Posts Tagged Middle Grade

June 2026 New Releases!

The Cat Prophecies: Claw Quest

A thirteen-year-old boy holds the fate of his family, his neighborhood, and the world in his hands when he discovers that his cat is from a secret realm of warrior cats facing a dangerous enemy.

The walls between worlds are wearing thin. On one side is the bustling neighborhood of San Antonio—home to thirteen-year-old Tito Rodríguez.On the other is a mythical realm where forces of darkness are looking for a way out. Standing between worlds are the guardians of humankind—a race of fierce warrior cats, who appear in our world as cute and furry companions.

When Tito follows a stray cat through a hidden portal, he finds himself at the center of this cosmic battle between the warrior cats and evil spirits that feed on negative emotions. And according to an ancient prophecy, Tito is the Chosen One who will lead the fight against the forces of darkness . . . probably.

It turns out that there are three possible Chosen Ones—Tito and his new friends and fellow outsiders Luisito and Isa, who have their own furry sidekicks (or wise mentors, if you ask the cats). And with the darkness slipping through the cracks to the human world, all three will have to train for the ultimate fight and prove who is the true hero.

 

Roxie in Color

By Diane Debrovner and Stacy Cervenka

Roxie wants to blend in at a new school, which is hard to do when your parents are blind, in this remarkable novel about friendship, misperceptions, and family—plus a dog’s view of the world.

Roxie loves her parents, but other people can’t seem to see past the fact that they’re blind—and they don’t really see Roxie, either. To them, she’s just “the girl with the blind parents.” So when her family moves to a new town and Roxie starts seventh grade at a new school, she’s determined to be known for the other parts of who she is: an artist, an animal lover, and the kind of person who bakes cookies for people she cares about for no special reason. But that means keeping her parents’ blindness a secret from the kids at school and definitely not telling anyone that she might inherit the eye condition that caused her mother’s vision loss—at least until they get to know her.

For a while, Roxie is happier than she’s ever been. But when her lies and omissions lead to a visit from Child Protective Services, will Roxie find the courage to be fully honest with her friends, her parents, and herself? This heartfelt depiction of a girl establishing her own identity, with some chapters told from the perspective of her mother’s loyal guide dog, is an authentic portrayal of the joys, challenges, and everyday ordinariness of being raised by parents who have a disability.

Note: The novel is typeset in Atkinson Hyperlegible, a font developed by Braille Institute specifically for low-vision readers.

 

Glow

By Nancy Stone

Cordelia believes in facts. Frano believes in destiny. They’re as different as storm clouds and sunshine—until they discover three baby white storks that glow with mysterious light.

No one else can see the glow, just Cordelia and Frano—and she wants nothing to do with the new boy. Yet with a massive hurricane barreling toward Florida, the birds’ very survival depends on this unlikely pair.

Glow pulses with light and unforgettable characters. A magical realism story that aims for and captures the heart.

For anyone who loved Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet or Willodeen.

 

 

 

 

 

Sol Goes for Goal!

It’s back to school for the Hillside Valley kids! Sol’s trying out for the middle school soccer team but will a crush on the team captain distract her from her goals? Find out in this new Hillside Valley graphic novel—filled with friendship, first crushes, and some impressive soccer skills!

Welcome back to Hillside Valley-this time it’s Game On for Sol!

Twelve-year-old Sol is a great friend, a model student, a beloved daughter and a star soccer player. At least that’s what everyone always expects of her. But when the soccer team captain Lily walks by, Sol starts to lose focus. What’s with this heart fluttering feeling she has around Lily?! And how can she stay the star player–the star everything–that people see her as if she can barely remember her name (much less how to play soccer) around Lily? Is Sol destined to let everyone down, including herself? Or can she figure out how to be the Sol she wants to be…on and off the field. Settle back into the cozy community of Hillside Valley in this second irresistible graphic novel! And don’t miss the first Hillside Valley Graphic Novel, Speak Up, Santiago!

 

Midsummer Sisters

Kenzie and Quinn aren’t just stepsisters – they’re best friends. They’re spending the summer with their grandmother, kayaking in the marshy coastal islands she calls home. The Outer Banks are also home to a herd of wild ponies, and the girls fall in love with a fragile newborn foal that they name Starling.

But even blue skies and sandy beaches can’t distract from what’s going on back home. Things between their parents aren’t the way they used to be, and the constant fights have left Kenzie and Quinn anxious and confused. They can’t remember a time when they weren’t a family. If their parents divorce and Quinn and her mom move away, will they even still be sisters . . . or will they be nothing?

As their world shifts around them, the girls swear to do the one thing they can: keep Starling safe.

Award-winning cartoonist Niki Smith delivers a stunning story set during a summer of change. Filled with gorgeous and expressive illustrations, Midsummer Sisters is a celebration of the beauty of wild horses, as powerful as the unbreakable bond between sisters.

 

 

Lightmare

Book #2 of The Incorruptibles

Fiora’s world has been turned upside down in this second book in the exciting upper middle grade fantasy series The Incorruptibles, for fans of Keeper of the Lost Cities and The Marvellers.

Still reeling from recent tragedies, Fiora and her Thistle teammates are on the run and living in seclusion. Times are difficult, and the Thistles are more vulnerable to the sorcerer threat than ever. But all is not lost. The Thistles are forming a plan to fight back.

But when terrible truths are revealed, deep fractures form within the team. When one of their own makes a choice Fiora never saw coming—and cannot possibly understand—Fiora and her friends are forced to reexamine what is good and what is evil…as well as the gray space between.

 

Just Ask Elsie

 

Elsie Parker is having a totally normal fifth grade year.

Fractions and conjunctions—check.
Stressing about middle school—check.
Body-positive puberty class at church that also covers feelings and identities—check.

Okay, maybe that last one isn’t so normal. It’s a little weird (and awkward) to spend her Sundays talking periods, B.O., and pimples. But Elsie’s also learning a lot more than she’s heard in her public-school health class — like the difference between sex and gender, and what consent is, and what it might mean that she can’t stop blushing around a certain cute girl at her school.

When her puberty lessons become the school’s latest gossip, Elsie’s totally humiliated… until she finds an anonymous note in her locker from a classmate who wants to know more, and realizes that other kids might have embarrassing questions of their own.

Starting an underground advice board wasn’t exactly in her plans, but Elsie won’t pass up a chance to turn her reputation around — or to share words and labels that have not-so-accidentally been left off their curriculum. But when the principal tries to shut down the unauthorized puberty talk, Elsie has to decide what she’s willing to risk to tell the truth to kids who really need to hear it.

 

Stream

It’s finally summer—heck, yeah!

With eigth grade done, Elio Solis plans to lock in on his gaming and show the fellas what he’s got.

Celi Rivera and her bestie are headed to Hawaii to sun, skate, and search content for her channel.

But those dreams end when a catfishing incident rocks their Oakland community. Suddenly, parents are nosing in posts, taking phones, and laying down lectures about screen-time safety and well-being. Suddenly, Celi and Elio find themselves sent to rural Mexico, without internet, electricity, or even running water save for a dying stream that could wipe out the whole pueblo in the coming summer rains.

Helping curanderas in a healing clinic…
carting sticks to rehabilitate the arroyo…
turn summer dreams to misery!

But day by day, in nature, beauty, and community, with crushes blooming, can they find their way to each other—and slowly back to themselves?

 

 

The Replay Trap

A girl stuck in a time loop repeatedly relives an awkward sleepover at a wildlife center with a wolf-like monster in the woods in this fun and creepy middle grade adventure.

When Sydney heads to a sleepover birthday party at a wildlife center, she’s sure it’s a terrible idea. Not only because she’ll be staying in a creepy cabin surrounded by wolf enclosures, but because she wasn’t actually invited to the party. Instead, her mom asked Ari’s mom if Sydney could join, and now she’s crashing the event with a group of kids she barely knows. Ugh.It turns out she isn’t the only party crasher when a strange, wolf-like creature bounds out of the woods and throws the night into chaos. In the rush to escape, Sydney hits her head, is knocked out cold…and wakes up back in the car, headed to the party.

Sydney realizes she’s living the same night again and again and again. Why is the evening stuck in a loop, and what is the creature prowling around the center? And—most importantly—how can she break the loop and finally see the morning?

Fifth Grade Top Dogs

By Jerry Spinelli

George, aka “Suds,” is about to start the fifth grade, where he, his best friend Joey, and the rest of his classmates will be the top dogs of the whole school. They are ready to collect on the respect they now deserve and leave their lasting legacy at Gotwals Elementary . . . but that’s easier said than done.

Between bullies on the playground and a prankster sister, Suds is being undermined, ignored, and even challenged everywhere he turns.

Suds knows this could finally be his year, if only he works on his walk, perfects his image, and his annoying little sister stays out of his way. He has been preparing to be a top dog his whole elementary school career. Does he now have what it takes?

 

 

 

 

Hope you enjoy these exciting new releases. Have a great Summer!

Author Spotlight: Chrystal Giles

In today’s Author Spotlight, Sydney Dunlap chats with author Chrystal Giles about her highly acclaimed new middle-grade novel, Listen to the Girls.

Chrystal D. Giles is a champion for diversity and representation in children’s literature. Chrystal often says she’s a lover of both words and numbers, she spent fifteen years as an accountant before transitioning to writing full-time. Chrystal made her debut with Take Back the Block, which received multiple starred reviews, was a Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, and NPR Best Book, and won the IRA Social Justice Literature Award. Her latest middle-grade novel, Not An Easy Win, received four starred reviews and has been named an ALA Notable Children’s Book. She is continuing to expand her catalog with new releases in 2026, a novel, Listen to the Girls, and her debut picture book, We Are Joy, illustrated by Kitt Thomas. Chrystal lives outside Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband and son.

All About the Book!

When Calla finds out her favorite teacher has been accused of inappropriate conduct, she decides to take action in this powerful story about growing up and speaking up, about listening to others and learning to listen to yourself. Because the more Calla listens . . . the more she realizes that maybe she has something to say too.

“Important and empowering—this story is a testament to the power of girls supporting one another.”—Kate Messner, New York Times bestselling author

What if the truth really is as powerful as it feels?

Calla has always had smart-girl energy. She’s Josiah the track star’s practical younger sister. Charlee and Jacoby’s problem-solving best friend. Attorney Dionne Howard’s model daughter. So it’s nice when someone seems to see her for her, outside of all that. But what if that person is a grown-up who maybe isn’t as trustworthy as Calla thought? Calla’s mom likes to say “Always do what you know is right.” But what if you don’t know what the right thing is?

These are the questions Calla faces on the last day of seventh grade, when she finds out that her favorite teacher has been accused of inappropriate conduct at his old school. Calla doesn’t know what really happened. She does know that people are saying mean things about the girls who have spoken out—and that can’t be right . . . can it? Inspired by her favorite newsblogger, EboniiNews (whose motto is Amplify. Connect. Truth. ACT.), Calla has an idea. Can she find a way to ACT?

Interview with Chrystal Giles

Welcome, Chrystal! Thank you so much for being a guest on the Mixed-up Files! Congratulations on your new release! I found LISTEN TO THE GIRLS to be absolutely riveting. What a timely story that is sure to resonate with young readers and also with older teens/adults. What was your inspiration for writing this?

Thanks so much for reading and for having me on Mixed-up Files!

There are lots of inspirations for this story, but two main concepts guided my writing.

One, the real life issue of young girls (and boys) being placed in inappropriate situations with adults who are in a place of authority; whether it be a coach, neighbor, member of clergy, or family member. For this particular narrative, I used a teacher, in part, because of the high incidents of misconduct reported over the years in my own school district.

Two, I wanted to capture the emotional battle many people face when trying to navigate the process of understanding and reporting sexual harassment—a process I’ve battled with myself.

Craft

This novel is sure to spark many important conversations about what kind of behavior crosses a line and what makes something not okay even if it isn’t necessarily a criminal action. It will be such a wonderful resource for schools to use to promote discussion, as well as for kids to read at home. You weave in nuance beautifully throughout as your protagonist struggles to come to terms with her experience. Was it difficult to craft this novel? What was your biggest challenge in writing it?

Yes, definitely difficult at times. I understand and accept the weight of tackling a topic like grooming and sexual harassment, but I also know how needed this work is. The most challenging moments were waiting to hear from my main character, Calla. I always try to remove myself from the story and let my characters lead me and for this story that required patience. Lots of patience.

There were moments of complete silence from Calla during the drafting process and I had to pause and wait to find her voice again. The story (and me as a writer) are better because of those pauses, but it was definitely challenging.

Ideas

I loved the EboniiNews blog and how it ultimately helped Calla to find her own voice. Was this blog based on a certain one? If not, how did you come up with the idea for it?

The blogger in story isn’t based on anyone in particular. It was important to me to have a safe, trusted, well-liked adult in Calla’s orbit that she could glean guidance from. EboniiNews acts as an information source but also as a seeker of truth and a guide for Calla when she’s navigating the uncertainty. EboniiNews also highlights the need for independent journalism—especially imperative in our current environment.

Characters

Along with Calla, I especially enjoyed Jacoby, Charlee, Si, and Emery.  Do you have a favorite secondary character? Who and why?

Creating characters is my absolute favorite part of writing novels! I love bringing real-feeling characters to my stories. Because the events of this book can be emotionally weighty at times, I wanted Calla to have support and uplift and ease in her friendship group and all the characters you named add to that goal. I don’t know if I have a favorite, but Si has a special place in my heart. He was my way to add a supportive (and sometimes irritating) older brother, but also model a kind, empathic male figure who Calla can trust.

Reader Takeaways

This novel is so empowering as it examines what it means to believe girls and to believe yourself. What do you hope readers take away from the story?

I hope Listen to the Girls can be part of a larger conversation around grooming, sexual harassment, and right versus wrong. I hope any reader who has experienced this type of unwanted attention will feel less alone and know it is not their fault. I also hope readers will feel more empowered to find a safe place—or be a safe place for someone else—and to listen and speak out against wrongdoing.

Writing About Tough Topics

You handle the difficult topic of Calla being groomed by her teacher with grace, care, and sensitivity. I’m always interested in hearing how authors make tough topics accessible to young readers and would love to hear your thoughts on this.

I approach all my stories with care, honesty, and balance. As an author of contemporary realistic fiction, it is incredibly important to reflect and document society as it is, while also remembering my obligation to protect the readers—and my characters— from harm on the page. For this story in particular, I offer moments of levity and humor to balance the heavier ones with banter between characters, through Calla’s love of flowers, and in her free time enjoying summer break fun.

Process

Will you tell us a little about your writing process? Are you a plotter or pantser? Where/when do you prefer to write?

My process begins with forming and connecting to the main character. I wait until I hear their voice loud and clear before I attempt a draft.

I am a panster, for sure. I start with a good idea of the overall plot but I like to dance on the page without a strict outline to follow. Writing is the place where I am most creative, so I let that creativity flow. Which also means my revision rounds are long and arduous!

Influences

What are some current books that have influenced you as a kidlit writer?

The first time I read Ghost by Jason Reynolds, I was captivated by how real his characters felt. It totally inspired me to change my focus to more character-driven stories. I also always return to Clayton Byrd Goes Underground by Rita Williams-Garcia and Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri. All three are modern classics for me.

Advice

What is your advice for aspiring writers?

Read. Write. Reflect.

Read wide and varied—great writers read a lot.

Write whenever you can, even if it’s not formal story writing—notes and journal entries count too.

Reflect on your art—who it’s for, and who you want to share it with.

Other Works

Can you share a bit about your other books?

Both my other middle-grade titles Take Back the Block and Not an Easy Win are contemporary stories that focus on community, friendship, and finding one’s voice. Both books also explore real life topics that impact society and the Black experience, i.e.: gentrification, parental incarceration, social justice. My work also balances those real topics with childhood fun, growth, and connection.

Upcoming Projects

Can you give us some insights into what you’ll be working on next?

In June my debut picture book, We Are Joy, illustrated by Kitt Thomas will be an exciting addition to my catalog. I’m thrilled to share this joyful, lyrical book that has been called, “Persistently lovely and hopeful,” in a Kirkus starred review.

And for the lightning round:

Coffee or tea?

Coffee

Sunrise or sunset?

Sunset

Favorite place to travel:

Any place that is warm, welcoming, and has great food.

Favorite dessert:

Anything that includes chocolate ganache!

Superpower:

Planning! I pride myself on analyzing situations and developing a well-thought-out plan of execution.

Favorite music:

Lately, 1980s soul music.

Favorite book from childhood:

The first book I loved was Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters by John Steptoe.

Thanks again, Chrystal! It was so much fun to learn about you, your writing journey, and your amazing novel! Learn more about Chrystal on her website and follow her on Instagram, Blue Sky, and Threads.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coffee or tea?

Coffee

Sunrise or sunset?

Sunset

Favorite place to travel:

Any place that is warm, welcoming, and has great food.

Favorite dessert:

Anything that includes chocolate ganache!

Superpower:

Planning! I pride myself on analyzing situations and developing a well-thought-out plan of execution.

Favorite music:

Lately, 1980s soul music.

Favorite book from childhood:

The first book I loved was Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters by John Steptoe.

 

 

Author Spotlight: Paige Classey

In today’s Author Spotlight, Sydney Dunlap chats with author Paige Classey about her middle-grade novel, Anna-Jane and the Endless Summer, an “enemies-to-first-crushes” story published by Penguin Random House and chosen as a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection.

Paige Classey is a school librarian who lives with her husband and two sons on the Connecticut shoreline. She is the author of the YA novel Everything You Left Me and has contributed articles on libraries and education that have appeared in School Library Journal, TEACH Magazine, and Education Week.

All About the Book!

Anna-Jane couldn’t wait for camp. But when the outside world goes dark, she and her friends soon realize they’re in for the adventure of their lives this summer—and maybe even beyond.

Captured in Anna-Jane’s diary, discover the poignant journey of a young girl’s fight to survive in the face of the unknown.

Anna-Jane and the Endless Summer released April 28, 2026, from Random House Books for Young Readers. The book has earned a starred review from School Library Journal, and Kirkus Reviews called it “an intense and riveting read.” It is also a Junior Library Guild selection.

Interview with Paige Classey

Welcome, Paige! Thank you so much for being a guest on the Mixed-up Files!

Thanks so much for having me, Sydney!

Inspiration

It is my pleasure! I absolutely loved Anna-Jane and the Endless Summer! What a beautifully written, compelling survival story—I found it impossible to put down. It is sure to be a huge hit among young readers. Can you tell us a little about the inspiration behind it?

I am so honored! This novel grew from a convergence of both childhood and adult experiences. I spent many summers at YMCA camps throughout Connecticut; those summers remain so vivid and nearly magical in my mind. The onset of the pandemic caused me to start toying with the question of what might happen to a group of children and teens left to their own devices at camp. Finally, the censorship efforts we’ve seen sweeping the nation sparked the layer regarding the necessity of the arts.

Craft

You do such a great job maintaining the element of mystery in the story about what exactly is going on outside the camp. The thread pulled strongly all the way to the very end. Was it difficult to craft this novel? What was your biggest challenge in writing it?

Pacing was my greatest challenge. Anna-Jane’s story runs for a lengthy time period, and I wanted to make sure that the sense of danger and suspense never flagged. My agent, Rebecca Rodd, and my editor, Elizabeth Stranahan, made a number of extremely helpful suggestions to maintain the tension throughout.

Point of View

You describe the experience of going through a frightening time of separation from family and so many unknowns with grace, care, and sensitivity. I loved the way the story was written in verse in Anna-Jane’s journal. How did you decide the format?

From the very beginning, Anna-Jane’s voice came to me in verse, in first person, and in present tense. In a way, she decided the format!

Characters

I enjoyed your other characters a lot too. Do you have a favorite secondary character? Who and why?

I love the other campers and counselors for all different reasons. I love Amaya’s sense of loyalty, Pooja’s genuine kindness, and Morgan’s passion for science. Bryce is the camp romance I wanted at that age and didn’t have! But my answer has to be Jojo. She is the kind of tough I’ve always wanted to be.

Takeaways

The story moves so quickly, yet contains wonderful layering and thematic elements regarding peer relationships that will be so relatable to kids everywhere. What do you hope readers take away from this book?

I hope readers walk away feeling empowered. Children can make and have been making a difference in their homes, communities, and the world at large. You don’t need to wait until you’re an adult to start making positive changes.

I also hope the story plants or reinforces an appreciation for the arts. Music, art, literature, theater, film . . . these pursuits are so essential to the human spirit. “Grow work,” as Anna-Jane’s teacher would call it.

Research

This story is one that will stay with me for a long time, and it gave me so much to think about. Can you describe the research that went into crafting this novel?

I don’t want to give away any spoilers here, so I’m going to tread lightly! I needed to research different reasons a community or region might shut down, how daily life would be disrupted, how government agencies and others might respond, and so forth.

Writing Process

Will you tell us a little about your writing process? Are you a plotter or pantser? Where and when do you prefer to write?

Can I go with “middle-of-the-roader”? I definitely do not plot out an entire novel chapter by chapter beforehand. But as I write, I keep a list of plot points and ideas I want to return to. I keep this list at the end of my document, then erase points as I address them in the story. It’s in my nature to make lists and check off as I go, and I feel like my writing process mirrors that tendency.

I find my best ideas come when I’m taking long walks. Walking gives my mind the space to roam, and I usually end my walk with a new idea or two for my work in progress.

As a mom of two small children and a full-time school librarian, I write whenever I can find pockets of time (generally when my children are asleep!). I usually write at home, but sometimes at local coffee shops or libraries. I recently won an Artist Fellowship grant from Connecticut’s Office of the Arts, which made it possible for me to attend a writing retreat at the Highlights Foundation (now called Boyds Mills) in PA.

Influences

What are some current books that have influenced you as a kid-lit writer?

I noticed my students flocking to novels-in-verse by Jason Reynolds, Elizabeth Acevedo, Rajani LaRocca, and Megan E. Freeman, so I read them too, along with Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson. In a sense, I never put them back down.

Advice

What is your advice for aspiring writers?

Write what you care about. And read, read, read. I know this is “typical” advice, but it is truly the best way to learn more about style, the market, your target audience, and more. My work as a librarian has fed my writing, and vice versa.

I also recommend sharing your writing with others who will give you serious and constructive feedback. I saw an ad in my local paper and entered Connecticut’s Tassy Walden Award for New Voices in Children’s Literature in 2020. Throughout that process, my friend and mentor (author Doe Boyle) recommended joining a writers’ group through SCBWI. That community has provided so much support and has been instrumental in elevating my writing.

Upcoming Projects

Can you give us some insights into what you’ll be working on next?

I’m currently editing my YA thriller-in-verse, SURVIVING THE MADISONS, forthcoming from Delacorte in summer 2027. The story follows a toxic trio determined to right perceived wrongs at their high school . . . until the line between right and wrong blurs, leaving them to face dire consequences.

I’m also fascinated by the mixed-media format I’m seeing in books like A GOOD GIRL’S GUIDE TO MURDER by Holly Jackson and GAME CHANGER by Tommy Greenwald, and I’d love to craft a story that uses mixed-media in a meaningful way in the future.

And for the lightning round:

Coffee or tea?

Coffee! I wish I liked tea—it seems so refined! But if I’m being true to myself, I’m a latte girl.

Sunrise or sunset?

Sunset. I like to sleep.

Favorite place to travel:

I love traveling to places I’ve never been before, but Newport, Rhode Island, is a forever favorite. I also spent a college summer in Florence that remains alive in my memory.

Favorite dessert:

Mint chocolate chip ice cream.

Superpower:

I am intrigued by the idea of time travel, but worry too much about the potential consequences! So I’m going to go with teleportation.

Favorite music:

Wow, how do people answer this?! Everything from Led Zeppelin to the Gilmore Girls soundtrack. We also play a lot of Disney music in our house. Lately, I can’t stop listening to Chappell Roan.

Favorite book from childhood:

Again, how can I answer this? I loved Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes when I was very small. As I grew older, I devoured the Harry Potter series, the American Girl series, the Dear America series, and R. L. Stine’s Fear Street novels—can you tell I grew up in the ’90s and early 2000s?

Thanks again, Paige! It was so much fun to learn about you, your writing journey, and your amazing novel! Learn more about Paige on her website and follow her on Instagram.