Chapter Books & Middle Grade, Novels & Graphic Novels

Middle Grade and Chapter Book fiction is booming in both prose and graphic form! Whether it's hilarious, insightful, silly, spooky, heartwarming, or all of the above, young readers are lucky enough to be living in a golden age of children's books. These high-interest novels and graphic novels are sure to delight kids... but if you're a grownup and you want in on the fun, that's cool, too. ;-)

These spring 2020 releases are posted in order of release date, and are either brand new, or will be available very soon at bookstores and online. Please support your favorite bookstores and your local economy if you can! Click on the book jackets for links to Bookshop.org, which directly helps local bookstores.

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DERBY DAREDEVILS #1: KENZIE KICKSTARTS A TEAM
by Kit Rosewater &
illus by Sophie Escabasse;
​Abrams; March 24, 2020

Ever since they can remember, fifth-graders Kenzie (aka Kenzilla) and Shelly (aka Bomb Shell) have dreamed of becoming roller derby superstars... With lots of humor and an authentic middle-grade voice, book one of this illustrated series follows Kenzie, Shelly, and the rest of the Derby Daredevils as they learn how to fall--and get back up again. Age 8-12

BIRD & SQUIRREL:
​ALL OR NOTHING!
by James Burks
Graphix; April 21, 2020

Squirrel helps Bird overcome his biggest challenge yet -- FAMILY!

​While dealing with the scorching desert heat and dirty tricks from another team, Bird and Squirrel are put to the ultimate test of endurance and sportsmanship. Along the way, the duo learns that, win or lose, having good friends and family will always get you to the finish line. Age 7-10

RICK
by Alex Gino
Scholastic; April 21, 2020

From the award-winning author of George, the story of a boy who needs to explore his own identity apart from his jerk of a best friend.

Rick's never questioned much. He's gone along with his best friend Jeff even when Jeff's acted like a bully and a jerk. And he hasn't given his own identity much thought, because everyone else around him seemed to have figured it out. But now he's gotten to middle school, and new doors are opening...  Age 8-12

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FRIGHTVILLE:
#1: DON'T LET THE DOLL IN
#2: CURSE OF THE WISH EATER by Mike Ford;
Scholastic; May 21, 2020

For fans of GOOSEBUMPS!

Welcome to Frightville: One-stop shopping for all your fears!

In book 1, "Don't Let the Doll In" - a pretty doll turns out to be pretty haunted. In book 2, "Curse of the Wish-Eater", a set of chattering teeth grants wishes the hard way...
​Age 7-10

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GERONIMO STILTON: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL!
Book 1: The Sewer Rat Stink
by Tom Angleberger
Scholastic; May 5, 2020

"Fresh, funny, and fast-paced. The free-style artwork and anything-goes story will make kids want to write and draw their own books!" -Dav Pilkey

A stinky smell is taking over New Mouse City! No mouse can live like this! Geronimo and his best friend Hercule, the private detective, head underground into the sewer world of Mouse Island to investigate. Can they save the city from the stench? Age 7-10

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AMERICAN AS PANEER PIE
by Supriya Kelkar
S&S; June 5, 2020

An Indian American girl navigates prejudice in her small town and learns the power of her own voice in this brilliant gem of a middle grade novel full of humor and heart, perfect for fans of Front Desk and Amina's Voice.

As the only Indian American kid in her small town, Lekha Divekar feels like she has two versions of herself: Home Lekha, who loves watching Bollywood movies and eating Indian food, and School Lekha, who pins her hair over her bindi birthmark and avoids confrontation at all costs, especially when someone teases her for being Indian.

When a girl Lekha's age moves in across the street, Lekha is excited to hear that her name is Avantika and she's Desi, too! Finally, there will be someone else around who gets it.... Age 8-12

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