Middle Grade Books About Quirky Family Shenanigans

Published on by Cornelius Reed

Is there a fictional family that’s near to your heart? Does your child enjoy books featuring families and their hijinks? This list is for you!

This list contains middle grade books about what we call “quirky family shenanigans.” Some of these books are mystery, while others are realistic fiction or contain some fantastical element, and some are brand new releases while others are classics. All of these contain a family dynamic, and often, they are named after said family and take place in a familial abode.

We hope you enjoy!

The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall

Summary of the first book: While vacationing with their widowed father in the Berkshire Mountains, four lovable sisters, ages four through twelve, share adventures with a local boy, much to the dismay of his snobbish mother.

The Vanderbeekers by Karina Yan Glaser

Summary of the first book: Told that they will have to move out of their Harlem brownstone just after Christmas, the five Vanderbeeker children, ages four to twelve, decide to change their reclusive landlord’s mind.

The Vanderbeekers Ever After comes out this September 2023!

Winterhouse by Ben Guterson

Summary of the first book: Orphan Elizabeth Somers’s malevolent aunt Purdy and uncle Burlap ship her off to the ominous Winterhouse hotel, owned by the peculiar Norbridge Falls. Upon arrival, Elizabeth quickly discovers that Winterhouse has many charms – most notably its massive library. It’s not long before she locates a magical book of puzzles that will unlock a mystery involving Norbridge and his sinister family. But as she uncovers the hotel’s secrets, Elizabeth starts to realize that she is somehow connected to Winterhouse, for better or for worse. Mystery, adventure, and beautiful writing combine in this exciting debut set within a hotel full of secrets.

The Swifts by Beth Lincoln

Summary: On the day they are born, every Swift child is brought before the sacred Family Dictionary. They are given a name, and a definition. A definition it is assumed they will grow up to match. Meet Shenanigan Swift: Little sister. Risk-taker. Mischief-maker. Shenanigan is getting ready for the big Swift Family Reunion and plotting her next great scheme: hunting for Grand-Uncle Vile’s long-lost treasure. She’s excited to finally meet her arriving relatives–until one of them gives Arch-Aunt Schadenfreude a deadly shove down the stairs. So what if everyone thinks she’ll never be more than a troublemaker, just because of her name? Shenanigan knows she can become whatever she wants, even a detective. And she’s determined to follow the twisty clues and catch the killer. Deliciously suspenseful and delightfully clever, The Swifts is a remarkable debut that is both brilliantly contemporary and instantly classic. A celebration of words and individuality, it’s packed with games, wordplay, and lots and lots of mischief as Shenanigan sets out to save her family and define herself in a world where definitions are so important.

The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry

Summary of the first book: In this tongue-in-cheek take on classic themes in children’s literature, the four Willoughby children set about to become “deserving orphans” after their neglectful parents embark on a treacherous around-the-world adventure, leaving them in the care of an odious nanny.

The Strangers by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Summary of the first book: Told from separate viewpoints, Chess, Emma, and Finn Greystone, ages twelve, ten, and eight, investigate why their mother went missing and uncover their ties to an alternate world.

Greenglass House by Kate Milford

Summary of the first book: At Greenglass House, a smuggler’s inn, twelve-year-old Milo, the innkeepers’ adopted son, plans to spend his winter holidays relaxing but soon guests are arriving with strange stories about the house sending Milo and Meddy, the cook’s daughter, on an adventure.

A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket

Summary of the first book: After the sudden death of their parents, the three Baudelaire children must depend on each other and their wits when it turns out that the distant relative who is appointed their guardian is determined to use any means necessary to get their fortune.

Sinister Summer by Kiersten White

Summary of the first book: Twins Theo and Alexander and their sister Wil are abruptly dropped off at their Aunt Saffronia’s house, where they learn they must complete a series of tasks in order to see their parents again–and their first assignment is at a waterpark.

The fifth and final Sinister Summer book comes out next January 2024!

For more Book Lists, visit this page.

What are your favorite middle grade books about quirky family shenanigans? Which books did we miss? Let us know in the comments!