Best Middle grade Books December 2024

The Ersatz Elevator (A Series of Unfortunate Events, #6)

In “The Ersatz Elevator,” the sixth installment of Lemony Snicket’s delightfully dark series, the Baudelaire orphans find themselves in the clutches of the peculiar Esmé Squalor and her husband, Jerome. As they navigate the dizzying world of high fashion and dubious elevators, Violet, Klaus, and Sunny must unravel the mysteries surrounding their new guardians. With Snicket’s signature wit and a dash of melancholy, this tale is both a thrilling adventure and a poignant exploration of resilience.

The Wide Window (A Series of Unfortunate Events, #3)

In “The Wide Window,” Lemony Snicket weaves another darkly humorous tale of the Baudelaire orphans, who find themselves in the care of their eccentric Aunt Josephine. Perched precariously above the ominous Lake Lachrymose, her home is filled with grammatical obsessions and irrational fears. As the cunning Count Olaf reappears with yet another sinister scheme, the Baudelaires must rely on their wits and courage to unravel the mysteries surrounding them. A captivating blend of wit and suspense, this installment keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The Burning Maze

Dive into the heart-pounding third installment of Rick Riordan’s Trials of Apollo series. As Lester Papadopoulos (aka the fallen god Apollo), I face my most dangerous challenge yet in the Labyrinth. With old friends and new allies, I must navigate treacherous mazes, battle fearsome monsters, and confront a ruthless Roman emperor. The stakes are higher than ever, and time is running out. Will I regain my godly powers, or is this the end of the line? Trust me, you won’t be able to put this one down.

The Dark Prophecy

In “The Dark Prophecy,” Rick Riordan weaves a thrilling tale that had me on the edge of my seat. Apollo’s mortal struggles continue as he faces new challenges and old enemies. I loved how Riordan blends humor with heart-pounding action, creating a story that’s both fun and deeply moving. The characters feel so real, I almost forgot I was reading fiction. It’s a perfect mix of mythology and modern-day adventure that’ll keep you guessing until the very end.

The Serpent’s Shadow

Dive into the thrilling conclusion of the Kane Chronicles as Carter and Sadie face their greatest challenge yet. Riordan weaves Egyptian mythology with modern-day adventure, creating a spellbinding tale that kept me up all night. The siblings’ witty banter and growth throughout the series tugged at my heartstrings, while the high-stakes battle against Apophis had me on the edge of my seat. A satisfying end to a magical journey that left me both exhilarated and a little sad to say goodbye.

The Throne of Fire

I was swept away by Riordan’s “The Throne of Fire,” the second installment in the Kane Chronicles. Carter and Sadie’s quest to awaken Ra had me on the edge of my seat. The blend of Egyptian mythology and modern-day adventure is masterful. Riordan’s wit shines through, making even the most perilous moments oddly relatable. I found myself chuckling at the siblings’ banter while biting my nails over their fate. A thrilling read that left me eager for more.

The Red Pyramid

I was skeptical when Dad dragged us to the British Museum on Christmas Eve, but I never expected it would lead to an ancient Egyptian god possessing him. Now my sister Sadie and I are on a wild adventure, racing to save Dad and stop the rise of chaos. With magic awakening inside us and mythical monsters on our tail, we’re in way over our heads. But we have to succeed – the fate of the world depends on it. At least we have a wise baboon and a grumpy cat goddess on our side…I think.

The Great Good Thing

Twelve-year-old Sylvie lives within the pages of a storybook, yearning for adventure beyond her scripted role. When a reader’s imagination transports her into the real world, she discovers a realm of endless possibilities. Navigating this strange new landscape, Sylvie grapples with her identity as both character and explorer. Townley’s enchanting tale blurs the lines between fiction and reality, inviting readers to ponder the magic of storytelling and the power of imagination. A whimsical journey that will captivate book lovers of all ages.

A Dog’s Life

Squirrel never knew life beyond the streets until a kind family took her in. Through her eyes, we experience the joys and hardships of a stray’s existence. From scavenging for food to seeking shelter from harsh weather, Squirrel’s tale is both heartwarming and eye-opening. Martin’s vivid storytelling brings this canine perspective to life, reminding us of the resilience and loyalty of man’s best friend. I found myself tearing up at times, rooting for Squirrel’s happiness.

Rain Reign

Rose Howard, a fifth-grader with high-functioning autism, finds solace in homonyms and prime numbers. Her world is turned upside down when her beloved dog, Rain, goes missing during a storm. As Rose embarks on a heartfelt search, she discovers unexpected courage and learns valuable lessons about family, friendship, and embracing change. Martin’s touching narrative offers a unique glimpse into the mind of a child with autism, weaving together themes of love, loss, and personal growth in this poignant tale of a girl and her dog.