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I firmly believe that childhood reading experiences can profoundly influence our lives, making the classics of middle grade literature particularly cherished among readers. This is likely why we repeatedly recommend these timeless tales to younger generations.
While immersing oneself in classic literature is certainly worthwhile, solely relying on these works can overshadow the vibrant and diverse stories being crafted by contemporary authors. For those unsure of where to explore next, here are five newly released middle grade books that echo themes or styles from beloved classics. Dive into these exciting tales filled with gripping mysteries, thrilling survival, whimsical adventures, and more!
Billions to Burn by Taylor Banks
This engaging book will appeal to fans of The Westing Game, as its protagonist, young Zeus Jones, embarks on an exciting quest filled with puzzles and conspiracies. Initially dismissive of his grandfather’s wild tales, Zeus finds himself caught up in a mystery that centers on a potential hidden fortune tied to the Harlem Renaissance—a search that becomes urgent when his grandfather goes missing just as the first clue is revealed.
If you enjoyed Hatchet, explore…
Off the Map by Meika Hashimoto
This novel reimagines the survival narrative of Hatchet, this time featuring former friends Amos and Marlo who find themselves lost during an Alaskan camping trip. The pair must navigate their differences and work together to forge a path back to safety, underscoring themes of teamwork and resilience.
Candle Island by Lauren Wolk
The Trouble With Sunshine by Yamile Saied Méndez
This story beautifully captures the bond between Dorani and her horse, Sunshine, following a deep tragedy. After the loss of her mother, Dori moves to Wyoming and grapples with her grief. Through her connection with Sunshine, a wild horse with its own scars, Dori embarks on a journey toward healing and understanding.
The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman
This captivating fantasy adventure follows Clare, a fox with a unique destiny. After an accident places him in a liminal space between life and death, Clare must now guide souls but encounters unforeseen challenges, such as meeting Gingersnips, a badger whose fate is integral to an ominous prophecy.
For additional recommendations infused with fresh perspectives on classic themes, consider these 8 Book Recommendations for Fans of The Babysitters Club.
Note: The following insights are brought to you by the Editorial Desk.
This week, we’re shining a light on some of the most impressive new poetry collections of 2025 so far. Spanning personal reflection to powerful political commentary, these works capture the essence of the current moment while introducing innovative poetic voices. Continue reading for a featured excerpt and unlock full access to the entire article.
Time seems to fly as we find ourselves already well into 2025. While I have made progress on my reading goals, there remains a feeling of catching up. However, my exploration of poetry has yielded an array of astonishing voices. It’s still early in the year, making it a perfect time to highlight some of the best poetry collections released in 2025 to date.
Interestingly, the relevance of these collections is striking. Despite the slow nature of the publishing industry, collections launching in early 2025 likely reflect sentiments from late 2023 and early 2024—not long after the preceding presidential election. Many of these works seem to resonate with the current climate and challenges of today, illustrating the timeless capacity of art to reflect urgent societal issues.
These poetry collections encompass a spectrum of themes from deeply introspective to strongly political. In many cases, these realms intertwine, particularly in poetry, revealing how personal experiences often mirror societal struggles. Among the most exciting aspects of the recent collections is the emergence of fresh and diverse voices that contribute to the evolving landscape of poetry. Let’s explore these intriguing works together.
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bookriot.com