Lush Books

The ages of 8–12 are a golden window for reading growth. At this stage, children are ready for richer stories, deeper emotions, and bigger ideas – while still craving adventure, humour, and excitement. Middle-grade books meet kids exactly where they are, helping them build confidence, empathy, and stamina as readers. The books below span a range of popular middle-grade genres, offering something for every kind of reader and helping kids discover what they truly love to read.

Middle-grade books hold a special kind of magic. Written for children roughly aged 8–12, these stories arrive at a pivotal moment in childhood – when kids are becoming more independent thinkers, more emotionally aware, and more sensitive to the world around them. The best middle-grade books don’t just entertain. They help children fall in love with reading , understand themselves better, and discover that bravery comes in many forms. Whether a child is a confident reader or a

These books are perfect for kids who love mystery, creepy settings, and spooky vibes — without nightmares. Goosebumps: Night of the Living Dummy – R. L. Stine A fan-favourite Goosebumps title that delivers jumpy moments, creepy laughs, and a perfectly pitched scare level for ages 8–12. The Graveyard Book Atmospheric and gently spooky, with ghosts who are more charming than terrifying — ideal for confident readers who enjoy eerie settings. Small Spaces Creeping suspense, scar

The Wild Robot The Girl Who Drank the Moon Fortunately, the Milk Each story celebrates clever, resilient children who use wit, imagination, and courage to stand up to unfair or puzzling worlds. Here’s what they’re about   Matilda Matilda is a brilliant little girl with a love of books and a sharp sense of justice — unfortunately, she’s surrounded by adults who don’t appreciate either. From her neglectful parents to the terrifying headmistress Miss Trunchbull, Matilda faces un

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There’s delicious fun in mysteries set in suburbia - where nosy neighbours, creaky garages, and suspiciously perfect lawns hide secrets just begging to be uncovered by the kids next door. The Great Greene Heist – Varian Johnson Middle-school con artist Jackson Greene pulls off a suburban school election heist full of twists, teamwork, and clever scheming. Spy School – Stuart Gibbs A nerdy kid accidentally gets recruited by a junior division of the CIA and finds that even the

There’s a special kind of fun in adventure stories set in suburbia—where the quiet cul-de-sacs and tidy hedges hide secret maps, midnight missions, and mysteries waiting just beyond the letterbox. The Mummy in the Attic – Mitch Mitchell When Tom McNabb and his best friend Stevie find a strange mummy tucked away in the attic, their sleepy suburban world explodes into invisible mishaps, ancient magic, and backyard mayhem. The Fourteenth Goldfish – Jennifer L. Holm When Ellie’s

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

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

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

From loyal sidekicks to talking tricksters, animal characters in middle-grade books remind us of the wonder in seeing the world through different eyes - and the magic of friendships that cross every boundary. The Wild Robot – Peter Brown A stranded robot named Roz learns to live among wild animals, forming unexpected friendships and discovering what it means to belong. Pax – Sara Pennypacker A boy and his fox are separated by war but share an unbreakable bond in this tender,