Category: Middle-Grade

Reasons to Look at the Night Sky by Danielle Daniel

March 13, 2026

Reasons to Look at the Night Sky by Danielle Daniel is a middle grade novel in verse that takes place in Ottawa where Luna lives with her florist and poet mother, astronomer father, and ninth-grader older brother, Leo. Daniel first establishes Luna’s commitment to science through her family, especially her relationship with her mother. The latter’s way of seeing the world is rooted in art while Luna doesn’t see the value in poetry or visual art; she believes in scientific explanations. … More Reasons to Look at the Night Sky by Danielle Daniel

On a Wing and a Tear by Cynthia Leitich Smith

November 26, 2025

Cynthia Leitich Smith returns with a middle grade novel bursting with characters that pay tribute to storytelling traditions of Muscogee People, and Indigenous storytelling in general. On a Wing and a Tear captures the adventure of Melanie “Mel” Roberts, Ray Halfmoon, and Grampa Halfmoon with the legendary Great-Grandfather Bat, who’s fostering an injury to his wing. Together, they hit the road to escort Bat to the historical rematch of the infamous Great Ball Game between the Animals and the Birds on the traditional gaming lands in Georgia. On this wild adventure, readers will see the wonderful characters escape Bat-nappers, rekindle an old romance, visit many relatives, encounter mysterious creatures, and find out if Bat’s wing heals in time for the game. … More On a Wing and a Tear by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Cranky Chicken: The Cranky-Verse by Katherine Battersby

November 13, 2025

In the energetic fourth installment of author/illustrator, Katherine Battersby’s, Cranky Chicken chapter book series, Cranky Chicken and Speedy the worm return! The Cranky-Verse will have readers wondering how Cranky and Speedy will work through meeting a new friend, what Cranky will do when Speedy becomes the cranky one, and if a camping trip will be the solution to all of their troubles and woes. … More Cranky Chicken: The Cranky-Verse by Katherine Battersby

Alice Atherton’s Grand Tour by Lesley M.M. Blume

October 7, 2025

Beginning in New York City in 1927, Alice Atherton’s Grand Tour follows Alice, a 10-year-old girl whose curiosity has been dampened by the recent loss of her mother. In an effort to help Alice regain her zest for life, her father sends her overseas to France to stay with his eccentric friends, Mr. and Mrs. Murphy, their three children, and their pet monkey, Mistigris. … More Alice Atherton’s Grand Tour by Lesley M.M. Blume

Zia’s Story by Shahnaz Qayumi, illus. Nahid Kazemi

September 5, 2024

Qayum’s storytelling is straightforward and direct. She refrains from exploring the inner terrains of her characters’ minds, or using literary devices to convey the gravity of grief and pain. Instead, she states the facts of the events of their lives using a subdued tone, and that in itself is enough to put readers in the characters’ shoes. … More Zia’s Story by Shahnaz Qayumi, illus. Nahid Kazemi