We are barely two months into the year and already there have been so many incredible middle grade fiction releases! We love to provide kids with books they WANT to read, so scroll on to find the best fit for your kid.
For the kids who love to laugh ...
Chickenpox
by Remy Lai
Abby Lai is sick of being trapped at home with her FOUR younger siblings! All she wants is to spend more time with her friends, far away from the sticky fingers and snooping eyes of her annoying brothers and sisters. But when a case of chickenpox leaves the Lai kids covered in scratchy red spots and stuck at home for two weeks of nonstop mayhem, Abby thinks this might be the end of her sanity. Yet she feels responsible for the situation, since her best friend was Patient Zero and brought chickenpox into their home.
Will the itch to escape her siblings overwhelm Abby or will she realise being a big sister isn't all bad? Full of heart and hijinks, Chickenpox showcases what gets us through good times and bad: family.
For the kids who dream of riding dragons ...
The Red Red Dragon
by Lynne Reid Banks
From a multi-million-copy-selling author whose work spans seven decades comes a humorous and warm-hearted story about a family of dragons in a world where humans have always been a myth ... until now.
Red is a rare red dragon who lives with his Mag and Dag in a world where dragons and Uprights are sworn enemies. Then Red meets his first Upright, a girl called Lou, who is nothing like he had imagined: she's smart, and funny ... and kind! As the pair become friends, Red learns that not only can the two species live in harmony – but maybe it's his destiny to bring them back together.
For gentle children ...
Brightest Wild
by Tania Crampton-Larking
A gently lyrical story about discovering Country and the importance of family, friendship and the magic of the bush, from an emerging Indigenous talent and winner of a black&write! Fellowship.
When eleven-year-old Alex moves to Adelaide from London after her mother gets engaged to a man across the globe, Alex must negotiate a new country, a new school, and (most difficult of all) a new stepbrother, the prickly teenaged Koen.
What sustains Alex in this strange new world is the wonder of the natural world around her, particularly a magnificent tree that comes to represent magic, resilience and strength.
Alex discovers the mystery of the bush, the true impact of climate change and a passion to fight for what is right.
For the adventure seekers ...
Jungle Escape
by Nathan Luff
When Branson's parents announce a ski trip to Aspen, he's thrilled – until he learns he won't be going with them. Instead, Branson is being sent to an exclusive retreat in the Daintree Rainforest that promises poolside luxury, cuisine classes, and lessons in interior decoration. Not his idea of a holiday.
But, when they arrive at the resort, Branson and the other kids learn they've been duped! The building is in ruins, the bathroom's covered in slime, and the pool is empty. It turns out the owners have lured the kids to Jungle Escape to work as free labour and restore the resort.
Branson and his new friends need to find a way out of this hell hole and through the Daintree Rainforest. Will they be able to escape this jungle, or will they end up as cassowary – or crocodile – lunch?
For the animal lovers who dream of living in a zoo ...
Neeka and the Missing Key
by Tina Strachan
When you live in a zoo – things can get wild!
Eleven-year-old Neeka Wilder has always loved animals. She wants to be a vet one day, like her mum, who is the head vet at Wilder Zoo – where Neeka and her family live!
Neeka is a great help to the zoo staff in caring for the animals. And she also takes videos of exciting events at the zoo.
When the videos are nominated for a big award, Neeka wants to make one more video to help win it. But when Rebel, the cheeky red panda, won't co-operate, her zoo key goes missing and she's grounded for a month, it's a race against the clock to create the new video in time for the awards.
For the aspiring witches ...
Witchspark
by Dominique Valente
Eglantine Bury can't find her Witchspark. But if her magic doesn't appear, her family and their magical house will fall into the terrifying clutches of the evil Whistlewitch. Across the land, Princess Victoria faces her own danger, as her secret magical powers start to spiral out of control and cause chaos in the Royal Palace.
Eglantine and Victoria both turn to the disgraced witch Miss Hegotty for help. Her witch lessons are difficult and powerful, but can this secret magic match up to the dangers these two hopeful witches face?
Two aspiring witches, one unusual teacher, a magical house, and a talking dragon-butler fight for what's right, in this major new series from Dominique Valente the bestselling author of Starfell.
For the graphic novel lovers ...
Fresh Start
by Gale Galligan
Ollie Herisson's dad is a diplomat, which means her family moves around a lot. She has already lived in Singapore, Korea and France. When Ollie starts at a new school, she doesn't worry about making a good impression because she knows she'll get a fresh start when they move again. A complete reset.
It doesn't matter if everyone think she's weird for pretending that she lives in the world of an imagined anime, or if the most popular girl in her class hates her, or if she does something hugely embarrassing! And it definitely doesn't matter that her mum wants Ollie to be a proper Thai daughter. But after a mortifying first day at her new school, Ollie learns that her parents are going to buy a house so that she and her sister can finish school in one place. Can Ollie learn to be herself and make real friends when she can’t just run away?
For the time-travelling adventure lovers ...
Washpool
by Lisa Fuller
Publishing on the 26 of February
Bella is shy and thoughtful. Her big sister, Cienna, is popular and brave. One thing they have in common is their love for Washpool, the local swimming spot. But one weekend when they dive into Washpool, Bella and Cienna surface in the strange new world of Muse.
Lost and confused, the sisters find themselves working with magical creatures on an eye-opening quest. Lady Dragon – keeper of the land where an important Summer Feast is held – has lost her egg. Can Bella and Cienna save the egg in time? And how will they ever find their way home?
Discover more great new middle grade fiction here!
