Looking for new middle grade books releasing in August 2023? Here are my top picks.
This August, there are surprisingly many releases (and great ones too). I’m used to July and August being lighter release months. I’ve read and enjoyed many of the books on this list and will be creating more in-depth reviews for a couple of them that I particularly love. For now, I’ve added brief notes about each book and what I love about it.
Middle Grade Books Out in August 2023
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Here are some great middle grade books releasing in August 2023:
We Still Belong
Published: August 1, 2023 | Realistic Fiction | 256 pp | Ages 9+
Set on a special Indigenous People Day, We Still Belong follows 12-year-old Wesley, who’s planning on asking her crush to the dance. She’s also looking forward to her poem about her Native heritage publishing in the school paper. But nothing goes to plan.
Like this author’s The Sea in Winter, this book is impressively gentle as it delves into complicated issues like blood quantum laws, dealing with rejection, familial financial challenges, and having an absent parent. For a touch of sweetness, Wesley and her crush have an age-appropriate friendship that tweens will love. (Read my full review of We Still Belong.)
Make a Move, Sunny Park!
Published: August 15, 2023 | Realistic Fiction, Humor | 352 pp | Ages 9+
Sunny Park is a socially anxious girl obsessed with her favorite K-Pop band, Supreme Beat. She has one friend, Bailey, and tries to be there as much as possible (to a fault) for her—even when it means quitting ballet which she loved.
But when Bailey drags her to audition for her school’s dance team, Sunny gets in, and Bailey doesn’t. Sunny’s mom insists that Sunny continues on the team, to Bailey’s dismay. As Sunny makes new friends, she starts to realize that maybe Bailey isn’t such a great one.
This was a fun, relatable (at times frustrating) story about standing up for oneself, dance, fandom, and finding true friends. Like Kim’s Yumi Chung, this is on the longer side, but Sunny is an engaging character who I think young readers will identify with.
Barely Floating
Published: August 29, 2023 | Realistic Fiction | 240 pp | Ages 10+
Nat is a chubby 12-year-old with major swimming skills and a fiery temper. After spotting The LA Mermaids, a synchronized swimming group at a neighborhood pool, Nat is convinced that it’s the sport for her. Her parents aren’t so sure. So Nat auditions for and joins the team behind their backs, getting her older cousin to take her to practice.
This book is compulsively readable, and Nat is a well-drawn, rarely represented type of female character with many flaws and a lot of confidence. She learns how to be a good friend and why it’s important to be honest. The author also delves into discourse about body image. Readers may also want to know that a side character is disowned by her parents after coming out as gay.
Stuntboy, In-Between Time
Published: August 29, 2023 | Humor, Superhero Fiction | 272 pp | Ages 8+
This is the second book in the Stuntboy in the Meantime series. This middle grade series from Jason Reynolds tackles anxiety and parental separation in an accessible way with colored illustrations. This time, as he’s adjusting to his parents’ divorce, Portico and his friend find an abandoned apartment. At first, the hideout is just what they need, but then the adults find out. I have an audio galley of this one from Libro.fm and I’m excited to experience this story on audio.
Mexikid
Published: August 1, 2023 | Graphic Memoir | 320 pp | Ages 10+
Pedro Martin recounts his family’s journey to bring his abuelito from Mexico to the States in this already acclaimed graphic memoir. As the seventh of nine children living in a home designed to fit five people, Pedro is not excited about adding another family member. He’s also nervous about communicating with his Spanish-speaking grandfather. Road trip, Mexican culture, and warm family dynamics make this a heartwarming, funny read.
The Hurricane Girls
Published: August 29, 2023 | Realistic Fiction | 288 pp | Ages 9+
Three best friends born in the year of Hurricane Katrina band together to support each other through a rough patch in this sweet middle grade novel. Greer feels guilty about an accident her little sister was in, and her two besties Joya Mia and Kiki plan to get her feeling like herself through a triathlon. This slice-of-life book tackles family trauma, body image issues, and friendship.
Dear Brother
Published: August 1, 2023 | Realistic Fiction | 256 pp | Ages 9+
Diary of a Wimpy Kid gets a little sister twist in this wildly funny and highly illustrated companion to middle grade novel Dear Sister from New York Times bestselling author Alison McGhee that brings sibling rivalry—and love—to life through a series of letters.
An outraged little sister writes letter after letter to her big brother whose pick for the family pet is favored over hers. As her brother replies to the letters, she learns more about him and his struggles, creating a possible positive change in their relationship.
The Phone Book
Published: August 8, 2023 | Realistic Fiction | 160 pp | Ages 10+
Jessica Speer’s newest non-fiction title helps kids (and adults, frankly) evaluate their relationship with their phones. Using screen stories, true-or-false test sections, hands-on activities, and more to keep kids engaged throughout the book. The book’s layout and colorful illustrated elements make it enjoyable to read. Kids who love self-help and non-fiction will enjoy this one.
There they are: Just a few of the middle grade books to watch out for this August 2023. Which of these books are on your TBR? Looking for more books out in 2023? You can find 100 more options on this 2023 list.
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