Reading at this stage can expand your child’s perspective and help them develop greater empathy and understanding. Fast-paced, exciting stories will allow them to pinpoint the genres they truly love, while nonfiction and interactive books help open their world to new possibilities. 

Since access to engaging books through sixth grade and beyond might just be the key to your child’s lifelong reading habit, we’ve gathered some of our favorite titles. Here are Literati’s picks for the best books for sixth grade readers:

The Land of Roar

by Jenny McLachlan

It’s been years since Rose and Arthur traversed the folding bed in Grandad’s attic to their imaginary Land of Roar, but while cleaning the attic, Grandad himself gets pulled in! And if our readership is any indication, so will your middle-grade reader.

With constant danger and intrigue, this gorgeously-illustrated story has proven time and time again to help develop consistent reading habits in budding fantasy-lovers.

Explorer Academy: The Nebula Secret

by Trudi Trueit

Forget book reports—at Explorer Academy, students are graded on their code-cracking, obstacle coursing, and virtual-reality explorations. But for new pupil Cruz, this elite school has a few more challenges up its sleeves.

With solvable puzzles, Explorer Academy: The Nebula Secret is the perfect book for those who need a little brain challenge to stay engaged. Get your young scientist in on the journey, and give them Trudi Truett’s full-throttle adventure.

Women Who Dared: 52 Stories of Fearless Daredevils, Adventurers, and Rebels

by Linda Skeers

The daring and adventurous women who have shaped the world are often missing from history textbooks. Supplement your kid’s education with these stories of 52 women who fearlessly pushed boundaries. Read all about Helen Gibson, the first professional stuntwoman, or Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman in space!

From action scenes to astronomical heights, this book covers a multitude of fields and interests, so no matter what your child loves to do, they’ll find tons of inspiration and motivation to challenge themselves. You may just want to invest in a helmet and some elbow pads for your adventurer once they finish this essential anthology of history’s toughest ladies.

Adventures in Engineering for Kids: 35 Challenges to Design the Future

by Brett Schilke

Adventures in Engineering asks an important question: without limits, what can kids create? The answer is pretty much anything and everything, including the first human settlement on another planet.

This book recruits your child to an elite engineering team, the Irresistible Futures Agency. It’s their job to help design City X and solve the many challenges that lie ahead. With 35 design and engineering challenges, this is one of the best books for sixth-graders or seventh-graders who love science, puzzles, and making the impossible a reality.

Odd Gods

by Daniel Weitzman

Oddonis is a son of Zeus. He’s surely odd—he doesn’t have powers like the rest of his family and even has webbed toes—but he’s also endearing. He and his friends at Mount Olympus Middle School are an ungodly group, but can they pull it together in time for a big school election?

This mythological mix-up will put your own middle-schooler into giggling fits. As a perfect mix of Percy Jackson and Diary of a Wimpy Kid, this out-of-the-box read is a fun-filled introduction to epic myths—their English teacher will thank you!

The Lost Property Office

By James R. Hannibal

Jack’s got a knack for discovering all things lost and found. From scarves to books, Jack Buckles has a special gift for locating all of London’s abandoned treasures. But there’s one thing he can’t find—his long-lost father and sister. That is, until a few family secrets emerge.

James R. Hannibal’s clever thriller is a top pick for readers who enjoy a bit of magic in their mystery. The whimsical London setting helps make this a fully immersive read, while challenging readers to link past and present.

Readers Thrive with Literati Book Clubs

The books your child finds outside of the classroom will have a huge impact on whether they continue to seek out stories on their own. By laying the groundwork for steady reading habits, you’re setting them up for a lifetime of curiosity and learning—and Literati is here to help!

Literati curates book boxes on a reader-by-reader basis, to ensure that every child has access to enriching and age-appropriate stories. When you join Literati book clubs, curation experts take your reader’s specific level and interests into account to send premium titles they’re sure to love. 
Get started with Literati’s personalization quiz, and watch your reader learn and grow with the very best titles out there for them.

The post The Best Books for Sixth Graders appeared first on Literati.

Sharpen your claws and wiggle your whiskers—it’s time to pounce on Literati’s best chapter books with a four-legged lead.

Warriors #1: Into the Wild

by Erin Hunter

A roof, some food, and human affection—what more could housecat Rusty want? When this pampered feline accidentally wanders off into the deep woods, he stumbles into the tumultuous new world of warrior cats.

Odds are, you’ve already heard of Erin Hunter’s breakout series. Combining mystical fantasy, tribal politics, and daring adventure, Warriors will make your house cat look like a majestic lion. Start your middle schooler on this standout feline saga with Warriors #1: Into the Wild.

A Wolf Called Wander

by Rosanne Parry

After a rival wolfpack breaks his family apart, our wolf protagonist Swift is left to find his way back home—wherever that may be. The only things standing in his way? The treacherous Pacific Northwest coast and the ticking of time.

Based on a true story, A Wolf Called Wander will suck your child into its gripping tale of survival and hope. Young readers will pour over each cliffhanger and twist, as well as Rosanne Parry’s detailed sketch illustrations. For the adventurous student, it’s a sure-fire, unputdownable novel.

The Lost Rainforest #1: Mez’s Magic

by Eliot Schrefer

In this rainforest adventure, the creatures of Caldera jungle are ruled by day or night, but never both. But when Mez suddenly crosses the divide, mysterious forces begin to awaken. Among the jungle trees, she’ll learn that maybe true power comes from friendship and courage (but a few jokes can help, too).

Blending fantasy, quest, and coming-of-age elements, Schrafer’s acclaimed writing will have middle schoolers swinging through the pages.

A Nest for Celeste: A Story About Art, Inspiration, and the Meaning of Home

by Henry Cole

Celeste the mouse lives peacefully, weaving her tiny baskets. Everything is calm and quiet—just how Celeste likes it. But when naturalist John James Audobon arrives, Celeste’s underground is turned upside down.

A Nest for Celeste proves that not all animal stories are action adventures. Sometimes, furry friends teach our most human traits—companionship, care, and creativity. With gorgeous illustrations and a charming historical fiction twist, younger readers will easily fall in love with Celete’s tiny world.

Bravelands #1: Broken Pride

by Erin Hunter

For most creatures, the African plains are a brutal place. Without protection, species learn to stick to their own kin. But when mysterious deaths occur within clans, young pack members must set out to find answers. Now, it’s up to the lion Fearless, the baboon Thorn, and the elephant Sky to restore justice to the savannah—or else, let evil rule the plains.

With Warriors author Erin Hunter at the helm, readers of Bravelands #1: Broken Pride are in good hands. The novel smartly sneaks in multi-perspective narration, while still keeping the action at top speed. We guarantee your child will ask for the sequel before the last page.

Fly, Crawl, Swing, and Gallop into Literati Book Clubs

Animals aren’t just pets or zoo entertainment; they’re complex living creatures with human-like needs, desires, and very dramatic lives. That mixture of empathy and adventure makes them the perfect coming-of-age narrators for middle school readers. 

With Literati’s personalized book club for kids, your middle schooler can walk in someone else’s paws through exciting animal stories and enriching tales of all kinds. Our curated book boxes are tailored to your reader’s level and interests, with selections that adapt as they become stronger readers and their favorite topics change. So even if an animal obsession is short-lived, their passion for books certainly won’t be. Take the quiz to get started in one of Literati’s fourteen benchmark-based reading levels. Can we get a roooooaaaar for encouraging a love of literature? ROAR!

The post 5 Roaringly Good Animal Books for Middle Schoolers appeared first on Literati.

History is more than about learning facts of the past. Historical accounts are important tools for teaching cause and effect, and stories set in historical times help students put the present in perspective. With rich characters and engrossing stories, these reads spark life into history. Tales of ancient cultures, underground societies, and historic scandals will show your middle schooler that history is a force that powers our everyday lives.

Here in the Real World

By Sara Pennypacker

Ware has always felt like a lone wolf, so when his parents send him off to summer camp, he can’t help but feel disappointed. Luckily, Ware finds an unlikely partner-in-sword-fighting through the mysterious Jolene. The pair even skip activities to build their own historical sanctuary! But when a threat to their castle looms, Ware and Jolene must defend their manor—and learn valuable social skills along the way.

With this playful take on medieval history and preteen years, Sara Pennypacker creates an anthem for introverts. Humorous and touching, Here in the Real World will help your middle schooler find their place in the world.

The Entirely True Story of the Unbelievable FIB

by Adam Shaughnessy

What is the unbelievable FIB? That’s the question thrust upon eleven-year-old Pru, scribbled on an anonymous postcard. A mystery from the past is calling her—one filled with Nordic myths and Viking lore. Following a series of strange events, Pru decides it’s time to put on her own detective hat and confront these forces of historical magic.

Combining mystery, fantasy, and history, Unbelievable FIB sneakily leads readers down Nordic mythology and history. It’s one of the best chapter books to open the historical fiction gates. After all, who can resist tales of lightning-powered gods?

Season of the Witch

By Matt Ralphs and Nuria Tamarit

What if all witches weren’t so evil and menacing—what if they were an essential part of our history?

In this illustrated guide, readers can walk alongside Ancient Egyptian priestesses, Voodoo masters, and Nordic healers and discover how witches impacted our cultural history. Blending mythical tales with real-life events, Season of the Witch is the perfect gateway to more advanced historical fiction.

The Lost Property Office

By James R. Hannibal

Jack Buckles has an uncanny knack for locating abandoned items, from felt hats to crumpled notes. But when Jack’s father goes missing in the London streets, all seems lost, until a centuries-old scandal is unearthed from the underground.

Soaring through London sites and history, The Lost Property Office is an action-historical fiction hybrid. Gripping and clever, it’s one of the best books for young adults hungry for historical thrills.

Famous Phonies: Legends, Fakes, and Frauds Who Changed History

By Brianna DuMont

Alright, alright. Maybe it’s not historical fiction, but Famous Phonies is still a unique and hilarious look at some of history’s “good guys.” Brianna Dumont’s writing exposes the cons and scandals buried under historical legacies, helping your middle grader take on a critical perspective. With entries like “Top Confucius Sayings,” Famous Phonies stays educational and entertaining—get ready for big laughs and deep gasps.

Cruise Through History Class with Our Historical Fiction Reads

Historical fiction reads can help kids become immersed in different time periods, take on new perspectives, and connect the dots between past and present. A strong foundation in historical fiction can also give social studies students a leg up: the more historical context they already understand, the easier it is to remember new information. As middle schoolers take on more complex concepts in the classroom, their favorite Literati read might just come in handy!

With Literati’s personalized book club, middle schoolers can choose their own topic preferences and receive Literati’s best picks for their skills and interests. You certainly don’t need to be a budding history buff to enjoy these great stories, but if the past piques your child’s interest, head to Literati’s personalization quiz to start their one-of-a-kind reading journey!

The post Blast to the Past with 5 Top Historical Fiction Books for Grades 6-7 appeared first on Literati.

It’s official: like Poe and Tony Stark before them, your kid is ready for their very own robot sidekick… in the pages of their new favorite book, of course.

Autobots, roll out! to get your hands on the best science fiction books for middle graders—droid style.

The Last Human

By Lee Bacon

In a future where robots run the world without the messiness of humans, society runs smoothly… except for one problem: there’s one last human living—more accurately, hiding—amongst them. When the android narrator XR_935 finds 12-year-old Emma, he and his two robot pals go against the established rules to accompany her on a perilous journey for her survival.

This book is packed with great themes for middle graders around overcoming biases, forging unexpected relationships, and helping those in need. We also adore the narrator’s unique mix of human prose and robot-binary, which provides readers with an engaging introduction to coding.

The Homework Machine

by Dun Gutman

The D Squad’s homeworker-completing robot machine, nicknamed Belch, is solving all of their fifth grade problems. But before long, it’s creating problems too—suspicious adults, private pop quizzes, and eventually, a homework robot with a mind of its own (and the potential to create a serious mess for all of them).

The Homework Machine embraces a unique storytelling approach, and includes diverse characters for every middle schooler to relate to. It’s the perfect escape for every student that has ever dreaded doing homework, while serving as an almost life-or-death warning against cheating—parents, you’re welcome!

EngiNerd

By Jarrett Lerner

When Ken and his crew of super-smart EngiNerds find robots on their front porches, they have no idea that Dan, one of their own, has been secretly building and sending them to each member of their nerdy friend group. Robot companions? Awesome! Except that this dream-come-true quickly gets out of hand, with only the EngiNerds to turn things around.

For every so-called “nerd” out there, this novel shows that sometimes you get to be the hero of the story, too. EngiNerds is jam-packed with humorous quips, silly strategies, and affable antics from robots and humans alike, making it one of the best early chapter books for reluctant-to-read young boys.

Machines That Think!: Big Ideas That Changed The World #2

by Don Brown

What’s another word for “machines that think?” Oh, that’s right: robots!

This nonfiction deep dive into the riveting world of technology lets your middle-grade reader into the secrets behind the stories they love so much. From the earliest mathematical devices to the birth of computer programming to the first smartphones and eventually artificial intelligence, Machines That Think! covers the most important robot-related inventions in captivating graphic-novel form.

By infusing comprehensive historical accounts with humor, stunning illustrations, and a light, easy-to-follow narrative, author Dan Brown has created the perfect introduction to the wonderful world of robots. Your child won’t just learn about inventions—they might be ready to think up a few of their own.

The Future of Reading is Here!

Ken the EngiNerd doesn’t have to be the only kid getting exciting packages delivered to their door—your child can receive a kids book delivery through Literati’s personalized kids book clubs. 

Their box won’t contain a ferocious farting robot, but it will be smart enough to follow your reader’s progress as they grow. Start with the personalization quiz and Literati will send the best books to engage and challenge your child—stories that match their unique interests, and develop the right skills at the right time. 

From robot-run dystopias one box to outer space the next, and from sea creatures to ancient Egypt and back home again, your middle-grade reader will have no shortage of exciting content to spark their imagination and solidify their reading confidence.

The post Extraordinary Robot Books for Your Middle-Grade Reader appeared first on Literati.

Magic Tricks with Coins, Cards, and Everyday Objects

by Jake Banfield

In this book, Jake Banfield reveals sleight of hand tricks that can be performed with everyday objects. This fun-filled book will introduce your middle-grade reader to the world of “street magic,” tricks meant to wow an up-close audience.

Magic Tricks is an amazing read that joyfully reveals the secret world of magic to your child, supporting their critical thinking and instruction-following skills. Your sixth-grader will get so engrossed in these step-by-step tricks, you’ll think they made themselves disappear!

Adventures in Engineering for Kids: 35 Challenges to Design the Future

By Brett Schilke

Adventures in Engineering asks an important question: without limits, what can kids create? The answer is pretty much anything and everything, including the first human settlement on another planet.

This book recruits your child to an elite engineering team, the Irresistible Futures Agency. It’s their job to help design City X and solve the many challenges that lie ahead. With 35 design and engineering challenges, this is one of the best books for sixth-graders or seventh-graders who love science, puzzles, and making the impossible a reality.

LOL: A Keepsake Journal of Hilarious Q&As

By Brandon T. Snider

“Dear Diary” can get a little boring from time to time. How about a prompt to get that journal entry started—would you rather shave your head or wear the ugliest wig in the world for a week? Eat a slug, or keep a live cricket in your mouth for five minutes?

With super silly would-you-rathers, fill-in-the-blanks, and doodle ideas, this book beats a blank diary any day of the week. Your middle-grader will love coloring outside the lines in this keepsake journal and digging deep to answer thought-provoking questions.

THIS IS NOT A SCIENCE BOOK

By Clive Gifford

Don’t let the title fool you—this activity book teaches science through stealth. Your middle-grader will draw, puzzle, and build their way through this super-interactive book, and before they know it, become a science sage.

This book is a perfect pick for kids who are shy around the subjects of math and science. They’ll map out bones in the body, create their own optical illusions, and even build high-flying rotocopters. This book is a non-intimidating romp through the natural world, making it the best book for sixth graders or seventh graders who struggle with science.

Cardboard Box Engineering: Cool, Inventive Projects for Tinkerers, Makers & Future Scientists

By Jonathan Adolph

Junior engineers, gather ’round: this book is about to forever change your perception of the complex and ingenious building material that is—cardboard. You’ll be amazed at how many functioning machines your middle-grader can create using the recycling pile! This activity book helps develop your child’s three-dimensional thinking and eye for design as they create a working kaleidoscope, a wind-powered tractor, a robotic hand, and more.

This is one of the best books for seventh graders learning the basics of physics and engineering. The real-life applications are endless and the satisfaction gained from building one of these cardboard beauties is priceless.

Interactive Reading for a Lifetime of Learning

Whether you’re encouraging your junior engineer or supporting a budding young writer, there’s a book that complements every interest—it’s just a matter of finding them. With Literati’s personalized book clubs, you can ensure your reader’s getting the right stuff for their individual learning progress, box after box.

With a Literati Kids subscription, your child can discover books that fit their interests, match their reading level, and adapt to their progress as they grow. As sixth and seventh graders move into longer chapter books, we’ll send reads that make for an easy, and highly entertaining transition. 
So sign up, sit back, and watch your child’s passion for reading bloom with books that challenge new skills every month—just take the personalization quiz to get started!

The post Top Five Interactive Books for Grades 6-7 appeared first on Literati.

Literati’s favorite history books for middle-grade readers let kids explore the past and question our present. These inventive stories will build your child’s reading comprehension, critical thinking skills, and historical knowledge. Ready to discover the best history books for your middle grader? Here we go!

Fantastic Failures: True Stories of People Who Changed the World by Falling Down First

By Luke Reynolds

Fourth, fifth, and sixth grade may come with their fair share of failures. For kids at this age, how to bounce back is one of the most important lessons to be learned! In Fantastic Failures: True Stories of People Who Changed the World by Falling Down First, author Luke Reynolds celebrates how historical figures survived and flourished after they crashed and burned.

Reynolds tells the story of 34 people (and one horse) who used their experience with failure as a source of insight and inspiration. Reynolds explores well-known figures across multiple eras, so your child gets to glimpse various fascinating historical times. They’ll learn more about the epic fails that led to epic triumphs—and perhaps learn how they can do the same for themselves.

Women Who Dared: 52 Stories of Fearless Daredevils, Adventurers, and Rebels

By Linda Skeers

The daring and adventurous women who have shaped the world are often missing from history textbooks. Supplement your kid’s education with these stories of 52 women who fearlessly pushed boundaries. Read all about Helen Gibson, the first professional stuntwoman, or Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman in space!

From action scenes to astronomical heights, this book covers a multitude of fields and interests, so no matter what your child loves to do, they’ll find tons of inspiration and motivation to challenge themselves. You may just want to invest in a helmet and some elbow pads for your adventurer once they finish this essential anthology of history’s toughest ladies.

Strange But True: 10 of the World’s Greatest Mysteries Explained

By Katherine Hulick

In this captivating book, Hulick takes readers on a fact-first journey from UFOs to krakens, with a pit stop in Atlantis. The author provides psychological and scientific explanations behind these mysterious phenomena to help your child learn how science can help discern fact from fiction.

Hulick invites your reader to think scientifically and expand their critical thinking skills. In her pursuit of factual explanations for strange phenomena, she covers a wide variety of historical and scientific topics—your reader will learn a little bit of psychology, geography, and even some marine biology!

History Comes to Life With Literati

After your reader finishes learning about Einstein’s failures, an adventurous stuntwoman, and the secret of Atlantis, they’ll certainly be on the hunt for more of the best history books for kids. With a Literati Kids book subscription, you’ll have your own Library of Alexandria in no time.

Literati book boxes are curated for every individual reader, so your kiddo can unbox stories that are equal parts exciting and enriching. Start by taking the personalization quiz, and we’ll help your reader discover incredible stories that delve deep into their specific interests. As their favorite topics and reading skills evolve, so does curation! Get started today, and make boring books a thing of the past.

The post The Most Fun History Books for Middle-Grade Readers appeared first on Literati.

The Lost Rainforest #1: Mez’s Magic

by Eliot Schrefer

It’s not often you get to stroll in a panther’s pawsteps. From New York Times bestselling author Eliot Schrefer, this adventure takes your young reader straight into the wild of Caldera, where a young panther must use her unusual powers to unravel an ancient mystery and save her endangered rainforest home.

Quietly educational and powerfully intriguing, this three-part series infuses magical worldbuilding into an intricate animal kingdom reminiscent of Erin Hunter’s Warriors and Bravelands books (also Literati favorites!).

More Adventure Fantasy

Robin Newman

If your 9-12 year old loves daring quests and dangerous expeditions, there’s plenty more journeys to be had!

The Lost Property Office – a secret society, a missing magical artifact, and the thrilling, history-riddled adventure to recover it .

Race to the End of the World – an ordinary boy with an extraordinary memory launches on an ambitious voyage to the edge of the map.

The Okay Witch

by Emma Steinkellner

Like many 13-year-olds, Moth Hush doesn’t quite fit in at school. But unlike her peers, her family legacy is tied to her town’s history of witch drama. Once her powers emerge, a talking cat and an enchanted diary lead her to the hidden witch world, where she discovers secrets of generations past.

This charming graphic novel magically balances humor and heart for a down-to-earth take on supernatural adolescence. It’s a spellbinding coming-of-age story full of twists and surprises!

More Fantasy Graphic Novels

Robin Newman

And did we mention the gorgeous art? If your middle-grade reader finds illustrations particularly illuminating, might we also suggest:

Pashmina – a heartwarming tale about the hardship of juggling two cultures and two worlds, and the self-discovery that results.

Nightlights – a whimsical story about fear, creativity, and a girl who can create magical creatures from tiny sparks of light

The Collectors

by Jacqueline West

Not all wishes are good—in fact, even good wishes often have unintended consequences. But who gets to decide which ones come true? This twisty narrative will have your middle schooler questioning everything about wish-making as they follow a boy named Van into the mysterious, nuanced world of those who “collect” them.

This underground world is as delightful as it is thought-provoking—perfect for any middle grader navigating new academic challenges and social dynamics.

More Magical Fantasy

Robin Newman

If wildly creative magics and mystical worlds keep your intermediate reader engaged for hours, we’re right there with them—these are some of our favorite reads!

The Nightmare Thief – Maren loves to make and sell dreams in her family’s shop, until one sinister customer demands a nightmare.

Lalani of the Distant Sea – to save her village, Lalani must face several fearsome mythical creatures inspired by Filipino folklore.

The Land of Roar

By Jenny McLachlan

It’s been years since Rose and Arthur traversed the folding bed in Grandad’s attic to their imaginary Land of Roar, but while cleaning the attic, Grandad himself gets pulled in! And if our readership is any indication, so will your middle-grade reader.

With constant danger and intrigue, this gorgeously-illustrated story has proven time and time again to help develop consistent reading habits in budding fantasy-lovers.

More Portal Fantasy

Robin Newman

If your kid hopes to stumble into an entirely new world, they’ll love getting lost in these fabulous fantasies:

The Island of Dr. Libris – when Billy discovers the mysterious bookcase of Dr. Libris, he uncovers a magic that brings the stories to life.

Story Thieves – Owen gets to live every bookworm’s dream: jumping into the text itself (expect high stakes, suspense, and plot twists galore!)

Odd Gods

by David Slavin

Oddonis is a son of Zeus. He’s surely odd (he doesn’t have powers like the rest of his family and even has webbed toes), but he’s also endearing. He and his friends at Mount Olympus Middle School are an ungodly group, but can they pull it together in time for a big school election? A perfect mix of Percy Jackson and Diary of a Wimpy Kid!, this mythological mix-up is a giggle-inducing precursor to more complex mythical stories.

More Funny Fantasy

Robin Newman

If busting a gut gets your reader reading, they’ll never want to shelve these hilarious adventures:

Rat Rule 79: An Adventure – step into the Land of Impossibility: a loopily illogical place where time is outlawed and words carry dire consequences.

Knights vs. Dinosaurs – exactly what it says—and so, so much more: laugh yourself to tears with the misadventures of these Knights of the Round Table.

Conjure the Best Kids Fantasy Books from Literati

Complex character relationships between humans, goblins, and dragons alike help guide readers in fourth-seventh grade through their own expanding social circles. Think of fantasy fiction as a wise old wizard handing young readers the map to meaningful relationships. Reading is a great way to foster empathy in this age group—you just need to conjure the right books!

At Literati, we aim to help reading excel and build a love of literature (without the need for questionable love potions). This list is a small vial of our alchemy; the rest comes in a personalized book box, packed full of just the right stuff for your child’s reading development and unique interests.

Literati Kids book clubs deliver perfectly-curated book magic to your door. All you need to do is let them spread their fiery wings—in fantasy, they’ll quickly learn to fly.

The post The Best Middle Grade Fantasy Books for Preteens appeared first on Literati.

From black holes to robot battles, these Literati kids book club selections will thrill budding scientists. Complex topics, like technological ethics of the future, become approachable (and even fun) with a sprinkle of imagination. Add in a relatable protagonist, and you’ve got every 4th to 6th grader hooked.

Got your seatbelt fastened? Then let’s launch our rockets and explore the best science fiction books for kids ages nine to twelve.

Explorer Academy: The Nebula Secret

by Trudi Trueit

Forget book reports—at Explorer Academy, students are graded on their code-cracking, obstacle coursing, and virtual-reality explorations. But for new pupil Cruz, this elite school has a few more challenges up its sleeves.

With solvable puzzles, Explorer Academy: The Nebula Secret is the perfect book for those who need a little brain challenge to stay engaged. Get your young scientist in on the journey, and give them Trudi Truett’s full-throttle adventure.

The Last Human

By Lee Bacon

In robot XR_935’s world, humans are creatures of the past. That is, until the impossible happens: XR discovers a 12-year-old girl—a human girl. Can one human rescue the fate of her entire species? Or is humankind lost for good to its own machinery?

The Last Human is one of the best kids books to stretch imaginations, capturing themes like morality and societal norms. Sprinkles of humor and plenty of action will keep your reader flipping pages like a reading machine!

The Homework Machine

By Dan Gutman

A nerd, a wisecracker, a goody-two-shoes, and a slacker. What could these four possibly have in common?

They all share one secret: the homework machine.

In this cross-clique adventure, the D Squad is on a mission to hide their magical creation (lovingly known as Belch). But as Belch grows in power, the squad races to hide their invention from fellow fifth graders—or worse, their teachers.

In The Homework Machine, it’s a classic humans vs. technology battle. Will the squad be able to control their machine? Or will they lose their special tool… and also their top grades? Your favorite young reader will cackle with every page of this hilarious sci-fi adventure.

George’s Secret Key to the Universe

By Lucy and Stephen Hawking

Who else besides Stephen Hawking could make black holes fun? Strap into your imaginary space shuttle, and soar through George’s Secret Key to the Universe! With the help of a mystical computer, young George and his scientist friends use space-bending portals to explore the great unknown.

Mixing space science with a charming plot, George’s Secret Key to the Universe is the perfect gateway to the cosmos. The combo of Hawking’s deep knowledge and his journalist daughter’s prose keep this book approachable yet utterly fascinating for young astronauts.

EngiNerds

By Jarrett Lerner

Ken, Dan, and their friends are your typical geek squad, or as they prefer to say, the EngiNerds. Dan has a little surprise for his fellow comrades—the robotic invention, Greeeg.

At first, the Greeeg models are a dream come true, but as Ken discovers, this amateur creation has a few bugs and a gigantic appetite! Now, it’s up to the EngiNerds and their robotic skills to destroy these food-blasting creations. Humor, wit, and good ‘ol nerd appreciation fill every page of EngiNerds. It’s one of the best books for fourth graders to laugh and feel at home among fellow science-lovers.

Our Hypothesis? Your Child Will Love Literati Book Clubs

For budding astronauts and engineers alike, these sci-fi books aren’t just filled with imagination and fun (although there’s lots of that). These books can be a fantastic introduction to STEM concepts and help your reader take interest in different science topics! 

Whatever your child is interested in, Literati’s book clubs can bring you the perfect selection—thanks to top-notch curation expertise and a little bit of science. Start with the personalization quiz, and get books picked to match your child’s interests and reading level. Curation adapts as they grow, so no matter your kid’s passion, there’s a read that’ll keep them on the edge of their seats.

Just keep an eye on their experiments going forward, and remind your kid it’s important to program morality into their chore-completing robots!

The post Experiment with Our Favorite Sci-Fi Books for 4th-6th Graders appeared first on Literati.

We’ve selected the most captivating mystery books for sixth graders. From magical tales of lost treasure to the humorous reports of a clumsy spy, your 11-year-old won’t stop reading until they crack the case!

#1 August Isle

by Ali Standish

Tucked in Florida waters, August Isle is a seemingly-perfect beach town. But the more Miranda explores its sandy shores, the more she uncovers its dark secrets—including ones about her own family.

A Junior Library Guild selection, August Isle is a deeply reflective tale with lessons and self-discovery that are bound to resonate with sixth grade. Its unique characters and captivating twists make it one of the best chapter books for young readers.

#2 Case Closed #1: Mystery in the Mansion

by Lauren Magaziner

To save his sick mother and her detective agency, young Carlos teams up with best friend Eliza and her little brother, Frank. Little do they know, they’ll encounter spooky letters, buried treasures, riddles, and wacky foes along the way. Case Closed empowers your middle-grader to make their own decisions and chase down the clues of their choosing. This format helps develop abstract and critical thinking skills as they attempt to think a few steps ahead in order to crack the case!

#3 The Lost Property Office

By James R. Hannibal

Jack’s got a knack for discovering all things lost and found. From scarves to books, Jack Buckles has a special gift for locating all of London’s abandoned treasures. But there’s one thing he can’t find—his long-lost father and sister. That is, until a few family secrets emerge. James R. Hannibal’s clever thriller is a top pick for readers who enjoy a bit of magic in their mystery. The whimsical London setting helps make this a fully immersive read, while challenging readers to link past and present.

#4 Spy School

by Stuart Gibbs

Meet Ben Ripley, our resident spy-to-be, who’s determined to join the CIA (despite being a bit accident-prone). Readers are in for one of many plot twists when Ben finds out his new school isn’t exactly what it claims to be.

This spy tale is one of the best books for sixth graders because it’s laugh-out-loud funny—a feature you don’t always find in mystery. Detective thrillers meet gut-busting humor in Spy School, where there’s no shortage of sharp jokes that are just-right for the sixth grade sensibility.

#5 The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle

By Leslie Connor

With his learning disability and sweaty appearance, Mason Buttle is not exactly a popular kid. Even worse, his reputation is haunted by the mysterious death of his best friend, Benny. To escape his bullies, Mason and his new friend Calvin escape to play in an underground grotto—until Calvin disappears, too.

With over a dozen children’s book awards, The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle is a mature and deeply captivating story. Leslie Connor’s intelligent writing and complex characters show the evil of stigmas, as well as the power of friendship.

Break Out the Magnifying Glass to Read These Mystery Books

From belly-laughs to scary spooks, there’s a mystery book for every reader out there. And with Literati’s help, you don’t have to play detective to find the best ones for your child. Our personalized book clubs for kids can help your preteen find books they’re bound to love, with individualized curation that adapts as they grow. Take the quiz to find your child’s starting level—and uncover all the brain-boosting secrets of one-of-a-kind personalization!

The post Get Curious with Our Top 5 Mystery Books for 6th Graders appeared first on Literati.