Our Favorite Middle School Books
There’s something magical about the books we loved in middle school. They had a way of transporting us to far-off lands, introducing us to unforgettable characters, and making us feel like we were part of something bigger than ourselves. Whether we stayed up past bedtime with a flashlight under the covers or eagerly flipped through pages when we should have been practicing our instruments, these stories left a mark on our hearts. Today, we’re taking a walk down memory lane and revisiting some of our favorite middle school books. Maybe you’ll rediscover an old favorite—or find a new one to share!
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The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
Recommended Age: 10+
This enchanting retelling of a Grimm Brothers’ fairy tale follows Princess Ani, who possesses the rare ability to communicate with animals. When a betrayal forces her into hiding, Ani must learn to embrace her true self and fight for her rightful place as queen. With lyrical writing and a strong, determined heroine, The Goose Girl is a timeless tale of courage, friendship, and self-discovery. This easily takes the number one spot on our middle school books list.
Charlie Bone Series by Jenny Nimmo (aka The Children of the Red King)
Recommended Age: 10+
Charlie Bone always thought he was normal—until he starts hearing voices coming from photographs. Soon, he’s sent to Bloor’s Academy, a mysterious school for kids with special abilities, where he discovers a hidden world of magic and secrets. As he unravels the mystery of a missing girl, he realizes his powers are more important (and dangerous) than he ever imagined. With the help of new friends and a few unlikely allies, Charlie must stand up to the powerful forces trying to control his future.
The Frog Princess Series by E.D. Baker
Recommended Age: 8+
What if the classic “frog prince” story had a twist? In this fun and lighthearted series, Princess Emeralda accidentally turns herself into a frog while attempting to break a spell on a talking amphibian. Her misadventures lead to magical mishaps, daring rescues, and plenty of laughs. If you love fairy tale retellings with a dash of humor, this series is a must-read.
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
Recommended Age: 12+
Filled with puzzles, riddles, and adventure, this book introduces us to four gifted children who are recruited for a top-secret mission. As they infiltrate the mysterious Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, they must use their intelligence, creativity, and teamwork to uncover the truth. A brilliant mix of mystery and adventure, this book is perfect for readers who love to solve puzzles and dive into thrilling escapades.
Molly Moon Series by Georgia Byng
Recommended Age: 9+
Molly Moon is an orphan with an extraordinary gift—she can hypnotize people! When she discovers her hidden talent, it leads her on a whirlwind adventure filled with mystery, danger, and plenty of twists. From mastering time travel to uncovering secrets from her past, Molly’s story is an exciting mix of fantasy and suspense that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
Recommended Age: 10+
A fresh take on Cinderella, Ella Enchanted follows Ella, who is cursed with the “gift” of obedience—forcing her to do whatever she’s told. But Ella isn’t one to sit back and let fate decide her future. She embarks on a journey to break the curse, encountering ogres, giants, and even a charming prince along the way. With its strong female lead and unique spin on a beloved fairy tale, this book has become a classic for a reason.
Kingdom Keepers by Ridley Pearson
Recommended Age: 10+
Kingdom Keepers: Disney After Dark by Ridley Pearson follows five teenagers who are chosen to be “virtual hosts” in Disney World. When they fall asleep, they find themselves transported into a nightmarish world where Disney villains come to life. The group must figure out how to stop the villains from taking control of the park while navigating the dangerous world of Disney after dark. It’s a fast-paced adventure that mixes mystery, fantasy, and Disney magic with plenty of suspense.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Recommended Age: 10+
This heartwarming novel follows Auggie Pullman, a boy with a facial difference who enters a mainstream school for the first time. Told from multiple perspectives, Wonder explores themes of kindness, acceptance, and the power of friendship. It’s an inspiring and moving read that encourages readers to choose kindness and see the world through others’ eyes.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Recommended Age: 10+
Step through the wardrobe into the magical land of Narnia, where four siblings discover a world frozen in eternal winter under the rule of the White Witch. With the help of the noble lion Aslan, they must find the courage to fight for Narnia’s freedom. A classic tale of adventure, bravery, and good versus evil, this beloved book has captivated generations of readers.
Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George
Recommended Age: 10-14
A beautiful retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses, this novel follows Princess Rose and her eleven sisters, who are cursed to dance every night in an enchanted underground kingdom. When a determined soldier named Galen sets out to break the spell, he must unravel dark secrets, battle magic, and win Rose’s trust. A story filled with romance, mystery, and enchantment, it’s a perfect read for fairy tale lovers.
A Wrinkle in Time Series by Madeleine L’Engle
Recommended Age: 10+
This science fiction classic follows Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin as they journey through space and time to rescue Meg’s missing father. Guided by three mysterious beings—Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which—they must battle the dark force known as the Black Thing. A thought-provoking series filled with adventure, heart, and profound themes, A Wrinkle in Time continues to inspire young readers.
Once Upon a Marigold by Jean Ferris
Recommended Age: 9-12
This book follows the story of a young boy named Christian who was raised by a troll and dreams of marrying the princess. When he discovers his true origins, he embarks on a quest to rescue the princess, who is trapped in an arranged marriage to an evil prince. With humor, adventure, and a twist on classic fairy tale tropes, the story is a lighthearted, magical journey of love, friendship, and bravery.
Alex Rider Series by Anthony Horowitz
Recommended Age: 10-14
When 14-year-old Alex Rider discovers that his uncle was a spy, he’s thrust into the world of espionage. Recruited by MI6, Alex goes on dangerous missions, using his intelligence and cool spy gadgets to outsmart villains. Action-packed and fast-paced, this thrilling series is perfect for fans of adventure and mystery.
Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
Recommended Age 10+
Meggie’s life gets turned upside down when she discovers that her dad, Mo, has the ability to bring characters from books to life by reading aloud. When an evil villain from a story Mo read years ago is suddenly unleashed, Meggie and her dad must go on a dangerous journey to stop him. Along the way, they’re joined by new friends and face thrilling adventures, all while trying to figure out how to put the story back in control. It’s a world where words are powerful, and danger can come straight from the pages of a book.
The Secret of Platform 13 by Eva Ibbotson
Recommended Age: 8-12
At Platform 13 in London’s King’s Cross Station, there’s a hidden door that leads to a magical world called the Island. When the young prince of the Island is kidnapped, it’s up to a quirky group of rescuers—a talking bird, a giant, a witch, and a wizard—to find him before it’s too late. But things get tricky when they accidentally end up in the wrong time period—modern-day London. With a mix of adventure, magic, and humor, The Secret of Platform 13 is a whimsical tale about friendship, bravery, and finding where you truly belong.
These middle school books sparked our imaginations, made us laugh and cry, and reminded us of the power of storytelling. Now, we’d love to hear from you! What were your favorite middle school books? Did any of these books make your list, or do you have others that hold a special place in your heart? Let’s reminisce together in the comments!
xo- The Threads Between
