Best Middle Grade Books for Kids Who Say “I Hate Reading” (Ages 8–12)

These books are fast-paced, funny, and immediately gripping — ideal for reluctant or wiggly readers who need a strong hook from page one

1. 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.

   
   

2. 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 without being too scary.

   
   

3. The Last Kids on Earth – Max Brallier

   Monsters, jokes, illustrations, and cliffhangers galore — ideal for kids who’d rather be gaming than reading.

   
   

4. My Weird School – Dan Gutman

   Silly, chaotic, and very short chapters make this series incredibly unintimidating for reluctant readers.

   
   

5. The Bad Guys – Aaron Blabey

   Comic-style storytelling with outrageous humour — great for kids transitioning from graphic novels to chapter books.

   
   

6. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief – Rick Riordan

   Action starts immediately, humour stays constant, and mythology sneaks in without feeling “educational.”

   
   

7. The Secret Lake – Karen Inglis

   A short, time-slip mystery with a strong opening and a quick payoff — excellent for children who struggle to stick with longer books.

   
   

8. Holes – Louis Sachar

   Short chapters, constant suspense, and a clever mystery that keeps kids reading “just one more chapter.”

   
   

9. Stuart Little – E. B. White

   Simple language, quirky situations, and gentle humour for readers who want something comforting and manageable.

   
   

10. Fortunately, the Milk – Neil Gaiman

    Absurd adventures, dinosaurs, pirates, and time travel — short, strange, and irresistible.