From Fantasy to Friendship: Top 5 Newly Published Middle Grade Novels for Girls

By Kamilla Benko

Perfect for grades 4-6

Nestled in the enchanting realm of Arden, magic thrives in many forms. Spinners wield magic with thread, Forgers with metal, Gemmers with jewels and Tillers with plants. The source of all magic in Adren are unicorns – creatures who are coming back from the brink of being extinct. Twelve-year-old Olivia Hayes, however, finds herself in a peculiar predicament - despite residing in a land brimming with magic, she remains without magic abilities. In stark contrast, her Nan and sister, Laurel, are adept Tillers, wielding their powers to heal with plants and magic.

When an invitation arrives for Olivia to attend the newly established Unicorn Academy, Olivia knows this is her last chance to discover the type of magic she possesses. But her plans become complicated when Laurel, recently appointed as the youngest master physician asks Olivia to serve as her apprentice note-taker. Upon reaching Healer Hall, everything takes a turn when Laurel and Nan are accused of being unicorn trappers. Can Olivia find her magic, discover who the real trapper might be and save her sister before it’s too late?

Join Olivia as she learns about friendship, choices, and the ability to believe in yourself, even when no one else does. Through Olivia's journey, readers are immersed in a world of adventure, making this novel an ideal choice for young readers seeking an enchanting blend of fantasy and mystery.

Drawing Deena

By Hena Khan

Perfect for grades 3-7

Set against the backdrop of Northern Virginia, this story follows thirteen-year-old Deena, a Pakistani-American girl navigating the challenges of middle school, her passion for art, and grappling with feelings of uncertainty.

Deena inspired by her favorite artist Van Gogh, channels her creativity into to helping her mom market and promote her home business, selling Pakistani clothing, in an effort to alleviate the family’s financial burden. When her cousin Parisa, shares a drawing Deena did for Parisa on social media without Deena’s approval, Deena embarks on a journey of self-reflection and comparison. Despite their differences, both Deena and Parisa deal with insecurities, unaware of the strength they possess within themselves.

Deena’s uncertain feelings start to manifest in physical form through stomach aches and queasiness. During a school field trip to the Van Gogh immersion experience, Deena finds herself experiencing a panic attack. This event is a catalyst for Deena to confront her anxiety and seek support through her family and friends.

This realistic middle grade fiction book delves into the complexities of adolescence, family dynamics, and the pursuit of self-discovery.

Maple’s Theory of Fun

By Kate McMillan and Ruthie Prillaman

Perfect for grades 3-6

This title offers a delightful journey into the world of Maple, a curious and fact-oriented 11-year old girl, whose passion for space sets her apart. Presented in Maple's own voice through her journal entries, the story is a charming blend of prose, doodles, and cartoons that captivate readers from start to finish.

Maple's closest companion is Sunny, with whom she shares a love for all things celestial. Both their parents work at NASA, adding an extra layer of fascination to their cosmic adventures. However, their plans to meet astronaut Jackie Grand take an unexpected turn when peer pressure leads Sunny astray, leaving Maple feeling left out and ostracized.In an effort to win back Sunny's friendship, Maple and the new girl, Lada, embark on a four-week plan to inject more fun into their life. Each week presents a new challenge, from relaxation exercises to attempts at humor both girls share moments of vulnerability.

Along the way, Maple navigates the complexities of friendship, confronts her anxieties, and learns valuable lessons about authenticity and self-acceptance. As the first installment in a promising series, it sets the stage for future adventures while leaving a lasting impression on its audience.

The Misfits: A Royal Conundrum (Book One)

By Lisa Lee with Art by Dan Santat

Perfect for grades 4-6

Readers are whisked away on an exhilarating adventure filled with mystery, friendship and unexpected twists in this first instalment of the series. Olive Cobin Zang, a young girl who goes unnoticed by peers and adults alike, is faced with a sudden upheaval of her life when her partners enroll her in the Reforming Arts School (RASCH), a mysterious institution nestled on an island near San Fransico.

As Olive settles into her new surroundings, she finds herself thrust into a secret operation alongside a group of electric individuals, each with their own unique talents and quirks. Together, they form Pod 101 a.k.a. The Misfits, a pilot group tasked with testing the capabilities of young operatives. When a notorious jewelry thief threatens the safety of RASCH, Olive and her newfound friends must put their training to the test. Armed with gadgets and determination, they embark on a thrilling mission to uncover the truth behind the heist and save their school from imminent danger.

Lee's masterful storytelling combined with Santat's vibrant illustrations makes for a thrilling read that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.

Thirteenth Circle

By: MarcyKate Connolly and Katheryn Holmes

Perfect for grades 4-6

Cat and Dani are two unlikely allies brought together by a shared passion for science when they are assigned as partners for the prestigious McMurray Youth Science Competition. Cat, with a longing to reconnect with her estranged father, sees the competition as her ticket to validate the existence of aliens and influence her father to move back home. On the other hand, Dani, whose artistic family fails to recognize her scientific talents, sees the competition as her chance to prove herself

For their project they are researching the intriguing mystery surrounding their town’s legendary crop circles at Weston Farms. As the duo dives into the research, their differing perspectives and approaches create tension. Cat is convinced of extraterrestrial involvement, while Dani remains skeptical, attributing the phenomena to earthly causes. Narrated through alternative viewpoints, the story unfold as Cat and Dani navigate through encounters with government agents, confrontations with the farm owner, and unexpected twists that challenge their assumptions.

Filled with suspense and heartwarming moments, this title is a captivating tale that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.