Meets Science
When magic meets science in middle grade stories, sparks truly fly — potions bubble beside experiments, logic tangles with wonder, and curious kids prove that imagination and invention are two sides of the same spell. The Fourteenth Goldfish – Jennifer L. Holm When Ellie’s scientist grandfather turns himself into a teenager, she discovers that the line between scientific discovery and the miraculous is thinner than she imagined. The Alchemyst (The Secrets of the Immortal
Lexi McLarin
2 min read


7 Exciting Kids’ Books about Creepy Things Hiding at Home
There’s great shivery fun in stories where creepy things lurk at home – when the familiar hum of the fridge or a creak on the stairs hints that something uncanny is hiding just beyond the hallway light. The Haunted House Next Door – Andres Miedoso (Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol #1) A hilarious spooky mystery for younger MG readers — about two best friends who discover their new neighbour’s house is very, very haunted. The House with a Clock in Its Walls – John Bellairs After mo
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


8 Imaginative Middle-Grade Books With Invisible Characters
It’s pure fun watching a middle grade character who can turn invisible - sneaking past bullies, uncovering secrets, and learning that sometimes the hardest part isn’t disappearing, but being truly seen. Things Not Seen – Andrew Clements A teenage boy wakes up invisible one morning and must uncover why it happened - and how to reverse it - in a heartfelt, humorous suburban mystery. Invisible Emmie – Terri Libenson A shy girl who feels “invisible” at school gets her secret note
Lexi McLarin
2 min read


9 Fun Kids' Books Where Strange Things Happen in Attics!
There’s something irresistibly fun about stories that climb up into attics – those dusty treasure troves where creaks, cobwebs, and forgotten boxes hide secrets just waiting for brave kids to uncover. The Aviary – Kathleen O’Dell In a crumbling mansion filled with birds and locked rooms, an attic window hides a clue to an old magician’s secret. The Attic Child – Lola Jaye (upper MG / crossover) A dual-timeline mystery following two children decades apart who find a shared leg
Lexi McLarin
2 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
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