On or around the third Monday of the month, I’ll highlight recent middle grade reads that I’ve enjoyed. I am so happy working part time in a school library – it’s wonderful to be with kids and books, and my reading life is so much richer! 

I read and enjoyed the following middle grade books between December 15, 2025 and February 16, 2026. 

The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly

I read this page-turning middle grade science fiction story in one sitting. I loved the characters so much. Our story is set in 1999 and features twelve year-old Michael and his teenage sitter Gibby. One day a confused and slightly different teenager named Ridge appears in their apartment complex. It turns out Ridge is from the WAY future and he has traveled back in time, as the world’s first time traveler. So much love for the story and the found family elements.

A Grimm Warning (The Land of Stories #3) by Chris Colfer

I love this series with my whole heart. It’s the perfect combination of adventure and fantasy with wonderful characters and a splash of humor. Audio is so wonderful too.

Hurricane Heist (The Sherlock Society #2) by James Ponti

I was happy to be back with the Sherlock Society as they work to solve a murder from Grandpa’s past. While this mystery didn’t feel as “edge of your seat,” I still so enjoyed the characters working together and learning more about Grandpa’s past as a reporter. A fun series.

Frozen Peaches (The Great Peach Experiment #3)  by Erin Soderberg Downing

Oh the Peach family…I love you so much! This series is middle grade gold and this time the Peaches got to go to Sweden! I can’t say enough good things — I love stories of families making it work, even when it’s hard. If you liked the Vanderbeekers series, pick this up and yes, you have to start with book 1. I insist.

The Pumpkin Princess and the Forever Night (The Pumpkin Princess #1) by Steven Banbury

A middle grade fantasy adventure with so much heart and found family themes. Would be perfect to read in fall, and in fact, I’m saving book two for October!

Here are three middle grade titles I’m looking forward to reading:

All the Blues in the Sky by Renée Watson

Floors (Floors #1) by Patrick Carman

Stella by Starlight by Sharon M. Draper