Books Like...

Winterhouse is a captivating middle-grade mystery novel that follows Elizabeth Somers as she is sent to the magical Winterhouse Hotel for Christmas vacation, where she uncovers a generations-long puzzle with life and death stakes. The story is filled with word puzzles, mysteries, and a hint of magic, making it a page-turner for readers who enjoy atmospheric mysteries with a fantastic element.

The book is set in a magical world where Elizabeth befriends Freddy and Norbridge Falls, the proprietor of Winterhouse, and together they delve into the mysteries and riddles that surround the hotel. With engaging characters, a captivating plot, and a mix of puzzles and dark mysteries, Winterhouse is a delightful read that keeps readers hooked till the very end.

Zoe Washington, a 12-year-old aspiring baker, receives a letter from her incarcerated biological father on her birthday, sparking her curiosity about his past and innocence. Despite her mother's disapproval, Zoe secretly corresponds with her father, delving into issues of systemic racism and wrongful incarceration. With the help of her grandmother, Zoe embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her father's case, all while navigating her internship at a bakery and preparing for a baking competition. The story explores themes of family, friendship, justice, and the impact of societal racism on the criminal justice system, delivering a timely and heartfelt narrative for middle-grade readers.

Castle, known as Ghost, has had a challenging childhood with his father in jail for a violent act. He struggles at school and in his neighborhood, but finds solace in running. Joining a track team brings a sense of belonging and mentorship from Coach, helping Ghost navigate life's obstacles. The book delves into themes of teamwork, overcoming fears, and personal growth, all narrated with a conversational and authentic voice that draws readers in.

'Front Desk' by Kelly Yang is a middle grade novel that follows the story of Mia Tang, a young Chinese immigrant living with her family in a motel managed by her parents. The book explores themes of immigration, poverty, racism, and social justice through Mia's perspective as she navigates life in America, deals with hardships, makes friends, and stands up for what is right. The story is centered around Mia's growth as a person, her struggles with language barriers, and her determination to help her family and friends despite the challenges they face at the motel.

The writing style in 'Front Desk' is engaging and relatable, providing a window into Mia's world and her experiences as an immigrant child. The author, Kelly Yang, draws from her own background to create a story that addresses real-world issues in a sensitive and impactful manner. Through Mia's character, readers witness the resilience, kindness, and strength that can emerge in the face of adversity, making this book a poignant and thought-provoking read for children and adults alike.

"Esperanza Rising" by Pam Munoz Ryan is a historical fiction novel based on the true story of the author's grandmother, depicting the life of a young girl named Esperanza who goes from living a life of luxury in Mexico to facing the harsh realities of the Great Depression in California. After her father's tragic death, Esperanza and her mother are forced to flee to America and work as migrant farm workers, struggling to adapt to their new circumstances. The story follows Esperanza's journey of growth, resilience, and determination as she navigates through challenges, racism, and discrimination, ultimately learning the true value of family and perseverance.

City Spies follows the story of Sara Martinez, a teenage hacker who finds herself in trouble with the law for her actions. Saved by a mysterious lawyer named Mother, Sara is offered a chance to join an elite group of adolescent spies in Scotland to combat global crimes. The book introduces a diverse cast of young spies with unique backgrounds and skills, as they work together to stop a potential terrorist attack in Paris. The writing style blends elements of traditional heist stories, James Bond, and Harry Potter, taking readers on a journey of espionage, friendship, and teamwork.

Tristan Strong, a seventh grader mourning the death of his best friend Eddie, is sent to his grandparents in Alabama for the summer. When a creature steals Eddie's magical journal and Tristan chases it into the woods, he accidentally punches a hole into another realm where African and African American myths come to life. Tristan finds himself in a world of gods, monsters, and legends, realizing he is a storyteller and must use his skills to repair the damage he's made, with the help of new allies like the Gum Baby and imposing gods. The book is a fast-paced, adventure-filled story incorporating elements of African and African American folklore, with a focus on confronting painful pasts and embracing storytelling.

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky is a middle-grade novel that explores themes of grief, friendship, heroism, and the importance of storytelling. The book combines elements of fantasy, superhero stories, and folklore, introducing readers to characters like John Henry, Brer Fox, and Brer Rabbit. The plot follows Tristan's journey to come to terms with his grief while embarking on a quest to repair the damage he caused by punching a hole in the sky, leading to a world in turmoil. The book is praised for its incorporation of serious themes within a fun and adventurous story, appealing to readers of various ages.

'The Egypt Game' by Zilpha Keatley Snyder is a children's book about April, a girl who befriends Melanie and together they create a game based on ancient Egypt. They immerse themselves in the imaginative world of Egypt, complete with rituals, costumes, and elaborate stories. As they involve more kids in their game, they face challenges such as a local tragedy and a mysterious man attacking children in the neighborhood. The book explores themes of friendship, imagination, and the fine line between reality and make-believe, all set against a backdrop of ancient Egyptian culture. The writing style is engaging, capturing the excitement and suspense of the children's adventures while also delving into deeper themes like cultural exploration and the power of imagination.

'Murder Most Unladylike' by Robin Stevens follows the adventures of two girls, Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong, who form the Wells and Wong Detective Society at their boarding school in the 1930s. When Hazel discovers a body that later disappears, they embark on a mission to solve the mysteries that unfold. The story is a mix of light-hearted fun, intriguing mysteries, and interesting character dynamics, set against the backdrop of an English boarding school in the 1930s.

'Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life' in the 'Dork Diaries' series by Rachel Renee Russell follows the story of Nikki Maxwell, a middle school girl navigating the ups and downs of fitting in at a new private school. The plot revolves around Nikki's desire to be popular, her encounters with mean girls, her crush on a boy named Brandon, and her journey towards making genuine friendships. The writing style is unique as it is presented in the form of Nikki's diary, giving readers an intimate look into her thoughts, experiences, and challenges.

Nikki's narrative captures the essence of high school drama, including themes of friendship, crushes, frenemies, and family dynamics. The story is relatable to young adolescent girls as it combines humor, relatable experiences, and a touch of drama, making it an engaging and entertaining read for those navigating the complexities of middle school life.