7 Novels For the Curious Stage in Between Middle Grade and Young Adult

Orbiting Jupiter, by Gary D. Schmidt
In this gripping story nestled somewhere between the middle grade and young adult labels, Jack, 12, tells the story of his foster brother, Joseph, who, at 14 years old searches for his baby daughter Jupiter. As the two become brothers and friends, Joseph confronts his troubled past.

This One Summer, by Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki
This graphic novel won the Caldecott Medal in 2015 and tells the story of one girl’s get-away in a lake house on Awago Beach. This summer of growing up comes with fighting parents, drama, and secrets for Rose, and is a gorgeous, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful portrayal of being on the cusp of the teenage years.

Esperanza Rising, by Pam Muñoz Ryan
In this 2002 Pura Belpe award-winner for narrative, thirteen-year-old Esperanza flees Mexico to California during the Great Depression and settles in a camp of Mexican farm workers. When her new life is threatened, Esperanza must find a way to rise above the hard labor and financial struggles her family faces.

The Giver series, by Lois Lowry
This quartet of dystopian novels by Lois Lowry grows with its readers, starting with the story of twelve-year-old Jonas who lives in a world of conformity and contentment that may not be as ideal as it seems. As the series evolves, we meet a set of young heroes and heroines poised to challenge and defy convention in surprising and thrilling ways.

Goodbye Stranger, by Rebecca Stead
In the latest novel by Newbury medal-winner Rebecca Stead, we watch the intersection of two stories; middle-schoolers navigating first crushes, friendships, and cyber-bullying, and an anonymous high school freshman dealing with her own betrayals and changes. A perfect story about the limits and bonds of friendship at this in-between stage.

Breakout, by Kevin Emerson
Misunderstood eighth grader Anthony Castillo is ready for a change. Stuck on the bottom level of his favorite video game, he needs to find a way out of his loveless love life, and around his clueless teachers and parents. After writing an angsty song for his rock band, the Rusty Soles, he gains a new reputation as “rebel” and must figure what’s really worth rebelling against.

Carter Finally Gets It, by Brent Crawford
This pitch-perfect comedy follows the ups and downs of Will Carter throughout his freshman year of high school. As he searches for love and acceptance anywhere he can find it, Carter must deal with his wild imagination and the humiliation that freshman year often brings.
What books have you found for readers of this in-between age?