Book Lists!

As a kid, my summers were spent hanging out at the library reading Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys. I loved a good mystery, and not much has changed in that department. With summer reading in full swing, I’ve picked six of my favorite middle grade mysteries to share. They weren’t around when I was a kid, but discovering them as an adult was just as magical. Reading them satisfied the mystery-loving kid in me and reminded me why I fell in love with the genre in the first place. Each one is packed with clever clues, memorable characters, page-turning suspense, and the challenge of solving the mystery before the final reveal. I hope one of these mysteries piques your interest, sparks your inner detective, and keeps you guessing until the very last page. Happy sleuthing! THE SECRET FILES OF FAIRDAY MORROW by Stephanie Robinson & Jessica Haight   Fans of classic detective stories, The Mysterious Benedict Society, and the Secret Series...

We have some ravenous readers in my house. My oldest can blaze through a few middle grade books in a single week. Sometimes it feels like my wife and I can barely keep up, and reloading his Kindle with picks from our local library is a nightly ritual. Of course...

Thinking Outside the Box: WNDMG Summer 2026 Recommendations Summer is the perfect time to unwind and relax. This is true for parents, children, teachers, and students alike! So while we rest our minds, it’s best to try thinking outside the box and finding time to discover some unconventional and lighthearted...

Summer can be an exciting season, inviting more time with friends and family, campouts under the stars, or fun-filled travel plans. However, the break in predictable school-centered schedules can also invite big changes! For me growing up, summers often meant relocation and new schools, for others it can bring big...

Summer is the perfect time to dive into a good book, and if you ask me, the spookier the better. Whether you’re reading by the pool, at the beach, or under the covers with a flashlight, these ghostly adventures and spine-tingling tales are sure to make your summer a bit...

The Cat Prophecies: Claw Quest By Nik Korpon and Jorge Enrique Paz A thirteen-year-old boy holds the fate of his family, his neighborhood, and the world in his hands when he discovers that his cat is from a secret realm of warrior cats facing a dangerous enemy. The walls between worlds are wearing...

Summer break is here! Welcome to sunshine, fireflies, and warm breezes. One of my favorite parts of summer break as a kid was reading underneath our big oak tree while lounging in a hammock. If your young reader is a seasonal reader, here are some sensational novels, novels in verse,...