War Books for Middle Grade Readers 📚

Hey friends,

How's it going? This has been a BUSY week at RMG HQ -- and with more work on the horizon, I've been actively considering hiring a summer intern. If I decide to, you'll be the first to hear. In the meantime, we're chugging away with all of our summer reading guide prep and a long list of novel units coming this summer.

We published a post we've had on the docket for a while now, and it's this list of middle grade books about war. My teammate, Evelyn, tells me that the kids in her school can't get enough of war stories. If your readers are the same, this week's list is for them.

Galley of the Week

This week's galley is... Building 903 by Lois Lowry

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In case you haven't heard, Lois Lowry has a new book coming this fall! Here's the synopsis:

In the tradition of her bestselling, award-winning phenomenon, The Giver, Lois Lowry delivers a story about censorship, comfort, complicity, and the radical power of books to open portals and unlock our humanity through our most powerful tool: the imagination.

Twins Tessa and Theo live in a world ruled by the tyrannical Koziris, where there are no dangers or rebels... or so they've been told. In this world, citizens live long lives, and while many hate Koziris, they are comfortable and safe. So, when Tessa's brother disappears, nobody wants to discuss it. But then Miriam, their 135-year-old neighbor bound for the retirement community, slips Tessa a key—not only to her brother's disappearance, but to the source of all real magic . . . books. As Tessa and her parents begin their search for Theo, Tessa learns that books not only tell us stories—they open portals and unlock our humanity through our most powerful tool: the imagination. Once that truth has been revealed, Tessa won't be able to rest until she has retrieved her twin and society itself has been transformed.

Two-time Newbery-winner Lois Lowry has crafted a narrative that feels at once prescient and eternal: in this world, the imagination is the revolution. Not only does Building 903 sit in the same resonant space as The Giver Quartet, but it is also a profound addition to Lois's enduring body of work—and a testament to the strength and value of her voice, vision, and legacy.

Hot in the Shop

Our last virtual author visit of 2026 is coming next month! I can't wait to chat with Laurie Morrison about writing and listen to her answer young readers' questions. Come join us!

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Newsletter Book Giveaway

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This week, Kristen O'Connell is giving away a copy of One Last Ride by Dan Elish. To enter, reply to this email indicating interest. The giveaway is US/Canada only and closes next Thursday, April 2, 2026, at midnight EST.

Last week's winner: Jenny D. I'll be in touch shortly!

This Week on the Blog

Here's what you may have missed this week on the blog:

UPDATED: 40+ favorite middle grade graphic novels for readers ages 8-14
My review of Wilderness Hacks by Joslin Brorsen
REPLAY: Great graphic novels for teens

This Week on Substack

As much as I (and apparently some young middle grade readers) love books with high suspense and thrill, there are also other readers on the other side of the divide. That's who this week's Substack is for. READ IT HERE (it's free).

🤩 If you're a parent looking for some guidance with choosing enjoyable books for your tweens and young teens, my Substack is the place to be! With weekly book recommendation posts and monthly new release and reading recap round-ups, you have an affordable, reliable, and nonstop book recommendation engine.

SUBSCRIBE TO MY SUBSTACK (it's free!)

This Week on Patreon

Patreon members received the above printable. They also got a chance to enter our April virtual author visit raffle from which I pick one or three teachers to attend with their classroom -- fun!

Next week, I'm sharing my favorite April new releases.

🤩 If you're an upper elementary/middle school teacher or librarian lost with too many books to vet and too little time, our Patreon community is for you. On Patreon, I share a steady stream of recommendations, from monthly new release dispatches to my monthly reading recaps and teaching resources like discussion guides. Patreon members also get 10% off all author visits and free access to shop items!

CHECK OUT PATREON 🥳