Are you looking for series recommendations for your middle grade reader? As the mother of a young bibliophile, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality middle grade books.
Perhaps your child finished Harry Potter, Fablehaven, Land of Stories, and other popular series already. What should they read next? If you’re on the hunt for series suggestions off the beaten path, you’ve come to the right place.
I interviewed my book-loving ten-year-old, and he gave me his top middle grade book series recommendations for 2020. He gravitates toward fantasy, mystery, and realistic fiction, but he reads historical fiction, comedy, and nonfiction as well.
In the following interview, my son shares the reasons he recommends these series to his peers. He mentions who might like them and offers a humor rating for each series. 1 😂 = sprinkle of laughs. 5 😂 = rolling on the floor laughing.
All the Wrong Questions by Lemony Snicket
Why do you recommend All the Wrong Questions?
Answer: The mysteries in these books are great! I love how this series ties into A Series of Unfortunate Events (ASOUE). These books are about Lemony Snicket, the narrator of ASOUE, and they tell the story of his childhood and his participation in an organization called the VFD. These books are not as tragic as ASOUE, but they’re still dramatic. Each book builds on a bigger mystery. They have elements of fantasy in them, which I really like.
Who might like this series?
Answer: Fans of Lemony Snicket. Kids who read mysteries. This series doesn’t have much humor in it. If you’re looking for a funny series, this won’t work for you.
Humor: 😂
See also: A Series of Unfortunate Events
The Last Muskateer by Stuart Gibbs
Why do you recommend The Last Muskateer?
Answer: Stuart Gibbs is my favorite author. I like all of his books, but this series is the most fun. It’s about a kid who gets sucked into a painting and goes back in time. Gibbs bases these books on Alexander Dumas’s The Three Muskateers. (I recommend reading Dumas’s book first.) The story is epic with lots of swords and duels. I enjoyed the interesting settings like France and Spain. The characters are tons of fun. It’s got time travel, elements of fantasy, and plenty of action.
Who might like this series?
Answer: Fans of Stuart Gibbs. Kids who love humor, action, and fantasy.
Humor: 😂😂😂😂
See also: The Spy School Series, The Funjungle Series, The Moon Base Alpha Series, The Charlie Thorne Series
Theodore Boone by John Grisham
Why do you recommend Theodore Boone?
Answer: John Grisham is better known as an adult writer. But he wrote this amazing middle grade series about a kid lawyer! The main character’s parents are both lawyers, so the concept makes sense. Each book in this series is a new case for Theodore to solve. For example, in the second book, his friend is abducted. He goes to his uncle for help with the cases. These are well-thought-out, interesting mysteries. The tone can get dark, but I don’t mind because it’s realistic. Also, it has a little bit of humor.
Who might like this series?
Answer: Kids who read mysteries and realistic fiction will love this series.
Humor: 😂😂
The Fourth Stall by Chris Rylander
Why do you recommend The Fourth Stall?
Answer: This series has an interesting concept. There’s a fourth stall in the boy’s bathroom at school that doesn’t have a toilet. The main character sets up a desk and chair in the stall, and he gives therapy to other kids in the school. He even has a bodyguard and someone who takes money for the appointments! Everyone knows about him except the teachers. The main character is funny and likable. I love the idea of a kid running a business out of a school bathroom. Who wouldn’t? It’s got tons of humor in it.
Who might like this series?
Answer: Kids who love humor and realistic fiction like The Wednesday Wars or Save Me a Seat will love this series.
Humor: 😂😂😂😂
See also: Codename Conspiracy Series, An Epic Series of Failures Series
The Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan
Why do you recommend The Heroes of Olympus?
Answer: My favorite genre is fantasy, and this series has lots of fantasy and action. I like fantasy because it has no rules and the stories go wherever they want to go. Rick Riordan must have studied a lot of Greek and Roman mythology when he wrote these. The series got me interested in mythology. Not only are the stories great, but you can learn something too. The characters are interesting. I dressed up as Leo (the mechanic character) for Halloween last year.
Who might like this series?
Answer: Fans of Rick Riordan. If you enjoyed Fablehaven, Chronicles of Narnia, and Harry Potter, then you’ll enjoy these. Warning! The books are extremely long (approximately 500 pp. each). The books are a medium-level difficulty.
Humor: 😂😂😂
See also: Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, The Kane Chronicles, Magnus Chase & the Gods of Asgard, The Trials of Apollo
For more middle grade series recommendations, see Dragon Books for Tweens We Love and 20 Books Your Child Should Read After The Mysterious Benedict Society.
I am enjoying your blog so much Jennifer. You are very talented.
Thank you, Becky! Happy belated birthday. All my love 🙂