Fiction

Books for middle school readers, including YA and middle grade realistic, fantasy, series, and standalone titles, as recommended by librarians.

It's time to celebrate children's books and reading, tell Lerner about amazing librarians, and get excited for the sequel to a Newbery winner.

In Charlotte Nicole Davis's debut YA fantasy, The Good Luck Girls, young women escape from a "welcome house" on a planet inspired by the Wild West. Davis discusses how the Old West inspired her to create an adventure story Black and brown girls can see themselves in and building a fantasy world to understand our own.

This fall, three acclaimed adult authors debut YA titles—including a National Book Award finalist. Jennifer Baker talks to them about writing across audiences, seeing teen readers as individuals, and trying to make the world better.

Not only is the representation of various mental illnesses in YA literature expanding, but so is the ­sensitivity of their portrayals. Here are 13 standout titles. 

From stories of affable ghosts to tales of encounters with the undead, these 36 books offer middle grade and high school readers plenty of thrills.

Ranging from memoir to fantasy, these titles star young people living with a range of disabilities. 

These 10 autumnal titles, while featuring ghosts and goblins, are also full of funny and tender moments that celebrate harvests, families, and child-friendly fun. All are perfect for Halloween sharing.

Twenty picture books to set the tone for the new school year, ease first-day jitters, and build the confidence kids will need to embrace their learning environments, make new friends, and shine academically.