2024 Middle-Grade Books of the Year

I have read 165 books this year and most of them are middle-grade so choosing my top 12 was always going to be impossible so instead, as its 2024, I’ve decided to choose 24 of my favourite middle-grade books this year. I have posted reviews on my Blog for most of these so, where I have a review, I’ve linked them below the images.

The Whisperwicks

The Others

Spooksmiths Investigate: The Cinderman

The Secret of the Moonshard

Pirates of Darksea

The Great Phoenix of London

Peregrine Quinn and the Cosmic Realm

Maisie vs Antarctica

The Last Boy

The Island at the Edge of Night

I am Rebel

Flame Chasers

Black Gables

Beast Lands: Race to Frostfall Mountain

Bringing Back Kay-Kay

The Haunting of Fortune Farm

Angel of Grasmere

Ember Spark and the Thunder of Dragons

Delta and the Lost City

Birdie

I still have lots of middle-grade books published in 2024 on my bookshelves that I’m aiming to read next year as well as, of course, picking up lots of 2025 releases!

Have you read any of these? What have been your favourite reads this year? What have I missed that I really should read in 2025?

Review: Blue, Barry & Pancakes: Beach Ball Bedlam

Written & Illustrated by Dan & Jason
Published by Rock the Boat

Blue, Barry & Pancakes: Beach Ball Bedlam is the first in a wonderful graphic novel series for younger readers – hilarious adventures with three brilliant friends – an adventurous, sport-loving bunny; a book-loving, thoughtful worm; and an inventor, over-thinking frog.

Blue, Barry and Pancakes are best friends who live in the most fantastic, giant tree house. Just as Barry is finishing his impressive Eiffel Tower waffle stack, Pancakes has an idea …

The three friends decide to head to the beach where beach ball seems a perfect activity, but disaster strikes when they lose Blue’s ball to a hungry whale! Luckily, Barry is full of awesome ideas, but not all plans go exactly as intended …

And so begins a hilarious out-of-this-world adventure as the three friends attempt to retrieve Blue’s beach ball and find themselves at an alien pool party …

I loved both the wacky adventure and the heart-warming friendship between Blue, Barry and Pancakes as they realise that friendship is more important than anything else. The full-colour, vibrant illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and so wonderfully expressive. The large panels and speech bubbles will really appeal to young readers.


Explosive fun meets wonderful friendships in this gorgeous graphic novel series for younger readers of 6+.

Thank you to Dannie Price and the Publisher for sending me a copy of this graphic novel in exchange for my honest opinion.

Non-fiction Book Review: Dinopedia: An Encyclopedia of Prehistoric Beasts

Written by Tom Jackson
Illustrated by Good Wives and Warriors
Published by Laurence King (an imprint of Hachette Children’s Group)

Dinopedia: An Encyclopedia of Prehistoric Beasts is an  absolutely stunning, beautifully illustrated hardback information book sharing fascinating facts about prehistoric animals. Many young – and older – readers are fascinated by dinosaurs and this is a book that is guaranteed to absorb readers as they enjoy learning more about the lives of these incredible creatures.

This stunning book is divided in to five sections: Palaeozic, Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous and Present Day. Each is introduced with a short explanation of what the period means and is followed by a double page spread consisting of a beautifully illustrated page and an information page about some of the animals that inhabited each of these periods.

As well as introducing readers to fascinating facts about a range of prehistoric animals, it also shares other more general, but related, information such as the mass extinction of animals about 252 million years ago, fossil hunters, the evolution of flight and the mass extinction of dinosaurs 66 million years ago. There is also more general information about dinosaurs including what they sound like, how they move, caring for their young and their colours.

This book really is treasure trove of information for curious young minds, presented in an accessible and engaging manner, often comparing habits and attributes of pre-historic animals to animals children will be familiar with. Did you know that the oldest wishbone we know about comes from the Coelophysis? Or that a Brachiosaurus could have looked over the top of a three-storey house? Or even that a Diplodocus replaced each tooth every month or so?

The full page, detailed illustrations are stunning and are guaranteed to capture the attention of readers as they can imagine each animal in its natural habitat as they read the information which complements each illustration.

This book is a perfect read for young dino fans who will be absorbed both by the wide range of fascinating facts and colourful illustrations. A brilliant introduction to palaeontology for young readers of 7+.

Thank you to Hachette for sending me a copy of this stunning book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Picture Book Review: King Winter’s Birthday

Written by Jonathan Freedland
Illustrated by Emily Sutton
Published by Pushkin Children’s Books

King Winter’s Birthday is an absolutely stunning hardback picture book – a beautifully told fairy tale which celebrates the four seasons and their importance in keeping balance in nature.

King Winter is celebrating his birthday and he wants to make it really special so he invites his brothers and sisters to attend. They are none other than: Queen Spring, King Summer and Queen Autumn. Despite being warned by the sun and winds, the leaves and trees, that this is not a good idea, King Winter is determined to celebrate with them in order to make his party the greatest ever.

But when his siblings arrive at the Winter Palace, something strange happens outside as the seasons become mingled together, upsetting the delicate balance of nature … will the seasonal siblings be able to bring an end to this imbalance before it is too late?

This story has a wonderfully warm message of the importance of balance in nature, but also of the warmth engendered by joyful memories – even when this is all we have left.

The illustrations throughout are absolutely gorgeous from the trees through the seasons on the end pages to the stunning, intricate internal illustrations which depict the personification of the Seasons in all their natural resplendence. The colour palette used to depict each season is just perfect from the crisp blues and whites of winter to the browns and golds of autumn, the yellows and greens of spring and the vibrant rainbow of summer colours. These images are full of energy and life and I have no doubt that, just like me, young readers will enjoy exploring them.

This story is inspired by a story with the same title written by Ulrich Alexander Boschwitz, a German Jew, whilst he was interned on the Isle of Man during the Second World War as an ‘enemy alien’. Information about Ulrich is included at the end of the book – and makes for a heartbreaking read!

A captivating, beautifully illustrated fairy tale that will make a treasured addition to any child’s book collection, and a perfect winter gift for young readers.

Thank you to the Publisher, Pushkin Children’s Books for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: The December Witches

Written by Jennifer Claessen
Illustration by Heidi Cannon
Published by Uclan Publishing

The December Witches is the final book in the A Month of Magic trilogy – what a wonderfully satisfying, heart-warming and magical conclusion to this brilliant adventure series.

It’s Clemmie’s thirteenth birthday which should be a time of celebration, gifts and cake, but instead she’s been given an unwanted gift, a gift that could not only destroy her and those she loves, but also allow twisted magic to enter the world.

There has never been magic in December, yet Clemmie is full of magic, magic that she can’t control and magic that is causing explosive harm not only to Clemmie, but to her home. When tragedy strikes, she must leave her home and fight a battle both within herself and against a force intent on making her a conduit back to the human world. Can Clemmie and her friends find a way to release her star-fuelled magic and defeat the ancient, twisted magic of their ancestors?

This is an absolutely brilliant adventure, intricately woven, and with a perfect blend of tension, peril and excitement as a magical battle weaves through the pages, taking the reader on an unforgettable journey with Clemmie and her friends. I really enjoyed the wintry, snowy setting and the Christmassy feel, especially the reference to Clemmie as Sister Christmas, the giving of star gifts and the comfort to be found in giving. I also loved Connie’s cookbook references at the start of each chapter which perfectly depict the joy, messiness and togetherness of family time!

Growing up, I absolutely loved the Arthurian legends, so I really enjoyed the references in this trilogy, from the family names of the Merlyns and Morgans to family rivalry, the Round Table, knights and mythical places.

Clemmie is the most wonderful, caring and courageous young girl who really finds her voice, her self-awareness and inner strength as she fights against those intent in taking these from her. I loved how she finds strength both through her family and her friendship with Mirabelle, Senara and Kerra who are always there for her and anchor her when she needs support.

A magical, uplifting and festive adventure with family and friendship at its heart – a perfect witchy wintery feast of a story.

November Wrap-Up

Wow! November has felt like forever! It just feels so much busier at work – back to working late most evenings to try to keep up with planning, marking and assessment – and now Christmas production rehearsals! Not a very productive reading – or blogging – month, but I have enjoyed what I’ve read this month.

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 11 books this month. My highlights were Rewitched (an adult book), North and the Only One and Murder at Wintertide.

NetGalley:

I have six books to read on my NetGalley shelf. I have added two this month.

Books sent by publishers:

I am grateful to have been sent 5 books by publishers this month.

Birthday Haul:

I got 6 books for my birthday – think there might be a theme!

Books bought:

I’ve bought 6 books this month.

Fairyloot Adult Book

I’ve also now got a subscription to the adult book box for Fairyloot. This month’s read is one I’m really looking forward to:

How has your reading month been? Have you read any of these? Have you any of them on your TBR?

#NNFN2024: My Big Book of Questions About the World

Written by Moira Butterfield
Illustrated by Cindy Wume
Published by Walker Books

National Non-Fiction November is an entire month dedicated to celebrating the wonderful range of non-fiction books which are published each year. This is co-ordinated by the brilliant Federation of Children’s Book Groups. I am delighted to have been invited to join the 2024 Bloggers’ Tour and today I am sharing my review of My Big Book of Questions About the World. Thank you to the FCBG for organising a copy for me, provided by the Publisher, Walker Books.

My Big Book of Questions About the World is a brilliant book for curious young minds as it answers a wide range of questions about the world around us in a fun and engaging way. Guaranteed to fascinate young readers – and have them generating further questions of their own! What a wonderful way to introduce some big ideas to children and to engage their natural curiosity when learning about the world around them.

This beautifully illustrated book opens with question prompts and images of a diverse range of young characters who lead readers through the book, making them feel like they’ve joined a group of friends to explore questions about the world … and they’ll know many answers to big questions which they can then share with their real-life friends by the end.

The book is divided into seven sections: Our World, The Land Around Us, The Sea, Plants, Animals, People, The Weather and Out in Space. Have you ever wondered … what is the world made of? Why is the sea salty? Do animals play games? Why is the sky blue? Or even, can we go on holiday to space? There is such a wide range of questions about our world that I have no doubt will fascinate young readers as they read the answers and pore over the illustrations. I can also imagine many of these questions being a catalyst into further engaging children’s interest in finding out more about the world around them. A brilliant way into STEM learning!

Each section of this book includes a series of between 5 and 8 questions with answers given in a clear, engaging manner all of which are easily accessible for younger readers. I really liked the way comparisons were made with things young readers will understand and have knowledge of such as the layers of the world being compared to a chocolate-covered lolly with ice-cream and toffee in the middle. I also really liked the friendly, chatty style of the writing that talks directly to the reader. As well as this, there are labelled diagrams and gorgeous, vivid illustrations which reinforce answers in a clear and fun way on every page.


This is a perfect book to share with younger readers of 5+ or for newly independent readers to enjoy on their own. Either way, there is lots for curious young minds to delight in and engage with as they learn more about the world around them.

Do check out the other stops on the #FCGB #NNFN2024 Bloggers’ Tour and enjoy learning about a wide range of non-fiction books this November – and beyond!



Review: Anya’s Quest written by Jasbinder Bilan and illustrated by Jane Ray

Anya’s Quest is a stunning and powerful story, inspired by Hindu mythology, that took me on an unforgettable journey along the Ganges to listen to nature’s song of hope and healing … an utterly enchanting read.

8-year-old Anya is grieving the loss of her mother three years before.  She wakes in the early morning from a dream that she can’t quite remember:  a dream of her mother, a white flower and a lullaby …

Whilst Anya’s father gives her all the gadgets and toys she could ever want, he does not give her the one thing she craves:   his attention.  It is not surprising that she feels jealous and lonely when she sees Mahi playing in the snow with her mother, the cook, as it brings back memories of time spent with her mama.  When her friend is unable to visit due to the roads through the Himalayan mountains being blocked with snow, Anya’s father sends Mahi to play with Anya.  However, Anya is rude to her and orders Mahi to go outside and build her a snow figure.

Later, feeling ashamed of her unkindness towards Mahi, Anya ventures outside to find her, but slips on the ice – and wakes to see the Goddess Ganga in the moonlight with her river dragon and spirit companion, Makara who pulls her chariot.  Ganga has a quest for Anya to complete, and takes both her and Mahi on an incredible journey through the Himalayan mountains and along the course of the Ganges, a journey into the past and towards a future of hope …  Can Anya remember her spirit song, discover her spirit animal and re-connect with nature? 

I absolutely loved this stunning story with its blend of Hindu mythology, and powerful environmental message of the need to protect our planet from the harm humans are doing to it.  I really liked that the message is one of hope and empowerment.  Both the writing and illustrations are awe-inspiring and take the reader on the most magical journey of self-discovery, connection with nature and hope … mesmerising.

Anya is a sympathetic young girl whose grief, loneliness and jealousy initially leads her to be unkind and reject Mahi’s friendship, but she opens herself to new friendship as she searches for her spirit song and connects with Mahi through their shared appreciation of nature and desire to protect the planet through their actions.

The full-colour illustrations throughout are absolutely gorgeous and really encapsulate the enchanting quality of this story from the wintry scenes through the mountains and along the river to the depiction of Hindu Gods and Goddesses to the heart-warming images of family and friends surrounded by nature.

An absolutely captivating story presented in a stunning hardback edition with full-colour illustrations, perfect for children of 7+.   

Thank you to Walker Books for providing me with a copy of this stunning book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Knight Sir Louis and the Cauldron of Chaos by The Brothers McLeod

Knight Sir Louis and his friends are back for more hilarious mayhem in their sixth fantastically funny and heart-warming adventure, The Cauldron of Chaos.  An absolute riot of fun that is guaranteed to bring giggles galore to young readers as they join Knight Sir Louis on his perilous quest.

Knight Sir Louis is racing towards another heroic adventure on his trusty robot steed, Clunkalot, a mission to save the Kingdom of Squirrel Helm from evil, cursed living diamonds intent on world domination.  With the help of his loyal, magical sword, Dave, he is able to defeat the diamonds (or is he?), but not without Dave being injured and in need of healing by his maker which means that Louis is in need of a new sword …

His friend, wizentor (wizard inventor) Pearlin is too busy building a theme park for King Burt the Not Bad to help so instead she sends him to ambitious witch, Cilla Da Spell’s market stall where he buys Steve Jabs who has a penchant for mood music, photos and giving directions, but not too sure about the actual jabbing …

When Louis goes to meet his best friend, Catalogue the boar, who is now a Police Inspector, he discovers that his help is needed to help solve a case of thievery, a case that leads towards the Big Bank and a dastardly, greedy villain … the Cauldron of Chaos who steals from the rich anyone and gives to the poor itself. 

Can friends Louis, Catalogue and Pearlin come up with a plan to defeat the Cauldron of Chaos and return the stolen riches to their rightful owners?  Will joining forces with Cilla Da Spell make the Cauldron invincible?  Can diamonds really be a knight’s best friend?  And, will they find the perfect cauldron cleanser in Transylwoofia?

Oh my goodness!  This was SO much fun!  I absolutely loved how playful it is in terms of wacky ideas and language – and the bookish and popular references which made me giggle.  I adored the running commentary by the good citizens of Squirrel Helm.  I also loved the ‘Choose Your Own’ section where the reader helps the friends decide where to go in Transylwoofia via Chapters A-F – but having to read all chapters to be successful!

The layout of this book will make it incredibly appealing to readers from its many, many brilliantly expressive and lively illustrations over partial and whole pages to its range of fonts to its graphic novel style inserts and commentary asides and insights for the reader.

There is such a wonderful bond of friendship between Louis and his friends which make them a wonderful team when coming up ideas and carrying out their plan.  They show courage and determination when facing danger, never giving up and working together to complete their mission.  Whilst there are PLENTY of laughs in this adventure, I also really liked that it has strong friendships and a real warmth that young readers will enjoy. A delightful, fast-paced adventure, fizzing with friendship and humour, perfect for readers of 8+.

Thank you to Dannie Price and Guppy Books for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.