There are so many reasons that a reader might gravitate to a shorter novel, like if you're feeling pressed for time, are a little more reluctant about reading a big-fat-book, are trying to ease into reading longer books with harder vocabulary, or if you just want something quick to work through -- these shorter middle grade novels are for you! Check out our recommendations below:
By Christina Soontornvat
Illustrated by Kevin Hong
New York: Scholastic, 2023. Fiction. 147 pages.
Plum is surprised and a little apprehensive to find out that she'll be attending the elite Guardian Academy on Lotus Island, a school where kids learn to transform into magical creatures sworn to protect the earth. While all of her classmates are thriving in classes, Plum can tell that she's falling behind -- this is bad news because she can't continue her guardian training unless she proves she can become a guardian! This immersive fantasy novel is the start of a well-paced and compelling new series.
By Linda Sue Park
New York: Clarion Books, 2001. Fiction. 152 pages.
Tree-ear, a boy living in ancient Korea dreams of making elaborate celadon pots -- the most cherished and prized pottery of the time. Despite being poor, orphaned, and homeless, Tree-ear gains the trust of Min -- a talented potter who makes Tree-ear his apprentice. A true classic, this book transports readers to a different time and place and immerses readers without a lot of need for extra text. A Newbery medal book, this well-crafted novel perseveres for a reason.
By Renée Watson
Illustrated by Nina Mata
New York: Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2020. Fiction. 177 pages.
Ryan Hart is good at making the best of a bad situation -- a useful skill when the house her family rents is sold and her father starts a new job that makes them move into an older, smaller house. An episodic novel, each chapter shares a vignette from Ryan's life and shows off all the ways she makes sunshine. This book is cute, fun, and a more modern successor to Ramona Quimby.
Written by Torrey Maldonado
New York: Nancy Paulsen Books, 2023. Fiction. 135 pages.
Not every short book is geared towards younger middle grade readers. Sometimes older readers are looking for a slim book to read. This book is one of those. 12-year-old Trevor isn't sure how he'll protect himself, his sisters, and his mother when his abusive stepfather gets out of jail. He decides to join a boxing gym, even though people in his life who love him encourage him to develop his talent for art instead of fighting. For a short read, this book has a well-developed and enticing plot that will hook readers in.
Written by James Preller
Illustrated by Kevin Keele
New York: Scholastic, 2022. Fiction. 187 pages.
Stuck on a long road trip vacation with their parents and their dog, Ash and Willow McGinn are forced to make an unexpected stop when their car breaks down. Just then, they see a sign for Exit 13 Motel with a promising declaration "All pets welcome." Though apprehensive, they check-in to the motel and before long the weirdness starts. Tightly paced and perfectly creepy, this short horror novel -- the beginning of a series -- sets the stage for creeps and chills with a intriguing plot and a spine-chilling cliffhanger.
Written by Jason Reynolds
New York: Atheneum Books, 2016. Fiction. 181 pages.
Castle "Ghost" Crenshaw has been running since the night his father shot a gun at him and his mother. He's always been fast, but he didn't know anything about track until he is recruited for an elite track team called the Defenders. There's only one exception -- if he gets into anymore fights, then he's off the team. It's hard for Ghost to avoid fights, especially when everyone wants to pick fights with him over his hand-me-down clothes and beat up shoes, but he is desperate to be part of the team and finally leave his past behind. Another book that proves emotional, engaging, powerful books can be short in page numbers.
Written by Luna Graves
New York: Aladdin, 2022. Fiction. 126 pages.
In Peculiar, Pennsylvania the monster kids -- ghouls, goblins, ghosts, werewolves, witches, and more -- all attend Y.I.K.E.S.S.S., Yvetee I. Koffin's Exceptional School for Supernatural Students. At Y.I.K.E.S.S., monster children can learn how to practice their spells and scares while staying hidden from non-supernatural people. Usually, the school can keep magical children in check as they're learning to control their powers, but Y.I.K.E.S.S. was never ready for the Maleficent twins, Bella and Donna. They both hold incredible magical abilities, but will the 6th grade witches be able to keep control, or will they expose the entire supernatural community? Another series starter, this witchy book is a whole lot of fun!
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