New Middle Grade Books by Award-Winning Authors

Stonefruit StudioA groundbreaking adventure from National Book Award and Newbery Honor winner, Daniel Nayeri! A young boy, a mouse, and a dog set out to find their purpose in this fairy tale quest told in an innovative visual format that offers a one-of-a-kind reading experience. The text on each page snakes, climbs, jumps, and explodes into shapes and forms that unravel the story. This Is a Door is full of fun surprises and poignant musings that flip the classic hero’s journey on its head—all in an artistic and inventive package that is a wonder to behold. As the end of the year approaches, it’s hard not to speculate about which 2026 books will be up for awards. These 10 new middle grade books by award-winning authors could certainly be contenders. While middle grade might be going through a bit of a publishing slump amid declining sales, book bans, and funding cuts, the books managing to fight their way to publication show how wonderful juvenile fiction can be. From wanna-be basketball stars to dragon adventures and crush drama, kids will love these new middle grade books by award-winning authors. The Moon Without Stars by Chanel MillerChanel Miller’s second middle grade novel sh...