Best Gifts for Middle Grade Readers (Ages 8–12): Graphic Novels, Fantasies, Mysteries & More at Midsummer Books

Ages 8–12 is one of the richest and most exciting stages in a child’s reading life. Kids this age read to feel something, whether it is wonder, heart, adrenaline, mystery, or belonging. They’re ready for deeper themes but still crave imagination and emotional connection.

At Midsummer Books, our middle grade section is one of the most curated parts of the store because this is the age that often makes or breaks future adult readers. If books start feeling like homework, this is where the drift begins. But if they fall in love with a character, a world, a time period, or a feeling during these years? They’re hooked for life.

Whether your child is a fantasy lover, graphic-novel fanatic, mystery solver, history buff, or a reluctant reader who “just hasn’t found the right book yet,” we carry a wide range of stories that meet them exactly where they are, and we love helping pair the right book with the right reader.

This gift guide celebrates the breadth of our collection and the mission behind it.

Middle Grade Graphic Novels

Graphic novels are exploding in the middle grade world, and for good reason. They’re expressive, emotional, smart, and gorgeously illustrated. They pull readers in quickly, help hesitant readers feel confident, and offer rich storytelling that feels accessible and exciting.

Publishers have embraced their power, too. We’ve even seen graphic retellings of classics like The Giver, 1984, and Bunnicula. These aren’t “baby comics.” They’re full, layered novels told visually.

Here are some of our favorite graphic novels for ages 8–12:

• Hooky (Míriam Bonastre Tur)Magical, witchy, and full of heart. Cozy fantasy with real momentum.

• Lumberjanes: Friendship, adventure, queer joy, mythical creatures, and camp chaos. A cult favorite.

• FGTeeV Graphic Novels: Goofy, high-energy, and perfect for reluctant readers.

• Big Nate (Graphic Novel Editions): Classic, laugh-out-loud school humor that kids devour.

• Amulet (Kazu Kibuishi): One of the most beloved fantasy graphic novel series ever created. Stunning.

• Science Comics / Maker Comics: For nonfiction lovers who want science wrapped in engaging visuals.

We keep a variety of graphic novels on hand so every reader who walks through the door can find a visual story to fall in love with.

Fantasy Series Middle Grade Readers Love

This age group thrives on fantasy, especially long, immersive series. A few standouts we always try to keep in stock (new and used):

• Wings of Fire (Prose Series): Still one of the biggest middle grade phenomenons. Dragons, danger, destiny, and graphic novel editions available too.

• Percy Jackson & the Olympians: Mythology, humor, heart, and nonstop adventure. A forever favorite.

• Amari and the Night Brothers: Magic, mystery, empowerment, and truly fantastic worldbuilding.

• The Land of Stories: Fairy tale mashups with fast-paced chapters. Great for reluctant longer-book readers who crave a big payoff.

High-Interest Series for Every Type of Reader

Middle grade readers often latch onto a character or world and follow it faithfully. Here are some excellent high-interest series across different reader types:

For the emotional, sentimental, character-driven readers

• The Vanderbeekers – Warm, big-hearted, and community-centered.

• Front Desk Series – Empowering and relatable with important themes.

• The One and Only Ivan / Ruby – Animal-centered emotional stories that stay with readers. (honestly anything by Katherine Applegate falls pretty solidly into this bucket)

For the history lovers & those who want real-world adventures

• The War That Saved My Life (duology) – Historical, powerful, unforgettable.• Ranger in Time – Time-travel meets real history.• Girls Survive / Boys Survive – Short, gripping, action-forward historical reads.

For the first-big-feelings readers who want to dive deep into friendships and crushes

• The Penderwicks – Cozy, timeless, gentle slices of life.

• The Babysitters Club (Graphic & Prose) – Friendship, tiny crushes, real-world challenges.

For the humor and chaos lovers

• Wimpy Kid – Relatable, episodic, and reliably hilarious.

• FunJungle (Stuart Gibbs) – Animals, mystery, and humor in perfect balance.

• Max Crumbly – School misadventures kids love.

If you have a kid who loves mysteries and solving puzzles consider:

• City Spies – Smart, international, clever, addictive.

• Sherlock Society – Your perfect new mystery pick: puzzles, teamwork, fun.

• Spy School – High-stakes fun with humor.

For the advanced readers who want more depth but aren't quite ready for YA

• Greenglass House – Atmospheric, layered, rewarding.

• When You Reach Me – Mind-bending and emotional.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon – Lyrical fantasy with huge heart. My favorite read of 2025!

Finally, for those reluctant but willing readers who need fast wins

• Last Kids on Earth – Humor + monsters = instant engagement.

• Middle School Series – Short chapters and fast pacing.

• FGTeeV Graphic Series – Gaming-inspired and irresistibly goofy.

Our gently-loved middle grade collection is built for bigger libraries at smaller prices

Middle grade kids read series after series, graphic novel after graphic novel. Gently-loved books make it easier for families to build deep, varied home libraries without overspending.

Our used middle grade section is:

• high-quality

• clean

• carefully curated

• sustainability-friendly

• filled with series, standalones, fantasy, humor, sci-fi, mystery, and more

Gifts for bookish kids, who may need a chapter break or a fix between series

Kids this ave love tactile, creative, or comforting items, and our gifting inventory is selected to help create more engaging screen-free time in your home. We are proud to carry

• STEM Toys (from Copernicus Toys): Hands-on projects like “Make Your Own Root Beer” or “Make Your Own Gum.”

• Plushies: Perfect for fantasy readers and comfort-readers, our plush selections are curated from small businesses,

• Holiday Jewelry: who doesn't love a sparkly stocking stuffer? We have some joyful holiday jewels your ear-piereced kids will love

• Topps Surprise Balls: A little surprise is always worth it.

Make It a Gift-Themed Bundle

We love a well-curated theme, and we’re always happy to build a bundle for your reader. Or try one of these:

Gift Idea 1: Fantasy Fan Pack

• Wings of Fire (novel or graphic novel)

• Percy Jackson or Land of Stories

• Bookmark

• Topps surprise ball

  

  

  Common surprises in a topps surprise ball

  

  Land of Stories Cover
  
  

Gift Idea 2: Cozy Winter Reading Kit

• Lion, Witch & Wardrobe

• Spy Ski School

• Copernicus Toys make your own snow kit

• Winter-themed plush

Midsummer Books Is the Perfect Place to Shop Gifts for Middle Grade Readers

Our middle grade section is built with intention, and our wide, diverse mix of books exists to support every kind of reader. We are constantly reading, listening to or learning about the books that make reading special for this age group, and in doing so we aim to 

• Help match the right book to the right reader

• Stock both new and gently-loved titles 

• Curate our graphic novel selection with care

• Help parents identify reading level, maturity fit, and interest alignment

• Make kids feel seen, supported, and excited in our shop

Whether your reader wants dragons, heartfelt stories, humor, mystery, graphic novels, nonfiction, winter magic, or a new series to dive into, we’re here to help you build a gift they’ll love.

**I should note, middle grade is a bit of a crossover time and not explicitly defined by age so much as reading level and interest. There are plenty of 7-8 year olds who are interested in these books and likewise older teens can still enjoy many of the titles and might prefer a break from the high stakes they find in YA