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Middle grade is such a great time for kids to develop their love for reading, and animal fiction is the perfect genre for them!
These books are full of heartwarming animal adventures that are easy to enjoy and understand.
From furry friends to wild creatures, there’s something for every animal lover.
The best part? These stories are content-friendly, so they’re perfect for parents who want their kids to read something wholesome.
What I love about these books is how they help kids see the world through an animal’s eyes, teaching them empathy and kindness along the way.
1. Cress Watercress by Gregory Maguire, illustrated by David Litchfield
Cress Watercress follows Cress, a young rabbit, whose dad goes missing, leaving her and her mom to adjust to life in a quirky, rundown apartment.
The strange neighbors and her mom’s worry about their new home make things difficult, but Cress doesn’t lose hope.
The story feels so comforting, and the illustrations really bring it all to life, which makes it an unforgettable read.
2. The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
Ivan, a gorilla in captivity, has made peace with his life – until Ruby, a baby elephant, changes everything.
Ivan’s quiet strength and the way he begins to see the world through Ruby’s eyes really pulled me in.
It’s about friendship, art, and finding hope in the darkest places and it absolutely stayed with me long after finishing it.
3. Mango and Bambang: The Not-a-Pig by Clara Vulliamy
Mango is this super talented girl who meets Bambang, an animal who’s definitely not a pig, and helps him find his way in the big city.
I loved how Mango was there for Bambang when he needed help and how their friendship blossomed.
The little adventures they go on together, along with the banana pancakes, are just too cute.
4. Singing With Elephants by Margarita Engle
In Singing With Elephants, Oriol is a girl who feels out of place, but she starts to find herself through her relationship with poet Gabriela Mistral.
It’s a beautiful novel in verse, and what really struck me was how Oriol uses her words to help others – and herself.
Her bravery and the bond she forms with Gabriela were so inspiring. It’s a quiet, powerful story of healing through art and connection.
5. Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly
Song for a Whale really tugged at my heart.
Iris, a deaf girl, feels like no one is listening to her – until she learns about Blue 55, a whale who can’t communicate with others.
Her determination to sing to him is so inspiring. The way Iris uses her tech skills to bridge the gap between them was the sweetest.
And, I really connected with how she wanted to make someone else feel heard.
6. Manatee Summer by Evan Griffith
Peter, along with his friend Tommy, spends his last summer before middle school trying to document wildlife.
But when they find an injured manatee, Peter’s summer takes on a whole new meaning.
This lovely book is about Peter growing up, his struggles with his grandfather, and the tough decisions that come with caring for both his family and the world around him.
7. Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White
There’s something timeless about Charlotte’s Web.
The friendship between Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the spider always gets me.
Charlotte’s selfless act of saving Wilbur is a story about love, life, and loss that’s simple yet profound.
I’ve always been drawn to how Charlotte’s quiet strength and Wilbur’s innocence come together in such a heartwarming way.
8. The Unicorn Rescue Society Series by Adam Gidwitz and Hatem Aly
Elliot, the new kid, gets thrown into an adventure with Uchenna, a fearless girl who loves danger.
They join a secret group to protect ythical creatures, and their first mission is to rescue the Jersey Devil.
The action and quirky characters make it a thrilling read, and I couldn’t help but imagine what other creatures they might encounter in the next books!
9. Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo
Flora is a self-proclaimed cynic who ends up saving a squirrel named Ulysses, who turns out to have superhero powers.
I loved watching Flora’s transformation throughout the story – how her heart softens and she starts to believe in the possibility of hope.
The comic-style illustrations combined with the narrative added a really cool touch to this already amazing adventure.
10. Journey of the Pale Bear by Susan Fletcher
Journey of the Pale Bear was such an unexpected gem.
Arthur, a boy running away from home, ends up taking care of a royal polar bear on a ship to London.
The bond that forms between them was so powerful, and I loved how the story showed their unlikely friendship blossoming during a dangerous journey.
11. Pax by Sara Pennypacker
Pax alternates between Peter and his fox, Pax, who get separated when Peter’s father forces him to move in with his grandfather.
I loved how both Peter and Pax struggle with their separation, but their bond never fades.
Their journey to find each other again is full of emotional depth, and I couldn’t help but root for them every step of the way.
12. Something Like Home by Andrea Beatriz Arango
Something Like Home is a beautiful, heartfelt story about Laura, a girl who’s trying to find her place after being separated from her parents.
When she finds a puppy, it becomes her way to reconnect with her family.
I really connected with Laura’s feelings of being lost and her desire to make everything right again.
It’s a story about belonging, family, and finding home, even in the most unexpected places.
13. Odder by Katherine Applegate
Odder is such a touching story about an otter who loves to play and dive but has her life turned upside down after a shark attack.
What really stuck with me was how Odder’s playful spirit is challenged by this traumatic event, but she learns to trust those who want to help her heal.
The story of survival, courage, and friendship is so moving and really made me think about the power of second chances.
14. The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp by Kathi Appelt
The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp is a wild ride with Bingo and J’miah, two raccoon brothers trying to protect their swamp.
It’s a hilarious adventure full of quirky characters, from alligators to feral hogs, and I loved the mystery of the Sugar Man who might just save the day.
15. Pie by Sarah Weeks
Pie is such a sweet story, in every sense of the word.
Alice, after her Aunt Polly, the Pie Queen, passes away, is left with her aunt’s cat, Lardo, who holds the secret pie recipe.
As Alice pieces everything together, she learns that family, friendship, and doing things for the right reasons can lead to the best kind of happiness.
It’s a heartwarming, delicious read that made me smile all the way through.
If you’re looking for fun and heartwarming reads for your middle grade kid, these animal fiction books are definitely worth checking out!
They’re full of adventure, friendship, and all kinds of lovable animals, and they offer great lessons along the way. I bet your kids will have a blast reading them!
Have you read any of these yet? I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below!
And if you’re looking for more book ideas, don’t forget to check out the related posts!
