Middle Grade books adults will enjoy! I read extracts of some of my favourite children’s books.

[@gaiaathena-books]

How cool Jacob Wegelius illustrated and wrote the book of The Murderer's Ape! What a great beginning, I'm putting it on my wishlist (it's also on my library list I think, since I returned it unread; not sure when I can go there again). A Kind of Spark is amazing, one of my favourite books too. Yes, I agree, amazing representation. Definitely one I'd love to re-read, as I don't often see great representation of what it's like to live as a neurodivergent person in a neurotypical world (I feel like it every day haha). I really liked Coraline, still need to read The Graveyard Book (I've owned it for years). Ooh that is such a good beginning, of The Graveyard Book! I know what you mean about the bone churches, I bought some postcards from one in Italy when I was in Rome years ago. I have the A Pinch of Magic series (is that the series name? I'm not sure atm), on my general TBR. I have The Haunting of Aveline Jones on my general TBR, I'm excited to read it. I have Murder Most Unladylike on my wishlist. The beginning of it sounds really good! You have a very nice voice for reading out loud.

[@spreadbookjoy]

Thanks Gaia - I'm glad you enjoyed my reading. I think you will really enjoy the Pinch of Magic books when you get around to them . Jakob Wegelius is a brilliant illustrator isn't he? That book is one of my favourites.

[@bookinwithdebra]

I love that you've made this video. I've read A Kind of Spark, Roof Toppers and The Graveyard Book - I enjoyed them all. I think adults can get so much out of middle grade. As adults we can easily loose sight of what's really important in life and I think reading middle grade is a great way to embrace playfulness, fun, adventure and reflect on our values and beliefs. Thanks for the reminder about The Murderer's Ape. I've seen it on your channel before but now I've added it to my library wishlist.

[@spreadbookjoy]

You put that so well Debra - embracing playfulness, fun and adventure! The murderer's Ape is such a great book - I hope you enjoy it!

[@TheRitualofReading]

Your last 3 videos will make a dent in my book budget 😂😂😂 thank you for speaking so passionately about middle grade books, the world needs more enthusiasm and I got my dose from your videos today ❤️

[@spreadbookjoy]

😂 That is so lovely to hear Alexandra! If you do get any middle grade books, I can't wait to see what you think!

[@reddotreads2693]

Another great video that I have saved! The kids at school love Rooftoppers! I was particularly interested in the children’s mysteries that you read from, although I have read the last one. The One and Only Ivan is delightful and emotional 😊📚💙💛

[@spreadbookjoy]

Thank you Nikki! The Murderer's Ape is probably my absolute favourite of the lot. Ivan really did steal my heart!

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Hi Jack oh, I was mesmerized by your reading and very surprised how sophisticated the writing was in these books. I'm going to buy some for my granddaughter and read them first LOL. Hugs and aloha

[@spreadbookjoy]

Thank you so much Marilyn - I'm glad you enjoyed the readings and I thought it would give people who are unfamiliar with middle grade a taste of the quality of the writing, so that is good! I hope you enjoy whichever ones you buy!

[@ChattieTheMadChatter]

Loves hearing you read aloud to give us a taste of the book - then we are jolted back to reality with "and this book" I felt like I was enjoying an audio book and was not ready to stop 😆😆😆 No one is too old to be read a story. My recommendation for all ages is: The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson

[@spreadbookjoy]

Thanks Charlotte! I LOVED The House With Chicken Legs - great recommendation!

[@MsReadsAlot]

I love it!!! So many great looking choices!!! 💕

[@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf]

I haven’t watched yet but just saw some titles in the description and now I’m so excited to watch this! I’ve been hoping to get to Rooftoppers and the Murder Most Unladylike series and you’ve got me interested in Aveline Jones lately! 💛

[@spreadbookjoy]

Murder Most Unladylike is just such fun - I've only read a couple but they were great. You will REALLY enjoy Aveline - the first book particularly is just so atmospheric.

[@GemofBooks]

I loved this so much. All of these sound amazing!! A Kind of Spark is included in Audible Plus!! The Graveyard Book does open pretty gruesomely!! I think I’ll get it for for goddaughters birthday next month 😂 I just saw Nikki review The One and Only Ivan - sounds fab. Thanks for reading a bit of them all - it really helped to get a sense of the books.

[@spreadbookjoy]

Oh, you’ll love A Kind of Spark and thanks for the tip on the Audible as I would love to re-read it in that format. I thought readings would give a real sense of the style for those unsure of whether middle grade writing is any good! Glad it was helpful ❤️

[@teacupthestoryteller]

Oh this was wonderful, I would love to listen to audiobook narrated by you. All those books sound amazing 🥰

[@spreadbookjoy]

Aww, thank you Bekki! They are all really great books!

[@BookTalksWithMrsThomas]

I enjoyed Neil Gaiman’s book Stardust. I am excited about your readathon and just subscribed.

[@spreadbookjoy]

So happy to have you joining us and for you sticking around here too! Happy reading!

[@CestKevvie]

Ooh Graveyard Book sounds really fun!! I really wanna read that one

[@spreadbookjoy]

The Graveyard Book is great! I love how Neil Gaiman doesn't shy away from the horror in his kids' books!

[@novellenovels]

Wow soo many amazing books 📚 I would love murder most lady like 👍 I’m sooo excited about the aveline books and so grateful for them. I loved the pinch of magic books and Kiran mil wood Hargreaves books 💖

[@spreadbookjoy]

Thanks Emily! Can't wait to hear what you think of the Aveline books whenever you get to them - maybe save them for Halloween!

[@novellenovels]

@@spreadbookjoy that’s what I was thinking

[@KathieysWorld]

I want to read A Kind of Spark and A Pinch of Magic, they both sound very good. Thanks for your reviews!

[@spreadbookjoy]

Thank you! They are both great books!

[@savagereads]

I love these! I have added a few to my list. I don't read a lot of middle grade books so I am excited to jump in!

[@spreadbookjoy]

Oh, wow! Thanks - I look forward to hearing your thoughts if you manage to get to any of them!

[@punipoli]

Great vídeo..middlegrade books hace a special Magic and feel..they also come sometimes with illustrations 💕 My recomendations are: Wink by Bob Harrell, Bob by Wendy Maas, The girl who sailed The stars by Matilda Woods, Fablehaven by Brandon Mull, Magisterium by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare , Ivy Pocket , Uncle Montague’s tales of terror (Goes to Dark places and no happy endings,) Nightbooks , Small Spaces …

[@spreadbookjoy]

That’s a lovely way to put it - they do have a special magic! Thank you for leaving those recommendations 🙌

[@BookTubewithAmy]

Deffo interested in A Pinch of Magic 😁

[@spreadbookjoy]

They are such cosy, fun adventures!

[@thelibraryladder]

I heartily second the recommendation of Murder Most Unladylike. It's an actual whodunit mystery, and the young sleuths use logic and a credible investigatory process to solve the crime, rather than simply being the beneficiaries of fortunate coincidences, as is the case in many middle grade mysteries today. The Graveyard Book is the only book by Neil Gaiman that I haven't enjoyed. The writing just didn't resonate with me and I DNF'd it. Some thought-provoking middle grade books I'd recommend are: The Bridge Home, by Padma Venkatraman Finding Langston, by Lesa-Cline Ransome Property of the Rebel Librarian, by Allison Varnes

[@spreadbookjoy]

Thank you so much for your comment. Neil Gaiman can be very hit and miss for me, but I appreciate so much of his work and find his writing very useful for teaching. Thanks for the recommendations - I will add the titles you mentioned to my ever-expanding wish list!

[@krzysamm7095]

Hi Jack I read the book by Katherine Randell on Why You Should Read Children’s book and I enjoyed it. I must admit I want to reread it in a few weeks to make sure I gleaned what I can rom it. It is small but powerful to me anyway. Have you read The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo? If so what are your thoughts. Thanks for taking the time to read this. Happy reading happy week

[@spreadbookjoy]

Thanks Suz. I haven’t read that or any of her other books but I have The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane on my tbr. Will check out The Beatryce Prophecy too. Yes, the Katherine Randell essay is very powerful and one I will return to again and again I’m sure!

[@ScientistsReadingWorld]

Neil gaiman is amazing! I have that to read and neverwhere!! Also got frostheart 🙄😘 not me buying books while watching videos xD

[@spreadbookjoy]

Hey Hugo, can't believe I missed your comment. Yay to buying middle grade books - I hope you enjoy Frostheart and The Graveyard Book.

[@missloki8764]

Loved this! New subscriber 💖

[@spreadbookjoy]

Thank you so much! Welcome - lovely to have you here! 😊🤍

[@TheKarinaChronicles]

Your reading voice is incredible! Thank you so much for all these great recommendation. Have you read "How to Become King" by Jan Terlouw? That's my favourite middle grade book ever, but I think it's a must read for adults aswell!

[@spreadbookjoy]

I will have to check that one out. And thank you! I really enjoy reading aloud - it's one of the best things about teaching! 😊

[@TheKarinaChronicles]

@@spreadbookjoy please do! I would love for more people to check it out 😊

[@spreadbookjoy]

I looked it up and it’s really hard to get! I will keep an eye out for it though!

[@TheKarinaChronicles]

@@spreadbookjoy I can imagine as it's mostly a Dutch book, I didn't even know that it had an English version. If I can find a copy I will send it to you 💕

[@TheKarinaChronicles]

@@spreadbookjoy LOL the hardcover is 355$ on Amazon. Wow. This is something we just need to accidentally stumble upon I fear 😅

[@bouquinsbooks]

I am stikk not quite sure middle grade is for me. But as you said in a diffey video (at least I think it eas you; I watch too much booktube…), maybe I will be inspirational to pick up some middle grade later, even if the readathon is not ongoing any more.

[@spreadbookjoy]

Yes- that was my response to all of the March readathon madness! 😂

[@katiemcneece9291]

For once I actually the prefer the American title and cover to the British version when it comes to the Muder Most Unladylike series. The American title is Murder is Bad Manners: A Wells and Wong mystery. I enjoy getting recs that are from international authors and seeing what is popular in other parts of the world. I have never heard of the Murderer's Ape before but now am interested in the whole series.

[@spreadbookjoy]

Oh, wow! I’ll have to look up the American covers of those! The Murderer’s Ape is a great book and it is a translated work, originally Swedish I believe - it really deserves to be better know!

[@katiemcneece9291]

@@spreadbookjoy I am making translated works a priority in my reading and get excited in finding a new translated children's book. I just finished How Do I live? by Genzaburo Yoshino (translated from Japanese). Beautiful story that is character rather than plot focused written in an episodic format. It is very thought provoking for classic children's literature. Even though written in the 1930's very relatable to today's society and culture. I loved it.

[@spreadbookjoy]

@@katiemcneece9291 that sounds amazing - thanks for the recommendation!