Secrets and Mysteries
Coming-of-Age Challenges
Magical Realism and Fantasy
Family, Loss, and Transformation
100

This book features a brother and sister who try to solve a puzzling disappearance during a trip to one of London’s most iconic landmarks, all while grappling with family secrets.

The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd

100

This middle-grade novel follows a girl who struggles to navigate her love of punk music and her desire to fit in at a new school, balancing rebellion and belonging.

The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Perez

100

In this story, a young girl sets out on a journey with a mystical companion, facing the unknown and learning about her own inner strength.

Black Bird Blue Road by Sofiya Pasternack

100

A boy must prove his worth when he grapples with both the loss of his parents and his new school in this emotional coming-of-age story.

The Labors of Hercules Beal by Gary D. Schmidt

200

In this story, a girl who is isolated in a post-apocalyptic world must discover the truth behind her situation while learning how to survive.

Alone by Megan E. Freeman

200

A middle schooler who has been bullied is worried about a trip to Europe

A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat 

200

In this magical, tech-based story, a girl learns to control her unique abilities, navigating a world that demands constant adaptation and survival.

Jinxed by Amy McCulloch

200

Two best friends must deal with challenges at home and at school

Falling Short by Ernesto Cisneros

300

This book investigates the mysterious disappearance of a painting, uncovering secrets about art and history.

The Mona Lisa Vanishes by Nicholas Day

300

This story centers on a girl who faces challenges on her school’s swim team and must learn the value of perseverance and teamwork.

Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas

300

A girl with magical powers must navigate a world that increasingly feels out of control as she uses her abilities to save her city.

A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher

300

When a boy stumbles upon a big secret in his town, he faces challenges that test his loyalty to his friends and his family.

Coop Knows the Scoop by Taryn Souders

400

In a world where people are transported to new lives, a boy seeks to discover the truth about his origins and how he fits into a larger mystery.

Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix

400

A girl moves to a new country and grapples with the loss of her home, while slowly learning what it means to call a new place home.

The Lost Year by Katherine Marsh

400

A boy with a school project about heroism grapples with challenges and family issues in this story that blends mythology with coming-of-age themes.

The Labors of Hercules Beal by Gary D. Schmidt

500

A group of orphaned children in a quiet town begin to uncover dark secrets about their community, with a mysterious ogress playing a key role in revealing the truth.

The Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill

500

In this emotional journey, a boy tries to solve his friend's disappearance

Yonder by Ali Standish