Lush Books

These books are fast-paced, funny, and immediately gripping  — ideal for reluctant or wiggly readers who need a strong hook from page one Diary of a Wimpy Kid – Jeff Kinney Short chapters, cartoons on every page, and laugh-out-loud moments make this a gateway series for kids who think books are boring. The Mummy in the Attic – Mitch Mitchell A spooky-fun mystery packed with humour, danger, and a creepy attic surprise — perfect for kids who love Goosebumps-style thrills witho

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

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

The Kane Chronicles: The Red Pyramid Artemis Fowl Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor T hese adventures blend mythology with modern life, pairing fast pacing, humour, and high stakes with heroes kids instantly root for. Here’s what they’re about Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief Percy Jackson has always felt like an outsider — struggling at school and constantly getting into trouble. When he discovers he is a demigod, the son of a Greek

The Mummy in the Attic The Kane Chronicles: The Red Pyramid Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor The Storm Runner Each story blends ancient mythology with modern kids, delivering fast-paced action, high stakes, and legends that refuse to stay buried. Here’s what they’re about   City of the Plague God When a mysterious amulet unleashes an ancient Mesopotamian god, Zane’s everyday life is turned upside down. Teaming up with unlikely allies, he must navigate modern London while b

The Mummy in the Attic Doll Bones The Doll in the Garden Small Spaces These books all tap into the delicious thrill of creepy objects, slow-burn suspense, and spooky surprises that feel daring without tipping into nightmare territory. Here’s what they’re about   Goosebumps: Night of the Living Dummy When twins Lindy and Kris find a ventriloquist dummy in a rubbish bin, it seems like a harmless toy — until it starts causing trouble. Lindy’s dummy, Mr Wood, begins saying cruel

Small Spaces Doll Bones The Night Librarian The Graveyard Book All of these books offer spooky fun with mystery and suspense, delivering chills that entertain without overwhelming sensitive readers. Here’s what they’re about   Goosebumps: Welcome to Dead House When siblings Josh and Amanda move to the strange town of Dark Falls, something feels very wrong. The people act oddly, the house seems alive, and the town’s history is deeply unsettling. As the siblings investigate, th

Out of My Mind Fish in a Tree Rules Front Desk These heartfelt stories explore kindness, empathy, and finding your place, making them perfect for readers who connect deeply with character-driven books. Here’s what they’re about   Wonder Auggie Pullman was born with a facial difference and has spent most of his life being homeschooled. When he starts fifth grade at a mainstream school, he must face stares, whispers, and the challenge of fitting in. Told through multiple perspe

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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