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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


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


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


7 Superb Middle-Grade Books with Animals as Characters
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,
Lexi McLarin
1 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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