Best Middle School Fiction Book Lists for Grade 6-8
Introducing middle school students to literature that captivates and inspires is a pivotal step in fostering a lifelong love of reading. Curating a list of must-read books for this age group involves selecting stories that blend imaginative worlds, relatable characters, and thought-provoking themes. From timeless classics like "Charlotte's Web" and "The Chronicles of Narnia" series, which transport readers to magical realms filled with adventure and moral lessons, to contemporary favorites such as "Wonder" and "The Hunger Games," which tackle complex issues of identity and courage, these books offer a diverse range of narratives that resonate with young readers.
Each book invites exploration, empathy, and critical thinking, making them not only enjoyable reads but also invaluable tools for personal growth and understanding of the world around them. Whether delving into fantastical quests or navigating the challenges of everyday life, these must-read books for middle schoolers promise to ignite imaginations and leave lasting impressions.
Best Middle School Fiction Book Lists for Grade 6-8
By embracing these literary treasures, educators and parents empower middle school students to discover new perspectives and cultivate a deeper appreciation for storytelling. These books not only entertain but also serve as windows into different cultures, historical periods, and human experiences. Through protagonists like Harry Potter and Matilda, who defy odds and discover their inner strength, or through narratives that confront social injustice and resilience like "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry" and "The Diary of a Young Girl," young readers are encouraged to ponder universal truths and confront ethical dilemmas. The best books for middle school readers spark curiosity, empathy, and a lifelong passion for reading, enriching their intellectual and emotional development during these formative years
Middle school books are engaging to readers for several reasons, often combining relatable themes with compelling storytelling and characters that resonate with their experiences and emotions. Here are some key factors that make middle school books engaging:
Relatability: Middle school readers are drawn to books that feature characters and situations they can identify with, such as friendship issues, family dynamics, school challenges, and personal growth. Books that reflect their own young adult feelings and experiences help them feel understood and connected to the story.
Compelling Characters: Strong, multidimensional characters who face realistic challenges and undergo personal growth are central to engaging middle school readers. Characters who struggle, make mistakes, and learn valuable lessons resonate with readers as they navigate their own journeys of self-discovery and development.
Emotional Depth: Books that evoke strong emotions—whether through humor, adventure, sadness, or excitement—capture the attention of middle school readers. Emotional depth allows readers to empathize with characters and become invested in their outcomes, fostering a deeper connection to the story.
Action and Plot Twists: Middle school readers often enjoy books with fast-paced plots, intriguing mysteries, or unexpected twists and turns. Books that keep them guessing and maintain a sense of suspense or excitement encourage them to keep turning pages and stay engaged in the story.
Relevance and Timeliness: Books that address current issues, social themes, or contemporary challenges resonate with middle school readers who are navigating their own understanding of the world. Books that explore topics like identity, diversity, social justice, and environmental issues can spark important conversations and reflection.
Series and Familiar Authors: Series books and books by familiar authors often attract middle school readers because they allow for deeper immersion in a familiar world or with characters they have grown to love. Series books provide continuity and anticipation for what happens next, keeping readers invested in the ongoing storylines.
Overall, engaging middle school books combine relatable themes, compelling characters, emotional depth, and accessible writing styles to create stories that resonate with young readers and encourage a lifelong love of reading.
20 Popular Books for Middle School Readers
Here's a list of 50 popular and well-loved books that are often recommended for middle school readers as required reading during the school year or as a summer reading guide:
The Unteachables by Gordon Korman The Unteachables are a notorious class of misfits, delinquents, and academic train wrecks. Like Aldo, with anger management issues; Parker, who can’t read; Kiana, who doesn’t even belong in the class—or any class; and Elaine (rhymes with pain). The Unteachables have been removed from the student body and isolated in room 117. The Unteachables never thought they’d find a teacher who had a worse attitude than they did. And Mr. Kermit never thought he would actually care about teaching again. Over the course of a school year, though, room 117 will experience mayhem, destruction—and maybe even a shot at redemption.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians series by Rick Riordan: Mixing Greek mythology with modern-day settings, Percy Jackson, a demigod and son of Poseidon, embarks on quests to save the world from ancient gods and monsters. Themes of heroism, identity, and the importance of family are central, as Percy navigates both the challenges of being a teenager and his divine heritage. This page-turning series is packed with excellent books of adventure and mythical creatures. Rick Riordan, dubbed “storyteller of the gods” by Publishers Weekly, is the author of five New York Times #1 best-selling middle grade series with millions of copies sold throughout the world.
The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins: Set in a dystopian future, Katniss Everdeen becomes a symbol of rebellion against a totalitarian regime by surviving deadly televised games. The trilogy of international best sellers explores themes of survival, oppression, and the ethical dilemmas of war, challenging readers to reflect on justice and sacrifice.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio: Auggie Pullman, a boy with facial differences, enters mainstream school and confronts bullying and prejudice with courage and humor. Themes of kindness, acceptance, and the power of empathy resonate as Auggie and those around him learn valuable lessons about embracing differences and finding strength in vulnerability. Millions of people have fallen in love with main character Auggie Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face—who shows us that kindness brings us together no matter how far apart we are. Read the book that inspired the Choose Kind movement, a major motion picture, and the critically acclaimed graphic novel White Bird.
The Giver by Lois Lowry: In a seemingly perfect society devoid of pain and suffering, Jonas discovers the dark secrets behind his community's tranquility. Themes of individuality, freedom, and the cost of conformity are explored in this Newberry Medal winning book as Jonas uncovers truths that challenge everything he has been taught. The Giver has become one of the most influential novels of our time.
Holes by Louis Sachar: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a juvenile detention camp where he and other boys dig holes in the desert. Through intertwined narratives of past and present, themes of fate, friendship, and family secrets unfold, revealing unexpected connections and redemption..
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton: This classic coming-of-age story follows Ponyboy Curtis and his gang of "Greasers" as they navigate conflicts with their rival group, the "Socs," and confront social class divisions as young people in the 1960s America. Themes of friendship, loyalty, and the struggle for identity are central, as Ponyboy learns profound lessons about empathy and prejudice.
The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank: Anne Frank's diary, written during her time hiding from the Nazis in Amsterdam, offers a poignant and personal account of the Holocaust. Themes of courage, resilience, and the human spirit shine through Anne's reflections on life, identity, and the pursuit of hope amidst adversity.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle: This science fantasy novel follows Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin as they embark on a journey through space and time to rescue Meg's father from an evil force. Themes of love, courage, and the battle between light and darkness are woven into a narrative that challenges readers to embrace their individuality and the power of love.
The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis: Set in the magical world of Narnia, this series spans adventures that include battles between good and evil, talking animals, and quests that shape the destinies of its human and animal inhabitants. Themes of faith, bravery, and the triumph of good over evil are central as characters like Aslan the lion guide protagonists through challenges that mirror moral and spiritual dilemmas. This set of 7 chapter books make a great addition to any reading list.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien: Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit, is swept into an unexpected adventure by the wizard Gandalf and a group of dwarves seeking to reclaim their homeland from the dragon Smaug. Themes of heroism, friendship, and the lure of adventure resonate as Bilbo discovers courage and resourcefulness within himself during his journey through Middle-earth.
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson: Jesse Aarons and Leslie Burke, best friend duo, create an imaginary kingdom in the woods called Terabithia, where they rule as king and queen. Themes of friendship, imagination, and coping with loss are explored when tragedy strikes, challenging Jesse to confront grief and discover the enduring power of love and memory.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green: Hazel Grace Lancaster, a teenage cancer patient, meets Augustus Waters at a support group, and they embark on a poignant and transformative journey of love and self-discovery. Themes of mortality, love, and the search for meaning in life are explored with humor and sensitivity as Hazel and Augustus confront their fears and embrace the beauty of their fleeting existence.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: Set in the racially charged atmosphere of 1930s Alabama, young Scout Finch, one of the best female protagonists of all times, learns about justice and morality as her lawyer father, Atticus Finch, defends a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman. Themes of racial injustice, empathy, and the loss of innocence resonate as Scout navigates the complexities of prejudice and the power of compassion. One of the most cherished stories of all time, To Kill a Mockingbird has been translated into more than forty languages, sold more than forty million copies worldwide, served as the basis for an enormously popular motion picture, and was voted one of the best novels of the twentieth century by librarians across the country.
The Maze Runner series by James Dashner: Thomas wakes up in a mysterious maze with no memory, surrounded by other boys who are also trapped. Themes of survival, identity, and the consequences of scientific experimentation unfold as Thomas and his friends navigate the treacherous maze and uncover the truth behind their confinement. The Maze Runner is the first book of five and inspired a movie franchise due to this popular series.
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry: Set during World War II in Nazi-occupied Denmark, the newbery medal story follows ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen as she helps her Jewish friend Ellen Rosen escape to safety. Themes of bravery, resistance, and the human capacity for kindness shine through as Annemarie confronts the harsh realities of war and learns the importance of standing up for what is right.
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls: This classic tale follows young Billy Colman and his beloved dogs, Old Dan and Little Ann, as they embark on adventures in the Ozark Mountains. Themes of loyalty, love, and the bond between humans and animals resonate as Billy learns about perseverance and the bittersweet nature of achieving his dreams.
The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis: The Watson family, including young Kenny Watson, travels from Michigan to Birmingham, Alabama, during a tumultuous period of racial tension. Themes of family, resilience, and the fight for civil rights resonate as the Watsons navigate personal challenges and confront the harsh realities of racial prejudice.
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor: Set in Mississippi during the Great Depression, this novel follows the Logan family as they face racism and injustice while striving to maintain their dignity and land. Themes of resilience, social justice, and the strength of family bonds are explored through the eyes of young Cassie Logan, who learns about courage and the power of community in the face of adversity. This historical fiction novel is a good book for all ages to read.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie: Junior, a budding cartoonist and aspiring writer, leaves his school on the Spokane Indian Reservation to attend an all-white high school off the reservation. Themes of identity, cultural assimilation, and the pursuit of dreams are explored with humor and honesty as Junior grapples with his place in two different worlds. This book is a great thought starter to discuss stressors facing Native Americans experience.
In the books section of this blog, you will find recommendations for picture books for elementary school, themes about a family move and how to make new friends, ya books, realistic fiction books, and many other new releases. This list of diverse baby books has some titles featured on books bans lists for those looking for diverse book recs for little kids.
In conclusion, selecting the right books for middle schoolers involves considering a balance of factors that cater to their developmental stage, interests, and reading abilities. Books that are engaging for middle school readers often feature relatable characters facing realistic challenges, offer compelling plots with twists and turns, and provide emotional depth that resonates with their experiences and emotions. Whether exploring historical fiction that brings past events to life, delving into fantasy realms with magical creatures and quests, or tackling contemporary issues through diverse perspectives, these books not only entertain but also educate and inspire young readers.
Moreover, the impact of well-chosen books extends beyond entertainment; they serve as tools for fostering empathy, understanding different cultures, and navigating complex social issues. By promoting critical thinking and emotional intelligence, these stories encourage middle schoolers to explore their identities, values, and the world around them. Ultimately, the best book recommendations for middle schoolers nurture a lifelong love of reading, expand horizons, and empower young minds to navigate their own journeys with curiosity, compassion, and resilience.
