HaReads

Reading list · Ages 8 to 12

Big Stories for Brave Middle Grade Readers

Wartime Paris, a new school, a refugee classmate and a spelling bee. Novels that make young readers think and feel.

Mon Oct 05 2026

Middle grade is where many children fall in love with reading, or fall out of it. These novels have Muslim heroes, real stakes and plenty of heart, and they are the books we hand to every 8 to 12 year old who asks what to read next.

  1. Safiyyah's War

    by Hiba Noor Khan

    Inspired by the true story of how the Grand Mosque of Paris sheltered Jews during the Second World War. Winner of the 2024 Jhalak Prize, it is a gripping middle grade novel about courage and compassion.

  2. Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet

    by Zanib Mian

    Book 1 of Planet Omar. Omar's huge imagination gets him into trouble at his new school. A funny, warm series loved by young readers.

  3. The Boy at the Back of the Class

    by Onjali Q Rauf

    A group of children befriend a refugee boy who joins their class. A touching story about kindness and friendship that everyone can learn from.

  4. Other Words for Home: A Newbery Honor Award Winner

    by Jasmine Warga

    Jude must leave Syria for a new life in America in this novel in verse. A Newbery Honor book and New York Times bestseller about home, identity and hope that everyone can learn from.

  5. Fight Back

    by A M Dassu

    Aaliyah feels alone after she starts wearing hijab, but she finds the courage to stand up against hate. A powerful middle grade novel about bravery and friendship.

  6. Hafsa's Way

    by Aisha Saeed

    A middle grade novel by Aisha Saeed, author of Amal Unbound, about Hafsa finding her own voice. A story about courage and family.

  7. Kicked Out

    by A M Dassu

    A companion to Boy, Everywhere, following Sami's friend Ali as he organises a charity football match. A story about friendship, kindness and doing what is right.

  8. Amina Banana and the Formula for Winning

    by Shifa Saltagi Safadi

    Amina Banana is determined to do well in the spelling bee, even though English is still new to her. A story about perseverance and believing in yourself.

Our tip: read the first chapter aloud together, then let them take it from there.