2 Great Middle Grades Books to Read

by MK French

We are just under two weeks until Halloween and I have my final recommendations for Halloween reading. If you are looking for young adult and adult reading recommendations check out my fantasy, horror, and paranormal romance suggestions. Today I have two books for younger readers. Whether you are looking for something to keep the kids reading in the lead-up to Halloween or a bedtime book to wind down with after all the candy from trick or treating, these are fun options.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

Jasmine is Haunted by Mark Oshiro

October 2024; Starscape; 978-1250337290
audio, ebook, print (256 pages); middle grades horror

Jasmine Garza had a ghost following her after her Papi's death, though her Mami will never admit something is wrong. No matter how many times they move, something happens. Now they're going to North Hollywood, and Jasmine is determined to have a normal life. Bea Veracruz and Jorge Barrera are obsessed with the supernatural, eager to help when Jasmine confesses she’s been tormented by a ghost. They try to prove that Jasmine’s not acting out, and Jasmine resents her mother's secrets as her hauntings increase in intensity.

This middle-grade novel starts from a place of loneliness and grief, and Jasmine is used to moving from place to place. She's the awkward new kid, unsure of her place in the social hierarchy. She's invited to the GSA, where she meets Bea and Jorge, and learns they call it the Gay Supernatural Alliance because they hunt creatures on campus. Jasmine’s haunting is their first real case, and their eagerness forces her to confront the ghosts and try to discover more about them. She talks to her mother about it, and learns more about her family history and grief itself. 

In this book, the supernatural and ghosts are very real. People lose others close to them and don't always know how to move on. Some think it's by forgetting or ignoring the pain, but it's still there. Once they gather together and talk it through, they figure out what to do. Jasmine is an interesting character, and I loved spending time with her in the book.

Buy Jasmine is Haunted at Amazon

The Graveyard Gift by Piper CJ

October 2024; ‎Random House; 978-0593810477
audio, ebook, print (256 pages); middle grades fantasy

Rosemary Thorpe has the ability to foresee people’s deaths, which eventually leads her to Fern’s School for Wayward Fae. She finds out that her gift comes from being part fae, and meets others who are part fae as well. Her roommate Trym is part banshee, so her screams can kill. Essie is a djinn who grants wishes. As Rosemary settles in, a student vanishes. Now it’s up to the kids to use their gifts to find their missing friend.

Rosemary didn't know her gift could unsettle others, and as she got older, she drew out the visions she saw in a notebook. Her mother was afraid of the images and statements and called a psychologist and nurse to pick up Rosemary from the house to bring her to an institution. This isn't how it's generally done, but it got her out of the house and drew Fern’s attention. She chose to attend the school, not knowing anything about it; students are all half-fae and have no control of powers. While some are caught up in Seelie vs Unseelie rivalry within the fae courts, Rosemary is trying to understand this new world and the people in it. This means many new people, classes, games, and even foods. She starts taking action when her new friend disappears, and others come with her.

I enjoyed getting a look into this realm between realms where the demifae can learn about their abilities and the different realms. We get a glimpse of a few, and a cliffhanger ending for future novels to pick up from. Rosemary is twelve, and twelve-year-old readers would enjoy seeing how she navigates this new world and gets out of this mess.

Buy The Graveyard Gift at Amazon

Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and a golden retriever.

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