Five Standalone Middle-Grade Books For Everyone to Enjoy
Hi! Making a book list turns out to be harder than expected, so here’s a quick list of five middle-grade books. Although I review mostly YA books, I’ve read many middle-grade books. Some are only enjoyable for middle-graders…which is the sign of a badly written middle-grade book; good children’s stories are enjoyable for anyone. In the words of C. S. Lewis, “A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.”
These childrens’ stories are enjoyable for anyone! I’ve included a quick summary, and of course these are all clean. And they’re standalones, so if you’re looking for some quick reading, here are some enjoyable stories!
#1: Beyond the Bright Sea by Laura Wolk. A short, historical book about an orphan girl growing up on a beautiful New England island, being raised by her neighbors but longing to know more about her own family. Interesting side characters make this short, thoughtful book entertaining, and a mystery makes it suspenseful.
#2: The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. This relatively popular middle-grade book is sad and thoughtful and beautiful. Set in the modern times, this book tells the story of Ivan, a gorilla who lives in a little zoo exhibit in a mall, whose life is changed when a baby elephant arrives. Although this book has some sad parts, the ending is hopeful.
#3: The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare. This book is set during the Puritan times in America, and it is excellent. Well-developed characters, an interesting story, historical value, and a very satisfying conclusion make this book enjoyable, and it’s excellent for middle-graders to read.
#4: The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin. This book is a fascinating, enjoyable mystery with complicated characters and a fun, suspenseful, exciting plot. I enjoyed reading this book in middle school, and I’m sure many other middle-schoolers will enjoy it too.
#5: When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead. This book is a bit complicated…inspired by A Wrinkle in Time, it’s about time travel and mysteries and normal middle school life. I enjoyed it, although I didn’t completely understand it the first time. The second time, it was more clear…and it’s fascinating.
These books are all great! Hope you enjoy them!