Middle Grade Madness! discussion

Feel free to recommend as many fantasy books as you like below!
Please only recommend Middle Grade books. (Because this is a middle grade group and I know people will benefit more if the books are only middle grade.)

Please clearly label your recommendation(s) from other comments you might make like “I love that book” or “I’m reading that book right now”, etc.

Please use book links like: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone or to help people navigate around GR to find the book(s) easily.

Please include some extra details on the book (if it’s part of series, if it’s part of other genres, etc.)

Challenge: Describe why you like the book in 5-8 words!

(Reserved comment for future use)

Kostas wrote: “Sky Raiders (Five kingdoms)

Link:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

The five kingdom series is great!
And the author’s other works seem interesting too.”

I’ve read the first two Five Kingdoms and first two Beyonders, plus Fablehaven and the two Candy Shop War books, all by Brandon Mull. All fun books.

Furthermore and Whichwood
is my favorite middle grade fantasy so far! It’s really fun and magical. I love the narrator and the friendships. It’s a cute story

I’m in the middle of Garth Nix’s Keys to the Kingdom series. Very creative. The first one is Mister Monday.

the Seven Wonders series by Peter Lerangais. It's so good and so underrated!

Kostas wrote: "Sky Raiders (Five kingdoms)

The five kingdom series is great!
And the author's other works seem interesting too."

I want to read this one!

Blackandred04 wrote: "the Seven Wonders series by Peter Lerangais. It's so good and so underrated!"

I recently saw this in a bookstore and I so want to read it now!

Audrey wrote: “I’ve read the first two Five Kingdoms and first two Beyonders, plus Fablehaven and the two Candy Shop War books, all by Brandon Mull. All...”

I tried reading fablehaven because it looked and sounded so interesting but I just couldn’t get into it. I ended up dnf’ing it😞

Kadi wrote: “Audrey wrote: “I’ve read the first two Five Kingdoms and first two Beyonders, plus Fablehaven and the two Candy Shop War books, all by Brandon Mull. All…”

I tried reading fablehaven because it l…”

He’s got a different style of writing, I think, and it takes some getting used to. Candy Shop War is probably a good place to start.

One of my very favorite books is “The School for Good and Evil” series by Soman Chanani. It’s about two girls who get chosen to go to the School for Good and Evil, but they unexpectedly get dropped in to the wrong schools. The sour, ugly Agatha goes to the school for princesses and pretty ladies while the fair, beautiful Sophie gets dropped into the school for evil. Great read, 5 stars!

Everything by Rick Riordan

😂😂Grace definitely! I love Rick Riordan👏🏻 his books are great.

I recommend my Urban Fantasy series and it’s centered around music.

Jimmy is a runaway boy, saddened by the tragedies that have happened in his life. The only thing still keeping him motivated, is his love for music. He’s outside, practically freezing in the cold, until he knocks on a door. This door is the Music Man’s. Jimmy and the Music Man find out they share a passion for music. Cornelius then introduces Jimmy to his famous piano that’s in his attic. After playing a song that Cornelius wrote, the piano transports them to a magical parallel dimension. In this other dimension, Cornelius is a famous conductor and composer, who supposedly has an upcoming concert in the town of Harmony. However, there is another conductor, by the name of Hornsbury. And Hornsbury wants power.He is planning to possess the Harmonians, using his music.
No matter the cost......
https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/...#

Percy Jackson would be middle grade fantasy!

Hazel wrote: "Percy Jackson would be middle grade fantasy!"

The best middle grade fantasy😩❤

The Crowns of Croswald by D.E. Night is such an underrated middle grade fantasy!! I recommend!

There's going to be a third Candy Shop War at some time. :)

Audrey wrote: "There's going to be a third Candy Shop War at some time. :)"

Whoaa audrey so looking forward with this.

Kadi wrote: "Hazel wrote: "Percy Jackson would be middle grade fantasy!"

The best middle grade fantasy😩❤"

Clearly!!! 😍😍😍

I recommend The Awakening because it is both about superheroes and also regular kids. It takes place in a period when superheroes are mostly gone, so kids who begin to show the emergence of powers become very desirable.

I recommend Z. Rex because it has a male protagonist. Also it's about a boy whose father goes missing and at the same time, a video game dinosaur comes to life.

I recommend Moving Target because it is a Da Vinci Code style of clue and quest story made for an MG audience.

Lynn wrote: "I recommend The Awakening because it is both about superheroes and also regular kids. It takes place in a period when superheroes are mostly gone, so kids who begin to show the emerg..."

Aah Lynn I’ve actually already recommended this book on the superhero recommendations page: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
I made a separate one for it because it doesn’t quite fit into fantasy and I also really love the superhero mg genre

Kadi wrote: "Lynn wrote: "I recommend The Awakening because it is both about superheroes and also regular kids. It takes place in a period when superheroes are mostly gone, so kids who begin to s..."

Well, darn. I hadn't looked at the Superhero page yet.

@Lynn no worries, just shows how great the book is it’s recommended in 2 places😂

Kadi wrote: "@Lynn no worries, just shows how great the book is it’s recommended in 2 places😂"

I loved that series.

@Lynn did you also read the sequel series? Or just the original trilogy? Because I stopped at the trilogy but I kinda wish I’d continued because it was really great. I was put off by the fact that the first book in the sequel series was more like a prequel than a continuation of the storyline.

Kadi wrote: "@Lynn did you also read the sequel series? Or just the original trilogy? Because I stopped at the trilogy but I kinda wish I’d continued because it was really great. I was put off by the fact that ..."

I stopped at the trilogy also. I bought the others, but left them in my room library when I retired so the kids would have access to them.

@Lynn aww that’s sweet of you! Hopefully some kids read and loved them!

So you’re looking for fantasy but not too fantasy, I get you. Actually I’m not a fan of straight fantasy myself (we’re the same like that!) so often I like the fantasy books with fantasy or magical aspects but aren’t totally you know fairies and dragons and whatnot.

Here are some I can think of that are magical/fantasy but not an overwhelming amount (if that makes sense):
The Accidental Hero
The first in a fantastic trilogy. It’s set in a magical land, there is magic and other creatures. It’s a really great adventure and mystery. Get ready to feel outraged on behalf of the protagonist. I read a lot of this feeling like I needed to fight for this boy😂

The Trials of Morrigan Crow
The first in what’s also a fantastic trilogy (so far). It has some similarities with the book above in the sense that the protagonist is taken suddenly to a new land after finding out she’s special. It’s also a mystery and a great adventure. The tone throughout the whole trilogy as it is so far shifts a lot (others have said it gets a little depressing but I personally didn’t mind that so much) but honestly the plot is fantastic. Genuinely thrilling and worth the read. The world building is fun too and the characters are so good. It’s also got more books coming in the series soon so there’s no need to rush to read this one as when you’ve finished all 3 you’ll be waiting for the next one anyway.
This series gets compared to Harry Potter a lot but I think it’s completely different and in terms of fantastic plot planning the 2 series are on par.
It also gets compared to the Keeper of the Lost Cities series but let’s be clear about this, Nevermoor is the superior series to the point that there’s really no competition lol.
If you do end up reading this series there are already discussion pages up for book 2 and 3 because I buddy read it with some people so you can come and discuss the books there if you want to!

13 Secrets
The first in a trilogy. Nice magical aspects but mainly set in the real world. Pretty good adventure and mystery throughout the series. Wait I think this one actually does have fairies😂 but from what I remember it was more adventure focused than fairyland frolicking.

The Field Guide
The first in a 5 book series but they’re all very short. You could read the whole series in one sitting and then go watch the movie. This was from my childhood so a lot of my love for it is nostalgic but it also is very good. The plot is good, I loooove the concept and the rhyming riddles for which I’m such a sucker for😂 I’ve read it more than 3 times, even recently too. Same as the above book it has magical aspects like fantasy creatures but is set in the real world.


Also if you liked The Hidden Oracle you should definitely try out The Lightning Thief. The Percy Jackson series is 100% Rick Riordan’s best work and Trials of Apollo pales in comparison. Genuinely the Percy Jackson series actually deserves the hype it gets because it was and still is a great series with an awesome plot and fun characters and adventure. And rhyming riddles! Man do I love those rhyming riddles👏🏻 If you haven’t read the Percy Jackson series and are interested I know some people are going to be buddy reading book 2 and probably the rest of the series too so if you want to read along with them it’s always really fun to discuss it with people whilst you read.

Hedda wrote: "Hi guys!
Fantasy is my least favorite genre but I want to try to find a book I love! Does anyone have any recommendations for books that are not too magical or dragoney!!? This is probably the onl..."

Maybe The False Prince -- it feels like fantasy but really has zero magic in it.

Also try Theft of Swords (adult). It has a little magic but is more about conspiracies.

A lot of YA fantasy is crap, so don't let that turn you off.

I recommend anything in The Talisman Series by Brett Salter

Please friend me to discuss my series or collaborate!

The Search For Synergy
Riders of Ice and Fire
Windy City Ruins
The Battle For Verdana: The Talisman Series Vol. 4

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...

If you like Dungeons and Dragons there is a middle grade series coming this November! It sounds so fun.

Speaking of Dungeons and Dragons, I highly recommend Scales & Scoundrels Definitive Edition Book 1: Where Dragons Wander it's a DnD-style/adventure/fantasy MG graphic novel with a sequel too.
The art is uniquely beautiful and the characters are very different and intriguing!

Kadi wrote: "Speaking of Dungeons and Dragons, I highly recommend Scales & Scoundrels Definitive Edition Book 1: Where Dragons Wander it's a DnD-style/adventure/fantasy MG graphic novel with a s..."

Cool. Ill check it out thanks for sharing.

Hey everyone!
So fantasy is my least favorite genre but I wanna give it a try! Is there a good fantasy book that won't have me thinking "What is going on?" by the first couple of pages? Thanks!

Heda wrote: "Hey everyone!
So fantasy is my least favorite genre but I wanna give it a try! Is there a good fantasy book that won't have me thinking "What is going on?" by the first couple of pages? Thanks!"

straightforward Middle Grade

YA pretty straight forward more dystopian than fantasy

pretty straight forward goes back and explains stuff Middle Grade

pretty straight forward goes back and explains things Middle Grade

straightforward Middle Grade

Heda wrote: "Hey everyone!
So fantasy is my least favorite genre but I wanna give it a try! Is there a good fantasy book that won't have me thinking "What is going on?" by the first couple of pages? Thanks!"

The Candy Shop War is pretty straightforward.

ooh I loved the candy shop war!

Heda wrote: "Hey everyone!
So fantasy is my least favorite genre but I wanna give it a try! Is there a good fantasy book that won't have me thinking "What is going on?" by the first couple of pages? Thanks!"

So you’re looking for a pretty lowkey fantasy like urban fantasy or adventure with fantasy elements, right?

Here’s what I’ve come up with:
Defender of the Realm - set in the real world but with fantasy elements. Also belongs to adventure, action, magic, royalty, humour and is part of a trilogy. Is currently #1 on my all time faves shelf, honestly it’s such a fun one.

The Eighth Day - Same as above but instead of royalty it belongs to the Arthurian mythology genre. It’s also on my all time faves shelf.

The Blameless - set in a fantasy world but the fantasy elements are very simple and it’s such a good book about found family. Belongs to the royalty genre and it’s sort of contemporary in parts. The sequel is coming I think sometime this year which I’m super excited for!

Despite how much I don’t like fantasy, very much in the same way you don’t, there are some other really great fantasy books I can think of. But I haven’t recommended them because I thought you’d prefer these more simpler ones as starting points.

Hi everyone.

I need some help finding a book I read back in highschool. It was about a boy who finds a portal to a fantasy land (I think it was in a park) and discovers that his mother is actually actually an elf and left the fantasy land to marry his father. I remember there was a centaur, but that's about it. This was in the 2000s and I can't remember thing one about it. There are a few books from back then that I'm dying to find again.

Kay wrote: "Hi everyone.

I need some help finding a book I read back in highschool. It was about a boy who finds a portal to a fantasy land (I think it was in a park) and discovers that his mother is actuall..."

That sounds interesting, but I haven't heard of a book like that. Ill search the web for it. Put book about about a boy who finds a portal to a fantasy land (I think it was in a park) and discovers that his mother is actually actually an elf and left the fantasy land to marry his father.
Got nothing. Sorry.

Then tried book about a boy who finds a portal in tbe park.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7...
I doubt this is it though.

Kay wrote: "Hi everyone.

I need some help finding a book I read back in highschool. It was about a boy who finds a portal to a fantasy land (I think it was in a park) and discovers that his mother is actuall..."

Nothing comes to mind, I'm afraid! You may have better luck asking about it on this group: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...

Hi all Book 2 Ashley Sprinkler title Ashley Sprinkler: Ancient Sacred Twisted Journey is out now. It will reveal one of its many adventures that is whimsical & fun. If you are looking for a book to relax and release stress look no further.

Below is the synopsis:

The Three Weird Sisters are all trapped in their realm. Speed Twister is travelling around the world to find the ancient sacred items to free them.
In search of these items, he turns every country he visits upside down, creating chaos. Ashley Sprinkler and Prince Jeff must do everything they can to stop him, even if that means fighting perilous creatures, magical foes, and more.
The Three Weird Sisters thirst for power and recognition; they plan to overthrow Witch Z to rule all the realms.
Ashley Sprinkler and Prince Jeff must deal with the consequences of reversing the spell and unleashing Witch Z.

Out now @ amazon, barnes & nobles, kobo, apple.
$0.99 @amazon kindle until 16th September

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BCCYH98D

Hey everyone. Make sure to check out Amazon this weekend. I'm running a free promotion for the first book in my series.

Want in on the adventure? Come check out where Rome and Julian's historic saga began by picking up "The Search For Synergy" as a free Kindle version through Monday of this weekend!

The Search for Synergy

As always, stay safe and keep a wary eye out for portals,
Brett Salter

Here are some fantastic middle grade fantasy recs:
-The Skyborn Trilogy by Jessica Khoury
(LOVE THIS SERIES WITH ALL MY HEART)
if you like
*From my book review:
"Told in 2 perspectives, Ellie's that is optimistic, and Nox who see's the world as dangerous and dark, Jessica masterfully writes the characters and world-building making you excited for more."
-⚔️rebellion
-☁️Characters who can fly and have wings
-😢Important lessons, and emotional scenes
-🧵Complex characters
-🌥️grumpy x sunshine main protagonists

Lailu Loganberry trilogy by Heidi Lang
*From my book review
" Filled with enjoyable characters, great banter, strong protagonist, elves, danger, mystery, and plot twists."
-🐉Dragons & mythical creatures
-🧝‍♂️Elves
-🔺Love triangle
-🧪Science vs Magic
(Loved this one . .. kept me up late at night in love with the story!)

Ottilie Colter trilogy by Rhiannon Williams

*From my book review:
"Set in a misogynistic society, with animals, fantasy, feminism and important lessons about the prejudices against females."
-🏹Mythical Creatures
-🤯Game-changing plot twists
-⚔️girl disguising herself as a guy
-📦Deals with a misogynistic society and breaking past stereotypes!

Zachary Ying and The Dragon Emperor
*from my book review
"An adventure with a perfect juxtaposition of history, myth, friendship, and humor."
-💖main character who you can't help but root for
-🐉snarky historical figure who talks to the main character
-🗺️Ancient history and mythology weaved together
-🩹Characters you want to protect at all costs

Theo Tan and the Fox Spirit
"With every book I go in with the mindset hoping I can find the next favorite, and this book was no exception. "
-🦊sarcastic animal companion
-🖐️relationship between brothers
-🪄urban fantasy
-🔮Mythology

Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston
*From my book review
"Esme Symes-Smith is a fresh perspective in middle grade literature and writes a debut that is sure to leave the reader in awe. Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston is the next book I have selected to rave about and spread to many of my fellow readers!
-🌟Non-binary protagonist! (Callie is a fantastic role model who shows that they are capable of doing what they dream of, despite others bringing them down! I love how they are so noble, kind, caring, and admirable.)
- 💖One of the most important middle grade reads, discussing gender roles, stereotypes, trauma, and toxic relationships.
-🪄Fantasy world with knights, royals, magic, and more!
(This was such a great read!)

Royal Guide to Monster Slaying quartet
*From my book review:
"Kelley Armstrong is such an amazing writer, and this is a book that I really loved. "
-🐉Mythical monsters
-⚔️Battles and knights
-👑Royals
-😲Shocking plot twists

Dragons*☆4Ever wrote: "Here are some fantastic middle grade fantasy recs:
-The Skyborn Trilogy by Jessica Khoury
(LOVE THIS SERIES WITH ALL MY HEART)
if you like
*From my book review:
"Told in 2 perspectives, Ellie's tha..."

Never heard of Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston before it sounds super cool. Thanks for the rec.

AurorainBookland wrote: "Dragons*☆4Ever wrote: "Here are some fantastic middle grade fantasy recs:
-The Skyborn Trilogy by Jessica Khoury
(LOVE THIS SERIES WITH ALL MY HEART)
if you like
*From my book review:
"Told in 2 pe..."

It's a new book! I definitely recommend reading it and tell me your thoughts if you do!

Dragons*☆4Ever wrote: "AurorainBookland wrote: "Dragons*☆4Ever wrote: "Here are some fantastic middle grade fantasy recs:
-The Skyborn Trilogy by Jessica Khoury
(LOVE THIS SERIES WITH ALL MY HEART)
if you like
*From my b..."

Im planning on reading it. Will do, maybe it will work for one of the prompts in the August challenge.