1. In The Key of Us by Mariama J. Lockington
From the author of For Black Girls Like Me, which received five starred reviews and multiple accolades, comes a middle-grade novel about first love, loss, and letting go.
2. Paola Santiago and the Sanctuary of Shadows by Tehlor Kay Mejia
Tehlor Kay Mejia’s third exciting journey into Mexican folklore has our lovable, intrepid protagonist making discoveries both wondrous and fearsome. Presented by Rick Riordan, author of Percy Jackson, soon to be a series on Disney+. Book 3 in the Paola Santiago series.
3. Lia Park and the Missing Jewel by Jenna Yoon
Perfect for fans of A Storm Runner series and Aru Shah series, this “intriguing, fast-paced” (Kirkus Reviews) middle grade fantasy follows a young girl who must venture to the undersea kingdom of the Dragon King in Korea to save her parents from an evil diviner spirit.
4. The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton
Bestselling author Dhonielle Clayton’s middle-grade debut is a fantasy adventure set in a magic school that celebrates cultural traditions from around the world, for fans of Rick Riordan and Soman Chainani.
5. Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor by Xiran Jay Zhao
Percy Jackson meets Tristan Strong in this hilarious, action-packed middle grade contemporary fantasy that follows a young boy as he journeys across China to seal the underworld shut and save the mortal realm.
6. Aru Shah and the Nectar of Immortality by Roshani Chokshi
Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents the breathtaking conclusion to Roshani Chokshi’s New York Times best-selling Pandava quintet. Will the Sleeper gain immortality or be stopped once and for all?
7. Wildseed Witch by Marti Dumas
A fun middle-grade contemporary fantasy with an all-BIPOC cast, about a social-media-loving tween who gets sent to an ultra-private witch camp.
8. Cookies & Milk by Shawn Amos
It’s a summer of family, friendship, and fun fiascos in this semi-autobiographical novel that’s as irresistible as a fresh-baked cookie.