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, beautifully told story about love, loyalty, and letting go.

Because of Winn-Dixie – Kate DiCamillo

A scruffy dog brings warmth and friendship into a lonely girl’s life, helping her open up to her small-town community.

The Tale of Despereaux – Kate DiCamillo

A brave mouse with enormous ears and an even bigger heart defies expectations to save a princess and rewrite his own destiny.

The Mummy in the Attic – Mitch Mitchell

When Tom McNabb unleashes a mummy’s magic, it’s his strangely clever ginger cat, Meatball, who proves that courage and curiosity aren’t just human traits.

The One and Only Ivan – Katherine Applegate

A gorilla living in captivity finds hope and freedom through art, compassion, and an unlikely friendship with a small elephant.

Tiger Boy – Mitali Perkins

In the mangrove forests of India, a boy and his sister race to save a trapped tiger cub – a story of courage, nature, and conservation.