Middle-grade Fantasy Round-up

It’s always a pleasure to dive into a middle-grade fantasy. Though the stakes are high, the outcome is usually sunny. In addition to reading books mid-series, like The Rise of Neptune by Scott Reintgen (2025) and Silverborn: The Mystery of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend (2025) (both highly recommended), I thoroughly enjoyed the three below, which are stand-alone books or the beginning of a series.

Do you need a recommendation for your next read? Reach out to me any time at lisasbookblog@gmail.com for a personalized suggestion.

The Last Ember by Lily Berlin Dodd (2025)

Eva’s family is rich. She is a student at a posh school and gets to pick out any item she wants from a department store for her birthday. Dusty lives in an orphanage/dairy farm and dreams of becoming part of the society of thieves. When Eva unknowingly picks an Aerimander egg for her birthday present and Dusty is sent by the Thieves Union to steal that item, their paths entangle. More fun to be had as the series continues!

The Experiment by Rebecca Stead (2025)

Nathan’s family works very hard to seem normal. They don’t want anyone to find out that they are part of a group of aliens living in secret on the earth, part of a grand experiment. When Nathan grows a tail, however, they leave New York and head back to the mothership. Nathan isn’t sure whether this is cause for punishment or celebration. What he discovers is more complicated than he could have imagined.

Scarlet Morning by ND Stevenson (2025)

Viola and Wilmur live in a harsh world where the oceans have turned to salt and pirates roam what is left of the seas. Captain Cadence Chase seeks them out because of a special book they have. They agree to give her the book if she will take them with her. Adventures, crises, and discoveries are ahead for the pair as they learn about their origins and the truth of Captain Chase.