15 Must-Read Middle-Grade Books

Get Ready to Inspire the Young Readers in Your Life!

Step into the enchanting world of middle-grade fantasy with this handpicked selection of 15 must-read novels!

All of these books are already kid-approved by my children and many of them, I have read myself. This list is perfect for igniting young imaginations and whisking readers away on unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re seeking the ideal birthday or holiday gift or preparing for summer reading challenges, these spellbinding tales promise endless delight and wonder for readers of all ages.

Get ready to embark on extraordinary journeys filled with magic, friendship, and the boundless possibilities of the imagination!

Please note that I am not currently an affiliate with Amazon, but I have included links to all of the books in this post for your convenience. The ads on the bottom and sides of the page, however, are affiliate links and I will get a small commission from them.

15 Must Read Middle-Grade Fantasy Novels

1. Wings of Fire Series: There are currently 15 books in this fantasy series by Tui T. Sutherland. I know lots of young readers that love these books and according to my local librarian, they can hardly keep them on the shelves!
2. Over Sea, Under Stone (The Dark is Rising Sequence) by Susan Cooper.
3. Howl’s Moving Castle by Dianne Wynne Jones. My brother gifted this book to me after I had my last child. I read this book during the throws of postpartum bliss (or horrors, depending on how you look at it) and I loved it so much that I read it again – out loud to my children. We all love Studio Ghibli movies and were familiar with Howl’s Moving Castle as a movie and the book was just lovely.
4. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle.
5. The Moth Keeper by K. O’Neill. This graphic novel had such beautiful artwork that it was definitely an impulse buy from me and luckily the story was just as enjoyable as the art.
6. Calliope’s Collection of Mystical Mayhem. This book is a compilation of short stories and poetry (including one by me!) This book features many debut authors and poets and is a good thing to pick up for a variety of themes and concepts.
7. The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1) by Rick Riordan.
8. On the Edge of the Sea of Darkness (The Wingfeather Saga, Book 1) by Andrew Peterson.
9. Rise of the Earth Dragon (Dragon Masters, Book 1) by Tracey West.
10. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson. This book is not necessarily a “fantasy” novel, but it’s not *not* a fantasy novel either. This book does include some heavy themes, including death, so you will want to make sure you read this book along with the child or watch the movie afterward together so you can discuss it in a healthy way.
11. The Taken (Foxcraft, Book 1) by Inbali Iserles.
12. Silver Arrow by Lev Grossman. I picked up this book in a bargain bin for just $3.00 and I gave it to my oldest son. He ended up loving this book and it has beautiful cover art.
13. The Wild Ones by C. Alexander London
14. The Heroes Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy. This is another novel that was very unexpected and is so funny.
15. The Stonekeeper (Amulet, Book 1) by Kazu Kibuishi. This graphic novel also has beautiful art and you can tell that it is very thoughtfully made. I really loved this book and so do my kids.