As we wrap up another fun summer filled with reading challenges like CSLP’s Color Your World and iRead’s Level Up at Your Library, it’s time to look ahead to the school year with excitement—and great books! Scholastic titles are now available on Hoopla instantly on their release date, young readers don’t have to wait to get their hands on fresh stories just in time for back-to-school season. That’s the heart of Lit for Learning—where “lit” is both a cool way to say “exciting” and shorthand for “literature.”
Learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom. It happens anywhere a good book is opened. Scholastic’s Middle Grade titles (geared toward readers in grades 4–8) are now instantly accessible on Hoopla in both eBooks and graphic novels, making it easier than ever to foster imagination, empathy, and critical thinking in young readers. These stories explore more than just academic subjects—they touch on friendship, family, identity, growing up, and so much more.
What Makes Middle Grade Lit So Special?
Middle-Grade Scholastic titles on Hoopla address real-life experiences with just the right mix of sensitivity, humor, and heart. They often feature characters in the same age group who are exploring their independence, figuring out relationships, and navigating life’s emotional ups and downs.
eBook Titles for Middle Grades:
by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan:
Joe and Ravi are very different, but in one eventful week they need to team up to face a bully. Their story shows how friendship can grow in unexpected places.
by Aaron Blabey:
Mr. Wolf, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Snake, and Mr. Shark sure look like bad guys, but they’re trying their best to be heroes. But here comes a scary new character and a weird little guy with a mullet.
by Tui T. Sutherland:
After the war ends, dragonets still have enemies. NightWing receives a prophecy that the lost city of night must be found. Five dragonets are ready to fulfill their destiny.
by Gordon Korman:
Chase has lost his memory in an accident. When he returns to school, some kids treat him like a hero and others seem afraid of him. Chase has to figure out who he used to be—and who he wants to be.
Graphic Novel Titles for Middle Schoolers
Wings of Fire: The Dark Secret
by Tui T. Sutherland:
Starflight learns something terrible about his tribe, the NightWings—they’ve imprisoned some of his friends, the RainWings. Now he must decide where his loyalty truly lies.
by Megan Wagner Lloyd:
Maggie wants a pet. When she discovers she’s allergic to dogs, she has to figure out which pet will be best for her.
by Ann M. Martin:
In this installation of the Baby-Sitters Little Sister series, Kristy’s little stepsister, Karen, gets a terrible haircut, and Karen tries to help.
by Raina Telgemeier:
This award-winning graphic novel is the author’s memoir of sixth grade, the year she navigates major dental work and her social life.
Key Themes and Considerations When Selecting Titles for Middle Grade Readers:
- Age Appropriateness: Even when discussing serious subjects like grief or bullying, stories remain accessible and hopeful.
- Character Agency: Protagonists take action, solve problems, and make choices that shape their journeys.
- Relatable Topics: School struggles, friendship drama, identity questions, and family dynamics often take center stage.
- Engaging Formats: Whether it’s a graphic novel, fantasy epic, or heartfelt contemporary fiction, middle grade books range from 20,000 to 60,000+ words and are crafted to hold attention.
Common Themes Most Middle Grade Readers Love:
- Friendship: The ups and downs of navigating friendships are central to many stories.
- Family: Characters explore a variety of family dynamics including loss, change, and growth.
- School Life: From social challenges to academic pressures, these books mirror everyday experiences.
- Growing Up: Emotional and physical changes, independence, and self-discovery take the spotlight.
- Adventure & Mystery: Page-turning action and fantasy worlds spark curiosity and excitement.
- Humor: Relatable, laugh-out-loud moments keep readers coming back.
- World Exploration: Stories that introduce new cultures, history, and science satisfy natural curiosity.
- Relatable Characters: Kids want to see themselves in books—whether realistic or in fantasy realms.
Scholastic’s Middle Grade collection is a great place to start or continue a young reader’s journey into literature that reflects their world, stirs their imagination, and nurtures their growth.
Stay tuned for more Scholastic Reading Interest Level spotlights, featuring Scholastic’s Upper Middle Grade selections—and keep your kids Lit for Learning all year long! Stay tuned to see what other great titles Scholastic has for the Middle Grade Reading Level to keep kids Lit for Learning—and be sure to let your patrons know what’s available in the Lower Grade, Upper-Middle Grade, Upper Grade reading levels!
