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


Funny but Not-Too-Scary Books for Middle Grade Readers (Ages 8–12)
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
Lexi McLarin
1 min read


If Your 8-12-Year-Old Liked Dog Man, They Might Also Like…
The Bad Guys Captain Underpants Max Crumbly InvestiGators All of these titles lean into visual humour, silly scenarios, and high-energy storytelling that keeps reading fun and pressure-free. Here’s what they’re about Dog Man When a police officer and his loyal dog are injured in an accident, doctors save the day by combining them into one hero: Dog Man. Part dog, part man, and all heart, Dog Man must stop the evil Petey the Cat while navigating friendship, responsibility, and
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


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


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


6 Gripping Suburban Mystery Books for Kids aged 8-12
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
Lexi McLarin
1 min read


7 mad-cap Middle-Grade Suburban Adventure Books
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
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 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


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
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