Three Middle Grade Books That Are Perfect For Spring

Some spring-themed book recs I think you should read

Hello, friends, and happy spring! The trees are growing leaves and the grass is springing up, so to celebrate, I pulled together three books I love. These books are perfect to read this time of year because they’re set in spring, and both the settings and the characters experience a lot of growth! There’s a lot to discuss, so let’s get into it!

1: The Secret Garden

Author: Frances Hodgson Barrett

Genre: Middle Grade, Historical Fiction

Plot: Mary Lennox is sent to England to live with her rich uncle and stern housekeeper after barely surviving the earthquake in India that killed her parents. Spoiled, angry, and unloved, Mary discovers a secret garden hidden by time. But when secrets inside the manor threaten to ruin the magic of the garden and Mary’s brightening attitude, she must learn how to care for both the garden and the house’s inhabitants with care and respect.

What I Like About It: The transition of Mary’s character from spoiled to competent, independent, and smart is one of my favorite parts of the entire novel. The side characters are so well rounded and fun too!

Things To Be Advised About: This is an old-fashioned book, so it includes racism, mistreatment of children (spanking, leaving characters alone for an extended period of time, slapping, name calling, etc.), and slight graphic descriptions of earthquakes. Discussion of death, lifelong injuries, and smoking.

#2: The Tragically True Adventures of Kit Donovan

Author: Patricia Bailey

Genre: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade

Plot: Kit Donovan made a lot of promises to her dying mother, but speaking out against justice was one of the biggest. When the local mine is rumored to be corrupt, Kit pressures her father to speak out, with deadly consequences. Now Kit must be the one to speak out against the mine. While some believe Kit, convincing the entire town that a thirteen-year-old is telling the truth against a large and powerful company is harder than she thinks.

What I Like About It: The narration style (first person present) and Kit’s personality shine through in this book, even more so than the mystery and fight for justice and truth. Ms. Bailey nailed Kit’s voice so well that it’s hard NOT to read this book.

Things To Be Advised About: Death, violence (including guns), blood, open talk of death, alcoholism, racism, sexism, light swearing.

#3: The Penderwicks in Spring

Author: Jeanne Birdsall

Genre: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction

Plot: Batty Penderwick, now eleven years old, is learning how to navigate her extended Penderwicks family. With her older sisters growing up, her younger siblings relying on her, and money troubles, Batty is the person most sought for support, even as she’s expanding her horizons with her music training. But when Batty overhears a conversation between her sister Skye and friend Jeffrey that sends her down a deep spiral of shame, her family and friends must find a way to support Batty instead.

What I Like About It: I love all of the Penderwicks books, but there’s something delightful about Batty as a narrator. She’s exciting and fun and relatable, and the pov changes to the other siblings adds perspective throughout the whole book.

Things To Be Advised About: Talk of death, injuries, depression, and shame and guilt. It’s handled very sensitively, though!

Those are the three spring books I selected for this post! Have you read any of these? Do you want to? Pop a comment below with your answers; I’d love to know!

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