The Greatest Middle Grade Books of All Time

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 759 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Genres

Middle Grade

Middle Grade is a category of books that is targeted towards readers between the ages of 8 and 12. These books are typically longer than picture books and have more complex storylines and characters. Middle Grade books often deal with themes of friendship, family, and growing up, and may include elements of adventure, fantasy, or mystery. They are designed to engage young readers and help them develop their reading skills and love of literature.

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  1. 51. A String In The Harp by Nancy Bond

    Set in Wales, the story follows the Morgan family as they cope with the loss of their mother. The narrative centers around Peter, who discovers a mysterious harp key that allows him to glimpse into the past of the legendary bard Taliesin. As Peter and his sisters, Jen and Becky, navigate their grief and adjust to their new life, the magical key becomes a catalyst for healing and understanding. The novel beautifully intertwines themes of family, history, and the mystical connection between past and present, ultimately highlighting the power of memory and the enduring bonds of love.

    The 6880th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  2. 52. The Ice Is Coming by Patricia Wrightson

    The first book in the Wirrun Trilogy

    In this captivating fantasy novel, a mystical force known as the Ninya, or ice spirit, threatens to engulf a small Australian town, bringing with it an eternal winter. The story follows Wirrun, a young Aboriginal man, who embarks on a quest to confront this ancient power and restore balance to the land. Guided by traditional wisdom and aided by mythical creatures, Wirrun must navigate a world where the boundaries between the natural and supernatural blur, ultimately discovering the strength within himself to protect his community and preserve the harmony of nature.

    The 6885th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  3. 53. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin, Janet Song

    "Where the Mountain Meets the Moon" is a children's fantasy novel about a young girl named Minli who lives in a poor village at the base of a mountain. She sets out on a journey to find the Old Man of the Moon, hoping he can answer her family's prayers for a better life. Along the way, she meets a talking goldfish, a dragon who cannot fly, and other magical creatures. Through her adventures, Minli learns valuable lessons about gratitude, kindness, and the power of storytelling.

    The 6917th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  4. 54. Pete Pite by Gábor Nógrádi

    "Pete Pite" is a children's book that follows the adventures of a young boy named Pete, who is known for his insatiable curiosity and inventive spirit. Living in a small village, Pete's inquisitive nature often leads him into amusing and sometimes challenging situations. With his trusty sidekick, a dog named Pite, Pete embarks on a series of escapades that teach him valuable life lessons about friendship, responsibility, and the importance of imagination. Through his experiences, Pete not only solves problems and helps his friends but also grows and learns about the world around him.

    The 7186th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 55. The Village Beyond The Mist by Sachiko Kashiwaba, Miho Satake, Avery Fischer Udagawa

    Lina, a sixth-grade girl, sets off alone to spend the summer in a rural valley but finds the place unexpectedly strange. After a mysterious encounter with wind, mist, and a magic umbrella, she arrives at a grand house on a cobbled street and, while taking on new responsibilities, discovers friendship and grows in understanding of herself.

    The 7187th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  6. 56. The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett

    A Story of Discworld

    In this humorous fantasy novel, a young witch named Tiffany Aching embarks on a quest to rescue her kidnapped brother, armed only with a frying pan and the assistance of the Nac Mac Feegle—a clan of rowdy, blue-skinned, six-inch-tall pictsies. As Tiffany ventures into the realm of Fairyland, she must rely on her wits, courage, and newfound magical abilities to navigate a world filled with dreams and nightmares, where nothing is as it seems. Along the way, she learns valuable lessons about responsibility, the power of knowledge, and the importance of standing up for oneself and others.

    The 7628th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  7. 57. The One And Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

    This children's novel centers around Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall, spending his days on display for the public and his nights conversing with his animal friends, including an elderly elephant named Stella and a stray dog named Bob. Ivan's routine existence is upended with the arrival of Ruby, a young elephant taken from the wild, prompting him to see his environment through new eyes. Inspired by Ruby's plight and Stella's passing wish, Ivan taps into his long-dormant creativity and empathy to hatch a plan to give Ruby a better life, leading to a poignant journey of friendship, art, and the quest for a place to call home.

    The 7670th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  8. 58. Julie Of The Wolves by Jean Craighead George

    This novel follows the journey of a young Inuit girl named Julie, who finds herself lost in the Alaskan wilderness after running away from home. In her quest for survival, she becomes integrated into a pack of wolves, learning their ways and earning their trust. Through this unique experience, Julie, also known by her Eskimo name Miyax, embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery, survival, and a deep understanding of the natural world around her. The story beautifully explores themes of identity, cultural conflict, and the intricate bonds between humans and nature.

    The 7703rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  9. 59. Archer's Goon by Diana Wynne Jones

    A Tale of Magic, Mayhem, and Mischief

    In this whimsical fantasy tale, a family's life is turned upside down when a mysterious and intimidating figure known as the Goon arrives at their home, demanding the completion of an overdue 2,000-word article. As the family delves deeper into the mystery, they uncover a hidden world of seven magical siblings who secretly control various aspects of their town. The protagonist, Howard, along with his sister Awful, navigates a series of humorous and chaotic events to unravel the truth behind the Goon's appearance and the power struggles among the siblings, ultimately leading to surprising revelations about their own family.

    The 7883rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  10. 60. The House in the Cerulean Sea by Tj Klune

    "The House in the Cerulean Sea" is a heartwarming and enchanting tale about Linus Baker, a caseworker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, who is sent on a special assignment to a remote island orphanage. There, he meets a group of extraordinary children, including a gnome, a sprite, and a were-Pomeranian, and their charming caretaker, Arthur Parnassus. As Linus gets to know the children and Arthur, he begins to question the strict rules and regulations he has always followed and learns the true meaning of love, acceptance, and family. This book is a celebration of diversity, kindness, and the power of friendship.

    The 7902nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  11. 61. Bronze And Sunflower by Cao Wenxuan

    Set in rural China during the Cultural Revolution, this poignant tale follows the lives of two children, Bronze and Sunflower, who form an unbreakable bond amidst adversity. Sunflower, a city girl, is sent to the countryside when her father, an artist, is relocated for "re-education." After her father's tragic death, she is taken in by Bronze's impoverished family. Despite their hardships, the children find solace and joy in each other's company, navigating the challenges of rural life with resilience and creativity. Their friendship becomes a beacon of hope, illustrating the power of love and community in overcoming life's obstacles.

    The 8240th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  12. 62. The Bat Poet by Randall Jarrell

    In a world where the night is alive with the sounds of nature, a small bat finds himself different from his fellow bats, drawn to the beauty of the day and the art of poetry. As he listens to the songs of birds and the whispers of the wind, he begins to craft his own verses, capturing the essence of the world around him. Through his poetic journey, he learns about the power of self-expression and the courage it takes to embrace one's uniqueness, ultimately finding his own voice amidst the chorus of the natural world.

    The 8334th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  13. 63. Five Go To Smuggler's Top by Enid Blyton

    In this thrilling adventure, the Famous Five—Julian, Dick, Anne, George, and Timmy the dog—visit the mysterious Smuggler's Top, a hilltop house riddled with secret passages and hidden rooms. As they explore the eerie mansion, they uncover a web of intrigue involving secret signals, suspicious characters, and a long-lost treasure. With their characteristic bravery and cleverness, the Five work together to solve the mystery, outwit the villains, and bring justice to light, all while strengthening their unbreakable bond of friendship.

    The 9030th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  14. 64. A Kind Of Spark by Elle McNicoll

    "A Kind of Spark" tells the story of Addie, an 11-year-old girl with autism who is determined to fight for acceptance and understanding in her small town. Inspired by the historical injustices faced by those accused of witchcraft, Addie embarks on a mission to have a memorial erected in memory of the people who were wrongfully persecuted. Through her unwavering determination, Addie not only educates her community about neurodiversity but also discovers the power of her own voice. This heartfelt and empowering novel explores themes of identity, friendship, and the importance of standing up for what is right.

    The 9588th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  15. 65. Aru Shah And The End Of Time by Roshani Chokshi

    A Pandava Novel

    In this enchanting mythological fantasy, a young girl named Aru Shah discovers she is the reincarnation of one of the five legendary Pandava brothers from the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata. When she accidentally unleashes an ancient demon, she must embark on a perilous journey to save the world from an apocalyptic freeze. Alongside a diverse cast of characters, including a talking pigeon and her newfound Pandava sister, Aru delves into her heritage, battles creatures from Indian mythology, and confronts her insecurities to find the courage within herself to prevent the end of time.

    The 9905th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  16. 66. Wishes And Wellingtons by Julie Berry

    A Steampunk Adventure

    In a whimsical tale set in Victorian England, a spirited young girl named Maeve Merritt stumbles upon a magical sardine tin containing a wish-granting djinni. As Maeve navigates the challenges of her strict boarding school, she finds herself entangled in a series of adventures and misadventures, each wish leading to unexpected consequences. With the help of her friends, Maeve learns valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and the true nature of wishes, all while trying to outwit those who seek to exploit the djinni's powers for their own gain.

    The 10026th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  17. 67. Dealing With Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede

    The Enchanted Forest Chronicles, Book One

    This novel tells the story of a young princess who is bored with her life and decides to go live with dragons instead of marrying a prince as expected. She becomes the servant of a dragon and learns about magic, dealing with wizards, and how to outsmart those who underestimate her. The book is a humorous and empowering twist on traditional fairy tale tropes, emphasizing the importance of intelligence and independence over beauty and obedience.

    The 10127th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  18. 68. Billy Bunter Butts In by Frank Richards

    The Greyfriars School Story

    In this comedic installment from a classic British series, the rotund and often mischievous schoolboy finds himself embroiled in yet another series of escapades at Greyfriars School. Despite his notorious reputation for gluttony and laziness, the protagonist manages to stumble through a mix of misunderstandings and accidents that lead to both trouble and amusement. His attempts to shirk responsibility and snatch extra snacks are met with the usual mix of exasperation and humor by his peers and teachers, ensuring that the school's atmosphere is always lively and unpredictable with him around.

    The 10240th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 69. We Didn't Mean To Go To Sea by Arthur Ransome

    In this adventurous tale, four young siblings find themselves unexpectedly cast out to sea when their planned sailing excursion in a borrowed boat takes a dramatic turn. Initially setting out for a simple exploration of the estuary, a thick fog and a series of mishaps lead them into the open waters of the North Sea. With no way to return and a sleeping pilot aboard, the children must muster all their courage and sailing knowledge to navigate the treacherous waters, facing the challenges of weather, navigation, and their own fears, as they endeavor to find their way safely back to shore. Their journey becomes not only a test of their physical abilities but a transformative experience that teaches them the value of resilience, responsibility, and the deep bonds of siblinghood.

    The 10240th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  20. 70. Ruby Redford Look Into My Eyes by Lauren Child

    Look Into My Eyes

    In this thrilling adventure, a young and exceptionally clever girl, Ruby Redford, finds herself embroiled in a world of espionage and intrigue. With her sharp wit and keen observational skills, Ruby is recruited by a secret agency to solve a perplexing mystery involving a series of cryptic codes and dangerous adversaries. As she navigates through a web of deception and danger, Ruby must rely on her intelligence and courage to uncover the truth, all while balancing the challenges of her everyday teenage life. This captivating tale is a blend of mystery, action, and humor, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

    The 10287th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  21. 71. The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste

    "The Jumbies" is a captivating and enchanting tale that follows the adventures of Corinne La Mer, a brave and curious young girl living on the island of Trinidad. When a mysterious and powerful jumbie threatens her village, Corinne must use her wit and courage to protect her family and friends. With its rich Caribbean folklore and vivid descriptions, this book takes readers on a thrilling journey filled with magic, friendship, and the triumph of good over evil.

    The 10292nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  22. 72. The Borrowers by Mary Norton

    In a quaint English country house, a family of tiny people known as "Borrowers" live secretly beneath the floorboards, surviving by "borrowing" items from the human inhabitants. The story follows the adventures of young Arrietty Clock, who yearns for exploration beyond her hidden world. Her curiosity leads to an unexpected friendship with a human boy, which threatens the Borrowers' existence as their secret is at risk of being exposed. This enchanting tale explores themes of courage, friendship, and the delicate balance between two vastly different worlds.

    The 10357th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  23. 73. The Suitcase Kid by Jacqueline Wilson

    The book centers on a young girl named Andrea, known as Andy, who is struggling to cope with her parents' divorce. She is shuffled between her mother's new family in a cramped, unwelcoming house and her father's life with his new girlfriend, feeling out of place and longing for the past. Andy clings to a small suitcase filled with memories of her former life and her beloved doll, Radish, as she dreams of reuniting her parents and returning to Mulberry Cottage, the only place she ever felt truly at home. Throughout the story, Andy grapples with the complexities of a divided family, the challenges of adapting to new environments, and the journey towards finding a sense of belonging amidst the turmoil of change.

    The 10519th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  24. 74. Double Act by Jacqueline Wilson

    A Story of Twins and Their Adventures

    The book centers around identical twins Ruby and Garnet who, despite their similar appearances, have contrasting personalities. Ruby is outgoing and assertive, while Garnet is shy and reserved. After the death of their mother, the girls' lives are upended when their father starts a new relationship, leading to a move that separates the twins from everything familiar. As they navigate this transition, the story explores themes of individuality, the bond of sisterhood, and the challenges of adapting to change. The twins must learn to embrace their differences and find their own paths, even as they struggle to maintain their close connection amidst the upheaval in their lives.

    The 10825th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  25. 75. The Teacher Of Nomad Land by Daniel Nayeri

    A spirited, semi-autobiographical coming-of-age tale told with humor and heart about a young refugee boy who becomes a teacher in a makeshift community called Nomad Land, using stories and imagination to help other displaced children heal and learn. Balancing whimsy and painful truth, the narrative explores identity, belonging, and the power of storytelling to transform trauma, while offering sharp observations on immigration, family, and the search for home.

    The 11219th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org

Reading Statistics

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If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

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