Top 10 Middle Grade Books for Ages 8–12
1. Holes by Louis Sachar
Stanley Yelnats is sent to Camp Green Lake where he must dig holes all day — but he soon realises there's more going on than character building. This adventurous, humorous yet profound story explores friendship, history and fate. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Download PDF Listen Audiobook2. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Twelve-year-old Percy Jackson discovers he’s a demigod and embarks on a mythological quest filled with monsters, gods, and self-discovery. A fast-paced, fun middle grade read. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Download PDF Listen Audiobook3. The Great Wall of Lucy Wu by Wendy Wan-Long Shang
Lucy is excited about entering sixth grade and getting her own room — until her grandmother’s sister comes to live with her. A relatable and heart-warming story about growing up and balancing culture, identity and changing families. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Download PDF Listen Audiobook4. Lupe Wong Won’t Dance by Donna Barba Higuera
Lupe doesn’t want to do the thing she’s expected to do — instead she’s focused on baseball, proving she’s the best, and solving her own challenges. A spirited middle grade novel about identity, competition and choice. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Download PDF Listen Audiobook5. The Sun and the Star by Rick Riordan & Mark Oshiro
A gripping middle grade fantasy about sons of the gods on a quest to rescue their friend in the underworld. Adventure, emotional stakes and mythology combine in this intensely readable tale. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Download PDF Listen Audiobook6. Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor by Xiran Jay Zhao
Chinese-Canadian boy Zachary Ying must summon the spirit of the first emperor to save the world from ancient spirits. Adventure, humour and cultural flair make this a standout middle grade read. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Download PDF Listen Audiobook7. Beetle Boy by M. G. Leonard
Darkus moves in with his uncle and befriends beetles — then sets off on an epic quest to uncover family secrets and stop an evil scientist. A quirky, exciting middle grade adventure. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Download PDF Listen Audiobook8. Everything Sad Is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri
Based on the author’s life, this is a moving and imaginative middle grade novel about family, culture, storytelling and growing up between worlds. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Download PDF Listen Audiobook9. A Copycat Conundrum (The Misfits) by Lisa Yee
When Mr. Leroy gives detention to a bunch of misfits, a copycat starts pranking the class and the misfits get drawn into solving the case. Fun, fast paced and perfect for tweens. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
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