This year I only read some middle grade…

Here are a couple favs.

I didn’t read as much with youngling this year, but we loved the five-book Lockwood & Co. series by Jonathan Stroud. Supernatural spookiness, friendships and hints of first love. Such a good book series and a good Netflix adaptation. I think this series is fun for all ages!

I also enjoyed Thornhill by Pam Smy, recommended to me by a friend who is a middle school teacher. Though this isn’t a graphic novel, a large part of this story is told through emotive black & white illustrations. Interspersed with the illustrations are diary pages that reveal Thornhill’s dark and tragic past. This book was heart-breaking and disturbing, but has a powerful message and unique storytelling methods. Book sellers post a recommended age of 10+ but I’m personally more comfortable recommending 12+ due to content. Trigger warning for bullying and suicide.

For a much longer list of book recommendations for this genre, check out my post If you need middle grade books for your kids…