10 Middle-Grade Books that Made Me Who I Am

Some of the most formative books for me as a reader, writer, and that helped shape me into the woman I am today were ones that I read in middle school.

There's something about those preteen years where you're discovering who you are aside from your parents, family, church, community, etc. for the first time where you get the freedom to really figure out what makes you, YOU. Not all of us get the luxury of having that being a safe space to explore and discover ourselves. I was fortunate enough to have that community I could explore and grow (mostly) openly in and with.

A big part of that development was prompted by what I was reading. So, here are 10 middle-grade books that made me who I am today:

1. The Giver by: Lois Lowrey

This was the first book where I was introduced to such a dystopian society that I felt could actually become reality one day. I thought it was very imaginative and I really thought about what it would be like to be the main character.

This book helped me see the importance of one voice, my voice, and how I should stand up and fight for what I believe in and for what is right and just.

2. The Outsiders by: S.E. Hinton

As a girl who was obsessed with Grease and the 50's, I was alllll about The Outsiders. I appreciated a story about friendship between guys that walked through through a found family trope.

This book taught me the importance of who you surround yourself with. Why found family is so powerful. And it helped me as a writer see the importance of getting

historical details as accurate as possible to have a convincing story.

3. Tuck Everlasting by: Natalie Babbitt

I found this book to be wholesome and cozy. Yes, Winnie is kidnapped by the elder brother... but! The spring and the forest permeate wholesomeness. I fell in love with the characters and how they developed together through the story.

As a reader I appreciated the calm of a story that felt like fantasy (my favorite) but wasn't super intense (like some of the books I am about to mention).

4. The Spiderwick Chronicles by: Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black

This. Series. Wow! One of my earliest memories going to the library was to get these books. It opened my eyes to the fantasy world, and one that was in my own backyard. They are short little books that are jam-packed with whimsy. I highly recommend them for anyone wanting to dip their toes into fantasy.

Not gonna lie I kind of judged Bridge to Terabithia and other stories for being so similar to this series... all are great though! I think my deep admiration for faeries and all fantastical creatures stems from The Spiderwick Chronicles.

5. The City of Ember by: Jeanne DuPrau

They made this story into a movie which, in my opinion, was really well done! It was my first time (knowingly) experiencing a book to movie adaptation. It was so exciting getting to see a story I loved and imagined brought to life before my eyes.

For the longest time I couldn't remember what this book was called, but I would have dreams or flashbacks to the story world. It was so fascinating, and reminded me of other stories I loved like The Borrowers. This dystopian fantasy is a classic read that opens it's readers to fantasy in an age-appropriate celebration.

6. Eragon by: Christopher Paolini

Speaking honestly, Eragon is the only book out of the series that I read. I have always wanted to go back and finish the set, I just haven't worked through my TBR to get there.

I loved this story so much as a reader and writer because it introduced me to DRAGONS and *magic* and I have never let go of that love. OF course Merlin and so many other stories helped shape my love of magic as well. This story is what introduced me to those things through reading and how it really makes you feel like those things are real and part of your own life when you're immersed into the world.

7. Twilight Saga by: Stephanie Meyer

Okay. Who didn't love this series? Be honest! There's no shame here. The Twilight saga is the first time I experienced waiting i line at stores as the books were released to get my own copy. It formed an obsession with vampires that I have to this day, which was only supported by movies I loved like Underworld and things like Van Helsing.

Writing fan fiction for this series was the first time I really explored writing fantasy for myself. It helped me develop a voice in the fantasy world. To the point that the first book I ever wrote was a vampire story that took a girl through the vampire circus where they kidnapped her because she knew their secret but a boy in their coven wouldn't let them harm her.

8. A Series of Unfortunate Events by: Lemony Snicket (Daniel Handler)

This series is expansive and takes you on a ride! There's something for everyone in this series. What I appreciated about this series is that sometimes it can be hard figuring out what to read next. But in this series, you're set for quite a while!

9. Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by: Rick Riordan

If you love Greek mythology than this series was made for you! Teens that are related to the gods and goddesses of Greek mythology fight earthy dealings with their Heavenly relatives. They each have a power of magic within them; after all they are demi-gods themselves.

Connecting real fantasy (like Greek mythology) from our modern day to a story that puts you in a position of wielding magic... that's a story I will always want to read.

10. The Missing series by: Margaret Peterson

This was such a unique idea that I remember reading like a horror. I was so shocked at what happened in the beginning of the story that I was worried that would happen in real life! I had dreams (or nightmares) about this series and it really stuck with me. I appreciated the relevance of the series as it wasn't as fantasy driven as other books I had read. So, if you're not as into fantasy as I am, maybe give this one a try. And again, it's a series of 8 so you'll be set for a wile.

In the end, all the books I have read have helped shape who I am today. I learned lessons, lived life through perspectives different than my own, developed my empathy, and so much more. I am grateful to these authors in particular for helping me find my voice as a writer, something that I can only hope to do for others one day.

I would love to hear, what's a book that helped shape you into the person that you are today?

XO