Middle school is an important stage in a young person’s education and personal development, and reading books during these formative years plays an essential role in shaping their perspectives, expanding their knowledge, and fostering a lifelong love for literature. Here are a few book picks to encourage the exploration of diverse genres, characters, and themes.
The Area 51 Files
By Julie Buxbaum
Aliens, sassy hedgehogs, and unexplained disappearances . . . Oh, my! Discover the secrets of the universe in this hilarious, highly illustrated middle-grade series.
The Giver
by Lois Lowry
In this Newbery Medal–winning classic, twelve-year-old Jonas lives in a seemingly ideal world. Not until he is given his life assignment as the Receiver does he begin to understand the dark secrets behind his fragile community.
Every Soul a Star
By Wendy Mass
At Moon Shadow, an isolated campground, thousands have gathered to catch a glimpse of a rare and extraordinary total eclipse of the sun. Told from three distinct voices and perspectives, the author weaves an intricate and compelling story about strangers coming together, unlikely friendships, and finding one’s place in the universe.
Enemies in the Orchard: A World War 2 Novel in Verse
By Dana VanderLugt
Set against the backdrop of WWII, this achingly beautiful middle grade novel in verse based on American history presents the dual perspectives of Claire, a Midwestern girl who longs for college even as she worries for her soldier brother, and Karl, a German POW who’s processing the war as he works on Claire’s family farm. This poignant and moving story of an unlikely connection will stay with readers long after the final page.
When You Reach Me
By Rebecca Stead
Shortly after a fall-out with her best friend, sixth grader Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes, and she doesn’t know what to do. The notes tell her that she must write a letter—a true story, and that she can’t share her mission with anyone. It would be easy to ignore the strange messages, except that whoever is leaving them has an uncanny ability to predict the future.