We all know the importance of instilling a love of reading in children at an early age. As they get older and their reading skills improve, they’ll turn to middle grade books with longer chapters, interesting characters, amazing settings, involved storylines, and more mature themes.
But what if you have an advanced reader on your hands at an early age? You’ll find yourself trying to strike a balance between books that challenge their intellect but are still age-appropriate as well. And once you do, you’ll want a series that you can reliably turn to again and again. Here are some advanced middle grade books we (and our kiddos!) think your child will enjoy if you’re seeking a new series of middle grade books.
Our Favorite Middle Grade Books
Mysterious Benedict Society
If you’re looking for mind-bending brain teasers, page-turning action, and a little bit of mystery, The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart may be for you. Dive in alongside gifted children, Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and Constance, as they tackle challenges, go on secret missions, and embark on daring adventures. Will they save the world? Read these middle grade books to find out!
Percy Jackson
Travel to Mount Olympus and Camp Half-Blood, with Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan. Learn about mythical beasts and demigods with unique powers as you embark on a series of dangerous quests with the main character, 12-year-old Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, and his friends. If treacherous plots, ancient monsters, and chilling prophecies sound intriguing, you’ll love these middle grade books.
The Heroes of Olympus
Once your readers have devoured Percy Jackson and the Olympians, simply move on to this next best-selling series by Rick Riordan, The Heroes of Olympus. While there may be some new faces, the great adventures continue!
Join three demigods, Jason, Piper, and Leo, and they travel from the Wilderness School to Camp Half-Blood. There’s a curse, weapons training, monsters, and a camper gone missing. Later in the series, Annabeth and Percy are back. Will they reunite before war breaks out? Will the demigods persevere against Gaea’s army? All of this and much more is in store with these action-packed middle grade books.
READ MORE: 20 Best Books About Race For Kids And Adults
The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings
Some middle grade books are classics that live on for generations. That is certainly the case with The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings series by J.R. Tolkien. Journey to Middle-earth with Bilbo Baggins and enjoy epic encounters with Gandalf, Gollum, dragons, and monsters. In your quest, you’ll find otherworldliness, fantasy, magic, and more. But will the precious One Ring be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom once and for all, before it falls into the wrong hands?
Enchanted Forest Chronicles
Join Cimorene, an improper fairy-tale princess bored by her princess duties, in her adventures as she runs away to be “captured” (willingly) by a dragon. The Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia C. Wrede feature a strong and smart heroine, endearing characters, dastardly wizards, and hilarious antics that challenge everything you thought you knew about princesses. What will those menacing wizards be up to next? Whatever it is, it’s up to Cimorene to stop them.
READ MORE: 11 Unique Books to Add to Your Child’s Library
City of Ember
Find a little light with The City of Ember, by Jeanne DuPrau. Ember’s great lights are the only lights shining amidst a sea of darkness. After all, the town was built as the last refuge for the human race. But those lights are starting to flicker and dim. Can Lina and Doon follow the clues and save the city in time? Will they successfully lead Ember’s citizens to a new world? And what will happen when they return to Ember many years later? Grab this set of middle grade books – there is adventure around every corner!
READ MORE: 10 Books For Your Middle Schooler To Encourage A Love Of Literature
Peter and the Starcatchers
Everyone’s favorite “boy who won’t grow up” is back, but this time, readers are treated to a blast from the past. In Dave Barry’s Peter and the Starcatchers, explore the mysteries and reimagined backstory of the beloved Peter Pan, before his famous story unfolded.
Setting sail aboard the Never Land, Peter and his mates head to an island ruled by the evil King Zarboff, but the journey is not what they expected. Scary storms, pirate battles, evil shadow-creatures – these middle grade books have it all. Best of all, find out the answers to secrets such as how Tinkerbell got her name, why Peter keeps losing his shadow, and more!
Harry Potter
Finally, what middle grade books list would be complete without the best-selling series, Harry Potter, by J.K. Rowling? Join Harry, Ron and Hermione at Hogwarts as they learn wizardry, perform magical spells, and fight mythical beasts. Take in a Quidditch game, where players ride broomsticks, beat away Bludgers, and try to catch the Golden Snitch. Harry’s adventures take him through the course of seven amazing years at Hogwarts, and there are tons of twists, turns, and magic to discover every step of the way.
READ MORE: Middle School Books Your Kids Will Love From Schiffer Publishing
These middle grade books are sure to keep your readers glued to their seats for hours. While some are more challenging reads, advanced readers will rise to the occasion. When they do, they’ll be rewarded with well-developed characters, unique plots, and amazing stories that continue for book after book, as part of a larger series. So head to the bookstore or library, pick up a few copies, and snuggle up with some new middle grade books today!
WANT TO READ MORE?
Check out these 3 Essential Tips On How To Make Reading Fun For Kids.
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