60+ Amazing Middle-Grade Historical Fiction Books

This book is set in modern times but follows two best friends (soon-to-be sixth graders) who stumble upon a family heirloom of Nancy Strong Smith. In solving the mystery, they learn a ton about Revolutionary period history. The story is under 200 pages long, and I think younger kids in grades 3+ will like it as a read-aloud because of the mystery element. Still, it also fills a gaping hole for historical fiction set in the Revolutionary period. Ages 8+

Elsbeth Culpepper is a house servant in 1776 Boston when the Patriots start to gain an advantage over the British. Her boss is a British loyalist and flees to Britain, leaving her in his home, even as her own father goes missing. Soon, the Pike family, their rambunctious children, a teen girl in their care, and their mean-spirited housekeeper move into the house. As the Revolutionary War continues, a smallpox epidemic begins to rage, throwing Elsbeth’s life into disarray. This is a very slice-of-life story buoyed by a strong protagonist, a thread of mystery, the hijinks of a large family, and the historical background. I loved that this book is set in the 1700s because there’s a real gap in the market, and I liked Elsbeth and went from mildly to seriously invested as the story progressed. Still, this book is more “coming-of-age in the time of smallpox” than it is a “Revolutionary War story,” and it is over 400 pages, so it is probably best for stronger upper middle school readers with a special fondness for historical fiction. Ages 10+

The first book in Kwame Alexander’s latest series about the journey of a family from Africa to America is a Roots retelling for the new generation. This book has an awfully SLOW start but picks up just around the halfway mark — I hope the verse format keeps readers going (I loved the audiobook). The second half of this book is gripping and compelling, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. It’s a brilliant and necessary ode to storytelling, a beautiful look at the history of many African Americans, and a truly heartwarming celebration of African culture. Ages 10+

Maizy Chen’s Last Chance follows Maizy and her mother, who return to Last Chance, Minnesota, when Maizy’s grandfather becomes ill. Maizy’s grandparents love her, and Maizy quickly bonds with them and enjoys being at their historic restaurant. One day, she sees pictures of several young Chinese men. When she asks her grandfather about them, he begins to tell her a sprawling story about their family’s history in Last Chance, which is interwoven with love, racism, and community. This past-present narrative is set both in modern times and at the peak of Chinese immigration during the 1800s. Ages 10+

I LOVED this verse novel told from the perspective of young Lettie, her mother Sylvie, and a teenage teacher, Philomena, about their perilous journey from 1870s Mississippi to Nebraska during the Great Migration. With narrators of varying ages, this suspenseful, at times heartbreaking story has plenty to offer readers between the ages of 9 and 13 and would make a great readaloud for families with older kids.

It’s the 1880s, and Hanna lives with her caucasian father after the death of her Chinese mother. Determined to get an education and start a business, Hanna gets enrolled in the community school. Unfortunately, some in the community feel uncomfortable with Hanna being partly of Chinese descent and protest her attendance by withdrawing their kids from the school. Between racism, gender inequality, and loneliness, Hanna has plenty of challenges to overcome — and she does! Ages 10+

This powerhouse Western is about a boy who goes with his dad to secure land during the Oklahoma land rush in the 1880s. They run into a veteran who joins their company, and Will has to defend himself from dangers along the way. I learned so much from this moving historical account that helps readers understand that time period while touching on themes like father-son relationships, community, and bravery. Heads up for gun usage (it is a Western, after all). Ages 10+

This sweet middle grade book set in 1914 about a girl forced to hide her Native identity when her mother marries a white man reads like a classic — as this author’s works are known to be! Ages 10+

It’s 1915, and Marta is in Lusitania, trying to get back home to Germany after months of being stranded in the US with her father during WW1. Unfortunately, her father’s nationality is discovered, and even when both of them survive the attack on the ship, he’s arrested by the British, leaving Marta to fend for herself and find a way home. She finds herself in the care of an Irish family whose young daughter welcomes her in, thinking she’s Dutch. Can Marta keep her true identity a secret during this time of hostility and stay safe until she can return to Germany? In true Blankman fashion, this was gripping and suspenseful, while delving into the tensions in a rarely written about period of history. I loved the friendship between Marta and Clare and appreciated the warmth in the O’Sullivan family. Ages 9+

Set in 1913, Mexico, Petra Luna is forced to flee with her Abuelita and siblings when the Revolution reaches their small village. Despite her grandmother’s chiding that escaping to the US is simply “barefoot dreams,” Petra Luna is determined to reach for a better life. This was fantastic on audio and utterly moving to read. Ages 10+

This sequel to Alexander’s The Door of No Return is as gripping as the first book and stars Kofi (now Cuffey)’s granddaughter, whose love for baseball and desire to win puts her and her loved ones in a precarious position. Just like the first book, this is at times hard to read, but always so beautifully written and emotive. Excited to enjoy the rest of this series!

This sprawling family saga follows three generations of women over nearly 100 years and the ancestor that came before them over 400 years earlier. Behar traces the journey of a line of Sephardic Jewish women as the first one flees Toledo, Spain, to Turkey, from where one of her descendants will be exiled to Cuba and from where her daughter will flee to Miami. I flew through this historical fiction title (and you know how rare that is for me) and admired the author’s ability to keep such a saga under 300 pages and kid-appropriate. Come for the moving history of Sephardic Jews and stay for the exquisite storytelling and literary tourism. Heads up for accounts of child marriage. Ages 10+

It’s the 1930s, and Bea wakes up in a hayloft to a note from her dad, who’s abandoned her and her little sister Viv to a family friend they’ve never met. There, Bea works hard to be helpful to Mrs. Scott, in the hopes that the farm owner will keep her and her sister forever. She also forms a bond with a wild horse on the farm, which may just be the key to keeping the failing farm afloat. Bea and the New Deal Horse is an inspiring historical fiction book about life in the Great Depression, community, and the animal-human bond. Ages 9+

Gloria and her family lose their farm when an unending drought leads to a lack of produce. They move to California to find work and eventually start picking peaches on a farm. The family is also reeling from the loss of Gloria’s baby brother and struggling to contain Gloria’s spunky attitude which often gets her in trouble. At the farm, Gloria quickly discovers a baseball team (with only boys! who don’t want a girl on the team!) and is ready to do what it takes to join the team. At the same time, ripples of discontent with working wages lead to organizing that puts Gloria and her family in a precarious position. Three Strike Summer is a punchy, inspiring historical middle grade book about family, baseball, and life on farms during the Great Depression. Ages 10+

Four orphans, Lucy, Nico, Eugene, and (Not-Bald) Doris, are four orphans who decide to escape from The Home for Unfriendly Children, their awful orphanage in the 1930s. Their poorly planned escape plan leads them to become circus apprentices. But Lucy has selective mutism, being able to speak but never speaking since some incidents with the home’s matron, which makes it hard to get a job in the circus. With the home’s matron hunting down Lucy, Lucy’s sister searching for her, and Lucy desperately trying to find her voice again so she can belong in the circus, this book takes readers on a surprising but heartwarming adventure. A Place to Hang the Moon meets The Greatest Showman, Orphan Eleven is an enchanting historical adventure for fans of orphan stories and the circus. Ages 9+

This book is such a joy! Esperanza and her mama are forced to flee their large home (read mansion) in Mexico after a tragedy. They work as farmhands in California during the Great Depression. During this time, Esperanza has to adjust from being the daughter of a wealthy landowner to being a peasant. Pam Muñoz Ryan covers many themes, from racial and class prejudice to the importance of family and empathy. I also enjoyed the use of Spanish and the historical context of the novel. From a middle-grade standpoint, the vocabulary is excellent, and the story will certainly generate a curiosity for history and empathy for others. Ages 10+

As a non-fan of historical fiction, I was pleasantly surprised by this debut middle grade novel. Set in 1930s New York, where a tuberculosis epidemic is raging, it follows Halle, whose mother is diagnosed with the disease and sent off to JN Adams Sanatarium in Perrysburg. This book is accessible, plain-spoken, and truly written for kids without dumbing down or info dumping. The characters are richly drawn, and the subject matter is intriguing and rarely explored in books for kids. It’s impressive that the author has created a book all about tuberculosis with a rich, moving, adventurous, and tender plot balancing friendship, family, mystery, and history all at once. Ages 9+

I ADORED this young middle grade historical fiction set in the 1930s Vinegar Hill community in Charlottesville, Virginia. Albeit set during the Jim Crow era, it focuses on a thriving African American community, especially 10-year-old Allie Lewis, who is desperate to find her mom a husband and herself a father after her no-good father left them when she was a baby. This book is short, FUNNY, charming, and historically enlightening without being full of Black pain. It would make a wonderful read-aloud for families who enjoy Anna Rose Johnson’s and Kate Albus’s writing but want more Black stories with less slavery and strife. Ages 8+

This middle-grade historical tale set in 1939 is all about 12-year-old Cato, who wants to play in the Negro Baseball League as his late father did. Although this book deals with tough issues like racism and racial violence, the writing in this book is absolutely arresting, which makes it hard to put down. It’s also on the shorter side and explores other vital themes like family, grief, and baseball. Hand to kids passionate about racial equity, baseball, and books about friendship and community. Ages 11+

Ada has one clubbed foot and has been hidden inside their London apartment all her life by her abusive mother. But when the war begins, and kids in England get sent to the countryside, Ada and her brother join the children without their mother’s knowledge. There, staying with a loving adult for the first time, the kids bond together and with Susan, their foster parent. But what happens when it’s time to go back? This is a heartwarming tale for readers who enjoyed A Place to Hang the Moon. Ages 10+

It’s 2020, and Matthew is sick of being inside with the pandemic raging outside. While reluctantly helping his great-grandmother sort through her belongings, he finds a picture of two girls. As she shares her experience during the Ukrainian famine, the story alternates between three narrators: Matthew, Helena, and Mila. A powerful, unforgettable account of historical events. Ages 11+

This historical mystery combines the literary prowess of author Ruta Sepetys with Steve Sheinkin’s narrative skills as we follow two siblings during WWII in England trying to find their missing mother and help the British army defeat the Nazis. With two teenage protagonists, this one straddles the line between middle grade and YA, although the content is more middle grade than YA. It is gripping, hard to put down, and brilliantly plotted. Hand to fans of fast-paced mysteries, whether or not they love historical fiction. Ages 10+

After 11-year-old Hurricane’s older sister is sent off to a treatment facility for TB in the 1930s (the same disease that took her mother’s life), she must move in with her aunt Claire in the city, leaving her beloved dog behind in their coastal Maine town. This book is incredibly atmospheric with the palpable Great Depression setting, electrification, and introduction of Hoovers and Fridgaires, setting the tone for that time. It reads aloud beautifully with so many touching musings about life, grief, family, and being oneself no matter what the world around them pushes them to be. I adored the friendship between Hurricane and Theo and all the animals in this story. Just a delightful,l classic-feeling story that I can see winning plenty of fans! Ages 8+

Friends and army brats Frank and Stanley live in Pearl Harbor, where they deal with the usual challenges of bullying and creating comic books. Until December 7th, 1941, when everything changes during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Will the boys survive the attack? How will the war change them and their friendship? Master of middle grade historical fiction, Alan Gratz, explores these in his latest novel. Heroes by Alan Gratz is an action-packed historical account about friendship and what it means to be a hero. Ages 10+

After 12-year-old Atlas’s mother dies, he and his father throw themselves into mountain climbing as a way to manage their grief. When Atlas’s father joins an expedition to conquer Mount Everest, Atlas sees it as his chance to prove himself. However, his father has other ideas. Left at base camp with a young American girl and an injured Sherpa, Atlas must navigate Everest’s brutal elements to rescue the team after an avalanche strikes. A Nazi subplot turns this survival tale into a historical thriller, perfect for kids who want their history served alongside an incredible adventure. Ages 9+

Set in the 1940s, this debut historical verse novel delves into the lesser-known history of (prisoner-of-war) German soldiers brought to work in the United States during WWII. Claire’s brother Danny is off fighting the war while she’s working in their family’s Midwestern apple orchard, where her father has hired a bunch of POW soldiers, including one named Karl. Over time, Claire and Karl begin a tentative friendship, even as the presence of enemies in their orchard causes tensions in their community. Told from Karl and Claire’s perspective, this story, the history behind it, and the important themes it highlights will appeal to older middle schoolers ages 11 and up.

What if Nazi Germany won WWII? That’s the chilling question this time-travel thriller explores. Two sets of a friendship trio — one in 2023 and the other in 1944 — discover that they can communicate over a radio device present in both timelines. As the two groups figure out the differences in their timelines while trying to avoid making any changes to history, they discover that they’ve unwittingly made an enormously impactful change with shocking consequences. Westfallen is a chilling exploration of a terrifying alternate reality for fans of high-action time travel fiction. Ages 10+

Imani knows she’s adopted and decides that for her bat mitzvah, she wants the gift of getting to know her birth parents, but breaking the news to her loving white Jewish parents isn’t as easy as she expected. When she finds her great-grandmother’s diary documenting her experience of fleeing Luxembourg for New York City during WWII, Imani develops a stronger appreciation for her family. The Length of a String is a moving exploration of adoption and what it means to be Jewish. Ages 10+

Kate Albus’s debut middle-grade book, A Place to Hang the Moon, follows three orphaned kids in England during the WWII evacuation. The kids are instructed not to disclose how well off their family is until they’re placed with a new family that feels like a forever family. In their new countryside dwelling, the kids are placed with several poorly matched families. Through it all, the children take solace in each other, stories from William about their parents, and their love of books and the town library. A Place to Hang the Moon is a heartwarming, immersive middle-grade debut. Ages 9+

It’s 1944, and Dory’s father has joined the US Army in World War II, leaving behind 12-year-old Dory and her brothers, Fish (17) and Pike (7), with the parting words that the neighborhood will always give them what they need. At the same time, Dory discovers an old dumbwaiter (old school elevator) in Caputo’s, which she follows one night to a hideout beyond her expectations. Can the kids get the miracle they need to keep their home and get their father back in one piece? This is a heartwarming, slice-of-life middle grade novel about New York City, family, and the safety of community. Ages 9+

The Orphan Band of Springdale, set in 1940s America, as World War II rages in Europe, is Gusta Neubronner’s story. Left behind by her father on a bus, eleven-year-old Gusta moves into her grandmother’s orphanage. While there, the nearsighted, snaggletoothed girl learns about family, sacrifice, and the bitter taste of prejudice. Central to Gusta’s story is the French horn that is “the bravest part of her – her sweet, large, secret, brassy voice.” Gusta is one of my favorite child protagonists in a long time. I was filled with tremendous admiration for the character that Nesbet has created. It is also ultimately refreshing to read a book that will simultaneously ignite in children a curiosity for history while creating awareness about prejudice. I particularly enjoyed reading how the kids dealt with discrimination and of the wonderful bond between them all. Ages 10+

There’s a reason why this book won the Newbery Medal! Lowry writes about the German occupation of Denmark through the eyes of 10-year-old Annemarie whose family has to hide their Jewish friends during that tense period. It is so evocative, yet manages to be short and totally accessible for younger readers. I loved this on audio! Ages 9+

This inspiring, highly-approachable release conveys the little-known story of Muslims who rescued hundreds of Jews in Paris during WWII. With an unforgettable protagonist, high-stakes rescues, and a fast-paced plot, this is an unmissable historical fiction novel. Ages 10+

13-year-old Japanese-American Amy is stuck visiting her grandmother in Japan when Pearl Harbor is bombed and soon recruited as a spy for Japan, feeling desperately torn in her loyalties to both countries. The images in this stunning, short graphic novel are so powerful, and the sparse text lends more punch to the story. Ages 10+

Raj and Iqbal are two best friends, one Hindu and one Muslim, living in Singh just before India’s Partition. After the country’s independence, Raj and his family are forced to flee, encountering many hardships along the way as they struggle to resettle in Bombay. There’s plenty of sibling strife as Raj feels far from his older brother and, at times, jealous of his little sister Maya, who goes missing during the partition. While The Night Diary is more introspective, this book truly digs deep into what really happened to families during this time of grand migration and is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn about that time period. It is unflinching, beautifully written, and doesn’t shy away from hard events. Good for older tweens ages 11+ as it deals with some violence, traumatic events, etc. Highly discussable for themes of prejudice, colonialism, world history, sibling rivalry, gender issues, and so much more.

This is a heartbreaking middle grade book about a girl’s experience during the partition of India. Nisha is caught between her Hindu-Indian and Muslim-Indian sides. She’s also dealing with the loss of her mother. So, when her country starts to split in two, her search for identity becomes even more meaningful. There’s a reason why this one is a Newbery Honor book. Ages 10+

Zarina’s life changes when her family is forced to move from Poona to Karachi after the Indian Partition. This story chronicles the family’s dangerous move to Karachi, Zarina’s move to a boarding school far from Karachi after a painful mistake, and her struggle to stay open to people, regardless of their religion or race, despite the many prevailing prejudices at the time. This is a transporting coming-of-age story set against the background of India’s Partition. Following a young protagonist through life’s defining moments, this book touches on timeless themes such as friendships, family relationships, and forgiving yourself after a mistake. Ages 10+

1960, Cuba. Cousins Victoria and Jackie love living in their island country with their large family. When when Fidel Castro’s communist government takes hold, things change swiftly, leading Victoria’s father to relocate his family to Miami, leaving Jackie and her family behind.As Victoria adapts to life in the US, Jackie and her family struggle in Cuba—until the family decides to send Jackie over to the States with Operation Peter Pan. But will Jackie ever see her family again? Both girls band together to bring the rest of their family to America. Farewell Cuba Mi Isla is a moving, authentic book chronicling the impact of Fidel Castro’s communist regime in Cuba. Ages 10+

This WORDLESS graphic novel is a charmer! Marisol’s picture-perfect life in Cuba with her parents suddenly turns gray when Fidel Castro gains power in the 1950s, forcing Marisol’s parents to ship her off to the US using Operation Peter Pan. There, as she struggles to assimilate, Marisol’s world is drained of color and she must find her voice and joy again through books and plants. This is a great choice for ESL students as there are very few English and Spanish words throughout. You can see a flip-through of the book on my Instagram page. Ages 9+

In One Crazy Summer, eleven-year-old Delphine is like a mother to her two younger sisters, Vonetta and Fern. She’s had to be, ever since their mother, Cecile, left them seven years ago for a radical new life in California. But when the sisters arrive from Brooklyn to spend the summer with their mother, Cecile is nothing like they imagined. Ages 9+

When Winter Robeson came to visit his cousin, Eden in the summer of 1965, he had another agenda. Winter is a 13-year-old boy visiting Los Angeles from Mississippi. Unbeknownst to Eden and her family, Winter isn’t just there to see Disneyland — he’s looking for his father J.T. Robeson who came to LA 12 years ago and never returned. Eventually, he gets Eden to help him on his search. Not long after, the Watts Riot erupts. When Winter Robeson Came is a rich, immersive middle grade verse novel about family, LA in 1965, and the mystery of a missing parent. Ages 10+

It’s 1965, Los Angeles. All twelve-year-old Sophie wants to do is write her book, star in the community play, and hang out with her friend Jennifer. But she’s the new black kid in a nearly all-white neighborhood; her beloved sister, Lily, is going away to college soon; and her parents’ marriage is rocky. There’s also her family’s new, disapproving housekeeper to deal with. When riots erupt in nearby Watts and a friend is unfairly arrested, Sophie learns that life—and her own place in it—is even more complicated than she’d once thought. Ages 10+

This book follows 12-year-old Ariel, whose life is upturned when her big sister (the best of them all), Leah, elopes with her Indian-American boyfriend after the Loving vs. Virginia ruling. Ariel’s parents are upset. Ariel is struggling to write well at school, and she can’t stop thinking about her sister and everything happening in the world. How to Find What You’re Not Looking For is a poignant, moving, and brilliantly written middle grade novel about family, identity, and love. Ages 11+

It’s the 1970s, and 12-year-old Onyx’s grandmother has just died. He’s practically caring for himself alone and trying to hide the fact that his mother is grappling with the effects of early-onset dementia, worsened by the additional stress of her mother’s death. Onyx believes that if he can learn to fly, he can fly to space and find a rock that can heal his mom. As he tries to make that dream happen, he realizes that he doesn’t have to go it alone. This story is gorgeously written and heartrending but ends on a hopeful note. It is full of community love that lifts Onyx through hard times. It also includes some mentions of notable historical events like the murder of MLK, the introduction of desegregated schools, and other highlights of the Civil Rights era. The audiobook is excellent. A great verse novel for ages 10+.

This historical graphic novel also has a past and present timeline. In the 1960s, we follow trailblazing female Indy 500 racecar driver Janet Guthrie as she breaks barriers to the sport, and in 2019, car girl, 12-year-old Alex, works to restore her grandfather’s Jaguar. As both Alex and Janet explore and fight for their love of cars, they must navigate sexism in the auto industry and even from family members. This book–especially Janet’s story–is thrilling and fresh, sure to appeal to fans of car racing and cars in general. It also has a powerful overarching message, especially for girls interested in traditionally male-dominated industries, that they can do anything they put their minds to. Ages 10+

It’s the 1970s, and Judi loves to shoot hoops in the driveway with her brother and his friends. She hopes she can join a basketball team someday, but her school doesn’t have a female team. So when she gets to high school, she chooses the next best thing: cheerleading with her best friend, Stacey. But one day, the school announces that they’re starting a team for the girls because of the Title IX ruling. Unfortunately, as willing as the girls who sign up are (Judi inclusive), there’s little to no funding for their team. They have to DIY their jerseys and practice only when the boys’ team isn’t using the court. On top of that, Stacey is upset that Judi has left cheerleading to play ball, and some girls want to quit because they’re so frustrated. Can Judi and the team make it work? Hoops is a fantastic, historical middle grade graphic novel about equality and basketball set against the backdrop of the rise of a female basketball team in the 1970s. Ages 9+

The Long Ride by Marina Budhos is the story of three mixed-race girls in the 1970’s. Francesca, Jamila, and Josie are chosen to be part of a trial desegregated school experience. All three girls live in a mostly white Queens neighborhood and have parents who’ve worked hard to get them into great schools in mostly white neighborhoods. Naturally, the parents worry about switching their daughters’ schools to one in a “bad” (read, mostly Black) neighborhood. This book is an eye-opening exploration of what it means to be mixed-race and American. Ages 10+

Sunny Lewin has been packed off to Florida to live with her grandfather for the summer. At first she thought Florida might be fun — it is the home of Disney World, after all. But the place where Gramps lives is no amusement park. It’s full of . . . old people. Really old people.Luckily, Sunny isn’t the only kid around. She meets Buzz, a boy who is completely obsessed with comic books, and soon they’re having adventures of their own: facing off against golfball-eating alligators, runaway cats, and mysteriously disappearing neighbors. But the question remains — why is Sunny down in Florida in the first place? The answer lies in a family secret that won’t be secret to Sunny much longer. . . Ages 8+

Valentina and Oksana are classmates and neighbors living in Pryapta near Chernobyl, Ukraine, when the nuclear explosion occurs. Valentina is Jewish, and Oksana is Ukrainian. Oksana’s father is abusive and dies in the explosion. Her mother isn’t allowed to leave because of her high radiation exposure, so Oksana is forced to leave with Valentina and her mother. Valentina’s mother decides that they will go to Leningrad to stay with her estranged mother. Unfortunately, at the station, they learn that only two tickets are available, and she sends the two young girls to live with her mother. The Blackbird Girls is a riveting work of historical fiction detailing the Chernobyl disaster and the events after in a gripping, accessible way for middle schoolers. Ages 10+

Red, White, and Whole is Rajani LaRocca’s newest middle-grade verse novel. The year is 1983, and 13-year-old Reha is caught between two cultures: her Indian family and community at home and the all-American experience at school and with her white “school best friend.” But it’s not all rosy. Her mother doesn’t approve of Reha acting more American than Indian. Between school, family issues, and navigating her affection for a boy in her neighborhood, Reha has her plate full. Red, White, and Whole is a heartwarming and heartbreaking verse novel about mothers and daughters, the eighties, and straddling two cultures. Ages 10+

It’s the year 1990, and Danilo’s family and neighborhood in Panama are still reeling from the US military invasion in 1989. His dad, who went to the US to earn more money for the family, has stopped writing them, and Danilo’s mother has to bear the brunt of caring for them. But things seem to look up when he gets the chance to play baseball in California. This excellently written middle grade book is packed with baseball action, Panamanian and US history, and plenty of heart! Ages 9+

Living in 80s Taiwan with her mother, Ai Shi (Anna) eagerly anticipates living in the beautiful country (the US) where their father moved a few months ago. As she gives away her favorite clothes and toys to cousins in preparation for the move, she can’t help but brag about the new life awaiting them. But she’s in for a shock when they arrive at their cramped apartment. Her father was conned into buying a failing fast-food restaurant, and Anna’s parents struggle to make ends meet. At school, she feels like an outsider since she can barely speak English. On top of that, her parents are dealing with some unkind customers who mistreat them because they’re Asians. Can Anna find her way? In the Beautiful Country is a moving, poignant, and lyrical verse novel about immigration, identity, food and family. Ages 9+

In Not Your All-American Girl, Lauren is Jewish and Chinese. It’s the 1980s and Lauren and her best friend — who’s blonde and blue eyed — do everything together. So when they don’t have any sixth-grade classes together, they’re bummed! They decide that they will audition for their school’s musical so that they can at least have that time together. Lauren’s audition goes swimmingly, and she’s obviously the better singer than Tara (even better than any of the other kids), but when the cast list is released, Lauren is only part of the ensemble, and Tara is cast as the lead. Upon confronting the director, she explains that Lauren’s half-Jewish, half-Chinese looks don’t match the role of “all-American girl” in the “all-American town” depicted in their musical. This encounter opens Lauren’s eyes to several microaggressions and brings to the fore her issues with being biracial and looking different from other at her predominantly white school. This book is a vital look at racial prejudice in the 1980’s through a fun, engaging lens. Ages 9+

Thirteen-year-old Ava lives in 80s California and loves to catch a wave with her best friend, Phoenix, whom she’s beginning to crush on. Her mom is a single mother and her dad lives in Iran with his new family and rarely contacts them. Ava likes to write poetry and sing (she’s getting to sing in the school choir soon), but her mom, who’s a doctor, wants Ava to consider that career path. She persuades her to volunteer at the hospital but Ava would rather be surfing or engaging in her other hobbies. She gets even more upset when she breaks her leg while volunteering. Amidst all the drama, Phoenix’s lymphoma returns aggressively and he doesn’t want to pursue treatment anymore. Can Ava convince him to keep trying? Ages 11+

This quirky story with a dash of the fantastical, about the rich history of bats in Austin, Texas is especially vibrant on audio. It’s not for everyone, but it will thrill the right reader. Ages 10+

When Cayenne’s hippie parents (Is hippie a bad word? I hope not!) finally decide to put down roots after years of living a nomadic life, she is thrilled. Unfortunately, it turns out adjusting to normal life (having neighbors when your parents are unconventional, attending public school for the first time, figuring out friendships, etc.) isn’t so easy. As Cayenne navigates life in the 1980s, she learns plenty about self-esteem, grit, and finding your tribe. This is an absolutely engrossing historical verse novel set against the backdrop of the Titanic retrieval in the 1980s and provides an amazing window into a different kind of life for tweens. I hope lots of kids get a chance to read this one, even though it may not sound relatable at first glance. Heads up for a parent who smokes “pot.” Ages 10+

Siblings Cash, Fitch, and Bird move through the daily trials of pre-teen life in the 1980’s.Fitch and Bird are twins who are now in the same grade as their older brother, Cash — because Cash was held back in the seventh grade. Bird is a space aficionado and dreams of being an astronaut. Fitch has anger issues and hates that he’s getting crushed on by a girl he doesn’t like — and whom his best friends consider unattractive. Cash feels lost and cannot seem to find his place anywhere. It doesn’t help that the situation at home is tense, with parents who are constantly bickering and a family that cannot seem to make time to talk as a unit or nurture their children. This novel follows the siblings until the ill-fated launch day which changes their relationship forever. This character-driven slice-of-life novel shows how different families can be, addresses the struggles of navigating sibling relationships, and highlights what difference an enthusiastic teacher can make.

It’s 1985, and Tessa has become more anxious after losing her mother to breast cancer. To soothe her anxiety, Tessa cuts pictures of missing kids out of milk cartons. Tessa’s new compulsion is alienating her from her childhood best friend, who is embarrassed by Tessa’s odd decision to take her milk carton home after school. Things get worse when Tessa’s father comes home one day with a new woman, Lila. This fast-paced middle-grade novel highlights a young girl’s struggle to deal with her mother’s death while adjusting to a newly blended family with a new stepmother and step-sibling on the way. Ages 10+

Mia Tang is a ten-year-old Chinese immigrant who lives in a motel with her parents in the 1980s. They run the motel for its crooked owner, Mr Yao. Mia runs the front desk, and soon she realizes that her parents use the motel to protect undocumented immigrants. I highly recommend this debut by Kelly Yang. It deals with heavier topics like racism, class prejudice, the value of diligence, and the struggles of immigrants in a dignified, relatable way for kids. Ages 9+

The Magical Imperfect is a middle grade verse novel about a boy named Etan. Etan develops selective mutism after his mom has to go to a treatment facility for a mental disorder in 1980s San Francisco. Etan and Malia, a Filipina-American girl with severe eczema, become fast friends, and he gets a closer look at how debilitating her eczema is. Etan wants to take Malia’s suffering away, and he thinks his grandfather’s Dead Sea clay can make a difference — perhaps even heal Malia’s eczema. He also suggests that she sing in the community’s talent show. But will the clay work? And will Malia and Etan’s friendship survive the challenges it faces? This is an incredibly moving verse novel about friendship, family, body image, and community. 

Maggie is a precocious 11-year-old who loves school and wants to be a US president when she grows up. Maggie knows that her dad’s legs don’t work like they used to, and sometimes his other limbs “fall asleep,” too. But she doesn’t yet know that he has multiple sclerosis—a degenerative and eventually terminal illness. In this slice-of-life novel, we follow Maggie through a turbulent season of life for her family, one through which her parents and sisters shield her incredibly well from her dad’s disease and its progression until they can’t anymore. The Meaning of Maggie is a heartwarming, humorous look at a family navigating turbulent times through the eyes of an unforgettable young protagonist.

Realizing that her sister doesn’t feel as connected to their Vietnamese heritage as she does, Bom writes letters to her sharing their family’s journey from before Bom’s birth in Vietnam to their immigration to the US. Set in 1994, this book is gorgeously written and sparkles with the love in the sisterhood bond. It also highlights life in post-Vietnam War Vietnam while shining a light on the struggles of assimilating after immigration. Ages 11+

Sweet Michael Rosario is shy and anxious about Y2K. The only bright spot in his life besides his doting but BUSY (working three jobs) single mother is his babysitter, Gibby, whom he might have a crush on. One day, Gibby and Michael spot an unusually dressed teenager hanging around their housing complex, and after a confrontation, they realize he’s a time traveler from the future named Ridge. This is a brilliant, highly readable middle grade book from the QUEEN of character-driven middle grade literature. This expansive sci-fi feels at once introspective and cinematic, leaping off the page like something made for a movie. Entrada is gifted at conjuring fully formed characters whose fears and inner lives are wholly and sensitively rendered. Ages 10+