The best girl-power middle grade books with magic

Giulietta M. Spudich Author Of The Lost Goddess
By Giulietta M. Spudich

Who am I?

I was an avid reader from the age of six. Books inspired me and, as a shy girl, stories helped me find the confidence to be myself. I felt amazed and inspired by reading – finding out about parts of the world I had never been to. Especially as an adult, I’ve been blessed with wonderful, female friends. These are the themes I explore now in my books. I hope to inspire young readers to be themselves and celebrate friendship. I love travelling and nature. I've lived in various parts of the US and England. Through my writing, I hope to share the wonder of different cultures and natural settings.


I wrote...

The Lost Goddess

By Giulietta M. Spudich,

Book cover of The Lost Goddess

What is my book about?

In this magical adventure set in Hawaii, four loyal friends discover they have the powers of the elements. 

Susie, Elizabeth, Tess, and Amelia have been together for as long as they can remember. When Amelia suddenly vanishes, they find themselves drawn into a world of magic they never knew existed. The amulets they wear as a symbol of their friendship give them elemental powers. Will these new powers be enough to save Amelia from dangers they didn’t even know existed outside of books?

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The books I picked & why

His Dark Materials

By Philip Pullman,

Book cover of His Dark Materials

Why did I love this book?

Lyra is an inspiring character. “Just” an orphan living in Oxford, she uses her cleverness to find out what her uncle and other adults are hiding (Dust). In addition, she is brave and never loses sight of what’s right. Her love for missing children and compassion for the armored bear bring her allies in her rescue mission. Also, I loved her relationship with Pan. Sweet, tender, and heart-warming, just as animal friends can be. Lyra’s story reminds me that keeping one’s eyes open to the truth, with a brave and loving heart, can lead to positive changes.

By Philip Pullman,

Why should I read it?

9 authors picked His Dark Materials as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Now a major critically acclaimed BBC series

This special collection features all three titles in the award-winning trilogy: Northern Lights, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass.

Northern Lights
Lyra Belacqua lives half-wild and carefree among the scholars of Jordan College, with her daemon familiar always by her side. But the arrival of her fearsome uncle, Lord Asriel, draws her to the heart of a terrible struggle - a struggle born of Gobblers and stolen children, witch clans and armoured bears.

The Subtle Knife
Lyra finds herself in a shimmering, haunted otherworld - Cittagazze, where soul-eating Spectres stalk the streets…


The Girl Who Speaks Bear

By Sophie Anderson,

Book cover of The Girl Who Speaks Bear

Why did I love this book?

Yanka is a strong character with a deep love of the forest. I could relate to how she felt a bit different and out of place in her village. It was inspiring to me how she faced all sorts of perils in the forest on her quest. She is brave and unique. When she returns from the forest, she finds her place in the village...as herself. This book reminds me we have unique gifts and characteristics we should be proud of and embrace, not hide away.

By Sophie Anderson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Girl Who Speaks Bear as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

* "Marvelously charmed and charming." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"They call me Yanka the Bear. Not because of where I was found. Only a few people know about that. They call me Yanka the Bear because I am so big and strong."

Discovered in a bear cave as a baby, 12-year-old Yanka dreams of knowing who she really is. Although Yanka is happy at home with her loving foster mother, she feels out of place in the village where the other children mock her for her unusual size and strength.

So when Yanka wakes up one morning to find…


The Whale Rider

By Witi Ihimaera,

Book cover of The Whale Rider

Why did I love this book?

I love the ocean, and love stories about strong, ground-breaking young women. This tale is beautifully set in a coastal town in New Zealand. Kahu, a young girl from a lineage of Maori leaders, can communicate with whales. Her grandfather does not expect this and rejects her because of her gender. Kahu proves without a doubt that she is a competent and natural leader. I love how Kahu prevails. She is strong in herself, and she never shies away from the truth – that she is the natural leader and a whale rider like her ancestor.

By Witi Ihimaera,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Whale Rider as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Eight-year-old Kahu craves her great-grandfather's love and attention. But he is focused on his duties as chief of a Maori tribe in Whangara, on the East Coast of New Zealand - a tribe that claims descent from the legendary 'whale rider'. In every generation since the whale rider, a male has inherited the title of chief. But now there is no male heir - there's only Kahu. She should be the next in line for the title, but her great-grandfather is blinded by tradition and sees no use for a girl. Kahu will not be ignored. And in her struggle…


Sky Song

By Abi Elphinstone,

Book cover of Sky Song

Why did I love this book?

Eska is a girl with a lot of inner fire. She escapes from a magical spell and instead of finding her way home and keeping a low profile, she goes after the evil Ice Queen. Eska is courageous and wants to do what’s right. She has a lovely friendship with a boy named Flint, and together they achieve what they could not do alone. I also love the snowy, icy landscape inspired by the Scottish wilderness.  

By Abi Elphinstone,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Sky Song as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A magical wintry story filled with adventure, wonder and edge-of-your-seat excitement, this is the perfect read for fans of Michelle Harrison, Piers Torday and Emma Carroll.

'Once an adventure digs its claws in, there is not an awful lot you can do about it. Especially when magic is involved . . .'

In the snowy kingdom of Erkenwald, whales glide between icebergs, wolves hunt on the tundra and polar bears roam the glaciers. But the people of this land aren't so easy to find - because Erkenwald is ruled by an evil Ice Queen and the tribes must stay hidden…


Asha and the Spirit Bird

By Jasbinder Bilan,

Book cover of Asha and the Spirit Bird

Why did I love this book?

Asha is a wonderfully brave character who sets out on a dangerous adventure to find her father. She connects with a lamagaia bird, which she believes is the spirit of her grandmother. This bird leads her from her village at the foothills of the Himalayas through India. I loved the exotic setting and the realistic challenges Asha faces. She rises to each challenge with bravery and continues on with loyalty for her friends and family. A beautiful, inspiring book.

By Jasbinder Bilan,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Asha and the Spirit Bird as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Winner of the Costa Children's Book Award 2019
Winner of the Times/Chicken House Children's Fiction Competition
2017
Shortlisted for the Waterstones
Children's Book Prize 2020
Longlisted
for the Jhalak Prize 2019
Chosen as one of
the Guardian's Best Books of 2019

'This book is such a light-filled, huge-hearted delight of
an adventure.' KATHERINE RUNDELL

'An evocative debut novel ... satisfyingly classic in feel'
GUARDIAN

'A heartfelt and mystical children's adventure story.'
TELEGRAPH

Asha lives in the foothills of the Himalayas. Money is tight and
she misses her papa who works in the city. When he suddenly stops
sending his wages,…


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One Giant Leap

By Ben Gartner,

Book cover of One Giant Leap

Ben Gartner Author Of The Eye of Ra

New book alert!

Who am I?

I love to read a good action-adventure story. I’ve also written a few. And I know that no matter how high the stakes, if there’s no heart in the characters then there’s very little engagement to make it any more memorable than a temporary thrill. I love thrills, but the stories that stick with you after the excitement of the moment is over, those are the true gems. Besides the fun of reading that type of book, maybe you even learn something about yourself or the world and come out a wee bit wiser than when you went in. And isn’t that a fantastic use of our imaginative powers?!

Ben's book list on new action-packed middle grade with heart

What is my book about?

I’m pretty sure I’m about to die in space. And I just turned twelve and a half.

Blast off with the four winners of the StellarKid Project on a trip to the International Space Station and then to the Gateway outpost orbiting the Moon! It’s a dream come true until space junk collides with the ISS, turning their epic trip into a nightmare of survival. Alone aboard the Aether starship, the kids have to work as a team to save the adults before the ISS is destroyed. Suit up, cadet, and launch into adventure with One Giant Leap!

By Ben Gartner,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked One Giant Leap as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

I’m pretty sure I’m about to die in space. And I just turned twelve and a half.

Blast off with the four winners of the StellarKid Project on a trip to the International Space Station and then to the Gateway outpost orbiting the Moon! It’s a dream come true until space junk collides with the ISS, turning their epic trip into a nightmare of survival. Alone aboard the Aether starship, the kids have to work as a team to save the adults before the ISS is destroyed. Suit up, cadet, and launch into adventure with One Giant Leap!

Praise for…


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