5 Great Middle Grade Books for Summer
Whether your middle grade reader is looking for laughs, thoughtful historical fiction, or chills, these five new books are bound to delight.
24 June, 2026 ● Written by Clara O’Neill
Illustration from V. T. Bidania’s A Year Without Home
School's out! Which means it’s time to read something amazing. This summer, we've rounded up the best new 2026 releases across picture books, middle grade, and YA. This week we dive into our five recommendations for middle grade books, perfect for summer vacation. Every title is fresh off the press from award-winning and beloved authors, spanning every genre from laugh-out-loud funny to gentle and wondrous. Whether your reader is just starting out or can devour a book in an afternoon, there's something on this list just for them.
Song of the Yellow Dragon
By Ying Ping Low
Steeped in Chinese myths and legends, this richly imagined fantasy follows a young hero navigating friendship, magic, and the power of ancient dragons.
A standout for readers who love world-building and adventure.
Ages 9-13
A Year Without Home
By V. T. Bidania
A poignant novel in verse inspired by the author's own family history. Eleven-year-old Gao Sheng and her Hmong family flee Laos after the Vietnam War, making a harrowing journey across the Mekong River to a refugee camp in Thailand, where she must learn to rebuild home from nothing.
For young readers looking for a moving story with depth.
Ages 10-13
The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy
By Angela Cervantes
Pura Belpre Honor author Angela Cervantes delivers a perfectly timed adventure: 12-year-old sleuth Diez Espada races through Miami's secret tunnels to recover the FIFA World Cup trophy before kickoff.
Just-in-time reading for those already swept up by the current World Cup.
Ages 9-12
The Secret Winners Club
By Donna Galanti
Thirteen-year-old Sunny has alopecia and is desperate to be seen as more than the bald kid. She bands together with two friends who also live with autoimmune conditions to form a secret club with one goal: win their school competitions at any cost. But success comes with consequences none of them expected.
Sensitively written and heartfelt.
Ages 9-13
X Marks the Haunt
By Lindsay Currie
Twelve-year-old Will Stone's mom runs Graceland Cemetery in Chicago, and Will knows every inch of it. But when a centuries-old crypt key goes missing, trees start withering, the lake fills with sinister slime, and something dark is unleashed, Will must use his unusual skills in genealogy and historical research to stop a restless spirit before it's too late.
Set in a real Chicago landmark, author Lindsay Currie once again combines historical facts and chills to great effect. Called 'equal parts horror and heart.'
Ages 9-13
Clara O’Neill
Contributor
Clara O’Neill is a student from Texas and a lifelong book lover. Alongside pursuing her degree, she supports nonprofits like STORYVOR that advocate for children and young adults in their educational journeys. Her love for reading began early with the Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne and has continued to grow ever since. As a homeschooler, her mom nurtured that passion and showed her how books can open doors to faraway and magical places. Reading has been a constant in her life, and she is passionate about helping others discover stories that inspire, comfort, and expand their world.
