Books have a magical way of shaping young minds, sparking curiosity, and opening doors to extraordinary adventures. For middle-grade readers, the right book can be a gateway to imagination, laughter, and learning. At Earthlab Club, we’ve put together a list of 10 exceptional English fiction books for children that blend fantasy, humour, and heartfelt storytelling. Whether it’s quirky characters navigating everyday challenges or thrilling tales filled with mystery and wonder, these books will captivate young readers and leave a lasting impression.
Dive into these must-read recommendations and rediscover the joy of a great story!
GOBI GOES VIRAL
Written by- Vibha Batra
Published by- Scholastic India Private Limited
What would you do when you realize your days are limited at your beloved school? Make a friend? Win a competition? Well, that’s what Gopi did.
This story follows a guy who studies at Primrose Academy and is usually the subject of laughter and bullying at school for his unusual accent. Gopi still loves his school and is keen on ignoring the bullying, but as he realizes his days are limited, he conjures up the plan of proving his talent and embarks on the quest of winning a talent show in order to pay his fees for school. Would Gopi be able to muster enough courage to go up on the stage? Or would he leave Primrose Academy behind?
The author has built the narrative of the story in such a simple manner that it can be enjoyed by both children and adults, and the illustrations tie the story together. This fiction book also addresses the issue of bullying in school in a very apt manner. The characters are humorous, harmoniously blending with the themes in the plot. A fun read for anyone who enjoys books with a little sprinkle of Bollywood. To buy this book click on the link.
THE ALLIGATOR AND THE STAPLER AND OTHER MAGICAL TALES
Written by- Shazi Zaman
Published by- Om Books International
Come along as we dive into the fascinating tales following two twin sisters, Tara and Arzoo, who happen to have left their stapler near the riverside during one of their picnics, which becomes a catalyst in them experiencing magic all around them.
This magic enables them with abilities to enter each other’s dreams and also helps them in dreaming together. Now the twins feel like everything around them is expressing their feelings to them. The portrayal of vulnerability from things that cannot speak holds down the reader’s affection, from kitchens and trees to snakes and ladders in games, everything seems to have some thoughts they want to share. Though uncomfortable at first, the girls become more empathetic and compassionate as the plot moves forward towards these things.
The book feels like entering into a world full of magic woven into ordinary parts of our life, teaching children to look for magic in mundane things. This fiction book revolves around the themes of empathy, kindness, and acceptance. The black and white illustrations make the look of the book more thoughtfully done. If you want to explore magical stories that blend together with everyday tasks, then this is the perfect recommendation for your children and you. To buy this book click on the link.
GRANDPA’S BAG OF STORIES
Written by- Sudha Murty
Published by- Penguin Random House
Tag along as we travel through Mayawati, a beautiful hilly region in Uttarakhand with Anoushka, Krishna, Menu, and Raghu along with Ajja and Ajji. Written by India’s favorite storyteller Sudha Murthy, we follow these four kids as they meet their new storyteller, Ajja, who is now weaving the perfect tales that range from mermaids and princesses to Pahadi folklore.
As the children explore mountains, they come across sunsets of several hues, snow-capped mountain peaks, travel to new destinations, and make new friends, we see them falling in love with everything around them. The tales are full of wisdom, moral values, and feel as though we’re listening to them while lying in our grandparents’ laps. These magical stories talk about the most bizarre things you would ever expect in a tale like jalebis and bitter gourd.
The sketches are quite subtle and relevant to the plot, making each of these 18 short stories more engaging and interactive for young readers. This bag full of stories is a must-have collection not only for children but also for adults, as it hits the nostalgic nerve just right. To buy this book click on the link.
THE DAY IT RAINED LETTERS
Written by- Nury Vittachi
Published by- Hachette India
Riddle me this, what do you eat with your eyes?
Imagine living in a world with no stories, no storybooks, no curiosity, no dreams, no imagination, no playtime; sounds appalling, right? Well, the protagonist of this story lives in this very appalling world with her parents.
One day, something falls on her head, and unable to understand what it is, she and her mother seek guidance from the town’s encyclopedia, Mr. Reed, who informs them that it is a letter from the alphabet, most of them are quite rare, and are used to spin stories.
Our ever-so-curious Minky inquires further as to what stories are and thus begins the explanation of stories. Mr. Reed tells Minky that stories are enjoyable and wonderful things that are served on thin plates called pages, are meant to be eaten with eyes and they later fuel our dream machine called the imagination. The way the author has played around with such crucial yet common topics is marvellous, providing explanation of such vast topics in such a brief manner only confirms the skillful mastery over words of the author.
Mr. Reed is also seen describing the concept of imagination as a way to dream with eyes wide open and embarking on several mental journeys rather than physical ones. Amazed after listening to Mr. Reed’s talk, Minky decides to find all the 10,000 letters with her friend Rama and makes an attempt to scour the entire town. And the two friends are now on the journey of searching for letters.
The book’s undercurrent theme addresses the dying culture of reading books in today’s digital media-dominated age. The book is tied together with both the easy-flowing text and the vivid illustrations, which make it more engaging and fun to read. If you’re seeking something imaginative yet instructive at the same time, you should definitely add this book to your english fiction books for children list. To buy this book click on the link.
QUILLS: THE HUNGRY LITTLE PORCUPINE
Written by- Shibani Alter
Published by- Aleph Book Company
How far are you willing to go for your favorite food? Willing enough to go on a trip through the forest with your friends and face a leopard?
The book closely follows the story of a little porcupine, Quill, who wakes up to his grumbling tummy and only has a turnip in his stock, so he and his friends-Pig, Monkey, Mongoose, and Goat set out on a journey in search of tubers, loquats, mushrooms, and wild strawberries.
As they travel through the grassy ridges, forests of rhododendrons, and a field of pink thunder lilies, the eerie presence of a villainous leopard looms in the dark. Would Quill and his friends be able to gather some food, or would they get caught in the clutches of the wicked leopard?
This heart-warming tale of Quill and his friends is equal parts entertaining and suspenseful. The intriguing text of the book is supported by eye-catching illustrations, which make the reading process more enjoyable. If you’re looking for some fiction books that would be enthralling to read for your little explorers, then you should definitely add this to your list of English fiction books for children. To buy this book click on the link.
THE MONKEY’S REVENGE: TWO STORIES FROM THE PANCHATANTRA
Written by- Meena Arora Nayak
Published by- Aleph Book Company
Welcome to the enchanting world of the oldest Indian fables-Panchatantra. This book is a collection of two revenge stories, manages to capture the young audience’s attention and keep them hooked with the vibrant and vivid illustrations. Retold by the author Meena Arora Nayak, this book is a one-way ticket to the magical land where children learn the power of honesty over deceit and lies.
This book is packed with both humor and adventure. The narration is done in such a light-hearted and comedic manner, keeping the reader excited for more. The two unforgettable tales are about clever and cheeky animals that are quick in planning and turning tables in their favor. The first tale is about a cruel king, who plans on using monkey fat to heal the burnt horses, but with a rakshasa on their team, the monkeys get their revenge on the vicious king. The second tale follows a poor businessman, Jirnadhana, whose prized iron scale has been eaten by some mischievous mice, or so his friend says. Shocked by this, he decides to outwit his friend and get his prized iron scale back.
Some stories never seem to lose their charm, and the fables of Panchatantra are part of those. If you’re looking for a light and entertaining read for your child that also teaches and advocates moral values, then you must definitely add this fiction book to your reading list. To buy this book click on the link.
KABULIWALLAH
Written by- Rabindranath Tagore Translated by- Arunava Sinha
Published by- Aleph Book Company
Written by Rabindranath Tagore, this book follows the story of a five-year-old girl, Mini, and an Afghani vendor and hawker, Rahmat, who sells dry fruits door-to-door, who through his generosity befriends Mini over time, and is reminded of his own daughter left back in his home country. This tale is a classic piece of literature that showcases how friendship can blossom even in the most unexpected places.
Young readers are transported into a story full of innocence, empathy, and friendship. The theme of filial love is beautifully woven throughout, reminding us of the special bond that exists between fathers and daughters. Tagore also takes time to explore themes of nostalgia through Rahmat’s character, leaving readers deeply moved when Mini meets Rahmat on her wedding day and fails to recognize him. This moment poignantly traces the intertwined issues of memory, grief, and nostalgia.
The bustling city of Calcutta and Tagore’s story are brought to life with the poignant text and the enticing illustrations, which further engage the audience. Kabuliwallah is one of the most beloved children’s stories as it leaves a lasting impression with all the compassion and kindness felt through Tagore’s words.
If you’re looking for a timeless piece of literature to enjoy and bond over with your child, then this version of Kabuliwallah is your perfect choice. To buy this book click on the link.
MYSTERY OF GRAVEYARD GOLD
Written by- Vidya Varadarajan
Published by- Scholastic India
Taking inspiration from Amitabh Bachchan, who often asks his contestants on Kaun Banega Crorepati what they will do with the ₹7 crores they might win, this book questions, what would you do if you found a treasure full of gold?
This masterfully crafted, descriptive, racy, and suspenseful story is written by Vidya Varadarajan. Set in the area of Bengaluru,the book keeps teen interests and lingo at its heart, making the characters all the more relatable and keeping readers thoroughly engaged. The story follows three daring and fun characters-Aarav, Karthik, and Asha, who are keen on solving the mystery of the treasure they’ve stumbled across. But the question is, whose gold is it? Is it stolen, or have they uncovered some long-lost treasure of a dead king?
The book beautifully explores the playful, hide-and-seek-like relationships we form with our siblings and friends, showcasing the themes of friendship, teamwork, and determination. The setting and character development have been meticulously crafted by the author, enhancing the reading experience and making it more fun and exciting.
If you’re looking for something a little spooky, adventurous, and full of thrills to expand your child’s reading selection, then this is the perfect book for you. This fiction book might just inspire you and your kids to play dress-up detectives! To buy this book click on the link.
AN ADVENTURE FOR PUCHKU
Written by- Deepanjana Pal
Published by- Pratham Books
Let’s go on an adventure with (BPD)² -the Brilliant Plans Department, featuring Boltu, Puchku, and Dodla, in a red car, as they come up with brilliant plans like riding a leopard when the car breaks down in the rain.
Authored by Deepanjana Pal, this tale weaves together the themes of friendship, creativity, and breaking patriarchal norms as the story progresses. The three kids and Boltu’s father are out for an adventure in the red car, which breaks down in the middle of the road. To help, (BPD)² comes up with various creative ways of getting home. Enter Pakoda Didi, the daughter of a tea stall owner and a fire-fighter in the big city, who offers to help repair the car but is met with scepticism from Boltu’s father, addressing how society reinforces gender norms by categorizing occupations and work fields based on gender.
As the story unfolds, we see how the kids think of Pakoda Didi as a “car translator” who can listen to the car talk while she works her magic and fixes it. Written in a very simple yet creative manner, this story is an interesting and fun read. From calling themselves (BPD)² to naming the muddy road “Doofee” (a mix of doodh and coffee), the book never fails to keep readers engaged. The illustrations also add a flavor of comedy to the text, making it a perfect addition to the English fiction books for children list. To buy this book click on the link.
KUSHTI KID: MUDS! MATS! MOVES!
Written by- Vibha Batra
Published by- Scholastic India
Kushti Kid is the story of a girl named Qainaat, who joins a summer program for wrestling, but her family believes her interest in wrestling as mere fleeting infatuation with the sport. Because why would a girl be interested in wrestling? And what big challenges await her inside and outside the mud pit?
Written by Vibha Batra, this is a story of a girl who is willing to overcome every obstacle, master her moves, stand up against institutional bullying, and win the biggest dangal of her life. But everyone around her seems to question her, just because she is a girl, thus starts her journey of finding her courage and showcasing her strength. As the story moves forwards she befriends Tanki, who supports her in overcoming every hurdle with grit and perseverance.
What makes the book all the more engaging are its interesting characters, well-developed plot, and beautiful cover art.
Filled with twists, turns, triumphs, and tender moments, this fiction book is a true adventurous thriller. Hop on as we support Qainaat in her journey of finding her voice and fighting for her rights! To buy this book click on the link.