Middle Grade Books That Adults Will Love

If you have not recently entered the magical realm of middle-grade books, may I open the wardrobe door and invite you inside.

Perhaps you remember some books from your childhood that are near and dear to your heart, but you put those away as you grew to adulthood.

Shouldn’t adults leave those books of imagination, wonder, and heart for children to read?

As a long-time librarian who has surrounded myself with middle-grade books, I would like to offer you a challenge. Pick up a middle-grade book and let it transport you back to your childhood for a bit.

Still not convinced?

Maybe some of these fantastic middle-grade titles will have you taking that next step into the world of middle-grade literature. 

Alone by Megan Freeman

Do you want to revisit the feeling you got when you read Hatchet for the first time?

Was Brian’s struggles in the wilderness the adventure story you still crave?

This book is actually a modern take on Island of the Blue Dolphins so if that unlocked a core memory for you give this one a try.

Maddie gets left behind when her whole town is evacuated due to an unknown threat.

As Maddie struggles to survive on her own, she must deal with challenges of looters, natural disasters, and wild animals.

With her neighbor’s dog George at her side, Maddie faces these challenges head-on.

This novel-in-verse is a quick read and while the ending is a bit abrupt, this engaging survival story is a gem.

Echo Mountain by Lauren Wolk

Anything by Lauren Wolk is a winner in my book.

If your favorite reading material as a child was Anne of Green Gables, Little House on the Prairie, or Our Only May Amelia then you must meet Ellie, Wolk’s fabulous heroine.

As Ellie’s family is forced to move into the Maine mountains to survive during the Depression, tragedy strikes.

Ellie’s father suffers an accident that leaves him in a coma and leaves Ellie with a mountain of guilt.

She is determined to cure her father even if that means going to the mysterious hag of the mountains.

Wolk’s beautiful writing is a gift to everyone who reads it. If you love this one, definitely pick up Wolf Hollow next.

Sweep by Jonathan Auxier

This beautiful book is for anyone who loves classic literature and wonderful tales of friendship.

It has all the feels of the Velveteen Rabbit or an old fairy tale.

It has a timeless quality that I have seen in other works by Jonathan Auxier.

He explores the ideas of friendship and sacrifice as we meet Nan, a spunky chimney sweep, and Charlie, a golem who wonders if he’s truly a monster.

When you finish reading you may want to give this book a hug.

Other middle-grade books to dive into as an adult:

Bloom by Kenneth Oppel

Bob by Wendy Mass

A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat

The Barren Grounds by David Robertson

Stowaway by John David Anderson

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin

Ghost by Jason Reynolds

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