Middle grade is having a moment—and this episode is all about the books worth getting excited for.

In this installment of The Brave Bookshelf, host Kim Bartosch highlights the most anticipated middle grade releases from Simon & Schuster and its imprints, including Aladdin and Salaam Reads. These upcoming titles blend mythology, mystery, spy thrills, and real-life inspiration—while respecting young readers’ intelligence and emotional depth.

Featured books include:

📘 The Aftermyth by Tracy WolffA mysterious academy setting with Greek mythology vibes, distinct halls, and rich challenges—perfect for fans of Percy Jackson. Includes a Simon & Schuster reading group guide ideal for classrooms and book clubs.

🕵️ Hurricane Heist by James PontiThe next installment in The Sherlock Society series, promising clever mysteries, intrigue, and fast-paced thrills that mystery-loving readers crave.

🌍 Europa by James PontiA new City Spies adventure packed with edge-of-your-seat suspense, unforgettable characters, and high-stakes missions that keep readers turning pages late into the night.

💃 Maysoon Zayid, the Girl Who Can Can by Seema YasminAn empowering, must-have biography about resilience, humor, and being more than your disability—perfect for school libraries and readers who love true underdog stories.

Kim shares why these books stand out, who they’re best for, and why middle grade continues to be one of the most exciting spaces in publishing right now.

📚 Thoughtful. Fun. Anticipated for a reason.🎧 Listen now and add these titles to your TBR.