Wintry Middle Grade Novels

 

It's the shortest day of the year, and what better way to pass the hours than with a windswept wintry middle grade novel? These nine books are perfect for a snowy midwinter night. 

 

The Way Past Winter by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

Ever since their father disappeared five years ago, the forest where Mila lives with her siblings has been cursed to dwell in an eternal winter. But when Mila's brother Oskar goes missing too, Mila is determined to find him--no matter what her older sister says about Oskar's running away to have a more exciting life. Mila and her little sister Pípa set out on a harrowing journey north with a not-so-trustworthy mage, facing bloodthirsty wolves and a dark and ancient magic. Mila is determined to find her brother, and to find a way past the neverending winter.

This is a beautiful fairy tale with a marvelous protagonist who will have you rooting for her until the end. 

 

Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu

Hazel and Jack were best friends before Jack's eye. Before Jack stopped talking to Hazel. Before Jack vanished into the forest with a mysterious ice woman.

Now Hazel has to follow Jack or risk losing him forever. Will she be able to brave the journey into the snow-covered forest?

This modern fairy tale is as heartwarming as it is frosty! 

 

When the Sea Turned to Silver by Grace Lin

Pinmei is satisfied with the peaceful, mountain-top life that she leads with her storytelling grandmother. But when the Emperor's soldiers raid her village, kidnapping Pinmei's grandmother, Pinmei's only choice is to join forces with her friend Yishan and follow the soldiers. She and Yishan know that the Emperor's one goal is to find the Luminous Stone That Lights the Night, and wonder how Pinmei's grandmother could be connected to the legendary object. Will they be able to get to the Emperor before it's too late?

The third book in Grace Lin’s Where the Mountain Meets the Moon trilogy, but can be read as a standalone.

 

Moominland Midwinter by Tove Jansson

It's winter in Moominvalley, a season that the Moomin family usually hibernates through. But this January, Moomintroll is inexplicably awake. He decides to explore this mysterious white world, and meets old friends and new ones as he learns what his home is like in the cold. 

I love the Moomin books for their cozy-yet-philosophical nature, and Moominland Midwinter is the perfect book to curl up with while the snow falls outside. The Moomin books also include beautiful pen-and-ink illustrations by the author. 

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser  

The brownstone on 141st street is home to the Vanderbeekers, a lively and close-knit family of seven who love their house almost like another member of the family. So when the grouchy landlord upstairs decides not to renew their lease right before Christmas, the children are distraught--but they quickly turn their despair into a plan to make their landlord come around. All they have to do is prove to him what a nice family they are, right? 

This cozy family story is perfect for fans of The Penderwicks. The Vanderbeekers series now has six books, including the 2022 publication The Vanderbeekers On the Road!

The Midwinter Witch by Molly Knox Ostertag

Every year, the Vanissen family holds a Midwinter Festival, a magical family reunion. This year, Aster is more excited than ever--he's determined to compete in the Jolrun competition for the first time, and show his family that boys can be witches, too. 

This year is also Ariel's first time at the Midwinter Festival--but she isn't as thrilled as Aster. The Vanissens are wonderful, but they aren't family--so when Ariel starts receiving dreams from a mysterious witch who looks like her, she starts to wonder whether training with the Vanissens is right for her after all.

This beautifully illustrated graphic novel is the third book in the Witch Boy trilogy.

 

Winterhouse by Ben Guterson

Orphan Elizabeth Somers isn't expecting much when her cold aunt and uncle send her away to the Winterhouse Hotel for the holidays. But when Elizabeth arrives, she finds a bustling and enchanting home, with a beautiful library and the potential for new friends. However, it doesn't take long for the curious Elizabeth and her new friend Freddy to realize something is amiss at the hotel--something involving the mysterious owner, Norbridge Falls, and maybe even Elizabeth herself. 

Fans of The Mysterious Benedict Society will love this bookish mystery. 

 

The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood

When fifteen-year-old Miss Penelope Lumley arrives at the luxurious Ashton Place for her new position as a governess, she expects well-cared-for children who are eager to learn about iambic pentameter and the Peloponnesian War. What she gets are three wild, auburn-haired children who were found in the forest by Lord Ashton, and thought to have been raised by wolves. But Penelope isn't a graduate of the illustrious Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females for nothing--she immediately accepts the challenge, and sets about turning these wolfish children into respectable wards of the gentry. 

Penelope is determined to one day discover the children's origins, but for now she just has to get them presentable in time for Lady Ashton's Christmas party. But the task isn't easy, especially as she and the children soon realize that mysteries abound in Ashton Place.

This is the first book in one of my favorite series, The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place by Maryrose Wood. A charming medley of historical fiction, mystery, and fantasy.   

 

 

A Girl Called Owl by Amy Wilson

Owl's mother has always refused to tell her anything about her father, but when Owl notices weird frost patterns across her skin and the sudden ability to create ice, she wonders whether her new powers could have anything to do with her mysterious father. When the strange new boy at school lets on that he knows a thing or two about the magical world, Owl has no choice but to embark upon a journey of self-discovery--which may just include centuries-old magical beings who could upturn her entire world if she angers them. 

A fun seasonal adventure, A Girl Called Owl is a perfect midwinter read. If you enjoy this book, check out its sequel, Owl and the Lost Boy.

 

I hope you check out some of these wintry reads to pass the time this winter! If you enjoyed this list, make sure to take a look at my updated Fairy Tale Books list!  

Images from Amazon & Goodreads.