Sure. 'Wild Horse Winter' is a great one. It's about a boy and his connection with a wild horse during winter in the west. The story is simple yet captivating.
Another one is 'The Crossover' by Kwame Alexander. This novel in verse tells a powerful story about family, basketball, and growing up. It has engaging characters and a unique writing style that draws readers in.
Some of the best 2019 middle - grade novels include 'New Kid' by Jerry Craft. It's a great story that deals with themes of race and fitting in at a new school. Another one could be 'The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise' which has an interesting adventure plot and engaging characters.
A great middle grade novel often has relatable characters. For example, in 'Wonder' by R.J. Palacio, Auggie's experiences of being different and facing school challenges are things that many kids can understand. The story also has a strong theme, like acceptance in this case. Good pacing is also important. In 'The Tale of Despereaux', the plot moves along at a good speed, keeping the reader engaged. Another factor is the writing style. If it's too complex, it might lose the young readers, but if it's too simplistic, it won't hold their interest either.
I would say 'The Giver' stands out. It has a very unique concept of a colorless world where sameness is the norm. 'Legend' by Marie Lu is also excellent. It's set in a future where the United States has split into two warring nations. And don't forget 'The City of Ember' by Jeanne DuPrau. It tells the story of an underground city that is starting to fall apart, and the young characters have to find a way to save their people.
The 'Captain Underpants' series by Dav Pilkey is a very popular middle grade graphic novel. It's full of humor and zany adventures that kids find hilarious. 'New Kid' by Jerry Craft is another excellent one. It deals with important topics like race and fitting in while also being a really engaging story. And 'Guts' by Raina Telgemeier is a great exploration of anxiety in a middle - grade - appropriate way.
A great one is 'A Wrinkle in Time' by Madeleine L'Engle. It has elements of science - fiction mixed with fantasy as the main character travels through different dimensions to save her father. It also deals with themes like love, courage and the battle between light and darkness in a very accessible way for middle grade readers.
Some of the best middle grade novels include 'Bridge to Terabithia' by Katherine Paterson. It's a story that beautifully combines friendship, imagination, and the harsh reality of loss. 'Holes' by Louis Sachar is also excellent. It has a unique and engaging plot that weaves together different storylines. And 'Because of Winn - Dixie' by Kate DiCamillo is a lovely book that focuses on a girl's friendship with a dog and how it changes her life.
One of the best is 'The Giver' by Lois Lowry. It presents a seemingly perfect yet deeply flawed society where emotions and memories are controlled. Another great one is 'Among the Hidden' by Margaret Peterson Haddix. It shows a world where population control has led to a situation where third children are illegal. 'City of Ember' by Jeanne DuPrau is also excellent. It depicts a post - apocalyptic underground city facing decay and the search for a way out.