Middle Grade Book Recommendations #2

American as Paneer Pie by Supriya Kelkar
Genre: Contemporary

Lehka is an American Indian girl who sometimes endures teasing despite trying to fit in with everyone else. When an Indian girl named Avantika moves in across the street, Lehka learns about friendship, embracing her culture, and that it’s okay to stand out!

Cattywampus by Ash Van Otterloo
Genre: Fantasy

Two girls from rival witch families have to work together to save their town from a zombie infestation! This is a fun read about believing in yourself and your abilities, doing the right thing, and spells gone wrong.

Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch by Julie Abe
Genre: Fantasy

Eva Evergreen is a young witch with only a pinch of magic. But to earn the rank of Novice Witch she must live in another city for a year and help the people there with her magic. How can she help a lot of people with only a tiny bit of magic? This is a great story about friendship and believing in yourself!

Front Desk by Kelly Yang
Genre: Contemporary/Historical (90s)

Mia her family are Chinese immigrants, and her parents become the managers of a motel. Her parents hide other immigrants in the motel for free. This book is a good look at an important side of immigration as well as identity.

The Girl and the Ghost by Hanna Alkaf
Genre: Fantasy

Suraya’s witch grandmother gifts her a ghostly companion called a pelesit. She names the ghost Pink and they become fast friends, but Pink becomes jealous when Suraya starts to make human friends!

Kiki’s Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono
Genre: Fantasy

Kiki is a witch whose only power is flying on a broom. When she goes off on her own to a new city as a rite of passage, she must find her own way to survive using her ability to fly. She comes up with the idea of a delivery service and adventure and chaos follow!

Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy

Sal is the new kid at his school, and he has a secret. He can pull things out of other universes! This book and its sequel (Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe) are a mix of really fun sci fi and fantasy elements, and awesome characters!

A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy

In a city where the Governor controls all light and only the rich get the brightest light, Pong escapes from prison. Nok, the prison warden’s daughter, is determined to track him down to restore her family’s good name. Can Pong and Nok find common ground and bring light to everyone?

Darcy Lepore
Library Director