Happy 2026 Mixed-Up Files readers! We have some exciting new middle-grade books coming out this January. Here are just a few on them!
Gumshoe by Brenna Thummler
In the hot, gossipy town of Stony Lonesome, shy eleven-year old Willa interacts with others the only way that feels right to her—the mail. She loves the mail so much that she hopes to become a mail carrier herself one day. But her dreams of delivering birthday cards, thank-you notes, and love letters come crashing down when she’s mistaken for the notorious Two Gum Tilly, a bandit rumored to be stealing mail for as long as folks can recall.
Now an outlaw herself, Willa realizes the only way to clear her name is to bring the real crook to justice. But when a chance encounter introduces her to the Gumshoe Gang, a group of runaways looking to right the wrongs of the letter-looting thief, she finds that human connection might be her only path to freedom. Can Willa clear her name and revive her dreams of postal glory, or has she stamped her last letter . . . forever?
The Moon Without Stars by Chanel Miller
The Ordinary and Extraordinary Auden Greene by Corey Ann Haydu
Auden “Denny” Greene is happiest with her friend Runa, creating stories set in their imaginary land of Sorrowfeld, where princesses rule and cursed dragons are a constant danger. But now that they are turning twelve, Runa seems ready to give up on the magic of Sorrowfeld just when Denny needs it the most…
Princess Auden is the last remaining princess of Sorrowfeld—and on her twelfth birthday, she will be expected to vanquish the dragons that took her family. Only, when a swarm attacks her birthday celebration, all she can do is run…
But suddenly. Auden is in Denny’s world. And Denny is in Auden’s.
The two Audens have switched places. No one but them has any idea. And now, each girl must come into her own power in order to fight the other’s dragons.
Fustuk: A Graphic Novel by Robert Mgrdich Apelian
Inspired by Armenian and Persian mythology, this graphic novel follows the youngest of three dysfunctional siblings who strike a magical deal to save their mother’s life.
Seventeen-year-old Katah Fustukian has always felt like the odd one out in his family of chefs. Unlike his older siblings, he is useless in the kitchen, and too young to have known their late father—a legendary Hye chef who’d made a name for himself in the Pars Empire.
But with his mom’s illness worsening, Katah hopes that his vision-like dreams are a sign of magic stirring within him—especially after they lead him to Az, a powerful div with some mysterious connection to his family. In an attempt to save their mom’s life, he and his siblings strike a deal: Az’s help in exchange for a dish that rivals their father’s. But after the siblings clash over what to cook, Katah will have to make sense of his magic and family history—and wager far more than a single meal to meet Az’s demands…
Nadia Islam, on the Record by Adiba Jaigirdar
A curious and competitive girl travels to celebrate Ramadan with her family in Bangladesh, where she learns about the country’s climate crisis—and the true meaning of her favorite holiday.
Even though Nadia Islam is excited to meet her cousins on her summer trip to Bangladesh, she is disappointed not to be celebrating her first Ramadan fasting alongside her best friend, Yasmin. Then again, she just might find the news story that will get her picked to be her school paper’s editor-in-chief!
As soon as she lands, Nadia realizes she has a lot to learn about Bangladesh. Fortunately, her favorite aunt (and fellow journalist) is spending the summer researching the disastrous flooding in the region—and she just might need Nadia’s help to get the inside scoop about the country’s climate dangers.
Meanwhile, Nadia’s cousins are almost as competitive as she is, and suggest a contest to see who can keep the most fasts. Between her journalism and her determination to win the Ramadan Race, Nadia is sure to have the best Ramadan ever—right?
Basket Ball: The Story of the All-American Game by Kadir Nelson
Basketball has evolved by leaps and bounds since its origin over 125 years ago, but what remains is the passion of the players, the heat of competition, and supreme strategy and athleticism on the court. In this visual tour de force, celebrated artist Kadir Nelson weds his love for the game with showstopping paintings that bring its heart-pounding history to life.
The sage voice of an elder player narrates the journey from the early days of the slow game of “basket ball” to today’s dazzlingly athletic and fast-paced sport. Engaging profiles of revolutionary players–including Wilt Chamberlain, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry–are featured, along with notable quotes from major figures of the game. With each breathtaking page turn, fans young and old will learn the gripping story of the all-American game and meet its iconic, indomitable heroes.
Troubled Waters: A River’s Journey Toward Justice by Carole Boston Weatherford
Some say water is the mightiest force on earth.
But the yearning for freedom is even stronger.
For centuries, the Alabama River has been a witness. Buried in its riverbed are countless fossils and artifacts-as well as souls, secrets, and stories.
Troubled Waters brings history to life through the voice of this mighty waterway, from the earliest settlers on its shores to 1965, when Black citizens in Selma rose up like a river to demand their right to vote.
Celebrated creators Carole Boston Weatherford and Bryan Collier show that the Alabama River is much more than a witness to history. It is also a source of strength, keeping hope afloat through times of trouble; and a rising tide, coursing on a journey toward justice.
Fros, Fades, and Braids: A Brief History of Black Hair in America by Sean Qualls
Fros, Fades, and Braids seeks to tell the story of Black hair in America, starting with Madam C.J. Walker and hair-straightening, and ending with what’s happening with Black hair today! The art includes portraits of some of the key players in the creation of the Black hair industry, as well as some of the personalities that made notable styles like the conk, the Afro, and the Jheri curl famous.
Hair care for Black folks is a way of declaring one’s freedom of self-expression and personal identity. Fros, Fades, and Braids is my love letter to Black hair and is for anyone who wants to know more about it!
After all, hair is the highest part of the body and the closest to heaven.
And since it sits all the way up there,
some people consider their hair
a crown,
An empowering history of creativity, bravery, and pride—thoughtfully written and illustrated by award-winning artist Sean Qualls— an inspiring and educational book for children of all races.
Maple for the People by Kate McGovern
Maple is running for president of the sixth grade against popular Sonia Shah in this contemporary story of friendship, family, and community action, a follow-up to Welcome Back, Maple Mehta-Cohen set in a dyslexia-friendly font.
Maple has made it to sixth grade at last, and her friend Jack thinks she’d make a great class president. At first, Maple’s mind isn’t on politics—she feels her old friends drifting away, her family can’t afford a new rent increase, and her favorite historic tree is taken down by the city, leaving only a stump with hundreds of rings. But when Maple realizes she might be able to achieve something good, like starting a community garden, she jumps into the race. When a fire sweeps through a local building, Maple’s priorities change. What if her class could help the families displaced by the disaster? Unfortunately, campaigning on the idea of giving away the class fund isn’t too popular, especially when Maple’s opponent, Sonia Shah (who has a cool new haircut), promises new tablets for everyone instead. Maple is further disheartened by anonymous attacks on her struggles with reading. But she is determined to see this campaign through, win or lose, with a slogan that shows her truest heart: Maple for the people!
Happy reading from all of us at the blog!
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Thanks for the great list of middle grade releases this month. I hadn’t seen Gunshoe, which sounds good. Happy New Year!