5 Middle School Books Parents Will Love Too

Today I’m going to share my favorite middle-grade books that I’ve enjoyed reading just as much as my kids.

Since I’ve got two middle schoolers this year, I have done my share of reading middle-grade novels. To be honest, I’ve really enjoyed this genre and have found some pretty amazing books (along with a few duds, of course).

These five books have been some of my favorite tween and teen reads this year, and they’re the kind of stories I enjoy sharing with my kids. Let’s jump into this list!

5 Middle School Books I Enjoyed Reading Just as Much as My Kids

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1. The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker

If you haven’t read Ada’s story yet, put this one on your list. It’s a historical fiction that won’t disappoint.

Set during World War II, The War That Saved My Life follows Ada, a young girl who has spent her entire life being hidden away by her negligent and abusive mother because of her clubfoot. When children are evacuated from London during the war, Ada escapes with her younger brother and begins an entirely new life.

It’s emotional and at times a bit heavy, yet Ada’s journey of finding courage, belonging, and a sense of her own worth is incredibly moving.

The sequel, The War I Finally Won, continues Ada’s story and is just as worthwhile. My oldest daughter and I really enjoyed these books. (I would recommend this series for older middle schoolers based on some of the abuse that the children suffered.)

Note: I enjoyed these two books by Kimberly Brubaker, but cannot speak for the rest of her work.

2. Echo Mountain by Lauren Wolk

I think I can say I’m becoming a fan of Lauren Wolk’s writings! So far we’ve read Beyond the Bright Sea, Candle Island, and Echo Mountain. Echo Mountain has been our favorite! With a little mystery, some historical elements, tons of nature, and a strong family story, Echo Mountain is a middle-grade book we all thoroughly enjoyed.

Set during the Great Depression, the story follows Ellie, whose family moves to Echo Mountain after losing almost everything. When her father becomes seriously ill, Ellie begins looking beyond what her family believes to be true and starts searching for answers in the mountains around them.

There’s a lovely sense of place in this book, and Ellie’s connection to nature is a big part of what makes it memorable. It’s a story about resilience, healing, family, and learning to see people—and yourself—in a different way.

Both my daughters and I enjoyed this book immensely!

3. Light and Air by Mindy Nichols Wendell

Light and Air is a gentle and sweet middle-grade novel about friendship, family, illness, and finding your way through a difficult season of life.

Set in 1935, it follows Halle and her mother after they both contract tuberculosis and are sent to a TB hospital in upstate New York, separated from their family and everything they know. What starts as a frightening and lonely experience slowly becomes a place where Halle finds friendship, comfort, and a kind of found family among the girls in the children’s ward.

It’s a really tender story about illness, isolation, and resilience, with a lot of heart. I thought it was beautifully written. It was emotional without being too heavy, and ultimately really hopeful. My girls and I both loved this book. (My youngest said it was the best book she’s ever read!)

5. Nory Ryan’s Song by Patricia Reilly Giff

This one has been one of my favorite middle school books for years now.

Nory Ryan’s Song takes readers to Ireland during the Great Potato Famine and follows Nory, a young girl whose family is struggling to survive. It really opens your eyes to the hardship of starvation and fosters empathy for those who still struggle through poverty or famine.

This one is emotionally intense, but Nory’s courage and determination make it a powerful read. I also like that the historical setting introduces kids to an important period in history through the perspective of a young person their own age.

I just finished the sequel, Maggie’s Door, which follows their harrowing journey from Ireland to the Americas. (It was just as good as the first book!)

5. Sweep by Jonathan Auxier

Sweep was one of my 2026 summer reads. It is a little different from the other books on this list, but it instantly caught my interest and held it to the end. Johnathan Auxier very skillfully wrote this book; I was blown away by the twists and turns, the descriptive language, and the overall flow.

It’s a historical story with a touch of magic, following a young chimney sweep and her mysterious companion. The book explores friendship, family, loneliness, and what it means to find where you belong.

There are some difficult moments and some magic, so I definitely recommend pre-reading it before handing it to your kids, but there’s also a lot of heart. My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

As a side note, I actually enjoyed this one more than his other Peter Nimble book. So give it a try, even if Peter Nimble wasn’t your favorite.

Middle School Books Everyone Can Enjoy

Good books are good books regardless of age range or genre. If the book isn’t worth my time and attention, why would I give it to my kids?

“A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.” by C.S. Lewis

These books that I’ve shared have strong characters, interesting settings, plenty of heart, and storylines that give kids (and adults) something to think and talk about.

I hope you feel inspired to pick up one of these middle-grade books and read it for yourself! You might find yourself engrossed just as much as your kids.