Middle Grade: Recommended Titles

Middle Grade is the term for chapter books that can be enjoyed by kids aged 9-14 years in age. These are titles that have more challenging text complexity, usually feature main characters that are in middle school themselves, and have a higher page count than their lower grade counterparts. 

Must Reads

These books are geared toward Middle Grade readers and are fabulous for discussion or enjoying alone. Even adults can enjoy Middle Grade reads.




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Action Adventure

These books are heavy on action and adventure and will keep readers turning pages to find out what happens. The list below is best suited for Middle Grade readers or those reading at the level indicative of the titles.




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Humor

These titles are hilarious books that can make you laugh out loud, chortle, smirk, or giggle while enjoying the antics within.




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Manga for Middle Grades

From sports to super heroes, spies to science, you'll find all sorts of gems in our vast collection of manga. Ask a librarian if you need more recommendations.




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Asian American and Pacific Islander Authors

Check out these Middle Grade books by Asian American and Pacific Islander authors during your next visit to the library. Come adventure in fantasy lands or make new friends in school.




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Throwbacks

The previous decade served up some seriously great reads. Whether it's humor, drama, fantasy, or graphic novels you seek, we're highlighting some of the best-selling middle-grade books from the last ten years. Many of the authors on this list have gone on to write other fantastic fiction titles, so use these suggestions as a starting point, and you may just find yourself a new favorite author.




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Mental Health Fiction

Middle grade fiction is a genre of chapter book that generally appeals to readers in the upper elementary grades through middle school. The books in this list have themes and characters that are either centered on or portray an aspect of mental health. Each selection includes a content warning, so you may read or avoid any topics not right for you or your child at this time. If you are looking for more books on mental health, or would like to read about a more specific topic, please chat with a librarian to obtain a list of custom selections that will best fit you or your child.




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Go Back in Time With Historical Fiction

Interested in reading a story that transports you to a different time period? Try checking out one of these historic tales. For additional recommendations, ask at the Children's Desk.




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If you are looking for a more customized recommendation, please try our May We Suggest service that matches you with CPL librarians to select books catered to your interests and requirements.