I’m using Middle Grade March as my excuse for finally doing a recap post for all of the middle grade books I read in 2019! Although I loved some more than others, I would confidently recommend any of the books below.
The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall
The Penderwicks will take you back to elementary school summer breaks- going on adventures and maybe causing a little mischief. Following four sisters on vacation with their dad, the Penderwick family rent a cottage on the grounds of a large estate, Arundel. The sisters meet Jeffrey, the son of the wealthy owner of Arundel their first day. Adventures, exploring and a little trouble making begin.
Full review here.
Greenglass House by Kate Milford
From the publisher: It’s wintertime at Greenglass House. The creaky smuggler’s inn is always quiet during this season, and twelve-year-old Milo, the innkeepers’ adopted son, plans to spend his holidays relaxing. But on the first icy night of vacation, out of nowhere, the guest bell rings. Then rings again. And again. Soon Milo’s home is bursting with odd, secretive guests, each one bearing a strange story that is somehow connected to the rambling old house. As objects go missing and tempers flare, Milo and Meddy, the cook’s daughter, must decipher clues and untangle the web of deepening mysteries to discover the truth about Greenglass House—and themselves.
If you are a seasonal reader, save this one for the winter, preferably with snow falling outside! I hosted a read along for this book last year and you can see the discussion here.
Malamander by Thomas Taylor
From the publisher: “The town legend of the Malamander — a part-fish, part-human monster whose egg is said to make dreams come true — is rearing its scaly head. As various townspeople, some good-hearted, some nefarious, reveal themselves to be monster hunters on the sly, can Herbert and Violet elude them and discover what happened to Violet’s kin?”
I really enjoyed this fun and unique story and will definitely be picking up the sequel when it comes out. My instagram mini review can be found here.
For more information on this book, the link for the UK edition that I have (and prefer), click here.
The Land of Roar by Jenny McLachlan
Summary from the publisher: When Arthur and Rose were little, they were heroes in the Land of Roar, an imaginary world that they found by climbing through the folding bed in their grandad’s attic. Roar was filled with things they loved – dragons, mermaids, ninja wizards and adventure – as well as things that scared them (including a very creepy scarecrow. . .)
Now the twins are eleven, Roar is just a memory. But when they help Grandad clean out the attic, Arthur is horrified as Grandad is pulled into the folding bed and vanishes. Is he playing a joke? Or is Roar . . . real?
Click here for my review, pictures of the gorgeous illustrations, and the link for the UK edition I love.
The Storm Keeper’s Island by Catherine Doyle
This is probably my favorite of the middle grade books I read last year; it even made my 2019 favorites list for all genres! I absolutely adored it!
Fionn travels to the island of Arranmore on the west coast of Ireland with his sister, Tara, to stay with their grandfather. He quickly begins to realize that this is no ordinary island and there may be more to his grandfather than just the old man he sees before him. Shifting tides, magical candles, and a family legacy that may now fall to Fionn, he has a lot to learn and a lot to overcome.
For a full review, click here.
For the ISBN and link for the UK edition I have, click here.
Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend
Morrigan Crow was born cursed and destined to die on her eleventh birthday. When the time comes a mysterious stranger, Jupiter North, rescues and sweeps her away to the magical city of Nevermoor. In order to remain in her new home she seeks admittance to the prestigious Wundrous Society. Morrigan must compete in a series of trials to prove that she belongs among these elite.
This is another standout favorite and I highly recommend the audio version! For the full review, click here.
Britfield & The Lost Crown by C.R. Stewart
Thank you to the author and publisher for my copy!
Summary from the publisher: Tom has spent the majority of his life locked behind the cruel walls of Weatherly Orphanage, but when he learns that his parents might actually be alive, Tom is determined to find them. Together, with his best friend Sarah and armed with only the word “Britfield” as a clue to Tom’s mysterious past, the two make a daring escape. Now, they are on the run from a famous Scotland Yard detective and what appears to be half of the police officers in England! The hunt is on, but will Tom and Sarah be able to evade capture long enough to solve an even bigger conspiracy that could tear apart the country?
Full review to come on this one still, but I really enjoyed it! It’s a great read for an anglophile or anyone interested in history. I loved that the story takes the characters to some of my favorite places- Oxford, Windsor, London and so on. I’m looking forward to the second book, which will take place in France. You can get a copy through the publisher’s website or on Amazon.
The Other Half of Happy by Rebecca Balcárcel
Thank you to Chronicle Kids Books for my copy!
Twelve year old Quijana is trying to navigate a lot of difficulties- starting seventh grade at a new school, making new friends, her first crush, and now her dad is trying to get her to embrace her Guatemalan heritage. The problem with this is that he’s raised Quijana totally Anglo, never teaching her Spanish or much about her heritage. When her Guatemalan relatives move nearby all of a sudden he wants her to be more like her cousins. She’s trying to deal with that, her problems at school and now her beloved grandma is sick.
A beautiful and powerful story! This is one of the few non-fantasy MG books I read and I adored it. Full review can be found here.
Sweep by Jonathan Auxier
From the publisher: Sweep is the story of a girl and her monster. Together, these two outcasts carve out a new life—saving each other in the process. Lyrically told by one of today’s most powerful storytellers, Sweep is a heartrending adventure about the everlasting gifts of friendship and wonder.
Sweep was the read along book for Middle Grade March last year and I had some mixed feelings about it. I wish I had known a little more about it going in as I think I would’ve enjoyed it more. You can read more here.
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2019 Middle Grade Books.
