I have always been partial to all things Autumn and Halloween. Maybe it’s because of the cool, crisp weather, maybe because of the spectacular colors or maybe it’s just because my birthday is in close proximity to Halloween. Whatever the reason, I think that Fall is the perfect time for young readers to immerse themselves in stories filled with adventure, magic, and a touch of mystery. As the leaves begin to change, middle grade students can enjoy books that reflect the season’s vibrant colors and exciting holidays. Fall-themed middle grade novels are full of imaginative plots, quirky characters, and exciting twists that captivate young minds. Whether it’s the spookiness of Halloween or the warmth of a Fall adventure, these books are perfect for cozying up with as the days grow shorter. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best October-themed books, fall-themed novels, and must-read selections for middle grade readers. Use these book lists and specific recommendations to help you and your young readers find their next great fall read. Let’s dive in to discover the best middle grade books for Fall!
October-Themed Books for Middle Graders
October-themed books are full of spooky surprises and eerie adventures that captivate middle grade readers during Halloween. This is the time of year when a little scare is welcomed, and young readers can get lost in stories that are mysterious and fun. Whether it’s thrilling tales of haunted houses or whimsical stories with magical elements, October-themed books make for an unforgettable reading experience. Here, we have compiled a selection of booklists featuring some of the best October-themed books for middle grade readers. Each booklist offers a variety of choices that will keep young readers entertained all through October.
•School Library Journal: Best Halloween Podcasts for Tweens – A collection of engaging and spooky reads for middle graders curated by the experts at School Library Journal.
•Goodreads: Best Reading for an October Evenings – A community-curated list of favorite October-themed books for middle grade readers, featuring popular titles and reader reviews.
•Brightly:Hauntingly Good Ghost Stories for 9-12-Year-Olds- Brightly offers a list of ten spooky books perfect for middle graders who want a thrill without being too scared.
•More Goodreads Books for Halloween – A comprehensive booklist that includes spooky and funny Halloween reads for middle grade students.
•Epic Reads: YA Books to Read in October – A curated list from Epic Reads featuring Halloween picks that are eerie, mysterious, and perfect for middle grade readers.
Fall-themed middle grade novels capture the spirit of the season, blending adventure, friendships, and lessons with the beauty of autumn. The magic of Fall lies not just in the spooky elements of Halloween, but also in stories about harvest, outdoor adventures, and warm family moments. Middle grade readers can explore these themes through novels that reflect the colors and emotions of Fall. Below, we have gathered booklists that offer a variety of fall-themed middle grade novels to make the most out of this vibrant season.
• PurdyBooks: Best Halloween Booklists – Here is our very own comprehensive collection of Halloween booklists to help you find the best spooky middle grade novels for Halloween.
• Goodreads: Books to Read on or Around Halloween – A list of Halloween-themed books suitable for YA and middle graders, highlighting both the spooky and the scary.
• The Children’s Book Review: Seasonal Holiday Books – This extensive list includes fall-themed books perfect for all ages including middle grade readers, with themes of adventure, change, and friendship.
• Best Joke Books: Halloween Joke Books – Middle school students will love this hilarious collection of Halloween-themed joke books.
Top Fall Books for Middle Grade Students
For middle grade readers who are eager to dive into specific fall reads, we’ve put together some top recommendations for you. These books capture the magic of the season, from spooky thrills to laugh-out-loud adventures, providing something for every young reader to enjoy during fall.
Spooky Middle Grade Novels for Halloween
•“The Jumbies” by Tracey Baptiste – A spine-chilling tale based on Caribbean folklore, perfect for readers looking for an eerie and exciting Halloween adventure.
• “Escape from Sleepy Hollow: Headless in New York” by Kevin Purdy – Hamlin (Hammy) Nash grew up reading stories about his hometown’s most infamous resident. But he never expected to meet the Headless Horseman in real life.
•“Small Spaces” by Katherine Arden – A gripping story that combines suspense and supernatural elements, keeping young readers on the edge of their seats.
Humorous Middle Grade Books for Halloween
•“The Worst Witch” by Jill Murphy – A funny and enchanting story about a young witch-in-training, filled with mischief and magical mishaps.
• “Dad Jokes Halloween Gift Book” by Ralph Lane – Halloween is a time for costumes, trick-or-treating, spooky decorations and Halloween Dad Jokes!!! Over 100 spookily hilarious illustrated jokes, riddles and puns from the master of Dad Jokes.
•“The Monster’s Ring” by Bruce Coville – A mix of humor and magic, this book follows the adventures of a young boy who accidentally turns into a monster.
Middle Grade Books for Spooky Season
• “The Legend of Decimus Croome: A Halloween Carol by Kevin Purdy – Based on A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, The Legend of Decimus Croome is a thrilling Halloween tale destined to become a classic for readers of all ages.
•“Coraline” by Neil Gaiman – This eerie tale follows Coraline as she uncovers a parallel world, offering thrills that are perfect for Fall.
•“The Girl Who Drank the Moon” by Kelly Barnhill – A spellbinding story of a young girl with magical powers, filled with witches, mystery, and enchantment.
These booklists and recommendations are designed to make this Fall a memorable reading experience for middle grade readers. Each selection offers something special to celebrate the magic of the season—whether it’s a thrilling Halloween mystery or a heartwarming autumn adventure. Explore these titles and help your young reader find the perfect story to match the beautiful fall weather. The books featured in this post include affiliate links and books written by the author of this post.
