Middle grade fiction is not just for a younger audience, take me for example, I’m 23 years old and I love reading the genre. The thing I adore about the following three series is that it’s filled with wonder and awe about the world the characters encounter on their adventures.
Alcatraz vs The Evil Librarians series by Brandon Sanderson.
From goodreads:
Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians is the first adventure in a fantasy series for young readers by the #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson. The fast-paced and funny series is now available in deluxe hardcover editions illustrated by Hayley Lazo.
On his thirteenth birthday, foster child Alcatraz Smedry gets a bag of sand in the mail-his only inheritance from his father and mother. He soon learns that this is no ordinary bag of sand. It is quickly stolen by the cult of evil Librarians who are taking over the world by spreading misinformation and suppressing truth. Alcatraz must stop them, using the only weapon he has: an incredible talent for breaking things.
I read the series over the past six months and every single book is just so funny. The characters are goof balls in the best way possible. It’s fun and light, mixed with a little bit of seriousness that is handled with humor. Alcatraz is a great protagonist, he is not a hero and he makes loads of mistakes, which that makes him very relatable. The talents are very clever, they can be seen as an obstacle, but the way the characters use them as assets is very impressive. I read the last book in one sitting. It’s a great series, go read it!
Magnus Chase Series by Rick Riordan.
From goodreads:
Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother’s mysterious death, he’s lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.
One day, he’s tracked down by a man he’s never met—a man his mother claimed was dangerous. The man tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god.
The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Trolls, giants and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday. To prevent Ragnarok, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.
When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fatal decision.
Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die . . .
Norse mythology is my jam and Rick Riordan is one of my favorite authors. The take on the gods and how it all works is so refreshing and imaginative. The Magnus Chase series also features a plethora of diverse characters, there’s a black dwarf, a deaf elf, a muslim valkyrie and in the second book there’s also a gender fluid character. I love it because it feels so natural and free from stereotypes. This is a series everyone who enjoys adventures and want to learn more about norse mythology should read. Actually, even if you’re not interest in norse mythology you should read it anyway. It’s. Just. That. Good.
Amulet graphic novel series by Kazu Kibuishi.
From goodreads:
Graphic novel star Kazu Kibuishi creates a world of terrible, man-eating demons, a mechanical rabbit, a giant robot—and two ordinary children on a life-or-death mission.
After the tragic death of their father, Emily and Navin move with their mother to the home of her deceased great-grandfather, but the strange house proves to be dangerous. Before long, a sinister creature lures the kids’ mom through a door in the basement. Em and Navin, desperate not to lose her, follow her into an underground world inhabited by demons, robots, and talking animals.
Eventually, they enlist the help of a small mechanical rabbit named Miskit. Together with Miskit, they face the most terrifying monster of all, and Em finally has the chance to save someone she loves.
Both the story and the art is amazing. I can’t wait for the next volume, it’s an utter joy reading this series and learning about the world the main characters discover. It’s addictive and you won’t want to stop until you reach the end.
Those were a few middle grade recommendations. Let the reading commence!
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