Middle Grade

A Song for You and I

Acclaimed author and Eisner-winner K. O’Neill once again graces us with another heartfelt middle grade graphic novel in A Song for You and I. Rowan is a ranger who finds themself grounded—literally—when their rashness gets their flying steed, Kes, hurt. Now stuck travelling on foot, Rowan is sent to help the sheep herder Leone make wool deliveries around the region—a less glamorous mission, but one that may be revelatory for both.

Smiling Eyes

By Lenny Wen

Lenny Wen made us giggle with her sweet Wolfgang in the Meadow, and now she’s pairing her adorable art with the words of renowned Newbery Medalist Linda Sue Park (A Single Shard) in Smiling Eyes. Together, this duo has crafted an ode to the diversity of human eyes, highlighting the delightfully different ways in which we use our eyes—which come in so many shapes and colors!—to express ourselves.

Nellie’s Big Splash

By Cori Doerrfeld

Bestselling author Cori Doerrfeld has reigned over many a bedtime with soothing titles such as The Rabbit Listened, and she’s bringing back her inspirational touch to Nellie’s Big Splash. Nellie is a newly hatched sea turtle, who is too afraid to join her siblings as they make their way down the beach, to the unknown ocean. Will she be able to overcome her fears?

The Trouble with Heroes

By Kate Messner

Kate Messner has written over 60 books that have inspired children in an amazing variety of ways, whether it’s been to pursue their dreams as scientists or try out the writing process. Her latest, The Trouble With Heroes, tackles hiking: specifically, the world of Adirondack 46ers, to which Messner belongs (what can’t she do?). Finn Connelly is struggling after the death of his father, and this culminates in him vandalizing the grave of someone who turns out to have been the first woman to have completed hiking all the 46 High Peaks in the Adirondacks. Instead of pursuing punishment, the woman’s daughter issues a challenge to Finn to summit all 46 peaks himself in one summer.

Sugar Shack

By Lucy Knisley

We were delighted by Lucy Knisley’s Woe, “a funny, touching saga” that chronicled the antics of Knisley’s cat, Linney. Middle grade audiences have had just as much to cheer for with Knisley’s Peapod Farm series, and Sugar Shack will provide an exciting conclusion to the story of Jen, who has faced big challenges as she’s adjusted to her new life on Peapod Farm, which has included barn chores and a pair of new stepsisters.

Dream On

By Marcela Cespedes

Shannon Hale, beloved for novels like The Goose Girl and Princess Academy (which received a Newbery Honor), is also on top of the graphic novel game, notably with her bestselling Real Friends series, illustrated by LeUyen Pham, and the Eisner-nominated Rapunzel’s Revenge, which was cowritten with her husband, Dean Hale. Illustrated by Marcela Cespedes, who has previously worked with Nickelodeon and Disney, Dream On tells the story of Cassie Carpenter, whose chaotic home life is interrupted by a letter telling her she is the grand prize winner of a magazine sweepstakes. Will this solve all of her problems?

The Cartoonists Club

By Raina Telgemeier, Illustrated by Scott McCloud

Raina Telgemeier has captured the hearts of countless readers and critics with her bestselling graphic memoirs, Smile, Sisters and Guts (she won Eisner Awards for the first two). Now she teams up with Scott McCloud, author of the bestselling Understanding Comics and member of the Eisner Awards Hall of Fame, for this new graphic series, which depicts a group of young comics creators as they learn more about the art form that has enthralled so many of Telgemeier and McCloud’s fans.

All the Blues in the Sky

By Renée Watson

With her unique propensity for writing about complex emotions and difficult situations for young audiences, Renee Watson might be the queen of middle grade. It’s no wonder that we’re excited for her newest offering, All the Blues in the Sky, which explores grief as it follows its 13-year-old protagonist, Sage, through the aftermath of her best friend’s death.

We Are Lion Dancers

By Benson Shum

We Are Lion Dancers is a winning tale that warmly depicts the excitement of discovery, the fun of being part of a team and the value of learning about and participating in important traditions.