Best Middle Grade Books of 2026 (So Far): Selected by Macmillan’s Publicity Team

Best Middle Grade Books of 2026, Selected by the Macmillan Publicity Team for The Children’s Book Review.

If you’re building your 2026 middle grade TBR stack—or stocking classroom and library shelves—we’ve got you covered. We asked the publicists behind some of the year’s most anticipated titles from Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group to share which books they’re most excited about and why. The result is a wide-ranging list spanning graphic novels, historical fiction, coming-of-age stories, and laugh-out-loud comedies, each with a personal recommendation from the publicist who knows it best.

10 Must-Read Middle Grade Books of 2026

“Inbetweens has gotten 4 starred reviews and each one is so well-deserved! At its heart, it is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability, which can encourage readers to view their perceived shortcomings not as barriers, but as opportunities for evolution and self-discovery. Because change doesn’t always have to be scary — even in middle school. Faith Erin Hicks does it again!“

–Chantal Gersch, Publicity Manager

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“Andy Griffiths deserves a comedy special, and if you’ve ever witnessed one of his tour presentations, you’ll find that nearly every middle grader in America agrees. His new You and Me series—the first after his global hit Treehouse books took their final victory lap—does not disappoint. Inviting the reader to take on the “You” character via second-person POV, these irreverent, surreal adventures are packed with nonstop illustrated sight gags that will keep even the most reluctant readers hooked.”

–Kelsey Marrujo, Director of Publicity

Listen to our episode of The Growing Readers Podcast with Andy Griffiths and Bill Hope.

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“You may know Zach Weinersmith from his madcap graphic novel retelling of Beowulf; well, get ready because he is back and funnier than ever in this cartoon-illustrated story about a hero that would, frankly, just like to stay home. Can you say relatable?! Both immediately engaging and irrepressibly hysterical, this charming read will grip you immediately and have you rolling on the floor at the crazy antics Sawyer, his friends and family get into.”

– Chantal Gersch, Publicity Manager

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“​Friendship isn’t always easy; especially friendship in middle school. This highly readable tale of a tween trying to bounce back from a friendship breakup by making new friends via a wide array of tactics; befriending allergy-inducing guinea pigs, learning to speak French, taking up clarinet lessons. This book is cringey in the most heartfelt and endearing way, but also witty, charming, and, more than anything, relatable.”

–Molly Ellis, SVP, Publicity

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“​This start of a new series is a little bit Judy Blume, a little bit Back To The Future, and entirely readable. This has a diary full of the usual tween topics: cringe-worthy moments, friendship, first love, and family –  it just so happens that every year, the protagonist travels to a different century, alongside her beloved cat, her family, best friend, AND her secret crush. This book is witty, smart, character-driven, and presents incredibly fresh takes on both time travel and coming-of-age.”

–Molly Ellis, SVP, Publicity

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“Jasmine Warga outdoes herself with this unlikely story of friendship and belonging. Be prepared to shed many a tear as you follow the unexpected bond between Chase, the only remaining Cheetah at the zoo after his mom passes away, and Finnegan, a rescue dog found abandoned in the woods, who is brought to the zoo to become Chase’s companion for the Cheetah Companion program. With short chapters and a quick pace, this is the perfect read-aloud for classrooms and families.”

–Samantha Sacks, Senior Publicist

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“Sara Pennypacker returns with her first historical fiction masterpiece for middle-grade readers. A story of resilience, courage, and how small and large acts of bravery can make a monumental difference, set against a backdrop of WW2 Occupied France, The Lions’ Run should be an immediate add to your TBR.”

–Samantha Sacks, Senior Publicist

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“Calling fans of laugh out loud, zany graphic novels such as Dog Man and Investigators! I’ve got your next obsession…Sashimi! This half fish, half boy cryptid is guaranteed to steal your whole heart with his hijinx as he sneaks into an elementary school and pretends to be a student. The first in a new series from mega-talent Dan Santat, this one cannot be missed!”

–Morgan Rath, Senior Manager, Publicity

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“From Rebecca Morrison – Iranian-American writer, lawyer, and essayist – comes a gripping coming-of-age story inspired by Rebecca’s childhood that explores themes of body image, disordered eating, challenging mother-daughter relationships, and the immigrant experience. Rebecca’s storytelling is both heartbreaking and hopeful, emphasizing self-acceptance in a world where beauty dictates self-worth, often leading to perilous choices. Rebecca offers invaluable insights into belonging and body image, drawing from her personal experiences dealing with bulimia as an adolescent and navigating a difficult relationship with her own mother.”

– Sara Elroubi, Associate Publicist

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“In the spirit of beloved classics like The Baby-Sitters Club and The Breakfast Club, this is a fun, fresh, and lively graphic novel that captures the hilarity and heart of growing up, with an environmental twist. Authentic dialogue and charming characters makes THE GREENIES relatable to anyone who’s navigated the challenges of being the new kid. It also addresses climate anxiety – a pressing concern for the younger generation – and empowers readers to take meaningful action, proving that small steps can lead to big impacts.”

–Sara Elroubi, Associate Publicist

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