John's Turn
A fast-paced sibling comedy that captures the specific chaos of being the younger brother without being mean-spirited.
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All picks after this →Champ and Major
by Joy McCullough
Middle grade · ages 8–12 · 680L · 2021
A hilarious, low-stakes read about the gap between what you want in a pet and what you actually get — perfect for kids who think they're ready for a dog but haven't met one yet.
Romeo and/or Juliet: A Choosable-Path Adventure
by Ryan North
Middle grade · ages 8–12 · 720L · 2016
A brilliant deconstruction of R&J that uses the choosable-path format to teach that stories aren't inevitable—you rebuild the play as comedy, tragedy, absurdist adventure, or romance, depending on your choices.
Elf Dog and Owl Head
by M.T. Anderson
Middle grade · ages 8–12 · 720L · 2023
Anderson's trademark wordplay and absurdist humor makes this a delightful middle-grade romp that doesn't talk down to readers—kids and parents both find something to laugh at.