How to Find the Right Books for Middle Schoolers?

Books for middle schoolers are an essential part of their reading journey. At this age, children are developing their reading skills and expanding their imaginations. It is crucial to provide them with engaging and age-appropriate books that will captivate their interest. In this article, we will explore some must-read books for middle schoolers that cover a wide range of genres and themes.

One of the most popular book series for middle schoolers is the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. This captivating series follows the adventures of a young wizard named Harry Potter as he attends the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. With its magical world and relatable characters, this series has become a favorite among both children and adults.

Another must-read book for middle schoolers is “The Giver” by Lois Lowry. Set in a dystopian society, this thought-provoking novel follows a young boy named Jonas who discovers the dark truths behind his seemingly perfect world. This book raises important questions about individuality, freedom, and the power of memory.

For those who enjoy action-packed stories, “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins is a great choice. This gripping trilogy takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where teenagers are forced to compete in a televised fight to the death. With its strong female protagonist and themes of survival and rebellion, this series has captured the hearts of many young readers.

If your middle schooler is interested in mythology, “The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan is a fantastic option. This first book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series follows the adventures of Percy Jackson, a demigod who discovers his true identity and embarks on a quest to prevent a war among the gods. This series combines Greek mythology with modern-day settings, making it both educational and entertaining.

Another popular book for middle schoolers is “Holes” by Louis Sachar. This award-winning novel tells the story of Stanley Yelnats, a young boy who is sent to a juvenile detention center where he is forced to dig holes as punishment. As Stanley uncovers the secrets behind the camp and his own family history, he learns important lessons about friendship, justice, and redemption.

“The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton is a classic coming-of-age novel that explores themes of identity, friendship, and the divide between social classes. Set in the 1960s, this story follows a group of greasers, a term for working-class youths, as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and face the harsh realities of their world.

For those who enjoy epic adventures, “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien is a must-read. This prequel to the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy follows the journey of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who is swept into a quest to reclaim a lost treasure. With its rich world-building and memorable characters, this book is a timeless classic.

In addition to these series and novels, there are also many standalone books that are perfect for middle schoolers. “Rooftoppers” by Katherine Rundell is a beautifully written story about a girl named Sophie who discovers a secret world on the rooftops of Paris. “The Nowhere Emporium” by Ross Mackenzie is a magical tale about a mysterious shop that appears out of nowhere, offering wonders beyond imagination. “The Story of the Blue Planet” by Andri Snær Magnason is an environmentally themed book that follows the adventures of two children on a planet where all adults have forgotten how to dream.

These are just a few examples of the many books available for middle schoolers. It is important to provide children with a diverse selection of books that cater to their interests and expand their horizons. By exposing them to different genres, themes, and writing styles, we can help foster a lifelong love of reading and nurture their intellectual growth. So go ahead and explore these books with your middle schooler, and let their reading journey begin!

What Books Are Middle School Students Reading?

Middle school students have a wide range of reading preferences, but there are certain books that are commonly found on their reading lists. Here is a detailed list of books that are popular among middle school students:

1. Harry Potter Series Box Set (Harry Potter, #1-7) by J.K. Rowling: This series follows the magical adventures of Harry Potter, a young wizard, and his friends as they attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

2. The Giver (The Giver, #1) by Lois Lowry: Set in a dystopian society, this novel tells the story of Jonas, who discovers the dark secrets behind his seemingly perfect world.

3. The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1) by Suzanne Collins: In a post-apocalyptic world, Katniss Everdeen must fight for her survival in a televised battle known as the Hunger Games.

4. The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #1) by Rick Riordan: Percy Jackson, a demigod, embarks on a quest to prevent a war between the Greek gods.

5. Holes (Holes, #1) by Louis Sachar: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a juvenile detention center, where he is forced to dig holes in the desert as part of a mysterious punishment.

6. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton: This classic coming-of-age novel explores the rivalry between two groups, the Greasers and the Socs, in 1960s Oklahoma.

7. The Hobbit (The Lord of the Rings, #0) by J.R.R. Tolkien: Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit, joins a group of dwarves on a perilous journey to reclaim their homeland from a dragon.

8. Wonder by R.J. Palacio: Auggie Pullman, a boy with a facial deformity, navigates the challenges of middle school while teaching his peers about acceptance and kindness.

9. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank: Anne Frank’s diary documents her experiences while hiding from the Nazis during World War II, providing a poignant perspective on the Holocaust.

10. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green: Hazel and Gus, two teenagers with cancer, fall in love and embark on a journey of love, hope, and acceptance.

These are just a few examples of the books that middle school students are often reading. The list may vary depending on personal preferences, curriculum requirements, and individual school reading programs.

books for middle schoolers

What Should 11 Year Olds Read?

When it comes to finding appropriate books for 11-year-olds, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some highly recommended reads for this age group:

1. “Rooftoppers” by Katherine Rundell – This enchanting story follows the adventures of Sophie, a young girl determined to find her missing mother. With its beautiful writing and sense of wonder, it is sure to captivate young readers.

2. “The Nowhere Emporium” by Ross Mackenzie – This magical tale revolves around a mysterious shop that appears out of nowhere and grants wishes. Filled with adventure and imagination, it is a perfect choice for 11-year-olds.

3. “The Story of the Blue Planet” by Andri Snær Magnason – This thought-provoking book tells the story of two children who discover a magical world beneath the ocean. It explores themes of environmentalism and friendship, making it both entertaining and educational.

4. “Hamlet: A Shakespeare Story” retold by Andrew Matthews – Introducing young readers to the works of William Shakespeare, this retelling of “Hamlet” simplifies the story while maintaining its essence. It is a great way to introduce classic literature to 11-year-olds.

5. “The Savage” by David Almond – This gripping novel follows the journey of a boy named Blue who befriends a mysterious man living in the woods. It delves into themes of identity, friendship, and the power of storytelling.

6. “The Girl of Ink and Stars” by Kiran Millwood Hargrave – Set on a remote island, this captivating adventure follows a young girl named Isabella as she embarks on a quest to save her best friend. With its lyrical writing and strong female protagonist, it is a book that will resonate with 11-year-olds.

These books offer a range of genres and themes, ensuring that there is something to suit every young reader’s interests.

What Books Should You Read at 12?

When it comes to choosing books for 12-year-olds, there are numerous options that can captivate their imagination and expand their reading skills. Here are some recommendations:

1. “The Dog Runner” by Bren Macdibble: This gripping dystopian novel follows Ella and her brother Emery as they navigate a post-apocalyptic world, searching for their kidnapped dog. It explores themes of resilience, family bonds, and environmental issues.

2. “Clementine and Rudy” by Siobhan Curham: This heartwarming story revolves around a friendship between Clementine, a girl with a troubled past, and Rudy, a kind-hearted boy with Down syndrome. It addresses themes of acceptance, empathy, and the power of friendship.

3. “Young Dark Emu” by Bruce Pascoe: This non-fiction book presents a fresh perspective on Indigenous Australian history, challenging traditional narratives. It explores the sustainable agricultural practices of Aboriginal people and encourages readers to rethink their understanding of Australia’s past.

4. “The Fire Star: A Maven & Reeve Mystery” by A. L. Tait: This exciting historical adventure follows two young protagonists, Maven and Reeve, as they unravel a mystery involving a missing jewel. Set in medieval times, it combines elements of suspense, friendship, and medieval life.

5. “The Jane Doe Chronicles” (series) by Jeremy Lachlan: This fantasy series follows the adventures of Jane Doe, a girl with no memory of who she is, as she battles against dark forces in a magical world. It is packed with action, mystery, and a strong female protagonist.

6. “Dragonfly Song” by Wendy Orr: Set in ancient Crete, this novel tells the story of Aissa, a girl with a unique ability to communicate with animals. It explores themes of identity, courage, and the power of music, making it a compelling read for 12-year-olds.

7. “Skulduggery Pleasant” (series) by Derek Landy: This popular fantasy series introduces readers to the witty and magical world of Skulduggery Pleasant, a skeleton detective, and his young sidekick, Valkyrie Cain. The series is filled with humor, action, and supernatural adventures.

These books offer a diverse range of genres and themes suitable for 12-year-olds. Whether they prefer dystopian fiction, historical adventures, fantasy, or thought-provoking non-fiction, there is something to engage every young reader.

What Are Books for 11-Year-Olds Called?

Books for 11-year-olds are commonly referred to as middle-grade novels or middle-grade books. These books are specifically designed for children between the ages of 8 and 11. They typically have a length of around 100-150 pages, providing a substantial but not overwhelming reading experience for this age group.

Middle-grade novels are characterized by slightly more complexity compared to books for younger children. They often include sub-plots, multiple storylines, and a larger cast of characters. The narratives may delve into deeper themes and explore more intricate relationships. While still appropriate for their age, these books aim to challenge and engage young readers as they continue to develop their reading skills and comprehension.

Additionally, there are also middle-grade graphic novels available for this age group. Graphic novels combine storytelling with visual illustrations, making them a popular choice for reluctant readers or those who enjoy a more visual reading experience. These books often incorporate captivating artwork and use a combination of text and images to tell the story.

Books for 11-year-olds are commonly known as middle-grade novels or middle-grade books. They offer slightly more complexity, sub-plots, and a larger cast of characters compared to books for younger children. Middle-grade graphic novels, which combine storytelling with visual illustrations, are also popular choices for this age group.

Conclusion

Books for middle schoolers play a crucial role in their development and education. These books offer a wide range of genres and themes that cater to their interests and expand their horizons. From popular series like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson to timeless classics like The Giver and The Hobbit, there are countless options that can captivate and engage young readers.

For eleven-year-olds, books like Rooftoppers, The Nowhere Emporium, and The Story of the Blue Planet provide imaginative and thought-provoking stories that encourage creativity and critical thinking. These books also explore important themes like friendship, adventure, and personal growth, making them ideal choices for this age group.

As children enter their early teenage years, books like The Dog Runner, Clementine and Rudy, and The Fire Star offer more complex narratives and characters. These books delve into deeper issues such as environmentalism, identity, and mystery, providing young readers with a chance to explore and understand the world around them.

Additionally, middle-grade novels and graphic novels offer a visual and interactive reading experience, making them particularly appealing to this age group. These books often feature vibrant illustrations and engaging plots that can capture the attention of reluctant readers and instill a love for storytelling.

Books for middle schoolers serve as both entertainment and educational tools, fostering a love for reading while addressing important themes and promoting critical thinking. By providing a diverse range of options and genres, these books empower young readers to explore different perspectives and develop their own unique literary tastes. Whether they are diving into fantastical worlds or delving into the complexities of real-life issues, middle schoolers can find endless possibilities within the pages of a good book.

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Nancy Sherman

Nancy Sherman has more than a decade of experience in education and is passionate about helping schools, teachers, and students succeed. She began her career as a Teaching Fellow in NY where she worked with educators to develop their instructional practice. Since then she held diverse roles in the field including Educational Researcher, Academic Director for a non-profit foundation, Curriculum Expert and Coach, while also serving on boards of directors for multiple organizations. She is trained in Project-Based Learning, Capstone Design (PBL), Competency-Based Evaluation (CBE) and Social Emotional Learning Development (SELD).