Even though I’m in my thirties, I love picking up middle grade books from time to time. One of my favorite things about middle grade books is that, while the characters and circumstances in them are often fun or silly, many of them also cover tough topics in a way that make even adult readers like myself think on a deeper level. Here are some middle grade books I have read and recommend that cover tough topics.

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

The first book on this list covers the toughest topic out of any other on this recommendations list: the horrors of The Holocaust. Number the Stars tells the story of a ten-year-old girl, Annemarie, as she and her family help smuggle Jews out of Denmark upon German troops invading the area during World War II. I read Number the Stars in less than twenty-four hours in 2023 and found it to be both heartbreaking due to the circumstances, as well as heartwarming due to Annemarie’s family’s bravery and determination to help others and combat evil.

Content Warning: The book’s events take place during World War II, so this book includes depictions of racism and wartime content. The d-word is also included once.

Shug by Jenny Han

A recent read for me, Shug is a contemporary upper middle grade novel that follows 12-year-old Annemarie, nicknamed Shug, who is starting junior high school. Throughout the book, Shug struggles with body image issues, peer pressure, and family issues within the home, including having a neglectful, alcoholic parent. Even though this book pushed the boundaries for me content-wise due to the target audience (please see the content warning below), middle school readers will enjoy this book and relate to Shug.

Content Warning: This book includes underage drinking (shown in a negative light), infrequent language, though said by the 12-year-old main character (a-word, d-word, and h-word), and a middle schooler saying she won’t woo her crush by being promiscuous with him.

Stella by McCall Hoyle

In the past, I’ve read McCall Hoyle’s young adult romances and have loved them, and as soon as I saw her mention Stella on social media a few years ago, I knew I was going to love this middle grade book about a girl and her new pet Beagle, Stella. Beagles are my favorite breed of dog, and as a former Beagle owner, I thought Hoyle nailed Stella’s narrative voice, as the book is told through her point-of-view. What I was not expecting, however, was for this book to make me outright sob! Stella used to work in security as a chemical detection dog until she missed a scent, resulting in an explosion. While I won’t spoil the specific consequences poor Stella faces due to her mistake, I will say that the topics of grief and trauma are covered heavily. Chloe, Stella’s new owner, also has epilepsy, which is depicted throughout the book.

Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen

One of my favorite upper middle grade books of all time, Flipped is a romantic comedy featuring two 8th graders, Juli and Bryce, as they navigate middle school, family issues, and their feelings toward one another. I read this within a couple days in 2023 and didn’t take detailed notes on it in my reading log, but I believe the book tackles ableism and prejudice if I’m remembering correctly, as a character with a physical and mental disability is featured.

Content warning: While I can’t remember the specifics about the language myself, Goodreads reviews for this book say that some ugly/derogatory words are used, though it’s depicted in a negative light.

Speak Your Mind by Allyson Kennedy (Me 🙂 )

My own Christian upper middle grade novel, Speak Your Mind, follows seventh grader, Victoria Harding, who is deathly shy due to having social anxiety. Victoria doesn’t talk to anyone at school after the only friend she had moved away. Bullied by her classmates and a teacher who’s out to get her, Victoria finds peace in silence, that is, until her new neighbor, Aiden comes knocking on her door. He does the one thing no one else at school has ever done for her: listen. Speak Your Mind tackles the tough topics of navigating social anxiety, anxiety attacks, bullying, and finding your voice.

Content warning: An affair between a man and a school employee is mentioned, but it is not shown on page. It is depicted in a negative light and remorse is shown later on in the book. It is mentioned that the man’s teenage daughter and her friend saw him kissing the employee, but that’s as detailed as it gets. Actions beyond kissing are not hinted at nor implied.

Restart by Gordon Korman

Back in 2021, I read Restart, my first book by Gordon Korman, and I’ve been craving to read more by this author ever since. This book chronicles thirteen-year-old Chase’s return to school after he falls off a roof, hits his head, and develops amnesia, as well as the reactions his classmates have when they see him again. Chase doesn’t know why some kids are scared of him or angry upon his return, which leads him to question what kind of guy he was before the accident. Covering the tough topics of bullying, developing a negative reputation, and taking responsibility for our actions, Restart is an upper middle grade novel that I recommend for all ages.

Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper

Another emotional roller coaster middle grade read that I recommend for all ages, Out of My Mind follows eleven-year-old Melody Brooks who cannot speak or move due to having cerebral palsy. Due to her inability to communicate her thoughts and feelings, Melody is treated as if she’s mentally challenged by her school and teachers, when in reality she’s smart-as-a-whip and has so much to say. Prejudice and disability misconceptions are covered in detail in this book, as well as communication barriers, perseverance despite unfairness and setbacks, and family dynamics. This also recently released as a movie on Disney+ and I highly recommend watching it as well after reading the book. The movie had both my husband and me in tears, so make sure you have tissues available!

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Last, but certainly not least, Wonder is one of today’s most beloved middle grade novels, and for a good reason. Switching perspectives between 5th grader Auggie Pullman, who has a rare condition called Treacher Collins syndrome that causes malformations in his facial structure, and his family and friends as he navigates his first year attending school with other children, this beautiful book explores the tough topics of bullying, social exclusion, and prejudice.

Talk to Me, Arrowheads!

What other middle grade books do you recommend that feature tough topics? Drop your recommendations in the comments!

Aim high, stay strong, and always hit your mark.

-Allyson 😀