111 Must Read Books for Middle Schoolers to Try

Middle school books do more than fill time; they help shape how students see themselves and the world around them.

In my experience, the right story can spark confidence in kids who struggle, challenge those who are ready for more, and make everyone feel included.

These stories stick because they mix adventure, honesty, and emotions in a way that feels real at this age. Whether it’s classic tales or new favorites, the goal is the same: to connect kids with books that matter.

Let’s start with a closer look at the books that continue to leave a mark on every generation.

Must-Read Middle School Books You Should Read

These stories continue to connect with students because of their universal themes.

1. The Giverby Lois Lowry: A controlled society hides painful truths. One boy learns about memory, choice, and what it means to be human.
2. Number the Stars byLois Lowry: A brave Danish girl helps her Jewish friend escape the Nazis. Friendship and quiet courage shine during dangerous times.
3. Holes by Louis Sachar: A boy at a desert camp digs holes for “character.” He uncovers family curses, buried treasure, and real friendship.
4. Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli: An orphan runs a divided town. He crosses lines, makes friends, and challenges racism with kindness and grit.
5. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton: Two rival groups clash. A teen learns about loyalty, class, loss, and seeing people more clearly.
6. Charlotte’s Webby E.B. White: A pig and a spider form a tender bond. Kindness, sacrifice, and life’s cycles make this story unforgettable.
7. Anne of Green GablesbyL.M. Montgomery: A spirited orphan finds a home. Her imagination, mistakes, and growth make a warm, funny classic.
8. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott: Four sisters face love and loss. They chase dreams, help family, and grow strong through challenges.
9. Bridge to Terabithiaby Katherine Paterson: Two friends create a secret kingdom. They face grief, friendship, and finding strength after a heartbreaking loss.
10. Island of the Blue Dolphins byScott O’Dell: A girl survives alone on an island. She shows courage, cleverness, and deep respect for nature.
11. A Wrinkle in Timeby Madeleine L’Engle: A girl travels through space and time to save her father. Courage and love guide her mission.
12. Tuck EverlastingbyNatalie Babbitt: A girl meets an immortal family. She must choose between endless life and living fully with meaning.
13. My Side of the MountainbyJean Craighead George: A boy runs to the woods. He learns survival skills, independence, and how nature becomes home.
14. Because of Winn-DixiebyKate DiCamillo: A lonely girl adopts a stray dog. She finds friends, healing, and a caring community in a new town.
15. Where the Red Fern GrowsbyWilson Rawls: A boy raises two hunting dogs. Loyalty, adventure, and bittersweet loss shape this moving story.

Popular & Trending School Books

Recent favorites keep kids hooked with humor, fantasy, and relatable characters.

16. WonderbyR.J. Palacio: A boy with facial differences starts school. He teaches classmates and readers about empathy, kindness, and real acceptance.
17. Percy Jackson and the OlympiansbyRick Riordan: A modern kid discovers he’s a demigod. He battles monsters and learns friendship through Greek myths.
18. The Hunger GamesbySuzanne Collins: Teens are forced to fight on TV. Courage, sacrifice, and rebellion drive a gripping survival story.
19. Harry Potterseries by J.K. Rowling: A boy learns he’s a wizard. He finds friends, faces dark magic, and learns love’s true power.
20. Diary of a Wimpy KidbyJeff Kinney: A middle schooler chronicles life in cartoons. School drama, family mishaps, and laughs fill every page.
21. Amari and the Night BrothersbyB.B. Alston: A determined girl enters a secret magical bureau. She searches for her missing brother and her strength.
22. The One and Only BobbyKatherine Applegate: A captive gorilla tells his story. Friendship, art, and hope push toward freedom and a better home.
23. The Wild RobotbyPeter Brown: A robot survives on an island. She learns from animals, adapts, and finds belonging in the wild.
24. The Mysterious Benedict SocietybyTrenton Lee Stewart: Gifted kids face brainy tests and danger. Teamwork and cleverness stop a strange mind-control scheme.
25. Ghost by Jason Reynolds: A fast runner joins the track team. He confronts his past, learns discipline, and finds a team that matters.
26. RefugeebyAlan Gratz: Three kids flee danger in different times. Their journeys show fear, courage, loss, and stubborn hope.
27. HatchetbyGary Paulsen: A boy survives a plane crash. Alone in the wilderness, he learns hard skills and deeper resilience.
28. RestartbyGordon Korman: A fall erases a boy’s memory. He must decide who he is now and make amends for what he has done before.
29. Out of My MindbySharon Draper: A brilliant girl with cerebral palsy fights to be heard. She proves her voice and talent.
30. Front DeskbyKelly Yang: A girl helps run a motel with immigrant parents. She faces unfairness, helps others, and dreams big.

Diverse & Inclusive Books

Representation helps every student see themselves in stories.

Race/Ethnicity

Stories that highlight cultural identity, immigration, resilience, and diverse voices shaping strong middle school perspectives.

31. Other Words for HomebyJasmine Warga: A Syrian girl moves to America. She finds courage, identity, and a new meaning of home.
32. Merci Suárez Changes GearsbyMeg Medina: A Cuban-American girl balances school and family. She grows through responsibility, friendship, and honesty.
33. Free LunchbyRex Ogle: A memoir of poverty and school life. It shows hardship, stigma, resilience, and the power of telling the truth.
34. Inside Out and Back AgainbyThanhhà Lai: Poems follow a Vietnamese girl’s move to America. She faces loss, language, and rebuilding life.
35. Esperanza RisingbyPam Muñoz Ryan: A wealthy girl loses everything. Farmwork, family, and perseverance guide her toward strength and hope.
36. New From HerebyKelly Yang: A Chinese-American family meets pandemic challenges. They face racism, fear, and find love and community.
37. Brown Girl DreamingbyJacqueline Woodson: A Poetry memoir of growing up Black in America. Family, faith, and voice shape identity.
38. The CrossoverbyKwame Alexander: A Verse novel about twin brothers and basketball. Family bonds, rivalry, and loss make a powerful, rhythmic read.

LGBTQ+ Representation

Books that celebrate identity, acceptance, bravery, and self-discovery through authentic LGBTQ+ characters and relatable journeys.

39. The Best at ItbyMaulik Pancholy: A boy navigates identity and culture. He learns self-acceptance, bravery, and pride in who he is.
40. Too Bright to SeebyKyle Lukoff: A gentle ghost story guides a transgender boy. He faces fears and claims his true self.
41. RickbyAlex Gino: A middle schooler questions labels. He finds friends, acceptance, and a clearer sense of himself.
42. Zenobia JulybyLisa Bunker: A transgender girl solves cyber mysteries. She finds allies, voice, and safety in being herself.

Disability Representation

Stories featuring characters with disabilities, showing courage, creativity, friendship, and determination in everyday and extraordinary challenges.

43. Roll with ItbyJamie Sumner: A girl using a wheelchair wants to be a baker. Determination and humor carry her forward.
44. Insignificant Events in the Life of a CactusbyDusti Bowling: A girl born without arms faces change. Friendship, courage, and jokes light her path.
45. El DeafobyCece Bell: A graphic memoir about hearing loss. Confidence, friendship, and superhero daydreams help her grow.
46. Song for a WhalebyLynne Kelly: A deaf girl connects with a misunderstood whale. Creativity bridges silence and builds understanding.

Graphic Novels for Middle School

Visual storytelling makes reading fun and engaging.

47. AwkwardbySvetlana Chmakova: A shy artist joins an art club. New friendships, mistakes, and kindness make school life brighter.
48. New KidbyJerry Craft: A boy enters a new private school. He navigates race, class, and fitting in with humor.
49. SmilebyRaina Telgemeier: Braces, accidents, and awkward moments. A girl finds confidence through dental drama and the ups and downs of middle school.
50. Swim TeambyJohnnie Christmas: A new swimmer joins the team. She faces self-doubt, learns skills, and finds supportive friends.
51. Roller GirlbyVictoria Jamieson: Roller derby changes everything. A girl discovers grit, competition, and true friendship on and off the track.
52. DramabyRaina Telgemeier: Theater kids tackle backstage chaos. Crushes, friendships, and showtime make a heartfelt, funny story.
53. SistersbyRaina Telgemeier: A road trip with rival siblings. Old tensions and shared memories show love beneath the bickering.
54. Sunny Side UpbyJennifer L. Holm: Summer with Grandpa reveals family struggles. Sunny finds courage and new ways to cope.
55. Cardboard KingdombyChad Sell: Neighborhood kids build a world from cardboard. Creativity, teamwork, and imagination turn play into power.
56. When Stars Are ScatteredbyVictoria Jamieson & Omar Mohamed: Life in a refugee camp. Brothers face hunger, hard choices, and hold onto hope.

Middle Grade Books by Age

Engaging book collection tailored to middle-grade readers by age.

Best Books for 6th Grade (11–12 Years Old)

Engaging stories mixing fantasy, mystery, courage, and friendship are perfect for growing readers.

57. The City of EmberbyJeanne DuPrau: Two kids search for light. They uncover secrets and a path out of their dark city.
58. FablehavenbyBrandon Mull: Siblings find a preserve of magical creatures. Courage, rules, and responsibility keep chaos in check.
59. A Mango-Shaped SpacebyWendy Mass: A girl with synesthesia sees colors for sounds. She learns self-acceptance and balance.
60. Among the HiddenbyMargaret Peterson Haddix: A forbidden third child hides. He confronts fear, control, and a chance for freedom.
61. Save Me a SeatbySarah Weeks & Gita Varadarajan: Two very different boys unite. They face bullies and bridge cultures through honesty.

Best Books for 7th Grade (12–13 Years Old)

Adventurous, thrilling tales of identity, choices, rebellion, and challenges that stretch imagination and understanding.

62. EragonbyChristopher Paolini: A farm boy finds a dragon egg. Magic, danger, and destiny launch an epic journey.
63. LegendbyMarie Lu: Two teens from opposite sides clash. Government lies, loyalty, and truth collide in a fast thriller.
64. UgliesbyScott Westerfeld: Beauty surgery at sixteen. One girl questions conformity, freedom, and what “pretty” really costs.
65. InkheartbyCornelia Funke: A father reads characters out of books. Adventure and danger blur lines between stories and reality.
66. PeakbyRoland Smith: A teen attempts Everest. Harsh weather, family secrets, and courage test every step.
67. The Book ThiefbyMarkus Zusak: In Nazi Germany, a girl steals books. Words help her endure love, loss, and danger.
68. Long Way DownbyJason Reynolds: One elevator ride, one choice. A boy faces ghosts, grief, and a cycle of violence.
69. SpeakbyLaurie Halse Anderson: After trauma, a girl stops talking. Art, truth, and time help her find her voice.
70. Code TalkerbyJoseph Bruchac: A Navajo teen joins World War II. Language and bravery help win battles and honor heritage.
71. A Tree Grows in BrooklynbyBetty Smith: A girl grows up poor. Books, family, and grit carry her toward hope.

Books for Different Types of Readers

These books cater to different reading styles, starting with engaging picks for reluctant readers.

Reluctant Readers

Fast, funny, and easy-to-read picks designed to grab attention and keep kids turning pages.

72. Middle School: The Worst Years of My LifebyJames Patterson: A rule-breaking boy narrates hilarious chaos. He learns consequences, creativity, and courage.
73. Max and the MidknightsbyLincoln Peirce: Medieval misfits quest with jokes and magic. Lighthearted adventures keep pages turning.
74. I Survivedseries by Lauren Tarshis: Fast historical disasters. Survival, action, and real facts hook readers quickly.
75. Dog Man series by Dav Pilkey: A dog-headed cop fights goofy villains. Silly humor and comics delight new readers.
76. Big Nateseries by Lincoln Peirce: School pranks, sports, and friends. Quick laughs make reading feel easy.

Advanced Readers

Challenging, thoughtful stories with deep themes, perfect for readers ready for history, literature, and emotions.

77. The Wednesday WarsbyGary D. Schmidt: A boy studies Shakespeare. He discovers history, kindness, and surprising courage.
78. Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster BoybyGary D. Schmidt: Two friends challenge injustice. Loss and bravery test their small town.
79. Fever 1793byLaurie Halse Anderson: Yellow fever hits Philadelphia. A teen fights to survive and help others.
80. ChainsbyLaurie Halse Anderson: An enslaved girl seeks freedom during the Revolution. Grit and hope drive her fight.
81. The War That Saved My LifebyKimberly Brubaker Bradley: A disabled girl evacuates London. She finds safety, love, and self-worth.

Fantasy Lovers

Imaginative ideas filled with magic, mythical worlds, and unforgettable characters that transport readers beyond everyday life.

82. Keeper of the Lost CitiesbyShannon Messenger: A telepathic girl discovers an elven world. Secrets, danger, and found family await.
83. Wings of FirebyTui T. Sutherland: Dragonets may end a war. Prophecies, battles, and friendship shape their choice.
84. Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan CrowbyJessica Townsend: A “cursed” girl enters magical trials. She must prove she belongs.
85. The School for Good and EvilbySoman Chainani: Kids train as heroes or villains. Identity and destiny collide in fairy-tale school.
86. Serafina and the Black CloakbyRobert Beatty: A brave girl hunts a shadowy foe in a grand mansion. Mystery and courage rule.

Sports Lovers

High-energy stories about athletes, teamwork, competition, and determination both on and off the playing field.

87. Baseball in AprilbyGary Soto: Short stories about sports and family. Heartfelt moments show growing up on and off the field.
88. HeatbyMike Lupica: A gifted pitcher hides a secret. Teamwork and honesty matter as much as talent.
89. GhostbyJason Reynolds: A runner with a tough past. Track teaches discipline, friendship, and hope.
90. Slam!byWalter Dean Myers: A basketball star faces school trouble. He learns responsibility and respect.
91. ReboundbyKwame Alexander: Grief and basketball mix in verse. A boy heals through the game.

Humor Fans

Laugh-out-loud books packed with silly mishaps, funny characters, and entertaining situations that lighten middle school life.

92. Dork DiariesbyRachel Renée Russell: A girl’s diary of school drama. Crushes, friends, and funny disasters fill the pages.
93. The Tapper Twinsby Geoff Rodkey: Sibling pranks escalate wildly. Texts and posts make a hilarious story.
94. Nightmare Hour by R. L. Stine: A collection of ten spooky stories for middle school readers, mixing chills, surprises, and short thrills.
95. Tales of a Fourth Grade NothingbyJudy Blume: A boy survives his pesky brother. Every day, chaos becomes comedy.
96. Mac B., Kid SpybyMac Barnett: A kid spy takes goofy missions. Clever twists and jokes keep it lively.

Realistic Fiction

Relatable stories that mirror everyday struggles, friendships, and growth, helping readers connect with characters like themselves.

97. Stella by StarlightbySharon Draper: In the segregated South, a girl finds bravery. Community and family light her way.
98. Counting by 7sbyHolly Goldberg Sloan: A gifted girl faces sudden loss. New friendships help her rebuild a life.
99. One Crazy SummerbyRita Williams-Garcia: Three sisters meet their activist mom. They learn truths about family and identity.
100. The First Rule of PunkbyCelia C. Pérez: Zines, music, and culture. A girl finds her voice and her people.
101. Fourteenth GoldfishbyJennifer L. Holm: Grandfather “finds youth” through science. Funny questions about aging and ethics follow.

New Middle School Books (2025 Edition)

Fresh stories to keep excitement high for today’s readers.

102. Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s LibrarybyChris Grabenstein: A kid wins a night inside a magical library full of puzzles and hidden clues, a fun mystery of teamwork.
103. Dragon RiderbyCornelia Funke: A boy and a dragon go on a quest to help dragons find a safe home, learning bravery, friendship, and hope.
104. The Same Stuff as StarsbyKatherine Paterson: A girl moves to a new farm and learns family history, stars, and hidden truths from an unexpected stranger.
105. City SpiesbyJames Ponti: Five kids from around the world are recruited as a secret MI6 spy team. They uncover hidden plots in major cities and must work together to stop danger.
106. Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins: A boy falls into a secret underground world. He faces war, prophecy, and tough choices.

Teacher & Parent Resources

Helpful titles for classrooms and family reading.

107. The Read-Aloud HandbookbyJim Trelease: Why reading aloud matters. Tips, research, and book lists support families and classrooms.
108. 100 Best Books for ChildrenbyAnita Silvey: A trusted guide to classics and favorites. Clear summaries and smart recommendations help with choosing.
109. In the MiddlebyNancie Atwell: Practical strategies for middle-grade readers and writers. Workshop ideas that boost growth.
110. The Book WhispererbyDonalyn Miller: Inspire independent reading. Routines and mindset help kids become lifelong readers.
111. Reading with MeaningbyDebbie Miller: Teach comprehension with purpose. Strategies and examples make thinking visible for students.

Conclusion

Finding the right middle school books isn’t just about filling a shelf; it’s about giving young readers stories that inspire, challenge, and reflect their own experiences.

When kids connect with a book, it opens the door to more confidence, curiosity, and a lasting love of reading. From classics to fresh new voices, there’s something here for every type of reader, whether they’re reluctant, advanced, or somewhere in between.

The best part is seeing how these stories can build conversations and imagination beyond the classroom.

If you’d like more ideas, read other blogs for book lists, tips, and resources to guide your next great read.