Welcome to our list of the best books for middle schoolers to read!
The years spent in middle school can be the most challenging and, sometimes, the most impressionable of a child's life. With all the changes that occur during this time period, reading can serve as a constant and a form of escape from the highs and lows of adolescence. While there are a ton of books to choose from, we have compiled a list of the top 10 must-read books for all middle schoolers.
Without further ado, browse through this carefully curated list and pick out the perfect book for your middle schooler!
Best Books For Middle Schoolers
1) "The Giver" by Lois Lowry
This classic dystopian novel is perfect for any middle schooler starting to develop an interest in science fiction. The novel depicts a perfect world on the surface, but as the story progresses, readers discover the fatal flaw in a society without pain or emotions.
2) "Esperanza Rising" by Pam Muñoz Ryan
This novel tells the story of a young Mexican girl who immigrates to the United States with her mother. It's a poignant coming-of-age story and a beautiful tribute to the migrant farmworker experience.
3) "Hatchet" by Brian Paulsen
This survival-based tale follows the narrative of a young boy who must fend for himself in the wilderness after a plane crash. The story is riveting, and Paulsen's descriptions of nature and the wilderness are mesmerizing.
4) "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank
The diary of a young girl hiding during World War II is an excellent book for middle schoolers to read and put themselves in the shoes of someone from another time. Plus, it opens up conversations about sensitive topics like the Holocaust.
5) "A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle
This science-fiction classic follows the adventures of Meg Murray, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin as they navigate the cosmos to save Meg's father. It's an excellent novel for any child interested in science, magic, and the mysteries of space.
6) "The Outsiders" by S. E Hinton
An all-time favorite and must-read for young adults, "The Outsiders," touches on issues of identity, family, class, and growing up in an atypical society. It's an engaging novel that middle-schoolers will undoubtedly love.
7) "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry" by Mildred D. Taylor
This novel tells the story of a young African American girl and her family living in the segregated South during the 1930s Great Depression. It is an eye-opening historical fiction novel and serves as a reminder of the nation's not-so-distant past.
8) "The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams
For any middle-schooler who loves sci-fi comedy, "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" is an absolute must-read. It's a spaced-out adventure full of humor, memorable characters, and space travel, making it perfect for kids who want to laugh out loud while reading.
9) "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio
This heartwarming novel tells the story of a boy named Auggie, born with a facial deformity, who is starting public school for the first time. It's a book that celebrates differences, promotes kindness, and teaches compassion to any reader who picks it up.
10) "Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone" by J.K. Rowling
No list of middle school books can be complete without the beloved Harry Potter series. The first book follows the orphan boy wizard, Harry, as he discovers his magical powers and heads to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It's an excellent introduction to the world of Harry Potter, and middle-schoolers are sure to love it.
Middle school is a fantastic time for self-discovery and self-reflection. Reading not only expands their worldview but also promotes literacy, critical thinking, creativity, and empathy. The ten books mentioned above are must-reads for middle schoolers. Whether it's dystopian novels, science fiction, biographies, or comedy, these books all offer a unique perspective on life, love, and everything in between.