For our November Book Corner we’ve rounded up stories for more advanced readers. These middle grade books for ages 8-14 tell tales of family, friendship and adventure.

The Tinkerers

By Caroline Carlson

In Caroline Carlson’s fantasy tale “The Tinkerers” Peter leads two astromancers, special researches who study startstuff, to his family’s inn. He soon discovers these Tinkerers used startstuff to create a device that can turn back time, which makes him wonder if he could is to go back and fix a few mistakes. Recommended for ages 8-12.

My Anxiety is Messing Things Up

By Jennifer Licate 

With over a decade of experience as a school counselor, author Jennifer Licate has seen youth anxiety rates rise. She wrote “My Anxiety is Messing Things Up,” a chapter book to help kids ages 9-14 recognize how anxiety manifest in their bodies, in friendships, in school and strategies to help them cope. Recommended for ages 9-14.

Sophie: Wags to Wishes

By Brian Anderson

Volume 3 of middle-grade graphic novel series “Sophie,” “Sophie: Wags to Wishes” follows the beloved chocolate lab as she navigates new family dynamics. With the addition of a human baby and stray cats and dogs, Sophie decides it’s up to her to protect them all, taking the whole family on an epic adventure. Recommended for ages 8-12.

Cast Vs. Crew: Setting the Stage

By Lindsay Champion

Sometimes the drama is found off stage, like in Lindsay Champion’s “Cast Vs. Crew: Setting the Stage.” The first act in a trilogy gives a behind-the-scenes look of a junior high musical production where we see all the drama of drama club from the stage crew’s point of view. Recommended for ages 10-14.

The Central Park Irregulars

By Paul Cicchini

Bestselling author Paul Cicchini’s new middle-grade mystery, “The Central Park Irregulars,” is a coming-of-age adventure that blends friendship, history and suspense against the backdrop of one of America’s most iconic parks. Recommended for ages 10-14.

For more book recommendations, check out our October Book Corner.