9 New Middle Grade Books, July 2024
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I found nine new middle-grade books to share with you!!
(Admittedly, I started, abandoned, and won’t be sharing quite a few others.)
In months like this one and last month, when I am only recommending under ten books, it often makes me question myself as a reader. (And, simultaneously, I can also feel discouraged with some of the new book choices.)
BUT… I remind myself that I have plenty more books on my shelf to read for the future, so that helps. (Some from July I haven’t read yet and will get to soon.)
When I find a book I can’t put down, I remember that I do know what good storytelling is and can share those books with you as I find them.
All that to say, the middle grade books below are worth sharing with you.
Do you ever get discouraged in your reading?
New Middle Grade Books, July 2024
Wicked Marigold written by Caroline Carlson 
FANTASY FAIRY TALE
One of my favorite books of 2024, this fantasy adventure of an antihero, is the fairy tale that you never knew you needed. Princess Marigold isn’t perfect like her perfect older sister Rosalind, who has returned after years of living with the evil wizard who kidnapped her. Now Marigold can’t compete so she embraces her wickedness, running away to the evil wizard and his imp assistant. When she tries to prove her wickedness to the imp, who is annoyingly also one of her older sister’s adoring fans, Marigold accidentally turns the wizard into a blob! One disaster after another ensues, including the Miseries plotting big magic to ruin the kingdoms, and Marigold must decide if she will side with the villains or warn her family. With excellent storytelling, brilliant character development, and compelling writing, this book hilariously delves into themes of family, perfectionism, comparison, and self-acceptance.
Control Freaks written by J.E. Thomas
REALISTIC / STEM
Doug’s thrilled about his school’s STEAMS competition. Well, all except for the S for sports and his misfit teammates. But he hopes that with this competition, he can prove himself to be nominated for the summer camp of his dreams: GadgetCon. Unfortunately, Doug’s dad, who is back in his life after a long absence, doesn’t think too highly of science and is pushing Doug into sports. Plus, his horrible new stepbrother is forcing Doug to do his homework for him. Talk about a tricky situation. Told from multiple points of view, this is the relatable coming-of-age story of a tech-loving boy with a complicated home and school life written by an author-educator who clearly understands middle schoolers.
Knight Thieves written by Jenn Bennett
FANTASY
Rosebud and her best friend Wilda are kid bandits trying to survive the devastation left by Otto the Torch. They reluctantly save the arrogant prince from Otto the Torch’s evil soldiers, journeying into the enchanted woods to find the hexbreaker that will allow the prince to remove the wolf mask without decapitation and prove who he is– which will save the kingdom. But their plan is immediately thwarted by one thing after another, including a giant, a blind clockmaker, trapped grown-ups, and a grumpy dragon. Just when they think they’ve figured out how to rescue the prince and save the kingdom, they discover the ultimate betrayal. If your readers like fantasy books where kids save the day against all odds, this will be their next favorite story.
The Great Zoodini written by PJ Gardner
ANIMAL ADVENTURE, ILLUSTRATED
Zoodini is a fennec fox who’s been abandoned and rejected many times. This time, he gets sent to another sanctuary, but the girl who runs it is actually kind, and the variety of animals are friends with each other — both of which are surprising to Zoodini. When the girl’s cousin tricks her and plans to sell the animals in her absence, Zoodini knows he must plan his greatest escape with ALL the animals. But he gets caught in a lie, and his escape doesn’t go as planned. He’s feeling regretful, lonely, and worried. Now what will he do? This is the charming story of finding your home and your family.
Unico Awakening created by Osamu Tezuka, Samuel Sattin, and Gurihiru
FANTASY, GRAPHIC NOVEL
With incredible artwork and storytelling, this is a mesmerizing fantasy adventure you won’t be able to put down! The jealous and vengeful goddess Venus hates Unico, a sweet little unicorn whose wholesome friendship with Psyche makes powerful magic. So Venus orders the West Wind to kidnap Unico. The West Wind tries not to hurt Unico and moves a now memoryless Unico from place to place, hiding him from the wrath of Venus. In this latest move, Unico meets a mistreated cat named Chloe and a friendly old lady. When Unico’s magic grants Chloe’ ‘s wish to become human, the consequences are dire. Unico must team up with new forest animal friends to stop the evil man and rescue Chloe.
Jupiter Nettle and the Seven Schools of Magic written by Sangu Mandanna, illustrated by Pablo Ballesteros
FANTASY, GRAPHIC NOVEL
Jupiter has mixed feelings when she fails the other schools but gets into the not-prestigious Earth Magic School apprenticeship. She’s hopeful but feels discouraged that Professor Grimm ignores her and gives her non-stop chores, including caring for a large egg. Then, Jupiter is influenced by a nasty classmate who says she doesn’t belong and can’t do magic, so she drops out. But will she embrace her destiny when the school needs her help? An enchanting story with lovely illustrations.
Worst Week Ever: Monday written by Matt Cosgrove
FUNNY (Ages 7 to 10)
In this hilarious, illustrated chapter book, engaging writing zips along to tell the story of…MONDAY. On this day, literally, all the bad things happen to this poor kid named Justin, but I like that you never feel despair or get frustrated because of the way it’s written. The funny yet tragic events include a new school, the wrong suitcase of clothes, crochet swimtrunks, and explosive diarrhea. First in a series.
I’m From Here, Too written by Kashmira Seth
REALISTIC, VERSE
This first-person verse novel is about a 13-year-old Sikh boy who is bullied at school and struggles with anxiety, which will tug at your heartstrings. As you read, you’ll feel the challenges he faces, learn about his culture and religion, and admire the way he leans into his faith to grow and accept himself.
Thor (Asgardians) written and illustrated by George O’Connor
NORSE MYTHOLOGY, GRAPHIC NOVEL (ages 11+)
Thor tells stories about himself to convince the ferryman he is is indeed the real Thor. The stories are violent and filled with trickery, including why Thor is called the Chariot God, his hammer, and Loki. This series is a great way to learn about Norse gods. That being said, sensitive readers need to know that besides the violence, this book mentions getting drunk and uses the word “damn.”
