9 Fun Books For Middle Grade Readers

"Mr. Gedrick and Me" by Patrick Carman
"How to Train Your Dragon" by Cressida Cowell
"Diary of a Wimpy Kid #11: Double Down" by Jeff Kinney
"The Invention of Hugo Cabret" by Brian Selznick
"Boom!" by Mark Haddon
"My Secret Guide to Paris" by Lisa Schroeder
"Capture the Flag" by Kate Messner
"Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing" by Judy Blume
"The Misadventures of Max Crumbly 1: Locker Hero" by Rachel Renée Russell

Cressida Cowell On Writing For Kids

What Books Are Appropriate For Older Elementary School Kids?

"Middle Grade" can refer to anything from 8 years old to 12 or 13, but the general idea is that these titles are for children who consider themselves too old for kids' books like the Berenstain Bears series, but who aren't quite ready for "The Lord of the Rings." Some of them feature illustrations, some don't, but they're generally books with chapters and well-rounded characters that will take more than one sitting to finish. Kids like to read about characters their own age or slightly older, and especially if you read with them, they'll enjoy a story that makes them feel a little more grown-up.

Judy Blume Talks About Letting Kids Read

In Depth

Middle school can be a tough time, and kids overwhelmed with homework often don't want to read on the weekend. But if a book is entertaining, it's easy to get them to change their minds. In no particular order, here are 9 fun books you won't have to convince your kids to pick up and read.

At #1, stand-alone novel "Mr. Gedrick and Me" delivers a magical adventure that reimagines the classic Mary Poppins tale in a contemporary setting. Written by Patrick Carman, the book is an ideal choice for families who read aloud together, especially those that have experienced grief and loss. With the right mix of fantasy and humor, the story of a boy and his new nanny confronts real issues in a way kids can understand.

The #2 book is Cressida Cowell's "How to Train Your Dragon," a rich narrative that delivers short yet fun chapters and a smart plot. Kids will enjoy the characters' silly names and feel for the main character's struggle with his stubborn yet lovable dragon. Fans of the popular film will love being able to dive into the series.

Fans of the popular film will love being able to dive into the series.

Coming in at #3 is the eleventh book in Jeff Kinney's "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" series. "Diary of a Wimpy Kid #11: Double Down" has lots of jokes about creepy movies and hair-raising phobias. The short episodes in Greg Heffley's life are hilariously laid out, appealing to many kids who have gone through the same misadventures.

At #4 is "The Invention of Hugo Cabret," Brian Selznick's moving, magical story told through gorgeous black-and-white drawings, which won a Caldecott Medal and was transformed into the film "Hugo" in 2011. This heartfelt tale will catch your child's eye with its unique combination of art and literature, in which the illustrations convey information vital to the prose in such a way that one cannot exist without the other.

At #5 is children's science fiction novel "Boom!" Author Mark Haddon fittingly combines adventure and comedy in one story. The exciting storyline about normal kids whose lives turn upside down when they're thrust into an unexpected quest will make reading less of a chore as it will keep children entertained and laughing.

The exciting storyline about normal kids whose lives turn upside down when they're thrust into an unexpected quest will make reading less of a chore as it will keep children entertained and laughing.

The #6 book is a charming story with a female protagonist. Lisa Schroeder's "My Secret Guide to Paris" features realistic characters and family dynamics kids can relate to. It also goes into great detail about Paris, letting the city's romance and mystery shine. With themes of family, friendship, and adventure, this novel will spark pre-teens' imaginations about who they might grow into and where they might go.

Landing at #7 is Kate Messner's "Capture the Flag," a modern adventure that centers on American history. The book is written in a manner that children ages 8 to 13 will easily understand. Featuring a stolen flag, a national treasure at stake, and enemies everywhere, the short yet entertaining chapters will please readers who are fond of action and mysteries.

At #8 is "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing" by award-winning author Judy Blume. This title will have children laughing out loud, and the story features honest characters and situations that touch on sibling rivalries. The first book in the beloved "Fudge" Series, it has garnered praise for combining humor with an insightful look at a child's world.

This title will have children laughing out loud, and the story features honest characters and situations that touch on sibling rivalries.

Finally, our #9 tale sets off a book series that takes on middle school mishaps, from avoiding bullies to making new friends. From #1 "New York Times" bestselling author Rachel Renee Russell comes "The Misadventures of Max Crumbly 1: Locker Hero," whose lead character's relatable vulnerabilities have been lauded by critics. The journal-style narrative approach combined with funny illustrations make the book an easy read, striking a balance between real-life kid problems and extreme story developments.

All in all, one way to spark your children's interest in reading is to not only offer books that are suitable for their age, but also stories that are entertaining to them. If you can get them to try something new, they may find that reading is a lot more fun than they thought.