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. 76. The Midwatch Institute For Wayward Girls by Judith Rossell

    Orphan Maggie Fishbone is sent to the Midwatch Institute for Orphans, Runaways, and Wayward Girls and discovers it’s a school where girls learn to solve mysteries and protect the city. As she makes friends and trains in everything from fencing to secret skills, Maggie’s first assignment—searching for a missing woman—pulls her into the city’s hidden secrets in this whimsical, illustrated adventure.

    The 12307th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  2. 77. The Experiment by Rebecca Stead

    In a world where scientific curiosity meets the complexities of human relationships, a group of young friends embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind a mysterious experiment that has the potential to change their lives forever. As they delve deeper into the enigma, they grapple with questions of trust, loyalty, and the ethical boundaries of scientific discovery. Their adventure is a poignant exploration of friendship, courage, and the pursuit of knowledge, set against a backdrop of suspense and intrigue.

    The 12473rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  3. 78. Blood In The Water by Tiffany D. Jackson

    Set against the backdrop of a small, tight-knit community, this gripping thriller unravels the dark secrets hidden beneath the surface of a seemingly idyllic town. As the protagonist delves deeper into the mysterious disappearance of a local teenager, they uncover a web of deceit, betrayal, and long-buried grudges that threaten to tear the community apart. With each twist and turn, the story explores themes of trust, redemption, and the lengths people will go to protect their own, culminating in a shocking revelation that challenges everything the protagonist thought they knew.

    The 12475th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  4. 79. A World Without Summer by Nicholas Day, Yas Imamura

    A World Without Summer recounts the 1815 eruption of Mount Tambora and the global climate disruption that followed, showing how ash clouds ruined harvests, displaced communities, and reshaped daily life around the world. It also traces cultural ripple effects — including the conditions that helped spark Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein — and links this historical event to ongoing questions about climate and resilience.

    The 12551st Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 80. Whale Eyes by James Robinson, Brian Rea

    An illustrated, experimental memoir that invites middle-grade (and adult) readers to experience the author’s world through his disabling eye conditions. Through interactive visuals, short anecdotes, and playful reading exercises—vision tests, upside-down pages, and chased words—the book explores how perception shapes connection and how language can help bridge discomfort with disability. A short, immersive, spoiler-free look at seeing and being seen.

    The 12611th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  6. 81. J Vs. K by Kwame Alexander, Jerry Craft

    Fifth-graders J and K — one a visual storyteller and the other a wordsmith — both enter their school's annual creative storytelling contest. Their rivalry turns into a funny, scheming showdown of artist versus writer, full of comics-style creativity and inventive twists, as they compete for the top spot.

    The 12644th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 82. Scarlet Morning by ND Stevenson

    Viola and Wilmur, two orphans from the colorless town of Caveat, join Captain Cadence Chase and her eccentric pirate crew after striking a bargain that involves giving up a mysterious book. As they sail the dangerous Dickerson’s Sea, they search for their missing parents and uncover secrets that test their friendship and force them to decide what they’re willing to sacrifice.

    The 12693rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  8. 83. How To Say Goodbye In Cuban by Daniel Miyares

    A young Cuban-American girl's family history and the bittersweet experience of leaving home are gently explored as she watches relatives come and go, learns the meaning of different kinds of goodbyes, and holds on to memories and cultural bonds that keep her connected across distance and change.

    The 12700th Greatest Book of All Time
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  9. 84. Oasis by Guojing

    A young girl living in a drab, lifeless city discovers a small seed and quietly nurtures it; over time the seed grows into a lush, life-filled oasis that brings color, animals, and a sense of wonder back to the people around her, illustrating how a single, gentle act can restore hope and reconnect a community with the natural world.

    The 12715th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  10. 85. On Guard! by Cassidy Wasserman

    Seventh-grader Grace is struggling after her parents' divorce and the end of a close friendship. Feeling lost at school and at home, she becomes intrigued by the school's fencing club and wonders if learning the sport might help her gain confidence, make new friends, and find a place where she belongs.

    The 12755th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  11. 86. Crumble by Meredith McClaren, Andrea Bell

    Emily and her family run a bakery where they can bake emotions into their desserts—uplifting treats for confidence or comfort when you need it. After a sudden family loss, Emily breaks the one rule—never bake a bad feeling—and creates a crumble that offers numbness rather than healing. The graphic novel follows Emily and her friend Dae as they navigate grief, friendship, and the messy, complicated ways we try to cope.

    The 12756th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  12. 87. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

    This novel follows the story of two young friends, Jess and Leslie, who create a magical kingdom called Terabithia in the woods where they spend their free time. Their friendship deepens as they rule over Terabithia, facing and overcoming various challenges together. However, a tragic accident results in Leslie's death, leaving Jess devastated. The story concludes with Jess learning to cope with his grief, and finding the courage to introduce his little sister to the magical world of Terabithia, thereby keeping Leslie's memory alive.

    The 13064th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  13. 88. Dracula & Daughters by Emma Carroll

    In gothic Temstown, three cousins—Mina, Buffy and Bella—discover they are descendants of Dracula. Guided by an ancient book and a talking raven, they start a vampire healing company that treats rather than hunts vampires, using newfound powers to investigate strange happenings in the town.

    The 13168th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 89. Deep Dark by Zohra Nabi

    Cassia Thorne leads a double life in 19th‑century London—selling ballads by day and spending nights in Fleet Prison. When children begin vanishing from the streets, Cassia teams up with a young pickpocket, Teo, and their friend Felix to investigate, uncovering a sinister conspiracy, strange men in blue coats, and rumors of a beast in the city's deep tunnels. A tense, atmospheric, supernatural mystery set in the underbelly of Victorian London.

    The 13169th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  15. 90. What Happens Online by Nathanael Lessore

    Fred is Existor@stmarks online — a confident, popular gamer — but in real life he’s ignored and unhappy. When his gaming persona becomes known at school he starts spreading outrageous rumours to gain attention, only for the lies to escalate and cause real harm. The story follows the fallout and Fred’s struggle to be accepted for who he truly is, without revealing major plot twists.

    The 13173rd Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 91. Beezus And Ramona by Beverly Cleary

    In this delightful tale, readers are introduced to the Quimby sisters, Beezus and her younger sibling, Ramona, whose mischievous antics often test Beezus's patience. As Beezus navigates the challenges of being the responsible older sister, she grapples with feelings of embarrassment and frustration over Ramona's unpredictable behavior. Through a series of humorous and heartwarming events, the story explores themes of family dynamics, sibling rivalry, and the unconditional love that binds them together, ultimately highlighting the importance of understanding and accepting each other's differences.

    The 13359th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  17. 92. Ramona The Pest by Beverly Cleary

    This book follows the adventures of Ramona Quimby, a spirited and curious kindergartener who often finds herself in the middle of mischief, much to the dismay of her family and teachers. With her vivid imagination and boundless energy, Ramona navigates the complexities of school life, friendships, and sibling relationships, all while trying to prove she's not as much of a pest as everyone seems to think. Through her eyes, readers experience the joys and challenges of growing up, learning valuable lessons about empathy, patience, and the importance of understanding others' perspectives.

    The 13931st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  18. 93. The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner

    The story follows four orphaned siblings, Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny, who, fearing they will be separated, run away and make a home for themselves in an abandoned boxcar in the forest. They live independently, using their resourcefulness and resilience to create a comfortable life together. Their adventures involve solving various mysteries and eventually, they are discovered by their wealthy grandfather, who brings them into his home, providing them with a permanent family while allowing them to keep the boxcar as a special part of their lives.

    The 14102nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  19. 94. Tales Of A Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume

    This book is a humorous and engaging tale centered around a nine-year-old boy living in New York City, who often feels overshadowed by the antics and demands of his younger brother, affectionately known as "Fudge." Through a series of amusing and sometimes frustrating events, the protagonist navigates the challenges of growing up with a sibling who constantly garners the attention of their parents and others, leading to feelings of being unnoticed or unappreciated. The story captures the essence of childhood and sibling rivalry with warmth and wit, making it a relatable and beloved narrative for young readers.

    The 14175th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  20. 95. Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan

    Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, this poignant tale follows a young girl who is forced to leave her privileged life in Mexico after a family tragedy. As she and her mother journey to California to work in migrant labor camps, she faces the harsh realities of poverty and discrimination. Through resilience and hope, she learns to embrace her new life, discovering the strength within herself and the power of community, ultimately transforming her perspective on wealth and happiness.

    The 14232nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  21. 96. Mr. Popper's Penguins by Florence and Richard Atwater

    A Novel to Make You Laugh and Cry

    In this delightful tale, a humble house painter's life takes an unexpected turn when he receives a penguin from an Antarctic explorer. As the penguin, named Captain Cook, becomes a beloved member of the family, chaos ensues, leading to the arrival of more penguins. The Popper household transforms into a bustling, icy wonderland, filled with the antics and charm of these flightless birds. As Mr. Popper navigates the challenges and joys of caring for his growing penguin family, he discovers new adventures and the true meaning of happiness.

    The 14787th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  22. 97. George by Alex Gino

    In this heartfelt and thought-provoking novel, a young boy named George navigates the challenges of being transgender. With the support of her best friend, Kelly, George finds the courage to share her true identity with those around her. Through her journey, George challenges societal norms and teaches us the importance of acceptance, empathy, and self-acceptance.

    The 14983rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  23. 98. Smile by Raina Telgemeier

    "Smile" is a heartfelt graphic novel memoir that follows the life of Raina, a sixth-grade girl who experiences a life-changing accident when she injures her two front teeth. Through a series of dental surgeries and awkward encounters, Raina navigates the ups and downs of middle school, friendship, and self-discovery. With her signature humor and relatable storytelling, Raina's journey of finding her own voice and embracing her imperfections is both inspiring and empowering.

    The 14983rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  24. 99. Number The Stars by Lois Lowry

    This novel is a poignant historical fiction set during World War II, focusing on the bravery and resilience of the Danish people, particularly through the eyes of a young girl. The story explores themes of friendship, courage, and the stark realities of war, as it follows the protagonist and her family's efforts to save their Jewish neighbors from the Holocaust. Through a blend of factual history and compelling narrative, the book highlights the human capacity for kindness and heroism in the face of terrifying adversity, leaving a lasting impact on readers of all ages.

    The 14983rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  25. 100. Kareem Between by Shifa Saltagi Safadi

    Kareem, a seventh-grade Syrian-American boy, faces a challenging start to the school year. His best friend has moved away, he didn't make the football team, and he's been tasked with helping a new Syrian refugee student adjust to school life. Amidst these struggles, Kareem is offered another chance to join the football team, but it comes with a moral dilemma. Meanwhile, his mother travels to Syria to bring her parents to safety, only to be caught up in a travel ban that prevents her return. Kareem finds himself caught between cultures, friendships, and moral choices, and must find his own path through the complexities of his life.

    The 14983rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

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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To download this list as a CSV file, please log in to your account. Once logged in, you'll be able to download the data for use in spreadsheet applications.

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