Favorite Books of 2024: Middle Grade!

I love middle grade fiction. Next to picture books, I read these the most. I have a long commute, so I get a lot of reading done in the car. Thank you, public library, for access to Libby!

Here are some of the best ones I read that were released in 2024:

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AMIR AND THE JINN PRINCESS by M. T. Khan

Amir is the son of a wealthy businessman, and despite living in luxury, feels like he doesn't fit in. When his mother goes missing, presumed gone forever, Amir is the only one who believes she's not gone of her own free will - and seeks to find her in the realm of the Jinn. This is a fast-paced magical adventure that will be a surefire hit for fans of all of the Rick Riordan Presents books

ANATOMY OF LOST THINGS by Shawn K. Stout

This book didn't get nearly enough attention, in my opinion. It connects the stories of Tildy, Leon and Nell, each dealing with recent losses, via found objects - a necklace, a bugle and a lion statue. At times both humorous and heartbreaking, this is a book that will stay with you.

THE GIRL WHO KEPT THE CASTLE by Ryan Graudin

Anyone remember Eva Ibbotsen's books? THE SECRET OF PLATFORM 13 (which I am sure JKR got her idea for Platform 9 3/4 from)? DIAL-A-GHOST? This book reminded me so much of those quirky, fun fantasy stories. In the castle where Faye's father works (he's the Groundskeeper) lives Wizard West. Or rather, where he's died. Although he hasn't realized it yet. When he can finally be convinced he's dead, he decides to hold a competition to find his replacement. Chaos ensues - and only Faye can keep things under control. I adored this story, and fans of NEVERMOOR or HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE or those who (like me) love Eva Ibbotsen will also want to spend time at Castle Celadur.

GREENWILD: THE CITY BEYOND THE SEA by Pari

Thompson

Another great magic world that fans of NEVERMOOR will enjoy! In this second visit of Mallowmarsh, a world that thrives on plant magic, Daisy and her friends brave a trip to mysterious Iffenwild, ruled by water magic, in order to find her mother. There's adventure, magic (obviously), traveling (by ship) actors, water horses, and more. I can't wait to visit the Greenwild again.

KAREEM BETWEEN by Shifa Saltagi Safadi

This is the story of a Syrian-American boy trying to make it through 7th grade - navigating the football team, his best friend moving away, and being called on to show the new Syrian kid - with heavy accent and limited English - around school. But when his mom becomes stuck in Syria caring for his grandmother, his life is thrown into further uproar. This moving novel-in-verse won the National Book Award in 2024 - and it's easy to see why.

ON THE BLOCK: STORIES OF HOME by various; ed. by Ellen Oh

This contemporary book includes 12 interconnected stories about the kids in a particular apartment building by luminary authors such as Minh Lê, Jasmine Warga and Debbie Michiko Florence. Each kid deals with different challenges - family, school, racism, identity, self-worth - and in the end, they come together in support of one another and their families. I adored each story and as soon as one ended, I dove into another. These slice-of-life tales will resonate with all kids.

MAGNOLIA WU UNFOLDS IT ALL by Chanel Miller

Magnolia lives with her parents in New York City, in an apartment connected to the Laundromat her parents own. Magnolia pins every sock missing its mate on a bulletin board, in hopes that their owners will come for them. They never do - so Magnolia and her new friend Iris decide to take the the socks to the owners. The mystery of each sock takes them around the city where they meet a variety of people with unique stories, and begin to uncover some of the missing stories in their own families too. This Newbery Honor winner is unique, heartfelt, and utterly charming.

MAX IN THE HOUSE OF SPIES by Adam Gidwitz

This is the first in a duology and I can't wait to read the second! Max is sent to England when life in Germany becomes too dangerous for Jewish families, and is taken in by a family of... spies? He's determined to find a way home to rescue his parents, and so embarks on his own journey to become a spy himself - complete with the "help" of a dybbuk and a kobold (spirits of Jewish mythology) - Berg and Stein - who live on his shoulders. The story ends in a cliffhanger and you'll just have to pick up the second title right away!

SING IT LIKE CELIA by Mónica Mancillas

Salva usa su admiración para Celia Cruz y unos amigos que queiren formar una banda para encontrar su voz e identidad cuando su mamá la abandona y ella tiene que quedarse en un campamento con su papa que es periodista de investigación. ¡Lea esta novela y luego escuche a la reina de la salsa! ¡Es más bello vivir cantando!

When her mother abandons Salva and she has to stay in a campground with her journalist father while he works on a story, she finds her voice and identity via her love for the incomparable salsera Celia Cruz and some friends who want to form a band. Read this wonderful story and then listen to the Queen of Salsa! It's better to live singing!

TAKE IT FROM THE TOP by Claire Swinarski

Be still my musical-theater loving heart - this is the PERFECT book for fans of the genre, especially Wicked, which, due to the recent movie success, is at the forefront of every theater kid's mind. Two friends have been attending the same theater camp for 6 years - and this year is supposed to be the culmination - they'll get the leads in the end-of-camp musical and everything will be perfect. But this year something's different. Jules is cold to Eowyn, and Eowyn can't figure out why. Eowyn is dealing with her own issues, including living in the spotlight of a talented older brother, a distant father, and worsening stagefright. Will they be able to sort things out before opening night?

TREE, TABLE, BOOK by Lois Lowry

Fun fact: many, MANY (like 25) years ago, I got to tell a story on a stage in NYC for an audience of librarians and LOIS LOWRY herself. I have no idea if she liked it, but I surely hope she did. Her books endure for a reason - they are timeless and treasured.

Sophie and Sophie are best friends - but one's a kid in elementary school and the other's her next door neighbor - an elderly woman who seems to be showing signs of dementia. Sophie (the kid) is determined to keep her best friend in the home next door, and so sets out to prove that Sophie (the elder) is of sound mind. Through this she unlocks memories of war, hunger and heartbreak.

These are some of my 2024 favorites. Share yours in the comments?