I can’t tell you how often I hear friends looking for book recommendations for their middle grade aged boys on the Facebook, or on the blacktop after school. It’s hard to find books for this age set if you’re not tuned in to reading blogs and Newbery lists.
To be clear, by middle grade I mean grades 3 through 7, age 8 to 12 (roughly). Anyone can enjoy a middle grade read, but in terms of content as appropriate to age of reader, this is the rough guideline for the designation. For example, if you’re not ready for your child to read THE HUNGER GAMES because of the overall concept of kids fighting kids to the death, then middle grade is where you want to go for some great books.
Now, as far as the gender thing goes, I firmly believe that anyone can enjoy any book, if it’s the right book for them. Middle grade is a great source for books that appeal to both genders, with the acknowledgement that individual readers will have their own tastes, and that’s okay!
With no further blabbery from me, here’s a list of some FABULOUS middle grade reads, ones that offer plenty of action, humor, and heart:
 |
| THE RIVERMAN by Aaron Starmer |
 |
| THE DRAGONET PROPHECY by Tui T. Sutherland |
 |
| THE GREAT GREENE HEIST by Varian Johnson |
 |
| THE FOURTEENTH GOLDFISH by Jennifer L. Holm |
 |
| STEERING TOWARD NORMAL by Rebecca Petruck |
 |
| BY THE GRACE OF TODD by Louise Galveston |
 |
| THE WEDNESDAY WARS by Gary Schmidt |
 |
| FRINDLE by Andrew Clements |
I think some books are more appealing to boys, especially if they have a boy protagonist. Kids like reading about characters who resemble them or go through similar things, in general. Of course, there's always exceptions, but I would never catch my son reading a "girlie" book. My favorite "boy" books include SLOB, by Ellen Potter (great voice!) and ONE-HANDED CATCH, by MJ Auch.
I haven't read most of these, but I agree Steering Toward Normal and Wednesday Wars are great choices. In fact, any of Gary D. Schmidt's books are great. I actually liked Okay for Now and What Came from the Stars better than Wednesday Wars. You might want to add Wish You Weren't by Sherrie Petersen. It's a great book for boys. Thanks for adding more books to my staggering TBR list! 😉
I need to save these recs for when my boy is bigger. And for me now, too! MG is a genre that I just love, there are so many amazing books in it.
I LOVE SLOB SO MUCH! It's a modern classic, as far as I'm concerned. really. Loved it.
I also loved OKAY FOR NOW! I need to check out Sherrie Petersen. Thanks for the rec!
I'm amazed at how quickly my 8yo is moving into MG reads. He just devoured THE ONE & ONLY IVAN and now he's about to start ABSOLUTELY ALMOST, which I can't wait to read myself!
Hi Melanie! This is super self-serving but, alas, here it goes. If your son would like another MG to read, please let me know and I can send you a copy of The Beef Jerky Gang. Would be happy to do it. Just email me at danielkenneybooks at gmail dot com with your address and I will send you a book. Although girls read it too, thus far, boys are enjoying it most so let me know if you're interested. Dan.
Hey, Dan! I think my older son would totally love your book. I think a better idea is for him to request it at the library. I'd rather give you a sale! 🙂 Thanks so much for the recommendation.