5 Fresh and Fun Middle Grade Books for Summer Reading

With summer just about here, we’re always on the lookout for children’s books perfect for those fun beach days or the lazy weekdays during school holidays. Here are 5 books to keep you busy all summer long:

The Good Times of Pelican Rise: Save the Joeys by Samone Amba

Grade sixers Sunday Moon and her besties Ockie, Kirra and Lottie are marooned in after-school care at Club Koala with the karaoke-loving grade twos and nit-infested preppies for company. The Good Times of Pelican Rise is a fun series that explores growing up, finding community spirit, and using your voice to Be the Change.

For ages 9+.

Buy a copy of The Good Times of Pelican Rise: Save the Joeys here.

The Way to Impossible Island by Sophie Kirtley

Born with a serious heart condition, Dara has been waiting for his Big Operation forever, and this summer it’s finally going to happen. A brave, life-affirming middle-grade timeslip adventure about finding your family and finding yourself, from the author of The Wild Way Home.

For ages 10+.

Buy a copy of The Way to Impossible Island here.

Birdbrain by Kelli Anne Hawkins

When seven strangers arrive at a small Australian caravan park to tell Hadley Boggs that her dad is the long-lost heir to the kingdom of Ludrovia, she can hardly believe it. But can the Birdbrain prophecy help them save Ludrovia before everything turns to fondue? The funny, whimsical and quirky new adventure from Australian rising star Kelli Anne Hawkins.

For ages 8+.

Buy a copy of Birdbrain here.

Marcie Gill and the Caravan Park Cat by Monica McInerney, illustrated by Danny Snell

Marcie Gill hasn’t had a great start to the Christmas holidays. But then something magical happens. Something that involves a Christmas competition, a black cat called George and a wishing stone. This heartwarming story by award-winning and bestselling author Monica McInerney will delight readers young and old.

For ages 9+.

Buy a copy of Marcie Gill and the Caravan Park Cat here.

The Magic of Magnolia Moon by Edwina Wyatt, illustrated by Katherine Quinn

For Magnolia Moon, magic is a way to solve problems. And when you’re starting a new class at school and your best friend doesn’t live across the road anymore, problems seem to come easily. A lyrical and imaginative tale which highlights everyday wonders through Magnolia’s curious and observant nature.

For ages 6+.

Buy a copy of The Magic of Magnolia Moon here.