Award category archive

School Library Journal Best Books – Middle Grade Winners

Browse School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade winners and nominees by year. This archive follows one award category across the full School Library Journal Best Books history.

School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade Cross-year archive

2025

School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade results for the 2025 award year.

View full 2025 awards

All the Blues in the Sky

Watson, Renee

Standalone · General Fiction

Feb-2025 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Benny on the Case

King, Wesley

Standalone · General Fiction

Apr-2025 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

The Better to Eat You With

Mejia, Tehlor Kay

Standalone · General Fiction

Sep-2025 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Candace, the Universe, and Everything

Smith, Sherri L.

Standalone · General Fiction

Sep-2025 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Dad Rock Dragon Quest

Reardon, Joan

Standalone · General Fiction

Jun-2025 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Defanged

Edgmon, H.E.

Standalone · General Fiction

Sep-2025 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Dreamslinger

Kim, Graci

Standalone · General Fiction

May-2025 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

The Enemy's Daughter

Blankman, Anne

Standalone · General Fiction

Feb-2025 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez

Paulino, Jasminne

Standalone · General Fiction

Jun-2025 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

How to Free a Jinn

Idil, Raidah Shah

Standalone · General Fiction

Nov-2025 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

The Ink Witch

Cherrywell, Steph

Standalone · General Fiction

Sep-2025 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Junius Leak and the Spiraling Vortex of Doom

Wolf, Allan

Standalone · General Fiction

Jul-2025 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli

Glaser, Karina Yan

Standalone · General Fiction

Sep-2025 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Octopus Moon

Pyron, Bobbie

Standalone · General Fiction

Mar-2025 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Please Pay Attention

Sumner, Jamie

Standalone · General Fiction

Apr-2025 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Pocket Bear

Applegate, Katherine

Standalone · General Fiction

Sep-2025 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

The Poetry of Car Mechanics

Stemple, Heidi E.Y.

Standalone · General Fiction

Apr-2025 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

The Queen Bees of Tybee County

Chu, Kyle Casey

Standalone · General Fiction

Apr-2025 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Radiant

Nelson, Vaunda Micheaux

Standalone · General Fiction

Jan-2025 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Smoke & Mirrors

Ransaw, Rosalyn

Standalone · General Fiction

Jun-2025 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Starry, Starry Heist

Briner, Karen

Standalone · General Fiction

Mar-2025 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

The Tear Collector

Romero, R.M.

Standalone · General Fiction

Oct-2025 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

The Trouble with Heroes

Messner, Kate

Standalone · General Fiction

May-2025 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Vanya and the Wild Hunt

Mandanna, Sangu

Standalone · General Fiction

Mar-2025 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

A World Worth Saving

Lukoff, Kyle

Standalone · General Fiction

Feb-2025 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

2024

School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade results for the 2024 award year.

View full 2024 awards

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody

Ness, Patrick

Standalone · General Fiction

Jun-2024 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Gooseberry

Gow, Robin

Standalone · General Fiction

May-2024 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Island of Whispers

Hardinge, Frances

Standalone · Fantasy

Sep-2024 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Kareem Between

Safadi, Shifa Saltagi

Standalone · General Fiction

Sep-2024 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Keeping Pace

Morrison, Laurie

Standalone · General Fiction

Apr-2024 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

The Last Dragon on Mars

Reintgen, Scott

Dragonships Series · Book 1 · General Fiction

Oct-2024 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

The Last Rhee Witch

Lee-Yun, Jenna

Standalone · Fantasy

May-2024 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Light and Air

Wendell, Mindy Nichols

Standalone · General Fiction

Jan-2024 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Linus and Etta Could Use a Win

Huntoon, Caroline

Standalone · General Fiction

May-2024 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Louder Than Hunger

Schu, John

Standalone · General Fiction

Mar-2024 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Mallory in Full Color

Leahy, Elisa Stone

Standalone · General Fiction

Nov-2024 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Mani Semilla Finds Her Quetzal Voice

Lapera, Anna

Standalone · General Fiction

Mar-2024 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Max in the House of Spies

Gidwitz, Adam

Operation Kinderspion Series · Book 1 · Historical

Mar-2024 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Medusa

Marsh, Katherine

The Myth of Monsters Series · Book 1 · Fantasy

Feb-2024 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Mid Air

Williams, Alicia D.

Standalone · General Fiction

Apr-2024 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Murray Out of Water

Tracy, Taylor

Standalone · General Fiction

May-2024 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Olivetti

Millington, Allie

Standalone · General Fiction

Apr-2024 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Red Bird Danced

Quigley, Dawn

Standalone · General Fiction

Jun-2024 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Shark Teeth

Winston, Sherri

Standalone · General Fiction

Jan-2024 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Sona and the Golden Beasts

LaRocca, Rajani

Standalone · Fantasy

Mar-2024 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

The Songbird and the Rambutan Tree

Abendanon, Lucille

Standalone · Historical

Jan-2024 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

A Strange Thing Happened in Cherry Hall

Warga, Jasmine

Standalone · General Fiction

Sep-2024 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman

Choldenko, Gennifer

Standalone · General Fiction

Jun-2024 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Ultraviolet

Salazar, Aida

Standalone · General Fiction

Apr-2024 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Warrior on the Mound

Headen, Sandra W.

Standalone · General Fiction

Mar-2024 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Winnie Nash Is Not Your Sunshine

Melleby, Nicole

Standalone · General Fiction

Apr-2024 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

2023

School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade results for the 2023 award year.

View full 2023 awards

Aniana Del Mar Jumps In

Mendez, Jasminne

Standalone · General Fiction

Mar-2023 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Dear Mothman

Gow, Robin

Standalone · General Fiction

Mar-2023 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Ellie Engle Saves Herself

Johnson, Leah

Standalone · General Fiction

May-2023 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Finally Seen

Yang, Kelly

Standalone · General Fiction

Mar-2023 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

The Girl from Earth's End

Dairman, Tara

Standalone · General Fiction

Mar-2023 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Good Different

Kuyatt, Meg Eden

Standalone · General Fiction

Apr-2023 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Hamra and the Jungle of Memories

Alkaf, Hanna

Standalone · Fantasy

Mar-2023 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

It Found Us

Currie, Lindsay

Standalone · General Fiction

Sep-2023 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Leeva at Last

Pennypacker, Sara

Standalone · General Fiction

Mar-2023 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Lei and the Fire Goddess

Maunakea, Malia

Lei and the Legends Series · Book 1 · Fantasy

Jun-2023 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

The Lost Year

Marsh, Katherine

Standalone · Historical

Jan-2023 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

The Manifestor Prophecy

Thomas, Angie

Nic Blake and the Remarkables Series · Book 1 · Contemporary Fantasy

Apr-2023 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams

Nayeri, Daniel

Standalone · Historical

Mar-2023 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

No Place Like Home

Bird, James

Standalone · General Fiction

Aug-2023 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Opinions and Opossums

Braden, Ann

Standalone · General Fiction

May-2023 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

The Probability of Everything

Everett, Sarah

Standalone · General Fiction

Jul-2023 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Run for Your Life

Mitchell, Jane

Standalone · General Fiction

Jan-2023 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Simon Sort of Says

Bow, Erin

Standalone · General Fiction

Feb-2023 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

A Spoonful of Time

Ahn, Flora

Standalone · Fantasy

Apr-2023 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

The Very Unfortunate Wish of Melony Yoshimura

Brown, Waka T.

Standalone · General Fiction

Jul-2023 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

We Still Belong

Day, Christine

Standalone · General Fiction

Aug-2023 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

What Happened to Rachel Riley?

Swinarski, Claire

Standalone · Mystery

Jan-2023 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

What Stays Buried

Young, Suzanne

Standalone · General Fiction

Mar-2023 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Will on the Inside

Eliopulos, Andrew

Standalone · General Fiction

Jun-2023 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

The World Behind The Door

Thomson, Pari

Greenwild Series · Book 1 · Fantasy

Jun-2023 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

World Made of Glass

Polonsky, Ami

Standalone · General Fiction

Jan-2023 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

2022

School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade results for the 2022 award year.

View full 2022 awards

Air

Roe, Monica

Standalone · General Fiction

Mar-2022 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Answers in the Pages

Levithan, David

Standalone · General Fiction

May-2022 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Caprice

Booth, Coe

Standalone · General Fiction

May-2022 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Chester Keene Cracks the Code

Magoon, Kekla

Standalone · General Fiction

Jul-2022 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Drew Leclair Gets a Clue

Bury, Katryn

Drew Leclair Series · Book 1 · Mystery

Mar-2022 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Ellen Outside the Lines

Sass, A.J.

Standalone · General Fiction

Mar-2022 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet

Dee, Barbara

Standalone · General Fiction

Oct-2022 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

In the Key of Us

Lockington, Mariama J.

Standalone · General Fiction

May-2022 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

The Last Hope in Hopetown

Tureaud, Maria

Standalone · General Fiction

Oct-2022 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Maizy Chen's Last Chance

Yee, Lisa

Standalone · General Fiction

Feb-2022 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

The Marvellers

Clayton, Dhonielle

The Conjureverse Series · Book 1 · Fantasy

May-2022 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Moonflower

Callender, Kacen

Standalone · General Fiction

Sep-2022 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Northwind

Paulsen, Gary

Standalone · General Fiction

Jan-2022 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun

Okogwu, Tola

Onyeka Series · Book 1 · Fantasy

Jun-2022 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

The Science of Being Angry

Melleby, Nicole

Standalone · General Fiction

May-2022 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

The Second Chance of Benjamin Waterfalls

Bird, James

Standalone · General Fiction

Apr-2022 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Shine On, Luz Veliz!

Balcarcel, Rebecca

Standalone · General Fiction

May-2022 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Shinji Takahashi and the Mark of the Coatl

Kagawa, Julie

Society of Explorers and Adventurers Series · Book 1 · Fantasy

May-2022 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Small Town Pride

Stamper, Phil

Standalone · General Fiction

Jun-2022 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Step

Ellis, Deborah

Standalone · General Fiction

Mar-2022 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Team Chu and the Battle of Blackwood Arena

Dao, Julie C.

Team Chu Series · Book 1 · General Fiction

Aug-2022 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

This Appearing House

Malinenko, Ally

Standalone · General Fiction

Aug-2022 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

This Last Adventure

Dalton, Ryan

Standalone · General Fiction

Feb-2022 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Those Kids from Fawn Creek

Kelly, Erin Entrada

Standalone · General Fiction

Mar-2022 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Wave

Farid, Diana

Standalone · General Fiction

Apr-2022 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

2021

School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade results for the 2021 award year.

View full 2021 awards

Amari and the Night Brothers

Alston, B.B.

Supernatural Investigations Series · Book 1 · Fantasy

Jan-2021 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

The Ash House

Walker, Angharad

Standalone · General Fiction

Feb-2021 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Barakah Beats

Siddiqui, Maleeha

Standalone · General Fiction

Oct-2021 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

The Beatryce Prophecy

DiCamillo, Kate

Standalone · General Fiction

Oct-2021 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Black Boy Joy

Mbalia, Kwame

Standalone · General Fiction

Aug-2021 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Born Behind Bars

Venkatraman, Padma

Standalone · General Fiction

Sep-2021 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Josephine Against the Sea

Bourne, Shakirah

Josephine Against the Sea Series · Book 1 · Fantasy

Jul-2021 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

The Last Cuentista

Higuera, Donna Barba

The Last Cuentista Series · Book 1 · Fantasy

Oct-2021 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

The Magical Imperfect

Baron, Chris

Standalone · Fantasy

Jun-2021 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

The Many Meanings of Meilan

Wang, Andrea

Standalone · General Fiction

Aug-2021 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Maya and the Robot

Ewing, Eve L.

Standalone · General Fiction

Jul-2021 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

One Jar of Magic

Haydu, Corey Ann

Standalone · General Fiction

Feb-2021 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Red, White, and Whole

LaRocca, Rajani

Standalone · General Fiction

Feb-2021 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Rez Dogs

Bruchac, Joseph

Standalone · General Fiction

Jun-2021 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Root Magic

Royce, Eden

Standalone · Fantasy

Jan-2021 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

The Sea in Winter

Day, Christine

Standalone · General Fiction

Jan-2021 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

The Shape of Thunder

Warga, Jasmine

Standalone · General Fiction

May-2021 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Soul Lanterns

Kuzki, Shaw

Standalone · General Fiction

Mar-2021 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Starfish

Fipps, Lisa

Standalone · General Fiction

Mar-2021 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Summer of Brave

Parks, Amy Noelle

Standalone · General Fiction

Mar-2021 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Take Back the Block

Giles, Chrystal D.

Standalone · General Fiction

Feb-2021 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Thanks a Lot, Universe

Lucas, Chad

Standalone · General Fiction

May-2021 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Too Bright to See

Lukoff, Kyle

Standalone · General Fiction

Apr-2021 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Violets Are Blue

Dee, Barbara

Standalone · General Fiction

Oct-2021 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

What Lives in the Woods

Currie, Lindsay

Standalone · Mystery

Sep-2021 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero

Faruqi, Saadia

Standalone · General Fiction

Sep-2021 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

2020

School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade results for the 2020 award year.

View full 2020 awards

American as Paneer Pie

Kelkar, Supriya

Standalone · General Fiction

Jun-2020 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Any Day with You

Respicio, Mae

Standalone · General Fiction

May-2020 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

The Brave

Bird, James

Standalone · General Fiction

Jul-2020 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Chirp

Messner, Kate

Standalone · General Fiction

Feb-2020 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Clean Getaway

Stone, Nic

Standalone · General Fiction

Jan-2020 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Echo Mountain

Wolk, Lauren

Standalone · Historical

Apr-2020 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Efren Divided

Cisneros, Ernesto

Standalone · General Fiction

Apr-2020 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Fighting Words

Bradley, Kimberly Brubaker

Standalone · General Fiction

Aug-2020 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Fly on the Wall

Lai, Remy

Standalone · General Fiction

Sep-2020 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

From the Desk of Zoe Washington

Marks, Janae

Standalone · Mystery

Jan-2020 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

King and the Dragonflies

Callender, Kacen

Islands of Blood and Storm Series · Book 1 · General Fiction

Feb-2020 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Land of the Cranes

Salazar, Aida

Standalone · General Fiction

Sep-2020 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Loretta Little Looks Back

Pinkney, Andrea Davis / Pinkney, Andrea

Standalone · General Fiction

Oct-2020 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

The Magnificent Monsters of Cedar Street

Oliver, Lauren

Standalone · Fantasy

Feb-2020 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Maya and the Rising Dark

Barron, Rena

Maya and the Rising Dark Series · Book 1 · General Fiction

Sep-2020 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

The Only Black Girls in Town

Colbert, Brandy

Standalone · General Fiction

Mar-2020 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Show Me a Sign

LeZotte, Ann Clare

Show Me a Sign Series · Book 1 · General Fiction

Mar-2020 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Tune It Out

Sumner, Jamie

Standalone · General Fiction

Sep-2020 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Twilight Hauntings

Sage, Angie

Enchanter's Child Series · Book 1 · Fantasy

Apr-2020 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

Ways to Make Sunshine

Watson, Renee

A Ryan Hart Novel Series · Book 1 · General Fiction

May-2020 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

We Dream of Space

Kelly, Erin Entrada

Standalone · Fantasy

May-2020 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

What Lane?

Maldonado, Torrey

Standalone · General Fiction

Apr-2020 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

When You Trap a Tiger

Keller, Tae

Standalone · General Fiction

Feb-2020 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

A Wish in the Dark

Soontornvat, Christina

Standalone · Fantasy

Mar-2020 School Library Journal Best Books Middle Grade

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