7 New Middle Grade Books (May 2022)
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Need some new reading material for your readers who are ages 9 to 12?
Here are 7 new books I’ve enjoyed this month — and hope your kids will, too.
Which of these middle grade books made the best book list?
>>BEST MIDDLE GRADE BOOKS OF 2022<<
Super You! Power of Flight by Hena Khan & Andrea Menotti, art by Yancey Labat
CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
While I didn’t read every single possible story, I really enjoyed the ones that I did choose…and found that choosing the villain choice was more fun than I expected. In this story, you and another kid at camp are scratched by a mysterious bird which gives you the power of flight. How will you use this new power? For good or evil?
Dungeoneer Adventures by Ben Costa, illustrated by James Parks
FANTASY / ILLUSTRATED
Coop is the only human at the Dungeoneer Academy. He feels alone and fears failure, but it’s his lifelong dream to be an explorer. Luckily, his best friend Oggie (a bugbear) and two other new friends on his team stick together to survive the bullying Coop faces at school and the life-or-death jungle trial in which they experience trouble with their team, unexpected attacks, and a monster spider. The stakes are high–if they fail the trial, they’ll be kicked out of the school forever. It’s a fun-to-read, illustrated, and fast-paced fantastical adventure!

Theo Tan and the Fox Spirit by Jesse Q. Sutanto
FANTASY
When his older brother dies, Theo inherits his spirit companion fox Kai (who doesn’t like him) and learns that his brother’s death wasn’t an accident. In a mystery filled with magic, growing into yourself, and heritage, Theo investigates the Reapling Corp by posing as a talented magic user who wants to connect to his Chinese heritage. But he’s not very magical and doesn’t know Chinese words very well so he needs Kai’s help so they can stay at the summer camp and look for clues. Exciting and interesting!

Skandar and the Unicorn Thief by A.F. Steadman
FANTASY
In Skandar’s world with bloodthirsty unicorns and unicorn riders, he’s denied as a unicorn rider until a mysterious woman sneaks him in. He learns he and his unicorn have the forbidden 5th spirit element like the evil Weaver whose been wreaking destruction and stealing unicorns. His new friends help him hide the magic and control his unicorn who hates pretending to be a water elemental. But he and his unicorn’s elemental magic may be the only ones who can stop the Weaver.

Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor by Xiran Jay Zhao
FANTASY

Aviva and the Dybbuk by Mari Lowe
REALISTICish
More New Books
Dearest readers, because I read so many books in a month, I’m picky about pacing. These books didn’t hook me after the first third but so many other reviewers rave about them so I thought I’d share the titles. Check them out for yourself and see what you think.
Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill
The Patron Thief of Bread by Lindsey Eagar
Answers in the Pages by David Levithan
Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone by Tae Keller
KEEP READING