For me, the biggest hurdle to discovering new middle-grade books I’m interested in reading is just that — discovering them.
Quite simply, there are a lot of books out there, and it can feel exhausting to wade through descriptions, trying to find one that sparks something in you.
But I really like discovering new favorite reads, so I’m using this post as an excuse to push myself into taking the time to really explore what’s out there.
Will this be useful to other people? Maybe.
I tend to be drawn to speculative fiction of all types — sci-fi, fantasy, horror — as well as nerdy stuff in general and certain kinds of adventure and mystery stories. So this list definitely leans in that direction.
Okay. Ready? In no particular order…
Falling Out of Time – Margaret Peterson Haddix
Publishing May 30
I’m not an MPH person. I don’t mean I don’t like her books — somehow I’ve just never read one. (I know, I know.)
Falling Out of Time sounds intriguing, though. A 12-year-old girl living in the “perfect” virtual future of 2193 discovers that the world may not be what she thinks it is.
The only caveat for me: it’s a sequel of sorts to another Haddix book, Running Out of Time. I’m not usually a fan of reading books out of sequence. But that may just mean I have to read both….
Juniper Harvey and the Vanishing Kingdom – Nina Varela
![](http://joshweissroessler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/9780316706780-206x300.jpg)
The Destiny of Minou Moonshine – Gita Ralleigh
Publishing July 6
An alternate-history set in a magical India? A journey with friends on a mechanical elephant? A world that feels rich and lush and dreamlike?
For some reason, Minou Moonshine gives me vibes like The Girl Who Drank The Moon, one of my favorite lyrical middle-grade books ever. Sign me up!
Lei and the Fire Goddess – Malia Maunakea
![](http://joshweissroessler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/9780593522035-199x300.jpg)
Between Monsters and Marvels – Alysa Wishingrad
![](http://joshweissroessler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/9780063244870-198x300.jpg)