Middle grade is a term that refers to books written for readers between the ages of eight and twelve. In this column, Erica will recommend great books for children in this age group!

Children of the Quicksands by Efua Traoré

Library Catalog: Print

Simi is distraught to be plucked from her comfortable city life in Lagos and sent to visit her estranged grandmother in the rural village of Ajao. Soon, however, Simi learns of a battle between the villagers and the local gods – a battle that tore her family apart, and one that she has to resolve before it’s too late.

Simi’s story is one of opposites – urban and rural, deities and mortals, living and dead – and finding balance. Its compelling characters, mystery and the love behind every word keeps readers flipping pages.

Check out the book that Kirkus Reviews praised as a “fast-paced” and “captivating adventure about the strength of love and family,” Publishers Weekly described as a story “sleekly weaving together…vivid, place-centered prose,” and Booklist called a “vibrant and imaginative fantasy” with “enchanting” writing and “admirable” worldbuilding.