Classic Books for Middle Grade Readers

by Mbawa Books March 9, 2021

Classic books can sometimes be quite difficult to read - even for older readers! We have come up with a list of classic books that we think are more suitable for middle grade readers (aged 8-12). Quite a few of these have been adapted into movies. It might be worth watching the movie first before reading the book - especially if you're a younger reader, just so you are able to get an idea of the storyline which might make reading and digesting the book a little bit easier!

The cover of Treasure Island. It contains a pirate ship with large cream-coloured sails and a skull and cross bones. In front of the ship is a pirate with his right arm up in the air. the background of the cover is the atmospheric blue-green sky

Treasure Island - Robert Louis Stevenson

When young Jim Hawkins sets sail in search of treasure and adventure, he finds himself caught up in a mutiny. If he’s to get home alive, he must outwit the ruthless pirate Long John Silver.

Genre: Adventure

The book cover is green and has 'Robin Hood' in large cream-coloured writing. There's an orange banner above and below the Robin Hood text that says 'the merry adventures of' above and 'Howard Pyle' below

The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood - Howard Pyle

The book follows Robin Hood as he becomes an outlaw after a conflict with foresters and through his many adventures and runs with the law. Each chapter tells a different tale of Robin as he recruits Merry Men, resists the authorities, and aids his fellow man.

Genre: Adventure

The background of the cover is a yellow-brown colour with 'the wonderful wizard of oz' at the top. There is then an image with a girl with long hair and a blue dress, a lion, a small brown dog, a tin man and a scarecrow on

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz - L. Frank Baum

Dorothy thinks she's lost forever when a tornado whirls her and her dog, Toto, into a magical world. To get home, she must find the wonderful wizard in the Emerald City of Oz. On the way she meets the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman and the Cowardly Lion. But the Wicked Witch of the West has her own plans for the new arrival... will Dorothy ever see Kansas again?

If you've seen the film, you need to read the book!

Genre: Fantasy

The background is a pale green colour. There are two legs upside down on the cover. One leg has a solid red sock, and the other a red and white striped sock. On each foot is a black boot

Pippi Longstocking - Astrid Lindgren

Tommy and his sister Annika have a new neighbour, and her name is Pippi Longstocking. She has crazy red pigtails, no parents to tell her what to do, a horse that lives on her porch, and a flair for the outrageous that seems to lead to one adventure after another!

Genre: Realistic fiction

The background of the book cover is mainly a very deep green colour. the words 'peter pan' are in yellow and there's a picture of peter pan, who is wearing red

Peter Pan - J.M. Barrie

The mischievous boy who refuses to grow up, lands in the Darling's proper middle-class home to look for his shadow. He befriends Wendy, John and Michael and teaches them to fly (with a little help from fairy dust). He and Tinker Bell whisk them off to Never-land where they encounter the Red Indians, the Little Lost Boys, pirates and the dastardly Captain Hook.

If you've seen the film, you need to read the book!

Genre: Fantasy

The background of the book cover is a light blue colour. There's a man in the middle of the cover. He is wearing a black suit jacket, white shirt and trousers and a red bow tie and shoes. Surround him to each side are lots of penguins

Mr. Popper's Penguins - Richard and Florence Atwater

The Poppers unexpectedly come into possession of a penguin, then get a penguin from the zoo who mates with the first penguin to have 10 baby penguins. Before long, something must be done before they eat the Poppers out of house and home!

If you've seen the film, you need to read the book!

Genre: Animals

Classic Books for Middle Grade Readers

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