One of my favourite things about middle-grade right now is just how wonderfully diverse it’s becoming. Children are finally seeing characters who look like them, think like them, and live lives that reflect the real world. The stack below is full of bold voices, disability representation, LGBTQ+ characters, neurodivergent heroes, disabled protagonists, and more!

MURDER FOR TWO — Nyla Farook

A beautifully inventive mystery featuring Pakistani characters and conversations about hijabs, etc. It’s clever, funny and perfect for mystery-lovers.

VANYA AND THE WILD HUNT — Sangu Mandanna

This is a thrilling, magical adventure, but Vanya’s ADHD representation is the best I’ve ever read! This book also features LGBTQ+ representation and questions about identity and belonging.

THE MIZZY MYSTERIES — Claire Hatcher-Smith

Bright, funny and full of heart, this series is about a sleuth with Down syndrome!

ELLA JONES — Lucy Edwards

Written by a blind author, this story is a fantasy adventure with a visually impaired protagonist, showing that heroes come from all walks of life.

ICE APPRENTICES — Jacob North

An ice-magic boarding school with a trans protagonist, queer characters and more. A great reminder that all kinds of kids can have all kinds of adventures.

VIVI CONWAY — Lizzie Huxley-Jones

An autistic author writing autistic main characters, with queer representation too. An arthurian adventure full of magic and humour.

CAN YOU SEE ME? — Libby Scott & Rebecca Westcott

Tally is autistic. This is about her everyday life at school. Co-written by a mum and her autistic daughter.

A KIND OF SPARK — Elle McNicoll

A groundbreaking book about an autistic girl fighting injustice in her town. While being an emotional story with great characters, you learn so much about autism!

SOMETHING TO BE PROUD OF — Anna Zoe Quirke

A story about big feelings, identity and being yourself, including LGBTQ+ themes handled with warmth and honesty.

FRANKIE’S WORLD — Aoife Dooley

Graphic-novel style, funny and heartfelt, following a girl who’s autistic. It’s a joyful representation that celebrates difference rather than explaining it.

And my book, LUMI AND THE WOLF, will of course be on this list too, once it’s out this September! It features an autistic protagonist, who sees the world in pictures and stories….