Best Middle grade Books December 2024

City of Ghosts

Cassidy Blake’s life changed forever when she nearly drowned. Now, she can see ghosts and cross into the spirit world. When her parents, paranormal investigators, take her to haunted Edinburgh, Cassidy discovers a city teeming with restless spirits. As she unravels a centuries-old mystery, she realizes her gift might be both a blessing and a curse. With her ghostly best friend Jacob by her side, Cassidy must face her fears and confront a powerful entity threatening the living and the dead alike.

The Trials of Apollo: The Tower of Nero

Lester Papadopoulos, once the mighty Apollo, faces his final challenge in this thrilling conclusion to Rick Riordan’s “Trials of Apollo” series. As I raced through the pages, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and sadness, knowing this was the end. Riordan’s signature wit and heart shine through as Lester battles not just external foes, but his own doubts and fears. The stakes have never been higher, and I found myself holding my breath during the climactic showdown. A fitting end to an unforgettable journey.

The Trials of Apollo: The Tyrant’s Tomb

Apollo’s fall from grace continues in this gripping fourth installment of Riordan’s mythological masterpiece. Still trapped in his mortal teenage form, Lester Papadopoulos faces his most harrowing challenge yet: confronting an ancient Roman emperor risen from the dead. With his usual blend of humor and heart-pounding action, Riordan weaves a tale that had me laughing one moment and gasping the next. As a longtime fan, I found myself completely immersed in Apollo’s journey of self-discovery and redemption. It’s a rollercoaster ride you won’t want to miss!

The Trials of Apollo: The Dark Prophecy

Lester Papadopoulos, once the mighty Apollo, continues his mortal journey in this thrilling sequel. Stripped of his godly powers and trapped in the body of a gawky teenager, Apollo faces new perils as he seeks to restore five ancient oracles. With his demigod friends by his side, he battles fearsome enemies and unravels cryptic prophecies. Riordan’s signature wit and heart-pounding action shine through, blending Greek mythology with modern-day challenges. A must-read for fans of Percy Jackson and mythology buffs alike.

The Trials of Apollo

After being cast down from Olympus, the god Apollo wakes up in a New York City dumpster as a mortal teenage boy. Stripped of his godly powers, he must navigate the modern world and face ancient enemies to regain his place on Mount Olympus. Along the way, he encounters old friends and new allies, learning humility and the true meaning of heroism. Riordan’s witty prose and clever mythological twists make this a thrilling adventure that will captivate readers of all ages.

The Kane Chronicles

Dive into the thrilling world of Egyptian mythology with Rick Riordan’s “The Kane Chronicles.” Follow siblings Carter and Sadie Kane as they discover their hidden magical heritage and embark on a perilous journey to save the world. Riordan’s signature wit and humor shine through as the Kanes face ancient gods, wield powerful magic, and unravel family secrets. With heart-pounding action and clever twists, this series will captivate readers of all ages, leaving them spellbound until the very last page.

The Whipping Boy

Jemmy, a young orphan, finds himself thrust into the opulent world of royalty as the whipping boy for the mischievous Prince Brat. Enduring punishments meant for the prince, Jemmy dreams of escape. When the two boys are kidnapped, an unlikely friendship blossoms as they navigate danger and adventure together. Fleischman’s witty prose and vivid characters bring this tale of friendship and identity to life, reminding us that true nobility comes from within. I couldn’t put it down, laughing and gasping with each turn of the page.

The Cricket in Times Square

Chester, a musical cricket from Connecticut, finds himself in the bustling heart of New York City. Befriended by a streetwise mouse and a tender-hearted cat, Chester’s extraordinary talent for chirping classical melodies brings joy to the gloomy Times Square subway station. As word of his gift spreads, Chester faces the choice between fame and the simple pleasures of friendship. This heartwarming tale reminds us that sometimes, the most unexpected encounters can lead to the most beautiful harmonies in life.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Greg Heffley’s hilarious middle school misadventures come to life in this laugh-out-loud journal. From dodging bullies to navigating awkward friendships, Greg’s witty observations and doodles capture the chaos of adolescence. I found myself chuckling at his relatable struggles and cringing at his well-intentioned mishaps. Kinney’s simple illustrations perfectly complement Greg’s snarky voice, making this a quick, entertaining read that’ll resonate with kids and adults alike. It’s no wonder this series became a cultural phenomenon!

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

Edward Tulane, a china rabbit, lives a life of luxury, adored by a little girl. But he’s cold-hearted and vain. When he’s lost at sea, Edward’s journey begins. Through the hands of many owners, he learns to love and be loved. Each encounter shapes him, from a hobo to a lonely boy. As Edward’s heart opens, he discovers the joy and pain of caring deeply. A tale of redemption and the transformative power of love, this story will touch readers of all ages.